By Ibironke Ariyo

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says about 97,000 passport booklets still remain uncollected in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Service Public Relations Officer, Comptroller of Immigration, Mr Tony Akuneme said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

Akuneme said that the service recently found out that Lagos State had half of the uncollected passports.

He said that there was also a danger that half of the owners of the uncollected passports could not be reached due to lack of proper documentation because of third party involvement.

He said the essence of state of emergency declaration was to draw attention of the media so they could deepened the process for the service as a lot of people do not know if their passport were ready for collection.

“Some of them engaged agents to help them in their passport processing and these agents might be doing for alot of persons.

“They end up dropping wrong contacts and thereby making it difficult to reach out to the owners of these passports when they are ready for collection. This is a big challenge,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Acting Comptroller General of the NIS, Mrs Caroline Adepoju had recently declared state of emergency on passport issues across the country.

The spokesman said the service recently found out that most applicants’ complaints bothers on some human and technical factors which included slow speed of the internet.

According to him, the CG didn’t want to leave anyone in doubt as to the issue of passport processing being her core area of interest.

“That’s how she came about that term of declaring state of emergency in the passport issues.

“When the acting CG assumed office, she made it very clear that she was going to focus on passport reforms and staff welfare,” he said.

According to him, the Lagos State Governor is willing to collaborate with the CG in terms of expanding the passport services.

“So, we went to Lagos State Governor to help in terms of giving us office space where we can set up front desk offices and immediately, the governor was very positive in his response

“Lagos is a tourism place and immigration have a key role to play in the mind of anybody visiting the state.

“So it was a welcome development and the state of emergency declared is already yielding fruits as the governor accepted CG’s request on land allocation to build staff quarters in Lagos,” he said.

The service, he said, needed the media to tell Nigerians that people should not think there were no passport booklets.

He said, “there are booklets issued that are not collected. It is ironical, we don’t have problem of booklet, we don’t have shortage of booklets.

“What we have had in the last one or two years is a sudden upsurge in the number of Nigerians wanting to travel . We felt it was also related to COVID-19,” he said.

Akuneme assured that the result would be instant as more facilities were going to be put in place to curtail challenges of passport issuance across the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Lizzy Okoji

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Richard Montgomery on Thursday pledged to work closely with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) toward the development of stronger ties between both countries.

Montgomery made the pledge during a courtesy call on the Managing Director of NAN, Mr Buki Ponle in Abuja.

The British envoy said the collaboration between the high commission and NAN became necessary, especially at a time both countries “are in their transition periods’’.

The high commissioner who is the new British envoy in the country expressed delight at being in Nigeria “at such an exciting time’’.

“I know that the News Agency of Nigeria is a long-standing news agency and one of the biggest in Africa.

“I also know that because Nigeria is watched by so many other countries, the news that you produce is very important for the citizens here and also all over the world.

“I am happy that you are giving me time today and it is an incredibly exciting time with the transition of the two administrations.

“This is my first open media engagement. I am very appreciative of the role that you play and I look forward to good collaborations,” Montgomery said.

Responding, the managing director of NAN urged the government of the United Kingdom to support the new administration in Nigeria led by President Bola Tinubu so that it will achieve huge success.

According to Ponle, as commonwealth nations, both Nigeria and the UK have had very successful, long-standing close ties across many sectors.

He said that Nigeria would be looking forward to enjoying the support of the UK government in boosting its economy, trade relations, and strengthening the security situation in the country.

He added that Nigeria would be looking forward to deepening diplomatic relations with the UK under the leadership of President Tinubu and King Charles III.

“We are highly honoured to receive you here and as you have rightly pointed out, this is the first media house you are visiting since you arrived Nigeria two months ago, because you came at a critical time – during transition to a new government – although government is a continuum.

“We need your assistance to fight insecurity. We need your assistance in the area of the economy, especially where trade imbalance is concerned.

“We look up to you for support in terms of whatever you could do to make this new administration a success.

“Yes, it has been receiving global goodwill but we want that to be sustained.

“We need more positivity, more visibility in terms of reforms and everything to make this administration a success we count on you,” Ponle said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN) in Abuja on Wednesday trained over 40 Nigerian youths on Korean Beauty (K-Beauty) management.
Its Programme Facilitator, Ms Hauwa Abdurrahaman , said the training was aimed at building the capacity of the participants on makeup routine and beauty management .
She added that it would also boost the bilateral relationship between the two countries especially in exchange of beneficial ideas and economic ties .
” Nigerians and Koreans love beauty and glamour for the better ” facilitator said.
She said the workshop also helped participants on how to enhance their knowledge on beauty and the procedures on how to enhance beautiful face and body.
Abdulrahman, who is also the Korean Skincare Manager, said the workshop was the second in the series of the monthly Korean Cultural Day.
“This workshop is a big one because it is about the K-Beauty products that are now in Nigeria and people want to look beautiful and good.
“Many people are going into Korean Beauty skincare. So, we feel it is good to tell them how and what to do to look beautiful. That is why the KCCN organises this workshop.
Also speaking, Mrs Tochi Adijwa, a participant, described the workshop as fantastic, engaging and an eye opener for her.
“I learnt a lot. I learnt how to take care of my skin. You know as mothers, we sometimes forget that we need to look beautiful.
“Therefore, mothers need to always remind themselves that they need to look beautiful.
“Beauty is not for young girls alone, we mothers too need to look beautiful for our husbands. So, the workshop worth the while. I learnt a lot,” Adijwa said.
Another participant, Mr Theophilus Omedeji said the workshop was educative. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu

By Okon Okon

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to recognise and reward excellence, innovation, and dedication in the Civil Service.

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOCS), Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, said this on Thursday at a Workshop on Rewards and Recognition Selection System, organised by her office in Abuja.

She said the Federal Government in collaboration with AIG Imoukhuede Foundation, will continue the award of a total sum of N500,000.00 to selected hard working public officers in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) which started in 2022.

The workshop was organised for Directors of Human Resources Management, Deputy Directors in charge of Staff Welfare in MDAs and other facilitators.

Represented by Mr Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare, office of the HOCSF, Yemi-Esan said the award would be annually and thanked the private sector for the collaboration to raise the hope of civil servants.

“The OHCSF is committed to upholding the highest standards in implementing the Scheme with an overall objective of recognising and rewarding excellence, innovation, and dedication in the Civil Service.

“At this juncture, I must recognise the unflinching support and partnership of some Private Sector Organisations such as AIG Imoukhuede Foundation, which established an endowment fund of N500, 000.00 each for awardees annually.

“And the Consortium of Insurance Companies that donated a brand new GAC Car to the Star awardee at the 2022 Civil Service Week Awards ceremony, ” she said.

She advised participants to imbibe the culture of fairness and transparency in the selection process which according to her, is critical for ensuring successful implementation of the ‘Rewarding and Recognition System (RRS)’.

The HOS said the decision to organise such a workshop was to strengthen the implementation of the scheme in the Federal Civil Service for transparency, merit and uniformity in the selection process.

“The programme so far has been impressive, however, there is need to improve the selection process to ensure standardisation, hence, the reason for this workshop, ” she explained.

Contributing, Khadijat Akewushola, Programme Associate, who represented AIG Imoukhuede Foundation, expressed the foundation’s readiness to continue in its partnership with the office of the HOCSF.

She said that the collaboration was meant to encourage effective service and the standardisation of the entire public service.

“The foundation has always supported the office of the HOCSF in the implementation of Federal Civil Service Strategy Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021-2025), ” she said.

Mr Jacob Haastrup, who presented a paper on ‘Effective Coaching/Mentorship Panacea for Sustainable Transformation of the Public Service’, lauded Yemi-Esan for introducing innovative programmes to elevate the nation’s public service.

According to Haastrup, the workshop focuses on ways to motivate and recognise civil servants who are outstanding and productive in their services.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the office of the HOCSF, AIG Imoukhuede Foundation, Consortium of Insurance Companies, awarded 43 outstanding workers with N500,000.00 each in 2022. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited Benson Ezugwu/Ekemini Ladejobi

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Institute of Directors Nigeria (IoD Nigeria), a governance institute and promoter of ethical professional standards in Nigeria, has elected Alhaji Tijjani Borodo as its President and Chairman of Governing Council.

Borodo emerged as president during an election at the institute’s 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday in Lagos.

Mr Dele Alimi, Director-General, IoD, Nigeria, said Borodo would steer the ship of the affairs of the institute for the next two years.

This, he said, followed the expiration of the tenure of office of Dr Ije Jidenma, having served the institute in the same capacity for two years.

“Alhaji Borodo, Fellow of the institute, is a distinguished lawyer and the pioneer Company Secretary of FBN Holdings Plc., and an astute boardroom executive who served the institute previously in various capacities.

“Indeed, we are very pleased as he assumes the role of President of IoD Nigeria.

“As a previous office holder and council member of the institute, he had brought his extensive knowledge and experience to bear and has provided inspirational leadership and direction for the success of the Institute.

“His emergence will enhance the institute’s role as the leading corporate governance advocate, promoting sound ethical standards,” he said.

Outgoing president, IoD, Dr Ije Jidenma, in her remarks, said Nigeria must combat corruption and engender economic development.

Jidenma said this could be achieved via the strengthening of its institutions, promotion of transparency and accountability, and enforcement of anti-corruption laws.

She noted that in 2022, Nigeria experienced the repercussions of the global economy due to its economic fragility which exacerbated the challenges the country already faced.

This development, Jidenma added, was due to the country’s heavy reliance on crude oil for foreign exchange earnings, continuous currency depreciation, high inflation and unemployment rates and insecurity.

She said that corruption remained a big elephant in the room and maybe the greatest challenge hindering development in Nigeria.

She also stated the need for the country to implement sustainable and climate-smart policies to address the effects of climate change, which was a global threat.

“Addressing these developmental challenges requires cooperation and collaboration among the government, private sector, civil society, and development partners.

“With concerted efforts, Nigeria can overcome these challenges and achieve sustainable economic growth and development in the years ahead,” she said.

Jidenma also called for the adoption of a new governance model prioritising the knowledge and competence of both political leaders and the electorate.

This, she said, was critical to tackle governance failure and address systemic risks such as election fraud, terrorist attacks, herder-farmer conflict, armed banditry, and police brutality.

“To navigate these challenges, the country needs a revamped governance system that is based on the expertise and education of its leaders and voters.

“Continuing with the current system will only exacerbate the deterioration of public trust, seeing that corruption in governance is a major issue and undermines trust in the government,” she said.

On the development of the institute, the outgoing IoD president said her tenure had largely implemented the IoD five-year strategic plan hinged on five pillars.

“In 2022, our institute maintained its focus on delivering value to members and other stakeholders.

“We stepped up our attraction of new members and enhanced our services for the current ones.

“Through our effective management and engagement of existing members across our branches and zones, we have been able to improve our membership base as we inducted 428 new members in 2022,” she said.

Prince Austin Enajemo-Isire, Honorary Treasurer, IoD, said that despite the challenges which ravaged national and world economy in 2022, IoD recorded a surplus of N226.73 million.

This, he said, represented an increase of 52 per cent over the preceding year results of N148.83 million

Enajemo-Isire added that the institute’s total assets as at Dec. 31, 2022 was N3.12 billion, representing an increase of 11 per cent over the 2021 figure of N2.8 billion.

“The achievement was attributed majorly to improved contributions from membership, training and investment income and also as a result of new acquisitions and value added to the institute.

“The institute continues to prepare its accounts in line with IFRS standards.

“In line with the foregoing, the financial statements and reports of the institute represent a true and fair financial position and activities for the year ended December 2022,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

============
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Sarafina Christopher

Implementation of the e-government 2.0 Master Plan by Nigeria will place her at the forefront of digital innovation in Africa, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and partners have said.

Mr Sungil Son, Country Director, KOICA represented by his Deputy, Minjae Kang made this known in Abuja during a three-day Action Plan Workshop and Forum for the e-Government Master Plan 2.0 with theme:” Building Foundations Towards Digital Governance in Nigeria (2020~2026/13million doallrs”.

”The Nigeria government has shown unwavering focus on digital governance which is a good sign that the country is making technological advancements.

“We believe that this project is poised to bring about substantial positive changes, placing Nigeria at the forefront of digital innovation in Africa.

“As Nigeria continues its digital transformation journey, the e-Government Master Plan 2.0 will set the stage for a future where technology plays a central role in shaping a more efficient, inclusive, and responsive government.

“We also commend the action plan team members for working diligently to develop action plans for the implementation of e-Government Master Plan version 2.0.

“We also encourage participants to make good use of the workshops to shape the future of e-Government in Nigeria and ensure its benefits reach every citizen,”Kang said.

Also speaking, Dr Hungkook Park, Project Manager and Professor at Sangmyung University, Seoul, South Korea while giving an overview on the progress of the project expressed his confidence in the initiative.

“During the workshop, participants collaborated intensively to develop action plans for nineteen key initiatives identified under the e-Government Master Plan 2.0.

“These initiatives encompassed a broad range of areas, such as digital infrastructure development, citizen-centric services, data management, cybersecurity, capacity building, and innovation.

“We believe that the successful establishment and execution of the e-Government Master Plan 2.0 would have a profound impact on Nigeria’s digital economic development.

“By harnessing the potential of advanced digital technologies and embracing the principles of e-Government,

“We sincerely anticipate the successful implementation of the e-Government Master Plan 2.0 which will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s digital economic growth,”Park said.

Constributing, Mr Aremu Ade A., the Director of the e-Government Department at the Federal Ministry of Communications & Digital Economy (FMCDE), highlighted the significance of the e-government project to Nigeria and Africa at large.

He stated that it is necessary to provide an opportunity to establish the action plan, which provides a detailed roadmap for the smooth implementation of the e-Government Master Plan version 2.0.

“The importance of effective and efficient implementation of the initiatives, which would result in a more modern, efficient, and user-friendly government that meets the needs of citizens and stakeholders.

“We aim to ensure that the initiatives are resulting in a more modern, efficient, and user-friendly government that meets the needs of citizens and stakeholders,”Ade said.

Mr Owoicho Igoji, Executive Director, Galaxy Backbone expressed gratitude towards KOICA for their support in the First and Second phases of the Nigerian E-Government Masterplan while noting the importance of continuous efforts by all government agencies to turn the vision into reality.

“We urge all government agencies not to relent in their efforts to make this vision a reality.

“Since the e-Government Project commenced, the government has devoted its best efforts to establish the appropriate legal and regulatory framework for its implementation, thereby building a solid foundation for the digital transformation of the Nigerian government,”Igoji said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza