NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Metro

Yuletide: More than 340,000 passengers to enjoy free train rides – NRC

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By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) said on Friday that free train rides were open to no fewer than 340,000 passengers across the country from Dec. 20, 2024 to Jan. 5, 2025.

NRC acting Managing Director, Mr Ben Iloanuse, made this known while addressing newsmen after a train started the operation, carrying passengers from the Kubwa Railway Station to Kaduna.

He said that no fewer than 20,000 passengers would be conveyed daily from their stations to various destinations.

“So, we have an average of 20,000 passengers every day that will ride the train free of charge. Approximately, we are going to carry about 340,000 passengers over the period.

“As we commence today, we are expecting this to last until early January. So, today, on average, we have done 20,000 across some routes where the free train is happening.

“The routes are Abuja-Kaduna route, Lagos-Ibadan route, Port Harcourt- Abia route, Lagos Mass Transit route and Wari-Itakpe route.

“This morning, everything went seamlessly,” he said.

Iloanuse said that passengers with tickets boarded the trains and those without tickets were profiled.

He urged passengers to use the initiative of the Federal Government by making their plans early.

“Book online, the tickets are available. It makes it easy for us to allow you to board if you have a ticket. Also, importantly, please ensure you have a valid identification like NIN, international passport, valid driver’s licence.

“To ease the burden of the masses, the palliative is one of the ways the Federal Government is trying to do this, and this palliative will last till early January 2025.

“In terms of security, we have beefed up our security. Some of you at Kubwa Railway station, you will admit that you notice the presence of extra security on ground, “ he said.

According to him, the NRC has put an effective system in place to ensure that people cannot buy multiple tickets.

Passengers that spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) commended the Federal Government for the initiative.

Mrs Aina Omoworare, a civil servant, who appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s initiative in the transport sector, said she enjoyed the same palliative last year.

She said that she was also going to Kaduna free of charge by train this year, to return next year.

Mr Muhammed Idris, a trader, said he thought the initiative was not true, but was glad that the government was fulfilling the announcement. (NAN)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Metro

MD, others eulogise Sheyin for giving 35 years to NAN

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By Philip Yatai

Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and members of staff of the agency have eulogised Mr Ephraims Sheyin for giving 35 years of his life to the agency.

Sheyin joined the service of the agency in 1989 as a reporter and rose through the ranks to the peak of his career as Editor-in-Chief (EIC) before he retired on Dec. 11.

At an event organised in his honour, Ali described Sheyin as a “professional journalist” who dedicated 35 years of his life to the service of the agency and mentoring young reporters.

He commended Sheyin for setting a minimum standard in the newsroom, adding that he was too valuable to be far away from the agency.

“For us in Africa and in Nigeria, we only celebrate people when they die, but you are lucky that you are being celebrated by people who look up to you.

“Having worked for 35 years in NAN, I have never seen greater loyalty, greater faithfulness in working in an agency for three and a half decades.

“This man deserves our praise,” said.

He added that with the testimonies from lots of his mentees, he would work out of the agency with his shoulders high.

According to him, the mark of a leader is the ability to develop other leaders and see their subordinates expressing abilities to carry on in their absence.

“That we have seen in Sheyin, and we thank him for that.”

Also, Mr Mufutau Ojo, who succeeded Sheyin as the EIC, said, “Love Sheyin or hate him, no one can deny his capacity.

“I agree with Chijioke when he said that the retired EIC could be ruthless sometimes because you need some element of ruthlessness to be able to succeed in the newsroom.”

Ojo expressed confidence that although Sheyin had retired, he would be busy in the media space and beyond because he had so much to offer.

Earlier, Mr Chijioke Okoronkwo, a Senior editor, described Sheyin as a “thoroughbred journalist” with impressive capacity.

“He is nice and friendly but could also be harsh and ruthless when need be,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs Abiemwence Moru, Assistant Editor-in-Chief and Head of the Health and Gender Desk, said she had come thus far in the agency because of Sheyin’s mentorship.

“He groomed me to what I am today in the newsroom, and I will forever remain grateful,” she said.

For Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu, a Deputy Editor-in-Chief (DEIC) and Head of Newsroom, Sheyin was a dedicated journalist and a teacher.

“We all learnt from him,” she said.

Sharing a similar view, Mrs Ekemini Ladejobi, a Deputy Editor On Chief (DEIC) and Head of the Entertainment Desk, said that Sheyin was a mentor with a charming smile, adding that he corrects errors with love and respect.

Also, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, a DEIC and Head of Editorial Operations, Lagos Office, commended Sheyin’s magnanimity and humane leadership as the Head of Lagos Operations.

According to her, his leadership style has strengthened love and unity among member staff, “and for the first time, we held a valedictory session in his honour in absentia.”

Reporters also took turns to share their experiences of how Sheyin brought out the best in them and encouraged them to be good at what they do for their own good and for the good of the agency.

Responding, Sheyin thanked all the members of staff for the accolades, saying, “I feel honoured for the show of love.

“Since I agreed to do the job when I was recruited in 1989, I decided to put the whole of myself inside it.

“The only thing I didn’t give NAN is what I didn’t have.”

He thanked Ali for all the support and expressed confidence that NAN would continue to flourish under his leadership.

He advised the senior editors in the agency to make decisions together and defend such decisions together.

This, according to him, will set a good example for younger reporters and editors to emulate, particularly on decisions relating to editorial operations. (NAN)

Edited by Peter Amine

Metro

FCT, China to strengthen cooperation in urban devt. education, others

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Hunan, a landlocked province of southern China, have expressed commitment to strengthen cooperation in urban development, cultural education, tourism, and environment, amongst other areas.

The Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, stated this during a visit of the Hunan delegation to the FCTA in Abuja on Friday.

The delegation was led by Lai Mingyong, the Vice Chairman, of the Hunan Provincial Political Consultative Conference.

Mahmoud stressed that the strategic partnership between FCTA and the Chinese province would ensure expertise, resources, and knowledge sharing.

“This will lead to greater innovation, effective problem-solving, and enhanced capabilities that would be difficult to achieve alone.

“It is important that partnership fosters mutual benefit, strengthens individual and collective efforts, and promotes growth and resilience,” she said.

The minister said that the FCT was transforming President Bola Tinubu.

She added that the partnership with Hanan Province would facilitate more infrastructural development in the capital city of the most populous country in Africa.

The minister commended the Chinese delegation for the warm reception extended to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his delegation during his recent visit to China.

She also said that the partnership would enable the FCT to harness its potential in the areas of tourism, culture, education, and environment.

Earlier, Mingyong, who expressed commitment to strengthening the partnership with FCTA, noted that Abuja, the capital and political-cultural centre of Nigeria was wearing a new look.

He said that the capital city was renowned for its unique urban planning, beautiful architectural style, and well-developed infrastructure.

“This city has grown into a modern metropolis with significant achievements in terms of infrastructural development,” he said.

Mingyong invited the FCT Administration to the China-Africa Economy and Trade Expo, taking place from Nov. 28 to Nov. 30, at the Abuja Trade and Convention centre. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Metro

NSE signs MoU with 2 partners to boost food security

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By Angela Atabo

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Asset Rise Limited and Lancaster Farms to enhance food security and create employment opportunities for Nigerians.

The NSE President, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, said shortly after signing the MoU on Wednesday in Abuja, that the agreement would open more employment opportunities for the youths.

Oguntala, who doubles as the Chairman-in-Council, said proffering solutions to agricultural challenges in Nigeria was at the forefront of NSE’s agenda.

She said that its 2024 annual conference was hinged on sustainable engineering solutions to food security and climate change.

According to her, partnerships are part of the strategic agenda of the society, adding that collaboration is the only way to deliver on some mandates.

“This partnership is a mutually beneficial relationship, which will not only enhance the activities of the NSE, but also improve businesses.

“On our part, we shall ensure that we do all that we can for all to benefit from this relationship.

“The partnership is all in the interest of developing Nigeria, particularly agriculture and of course, it is one of the reasons that we chose the theme of this year as Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change.

“We are going into some special collaboration to ensure that the issue of food security is not just theoretical, but also very practical and we are taking it very seriously,” she said.

Oguntala expressed hope that the partnership would grow from strength to strength and eventually result in not just putting more food on the tables of Nigerians, but also creating jobs for the teaming young engineers.

Mr Oluwadurotimi  Ojamamoye, Group Managing Director, Asset Rise Limited, said the organisation had a structural programme designed to train  students who are graduating from schools into owning their own farms.

Ojamamoye said, “We are expanding that project into 1,000 hectares. So as students are graduating, they can cultivate one hectare each to empower them adding that so far more than 1,500 students have been empowered.

“We are glad that NSE is giving us the backbone to achieve this mission and employ more Nigerians, solve food insecurity and possibly stop our youths from migrating abroad because agriculture can create a lot of opportunities for us.”

“We have also been able to introduce our Smart City project, a 3,000 hectares project presently ongoing and we are currently planting more than 450,000 oil palm trees in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Ondo states.

“We have developed more than 4,000 hectares of oil palm trees. This is sustainable agriculture and it is the way to go in order to solve the problems of poverty, food insecurity, unemployment and achieve rural urbanisation in Nigeria.”

Ojamamoye said that the organisation was working with the Enugu and Abia state governments where 7,000 and 10,000 hectares were provided respectively to develop agro-smart cities.

He called on governments at all levels to provide land for farming and creation of agro-smart cities just like they have government reserved areas for houses.

Also speaking, Dr Anthony Odigie, Chairman, Lancaster Farms, commended NSE for the opportunity to go into a strategic partnership with the organisation.

“This is a significant milestone to our company, and I believe that by joining forces we are combining our strengths, expertise, and resources to unlock great opportunities for the future.

“The collaboration will enhance our ability to deliver exceptional value to the agricultural industry and in the long term, to activate the economy of Nigeria.”

Mr Patrick Obidoyin, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Lancaster Farms, said the MoU would enable the organisation to empower more youths by taking them off the job markets.(NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu and Abiemwense Moru

Metro

Area councils’ road projects: Wike optimistic of meeting December deadline

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has expressed optimism that the ongoing roads projects across the six area councils of the FCT would be completed in December.

Wike stated this after he inspected some ongoing road projects in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Wike had, in February 2024, inaugurated the construction of several road projects in satellite towns and rural communities across the six area councils of the territory.

The projects, meant to transform rural economies and improve the quality of rural dwellers, were expected to be completed in December.

Some of the projects inspected on Wednesday included the ongoing Dutse – Bwari  road resurfacing and the upgrading of War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other ancillary roads in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council.

The minister also inspected the reconstruction of 25-kilometre Kwaita – Yebu and the 11km Yangoji – Sukuku – Eba road projects, in Kwali Area Council.

The minister, who said he didn’t want to be pessimistic, expressed confidence that the contractors would deliver the projects on agreed timelines.

“You know we had heavy rains this year, and we gave contractors December to complete the projects, but you can see the level of job they have done; quality job, and this is in rural areas.

“We are still working on the December deadline. I don’t want to say that the roads would not be completed. I don’t want to be pessimistic.

“I have seen the contractors, and they told me that they will complete the roads and hand them over to us in December; let us keep to it. I think there is no need to doubt them.

“In as much as we do our own part, I am sure they will also fulfil their own promise,” Wike said.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace of the projects inspected so far, adding that when completed, the roads would have a positive impact on benefiting. communities.

He promised to do everything possible to make sure that the contractors get paid.

“When you see contractors who are committed, you on your own part, as government, will also carry out your own obligation by making sure they are funded in order to complete the roads and make the people happy,” he said.

He explained that he decided to go round some of the projects to see things for himself and not be told stories.

He added that the expanse of land in rural communities, if properly harnessed, would address the problem of food security in the FCT.

On what is in store for other communities in the FCT, the minister pointed out that government was continuum, adding that the current administration would do all it can to reach many communities with life-impacting projects.

He assured that President Bola Tinubu-led administration would complete all projects embarked upon, while the next administration would continue from the administration stops.

“We cannot solve all problems. Even if you are in office for 20 years, there will still be problems, but what is important is that people can see that you are making efforts to reduce their burden.

“That is what is important.

“So, like I said before, all areas in Abuja, be it in the city, be it in satellite towns, will all feel the impact of this government,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

AEPB takes campaign against open defecation to FCT suburbs

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By Philip Yatai

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has taken its campaign against open defecation to the suburbs of the territory.

The Director of the board, Mr Osilama Braimah, stated this during the campaign at Bmuko and Dutse Makaranta in Bwari Area Council of the FCT on Tuesday.

Braimah explained that the campaign was organised to commemorate the 2024 World Toilet Day, with the theme, “Toilets are a Place for Peace.”

According to him, the move is part of efforts to entrench good hygiene practices among rural dwellers across the FCT.

He said that the AEPB, through the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, had been organising awareness campaigns in rural communities across the FCT on the health risk of open defecation.

He stressed the need for every household to have a functional toilet and imbibe good hygiene practices for the health wellbeing of families and communities.

He said that the world toilet day was being observed on Nov. 19 of every year to celebrate toilets and raise awareness of people living without access to safely managed sanitation.

“The whole idea is to prevent health challenges such as cholera, diphtheria, diarrhoea, and other diseases associated with open defecation in communities.

“When people have access to clean and safe toilets, they are protected from preventable diseases associated with poor hygiene practices,” he said.

The director assured the commitment of AEPB in maintaining a clean, safe and hygienic environment across the territory.

He added that the FCT Administration, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has been providing public toilets in schools, parks, markets and other public spaces to ensure accessible and dignified sanitation facilities for all.

Braimah also said that the board was equally engaging school children in the campaign to catch them young.

“We are trying to inculcate in these young ones the habit of proper sanitation and hygiene by enlightening them on the importance of using the toilet.

“It is always easy when people learn good habits at an early stage of their lives so that they will grow with it,” he said.

Also speaking, Mrs Kate Ogbonna, Director, Environmental Health and Safety Department, said access to clean and safe sanitation was a right of every individual.

Ogbonna urged FCT residents to work with relevant government agencies and critical stakeholders towards addressing sanitation crises in communities through collaborative efforts, policy innovation and public awareness.

She said that the awareness campaign was organised to educate the residents of Bmuko and Dutse Makaranta on the need to own functional toilet facilities.

The Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Mr John Gabaya, commended the AEPB for ensuring rural communities across the FCT were free from environmental hazards that could lead to outbreak of diseases.

Gabaya, who was represented by the Councillor on Environment, Mr Saliu Matthew pledged the council’s maximum support and cooperation toward ensuring safe environments for all.

Similarly, the Chief of Bmuko Community, Ibrahim Dangana, called for closed monitoring of the toilet facilities installed in schools and public places to ensure effective and efficient use of the facilities.

Dangana, who was represented by one of his aides, Alhaji Ahmad Olajire, also called for improved security in rural communities to ensure the safety of lives and properties. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Metro

FG to establish national youth development bank

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government on Tuesday revealed plan to establish a National Youth Development Bank and a Youth Data Bank.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by his vice, Kashim Shettima, disclosed this at a Stakeholders Roundtable on Northern Youth Development organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, in Abuja,

The President described the banks as crucial tools for “providing financial and informational support to young Nigerians.”

He said since assumption of office, his administration unveiled a comprehensive youth development strategy spanning multiple key sectors to drive Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Tinubu extolled the legacy of the late Sardauna of Sokoto and former Premier of Northern Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello

” The late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, was one of the towering giants on whose shoulders we have ascended as a nation.

” His vision was clear: the North cannot progress in isolation, and Nigeria cannot prosper unless every part of this nation thrives,” he said.

Tinubu declared that the development of Northern Nigeria remains fundamental to the nation’s prosperity.

According to him, “whatever disrupts the growth of one region sets back the entire nation.

“For far too long, we have been taunted as a nation with the most children out of school—a reality that should not elicit pride but provoke urgent action.

“This alarming statistic has turned the promise of our population into a challenge rather than the dividend it ought to be,” he added.

Tinubu re-echoed his administration’s pioneering youth development initiatives, including the three million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme and the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters.

“Our creative and digital economy is another goldmine,” the President said, outlining programmes such as the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP).

He listed other programmes to include the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for higher education access, Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) for digital entrepreneurship.

They also included, Outsource to Nigeria Initiative (OTNI) for global market participation, Youth Enterprise Clusters for business development, and the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme to address accommodation needs.

On agriculture, the President said that investments in the sector and industrialisation would further position the North as Nigeria’s foremost agricultural hub.

Addressing the region’s security challenges, Tinubu further outlined measures “to restore stability to the North.

” The measures include strengthening community policing, rehabilitating displaced persons, and addressing cross-border challenges like smuggling and insurgency.”

He emphasised the urgency of the moment, saying ” By 2050, Nigeria will become the third-largest nation globally, with three-quarters of our citizens under the age of 21.

“Our challenge here is to engineer a transition towards a federation defined by order, stability, and safety,” he added, noting that “this task is both urgent and achievable.”

The President also made a direct challenge to young Nigerians: “You are not just the future of this nation—you are its present.

” Your energy, ideas, and determination are already shaping our policies and programmes.”

“Our commitment is to provide you with the skill set and opportunities to thrive in a competitive world”.

He assured that the administration would unlock the potential of the Nigerian youth, ensuring that their dreams transform the country into an enduring symbol of democracy, development, and progress.

Speaking in the same vein, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, emphasised the critical role of youth education in national development.

‘ Our youths are the foundation of any development we envisage in our society. They are not just leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today,” he said.

The Sultan further highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue with the youth, stating that “forums like this must be held continuously to dialogue with our youths across the northern states.”

He emphasised the primacy of education, asserting that it “is the strongest legacy any leader can leave to society.

“Without education, you are a nobody. I believe in infrastructural development like roads and bridges but more money should be spent educating our children.

“That is why we need to dwell more on how we can ensure that our children are educated.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, Muazu Babangida, noted that the event marked the foundation’s 15th anniversary.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Metro

‘Seek robust solutions to northern problems’, Tinubu to leaders

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday urged Northern leaders to seek robust solutions to the numerous challenges confronting the region.

Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the call at a stakeholders’ roundtable on Northern Nigerian Youth Development, organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Abuja.

The theme of the roundtable was ‘Empowering the Next Generation: Strategies for Sustainable Youth Development in Northern Nigeria’.

He said that the legacies of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of Northern Nigeria, reinforced the conviction that the development of the North is central to the prosperity of Nigeria.

According to the President, Nigeria cannot prosper unless every part of the country thrives.

“Whatever disrupts the growth of one region sets back the entire nation.

“Unless we as leaders wear our thinking caps and come up with robust solutions to Northern Nigeria’s problems, it is not beyond us. It is not rocket science; we can do it.

“This is why we prioritise initiatives such as the Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Commission, which collaborates with all levels of government to ensure that every child has access to quality education.

“For the dividends of democracy to reach every corner of our nation, we must empower local governments to serve as pipelines of governance.

“This is why we have prioritised Local Government Autonomy, enabling them to receive their full entitlements and improve primary education funding.

“But governance is a shared responsibility, and citizens must hold their leaders accountable to ensure that every child is given a fighting chance,” Tinubu added.

Tinubu urged Northerners, especially the youth, to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, work, and worship as embraced by the late Sardauna of Sokoto.

He said that the energy, creativity, and ingenuity of Nigerian youth offer the chance to not only transform Nigeria, but also to lead Africa into a new era of growth and innovation.

“The challenge we must confront with urgency, compassion, and resolve is investing in the education of our younger ones. Either we take care of them, or they will take care of us down the line.

“We can afford to send our wards to private schools, but the children of the poor that we leave behind will certainly chase us out of this land,” Tinubu said.

Earlier, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), advised governments at all levels to increase funding for education.

“Let’s see how we can help our children, take them off the street, build schools, bring qualified teachers, and involve traditional leaders across the country to really sit with the people and discuss some of these issues,” he said.

The Sultan commended the Federal Government for establishing the Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Commission, describing it as a crucial initiative.

“The commission has been going around, talking to us. All of us must work together to ensure this commission achieves its goals,” he said.

Also, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Muazu Babangida, explained that the foundation was established to promote good governance in the country.

“Over the past 15 years, the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation has made significant strides in fulfilling its mandate of promoting sustainable development and social progress in Northern Nigeria, particularly in education,” he said.

Babangida added that the roundtable was organised to find a lasting solution to youth restiveness and the increasing number of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria.

He urged the government to take the recommendations from the discussions seriously for the progress and well-being of the region.

The roundtable was attended by serving and former governors, executives of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), leaders of youth organisations, and other critical stakeholders in Nigeria. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Metro

Nigeria, India vow spike in economic, defence, other ties

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to a robust strategic partnership.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both countries also pledged to strengthen ties in key areas including economic development, defence, healthcare and food security, among others.

This is contained in a joint statement issued on Sunday in Abuja at the conclusion of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Tinubu.

NAN reports that the Indian prime minister received a formal welcome, including a 21-artillery gun salute at the Presidential Villa.

Tinubu and Modi went into a tete-a-tete, and later jointly presided over an expanded bilateral and political talks.

During their bilateral discussion, the two leaders agreed to a greater collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing.

With growing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, they also agreed to coordinated actions to safeguard maritime trade routes and combat piracy.

The two countries pledged to continue regular naval exercises and joint anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea to safeguard critical maritime routes.

‘” The leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including the cross-border movement of terrorists and terror financing networks and safe havens.

‘” They called for zero tolerance to terrorism and expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International terrorism in the UN Framework.

“They also called for the implementation of the UNGA and the UNSC resolutions on countering terrorism and violent extremism.

”It was agreed to enhance cooperation in the area of counter terrorism,” the joint statement said.

Modi reiterated India’s readiness to support Nigeria’s defence modernisation efforts, highlighting India’s emergence as a trusted defence manufacturer.

Similarly, the two leaders also highlighted the vibrant economic relationship between India and Nigeria, with India positioned as Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a significant contributor to its economy.

Nigeria commended the contributions of over 200 Indian companies operating in the country, which have generated substantial employment and investment opportunities.

On bilateral trade expansion, both leaders directed their officials to finalise pending agreements.

” These include the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA), Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), and the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), to boost trade and investment.

” The fruitification of some of the investments” agreed to by the Indian companies during the visit of President Tinubu to India in September 2023, and committed to facilitating early finalization of the remaining investments.

On the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held from September 9th-10th, 2023, in New Delhi, the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and Business Conference had taken place.

During the conference, Indian investors pledged a combined total of over $14 billion across critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The investments were targeted on industrialisation, energy, telecommunications, and defence sectors

On infrastructure Development, the joint statement added that India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development priorities through concessional Lines of credit and technical expertise.

On energy, Nigeria and India agreed on long-term contracts for crude oil and LNG supply and technical support in pipeline transmission security, CNG conversion and LPG bottling distribution.

The two leaders also discussed broader collaboration on food security and agriculture, health, education, and cultural exchanges.

Also, on food security, the leaders agreed that it remains a priority for developing countries especially with bigger populations.

”Nigeria thanked India for providing the necessary concessions sought for in the supply of rice at the time of their need.

”They agreed to enhance collaboration in the area of agriculture from agricultural machinery, high yield seeds to sharing technical expertise, know-how and technologies and agreed to identify ways of cooperation in these areas.

”The Indian side thanked the Nigerian side for supporting the Indian Resolution at the UN to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

” And agreed to increase collaboration between India and Nigeria in the area of Millets, ” the joint statement said.

On healthcare sector, Nigeria and India pledged to deepen their collaboration focusing on the establishment of hospitals and diagnostic centers, as well as the deployment of innovative health management systems.

Both sides acknowledged the ongoing efforts by Indian hospitals operating in Nigeria and highlighted the vast potential for further collaboration to enhance healthcare delivery across the country.

The Indian Government offered to share its CoWIN digital platform, an open-source health management infrastructure that has revolutionised vaccination campaigns and health data management in India.

It said, ” This system is expected to support Nigeria’s healthcare system by improving the efficiency and accessibility of vaccination programs and other health initiatives. ”

The Indian government also extended its commitment to supply high-quality generic pharmaceutical products to Nigeria at economical rates under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme.

The scheme is a campaign launched by India’s Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses.

The statement said,” The initiative is aimed at making essential medicines more affordable, particularly for vulnerable populations, and supporting Nigerian public hospital procurement processes.”

Nigeria and India reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on education, cultural exchanges, and fostering strong people-to-people contacts, building on longstanding historical ties and mutual aspirations.

India was acknowledged as a significant partner in Nigeria’s human resource development through various scholarship programs, including the eVBAB scheme, which facilitates virtual learning opportunities.

Both sides agreed to work together to encourage more Nigerian students to leverage these scholarship programmes.

Tinubu and Modi applauded the vibrant cultural and academic exchanges between the two nations, which have included visits by cultural troupes, participation in film and literary festivals, and other collaborative activities.

They underscored the importance of further widening these exchanges to promote mutual understanding and shared heritage.

The leaders recognised the role of tourism in enhancing people-to-people connections and emphasised the need to explore opportunities for promoting travel and cultural interaction between Nigeria and India.

On working together through its membership in international organisations, India commended Nigeria for its reciprocal support of non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for 2028-2029.

The two countries reiterated their joint commitment to UN Security Council reform and mutual support for permanent and non-permanent memberships.

They also pledged cooperation on regional peace and security, particularly in West Africa.

Nigeria ‘took note’ of India’s invitation to join the Global Biofuel Alliance and Global Rivers Cities Alliance.

It said, ”As members of International Solar Alliance (ISA), both sides agreed to intensify their cooperation in establishing solar parks and to work towards increasing the share of the renewable energy in their energy portfolio.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Metro

FCT reopens barricaded slip road, begins dry season sensitisation

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has reopened the barricaded slip road connecting Goodluck Jonathan Expressway with Ring Road II at Galadimawa Interchange.

The acting Director-General of the Department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, explained that the slip road was barricaded on June 25 to mitigate flooding during the rainy season.

Mohammed stated that the road was reopened to ease traffic flow, as the rainy season had ended.

“The onset of the rain in Abuja is usually in the month of May and the slip road is usually flooded every raining season, hence the need to barricade the road.

“To the glory of God, no life was lost in this area since 2020 because we made it a tradition to block the road during the rainy season,” he said.

He commended residents and stakeholders for their understanding and support throughout the rainy season.

The acting D-G also announced the commencement of the 2024 dry season sensitisation campaign against incessant fire outbreaks in the FCT.

Mohammed advised residents to be cautious while handling cooking gas, petroleum products, electrical appliances, and other inflatable items or chemicals.

He urged residents to keep cooking gas outside their kitchens and avoid storing petrol or inflammable chemicals in cars and in their homes.

He also advised residents to make sure they have fire extinguisher in their cars, homes and offices to control fire during outbreak.

He further urged residents to be careful when burning bushes, adding that anyone who wishes to do so, for whatever reason, should monitor it to prevent spreading to unintended areas.

Mr Richard Dauda, Director of Engineering Services, Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCDA), stated that the slip road was part of old road infrastructure in the area.

Dauda explained that the road would be reconstructed and elevated to solve the problem permanently.

He explained that once the ongoing construction of Galadimawa Interchange was completed, a bridge would be constructed to replace the temporary culvert contributing to flooding of the road.”(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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