MD, FMBN, Mr Nadu Hamman, Representative of the Chairman Board of Directors FMBN Mr Ayodeji Gbeleyi and other directors at the groundbreaking ceremony for the 130 housing units

By Perpetua Onuegbu

The Federal Government has inaugurated 25 housing units in Kuje and performed groundbreaking for developing an additional 130 units at the Aviation Village both in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The completed houses project,  a partnership between the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Abiskoly Housing Estate for the National Human Rights Commission Cooperative Society is located in Kuje.

While the groundbreaking ceremony for 130  three bedroom Terrace duplexes was done for FMBN Staff Cooperative Estate  located at Aviation village off Airport Road Abuja and being developed by Mshel Homes Limited.

The Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, while inaugurating  the project said the houses would stimulate economic growth and contribution to nation building.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank the Federal Government, and President Muhammadu Buhari for financing and encouraging real estate developers to be able to develop estates like this.

” I must also thank the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, for what you are doing, when you do this you are contributing to nation building, this will stimulate economic growth now people will start coming here and when they move here other people who don’t live here will start coming.

“This will also make people home owners, people who cannot even afford to build a house but this will give them hope and I can assure you that the government will continue to encourage people like you who want to build homes for the people.”

In the same vein, the Managing Director, FMBN, Mr Madu Hamman, said the phase one which was completed for commissioning was 25 housing units while 35 units would be delivered in the next phase.

He said that In the past few weeks the bank had been commissioning several residential houses in eight states across the country under the bank’s housing delivery initiative, developed in collaboration with the labour unions.

“And, we have several others also completed under this scheme that will be commissioned in due course across the country’s geopolitical zones.

“In this giant strive we are making in an effort to reduce the national housing deficit and also employ Nigerians in all areas of home ownership.

“The commissioning of this estate today is another landmark event to showcase housing ownership initiative of the bank which is the FMBN cooperative society development housing scheme.

“Under this scheme, we fund housing construction for housing cooperative society members, and acquisition of these houses when developed by their members who are regular contributors to the housing funds loan.

“In our own way at the FMBN, we are committed to ensure that Nigerians have access to decent and secure accommodation through affordable mortgage financing especially Nigerians who have limited opportunities.”

Hamman said there was no state in Nigeria today that did not have at least one or two FMBN sponsored Estate.

He added that FMBN had also continued to develop affordable market products and housing development schemes in its effort to exploit all angles and to facilitate mortgage lending and home ownership to Nigerians.

The Chairman Board of Directors FMBN, Mr Ayodeji Ariyo, said the approval and disbursement of the loan for the project was an indication of the Bank’s desire to empower Nigerian’s homeownership via affordable home mortgage financing.

Ayodeji who was represented by Non-executive Director, Mrs Nkechi Ejezie, said the project was a confirmation of the Bank’s commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of National Housing Fund (NHF) contributors.

“It is therefore a thing of joy for us at FMBN to be associated with today’s event and the Abiskoly Nigeria Limited, the developer of this estate.

“I have no doubt that this project will go a long way in ameliorating the housing needs of members of the subscribers to this estate who are the staff of Human Rights Commission and contributing to the NHF.”

Earlier, speaking at the groundbreaking of the 130 three bedroom terrace duplexes in the Aviation Village, President of Multi-purpose Cooperative Society FMBN, Mr Muhammad Lawal, said the idea to build a functional estate had been a priority of the cooperative.

“When we came on board, our desire was to develop an estate which will project a good image of the bank, provide a decent shelter for our members and set a good example for other developers to emulate.

“N1, 949,805,642.87 was approved as loan by the current Management in favour of FMBN Staff Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Limited under the Cooperative Housing Development Loan Window, for the of 130 units of 3bedroom terrace duplex with infrastructure.

“Our developer has fully mobilised; construction work is going on in strict compliance with engineering standard.

“In three months after the commencement of this project, we have received over 600 names of interested beneficiaries, mainly FMBN Staff and many others from government agencies such as the CBN,” he said.

Lawal, however, appealed to the management of FMBN to consider and approve the phase 2 of the project to construct another 200 housing units to accommodate more citizens.

Both developers were commended FMBN for the opportunity and privilege to be partners in building affordable houses for citizens and reducing the housing deficit in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 10 Nigerians were beneficiaries of the just commissioned houses which are in 2bedroom and 3bedroom detached bungalows.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Participants at the workshop for relevant stakeholders in selected states and education sector to review of the ASC instrument and implementation manuals

By Justina Auta

The Federal Ministry of Education (FMoE) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural (UNESCO) are to review the Annual School Census (ASC) tools and implementation manuals in line with global trends and the SDGs.
This was made known at a three-day workshop for relevant stakeholders in selected states and education sector to review of the ASC instrument and implementation manuals on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Andrew David-Adejo, said “ASC helps the education sector by generating data on the number of schools by level, learners, staff, classrooms, books and facilities.”
David-Adejo, represented by Mr Zubairu Abdullahi, therefore, urged the participants to contributes towards producing a reviewed instruments and manual in line with global best practices.

” I look forward to the report of this workshop, especially as Nigeria really needs to improve on the credibility of data on Out-Of-School-Children,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to UNESCO for their support in the education sector, especially in the conduct of ASC to ensure Nigeria has the appropriate tools to use.
Also, Mr Mamadou Lamine-Sow, Head of Education Sector, UNESCO Abuja Regional Office, said the exercise aim at collecting accurate, reliable and timely data from schools.
“It is the primary source of education data in any country. Data provides the statistical evidence for a majority if not all the education sector’s policies, plans, strategies, decisions and distribution of resources.

“One of the objectives of this workshop is to review our annual school census tools to be that 21st-century tool we all want it to be and to capture most of the SDG4 indicators.
“With this alone, there will not be anything like no data or blank spaces when it comes to reporting globally such as with UNESCO Institute for Statistics,” he said.
Lamine-Sow, represented by Mrs Ngozi Amanze, UNESCO’s National Programme Officer, said they would also be reviewing the indicators for school health and child well-being to promote positive development and healthy behaviours in children.
“It is important that we strengthen the capacity of the school health system to provide conducive environment for physical, mental and social wellbeing of young people and to achieve SDG 4 and the health-related SDGs.

“Also, to prepare learners to thrive, learn and build healthy and peaceful sustainable futures for all,” he said.
He said the workshop would educate school heads and teachers on the new integrations to the ASC tools, reduce the complexity of completing the questionnaires and improve the understanding of the school administrators to efficiently complete the assignment.
He reiterated the commitment of UNESCO towards supporting the education system, adding that the workshop was part of UNESCO’s Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3) Programme.
Also, Mr Adeleye Adeoye, Director, Educational Planning Research and Development (EPR &D), said the workshop will lead to the production of reviewed ASC Instruments and Manual for proper planning, decision making and policy implementation
Adeoye, represented by Mrs Olayiwola Jawon, added that it would also guide school Heads and EMIS Desk Officers in the school, to accurately complete the ASC questionnaires.

A participant, Prof. Toun Akinsolu, Federal Adviser, USAID Learn to Read, said the exercise would aide in having a credible and reliable data for educational planning, through the use of ASC, a reliable instrument.
” The review is apt because the society itself is dynamic and because of the dynamism of the society, we need to move with recent trends and emerging issues that is what necessitated this review.
” This is the second phase, the first phase was held in December 2022, we made a lot of inputs into all the various characteristics of the instrument so that we can make it more robust and holistic.
” So, that all data necessary for planning purposes and for educational reportage at the national level will be adequately captured,” she said.
She added that new policies like the National Reading Policy, National Language Policy, the revised National Policy on Education, teaching in mother tongue, early grade reading would be integrated into the ASC.
” At the end of this workshop, I believe we should have a clean copy of annual school census instrument, which the Federal Ministry of Education will now print and disseminate to other stakeholders for usage.
” Other development partners will leverage on the output of this meeting as far as educational data management system is concerned in Nigeria,” she said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to improving the transport sub-sector as a key contributor to the country’s economic development.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, stated this at the first quarter 2023 Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) strategy session, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mustapha was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of General Services, Mr Maurice Mbaeri.

According to him, the federal government hopes to improve the transportation sector through improvements in interlinking modes.

He said that government would also seek improvement in congestion management and urban mobility through road construction and maintenance.

“By so doing, pressure is removed on the road and the road sector better preserved and safer.

“This will also manifest in the federal government’s construction and rehabilitation of rail tracks, dredging of waterways and upgrading of most airports in Nigeria.

“For sustainable management, government is working through the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission.

“This is to explore public-private partnership in the management of these critical national assets,” he said.

Mustapha appreciated the limitations and enormous challenges facing the corps in enforcing its mandate, while encouraging them, as the consistent part of the leadership of the corps, to widen their horizon.

“Think outside the box; be creative in beginning to fashion new workable strategies that will better respond to our current challenges to traffic management in Nigeria.

“Begin to reposition your thoughts and vision to play critical role in the wider national security architecture,” he said.

Earlier, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu, urged the commanding officers to reawaken field operations and reclaim the admiration of road users through improved professionalism and dedication to duty.

According to Biu, there is the need to pay specific attention to improving the declining level of enforcement on critical offences.

“Also, increase the rate of road traffic crashes (RTCs) across the country, the traffic congestions in our urban centres and the response time to RTCs.

“We need to be more civil and professional in our engagements as well as address extortion and high-handedness by patrol teams,” he said.

Highlights of the event were the decoration of the two newly-appointed Deputy Corps Marshal (DCMs). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu and ‘Wale Sadeeq

By Fabian Ekeruche

A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, Mr Monday Ubani, has canvased support and belief in the new Electoral Act.

Ubani stated this while delivering a keynote speech at the 14th Founders Day anniversary of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ubani spoke on the topic: “Elections – A Paradigm Shift and a Pathway to a Responsible Governance.”

According to him, Nigeria is at the threshold of a new beginning.

He said that the new Electoral Act of 2020 and the general election would offer the country the opportunity to choose the kind of leadership that would redeem its citizens scattered all over the country and abroad.

Ubani called on the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to perfect the usage of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) before the forthcoming elections.

“If we deepen the usage of BVAS and electronic transmission of results in the general elections to ensure a fairer process with the attendant emergence of desired leaders whose antecedents of virtue are well known, we might as well be on our way to total recovery as a nation,” he said.

The lawyer said that the new Electoral Act with its innovative provisions for electronic accreditation and transmission of results would be the game changer.

He said that for the country to be put on the path of greatness again the citizens must change its style and parameters for the recruitment of its political leadership.

“The parameters should not be tribalism, religious affinity, language similarity, blood relationship, school friendship, business partnership or questionable philanthropy.

“The Nigerian voters must be awake from their terrible deep slumber.

“The paradigm shift is that the voters who are at the centre of attraction in this new beginning must take into account virtues that can lift Nigeria to greatness,” Ubani said.

He said that the next Nigerian president must be a global citizen with the needed capacity and wisdom.

Ubani added that the person must have the capacity to fix the country’s education and health sectors as well as security architecture.

Also speaking, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, the General Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, BSN, expressed gratitude to the invited guests who sacrifice their time, went through the challenges of fuel and cash scarcity to grace the ocassion.

Sanusi called for concerted effort to support the building of a befitting Bible House for the society and to support the printing and distribution of the Word of God..

Highlights of the ocassion was the presentation of awards to deserving Nigerians who have supported the work of the society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Ibironke Ariyo
The Federal Government has urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to strengthen collaboration with all other security agencies to ensure successful conduct of the forthcoming general election.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha made the call in Abuja during a strategic meeting with management and senior officers of the FRSC, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services office, Mr Maurice Mbaeri, the SGF explained that FRSC has an important role to play during the election.

Mustapha said the government would continue to provide necessary support to enhance the operations of the corps.

Earlier, FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu acknowledged the vital role of the corps in the electoral process.

Biu said the strategic meeting would deliberate on deployment of personnel, vehicles and effective traffic control during the election.

The corps marshal assured Nigerians that the FRSC would evolve new strategy to reduce road accidents for socio-economic development of the country.

“As the electorate go to the polls, I charge you all to remain good ambassadors of the Corps and demonstrate high supervisory oversight among staff under you.

“For election duties, Commanding Officers are to work with the Resident Electoral Commissioners and sister security agencies in their respective operational areas.

“On no account should a command or individual staff be seen to exhibit partisanship or untoward behaviour in all our official engagements during the general election,’’ he said.

Biu called on the officers and men to play excellent supportive roles during the elections.

“Our collaborative skills must be scaled up especially among security agencies, host communities, state governments, religious and other opinion leaders and critical stakeholders for mutual reinforcement.

“At this period of our national life and electioneering campaigns, greater level of moderation is recommended,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maharazu Ahmed

By Esenvosa Izah

The Director-General of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, says he has been given yet another opportunity to serve at the global level.

Oyerinde said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos, following his recent appointment as a member of the governing board of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

NAN reports that Oyerinde was on Feb. 6 appointed member of the ILO governing board.

The  board comprises representatives of governments, workers as well as employers.

“It is another opportunity to serve and contribute to the deepening of engagement and collaboration between all Labour and employment stakeholders at the global level.

“The appointment is also a recognition of the role that NECA is playing in the global stage; for the labour sector, it is a win-win for all of us (employers and employees).

“Without a peaceful Industrial environment, the recognition that our nation enjoys will not be there; so, the appointment is a plus to everyone in the labour sector, “ the NECA boss said. (NAN)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

By Angela Atabo

Ms Obiageli Okafor, fintech entrepreneur has created a platform – tech4eons to build the capacity of Nigerian youths in Information Technology (IT).

Okafor, a young woman making a mark in the fintech industry told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the gesture was to make Nigerian youths irresistible in the labour market.

The self-taught techie, who started her journey into the space at the age of 16, said her passion for technology and her drive to create innovative solutions led her to be part of the development of several successful tech products.

She said that her dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed, as she was offered a job at a leading fintech company in Dubai, Tafabot.

She said that part of her role as a product manager at the Dubai-based company, was the development and management of the cutting-edge fintech product.

“I created a platform for young Nigerians to express themselves. Being at the forefront of the entire rave about tech careers.

“I found a distinct reoccurring problem involving Nigerian youths which is the lack of clarity when trying to get into the tech space.

“Most Nigerians think they have to be a master at coding to succeed in the IT space but there are on demand non-tech code roles.

“I have been informally guiding people to make their career into tech using transferable skills from their previous jobs as well as school.’’

Okafor said she decided to make it official by creating a platform known as tech4eons to see to it that 12 people a month were guided into the tech industry.

This, she said was by organising courses and landing internships.

The 25-year-old advised youths to invest in training and education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to build their employability skills.

“This will increase their chances of finding well-paying jobs and contribute to the development of the country.

“I also encouraged them to be proactive, be a problem solver ,network and build healthy relationships with people within the industry,” she said.

Okafor said as a firm believer of IT growth in Nigeria, said that to improve technology usage in Nigeria several key steps needed to be taken.

She called on the government to provide incentives for tech companies to set up operations in Nigeria, as well as invest in improving the country’s infrastructure to support the growth of the tech industry.

She said that improving access to education, skills and training especially in technology and computer science would help increase the number of skilled workers in the country.

Okafor said that encouraging investment in technology startups and small businesses through initiatives like venture capital funds and incubators would help to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the tech sector.

She also called for improved internet access by increasing the availability and affordability of high-speed internet access to bridge the digital divide and support the growth of the tech industry.

She said that encouraging collaboration and partnerships between tech companies, universities, and research institutions would help to drive innovation and knowledge-sharing in the sector.

According to her, by taking these steps, Nigeria can build a strong foundation for technology innovation and usage, and position itself as a leader in the tech industry in Africa. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ali Baba Inuwa

By Cecilia Ijuo

Sen. Shehu Sani has adopted a two week old baby, reportedly abandoned on the street in Nasarawa State.

The baby was reported to have been picked by a Police patrol team, who proceeded to a social welfare centre.

Sani who on Tuesday paid a visit to the Restored Destiny Child Orphanage Foundation where the baby is kept, pledged to provide necessary support.

He commended the orphanage for agreeing to take up the responsibility of the child.

Sani eventually christened the child “Jordan Shehu” and promised to do everything to support in his upbringing.

The former lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central in the Eight Assembly, said the increased rate of abandoned children was worrisome.

Sani said reports had shown that many children, who were born under such circumstance were from unwanted pregnancies, particularly from single girls.

According to him, the mothers of such abandoned children do so to avoid stigmatisation.

He said, while no immoral act should be condoned, girls who got pregnant outside wedlock should be supported and counselled.

The lawmaker said different factors were responsible for mothers abandoning their children.

“One of the factors is the stigma attached to such birth and I think it is high time our society began to address and discuss this issue.

“By addressing this issue the idea of shaming people who give birth to this type of children will be checked.

“It is also important that our society starts to pay attention to orphanages where these type of children are kept.

“Children without parents belong to the society and we must play our part in their upbringing,” he said.

The lawmaker called on leaders to use their position to change the narrative.

He said, “our traditional and religious leaders should wade into this issue, first to prevent the type of pregnancy that leads to this kind of birth.

“However, when it happens, we should accept them as one of us.

“There is nobody that is born without a father or a mother.

“So when we begin to discuss this issue, it will make it easier for children born under such circumstances to live with their parents,” he said.

The lawmaker thanked the orphanage for accepting to cater to the child.

Mrs Grace Chinedu, Founder, Restored Destiny Child Orphanage Foundation said she was elated by the visit.

She said she would continue to work to put smiles on the faces of children who were not privileged to be under their parents’ tutelage.

Chinedu said the orphanage, which houses over 26 children was founded seven years ago.

She thanked the former lawmaker and other Nigerians, who had assisted the orphanage over time.

The founder said “no help rendered to an abandoned child or an orphan will go unrewarded”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola