NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has called for stronger cooperation among African countries for sustainable development of the continent.

Wike made the call when the Ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire to Nigeria, Mr Kalilou Traore, visited him in Abuja on Wednesday.

He also stressed the need for stronger ties among ECOWAS countries for the development of the sub-region.

“We will continue to strengthen our relationship.

“Luckily, our President is the Chair of ECOWAS, and so, we will do everything we can to see that our relationship is smooth, cordial and symbiotic,” he said.

He commended Cote d’Ivoire for taking steps to develop the plot allocated to its Embassy in Abuja.

The minister explained that the FCTA had insisted that all allocated land must be developed as part of measures to check insecurity in the FCT.

“I thank you for developing the land that was given to you.

“The whole essence is for fighting insecurity. We do not want to leave certain areas for miscreants, and so, we thank you for the cooperation,” he said.

Wike also congratulated Cote d’Ivoire for winning the last edition of the African Cup of Nations.

“Even though that is particularly not what we wanted. We wanted to come back home with the cup, but God said that it is your turn.

“So, I congratulate you for that and also for being a good host for the tournament,” he added.

Earlier, Traore said that the visit was to inform the minister that the Embassy was about to begin the development of the land allocated to it in Maitama.

This, he explained, was in line with the minister’s directive that all allocated plots must be developed within a specified period or would be revoked.

“We were given two plots in Abuja: one at the Diplomatic Drive area and the other at Maitama.

“We have built a big building in the Diplomatic Drive area, and we are about to commence the development of the plot in Maitama,” he said.

On cooperation, the Ambassador said he has concluded plans to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire in different areas.

“I also want to come to you with a proposal of twinning Abuja and the political capital of Cote d’Ivoire, Yamoussoukro, to find a common ground to move forward,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has promised to rejuvenate the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to make great impact in future elections in the FCT.

Mahmoud said this at a meeting with the FCT chairman, officials, and other members of the party in Abuja. 

She expressed concern over the poor performance of the party in the 2023 Presidential Election in the territory.

She, however, expressed optimism that with President Bola Tinubu at the helm of affairs, the party would overcome its challenges and do better in subsequent elections in FCT.

Mahmoud commended the party members for their patience in spite of challenges and stressed the need for stakeholders to close ranks and work together for the success of the party.

The minister, who called for the commitment and dedication of members added, “If we want to succeed, we must be honest to each other; we must be dedicated and support one another.

“We must also come together and work with sincerity for the growth of our party in our hearts.

“By God’s grace, we are going to make it,’’ she said.

Mahmoud pledged to use her experience to ensure victory for the party in the FCT in future elections, just like the case in Kano State.

“We have only six area councils in FCT with 62 wards, so this is very visible and achievable.

“I know, we have problems, and every party has problems, but our own problems have already been solved by the Almighty Allah,” she said.

In his remarks, the APC FCT Chairman, Mr Abdulmalik Usman, described the party’s situation in the territory as pathetic, considering its decimal performance in the 2023 poll.

Usman identified lack of patronage and reward system for those who worked for the party as the major factors contributing to the low performance of APC in the nation’s capital.

He assured of the total loyalty of members and continued support to the party’s National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje. (NAN)

Edited by Ali Inuwa

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has canvassed for reliable seasonal forecasts for the African sub-regions to mitigate impact of climate change.

Prof. Charles Anosike, Director General /Chief Executive Officer of NiMet made the call on Monday in Abuja, at the opening of a four-day regional climate outlook forum.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is a forum on climate outlook and seasonal forecasting of Agro-Hydro-Climatic Characteristics of the Sahel and the Sudan Region of West Africa.

In  his welcome address, Anosike said efforts toward reliable seasonal forecasts will not only reduce the impacts of climate change, but also boost productivity across the region.

“Seasonal forecasting under increasing climate disasters can protect lives and property and this is key to achieving the United Nations Early Warnings for All.

“It is, therefore, crucial that we ensure our seasonal forecasting processes are reliable and validated to enable accurate and actionable prediction.

“We hope the outcome of this four-day exercise will provide our society with the necessary climate decision support to reduce the impact of climate disasters and boost productivity, “ he said.

He said the 2024 regional climate outlook was timely as weather and climate events continued to take a toll on the region, despite tremendous advances and investments in climate science and operational forecasting.

He listed weather related hazards to include- early or later onset of rainy seasons, droughts, floods and extended periods of extreme temperatures which trigger and account for a greater proportion of disaster losses.

“NiMet`s Seasonal Climate Prediction on Feb. 20, will continue to serve as  an early warning tool to ensure improved preparedness for climate disasters, protect lives and critical national assets toward sustainable economic development.

“We are fully committed to the regional climate outlook forum as it provides a platform for a consensus regional forecast, “ he said.

Speaking, Mr Clement Nze, Director -General of Nigeria Hydrological Service (NIHSA), said the collaborative efforts within the region to produce a regional forecast had been useful  in providing timely information to manage resources sustainably.

“ Last week, my agency presented the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) for Nigeria.

“About 31 out of 36 states are expected to be flooded which calls for drastic early preventive actions to be taken.

“This effort is a testament to our commitment to use scientific methods and processes to tackle hydro-climatic challenges of this day and age.

“ This forum, when scaled down to national level, often agrees with the predictions made, and serves as complementary for disaster risk management,“ he added. (NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Safia Abdulrahman/Funmilayo Adeyemi

Schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have experienced high turnout of students as they resume for the third term academic session.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondents who monitored school resumption in Abuja on Monday observed students’ enthusiasm as they go about their academic activities.

The Headmistress, Local Education Authority (LEA), Wuse Zone 3, Fatima Omehi said the turnout was encouraging.

‘’ The turnout is very impressive, I will rate it at 80 per cent, and I think this is because of the emphasis we put on attendance.

” We have informed our pupils that in each subject, attendance carries 5 marks and it is important to adhere to this,” she said.

She commended the participation of teachers in the academic activities on the first day of resumption noting that all teachers were available and ready to carry out their duties.

She said students, after the assembly, were marched to their classrooms for sanitation.

A primary four teacher, Mrs Stephanie Daniel, said, ‘’we had a pre-resumption test from previous lessons and I can see that the students are prepared for this term, as it is a special term’’.

‘’It is special because we combine all performances from the first, second and third term to get an average score, which determines promotion,” she said

At the Fuaad Lababidi Islamic Academy, Wuse 2, some of the students who spoke to NAN expressed hope of a promising term as it is a promotion term to proceed to the next class.

Abba Aliyu, an SS3 student of the  school said, ” I’m happy to resume school and very well prepared to do better than the previous term because in a few weeks time I will be writing my WAEC exams”.

The Principal of the school, Mallama Bamalli, expressed gratitude over the large student turnout, saying it showed how ready and prepared the students were.

Bamalli said that the students already started their lessons as all classrooms and environment were cleaned prior to the resumption day.

Also, the Principal of Prosperity Academy, Dakwa ,  Hajarah Mohmoh said all was set for resumption as students as well as teachers were ready to carry out their responsibilities. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Philip Yatai

The National Boundary Commission (NBC), has proposed a Joint Technical Committee towards resolving the lingering interstate boundary dispute between Niger and Kebbi states.

The Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, made the proposal in Abuja on Friday, during a joint meeting of officials from the two states to agree on way forward.

Adaji explained that the Kebbi State Government had written to the commission, over an alleged encroachment of their lands in Bagudo Local Government Area by the people of Kwankoso Community of Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

He added that the government had asked the commission to resuscitate action towards ensuring that the boundary between the two states was clearly defined and demarcated.

He recalled that in 2005, a Joint Committee had identified and articulated some documents adjudged to be relevant in the definition of the boundary.

He, however, said that the expected fieldworks to translate the documents to a physical demarcation on ground could not be carried out over the years.

Adaji expressed optimism that the technical committee, if constituted, would re-visit identified documents and re-evaluate their appropriateness for use in the definition and demarcation of the interstate’s boundary.

He explained that the meeting was organised to find a lasting solution to the boundary dispute.

He also advised the two states to establish a functional Local Government Boundary Committees in each local government area, to prevent boundary disputes from escalating into a crisis.

“There is also the need for the committees to investigate and articulate all facts on the issues and submit report to the State Boundary Committee as inputs for the state’s position:

“There is equally the need for a physical fieldwork to trace the boundary in accordance with relevant documents, if available, or the use of the principle of ground-to-paper, to supplement the insufficient relevant documents.

“The NBC will re-visit the identified documents and re-evaluate their appropriateness for use in the definition of the boundary.

“States and the Local Government Committees should enlighten and sensitise the affected communities on the essence of interstate boundaries, the importance of peaceful co-existence and solicit their cooperation during the field work,” he said.

The DG also called for a joint sensitisation of the affected communities, preparatory to the fieldwork to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

He explained that the Kebbi and Niger interstate boundary spans about 640-kilometre, adding that in 2004, a Joint Committee articulated a set of documents for use on the boundary.

He, however, said that the expected fieldwork was not carried out due to some challenges beyond the commission’s control.

“As we know, both Kebbi and Niger States emerged from what used to be the North-Western State of Nigeria.

“Niger and Sokoto States were created out of the then North-Western State in 1976 with the separation of what used to be the Sokoto and Niger Provinces. This development created a Sokoto- Niger inter-provincial boundary.

“Subsequently, with the creation of Kebbi State out of the former Sokoto State in 1991, part of the hitherto Sokoto and Niger interstate boundary was transformed into the present Kebbi and Niger interstate boundary,” he said.

In his remarks, Surveyor General of Niger, Mr Idris Auna, agreed with Adaji that the dispute required a technical approach that would ensure proper and physical demarcation of the boundary.

Similarly, Mr Sadiq Diggi, Special Adviser to Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi on Boundary Issues, also supported the establishment of the technical committee to effectively resolve the crisis. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The State House Press Corps (SHPC) is organising a two-day capacity building workshop for its members in Lagos.

The membership cut across all the media organisations in the country representing the print, broadcasting and online platforms.

The workshop, in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), with the theme “Promoting Solutions-oriented & Sustainability Journalism in a Modern Democracy,” will start from Friday to Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris will deliver the keynote address.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who is the Chief Host, will deliver a speech while the Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake will also deliver a goodwill message at the event.

Other speakers at the event include the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Amb. Ahmed Abubakar, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement Mr Federick Nwabufo, and the Director of UNIC Ronald Kayanja.

The NIA boss would speak on “Understanding the Interrelation between Intelligence Agencies and the Media in Shaping National Development” while the Director of the International Press Centre (IPC) Mr Lanre Arogundade would speak on “Ethical Journalism: An Insight into Deep Fakes and Fact-Checking.”

Prof. Jide Jimoh of the Lagos State University and a member of the editorial board of the Guardian newspaper will speak on “Extending the Boundaries of Newsgathering and Reporting to Advance Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”

The Senior Adviser on Information Integrity, Office of the Under-Secretary-General, UN Global Communications, New York, will speak on “The Quest for Information Integrity in an Era of Polluted Media Ecosystem.”

Kingsley Uranta, the General Manager of Channels Academy, will speak on “Retooling Journalistic Practice in the Quest for Solutions to Emerging National Challenges.”

Chairman of the SHPC, Dr Anule Emmanuel, explained that the training would provide members of the elite press corps a unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge, skills and competencies.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Angela Atabo

The Managing Director of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr Shehu Osidi, says the bank is restrategising the housing sector towards delivering more houses to Nigerians.

Osidi made this known on Wednesday, when he received the Housing Institutions Reform Task Team and the Multi-Agency Project Delivery Task Team in Abuja.

He said that the bank recognised the need for reforms and took the initiative to commence a journey of repositioning and recapitalisation in conjunction with the Bureau of Public Enterprises.

“We have a five-year strategy blueprint approved by the Board guiding our operations and a major ICT-Project.

“The core banking application is nearing completion, about 95 per cent to improve service delivery and enthrone efficiency.

“The amendment of the FMBN and National Housing Fund ACTs have also commenced in the National Assembly.

“The Executive Management is concentrating on a seven core but broad agenda to further deepen the on-going reforms and usher remarkable turnaround,” he said.

Osidi said that Nigerians would start seeing changes in the sector, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s government is committed to reforms in all sectors of the economy.

He said that the Minister of Housing and Urban Development had inaugurated four reform task teams to address the critical areas of the housing sector in Nigeria.

He listed them to include the Housing Institutions, Task Teams to reform the housing delivery agencies and the Multi-agency Reform Task Team to enhance collaboration between the various housing delivery agencies in Nigeria.

The MD said there were the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs to be established in the six geo-political zones of the country, and then there are also the Land Reforms.

Osidi said that FMBN would also explore public private partnership to deliver massive housing in the country.

Earlier, Mr Adedeji Adesemoye, Chairman, Federal Housing Reform Task Team, said that the team was focused to deliver on its mandate of reforming the housing sector.

Adesemoye said the team had outlined a lot of reforms in the sector that when implemented would transform the nation.

According to him, the move is critical to both the ministry’s mandate and in order to continue with the buy-in of the president.

“Yes, there are a few challenges on the way which is not unexpected, but we are making sure that we are in contact with the Ministry and the agencies to ensure they key in so as to overcome the hurdles.”

Adesemoye added that with the structure of  delivery on ground, the nation would have quick wins in less than 12 months.

He, however, noted that there would be long, short and medium term goals as soon as their report is being implemented.(NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Ismail Abdulaziz