By Olayinka Owolewa

The Chairman of the Governing Council of Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Terfa Ityav, has reiterated the commitment of the body to keep up with its development plan.

Speaking during a four-day visit to Kwara on Wednesday, Ityav said that the policy thrust of the commission includes education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, health, infrastructure and security.

“We are in Kwara State to inspect and verify some of the projects that are being done by the commission which are in line with our two to five years plan,” he said.

The chairman lauded the efforts of the management committee of the commission for the execution of projects with direct bearing on the host communities.

“Kwara is the third state after Kebbi and Niger that we are visiting to assess the level of work done by the management committee.

“We give a vote of confidence to them because projects that have been shown on papers are actually existing,” he said.

Ityav said that the commission would keep improving on the standard of its projects where lapses are noticed.

He said that the commission would consider some of the requests from communities in consonant with its budgetary allocation and capacity.

“We have received a lot of requests from communities and we will consider them under our development plan, budgetary allocation and capacity,” he said.

The Managing Director of HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Yelwa, disclosed that the visit to the communities was to ascertain the level of projects compliance with their design and specifications.

“Projects executed so far have met the aspirations of the communities and I assure you that the commission will not relent in its efforts to ensure that the right quality of projects is delivered,” Yelwa said.

The working visit saw the members of the governing council and management staff of HYPPADEC paying courtesy visits to traditional rulers in Edu, Patigi and Moro local government areas of the state where projects are monitored and handed over to the host communities.

HYPPADEC has constructed schools, drainages, solar powered street lights, conducted medical outreach and distributed motorcycles to aid the security network of the communities in Kwara state within its two years of inauguration.

It was established by an Act of the National Assembly to address ecological challenges from the operations of Hydroelectric Dams.

Its operations is carried out in six states; Benue, Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau and Kogi comprising 56 local governments, 229 political wards and 1085 communities.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Lucy Ogalue

The African Development Bank (AfDB), have signed a 525,000 dollar agreement to support Africa Fintech Network’s (AFN)’s Hub project.

Mr Lamin Barrow, the Director-General, AfDB, Nigeria Country Department, during the signing in Abuja on Tuesday, said the project would boost the fintech industry on the continent.

`This grant of 525,000 dollars, will support the operationalisation of an on-line digital hub to serve as a repository of knowledge for fintech entities across the continent, and globally.

“ The Digital Hub, which is to be delivered through a strategic partnership between the Africa Fintech Network and Cenfri, will help to strengthen the fintech ecosystem across Africa, and boost the industry’s competitiveness.

“The grant is funded by the Africa Digital Financial Inclusion Facility (ADFI), inaugurated by the AfDB Group, together with its partners the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

“Other partners are Ministry of Finance of Luxembourg, and Agence Française de Développement in 2019, with the Ministry of Finance and Economy of France and the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) joining in 2020 and 2022 respectively.”

The director-general said the event marked an important milestone in AfDB’s efforts to promote digital innovation and financial inclusion in African Countries.

Barrow quoted the 2021 Global Findex Study, as saying that 49 per cent of Africans were excluded from the formal economy and the benefits it brought.

He reiterated the importance of fintech on the continent among which is to provide powerful, readily available and effective digital financial solutions to help bridge the financial inclusion gap.

Barrow said with the current digital disruption in the financial sector, more fintech startups were coming to the fore.

“These companies are leveraging technology to provide innovative financial services, including payment, lending, savings, financial literacy and financial infrastructure services.

“That result in greater efficiency, better service provision and lower costs,” he said.

According to him, financial inclusion is key to economic empowerment and resilience, particularly for underserved segments of our society.

He said the need to leapfrog barriers and scale up inclusive digital financial solutions to accelerate economic resilience across Africa had become even more urgent.

He quoted AfDB’s President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, as saying, with the right investments in innovation and smart digital growth, the obstacles to achieving financial inclusion and greater economic opportunity for all would be overcome.

According to Barrow, the Hub will enable fintech associations across Africa to pool knowledge, strengthen partnerships and showcase their innovations and impact, including from female-led or owned fintech enterprises.

“The project design is underpinned by detailed needs assessment that informed the value proposition of the AFN Hub as a one-stop knowledge repository.

“It will help enhance coordination among African fintech associations, improve linkages for market access and investment opportunities, for effective advocacy with key public and private stakeholders.

“The AfDB is strongly committed to our partnership with the AFN to fully unlock Africa’s fintech potential and create a digital economy.”

Responding, Dr Segun Aina, AFN President, thanked AfDB for the support, while pledging their commitment to deliver the project.

“We are indeed delighted that AfDB is playing a leading role in supporting this innovative initiative. The AFN is equally committed to the partnership with the AfDB.

“And we look forward to building on this productive collaboration going forward, as there is still a lot to be done to unleash the potential of digital inclusion for Africa toward creating the Africa that we want,” Aina said. (NAN)(www.nannewa.ng)

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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) implementing increases in salaries, allowances and fringe benefits without its approval to desist from such acts.

The Chairman, National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Mr Ekpo Nta, gave the warning at a Two-Day Training Workshop for Salaries Inspectors in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop is for the execution of the Phase II of the 2022 Salary Inspection Programme.

According to Nta, the commission over the years , through the salary inspection programmes, found out that some agencies are implementing unapproved salaries, allowances and fringe benefits.

“I want to unambiguously, state that even where the establishment Acts of any fully funded, partially funded and self-funded federal agencies allow its board to determine its remuneration.

“It can only do so after statutory input in line with Section 3(1) of the NSIWC Act 1999. This is irrespective of whether their establishment Act predates 1993 or not.

“They are bound by our Act in the same way and manner that the Public Procurement Act 2007, the ICPC Act 2000, Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, etc upon enactment.

“Whether pre-dating or post-dating their establishment Acts, apply to all federal government agencies.

The chairman said it was based on this that the federal government issued two circulars signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

He said the circular directed all MDAs to desist from implementing any increase without NSIWC’s input, and after approvals by the government, such approvals must be conveyed by NSIWC.

“The country will not accept fiscal indiscipline where the personnel budget and non-regular allowances of the overhead budgets for public service employees are not controlled and spiral out of control without a corresponding increase in productivity, especially in self-funded institutions.

“This can be attributed to unregulated recruitment, implementation of the National Minimum Wage etc.,” Nta said.

The NSIWC boss reiterated that the commission had through this inspection and other activities saved the government over N400 billion yearly which would have been abused, wasted or misappropriated.

He said this year’s programme would cover agencies which had obtained approvals to implement new salaries, allowances and fringe benefits within the last six months.

He said they include the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and their parastatals and the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and their parastatals.

Nta urged the salary inspectors to enrich themselves during the workshop, go into the field and carry out the inspection with dedication and zero tolerance for compromise.

He warned that any inspector found acting contrary to set rules and regulations would be sanctioned appropriately for criminal breach of trust or unethical conduct.

He then solicited support and corporation of the selected agencies for the success of the exercise which was a statutory requirement. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters has clarified that the UN Peacekeeping fighting vehicles and equipment sighted recently in Benin, Edo were meant for deployment for peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.

The Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Gusau said circulation of the video of the said equipment on social media, had given rise to insinuations that were inimical to public peace which might cause panic.

He said that presently, Nigeria is contributing troops to various UN Peace keeping operations; the most recent is United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Southern Sudan.

“The Mission is commanded by a Nigerian, Ma.-Gen. Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr.

“It should be noted that the UN doesn’t have its own troops, rather it enter into agreement with troops contributing countries to provide their personnel and equipment for operations in its various missions.

“Therefore, it is imperative to state emphatically that the military fighting vehicles and equipment painted in UN colour as sighted are being moved through the Warri port for movement to the mission area in Southern Sudan.

“The Defence Headquarters under the leadership of Gen. Lucky Irabor, wish to assure Nigerians that our nation is not under any threat that will warrant the deployment of UN troops on our soil”, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a video clip titled, “tension as heavy military UN trucks arrive Nigeria”, surface on one BVI Youtube channel on Sunday.

The commentator was seen raising alarm that something was cooking in the country that the government was not telling the citizens. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, has described Mr Adams Oshiomhole as a dependable leader in the political struggle to build a better Nigeria.

Agba stated this in a letter entitled ”Birthday Greetings” on Tuesday to the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the occasion of his 71st birthday.

He said that the occasion provided an opportunity to “celebrate you and the leadership ideals that you persistently and consistently exemplify.”

“You have remained a dependable leader in the political struggle to build a better Nigeria, with our dear Edo state, where you served as governor for eight years (from 2008-2016) as a linchpin.

“Your patriotism to Nigeria, which you first demonstrated about two decades ago as President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), remains unassailable.

”The same goes for Edo, in whose environment, you have continued to positively intervene for the development of our people and the growth of the state.

“I must place on record your monumental contributions to the growth of our great party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), which you led as national chairman from 2018-2020.

”You did not only lead the party to victory in the 2019 presidential election, but you also ensured that the party’s candidates emerged as presiding officers in the National Assembly.”

Agba added that Oshiomhole, who is the senator-elect for Edo North Senatorial District, has yet been given another responsibility to serve the people.

”God has decided to order your political pathway through the Senate, whose leadership positions you helped the APC to fill in 2019 with the right candidates, and I believe it is for a purpose that will soon manifest.

“I pray that the Almighty God will continue to strengthen you as you do not tire in providing dependable and sharply-focused leadership to us in Edo State and others across the country who look up to you for inspiration.(NAN)

By Dorcas Jonah

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and other prominent African leaders and icons were honoured at the maiden edition of African Heritage Concert and Awards in Rwanda.

The Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Dr Jewel Howard-Taylor and Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, the former President of Botswana were also among the awardees.

According to the organisers, Heritage Times, the event was strategically packaged to celebrate and honour African greats who have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavor.

They are also people that have made sustainable global impact in pacifying the image of Africa.

Speaking after receiving the African Democracy and Peace Icon Award, former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, appealed to African leaders to become servants of the people, and not turn themselves into the “bosses of the people”.

“When you are called the executive president, our duty is to run our country properly, not to de-humanise human beings and make their lives difficult.

“What you should think is when you leave office, what will the world remember you for?

“Will the world remember you for killing people? Will the world remember you for jailing people, or will the world remember you for destroying their systems?

“What people will remember you for is what should guide our decisions, and I believe if every leader should begin to think is that they will leave office one day.

“And they will be remembered one way or the other, either positively or negatively,” Jonathan said.

The Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Dr Jewel Howard-Taylor, conferred with African Humanitarian Award, said that honouring the “best and brightest” minds in Africa was crucial for navigating the future of the continent.

Howard-Taylor said this was especially as it concerns leadership.

She reminded African leaders that the dream of achieving a robust and sustainable Africa rests heavily on their shoulders.

Howard-Taylor added that celebrating Africans who have made impacts, would help change the negative narrative about Africa that was being propagated by the Western media.

Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, the former President of Botswana, who bagged the African Philanthropist Award, stressed the need for African leaders to do the right thing and develop the continent.

While commending HT for putting together the event, he noted that the future of Africa remains bright and great in spite of seeming challenges.

On his part, Prof. Patrick Lulllmumba, who picked up the Africa Advancement Award, expressed worried that African continent was in a crisis mode.

Lulllmumba said that if African leaders were not careful, the `’continent will be eaten for launch once again”.

“I am energised by this award. I dedicate this award to Africans of goodwill, from whose eyes; the scales of ignorance have been removed. Growing Africa is an inter-generational struggle,” he added.

While retrospecting on the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda, he advocated unity and peace across Africa, adding that Africa had a prestigious place in the world stage.

He added that Africa lacked inspirational leaders, but expressed hope that the awards and special recognition and was one of the surest ways in which mentors would be created.

Other awardees at the event were: Late John Magufuli, former President of Tanzania – African Icon Award (Posthumous).

Victoria Nalongo Namusisi, Founder and Director of Bright Kids Uganda – African Humanitarian Award; Olumide Akpata, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association – African Legal Icon Award.

Also awarded were Dr. Ifie Sekibo, Founder of Heritage Bank Plc – African Philanthropist Award; Engr Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) – Champion of Local Content Development in Africa Award.

Christelle Kwizera, Head Water Access, Rwanda – African Humanitarian Award; Fred Swaniker, Founder African Leadership University – African Humanitarian Award.

Hamzat Lawal, CEO, Connected Development – African Humanitarian Award; and the Triplets Ghetto Kids of Uganda – African Entertainment Award, completed the pack.

Amb. Suleiman Sani, the Nigerian High Commissioner to Rwanda, was also present at the event. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Okon Okon

The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) says it has launched a National Premium Identity Verification Platform (NPIVP) to provide identity of lottery operators in Nigeria’s lottery industries.

The Director General of the NLRC, Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, made this known in a statement on Tuesday.

The decision, according to him, was taken following stakeholders’ engagement meeting on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC) and Verification Issues in Nigerian Gaming Industry’, held at the NLRC Headquarters in Abuja.

Gbajabiamila said the measure was initiated by the stakeholders in lottery sector as a move geared towards mitigating and curbing unscrupulous activities in the lottery industry in Nigeria.

“The new NPIVP will provide identification in less than 8 seconds, attach real-time human faces to players, minimize fraud, ease compliance and encourage more participation in the industry.“

The NLRC D-G, during the meeting, identified the Federal Government’s concern about prevalent complaints relating to customers’ identity and verification in the industry.

He said the initiative was in line with the commission’s mission of creating a safe and secure environment for operators and players.

“Our mission in the NLRC is to create an enabling, safe and secure environment for operators and players while ensuring the Nigerian Gaming Industry thrives.

“As we are aware, the NLRC is the apex gaming regulatory institution in Nigeria, saddled with the responsibility of regulating the operation and business of the national lottery, setting standards, guidelines and rules.

“This is to ensure transparency and integrity and also protect the interest of players, stakeholders and the public; while also carrying out periodic industry-wide assessments.

He said there were “other duties as may be directed by the President as specified by the National Lottery Act 2005 (as amended).”

Gbajabiamila also used the medium to read the riot act to operators and directed gaming operators to identify and verify the players and users of their various gaming platforms to ensure that the collected and collated personal data were secure.

“To this end, the commission has collaborated with other Federal Government agencies to promote the gaming industry and ensure a safe and secure gaming environment among others,” he said.

Contributing, Clement Omife, Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, a representative of Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), said the agency had done a lot about KYC, especially in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), being a critical aspect of its mandate.

“We really appreciate the NLRC for this wonderful initiative. We have been doing this KYC and I can tell you that it will help to mitigate a lot of criminality in the lottery industry.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mr Babatunde Bamgboye, representative of Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), Association of Nigerian Bookmakers (Lottery Operators), led by their Executive Secretary, Akingba Olabimpe, the CBN representative among others, were present at the meeting. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Participants at graduation of peer mediators at the primary and junior secondary school levels in Abuja.

By Patricia Amogu

A legal practitioner and mediation expert, Mr Chijoke Nnanna-Ibeku, says mediation can replace the law courts in the resolution of conflicts in Nigeria if the necessary structures are put in place for it to thrive.

Nnanna-Ibeku stated this, while speaking at a ceremony organised for the graduation of peer mediators at the primary and junior secondary school levels in Abuja.

“Sooner than later, mediation will no longer be an alternative but the main thrust for the resolution of conflicts in Nigeria.

“This is the second time we are graduating these children.

“The idea is to imbibe the culture of mediation among children as much as possible – children who will become future leaders; who will hold political offices, and change the narrative of conflict resolution in Nigeria.

“I always say that in a class of 60 students who have undergone the peer mediation training, at least three to ten of them will imbibe this training and make it a normal practice in their lives,” he said.

He said filling up the gaps left in the wake of resolving conflicts along ethnic, religion, cultural, and political diversities is a major focus of the programme.

According to him, that will go a long way towards bringing peace and reducing conflicts to the minimum.

“We have in our template to certify 240 children as Peer Mediators this year .

“This will be achieved every quarter by certifying 60 children as peer mediators.

Mrs Margaret Ibeku, Co-ordinator, Three C’s met Mediators, said the training was organised to preach the language of peace and create a generational change among children, so that peace becomes the language.

“It is worrisome to see kids of about 10, 11 years of age fighting along tribal lines.

“We felt the best way is to get these young minds to begin a generational change.

“Firstly, preaching the language of peace, mediating in their families.schools, and communities, and as they grow up, they will continue to take it to the outer world.

“Right now, we are working with all the government schools in the FCT,” she said.

Mr Munsir Sule, an architect who is the Director of Physical Planning and Project Monitoring, described the training as a laudable one, and one of great interest to the board.

He said the programme was apt and timely.

Speaking on behalf of the chairman, Dr Alhassan Sule urged the children to imbibe the culture of peer mediation which they have been trained on and see the beauty in diversity.

“It is a laudable programme, and it brings better understanding among peers. They should see further than the issue of citizenry.

“It is cheaper than going to the courts. We are still going to train the teachers on this for them to better impact on the children,” he added.

Highpoints of the day was the award of certificates to the students and parents.

There were dance competitions and the staging of drama by some of the children.

The News Agency of NIgeria (NAN) reports that Three Cs Met International Institute Of Mediation Negotiation Counseling and Conciliation organised the training. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Yashim