By Nefishetu Yakubu

The newly proposed Coral City by the Edo State Government would accommodate over 50,000 residents when completed, the state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Housing, Isoken Omo, said on Wednesday in Benin.

Omo, in alongside the state commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, made this known while briefing newsmen on the state of the proposed city.

He noted that the proposed new city was designed under the new Edo master plan, adding that when completed, it would reduce the pressure on the City Centre.

“We have done the design and we have 1,300 plots available for different land uses: residential, commercial, multi-purpose, religion, leisure, schools, markets and health centres.

“Everything you need for a city to thrive will be there and it is coming with full infrastructure like roads, drainages, power, telecommunication, and others.

“We intend to house 50,000 people when it is fully completed. We have broken the project into four phases so that within the tenure of the current administration, we will do the first phase.

“The expectation is that subsequent governments will continue the project.

“We have invited subscription with 467 plots to jump start the project,” Omo said.

Omo disclosed that a New Town Development Authority had been set up to oversee the comprehensive development of the project.

She called on Edo residents to begin to apply for plots in the new city, assuring that the land acquired would come with title documents.

According to her, after the first phase, there would also be an opportunity for subscribers to do staggered and installment payments on plots allocated.

Also speaking, Chris Nehikhare, the commissioner for communication and orientation, disclosed that about 1,494,000 passengers had benefited from the free intra city transport put in place by the state government to cushion the effects of the removal of subsidy

“Since the state government flagged off its free bus rides on September 11, the feedbacks from the people had been most encouraging as commuters who had been making use of the free buses had been able to save their daily transportation fares.

“We have carried 1,494,000 passengers on the intra-city scheme while for the intercity we have carried 33,000 passengers.

“A lot of our people have been directly touched by this gesture. It was not a knee jerk programme by the state government but was properly planned,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

By Okon Okon
Mr Zaphaniah Jisalo, Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, says he has no excuse not to discharge his duties as assigned to him by President Bola Tinubu.
Jisalo said this during his second familiarisation visit to the Management and Staff of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) Headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was the second familiarisation tour by the minister to the agencies under his ministry.
Interacting with members of staff of the agency, the minister explained that his visit was in line with the policy trust of the president to achieve his 8-points agenda which include job creation.
Jisalo urged the agency to key into the president’s agenda through its capacity as a revenue generating agency.
He added that this could only be achieved through team work by the agencies under his ministry.
“Our visit is in line with the policy trust of President Tinubu, with his 8-points agenda, the agenda which includes job creation and I want team work of the agencies under the ministry to achieve this.
“I owe him a duty and I have no excuse not to perform, I will do my best to give Nigerians what they deserve and I urge the NLTF’s management and its staff to key into this agenda.
“My hope is that in the next one year, my ministry will emerge first when he comes for evaluation, ” the minister said.
Earlier, Dr Bello Maigari, Executive Secretary NLTF, expressed delight over the visit by the minister, saying it was ground breaking as it had never happened since the agency’s establishment in 2005.
“As far as I can recall, the trust fund has never had an honourable minister visiting the agency officially until now.
“We are indeed honoured and grateful for the opportunity to rob minds and extend valuable conversations beyond the usual meetings in the ministry, ” he said.

Maigari expressed hope that the minister’s visit would usher a new era of cooperation and understanding to build a strong commitment to deliver on the aspirations of Nigerians through the lottery industry.
He listed some of the major achievements by the agency to include: provision of healthcare facilities/potable water supplies across the six-geopolitical zones, intervention to support government’s efforts to respond decisively to COVID-19 pandemic among others.
“I am pleased to inform the minister that our commitment to implement projects in this vital sector has helped to strengthen our fragile healthcare delivery systems across the six-geopolitical zones, ” he said
Maigari however highlighted some of the challenges faced by the agency including lack of befitting office accommodation.
In her contribution, Mrs Ibiene Roberts, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said the visit was not for formality but a genuine effort to strengthen the bonds between the ministry and NLTF.
“Let us use this time wisely, sharing knowledge, building connections and laying the foundation for a more productive and collaborative future, ” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Jessica Dogo

The Australian Government through its High Commission in Nigeria has collaborated with an NGO, MeCAHT to tackle gender inequality to facilitate girl-child protection.

The Australian Charge d’Affaires and acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Leann Johnston, made this known at the premiere of a film titled: ‘‘My Story’’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 30-minute film is all about human trafficking, early child marriage and labour.

Johnston described the project as a great one and would be beneficial to rural communities in Nigeria.

She said: “Nigeria has a high percentage of young girls, who are denied their future through poverty and gender inequality,” adding that they are forced into marriages.

Johnston added: “We also provide funding to the International Organisation for Migration, UNHCR, UNICEF as well to educate the community, the girls themselves and also provide support to survivors.

“It is a great project proposal where they will take the film out to rural communities and show the story. So, we are very happy to be part of the project.

“We have provided support to allow them have the film in a format that is easy to take out to local villages where they can set up, to film and invite the communities to come in and watch the film.”

According to Johnston support to MeCAHT will help make that possible.

“The rate of trafficking is a scourge that affects huge parts of the world. It is a tragedy.

“Such a high percentage of young girls here who are denied their futures and through poverty, through gender inequality, are forced into these marriages or into a situation that denies them a future.’

She stated that the High Commission provides funding in order to educate the community and provide support to the survivors and other vulnerables in the community.

Earlier, Chairman, House Committee on Friendship Group Australia, Rep. Mohammed Bassi said child trafficking was not only about forced marriages but there were so many other habits attached to it.

“Child trafficking is not only about forced marriage, we know some do it for the purpose of organ harvest.

“There is the need for Nigerians to have the opportunity of watching to see and having an idea of what is happening in the society,” he said.

The International Director, MeCAHT, Ann Abok, said human trafficking needed to be dealt with through structural approache.

Abok said the film making was one of the fastest mediums used to pass such information globally to different communities without having to travel to any country to air it.

She said: “The beauty of making a film is that your film can go to places that you cannot even go.

“There was a time we were in Switzerland and we discovered the Police were talking about using one of our films to train the Swiss Police because they have an enormous number of girls from Nigeria.

“So, this medium really has helped us to reach out of the shores of our country to get our girls and our boys back into the country.

“Like I said earlier, human trafficking is complex. We need a more structural approach.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Kadiri Abdulrahman

The CBN on Wednesday in Abuja unveiled a new online platform for the submission licence applications by microfinance banks.

Its Director, Corporate Communications, Mr Isa AbdulMumin, said the platform, known as the CBN Licensing, Approval and Other Requests Portal (CBN LARP), would be the place to process applications.

AbdulMumin said the portal replaced the current manual process where applicants for microfinance banks’ licences submitted applications to the CBN physically.

He said the new portal would improve accessibility, reduce paperwork, and expedite licence approvals.

“In due course, the CBN will extend the platform to other categories of licences.

“The online application system offers numerous benefits, including a simplified process, time saving, enhanced communication, and robust security measures.

“By digitising the application process, the CBN aims to improve accessibility, reduce paperwork, and expedite

licence approvals, benefiting both applicants and the economy.

“Consequently, with effect from Sept. 25, microfinance bank licence applicants are required to submit both hardcopy and online applications (via the CBN LARP) as part of a parallel run,’’ he said.

He added that the parallel run would end on Dec. 31, after which the manual submission of hardcopy bank licence applications would no longer be required and accepted.

“From Sept. 25, prospective microfinance bank applicants are urged to log on to www.larp.cbn.gov.ng to submit their applications,’’ AbdulMumin stressed. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Alli Hakeem

By Alex Enebeli

A Business tycoon, Benjamin Eze and a youth activist, Jude Aninta have hailed the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for making positive impact in governance in his first 100 days in office.

They gave the commendation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Wednesday.

Mbah was inaugurated as the governor of Enugu on May 29, following his victory at the March. 18, polls after defeating four prominent contenders to the Lion Building seat.

Eze, also the convener of Peter Mbah Abuja Network (PMAN ), said that the innovations introduced by the governor so far would enable his administration to propel the economy of the state beyond his 30 billion dollar target.

According to him, the governor’s aggressive pursuit of water and electricity supply, environmental sanitation, education, sports development, security and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) within three months are unequaled in Enugu state’s history.

“These by all standard’s are the hallmarks of development for which the citizenry would remain proud of.

“The state hasn’t witness this quantum of innovations in recent times.

“By the time the governor sustains such programmes and more in his feature, Enugu will bounce back as the industrial, economic and tourism destination of the country,” he added.

Eze noted with dismay that the state had suffered acute water shortage for long while the governor had already restored 25 million cubic litres of water per day to the coal city and moving toward 70 million cubic litres soon.

He said that the governor’s courage by outlawing the obnoxious sit-at-home imposed by miscreants masquerading as Biafra agitators was a sign that foreign investments would flood into the state with high propensity for youth employment.

Eze noted that the recent investment summit convened by the state with the major global funding institutions participating and pledging collaboration was indicative of where the state would be in the coming years.

Also, Aninta who is the Director- General of PMAN noted that the frontal attack the governor was giving to electricity supply, met the expectations of the Enugu people.

He commended the new Energy Act passed by Uche Ugwu- led Enugu State House of Assembly for being the main driver of the initiative.

He described it as one that would engender the use of multiple natural resources in the state by multi-national companies to generate massive electricity for the economy hubs identified in the state.

“Electricity is the key to industrialisation and the state’s abundant coal deposit, sundry minerals with abundant technical know-how would soon make the state to run uninterruptible power supply.”

Aninta, a real estate consultant, thanked Mbah for identifying some 72 road projects to implement in different part of the state.

He noted that such would not only open up rural areas but also aid evacuation of farm produce to urban areas and export terminals.

He said that the governor’s move to expand the international airport in Enugu and partner the federal government to create a seaport in Uzo-Uwani area were welcome developments.

“I am sincerely amazed by these developments in so short a time.

“It shows that the governor and his team mean business to fulfill his campaign promises.

“I appeal to Enugu citizens irrespective of their political leanings to support the Peter Mbah’s administration to make the state the envy of other Nigerians,” he added.

The director-general said that Mbah administration’s move to invest heavily in the Rangers International FC would return the club to its glorious days.

Aninta added that it wound also motivate the youth to develop their abundant sporting talents and be ready for national and international exploits. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Naomi Sharang

The Chief Executive Officer, Barnksforte Technology Ltd., Mr Dayo Bankole, has said that the launch of the Self- Service Application by National Identity Management Commission(NIMC) is laudable.

He said that the launch of the App by the Director-General NIMC and Minister of Interior on Sept.16 was a major milestone in ensuring seamless National Identity Number(NIN) enrollment for Nigerians in the diaspora.

Bankole gave the commendation in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for making the right choice of appointing the minister and Acting DG to lead the agencies on National Identity Management.

Bankole said that the self-service mobile application was developed in partnership with  Barnksforte Technologies Ltd., a local ICT company, in accordance with National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Data Protection laws.

He said that the application was designed with strict adherence to the provisions of NITDA Regulation on data protection and data privacy in Nigeria, following the business requirements of NIMC.

Bankole said necessary measures had been put in place to ensure the security and protection of data while using the self service app, adding that since data was considered  the ‘oil’ of the digital era, it was important to protect it.

He further said besides being seamless, the cost of using the self- service app was minimal, adding that “it is cost effective compared to foreign technologies.”

Bankole explained that the  application had four self-service modules; self-service NIN enrollment, modification of data and validation as well as digital identity generation.

According to him, the application is designed by Barnksforte Technologies Ltd., one of NIMC’s technical partners, with a long standing relationship.

Bankole pointed out that the use of the application which is accessible from anywhere in the World, would enable Nigerians in the diaspora to enroll, modify, validate and obtain digital Identity without the need to travel back to Nigeria.

The CEO said the application would be available on Google Play Store and IOS App Store once it is rolled out.

“The Self-Service NIN Enrollment is  limited to Nigerians in the Diaspora, to enable them self-enroll for NIN from the comfort of their homes.

“On modification of data, it is a global service that allows for modification of data of a Nigerian with NIN and it includes names, date of birth, address and phone number modifications.

“In the same vein, validation is  a global service that allows for validation of data for Nigerians with NIN by recapturing their facial and fingerprint bio-metrics to eliminate the challenge of missing bio-metrics and it is essential for standardization.

“Lastly is the digital Identity generation, which is also a global service and it allows for conversion of NIN into a digital ID or QR Code and  can be presented to third party vendors when one’s NIN is required for day-to-day transactions.

“This eliminates the exposure of NIN to the public and it contains the owner’s bio data, finger and facial bio-metrics,” he said.

He said the self-service application was one of the two modules  of NIMC’s Contactless System.

“It is a cutting-edge technology enabled on mobile devices to support seamless enrollment of Nigerians into the National Identity Database with no limitation, in addition to other NIMC’s services.”

According to him,  while the agent based solution is for Nigerians within the country, the self service mobile application was designed for Nigerians in the Diaspora.

“The solution consists of a module which NIMC’s enrollment partners through their agents enroll Nigerians for NIN all over the country and another module, the NIMC Self-Service Mobile Application,, which was launched on Sept. 16,” he said.

Bankole also recalled that the acting Director-General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, at the celebration of the 5th National Identity Day emphasised the transformative power of identity, highlighting its role in unlocking access to essential services.

“Identity is more than a mere card or a number; it symbolises our existence, our entitlements and our place within society.

“It unlocks access to essential services, social benefits and pathways to personal and economic growth.”

Bankole equally recalled the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasising the need for secure and verifiable identities in the modern digital age.

He said, “This is where access to essential services, banking, and even online social media platforms all require proper identity verification.

“We live in the modern digital age where a secure and verifiable identity is vital for any set system to work. Think about it, you can’t access bank services and get ATM cards without proving your identity.”(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Diana Omueza

The Global Awareness for Public Safety Foundation (GAPS) has urged the Federal Government to revive and reactivate public safety institutions for effective protection of lives and property in Nigeria.

Dr Chuks Alozie, Director-General of GAPS, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to Rev Yakubu Pam, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christains Pilgrims Commission.

The Global Awareness for Public Safety Foundation is an NGO with the goal to enlighten the public on ways to prevent and manage dangers within their environment.

Alozie said there was the need for government at all levels to collaborate with stakeholders to revive all public safety institutions to boost safety and wellness of citizens.

“Regular awareness for public safety will play a critical role in preventing and protecting the public from events that could endanger their safety and security.

“Government and institutions at all levels should ensure the protection of lives of persons in their territory, organizations and institutions against threats to their well-being, survival and prosperity, ” he said.

He urged the government to reactivate emergency services and first responders, including the law enforcement agencies, fire service, emergency medical services, security and military for effective service delivery.

Alozie also prayed for wisdom for the NCPC boss to reposition the commission to reflect the goodness of the Christian community in and outside the country.

Responding, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christians Pilgrims Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam, thanked the group for calling for the repositioning of the commission and other institutions to reflect their mandates.

Pam also assured the group of its willingness to collaborate, to provide the needed awareness on public safety and its organizations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Idris Abdulrahman

By EricJames Ochigbo

Dr Garba Abari, Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday in Abuja urged all Nigerians to be ambassadors of peace to build a strong and united nation.

Abari made the call at an award ceremony organised by the Arewa Youth Consultative Council (AYCC) in honour of Dr Josephine Oghale-Abraham, the founder of Love to the World Initiative.

The award was in recognition of her exceptional role in peace building.

Abari, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Legal Services, Mr Williams Dogo, said that Nigeria needed peace to become a developed country.

“Though positive things are being said about you, what Nigeria needs now is peace; peace and peace.

“We in NOA have the imperative of peace building; that is why in the past three years, we are implementing a programme called Building a People of Peace.”

The director general urged all Nigerians to emulate the exceptional qualities of the awardee in peace building across the country.

Speaking, President of AYCC,  Amb. Zaid Ayuba, said that the council had observed the philanthropic and nation building efforts of Oghale-Abraham and had come to appreciate her.

He said the council had recognised her efforts in educational sponsorships, assistance on healthcare, feeding the orphans, widows and supporting the financially challenged individuals in various communities.

“You are a dedicated mentor to youth and aspiring young entrepreneurs.

“You believe in the power of education and entrepreneurship to transform society through empowering young people, ” he said..

Responding, Oghale-Abraham said that as she was going about her activities without knowing that a day of recognition was coming,

“I have heard about AYCC and read about their activities but never thought of an award from them.

“Being a southerner and receiving an award from a northern group showed that a lot of narratives being paddled about relationships in the country are incorrect.”

She said that the story about hate, divisions and religious differences driven mostly by politicians did not exist in reality.

The awardee said that she had declined many awards in the past for lack of merit by the organisers.

“Nigeria is our project and with this group of youths, you can tell that there is hope for Nigeria; the North and South will be united and Nigeria will be great again.

“We can start by just loving one another; if we do not love and have respect for one another, we will not be loved and respected internationally, ” she said.

She thanked the organisers for the gesture, adding that she was dedicating the award to every Nigerian who was selfless and committed to promoting the cause of Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed