News Agency of Nigeria
Immigration Clears 60,000 Passport backlogs in four days – FG
Defence/Security , General News

Immigration Clears 60,000 Passport backlogs in four days – FG

By Yahaya Isah

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has confirmed the clearance of about 60,000 passport backlog in four days out of over 200,000 pending passport applications.

This is consequent upon the directives given to the immigration service by the minister to ensure clearance of all pending passport applications within two weeks.

Tunji-Ojo made this known when the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, paid him a courtesy visit on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to a statement by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Alao Babatunde, Tunji-Ojo said he would clean up the passport crisis in the country.

“When we came on board, the passport crisis was an embarrassment to the country and we said there is no way it can continue.

“As at this morning, I can tell you that about 60,000 passport backlogs have been cleared specifically, 59,906.

“On Sept. 6, when I gave the 2-week ultimatum, we had over 200,000 backlogs. However, we have recorded tremendous progress, and I still maintain my words, those backlogs must be cleared.”

The humanitarian affairs minister had earlier said that the visit was informed by the need for the two ministries to collaborate in reducing human trafficking.


The minister added that the collaboration would also include other related challenges such as the poor welfare for veterans, underemployment and poverty reduction.

Edu said that the interior ministry was in the best position to solve issues of human trafficking as it plays supervisory role on the Nigeria Immigration Service.

Responding, Tunji-Ojo said that the ministry welcomes such initiative as it was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.

He recalled that the President had directed ministers to see partnership as agent of his agenda, as such the interior  ministry was fully prepared for any meaningful collaboration.

The minister assured Edu of his support, adding that her initiative was germain and commendable, especially at this crucial time in the history of the country.

“There is a lot of work to be done and we cannot work in silos as the President has directed.

“We are not just working on humanitarian endeavours such as human trafficking, NIS must help us change the story completely,” he added.

Tunji-Ojo assured that they would work together to find thoughtful and progressive solutions to human trafficking and other issues raised by the humanitarian affairs minister.

“We may only have to expand it to include the welfare of inmates in our correctional centres as they are Nigerians as well.

“Let’s see how they can benefit from your welfare packages. Of course, there is a lot we can achieve together,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

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DNA relationship testing:  74% of tested men in Nigeria are biological fathers
General News , Health

DNA relationship testing:  74% of tested men in Nigeria are biological fathers

 

 

By Augusta Uchediunor

Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing center based in Lagos, Nigeria, has released a comprehensive data analysis of all relationship DNA tests conducted at its facility between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023.

Notable in the report is that  73.88 per cent of men who did relationship testing to verify the paternity of children came out positive as their biological fathers .

Negative results were 26.12 per cent of those who were tested, the analysis released on Tuesday said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that DNA is  Deoxyribonucleic acid; it is the material that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of an organism.

A DNA test (genetic testing) is a medical test that can identify mutations in one’s genes, chromosomes or proteins.

These tests provide information about an individual’s ancestral roots.

A DNA relationship test is the use of genetic profiles to determine whether an individual is the biological parent of another individual.

The Smart DNA report, based on thousands of users, provides an unprecedented insight into the DNA testing trends across Nigeria.

The analysis also showed startling findings about the reasons people seek testing, the demographics of those tested, and the outcomes of the tests.

On geographical spread, the report showed that Lagos accounted for the highest percentage of tests, with 82.89 per cent of the total.

This is followed by Oyo (3.29 per cent), Ogun (3.07 per cent) and  FCT (2.63 per cent and  Rivers (2.41 per cent).

“This heavy concentration in Lagos, particularly the Mainland (68.14 percent) compared to the Island (31.86 per cent), is likely due to the location of Smart DNA’s office in Lagos.

“Also likely due to the purchasing power of the state’s residents, and the high population density of the state,’’ it said.

The report showed that the majority of tests (89.10 per cent) were conducted for ‘Peace of Mind’, followed by ‘Immigration’ (8.97 per cent), and ‘Legal’ (0.64 per cent).

“ This suggests that individuals primarily seek DNA testing to confirm biological relationships for personal reasons rather than legal or immigration purposes.’’

It showed that men were the predominant initiators of contact, making up 86.44 per cent of the first contacts, compared to 13.56 per cent made by women.

“This indicates that men are more likely to have doubts about paternity or other relationships and take the initiative to seek testing,’’ it said.

“Positive results indicating   that the man tested is the biological father of the child, accounted for 73.88 per cent of tests, while negative results made up 26.12 per cent.

“ This suggests that in the majority of cases, the men seeking testing are indeed the biological fathers, but in more than 1 in 4 cases, the tested father is not the biological father of the child’’.

On Ethnic Group, the Yoruba ethnic group had the highest percentage of tests (61.23 per cent), followed by Igbo (19.07 per cent).

“ Others (12.08 per cent), and Edo (6.78 per cent). This may be reflective of the ethnic distribution in Lagos and the surrounding areas’’.

On the sex of the child, more tests were conducted on male children (56.62 per cent) compared to female children (43.38 per cent).

It said that this may suggest a cultural preference for confirming paternity of male offspring, although further research would be needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Analysing the age range of those tested, it said that most tests were conducted on children aged 0-5 years (58.02 per cent), followed by the 6-12 age group (25.95 per cent).

“This indicates that paternity tests are mostly done on children when they are younger rather than when they get older’.

The Smart DNA findings said that the men who opted for these DNA tests were mostly between the ages of 31-40 years (40 per cent) and 41-50 years (23 per cent).

“ This age group is likely to have young children and may be in a financial position to afford the testing’’.

Officials of Smart DNA said the centre is committed to providing fully accredited DNA testing services to clients in accordance with the highest international standards.

According to them, the report aims to shed light on the current trends in relationship DNA testing in Nigeria, contributing to a better understanding of this important aspect of our society. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Saraki nominated as panelist for 2023 Terra Carta Seal Award
General News

Saraki nominated as panelist for 2023 Terra Carta Seal Award

 

Aderogba George

The Founder of Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Toyin Saraki, has been nominated as a member of the 2023 Sustainable Markets Initiative Terra Carta Seal Award Expert Review Panel.

This is contained in a statement by her Chief Press Secretary, Mr Shola Ayelabola, on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the panel was formed by a global group of experts from the environmental, business, political and philanthropic fields.

According to Ayelabola, the penal is a global initiative leading the charge to create a climate and nature-positive future.

“The seven distinguished panellists will evaluate and select the 2023 Terra Carta Seal Award winners.

“The Terra Carta Seal Award represents a powerful commitment to addressing climate change and nurturing our natural world.

“Launched in 2021 at COP26 by His Majesty King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales, the Terra Carta Seal recognises global companies that are actively leading the charge to create a climate and Nature-positive future.

“In May, the Sustainable Markets Initiative announced its partnership with Verdantix, an independent research firm that acts as a thought-leader for world-enhancing innovation.

“The Expert Review Panel will work with Verdantix to evaluate nominations and assess their alignment with the ten Terra Carta articles.

“The 2023 Terra Carta Seal Award Expert Review Panel include Toyin Saraki, Ankit Todi, Mahindra Group Ellen Jackowski Dr Hubert Danso, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Pok Wei-Heng, Mayor of Montreal and many other,” he said.

He explained further that Saraki had severally served as a judge on the annual MIT Solve competition of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and as a judge of the Cannes Lions Film Festival.

He said that Saraki recently adjudicated as a Grand Global Jury Member of the Fight for Access Accelerator Nigeria, led by Reckitt and Yunus Social Business.

“Based on agreed sustainability criteria, select companies are invited on an annual basis to apply for the Terra Carta Seal.

“Once invited, companies will need to demonstrate the success of a high impact, large scale company-wide project, initiative or strategy which aligns with one or more of the ten Terra Carta Articles.

“Empowering seven judges representing diverse organisations and countries to make the final decision on Terra Carta Seal recipients, embeds independence, expertise and objectivity at the heart of our awards process,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

UNICEF identifies Bln funding gap in Nigeria’s water, sanitation sector
Environment , General News

UNICEF identifies $9 Bln funding gap in Nigeria’s water, sanitation sector

By Tosin Kolade

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has identified a funding gap of $9.2 billion in the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector in Nigeria.

Deputy Representative of Programme, UNICEF Nigeria, Dr Rownak Khan, made the disclosure when she visited the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev and the Minister of State, Alhaji Bello Goronyo, in Abuja.

Khan said that for Nigeria to achieve the roadmap for the WASH sector, the funding gaps must be closed, saying that tiers of government must do more by providing an enabling environment that would advance the cause.

According to her, working together to change the poor narrative will require new government financing at all levels, noting low water access and poor sanitation are affecting children the most.

She pledged UNICEF’s sustained partnership with the Federal Government to achieve the Campaign to End Open Defecation and Improve Access to Water Supply.

Addressing the delegation, the minister acknowledged the huge contributions of UNICEF to Nigeria’s growth and development in the areas of education, health, water and sanitation.

Utsev said that Nigeria would never underestimate the huge linkage between WASH, health promotion, economic growth and development, saying it would help promote inclusive development.

“UNICEF has done tremendously well in the areas of water and sanitation, nutrition and health and the impact is felt in all aspects.

“Nigerian government is also working in its programmes like WASH in schools, WASH in health and Youth WASH interventions,” he said.

Utsev assured UNICEF of Federal Government’s commitment towards improving the nation’s WASH sector, adding that government’s door was always open for more collaboration with development partners.

Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Goronyo, stressed the need for key stakeholders in the WASH sector to up their game in supporting the Federal Government to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

He said that partnership with the Federal Government would help achieve the campaign to end open defecation and improve access to water supply.

The meeting had in attendance, the Permanent Secretary, Dame Didi Walson-Jack and some directors in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Silas Nwoha

Borno: Farmers task NEDC on support to agriculture
Agriculture , General News

Borno: Farmers task NEDC on support to agriculture

By Yakubu Uba

Farmers in Mafa and Jere LGAs of Borno affected by insurgency have urged the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for more support to agriculture to boost food production.

A cross section of the farmers and stakeholders in the area who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the areas have fertile land for food and cash crops production and needed support from government and relevant agencies, like the NEDC.

Malam Abba Kawu, the District Head of Mafa, said with agricultural  support to farmers in the areas that have resumed farming activities would boost their production and addressed poverty.

“These areas are known for farming activities and the current road construction by NEDC will open up the area.

“We want the commission which had also intervened in provision of houses and other livelihood support to the people to do more in agriculture for the people to tap the maximum potential of the areas,” he said.

The Ward Head of Jiro in Mafa LGA, Alhaji Bulama Bukar, who lauded the return of relative peace in the area, said farming activities had resumed for the first time in several years, and farmers needed support in areas of inputs like improved seeds and pesticides.

“We have resumed farming activities with support from security personnel that still give us protection to work on our fields.

“The ongoing road construction in the area by NEDC linking Ngom to Koshebe, Zabarmari, Khadamari, Galameri and Dusuman communities in Mafa and Jere LGAs will greatly enhance agriculture in the areas,” Bukar said.

On their part, Messrs Mohammed Ibrahim, Danladi Idris and Usman Haruna from Khadamari village of Jere LGA known for all-year-round mass production of rice and vegetable, said they needed more agricultural support to expand their areas of production.

They noted that the access roads being provided by NEDC was a big relief that would enhance farming and business activities in the areas that have problem of access roads to transport their produce.

They lauded the Federal Government for establishing NEDC, saying that its interventions are impacting positively on the communities.

NAN reports that Vice President Kashim Shettima had last Friday performed the ground breaking ceremony for the roads by NEDC, linking communities in Mafa and Jere LGAs with Maiduguri. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Block all leakages in mining industry, don urges govt.
General News , Oil & Gas

Block all leakages in mining industry, don urges govt.

By Olawale Akinremi

Prof. Olatunji Akinade, an expert in solid minerals development, has urged government to strive harder to block the leakages hindering the country from getting the desired gains from the sector.

Akinade told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday that it was important for Nigeria to implement the road map for solid minerals development.

The lecturer in the Department of Geology of University of Ibadan said the road map had been designed for some years now.

“If the solid minerals that are mined in Nigeria are not allowed to be taken out for processing, then youth unemployment will be greatly addressed,” he said.

Akinade however lauded Mr Dele Alake, the new Minister of Solid Minerals Development, for the steps he has taken since his appointment and urged him to ensure the leakages were blocked.

”There is abundant revenue that is capable of making Nigeria self-reliant in solid minerals mining, if those in charge of the sector can ensure that the leakages that have been observed are blocked.

“The government must insist that the minerals being mined are also processed within Nigeria so that they will be another source of an employment provider for youths.

“Of what benefit will it be if certain solid minerals are mined in Nigeria only to be taken to foreign countries like China, the U.S. or any European country to be processed and resold to us in finished products,” he said.

The don, however, pointed out that it was also commendable to note that ceramic was now being processed around the Sagamu area of Ogun.

He said there was the need for more funding of the mining industry in order to increase the exploration of solid minerals.

Akinade said the developed countries were still spending huge amount on exploration to discover new solid minerals, and he urged the authorities in Nigeria to do same.

He called on government to put technocrats in strategic places to help in driving the vision of a great solid mining industry.

“For instance, the idea of a mine police is now on the table and I advise that people who will police various mining sites must be experts.

“I mean experts that can identify quality solid minerals and not those that cannot differentiate a good solid mineral or those that can be bribed,” the don said.

Akinade noted that it was possible for a miner to deceive somebody who could not differentiate solid minerals as Nigeria had lost lots of money due to such situation.

He added that there was also the need to carry geological scientists along from the beginning till the end of all the processes. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Bassey and Olawale Alabi

Retain Buhari’s best hands in government, Group urges Tinubu
General News , Politics

Retain Buhari’s best hands in government, Group urges Tinubu

By Deji Abdulwahab

The Foundation for African Development (FAD), has urged President Bola Tinubu to retain some of the best hands of the former President Muhammadu Buhari in government as they  are  valuable assets.

Mr Stanley Odili, the County Director, FAD, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Odii stated that the re-appointment of the Director-General of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Mr  Samuel Ogboku was commendable.

He urged Tinubu to extend the same gesture to other Buhari’s appointees whose public service records were clean and plausible.

“This will strengthen the existing unity between the supporters of the Buhari’s administration and the current administration of Tinubu.

“The re-appointment of the NDDC Director-General, Samuel Ogboku and his management team shows that Tinubu is interested in achievements.

“Tinubu should not bow to the pressure of some impatient job-seekers to remove from the office, some Buhari’s appointees whose public service records are clean and plausible.

“We want to remind Tinubu that some of the Buhari’s appointees supported his election bid, and the best way to encourage them will not be to disgrace them out of the office, but rather to retain them,” Odii said.

He said that removing some Buhari’s appointees before the end of their tenure in office, could cause friction and disunity in the All Progressives Congress(APC) family.

“The use of technical reasons to remove appointees of the previous APC administration before the end of their tenures, especially when they have performed creditably well will create distrust among members of the party,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

FG pledges to strengthen water regulations
Environment , General News

FG pledges to strengthen water regulations

By Tosin Kolade

Prof. Joseph Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, has pledged to work with the National Assembly for actualisation of the law establishing the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC).

Utsev said this when he paid a familiarisation visit to the commission in company of his Minister of State, Alhaji Bello Goronyo in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to him, the commission is mandated with the responsibility of ensuring the management of safe and sustainable water for Nigerians.

He noted that the commission is limited in its ability to enforce regulations on users of raw bulk water for commercial purposes without payment, hence the need for regulations.

Utsev said he would also partner with the National Assembly and other stakeholders in ensuring that the National Water Resources Bill is passed.

Earlier, the minister of state had noted that in spite of low funding, the commission was able to achieve a lot, saying the challenges of non-passage of the National Water Resources Bill would be resolved.

Goronyo noted that the visit was timely and in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president, saying they sought the support and guidance of the commission in actualising the mandate for shared prosperity.

“President Bola Tinubu has given us the mandate and he came up with a lot of promises, hope and commitment for Nigerians and we have started seeing the results in the food security sector.

“We have a long way to go and we are not panicking, we will deliver with the help of God,” he said.

Responding, Engr. Magashi Bashir, NIWRMC Executive Director, called for improved budget to enable it meet its mandate for effective water resources management and regulations.

According to him, poor budgetary allocations and the non-passage of the establishment bill have hindered its progress.

He noted that increased revenue allocation would allow for optimum regulatory duties, saying that this would also help in sanctioning defaulters of drilling regulations.

He emphasised the need for exercising regulations oversight over water abstraction and water related activities, saying current regulations have led to the revalidation of 50 licences for users of bulk water.

“The commission which I am privileged to head has advanced greatly in its regulatory duties, despite the relentless sabotage be vested interests.

“The commission under my watch in commitment to its core mandate has issued 86 licenses, 76 demand notices, revalidated 50 licenses.

“We have have consolidated the engagement with the office of Attorney General of the Federation and minister of justice by referring cases of violators or the Water Resources Act to his office.

“As a commission, being aware of the revenue deficit in the nation’s revenue need are determined to make sure users of raw bulk water pay the appropriate charges for commercial use,” he said.

The executive director however expressed optimism that the bill would be passed by the 10th National Assembly.

Mr Rotimi Ojegbile, Director, Legal, at the commission, said the visit was timely as it had given the staffers a sense of belonging, pledging that they would ensure that the mandate given to them is actualised. (NAN)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Group advocates increased love, care for grandparents
General News

Group advocates increased love, care for grandparents

By Ikenna Osuoha

An Abuja-based NGO, Save Our Heritage Initiative (SOHI), on Tuesday called for increased love and care for grandparents.

SOHI Chief Executive Officer, Ms May Ikokwu, made the call in Abuja while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in commemoration of 2023 World Grandparents Day.

Ikokwu said love and care for the elderly were necessary to enable elderly persons escape from loneliness and depression.

“We should understand that grandparents can feel lonely when they get older, especially when they live on their own.

“So it is important to make them to understand that they are loved and appreciated by their grandchildren and other younger people’’, she said.

The SOHI CEO urged younger people to regularly check on their grandparents and other elderly people around them.

Ikokwu described Grandparents Day as an opportunity to tap into the grace of longevity by supporting the elderly.

“The day is a perfect opportunity for young people to be more aware of the roles grandparents played in their education and character moulding.

“It is a day for us to show our respect and gratitude to the elderly, a day to honour them and renew our care for them,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Grandparents day is marked annually on Sept. 12.

The theme for the 2023 World Grandparents and Elderly Day is: ”His mercy is from age to age”

The day meant to celebrate and acknowledge the roles of grandparents and elderly people in the upbringing of the younger generation.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Azubuike Okeh/Uche Anunne

Don’t get involved in book piracy – Perm. Sec. warns school owners, principals
General News , Metro

Don’t get involved in book piracy – Perm. Sec. warns school owners, principals

By Ruth Oketunde

Mr Olusade Adesola, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned principals and school owners in the FCT, to desist from getting involved in pirating books.

Adesola gave the warning at the opening of the annual FCT Book Fair, organised by the FCT Education Resource Centre on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said “the hydra-headed monster called book piracy has continued to pose serious harm to Nigeria’s education system and the economy.

Adesola said that while it was important to promote a healthy reading culture among Nigerians, it was equally important to pay close attention to the protection and support for literary works.

“As you are aware, piracy short-changes the system as well as robs authors and writers of their hard-earned reward and exclusive intellectual property rights.

“I therefore, strongly advise principals and school heads not to patronise or get themselves involved in any form of book piracy.”

The permanent secretary also called on authors and writers to ensure that their intellectual properties were copy-righted, to avoid loss and being cheated.

“Government has a framework to address the issue of piracy. In the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, there is a copyright department which grants copyright and patent rights to authors.

“So I enjoin all writers to ensure that their books are copy-righted. There is also a department in the SGF’s Office that grants protection to writers.

“When your book is properly protected, then you will be able to assert your rights against piracy,” he added.

In a speech, Mr Abdulrazaq Leramoh, Acting Secretary of the Education Secretariat of the FCTA, said that the annual book fair was the administration’s contribution to the fight against book piracy and sub-standard educational materials.

He said that in sustaining child-centred educational practices and promoting the culture of reading, the need for books and written materials could not be over-emphasised.

“Let me also stress that in spite of information technology in the form of e-books and online information, books and other written materials still retain their prime position as sources of information which all students should have.”

On her part, Hajiya Neemat Abdulrahim, Director of the FCT Education Resource Centre, said the aim of the book fair was to make learning resources, curriculum materials, among others, readily available to parents, schools and the general public.

She said that the book fair would also provide the public with relevant information about the activities of the centre and the list of recommended textbooks for use in FCT schools.

According to her, the desire of the centre is to uplift the standard of education in the FCT by enhancing the culture of reading among students and the general public

She called on principals and school heads to ensure that they followed the 2022 to 2025 recommended booklists for FCT schools, in other to keep their students abreast of current academic curriculum.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fair which has no fewer than 40 publishing companies, displaying various educational materials, began on Sept. 4 and will end on Oct. 6. (NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Silas Nwoha

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