NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG pledges employment for all community health officers nationwide

FG pledges employment for all community health officers nationwide

301 total views today

By Abujah Racheal

The Federal Government has pledged that no certified Community Health Officer (CHO) will remain unemployed, reaffirming its commitment to addressing the health disparities between urban and rural Nigeria.

The Coordinating Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, made the announcement on Tuesday during the 5th Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony for new CHOs in Abuja.

Salako acknowledged the progress made in Nigeria’s healthcare system but noted that challenges such as workforce shortages, infrastructure gaps, and the uneven distribution of healthcare resources continued to impede advancement.

He, however, said that these issues were most acute in rural areas, where more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population resided.

“You are not just healthcare providers; you are the bridge between government policies and the realities of grassroots health,” he told the new inductees.

The minister highlighted their crucial role as the first line of defence in these communities, particularly in promoting preventive care and health education.

Salako also reiterated the government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which it viewed as a fundamental right for every Nigerian.

He said President Bola Tinubu-led federal government was actively implementing policies to achieve UHC, including the revitalisation of 10,000 Primary Healthcare Centers nationwide.

“The government’s policy is clear: no CHO should be unemployed,” Salako affirmed.

“We are dedicated to deploying and empowering community health workers to address healthcare needs, especially in underserved regions.”

He further discussed the National Health Insurance Authority, which aims to enrol 50 million Nigerians by 2027, stressing that CHOs would play a pivotal role in this initiative through grassroots mobilisation.

In addition to deployment efforts, the minister emphasised ongoing support for the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria, ensuring rigorous standards and continuous professional development for CHOs.

Salako urged the inductees to view their certification as a “national calling” and to serve with integrity, compassion, and innovation.

He also called on Nigerians to prioritise preventive healthcare and support the work of community health practitioners in their local communities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng) 

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Expert advocates energy, agricultural infrastructure financing for economic devt.

Expert advocates energy, agricultural infrastructure financing for economic devt.

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By Emmanuel Afonne

An economic expert, Dr Onuoha Nnachi, has advocated a robust energy and agricultural infrastructure financing to position Nigeria on the path of economic development.

Nnachi made the call on Monday in Abuja during a news conference to awaken the consciousness of individuals and the government to invest in agricultural and energy infrastructure for economic development.

This, he said, would be tailored in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, achieving sustainable energy and agricultural infrastructure development requires investment.

Nnachi, who is the Managing Partner of Deutsch Partners Holding, said there was the need to invest heavily in agriculture which had become the source of economic development of many western countries.

“Ukraine is known for wheat production, and their war with Russia has affected supply of that all over the world.

“We live in a time of unprecedented opportunity and challenge. The global demand for energy is rising, yet we must meet it in ways that preserve our environment for future generations.

”At the same time, agriculture, which is essentially the backbone of economies worldwide, faces pressures from climate change, population growth, and then, the need for greater efficiency.

“These are not separate issues; they are deeply interconnected. Sustainable energy powers modern agriculture, and thriving agriculture fuels economic stability.

“Together, they form a vital cycle that can lift societies out of poverty, create jobs, and drive innovation,” he said.

According to Nnachi, there is already a plan to stage infrastructure dialogue with focus on “Financing Sustainable Energy and Agricultural Infrastructure for Economic development”.

He said the dialogue would ensure the establishment of knowledge transfer, infrastructure entrepreneurship scheme, train the trainers scheme, sustainable structure and policy recommendations, among others.

He said speakers at the dialogue would include the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Mr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, and his counterpart at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, among others.

“Addressing Nigeria’s energy and agricultural infrastructural deficit requires bold, strategic financing that bridges the gap between ambition and action.

“I will not say open Nigerian border for continuous importation of solar-related matters.

“You begin to draw it down, but not only will you reduce the number of importation, you must also invest in growing the capacity, for the production to start.

”If you don’t invest in that production plant for it to be established locally, and the government injects capital into it in the form of grants, and takes up equity in those production plants, you have opened a floodgate for smuggling, and it will affect the economy.

“So, for it to work, there should be a gradual phase-out that should be equated to the manufacturing capacity of the nation. So, it has to be backed with data.

“We live in a time of unprecedented opportunity and challenge. The global demand for energy is rising, yet we must meet it in ways that preserve our environment for future generations.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Don tasks insurers, information officers on responsible AI use

Don tasks insurers, information officers on responsible AI use

325 total views today

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

Professor of Practice in Cybersecurity, Obadare Adewale, has called on insurers and Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to prioritise the responsible and effective implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

 

 

 

Adewale, the Chief Executive Officer of Digital Encode Ltd. made the call during the 13th Annual Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) and Chief Information Officers (CIOs) Conference in Lagos on Saturday.

 

 

 

He said this was necessary to strengthen cybersecurity measures in the insurance sector and other fields.

 

 

 

Adewale urged CIOs to actively seek after knowledge to ensure AI solutions were designed and deployed in ways that enhance customer experiences, enhance operational efficiency, and foster business growth.

 

 

 

He stressed the importance of educating themselves on innovative AI applications to tackle critical challenges such as data quality, algorithmic bias, and cybersecurity risks.

 

 

 

The professor noted that this was necessary as AI technology had continued to transform the sector.

 

 

 

“Proper use of AI can transform some CIOs to Chief Artificial Intelligence Officers. It is your duty to lead digital transformation in your various organisations,” Adewale said.

 

 

 

He cautioned against uncritical adoption of AI, advising CIOs to define their organisation’s business goals and align it with their objectives and to develop a special AI business strategy.

 

 

 

“You also must identify specific challenges or opportunities where AI will make the most impact. Engage in training, research industry trends

 

 

 

“You also need to evaluate your technological infrastructure to ensure it can support AI projects,” he added.

 

 

 

Also, Mr Ademola Adeagbo, a cloud engineer with Clousa Africa, encouraged underwriters to harness the potential of AI Copilot, a cutting-edge tool designed to enhance their work.

 

 

 

He explained that AI Copilot could streamline work processes, improve efficiency, and enable more informed decision-making in the rapidly evolving insurance landscape.

 

 

 

Adeagbo mentioned several applications of AI Copilot to include summarising online meetings, prioritising emails, analysing large datasets to identify risks, offering insights, processing settlements, and claims.

 

 

 

Others, he said, were assisting managers in evaluating new claims, developing tailored products, and generating quick responses to customers to enhance satisfaction.

 

 

 

Mr Shikoli Makatiani, Head of AI and Innovation, Turnkey Africa, provided insights to insurers and CIOs on practical methods for integrating AI into insurance workloads.

 

 

 

Mr Theodore Chukwudi, a technical consulting engineer at Cisco, addressed the importance of maintaining security in the digital age through AI-driven technology.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference, which started on Friday, April 4, is scheduled to end Sunday, April 6.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Information  minister leads Nigerian delegation to NAB conference in U.S.

Information minister leads Nigerian delegation to NAB conference in U.S.

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By Mufutau Ojo

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has led a delegation of agency heads to the 2025 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference and workshop in Las Vegas, United States.

 

The forum, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports, is to strengthen broadcast collaborations and form strategic alliances.

 

The NAB event, running from Saturday to Wednesday, has as theme: “The Technology, The Trend, The Future.”

 

NAN also reports that the forum will focus on a range of topics, including Artificial Intelligence, cloud visualisation, creator economy as well as sports production and streaming.

 

The minister, NAN reports, is being accompanied by chief executives of agencies in the ministry.

 

They include the Managing Director of NAN, Ali Muhammad Ali, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Television Authority, Salihu Dembos.

 

Others are the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu and Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria.

 

Also on the delegation is the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace.

 

NAN reports that the NAB conference attracts thousands of industry leaders from around the world

 

It offers a unique opportunity for the Nigerian delegation to explore new partnerships, engage in content-sharing initiatives and gain valuable insights into emerging trends and technological innovations.

 

These efforts are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s broadcasting sector by fostering greater collaboration, advancing training programmes and driving technological progress in the industry.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Tinubu celebrates Fashola’s wife on 60th birthday

Tinubu celebrates Fashola’s wife on 60th birthday

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu felicitates Dame Emmanuella Fashola, the former First Lady of Lagos State, on her 60th birthday on April 6.

The wife of Babatunde Fashola (SAN), former Governor of Lagos State, is renowned for her dedication and contributions as an experienced administrator in education management and as a passionate advocate for health and socio-economic issues.

President Tinubu acknowledged her impact on public awareness and sensitisation campaigns on children’s and women’s health.

Tinubu described Fashola as a steadfast pillar of support for her husband, offering tremendous help during his tenure as Lagos Governor and Minister of Works and Housing.

“Dame Fashola is devoted to her family, seeing it as a priority and a haven for growth and development.

“Her marriage, characterised by religious tolerance – she is a devout Christian and her husband a Muslim – is a powerful example of unity and understanding, crucial elements in nation-building,” said Tinubu.

The President expressed his appreciation for Fashola’s enduring contributions to the people of Lagos, specifically her leadership of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).

“Her initiatives have notably included the inauguration of recreation centres and support for the screening and treatment of women with breast and cervical cancers,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

W/Africans want indigenous language for ECOWAS, says Pan-Africanist

W/Africans want indigenous language for ECOWAS, says Pan-Africanist

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By Mark Longyen

Citizens of West African countries have called on ECOWAS to introduce an indigenous language from one of its member states as an official language, in addition to English, French, and Portuguese.

Bishir Dauda, a Pan-Africanist who is travelling across West Africa to celebrate ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from Accra, Ghana.

Dauda said that citizens of the community made the request during his interactions with them at various fora throughout his advocacy and solidarity journey.

NAN reports that ECOWAS, founded on May 28, 1975, to foster subregional economic integration and political unity, will be celebrating its 50th anniversary on May 28.

The activist had, in an interview with NAN before embarking on the marathon trip on April 1, stated that the 50-day journey was his own unique way of celebrating ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary.

“In the course of this trip, I have been interacting with many people in different West African countries, seeking their views about ECOWAS.

“One of the key takeaways from my interactive sessions is the community citizens’ clarion call on ECOWAS to make an indigenous West African language one of its official languages.

“Many people I spoke to specifically recommended the Hausa Language, which is spoken widely in West and Central Africa,” he said.

Dauda said that the citizens were aware that ECOWAS had already been transformed from a mere international organisation to an ‘ECOWAS of Peoples’, which should go beyond rhetoric.

He said that the people wanted all ECOWAS policies and programmes to be more directly derived from the people, while ECOWAS should be seen as interacting directly with the grassroots.

“This will help in countering the prevailing notion that ECOWAS is just an intergovernmental organisation representing the interests of the elites in government,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

NDDC releases N10bn to boost entrepreneurship in Niger Delta region

NDDC releases N10bn to boost entrepreneurship in Niger Delta region

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By Precious Akutamadu
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has released N10 billion to the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) to stimulate entrepreneurship and economic growth in the region.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, announced this at the inauguration of the board of NDCCITMA directors in Port Harcourt.
Ogbuku explained that the N10 billion was an initial deposit of the N30 billion promised by the commission to invest in the chamber in order to kick start the entrepreneurship development programme.
“Earlier, I did mention that the commission will be investing N30 billion in the Enterprise Development scheme to be managed by NDCCITMA to support the entrepreneurs in our region from the NANO, Micro to the small-scale level.
“I am here to reaffirm that promise, we shall make good the promise by releasing N10 billion to the NDCCITMA designated bank for immediate commencement of the entrepreneur’s development programme.
“We have approved 5,000 businesses to kick-start this initiative, and we assure you that NDDC is poised to grow the region in commerce and trade,” Ogbuku said.
He urged all contractors and vendors in NDDC to register with NDCCITMA by July 31.
Ogbuku said that the registration would be an added advantage for consideration of patronage by the commission.
In his remark, Mr Idaere Ogan, the Board Chairman of NDCCITMA, reaffirmed the chamber’s readiness to work with NDDC to achieve its vision of transforming the Niger Delta region.
Ogan stated that NDCCITMA aimed at facilitating job creation, skills development, innovation, export growth, and productive partnerships across all tiers of the economy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka
Pension advocacy group backs FG’s N758bn bond initiative

Pension advocacy group backs FG’s N758bn bond initiative

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By Taiye Olayemi

The Centre for Pension Rights Advocacy has commended the Federal Government’s planned N758 billion bond to close the pension funding gap in the country.

It described the move as a step toward long-term sector stability and a means to address long-standing pension issues affecting federal civil servants.

The Executive Director of the Centre, Mr Ivor Takor, said the success of the initiative hinged on PenCom taking proactive measures to implement all aspects of the Pension Protection Fund.

According to him, it includes the enforcement of the annual protection levy on pension operators.

He said, “The introduction of the Federal Government Pension Bond is a significant step toward addressing the persistent pension funding issues that have plagued retired federal public servants.

“However, for this initiative to succeed, PenCom must take proactive measures to implement all aspects of the Pension Protection Fund, including the enforcement of the annual protection levy on pension operators.

“Transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to the Pension Reform Act will be key to restoring confidence in Nigeria’s pension system.

“To ensure the successful implementation of the pension bond initiative, PenCom must determine the Annual Protection Levy as required by Section 82(2)(b) of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014.

“PenCom must establish and publicly communicate the annual protection levy rate for both the commission and all licensed pension operators for the period covered by the Federal Government bond.”

Takor advised PenCom to ensure proper utilisation of the Pension Protection Fund, adding that the fund must be directed toward its intended purposes.

He said such purposes include: funding the Minimum Pension Guarantee, compensating eligible pensioners for shortfalls or financial losses from investment activities, and providing additional protections as necessary.

He also advised the government to consider enhancing transparency and public awareness, as they fully inform pensioners and contributors about the implementation process of the pension bond and its impact on their benefits.

He said that the absence of a properly funded Pension Protection Fund had been a major reason PenCom had not been able to introduce a Minimum Pension Guarantee.

“Section 82(2) of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014 outlines the sources of funding for this crucial fund, which includes an annual subvention of one per cent of the total monthly wage bill payable to employees in the public service of the federation.

“Also, an annual protection levy paid by PenCom and all licensed pension operators, and income from the investment of the Pension Protection Fund.

“With the N107 billion proposed in the FG Pension Bond allocated to cover the one per cent wage bill subvention, it is now imperative for PenCom to act on the second funding source,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

How Africa can attain its rightful position globally -Afe Babalola

How Africa can attain its rightful position globally -Afe Babalola

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By Idowu Ariwodola

Elder statesman, Afe Babalola, on Friday said academic collaboration among African institutions will make the continent attain its rightful position globally.

 

Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ado-Ekiti

 

He spoke on the sidelines of his hosting of a 16-man delegation from Durban University of Technology (DUT) in  South Africa.

 

The delegation was at Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) to convey to him the award of an honorary degree by DUT.

 

Babalola used the occasion to commend the teaching staff of ABUAD for producing students who he said were well bred for the growth and development of Nigeria.

 

“I still believe that we can achieve our rightful place in the world through education.

 

“That is why we are working together with DUT to make it possible to achieve our goals.

 

“If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together.

 

” We must go together to overtake other countries in everything.

 

“I am happy that ABUAD is topping in world ranking in one or two areas.

 

” Together in the next few years, we will lead the world by being the number one university.

 

“I thank my teachers who have been working tirelessly in pursuit of our goals.

 

” I am happy that our students are being bred in a way to become future leaders of the country,” he said.

 

Also speaking at the occasion, Gov. Biodun Oyebanji commended the contributions of Babalola to the development and progress of the state.

 

Oyebanji, represented by the Head of Service in the state, Dr Folake Olomojobi, said the  public service was ready to partner with the institution’s Research Department in driving development in the country.

 

NAN reports that the delegation from DUT also visited the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe.

 

Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, Acting Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD,  had formally welcomed  the DUT team and introduced members to the First Class traditional ruler.

 

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr Lavern Samuels  presented the team to the traditional ruler.

 

He said that the team was in the country to establish key partnerships, promote academic programmes and highlight research and postgraduate opportunities.

 

In his address, Adejugbe reflected on the enduring legacies of South African icons, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, acknowledging their contributions to humanity.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

AI integration essential for preventing national grid collapse – TCN GM

AI integration essential for preventing national grid collapse – TCN GM

394 total views today

By Aderemi Bamgbose

Mr Mojeed Akintola-Akinbiyi, General Manager of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Lagos Branch, says leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) will enhance the company’s operational efficiency.

Akintola-Akinbiyi said this at the 2nd graduate induction for the 2023/2024 set of the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SEET), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa.

The induction featured a lecture entitled: “Nigeria’s Incessant Power System Collapse – Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Evaluation and Early Detection of Contributive Power Voltage Collapse.

The ceremony was organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Akure Branch.

Speaking at the event on Friday, Akintola-Akinbiyi underscored the overall advantages of the adoption of AI in the transmission company.

Akintola-Akinbiyi said the adoption of the use of AI could improve monitoring, fault detection, and assessment while preventing the frequent collapse of Nigeria’s national grid.

Akintola-Akinbiyi emphasised the importance of AI integration into the national grid to enhance performance and mitigate recurrent grid failures.

While acknowledging the substantial initial investment required, he highlighted the long-term cost-effectiveness and efficiency benefits.

According to him, grid collapse can result from several factors, including, abrupt fluctuations in grid frequency and voltage, and human errors.

He added that sabotage of critical power infrastructure, outdated equipment, and insufficient power generation due to inadequate gas supply, could also bring about grip collapse.

“In today’s global landscape, AI plays a pivotal role, prompting organisations and entire nations to formulate policies and strategies for seamless AI integration. Nigeria must not lag behind,” he said.

He also underscored the need for effective collaboration between engineers and AI experts to improve power reliability across the country.

Earlier in his address, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, Vice-Chancellor of OAUSTECH, congratulated the inductees on their achievements.

He urged them to uphold engineering ethics and prioritise professionalism over material gains for the benefit of both their careers and national development.

Similarly, Mr Oluwaseun Adeyeye, Chairman of NSE, Akure Branch, encouraged the graduates to continuously seek knowledge, uphold engineering standards, and embrace innovation to tackle real-world challenges.

Prof. Titus Ajewole, Dean of SEET, advised the inductees to explore emerging technologies and leverage their potential to shape a better future for the engineering field.

“Nigeria must reclaim its esteemed position among nations.

“I implore each of you to add value to the engineering profession and inspire future generations. We eagerly anticipate your achievements,” Ajewole said.

The event concluded with awards presented to top graduates for the 2023/2024 academic session in various engineering disciplines.

Mr Stephen Emeomi-Magi, Civil Engineering, Mr Stephen Ekeh-Chikwudalo and Mr Lasisi Ridwan-Akolade, Mechanical Engineering. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Kevin Okunzuwa

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