News Agency of Nigeria
General News

Centre tasks MDAs on fight against corruption

By Emmanuel Afonne

Mr Umar Yakubu, the Executive-Director, Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CeFTiW), has called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to raise the bar in the fight against corruption to save the economy from collapse.

Yakubu made the call in Abuja on Thursday at a workshop/presentation of the Transparency and Integrity Index methodology handbook on anti-corruption.

He said the handbook was expected to promote transparency, develop strong preventive mechanisms against corruption.

Yakubu added that the handbook would assist public institutions to improve their performance across the various indicators used for ensuring compliance to public regulations.

“The Transparency and Integrity Index (TII) methodology, therefore, employs a six parameter indices to benchmark the performances of MDAs toward good governance in certain critical areas.

“They are website integrity, fiscal transparency, open procurement and contracting, budget implementation, inclusion and citizens engagement, as well as human resources,” he said.

Yakubu noted that the purpose of the programme was to draw the attention of government at federal, state and local level, of the criteria set out to promote transparency in governance across five major thematic areas.

“When we started in 2021, the highest score was 32. 9 out of 100 marks but in 2022, the Development Bank of Nigeria scored 52, so if you can get 20 percentage increase within one year, I think it is a good development.

“But, a lot of other agencies are not doing so well but with this kind of engagement, we expect them to improve.

“What we assess is the availability of the information on the website, and we are collaborating with other CSOs on anti corruption to ensure that the information being put out is actually true.

“The impact of this workshop on the economy is the prevention of corruption, because we have enough institution combating corruption and we can prevent it before it happens which is a lot cheaper.

“Prosecuting corruption is not cheap and most of the time, it is difficult to get the assess to recovery, so the whole message is about prevention of corruption which cascades into good governance,” Yakubu said.

Mr Dasuki Arabi, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reform (BPSR), in his assessment of MDAs said that they would continue to work with CeFTiW to deepen transparency and accountability across public institution.

Arabi said the workshop was aimed at acquainting participants with the requirements necessary for them to discharge their duties creditably, as well as ensure the principles of accountability and transparency in their respective organisations.

“The Bureau drew her inspiration to partner with the CeFTIW on the Transparency and Integrity Index (TII), based on her strategic role as a driver of Public Service Reforms across MDAs.

“Public Financial Management of the National Strategy for Public Service Reforms seeks to achieve strategic, efficient and effective mobilisation, allocation and use of public resources as well as ensure fiscal discipline, transparency, integrity and accountability through timely reporting.

“This position is also reinforced by the BPSR role as a member of various Inter– Ministerial Anti-Corruption Agencies, and the underlying objective of driving public engagement in line with its statutory role in the implementation of this objective.

“It is also informed in the quest to put in place machineries and institutional arrangements aimed at providing a common vision and long-term agenda to position the country among major player in the global economy in year 2050

“This workshop/presentation of Transparency and Integrity Methodology Index Handbook is coming at the backdrop that during the 2022 Transparency and Integrity Index, it was evident that most Public Institutions were yet to be versatile with the parameters used for ranking.

“This is owing to low– level of awareness and compliance levels in the parameters used for ranking amongst MDAs,” Arabi said.

Amb. Angela Nworgu, BoT Chairman, CeFTiW, said that transparency must be embraced as an essential principle of good governance.

Nworgu noted that transparency was an important tool with which citizens use to hold government accountable, promote trust in government, and foster a thriving ground for integrity.

“The TII serves as a powerful tool to promote transparency, monitor public sector expenditure, and strengthen the integrity mechanisms of public institutions.

“And through this assessment, we hope to make a long-lasting impact in fostering a culture of openness and accountability within the public sector,” Nworgu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

General News

Solar Energy: REA holds 1st investor matchmaking programme

By Constance Athekame

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has held its first investor matchmaking for the Solar Power Naija Programme to provide opportunity for potential investors to pitch their financial offerings to developers.

A statement from REA in Abuja on Thursday said the event was organised in collaboration with the Power Africa Nigeria Power Sector Programme (PA-NPSP, USAID).

REA said that the event also provided a networking and matchmaking forum that brought together key investors and high-performing developers pre-evaluated by the Solar Power Naija team in the power sector.

The agency explained that the programme was launched as part of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) to achieve the roll out of five million new solar connections in off grid communities.

”This programme is expected to generate an additional N7 billion increase in tax revenues per annum and 10 million dollars in annual import substitution.

“The objectives of the programme are to expand energy access to 25 million individuals (five million new connections) through the provision of Solar Home Systems (SHS) or connection to a mini grid.

“Increase local content in the off grid solar value chain and facilitate the growth of the local manufacturing and assembly industry and incentivise the creation of 250,000 new jobs in the energy sector,’ ‘it said.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of REA, Mr Salihijo Ahmad, encouraged partnerships to boost energy access in communities.

“As the implementing agency for Nigeria’s off-grid strategy, the REA has been working to support private developers by creating an enabling environment to facilitate investments in various ways,” Ahmad stated.

He said that this partnership included access to data, policy support, grants, capacity development, stakeholder management and most importantly financing developers.

The Acting Deputy Missions Director, USAID Nigeria, Mr Stephan Menard, said: “I encourage the private developers to take advantage in accessing financing towards improving the lives of Nigerians by delivering sustainable energy access.”

On her part, the Head, Solar Power Naija Programme, Barbara Izilien, said that the match making event would build quick partnerships that could lead to new connections.

According to her, the partnership will further count towards the country’s target of electrifying a minimum of five million households, serving a minimum of 25 million Nigerians.

“The Solar Power Naija Programme implemented through REA is actively working on catalysing access to financing for developers in the off-grid sector to achieve the programme targets,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General News

Guinness Nigeria, Edo Govt partner on women’s empowerment, vocational education

By Joy Odigie

Guinness Nigeria Plc says it is ready to collaborate with Edo Government for empowerment of women, as well as Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) in schools.

Its Managing Director, John Musunga, made this known on Thursday in Benin, during a courtesy visit to Gov. Godwin Obaseki.

Musunga said that Guinness team in Benin would work with Edo Government on the partnership arrangement for the empowerment of women into its “Plan W” women’s empowerment programme to create more jobs for Edo people.

“You got the right team to address the issue of school TVET, park beautification and logistics. We can craft responses shortly as to what we can do in the medium and long term,” he told Obaseki.

He said that doing business in Edo had been fairly stable, commending the Obaseki-led administration for its infrastructure development.

“For the last six years, we have seen infrastructure development. You have lit up the streets and movement is much easier.

“We did not have disruption in Benin during the election cycle; we were still able to produce and move our goods across the country.

“Our business has been fairly stable in Benin and giving us the confidence to continue to invest here,” Musunga said.

He also intimated the governor about the company’s investment drives as well as corporate social responsibilities in the state.

“We have put in about four million pounds and we will be commissioning our new water treatment plant. It will be ready for full commissioning in the next few weeks.

“The plant treats about 80 per cent of all our effluent water and it is recycled back to a point where you can drink it.

“However, we will only be using it in ancillary functions like cleaning.

“We have the Water for Life programme and have given water to communities in Benin in the last 20 years. We are here to stay,” the managing director said.

He, however, noted that the issue of forex was a challenge to the company’s business investment plan in the country.

In his remarks, Obaseki said his administration was working round the clock to make the state conducive for investors to do business.

“As a government, we are encouraging people to come and do business in the state. We are putting a transport hub together; we are building parks to organise transportation better,” the governor said.

He said his administration was concerned about skills and capacity building, urging the Guinness Benin factory to adopt Western Boys High School as a TVET centre.

“We are emphasising TVET and you have a school opposite your factory which we would like you to adopt.

“We would like to build a TVET centre; we will like kids to go there, train kids who will one day work within your factory as senior engineers.

“We are trying to make our city beautiful and attractive. We are building more parks and greening the city.

“You have a park close to you; we can come up with a design so that you can adopt that space,” Obaseki said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olagoke Olatoye

General News

Female journalist shares experiences @ 31 years of profession

Some dignitaries with the author of the book titled “The Journalist, The Woman and Her Faith” Mrs Grace Yussuf at the book launch on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

Mrs Grace Yussuf, a Deputy Editor in Chief with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has shared her experiences in the profession to encourage younger female journalists finding it difficult to cope.

Yussuf shared the experiences in her book titled “The Journalist, The Woman and Her Faith” which was launched on Tuesday in Abuja.

She explained that the decision to write the book came out of her desire to document her experiences as a female journalist and a practicing Christian.

“I believe that it will not only be a good reading for many but will also go a long way to encouraging younger female journalists, who may be finding difficulty to cope especially if they had to hold on to their faith and values.

“It is my intention too, that this book will serve as a story of resilience, hard work, moral rectitude, a journey of faith and adherence to Christian virtues even in the practice of an utterly socially-relevant profession as journalism.

“I say this because there is this general belief that journalists are unserious and frivolous. This puts women in a precarious position as it makes them more vulnerable than their male counterparts,” she said.

Mr Joe Bankole, a Media Consultant, while reviewing the book, said that Yussuf having spent her life as a working journalist from 1992 to 2023 shared her 31 years of tutelage, frustrations, disappointments, sweet memories and all-round victory.

According to Bankole, the combination of the above-listed situations made her a success in the course of this interesting journey something to savour.

“Journalism is not a profession I deliberately went into, however, I found myself in it after a few years in the private sector and I grew to learn, embrace and love it. I can safely say it paid off” .

“That was a quote from the introduction to the book. That sums up her incursion into the profession and the conclusion of her experience,” he explained.

He, therefore, recommended the book to all lovers of a disciplined life and one dedicated to the praise of God Almighty.

On her part, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, the Executive Director, Women Aid Collective (WACOL) said that Yussuf balanced her role as a mother and journalist.

“I recall her contributions not only in the economic industry but also in female and gender in Nigeria. I enjoin all of us to support this wonderful woman, who has made herself outstanding.

“And as the topic suggests “The Journalist, The Woman and Her Faith” when I picked up her book; I saw a woman, who, regardless of stereotype in the industry, she was able to balance the role of a mother and her vocation as a journalist,” she said.

Ezeilo, was represented by Mrs Ijeoma Ezeude, Head, Department of Legal Unit, WACOL.

Similarly, Mr Femi Adeshina, Special Assistant to the President on Media commended the author for the initiative.

“This book is the odyssey of a courageous woman, who came out victorious after navigating the world of journalism in Nigeria and beyond after 31 years,” he said.

Adeshina was represented by Ms Patience Tilleygyado, Assistant Director, Information, State House, Abuja.

Mrs Grace Yussuf is a Nigerian female journalist with a career at the News Agency of Nigeria.

She is a committed Christian, widely travelled, happily married with children. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

 

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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General News

SERVICOM rates CAC high in service delivery

Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, SERVICOM National Coordinator presenting SCE reports to Alhaji Garba Abubakar, CAC Registrar-General

By Okon Okon

The Service Compact with all Nigerians (SERVICOM) has rated the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in the quality of service delivery to Nigerians.

Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, National Coordinator SERVICOM, presented the SERVICOM Compliance Evaluating (SCE) reports of selected states offices to CAC Registrar-General, Alhaji Garba Abubakar, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The objective of SCE, she said, is to ensure citizen focused service delivery in MDAs to identify gaps in service delivery and making recommendations to improve customers satisfaction and accountability.
Akajemeli said CAC had done well in all the locations visited by SERVICOM team, except in some areas identified and recommended for its improvement.
According to her, customers interviewed at the Headquarters for instance complained that fees charges for daily search from N2, 000 to N50, 000 were too high.
She added that the hike in such charges had made access to service cumbersome to its customers.
“The management of CAC should consider reducing the fee for daily search to accommodate all customers. This will ensure that all customer group have been put into consideration. “
The SERVICOM boss also identified downtime experienced by the customers when making an online application, thereby making documents submitted not received, resulting to the query of such documents.
“Some customers complained of technical glitches in the system, resulting in the challenges during the registration process that take a significant amount of time to resolve”.
She also identified other areas of weaknesses to includes direct interaction with customers, outdated computer system in some offices visited among others.
Akajemeli, nevertheless, lauded the CAC management in area of monitoring of staff performances through a dash board to ensure that all task queue sent daily were cleared daily.
She recommended ‘adoption of customer-centric approach service delivery’ among other approaches for the commission to provide opportunity for a staff to directly interact with customers.
Responding, Abubakar, thanked SERVICOM for the reports which was carried out across the commission offices, adding that it was so important to them.
On charges and others, Abubakar admitted that the commission had some challenges ranging from ticketing system for customers to lay their complaints, missing of important documents due to free access to files by customers among others.
According to him, the commission observed some fraudulent acts by customers who have been having direct access to records by removing them away from the files which had forced them to operate electronically.
“There are instant where complete files were being removed from this office.
“So, we have to stop the system of giving people access to our files, even if you must have access, we make it so expensive. For you to require this access, you have to be under supervision .
“We have introduced other systems and if you must conduct a search, we make it so expensive to discourage people from coming here.”
The CAC boss explained that the electronic system introduced since 2021 became imperative to protect the integrity of their records.
He added that the commission had introduced a call centre with agents who receive calls and could chat directly with the customers.
According to him, the centralisation system in the commission is a deliberate decision because of electronic systems for effective processes.
He, however, advised the CAC management not to take SERVICOM reports as an indictment, rather as a feedback mechanism for service improvement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MZM/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

Adesina seeks women’s inclusion in conflict resolution in Africa

By Lucy Ogalue

The Group President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Mr Akinwumi Adesina, has called for inclusion of women in conflict resolution matters on the African continent.
Adesina made the call during the inauguration of the ultra-modern African First Ladies Peace Mission’s headquarters in Abuja.
He was represented by Mr Lamin Barrow, Director-General, Nigeria Country Department of the AfDB.
The AfDB boss commended Nigeria’s first lady, Dr Aisha Buhari, for her visionary leadership, drive, and dedication, which enabled the construction of the magnificent edifice within 12 months.
He said the building was emblematic of the critical leadership role of African First Ladies in fostering peace in Africa.
He said nothing works without peace and security. And there could not be development without peace and security.
”Many parts of Africa face huge security challenges from conflicts and wars, and 85 per cent of Africans live either in or close to a country in conflict.
”Africa is tired of wars and conflicts. I strongly support the African Union’s(AU) clarion call for silencing the guns.
“Women and children are disproportionately affected by wars and conflicts. Women refugees suffer from sexual assaults, violence, brutality, and criminality.
“We hear of the horrors of peacekeepers harassing and sexually assaulting women, and their voices are often silenced by those who are to protect them.
“Men make wars, women make peace. Women must therefore be included in peace-making, peace-building, conflict resolution, and reconstruction efforts. Sexually-based violence, abductions, forced conscription, and human trafficking against women must end,” he said.
According to Adesina, African first ladies are critical to African Leaders and the AU’s efforts to ensure a peaceful and secure Africa by 2063.
He commended the efforts of the first ladies towards addressing violence, promoting the role of women, fostering a culture of peace, and reducing conflict.
He said:“we have a collective responsibility to stand united in our efforts to resolve conflicts, break cycles of violence, and combat fragility.
“We must recognise a strong link between security, investment, growth, and development.
“That is why AfDB is working with the AU to develop security-indexed investment bonds to mobilise resources for addressing instability, protecting investments and livelihoods, and rebuilding infrastructure in conflict areas.”
The AfDB boss said the bank also supported vulnerable and internally displaced women in refugee camps across the Sahel region.
He reiterated that the African first ladies peace mission had an important role in addressing conflict and fragility and building resilience.
He then expressed the bank’s commitment to supporting the groups’ efforts and maintaining a strong partnership with the organisation.
”Together, let us champion the cause of peace across Africa. Let us redouble our efforts to support women in areas of fragility.
“From the halls of this worthy edifice, let the interventions and clarion call for peace usher in new seasons of sustained stability, development, and prosperity across Africa.
“Let peace reign in every village, community, town, city, nation, from the Sahel to the horn of Africa, from the north to the south, from the east to the west. Across Africa, let peace reign,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

FCCPC bags outstanding achievement consumer education award in Australia

By Ginika Okoye

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has bagged the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) Outstanding Achievement Consumer Education Award.

Announcing the award on Wednesday, ICPEN, on its official Twitter handle @ICPEN_est1992, said Nigeria through the FCCPC won the award for non-discrimination of its consumers.

Mr Babatunde Irukera, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, also confirmed the award on his official Twitter handle @TundeIrukera.

Irukera said the award was a call to more work.

”FCCPC again wins an internationally respected award on a global platform.

”We can prioritise competition regulation and consumer protection equally as our awards in both prove.

”We keep at the work, there is still travel ahead.

”No respites till consumers get a better deal, we move.

”Well done to a dedicated team for a series of outstanding performances and recognition.

”Introspectively, the recognitions are calls to do more for more.

”A fair market and respecting consumers may be hard work, but neither is utopian, so we must keep at this work; it’s our calling,” Irukera said.

Similarly, the commission on its official Twitter handle @fccpcnigeria, said the award was presented at the annual conference of ICPEN in Sydney, Australia.

It said the award was a testament to the FCCPC’s commitment to promoting choice and ensuring fairness.

”We will keep striving to make a positive impact on the lives of the country’s consumers,” it said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ICPEN is an organisation of consumer protection government authorities from over 70 countries. (NAN)

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Edited by Chidi Opara/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

General News

NAICOM, ISAN collaborate to develop mutual trust in insurance industry

By Ginika Okoye

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) says it is engaging with the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN) to develop mutual trust and deepen corporate governance in the insurance industry.

NAICOM said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

The commission also said that it had fruitful discussion with ISAN to deepen regulatory compliance and transparency in the industry.

It said the discussions were made when members of ISAN led by the National Coordinator, Mr Moses Igbrude, paid a visit to the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Sunday Thomas.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ISAN is one of the largest and foremost shareholders’ advocacy groups in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

General News

FG inaugurates 19km road, water projects, others in Edo communities

By Nefishetu Yakubu

The Federal Government, in its effort to ensure Integrated Rural Development across the Country, on Wednesday inaugurated 19 kilometers of road and three water projects in Ikoro and Agbomoba communities in Ovia North East area of Edo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of state for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, also inaugurated solar-powered street lights and market in the two communities.

Speaking during the inauguration of the projects in Benin, Agba said the projects were part of the national development plan 2021 to 2025, approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Agba noted that the national development plan placed emphasis on integrated rural development to alleviate the sufferings of the vulnerable poor in Nigeria.

He said “We inaugurated four projects today. These projects were handled by different government agencies.

“The agency for rural electrification handled the solar-powered street lights, the Benin/Owena River Basin handled the three water projects.

“And the rural development component of the federal ministry of Agriculture handled the markets and the toilets facilities, the solar-street lights within the markets and the 19 kms of road which cut across five other communities.

“These projects are targeted at eradicating poverty by providing the basic social amenities for the rural poor,” he said.

Agba lamented that the states were responsible for the over 133 million multi-diamentionally poor Nigerians because they have been deprived of access to education, water and good healthcare.

He called on state governors to also extend basic amenities to the rural areas rather than concentrate all in state capitals.

“I am not saying that they should abandon the state capitals, but what we are saying is extend part of the development to the rural areas to alleviate their sufferings.

“They are entitled to these basic amenities because they also vote during elections.

“Just look at these communities, before today, there was no water, no road and no light and there is still no school as you have heard from them.

“We believe that no one should go beyond two to three kilometers to access medical facility.

“What the federal government intervention have done is to provide livelihoods to the vulnerable poor in the rural areas by embarking on these projects,” added.

The Minister explained that the national development plan seeks to create more access to markets because it understood that more than 60 per cent of farm produce go to waste because farmers are unable to get their produce to the market.

According to him, “we have constructed and are still constructing rural roads to create access to markets.”

Mr Johnson Ikpewe, the Ikoro community chairman, on behalf of the traditional ruler, Chief Bright Owu, thanked the federal government for the kind gesture.

Owu, who commended the Minister for the completion of the laudable projects in the community, appealed to the Minister to help the community with a school.

At Agbomoba community, Pa Donald Omoregbe, who was visibly dancing for joy, also thanked President Buhari for the water project which, he said, was the only government presence in the community.

According to him, for over 300 years, the community has stayed without portable water and in darkness. We go to stream where cows also drink from to get water

The numerous projects attracted to the communities earned the Minister a new Ijaw name, known as Ebimiewei. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

General News

BVN remains for life – CBN

By Lydia Ngwakwe

The Central Bank of Nigeria says the Bank Verification Number (BVN) issued in Nigeria remains for life and has no expiry date, as reported by a national newspaper.

Its Acting-Director, Corporate Communications, Alhaji Isa Abdulmumin said this in a statement on Wednesday.

He said the claim was completely false and therefore advised bank customers to be guided, accordingly.

“The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been drawn to reports suggesting that the Bank Verification Number issued by the Bank in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) expires after a ten-year period.

“Contrary to these claims, we wish to clarify that the BVN issued in Nigeria has no expiry date.

“Once a customer’s biometrics have been captured and enrolled in the database of NIBSS, the BVN remains for life.

“However, the Regulatory Framework for BVN issued by the CBN in 2021 stipulates that customers can only change their records due to certain conditions spelt out in the document and after being cleared by relevant authorities.

“Therefore, we urge bank customers in the country, especially those whose biometrics have been captured by the system, to continue using their unique identifiers as they last their entire lifetime,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the BVN is an 11 digit number that acts as an individual’s universal ID in all banks in Nigeria.

It ensures a customer can engage securely in transactions at any Point of Banking operations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LED/AWA
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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

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