September 17, 2024

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

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Breaking News

1 FG reaffirms commitment to consumer empowerment through standardisation

2 Firm calls for inclusion of GIS in primary, secondary school curricula

3 India trains more than 27,500 Nigerians in 45 years – Envoy

4 Young innovators advocate digital revenue systems

5 National Identity Day: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to digital infrastructure

Life Style

Creatives, civil societies join forces to advance democracy in West Africa

By Oluwatope Lawanson
The West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), an independent civil society-led transnational democracy solidarity network, has urged  collaboration between Civil Societies and Creatives to drive social change in the region.

Dr Kojo Asante of WADEMOS made the call at the launch of ‘DemoCreatives’, in collaboration with Yiaga Africa, Centre for Democracy Development-Ghana (CDD- Ghana), Africtivistes and AWO Hub, held at Victoria Island in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘DemoCreatives’ is an innovative initiative to collaborate with creatives to promote democracy.

NAN also reports that WADEMOS mobilises, coordinates, and leverages the collective power of civil society and other pro-democracy actors, resources, and opportunities within the West African region to advance, defend, and reinvigorate democracy.

They also promote democratic norms and reforms in the sub-region.

Asante, who is also a Senior Research Officer at CDD-Ghana, emphasised the need for civil societies and creatives to join forces to bring about social change in West Africa.

According to him, the region is in dire need of a new narrative, as many citizens feel disillusioned and hopeless.

He believed that creatives have a crucial role to play in inspiring change but noted that many had shifted their focus from activism to business in recent years.

To bridge the gap between civil societies and creatives, Asante suggested leveraging artist expressions to confront social challenges.

He cited the popularity of afro-pop music in Nigeria as an example, noting that musicians have the influence to shape people’s thinking and encourage them to take action.

Asante, therefore, urged civil societies and creatives to work together to keep the civil space open and encourage people to speak out against oppression.

Obianuju Udeh, a renowned Nigerian Disc Jockey, popularly known as DJ Switch, in her virtual keynote address,  urged civil societies and creatives to come together, re-strategise, and make a meaningful impact.

According to her, it is imperative that both parties join forces in the fight for democracy and human rights.

She emphasised the power of art in reflecting society’s trials, struggles, and dreams, and its ability to nurture critical thinking and empathy.

DJ Switch highlighted the historical impact of art on social movements, citing examples such as the late king of Afro beat, Fela Anikulapo’s music and the role of literature in exposing injustice.

She encouraged civil societies to reimagine their funding strategies and collaborate with creatives to amplify their message and reach a wider audience.

“There is need for unity and strategic alliance between civil societies and creatives to combat the enemies of democracy and human rights.

“We need to spend money to get the big guns to be involved. Art is not a luxury, it is a necessity for a dying democracy,
” she said.

Also, Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa, said that democratic practices, not just labels, remained essential for a functioning democracy.

According to her, Democreatives, is a movement that leverages art and creativity to promote democracy and good governance in West Africa.

“Expression, a fundamental human right, is crucial for democracy, and this partnership seeks to protect and promote free expression and press freedom.

“By working together, we hope to inspire hope and democracy in neighboring countries, leading to economic empowerment, inclusive growth, and development.

“With WADEMOS leading the charge, this collaboration brings together artists, musicians, creatives, and civil society partners to advance democratic development in Africa,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vivian Ihechu

Fuel queue in Abuja
Life Style

Fuel scarcity bites harder in FCT as fuel stations increase pump price

By Emmanuella Anokam

Filling stations in Abuja and its environs have unofficially increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) known as fuel as scarcity of the product bites harder.

A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday reports that the fuel stations that had products were selling between N850 and N1,000 per litre, while the black marketers are selling at N1,300 and N1,400 per litre.

NAN reports that in spite of the adjustment, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) maintained its price of N617.

The development has caused long queues at NNPC Ltd. retail outlets at Zone 1, Mega station near Church Gate, Jahi and others along Kubwa express.

It would be recalled that long queues surfaced in the FCT following low distribution of fuel to different stations due to logistics.

NNPC Ltd. had said in a statement on Thursday that the cause of the scarcity, which they described as “tightness in fuel supply”, had been resolved.

However, along Karshi-Jukwoyi road, Fuel Smart, Mobil, NIPCO and many other independent marketers are selling the product in their fuelling stations between N850 and N1,000.

Conoil and TotalEnergies opposite NNPC Ltd. Towers sell at N660 but with long queues.

At Kubwa, majority of the fuelling stations are closed because of lack of the product.

Eterna and Ammasco at the Kubwa second gate, along the Kubwa-Zuba expressway are yet to be supplied with the product.

Only NIPCO fuelling station opposite the Eterna station has fuel but with long queue. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Lai Mohammed
Life Style

Lai Mohammed urges African writers to explore indigenous languages 

By Rotimi Ijikanmi
The immediate past Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has called on African writers to embrace the continent’s rich indigenous languages in their works.
The former minister made the call on Friday at the World Organisation of Writers Congress, held in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mohammed chaired one of the sessions at the congress with the theme, “Africa Meets the Writers of the World”.
Mohammed, the Managing Partner of Bruit Costard, a lobbyist and public relations firm, said in a global landscape dominated by dominant languages, the voices of indigenous communities should be heard and their stories told.
“As writers, you have a unique opportunity and responsibility to amplify these voices, to breathe life into languages that are at risk of fading into obscurity.
“Our pens, our keyboards are not just tools of expression; they are instruments of preservation and empowerment.
“When we write in indigenous languages, we are not just creating literature; we are reclaiming history, honouring tradition, and empowering communities.
“We are also giving voice to those who have been silenced,” he said.
Mohammed noted that from available statistics, about 90 per cent  of those who won the coveted Nobel Prize in Literature, especially from the non-English-speaking countries, wrote their books in indigenous languages.
He said the statistics underscored the richness and depth of indigenous languages in shaping global literary landscapes.
“It highlights the importance of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity, as well as the invaluable contributions of indigenous writers to the world of literature.
“Let us seize this opportunity to amplify diverse voices, challenge prevailing narratives, and champion the transformative power of literature to shape hearts and minds,” he said.
While commending the organiser of the event, Mohammed said the panel session provided a unique platform for writers from Africa and beyond to converge, collaborate, and celebrate the power of words to transcend borders and unite humanity.
He also seized the opportunity to commend some notable literary giants for putting Nigeria on the global map of literature.
Specifically, the former minister commended Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; Chinua Achebe; Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; Buchi Emecheta; Ben Okri; Abubakar Gimba, among others for their contributions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Folasade Adeniran
Life Style

Feb. 29: We are special breed, say celebrants

 

 

By Josephine Obute

A leap year occurs once every four years to account for the extra time it takes for the Earth to complete its orbit around the Sun.

This adjustment is necessary to keep the calendar year synchronised with the astronomical year.

Individuals born on Feb. 29, also known as leap day, have a unique birthday that only comes around every four years.

They often refer to themselves as ‘special breeds’ or ‘special beings’ due to the rarity of their birthdate.

Some of these celebrants express joy and gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate their birthdays in a way that sets them apart from others.

For those born on Feb. 29, celebrating birthdays can be a mixture of joy and occasional challenges.

While some see their unique birthdate as a blessing, others see it as awkward when comparing their birthday celebrations to those who have annual birthdays.

Some Lagos residents, born Feb. 29, expressed their views about the day in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.

15-year-old Damilare Ijiwade, born Feb.29, 2009, described the day as “unique”.

Ijiwade Damilare , February 29 celebrant

 

“For this rare and special opportunity, my daddy has planned a little get-together for me with my friends because of the uniqueness of the celebration.

“I give thanks to God for the benefit of seeing another birthday after four years.

“I feel great because my birthday is a very peculiar one that is being celebrated every four years. There is no need for me to be worried about it. I only put my mind on the fourth year,” Ijiwade said.

According to Shadrach Akowonjo, a 24 -year-old Civil Engineer, born Feb. 29, 2000, he feels awkward when others talk about celebrating their birthdays every year.

Shedrack Akowonjo, February 29 celebrant

“Though it’s not funny at all but all the same, I thank God, I will be visiting the orphanage.

“When others talk about birthday other years, I feel awkward but who am I to question God, that’s our faith, we accept it, ” he said.

For Favour Thompson, a student born Feb. 29, 2008, described Feb.29 as a day for ‘mysterious and special beings’.

Favour Thompson, February 29 celebrant

“I feel and believe being born on such a date is a misery, I am glad and honoured having to celebrate this year.

“Though people always mocked me every year, but it’s our turn to demonstrate God’s grace in our lives,” he said.

Meanwhile, a priest, Rev. Father Clement Odiah, of the Seat of Wisdom Catholic College, Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State, said individuals born Feb.29 are called ‘leapling babies’.

“They didn’t choose to be born on that date, however, they found themselves to be born on such day.

“There are so many things in life that we just have to find a way round it, we can’t deny or push them away. It’s not that they sinned or did anything wrong.

“Having birthdays annually is an opportunity to thank God to celebrate birthday every year, some don’t have such an opportunity.

“Some break relationships or cause animosity for their birthdays not been celebrated. Tell them to calm down, if they have nothing to celebrate this year, another year will come. After all, some celebrate just once in four years, yet heaven hasn’t fallen,” he said.

 

Another Catholic Cleric, of Saints Gregory Major Seminary, Ogun, Rev. Fr. Paul Amenaghawon, said that those born Feb. 29 had the liberty to celebrate on other closer days.

“As long as those born on Feb. 29 increase in age every year, they can celebrate on either Feb. 28 or March 1, as they choose.

“What matters is that they remember they are increasing in age every year, regardless of having Feb. 29 or not,” he said.

 

Also speaking, Rev. Fr. Anthony Afariogun, Chaplain, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Chaplaincy, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo State, said celebrating once in four years is ‘divine’.

“Celebrating birthday once in four years is divine. They have opportunity of saving money for the next four years and prepare very well. It gives them also opportunity to reflect on their lives and see how to serve God better.

“Birthday is not a compulsory celebration, it’s a time of gratitude and appreciation. Time to look back and see what God has done in the past, present and future,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Life Style

Local, international fashion entrepreneurs exchange ideas at GTCO Fashion Weekend

 

By Taiye Olayemi
 The 6th edition of the Guaranty Trust Holding Company Fashion Weekend began in Lagos as local and international fashion entrepreneurs as well as enthusiasts turned up to exchange ideas in the global fashion world.
The programme aims to educate Nigerian fashion entrepreneurs on current fashion trend with series of fashion masterclasses.
American fashion designer, Sergio Hudson, who spoke on “Unveiling The Path To Fulfilling Dreams”, said fashion enthusiasts must deliberately create love for the industry to be able to thrive well in it.
Hudson said: “The fashion business is structured around designers, if you do not have a fashion designer, you won’t have fashion magazines and need for stylers.
“And like I always say, you need to have love for this business in order to work in it”.
Also, Beauty Editor and Writer, Julee Wilson, spoke on the topic: Black is Beyond Beautiful”.
Wilson lauded the beauty in being black, the different fashion content emanating from Africa and how improvements could come to play.
Jawara Wauchope, an international hairstylist, speaking on the topic, “Hair Sculpting”, during the third masterclass gave vivid explanation of making contemporary hair styles for events.
Earlier, Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company, said the fashion weekend had become a hallmark event in both the local and global fashion calendar.
He said the current edition promises  to offer valuable opportunity for hundreds of local fashion enterprises to tap into new markets, and position themselves for sustained growth.
He noted that the fashion weekend would feature series of masterclasses led by esteemed experts from the fashion industry like:  Torlowei, Duaba Serwa, Bruce and Glen, Sukeina, Theophilio, Loza Maléombho and many others.
He encouraged Nigerians to visit the venue for the fashion weekend at Water Cooperation Drive, Oniru, Lagos .
“These masterclasses, made for entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts, will provide valuable insights into building and sustaining fashion brands in the present and future.
“The event will also maintain the highly anticipated runway show, showcasing a curated collection of bold and captivating fashion statements by Africa’s finest alongside global brands,” he said.
Some of the exhibitors at the venue expressed optimism to make huge sales. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
Life Style

Piracy: Copyrights Commission signs MoU with publishers, booksellers

By Idris Olukoya

The Nigerian Copyrights Commission (NCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) and Booksellers Association of Nigeria in Lagos to curb piracy.

The MoU was signed by the Director-General of NCC, Dr John Asein; President of NPA, Dr Cyril Anioke and President of Booksellers Association of Nigeria, Mr Dare Oluwatoye, on Thursday in Lagos.

Addressing the gathering, Asein said that the MoU would help to strengthen the relationship between the commission and the associations.

He added that the MoU would regulate the activities of the associations, foster collaborations among stakeholders and collectively fight piracy.

“The commission will also use this alliance to fight piracy of intellectual works.

“There is no hidden place for piracy any longer in the industry, the commission will ensure it gets rid of piracy in the society.

“The commission will continue to do its best to sanitise the industry and make it a profitable sector for relevant stakeholders,” he said.

Asein noted that the parties had agreed to work together to fight piracy in Lagos state and across the country.

He said that the parties would work closely with other relevant stakeholders in providing relevant information about their books and the distribution of those books in an acceptable manner.

He said that the NCC would not entertain factionalisation in the industry.

“All stakeholders must operate under one umbrella in order to collectively fight piracy and to weed out saboteurs in the industry,” he said.

Also speaking, Anioke said the MoU would help to mitigate the activities of piracy across the country.

“We are investing our intellectual properties into the sector, we need to reap from our investment.

“The policy of the government should caption, protect and secure the interest of the publishers for the progress of the book industry, which the NCC is doing greatly in that aspect,” he said.

Anioke urged investors and relevant stakeholders in the creative industry to play by the rules.

“Do the right thing, play by the rules of the association and invest reasonably in order to reap significantly from your investment,” he said.

Also, Oluwatoye, President, Booksellers Association of Nigeria, said that the MoU would help to sanitise the industry.

He applauded government for the development  achieved in the industry.

Oluwatoye said that the present NCC had changed the narrative compared with what was obtainable in the past.

He noted that the present regime is doing so much in the fight against piracy.

“NCC has been proactive in addressing stakeholders challenges in the industry.

“They have been assertive in enforcing the law and very active and effective in their operations,” he added.

Earlier, Mr Lanre Adesuyi,  the Group Managing Director, Havilah Group, commended the efforts of the NCC in the fight against piracy, advocacy and campaign across the country.

“I believe the books industry have a future now, where the relevant stakeholders can now enjoy the dividends of their hard work.

“With this giant feat of NCC in sanitising the industry, authors will be motivated to write more, dish out knowledge for public consumption and publishers and book sellers will have work to do.

“I am happy that government is taking the book industry seriously now and with that the society will be more informed with necessary knowledge when authors are producing more books,” he said.(NAN).(www.nannews.ng).

 

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Life Style , Politics

Senate to amend laws infringing on women’s rights

By Kingsley Okoye

The Senate has resolved to expunge provisions of the law as contained in the Police Act, Federal Character Law, Electoral Act, Labour Act, Political Parties Constitutions, that infringe on the rights of women in Nigeria.

Senate’s resolution was hinged on the adoption of a motion on the 2021 International Women’s Day with the theme: “Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-l9 world #Choose To Challenge”.

The motion was sponsored by Sen. Betty Apiafi (PDP-Rivers) and co-sponsored by seven other Senators.

Apiafi rising under Order 42 and 52 of the Senate Standing Rules, said the International Women’s Day celebrated on the March 8 ,was a day set aside globally to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

“It is also a day to aspire and inspire people to act in the ongoing effort for gender equality.

“The day seeks to celebrate women’s contributions to the society and raise awareness about the fight for gender parity,”she said.

According to her, gender parity is a statistical measure that compares women and men through their income, education, and work hours among other points.

“It is also an important tool for policymakers striving towards gender equality.

“It is important to note that the global celebration of International Women’s Day is a time for reflection of how far women have come, advocacy for what is still needed, and action to continue breaking down barriers limiting gender equality.

“Aware that the International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women and their achievements.

“It is also a day that seeks to raise awareness of issues affecting women around the world, highlighting initiatives and campaigns focused on improving women’s lives and increasing gender parity (equality between men and women),”she said.

Contributing, Sen. Stella Oduah (PDP- Anambra) called for the mainstreaming of women affairs in national planning.

She added that in prioritising the empowerment of the Nigerian woman, it was important to create an enabling environment where women can thrive to show their innate skills and talent.

Sen.Oluremi Tinubu (APC-Lagos) while celebrating accomplished women such as the Vice President of U.S., Karmala Harris, and Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala the first female Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, decried lack of opportunity for the womenfolk in Africa.

Sen. Laura Ladi (APC- Plateau) said women continued to play critical role in the pandemic world, adding that,they bear more burden in the home and public.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, in his remark said that the provision of equal opportunities for women would on the long run be in the interest of Nigeria as a nation.

“I believe we are together in this with our women. It is in the interest of our nation that we work together to give our women proper opportunities for them to excel.

“And we must congratulate those who have achieved so much in public lap here as well as in business.

“We congratulate Nigerian women, we congratulate the entire nation, and we believe that we have to do more to give our women more opportunities to serve,” Lawan said. (NAN)

Life Style

Social, financial pressures, biggest concerns for Nigerian parents- Nestlé Parenting Index 2021

By Augusta Uchediunor

Social and Financial Pressures have been identified as the biggest concerns for Nigerian parents,  the Nestlé Parenting Index 2021 says.

The Nestlé Parenting Index 2021 is the outcome of a first-of-its-kind study into global parenting experiences.

Commissioned by Nestlé as part of its ongoing commitment to support families in the first 1,000 days of life, Nestlé Parenting Index is a unique new way of benchmarking and understanding the experiences of parents across the world today.

It reflects the views of over 8,000 moms and dads of babies aged 0-12 months in 16 countries.

In Nigeria, which is in the 12th position out of the 16 countries surveyed, pressure is a significant concern for parents.

The countries include Nigeria, U.S., U,K.  Mexico, Chile, Brazil,  Spain , Sweden, Germany, Poland, Romania, Israel, Saudi Arabia, India, China and Philippines.

About 70 per cent of them acknowledge high levels of social pressure, unsolicited advice and judgement from others often leading to feelings of stress, anxiety, shame and even guilt.

“On the other hand, Nigerian parents feel well equipped to make informed parental choices, reporting that their preferred sources of parental advice come from family members and health care professionals.

“The Nestlé Parenting Index identified eight universal factors that impact parenting across the world including pressure (internal and external), financial resilience, support for working life, easy baby, health and well-being resources, supportive environment, shared parenting, and parenting confidence.

“The most significant of these factors is pressure, something parents have little control over, but which has the biggest impact on parents around the world, contributing 23 per cent of the overall Parenting Index score.’’

The Parenting Index 2021 reveals that Nigeria ranks lowest on financial resilience with 68 per cent of Nigerian respondents admitting that raising a child has a strong impact on the family finances, especially with childbearing and health care related costs.

On supportive environment  and shared parenting, the  report shows that no fewer than 50 per cent of Nigerian parents agree that parenting responsibilities are equally shared in their households.

“This reflects the African culture which traditionally assigns the role of the provider to the men and primary care giver to women.

“Shared parenting is very topical today with calls for new dads to move beyond stereotypes of the past to become more equal partners in parenting. Nigeria is not left out of this conversation especially online,’’ it says.

However, the study notes that while the level of difficulty varies by country, there is no perfect place to raise a family as in every country surveyed, parents feel some form of internal and external pressure.

“This can materialise as judgement from other, including via social media, the unexpected realities of parenting, guilt caused by self-criticism and feelings of loneliness despite living in a hyper-connected world.  ‘’

“Even in Sweden, which ranks highest with an Index score of 75 over 100, parents face challenges, with a lack of parenting confidence being their biggest concern’’.

Going forward, Nestlé Parenting Index, https://www.theparentingindex.com/, is a call for all stakeholders to play their part to support parents in today’s context where the pressures and needs have evolved with the changing workforce and increasing financial pressures.

Thierry Philardeau, Senior Vice President, Head of Nestlé Nutrition Strategic Business Unit, Nestlé SA., said: “At Nestlé, we are always challenging ourselves to better understand the complexities of the parenting journey.

“We believe that finding solutions to the universal pressures faced by parents today will help them feel better supported in the decisions they make during the first crucial 1,000 days of a child’s life.

“Through Nestlé Parenting index, we can create a roadmap for change and for the first time measure it, today and in the years to come.

“But we cannot create measurable change alone.

“We are calling on those who share in our vision to join us in making this world an easier place to be a parent and raise healthier, happier future generations,” he says. (NAN)

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