By Ella Anokam

Shop owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja are recording brisk sales following the introduction of the cashless policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and its attendant hiccups.

Some of them who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday, said they were recording tremendous sales through the use of Point of Sale (POS) machines, and electronic transfers for payments of goods since the policy was implemented.

NAN discovered that the policy favours traders who had in the past gotten used to using POS for payments in spite of its network hitches.

Mr Sunday Ahmadu, who operates a mini supermarket along Jukwoyi road, said that his sales had tripled within this period, especially after the phasing out of the old naira notes.

According to Ahmadu, a lot of customers who patronise him, prefer to buy in bulk and pay at once, through online transfer because of the seamless payment process he provides.

“I have four accounts; Zenith, FCMB, GT and Access banks, and I normally ask customers about their preferred bank before they transfer.

“So what I do is to show them the list of the banks to transfer or use their Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, to make payments using the POS machine.

“Before now, a customer can decide to buy only one item and pay with cash, but due to the naira scarcity, they buy in bulk and pay at once through electronic transfer. This has made my sales to triple and encouraged profit on my business,” he said.

Another provision and foodstuff trader, Malam Ibrahim Sule, also expressed excitement over the development, saying that the difficulty faced by people to access the new naira notes gave him an edge over other traders who lacked POS and electronic banking platforms.

Sule, popularly called Baba, said the volume of his sales had gone up as people who were stranded because of the cash crunch, were making his shop a last resort in purchases to feed their families and meet other needs.

According to him, there may be hitches in transactions most times, but that he can always reconcile with his banks because of his long time experience in POS transactions.

“Many desperate people are being referred to my shop because of the current lack of cash.

“This made me to introduce more perishable items due to popular demand. I am happy to meet their needs and make more money.”

Mrs Nnenna Ozor, another trader, while narrating her experience said she used to be skeptical about online transactions, but recent events had forced her to embrace online transactions which was aiding her business.

Ozor listed the advantages associated with the cashless policy implementation to include; increased patronage, profit and curbing of debt by customers who often bought goods on credit.

She, however, said the only challenge in accepting the transfer was the refusal of other traders, especially petty businesses, to accept online transactions as they often requested for cash.

“Accepting money transfer is not a problem to me, though it spurs my business because customers buy more, but I still need cash because I cannot buy some items through transfer in the local markets.

“Once I go to the market to buy foodstuff like crayfish, ogbono, egusi, pepper and other petty things, I encounter difficulties because sellers reject transfer, and because village traders do not have bank accounts.

“Even those that have bank accounts reject online transfers because they complain that if they accept it, once they reach the village markets, the traders refuse to accept transfers.

“Also, if I do not have cash, I cannot buy bread, fufu, bags of pure water among others. So I try to balance it for my business to continue to thrive.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Mr Olajide Ajayi, National Coordinator, First LEGO League robotics championship says the competition is designed to inspire and discover young science and technology innovators across the country.

Ajayi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it was important for the country to focus on science and technology in order to innovatively solve the nation’s problems.

He said the robotics challenge which was put together by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with Coderina Education and Technology Foundation was a step in unveiling creative thinkers.

“This creative programme is meant to inspire the young generation of people coming behind us to take technology and science very seriously”

“For any economy to be productive, you have to have creative thinkers, innovative thinkers, you have to have critical thinkers.

“As you know there will always be problems around, so you need to proffer solutions and find a way of solving our problems as a nation.

“That is why we want to catch these young talents early and develop them into critical thinkers and problem solvers using modern trends in technology,” he said.

Ajayi explained that the FIRST LEGO League competition is focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) skills using robotics and is open to students aged 9 to 16.

While the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is designed for older students (12-18 years) and emphasizes the design and development of robots.

NAN reports that more than 600 students participated in the national championship, where they showcased their robots, inventions, and research projects to a panel of judges.

Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) Usi-Ekiti won the 2023 edition of the competition held in Abuja, Queens College emerged second, FSTC Ilesa finished third, while GDSS Karu placed fourth.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Franca Ofili

A legal practitioner, Mr Daniel Agada, on Wednesday in Abuja called for adequate protection for journalists covering the 2023 general election,

Agada made the call in Abuja on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“Journalists put their lives in danger to report the news as it is for the public good only to be made to face harassment, intimidation, and sometimes physical attack.

“Their impartial account and accurate reportage serve a fundamental public good which can have decisive impact on the development of the nation.

“In view of the fact that they their roles cannot be overemphasised, there’s the need to ensure that they protected while performing their duties.

“This need is further heightened by the insecurity challenges in some parts of the country.

“The government needs to put measures in place to ensure that journalists are adequately protected while performing their duties including the coverage of elections,” he said.

Agada also said that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution As Amended, provides for the rights to freedom of expression of the press.

“Section 22 , the press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people,” he said.

The lawyer called on employers of journalists to play a pivotal role in ensuring that journalists are adequately protected while performing their duties.

“The employers of these journalists benefit greatly from the work journalists do,” he said.

Agada also advised the journalists to be vigilant and in case of any violence, they should protect themselves”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Sadiya Hamza

By Olajide Idowu

The police has banned its operatives and other security personnel attached to governors, ministers and other government functionaries from escorting their principals to polling units in the 2023 elections.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Spokesperson of the command, SP Yemisi Opalola, in Osogbo on Wednesday.

“Any officer found to have flouted this directive will be subjected to disciplinary actions.

“Also, the use of siren, revolving lights and tinted car windows by unauthorised citizens during the elections period will not be allowed.

“The command also warns other security outfits/organisations that are not constitutionally empowered to participate in the election duty to steer off the electoral process” She added.

“Any organisation/groups found flouting this would definitely be sanctioned in accordance with the extant laws.

The police released hotlines during the election.

The numbers are 08039537995, 08075872433 and 08123823981. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Sadiya Hamza

By Jessica Dogo

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has dedicated its Consumer Toll-Free Number 622, to serve as 2023 Presidential Election Incident Hotline.

The Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) of the commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Danbatta said that this was to enable voters and members of the public to report issues that may affect them or others, during the elections scheduled for Feb. 25.

“This step is to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in its patriotic commitment towards the conduct of hitch-free elections in Nigeria.

“The Toll-Free Number 622 is the second-level complaints centre through which consumers of telecommunications services are allowed to make calls directly to the Commission.

“To resolve issues concerning their telecommunications services which the service providers are unable to do,” Danbatta said.

He said this was in consideration of the critical nature of the election and to alleviate emergent issues that may arise at the voting centres, or any parts of Nigeria.

Danbatta said: ”’This is with a view to resolving such issues by contacting and conveying such to relevant agencies, authorities, or organisations for timely resolution.

“The 622 Election Incident Monitoring Centre will be manned by top management officials of the Nigerian Communications Commission. The hotline will be open to the public from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.”

The EVC called on members of the public to take advantage of the Election Incident Monitoring Centre Hotline, 622.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Grace Alegba

The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) on Tuesday expressed sadness that in spite of its efforts, Nigeria recorded collapse of 62 buildings in 2022, with Lagos State leading with 20.

At the guild’s combined virtual and physical Annual General Meeting (AGM), it consequently called for urgent measures to address the issue.

Mr Eddy Atumonyogo, who led the guild until election of his successor at the AGM, said that the guild made efforts, including introduction of  whistle blowing mechanism, to curb the trend.

Atumonyogo was represented by his deputy, Mr Sulaimon Yusuf.

He said that the guild  would need to do more toward arresting the situation.

Atumonyogo listed challenges of the guild to include funding constraints and COVID-19 pandemic which slowed down its activities.

He said that the guild, however, did its best to tackle the challenges.

Atumonyogo said that the guild partnered with governments of Lagos, Ogun and some other states toward effective regulation, monitoring, capacity building and improvements for best practices in construction activities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that statistics provided by Atumonyogo showed that Kano had seven incidents of building collapse in 2022 while Anambra followed closely with five, and Delta and Jigawa recorded four each.

“The guild still has a lot of work to do in persuading the various governments to collaborate with it in monitoring construction activities to ensure best practices as well as enlighten the investing public on the need to engage competent hands.

“Despite all the efforts in year 2022, there were still a total of 62 collapse of buildings, either partially or fully.

“Twenty-three states had incidents of partial or full collapse of buildings, with Lagos State topping the chart with 20 incidents,” he said.

Atumonyogo thanked members of the guild for their sacrifices, and urged the new president and executive council to put in their best.

The guest speaker, Prof. Mike Adebamowo, called for deployment of technology for monitoring of construction sites to tame quackery and other root causes of building collapse.

The guest speaker, who is an architect, said that most buildings that  collapsed in recent years, including the 21-storey  building that collapsed in Ikoyi, Lagos State, on Nov. 2021,  did not have experts on site.

The guest speaker,  who is the Executive Director of University of Lagos Business School, spoke on the theme: “Investigating the Political, Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Building Collapse in Nigeria: The Sustainable Pathways for Eradication’’.

He called for restoration of traditional role of architects as the prime consultants, who should work in synergy with the other built environment experts for quality assurance.

According to him,   if anything is wrong at the design stage of any project, everything built will be on a faulty foundation and can  collapse.

He said that tackling collapse of buildings would require commitment from building  experts, governments, communities and individuals.

“If we don’t go back to basics, we will not be able to address the root cause of the problem,” he said.

He expressed dissatisfaction that made-made factors were responsible for  nearly all the collapse of buildings that occurred in Nigeria.

He said that greed and corruption among property owners, building professionals, artisans and governments must be dealt with in Nigeria for sanity to be sustained  in the construction industry.

“Punishment that should serve as deterrent should be meted out to any professionals or property owners who contravene building control regulations or engage in unethical practices that can lead to building collapse,” he said.

He listed heavy fines, forfeiture of professional licence, forfeiture of property and jail terms among the punishments.

He urged governments to adequately fund its regulatory agencies and build its staff’s capacities.

He urged the regulators to enforce building codes and implement strategies for stemming  collapse of buildings.

He also urged relevant agencies to continuously audit buildings and bridges to detect distress early and avert collapse.

The newly-elected President of the guild, Mr Sulaiman Yusuf,  praised his predecessor for  foresight and good leadership.

Yusuf, a town planner, promised that his administration would uphold professionalism and quality assurance.

“During our time (2023 – 2024), we will focus more on the prevention of building and infrastructure collapse” rather than pursuing collapsed buildings in our society,’’ he said.

Yusuf said that his administration would do much to boost quality infrastructure delivery across the nation.

He thanked the guild’s affiliates for their support.

Mr Mubarak Gbajabiamila, the General Secretary of the outgoing administration in the Lagos Chapter of BCPG, gave a report of activities of the  administration.

NAN reports that BCPG is made up of  the seven built environment professionals which are estate surveyors and valuers, architects, town planners, builders, quantity surveyors, engineers and surveyors. (NAN)

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the leader of Afenifere, Yoruba socio-cultural group, has appealed to Nigerians to vote for the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, in Saturday’s presidential election.

Adebanjo made the appeal when he hosted the leadership of the Atunluse Initiatives, a socio-cultural and political group, on Tuesday in Lagos

The Afenifere leader said the country is at a difficult period needed someone like Obi to rescue the current situation.

He said it was the responsibility of every Nigerian to fight for its freedom.

“We don’t have money to fight them, but we must do everything legitimately to free ourselves.

“Because we agreed that we will be sharing the elective position between the North and the South, South-West had their share under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, it went back to the North under Umaru Yar’Adua.

“Goodluck Jonathan also did his own from South South and it went back to North, now coming back to South, it should be given to the South-East in the name of equity, justice and fairness,” he said.

According to him, it is the turn of the South-East to produce the next president of the country.

Also speaking, Mr Akinsola Akinbobola, Chairman of the Atunluse Initiatives, thanked the nonagenarian for his efforts at uniting Nigeria.

Akinbobola and few leaders of Atunluse later had a closed door meeting with Pa Adebanjo and other Afenifere leaders.

The Coordinator of the Atunluse Initiatives, Mr Olaseni Shalom, said the organisation would make their choice of presidential candidate known after its meeting with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) delegation on Wednesday in Akure.

Olaseni reiterated that Atunluse would remain resolute with the masses and for the advancement of good governance and better life for Nigerians.

“We can only support a political party that shared same ideology with our organisation for the advancement of good governance and better life with majority of the citizens living in comfort,” he said.

Samson Adesina, Spokesperson of the organisation, said Atunluse would make pronouncement to Nigerians which presidential candidate they would vote for when they conclude consultation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Rukayat Moisemhe

A serial Entrepreneur, Seyi Tinubu, has reiterated his commitments to driving entrepreneurship and human capital development across the country.

Tinubu, also a son of Sen. Bola Tinubu, Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the assertions at a popular reality TV show tagged: #TryMyJob with Olah on Tuesday in Lagos.

Tinubu said that his passion for entrepreneurship, human capital development and skills acquisition was his driving force to youths empowerment and employment generation.

He said that the show created by Olawunmi Akalusi had featured several celebrities, pointing out that by his appearance he has learnt the rudiments of tailoring and fashion business from Miss Chinedu Ahanonu.

Tinubu, also the Chief Executive Officer, LOATSAD Promomedia, said that entrepreneurship was key to growing the nation’s economy.

He urged Nigerian youths to appreciate the diversity of crafts, which according to him, contributes to solving the unemployment challenges in the country.

“I commend my teacher today, Miss Chinedu Ahanonu, who left her day job, to train other women in the tailoring business.

“Chinedu has trained over 500 women in the trade and her tenacity, patience and positive impact of her craft to the society deserves recommendation.

“Apart from my passion for entrepreneurship, human capital development and skill acquisitions, I also enjoy my journey as a philanthropist.

“Some of my projects and that of my organisation include the renovation of the seafood market in Victoria Island, Lagos, Noella Foundation project, which caters for the underprivileged in the society.

“It has provided various forms of supports for them over the years, impacting the lives of thousands of people across Nigeria.

“All these, by and large, impact the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) space, encourage entrepreneurship and improve the standard of living,” Tinubu said.

On “Try My Job” reality TV show, Akalusi said that the show aims to solve social justice issues, especially in the areas of unemployment in Nigeria and Africa through entertainment.

She added that the show provided entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their products and services.

“Influential people are made to swap jobs with blue-collar workers for a day and given the opportunity to share their experiences and give back to the society.

“The show was launched in 2012 and has since featured famous people across all works of life and currently airs on OlahTv on YouTube,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olagoke Olatoye

By Lucy Ogalue

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) will collaborate with partners in the aviation industry to explore all options to enhance the sustainability of the continent’s aviation industry.

Acting Executive Secretary of the ECA, Antonio Pedro, in a statement issued on ECA’s website, said this while speaking on the Sustainable Development of Air Transport in Africa.

Pedro spoke at a high-level side event on the margins of the 36th Ordinary Summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa.

According to him, for the air transport industry in Africa to recover from its various shocks and remain sustainable, partnership will be key.

The executive secretary said this partnership could be in the form of interlining, which allowed a passenger to travel on an itinerary involving multiple airlines using one travel document.

He said, “it can be in the form of code sharing, which allows an airline to market the seats flown on aircraft operated by a partner airline under its code.

“It can be by alliance membership; which may include code sharing, shared use of airport facilities and staff; Franchise, subsidiary, or joint ventures, which involves shared ownership.”

Pedro highlighted the various options which he said were vital in achieving sustainability in Africa’s air transport.

According to him, harnessing African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and access to finance is critical for the recovery and sustainability of the industry.

“We strongly believe that AfCFTA will provide the impetus for growth in the industry.

“The disproportionately low financial support to African airlines suggests their recovery process is more difficult, and they cannot compete favourably with airlines from other regions.

“African airlines need to consider other financing options for their survival and growth.

“That is why the interest of the African Development Bank, Afreximbank and African Finance Corporation to develop platforms to foster leasing opportunities for African carriers is welcome,” Pedro said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Grace Yussuf