By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCOH), says screening of airlines for the 2023 Hajj operation will commence in the first week of March.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, said this at an interactive session with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

Hassan said that the aim of the interactive session with the media was to foster a deeper understanding with media professionals.

He said that the commission was working assiduously to ensure that the 2023 Hajj operation was conducted smoothly to enable the Nigerian pilgrims to perform an acceptable hajj rite.

Hassan said: ” You are aware that 95,000 seats have been given to the NAHCON and I must also tell you that we have gone to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for our first Pre-Hajj visit in order to familiarise and screen service providers.

” We have already allocated hajj slots to the 36 states of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory and the Armed Forces.

”We are in the process of doing so many other things after which we will have another media interface.

” We intend to start screening the airline by the first week of March. I can assure you that this year’s hajj will be hitch free.

”This year the coast is very clear by God’s grace.”

In his goodwill message, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operation, Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji-Hardawa, said that the commission was determined to satisfy the expectations of the Nigerian pilgrims for this year’s hajj.

He said that the leadership of the commission was always open to suggestions and prepared to answer questions from the media as credible partners of the commission. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/ Bashir Rabe Mani

By Grace Alegba

The Directorate of Professional Women, Independent Campaign Council (ICC) of the APC Presidential Candidate Committee, Lagos State, on Friday urged technocrats to lead the campaign against voter apathy in the general elections.

They made the call at a hybrid Interactive Session with the Executive Governor of Lagos State with the theme: “The Relevance of Professionals in Deepening Democratic Values: Lagos State as a Case Study”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was later represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde, on the zoom with 50 professional associations in attendance.

Sanwo-Olu commended the ICC for efforts towards success of electioneering process and promised continual collaboration with the private sector towards infrastructure development and maintenance in the state.

The governor also promised enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Lagos.

He appealed for more support and gave assurance that his administration would not disappoint or relent in making Lagos rise.

Sanwo-Olu gave instances of the track record of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Director, TinubuShettima/Sanwo-OluHamzat, ICC, Dr Atinuke Owolabi, announced that a communique from the meeting would be sent to Gov. Sanwo-Olu.

Earlier, while making her opening speech, Owolabi, an award winning engineer, urged professionals to join in deepening democratic values by performing their civic responsibilities and educating others on the need to vote.

“To ensure that one man one vote is properly enshrined, we must all participate as much as possible and there must be transparency and accountability.

“As professionals in different fields, we should take up the responsibility of performing our civic right and get rid of voter apathy. When this is done, we would all be reckoned with,” she said.

She said that professionals must come together and get involved in making contributions for good government policies and implementation.

Owolabi wondered if professionals were carried along in the Naira swap.

She challenged the experts to take the lead in rebuilding Nigeria, to stop mass migration of youths for a better nation.

“If we all run out of this country, who will build Nigeria? The professionals are the ones to build this country,” she said.

She said professionals were close to both the government and the grassroots and could serve as a bridge for interpreting policies to the masses.

Owolabi said that the ICC’s goal was to sensitise the electorate in order to avoid void votes among the ballots cast for APC in all the elections.

Mrs Monsurah Alagbe, Lagos Chapter Chairman, Association of Professional Women Engineers, said the strength of any group lies in its unity, as such technocrats must unite for good governance.

Mr Paul Owolabi, Chairman, Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, urged technocrats in the public sector to always carry their colleagues in the private sector along in decision making for robust policies in the nation.

Mrs Olufunmilayo Ogunsi a retired principal called for continuity in the interactive programme of experts beyond elections and said inclusion of young people should be a priority.

She joined other experts to call for mentorship for youths to close the gap between the people at the grassroots and the elites.

Lagos Chapter Chairman, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Mr Ayuba Akere called for inclusion of professional bodies in all decisions of government to eliminate quackery and help to deliver quality service to the citizenry.

Mrs Omowunmi Ogunbambi, deputy director, ICC urged professionals to take the lead in the forthcoming election while other speakers raised issues across sectors requiring both government and technocrats interventions.

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved operational licenses for 67 new broadcast outfits, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), said on Thursday in Abuja.

NBC Director-General Balarabe Ilelah disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the scorecard of the commission.

“President Buhari has approved hundreds of broadcast licenses; it is a demonstration of his intrinsic democratic values,” Ilelah stated.

According to him, a total of 473 broadcast licenses were granted under Buhari’s administration.

“The breakdown of the licenses approved by Buhari showed that 210 were granted in 2018, 159 in 2021, 37 in 2022, while 67 have so far been granted in 2023.

“This gesture has shown that Buhari is actually a democrat and media-friendly; he is a leader who upholds media freedom and pluralism.

“It is important to note that we currently have 740 functional broadcast stations in Nigeria. The number is expected to grow with the anticipatory approval of additional licenses by the President soon.”

The NBC boss said that Buhari had continued to grant total independence from any political interference for the NBC in the exercise of its regulatory functions, particularly with respect to issuance and withdrawal of broadcasting licenses.

This, according to him, has helped to reduce violations by broadcasters as was the case in the past.

Ilelah called on broadcasters to continue to cooperate with the commission by abiding with the provisions guiding broadcast operations in Nigeria.

He also disclosed that the commission was acquiring some state-of-the-art broadcast monitoring equipment.

“The acquisition of the equipment is in progress; when they all arrive, the commission will get to have Ultra-Modern Artificial Intelligence-driven Central Monitoring Infrastructure,” he said.

On the forthcoming general elections, Ilelah revealed that the commission had deployed all the technical and operational facilities for nationwide monitoring.

According to him, in order to ensure quality broadcast, no locality in Nigeria where a broadcast station exists will be left unmonitored.

He said that a Central Monitoring Committee had been constituted to provide rapid response to unethical broadcasting and violations on election days.

The NBC boss appealed to licensees yet to pay their outstanding debts to settle the dues immediately. (NAN)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

By Florence Onuegbu

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday announced a 50 per cent cut in fares on all government-owned transportation system.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the announcement at the Lagos House Marina, while addressing newsmen on the fuel shortage and currency exchange crisis in the country.

Sanwo-Olu said that the 50 per cent fare reduction would take effect from Thursday and would be effective for seven days.

He said that the currency exchange and the lingering fuel situation had, no doubt, raised the tension in the land, but thanked Lagos residents for their patience and understanding in the face of hardship experienced in recent days.

Sanwo-Olu said the government had taken some steps to cushion the effects of these measures that were announced at the federal level, but with telling effects on states.

”Your resilience has been remarkable. On behalf of the Executive Council, I thank you most sincerely for standing firm, demonstrating your confidence in our ability to protect your interest in these difficult days.

”There have been talks between the state government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (NNPCL) on the lingering fuel shortage.

”NNPCL demanded Ijegun Egba tank owners and operators unhindered access to the tank farms, where about 40 per cent of petroleum products come from.

”We have been able to do that by rearranging the timing of the work on the Buba Marwa Road, the dual carriageway that leads to the tank farms.

“The road is over 50 per cent completed. Now, you would have noticed some improvement in the supply of petroleum products.

”Also, we have given approval for 24 hours work at petrol stations around the state,” he said.

He said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) currency exchange deadline had, no doubt, caused some dislocation, and Lagos, being Nigeria’s business and financial engine-room was feeling the effects of the measure.

He commended the Judiciary (Supreme Court) for the wise ruling on the currency exchange matter.

”To further support Lagosians to weather these stormy days, I hereby announce a 50 per cent cut in fares on all our BRT buses, LAGRIDE taxi-scheme, First Mile and Last Mile buses, and Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY).

”This will take effect from tomorrow for the next seven days. We will push out more Cowrie Cards to enable more Lagosians get onboard our services.

”I have directed that food banks be set up in various parts of the state, to cater for the vulnerable. We will distribute food stuff to various communities.

”I would like to thank our security agencies (the Military, the Department of State Services, the Police, the Civil Defence and Neighbourhood Watch) for their service and diligence in these days.

”I would also like to warn mischief makers who may see this as an opportunity to incite violence that this is not the way to go.

“I enjoin every law-abiding citizen to go about their lawful business without fear,” Sanwo-Olu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), has called on officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to support the Federal Government’s effort at fighting corruption.

The CCB Chairman, Prof. Isa Mohammed, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at a workshop jointly organised by the bureau and FCTA for political office holders.

Represented by Bulus Zaphania, an official of the bureau, Mohammed said that the programme would guide political office holders on compliance with the Code of Conduct in line with the National Anti-corruption strategy (NACS).

He told the participants that they are expected to comply with the Code of Conduct for Public Officers as prescribed in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and other laws related thereto.

“We implore the Area Council Chairmen to take cue from the FCTA administration that has put up this workshop, and replicate same at your various Area Councils, so as to ensure 100 per cent Compliance from all your staff,” he said.

The chairman also enjoined the participants to always put Public interest above every other interest, while carrying out their duties.

According to him, the bureau will soon be launching the online assets declaration portal, and that the pilot scheme will start with its staff.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Adesola Olusade, said that the workshop would help to build the capacity and workforce in strengthening the fight against corruption.

“The workshop will help build the capacity and knowledge of FCTA officials in compliance with the Code of Conduct, which will also strengthen the fight against corruption in the system,” Olusade said.

One of the participants and Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement to the Minister of FCT, Ikharo Attah, also said that public office holders should be guided by the code of conduct.

“The workshop is what we have to take seriously, because most times public officers don’t understand that they are holding a public trust, every public office holder should be guided by the code of conduct. You don’t put your interest above the collective interest of the people.

“We must stand to do the things that are for good of the people, not only for your children and your family. What is expected of public office holders is to have high standard of conduct,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Victor Asije/Vincent Obi

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Ahmed Ubandoma
Inclusion

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has restated the commitment of the Federal Government to the holistic inclusion of 28 million Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the country.

Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, the Minister stated this during her presentation at the ministerial briefing on the President Muhammadu Buhari’s Score Card 2015 to 2023 on Tuesday in Abuja.

The briefing was organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture.

Umar-Farouq said the establishment of National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) was to enhance the lives of PWDs.

She said the government of Buhari was passionate about PWDs, adding that the ministry and NCPWD had done well and would  continue to do the needful to ensure holistic inclusion of PWD in the development of the country.

“Nigeria currently has 28 million PWDs. The commission has developed a strategic plan from 2022 to 2026 which is to implement programmes and activities with PWDs and bring them into mainstream of development in social and humanitarian intervention in the society.

“The NCPWD has to some extent achieved a lot in making live easy and inclusive for PWD across the country.

“The Prohibition Against Discrimination of Persons with Disability Act is another strong weapon used to checkmate exploitation and abuse against PWDs across the country.

“The Act has mandated all Government Ministries and Agencies (MDAs) to reserve at least five per cent slot for the employment of PWDs.

“The National Building Code has also been reviewed to make all buildings in the country to be disability friendly to make it easy for PWDs to have easy access.

“However, we will continue to put more efforts and ensure that PWDs are holistically carried along in all sphere of humanitarian and national development,” Umar-Farouq  said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Grace Yussuf

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government has announced its commitment to support institutions like the newly established Hajj Institute of Nigeria whose programmes were in tune with the strategic objectives of the administration.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SFG), Mr Boss Mustapha, gave the assurance at the matriculation of the pioneer students of the institute at the Hajj House on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mustapha said that the establishment of the institute was relevant to President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), which has a vision of sustained inclusive growth and structural economic transformation.

He said that the launching of the institute established by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and subsequent commencement of certificate programmes would provide a platform for the institute to continue to grow and improve its activities.

“Our emphasis is focused on improving both public and private sector efficiency, increased national productivity and maximum welfare for Nigerians,” Mustapha said.

He expressed optimism that the institute would inject professionalism into the Nigerian hajj and umrah sector and create skilled manpower as well as jobs for the youth.

“This is a core goal of the ERGP of job creation, youth empowerment and improved human capital.

“Today marks the launch of the first Professional Certificate programme of the HIN, a programme that is designed to enhance the capacity of Nigeria’s hajj officials.

”It will also fill the skills gap in the economy and ensure the effective management of our annual pilgrimage to the holy land.

“This is a critical step toward ensuring that our hajj operations are at par with international best practices, and our pilgrims receive the highest quality of services during their journey,” Mustapha said.

Earlier, FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, who was the pioneer Chairman of NAHCON, said that hajj could never be done without knowledge, adding that hajj had developed more than what it used to be.

According to Bello, hajj is a very important economic activity, therefore, key players in the industry must be properly trained and educated to be able to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

Also, the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, said the inauguration of the institute was a very timely and well-thought-out move which would surely improve service delivery in hajj operations in the coming years.

Bugaje said that the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, granted the Hajj Institute of Nigeria approval, effective March 9, 2022.

He said that the Institute would operate as an innovation enterprise institution offering National Innovation Diploma (NID) in Hospitality and Tourism Studies, Computer Studies and other related courses.

According to him, the institute is expected to sponsor the development of National Innovation Diploma (NID) Curriculum in hajj operations as it relates directly to the mandate of NAHCON.

” Similarly, the institute may also register with some relevant Awarding Bodies to conduct National Skills Qualification (NSQ) in various areas of interest.

” This is a major step in professionalising hajj operations and development of relevant skills needed to deliver smooth Hajj operations.

” It will therefore not be out of place if the institute looks into training in diverse fields that would strengthen the hajj institution.

”The institute should also conduct research into the past, present and future hajj operations,” Bugaje said.

He assured the readiness of the NBTE to collaborate with the institute to develop more curricula relevant to the hajj operations as well as National Occupational Standards for skills training on hajj management.

On his part, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, said the objective of establishing the institute was to professionalise hajj activities in the country.

“Over a decade ago, there was a general concern among the Nigerian Muslim community that hajj has become an all-comers affair where anyone ventures into irrespective of his or her educational background.

“Therefore, the leadership of NAHCON initiated a process aimed at professionalising the industry; which I was part of.

“Little did I know that I would be in the driver’s seat when that project finally takes off.

“I pray that it will have a positive impact on the hajj and umrah sector in Nigeria and beyond and be one of the legacies this board will bequeath to the Nigerian public and the world, in general,” Hassan said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Bashir Rabe Mani

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Tuesday established the Hajj Institute of Nigeria to train and certify all employees in the Nigerian Hajj and Umrah sector.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, made the disclosure at the opening of the institute at Hajj House in Abuja.

Hassan noted that the establishment of the institute would improve the quality of manpower in the hajj and umrah sector and enable the country to be at par with global industry standards.

The chairman also said that the institute would provide an avenue for skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development of youths and
be reference point globally for hajj and umrah training.

He also said that the institute would play a key role in exploring the economic potentials abound in the sector which businesses and teeming youths could explore.

” I am confident that the institute will play a critical role in ensuring that Nigeria reaches and remains at the forefront of excellence in the global Hajj and Umrah industry.

” You will agree with me that the world is rapidly advancing in technology and it has become imperative that NAHCON keeps pace with these global trends.

” In view of this, it has become necessary for us to refocus our strategies and embrace the latest advancements in ICT.

The Saudi Vision 2030, which all Hajj entities across the globe need to align to, has placed a high premium on excellent pilgrims’ services driven by ICT.

” It is for this reason that the Hajj Institute of Nigeria will provide a platform for training and research on various aspects of hajj and umrah, including the use of technology to improve our operations and services.”

Hassan said that the management of hajj in modern times had gone beyond the trial by error system it was used to.

According to him, with the help of ICT, operational activities have been propelled to a more efficient levels with near-zero room for mistakes which needs the right skilled manpower to run.

” Therefore, the birth of the institute marks the commencement of academic activities which will serve as added impetus to NAHCON’s quest for sustainable hajj management system in Nigeria.

” We recognise the economic potentials of hajj and umrah and it is time for us to leverage these opportunities and make them significant contributors to Nigeria’s economy.”

Hassan disclosed that 4th Board of the Commission had chosen to be the pioneer students of the institute not only because of its confidence in the quality of the programmes but to also commence the process of taking Hajj and Umrah to the next level from the very top.

” It is my strong belief that me and my colleagues in the board will emerge from this programme more educated and better prepared to steer the affairs of Hajj in Nigeria.”

” Subsequently, more programmes will be rolled out for the different hajj and umrah stakeholders in the public and private sector.” (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahaman

By Lucy Ogalue

Mr Chris Agabi, the immediate past Chairman of the Abuja Transport and Aviation Correspondents (ATACA), on Saturday in Abuja described the 2023 election of the association as the most free, fair and credible polls.

Agabi of the Daily Trust Media, commended the Electoral Committee for the job well done before, during and after the election that produced the successful candidates.

The Electoral committee consisted of the Chairman, Mrs Adaku Eneh of Federal Radio Corporation (FRCN), Mrs Lucy Nwachukwu, of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Mr Nats Odaudu of Nigerian Times, as members.

Agabi also commended all contestants for behaving themselves by complying with the association`s electoral guideline to ensure that ATACA actualised smooth election in 2023.

“I want to commend the electoral committee for a well-coordinated election. I am impressed with their performance. Honestly speaking, the team sustained rules and regulations throughout the electoral exercise.
“Indeed, I clearly observed that the contestants exhibited maturity before, during and after the electoral process. May God keep blessing ATACA and take the association to greater heights,“ he said.
Earlier, the 2023 ATACA Electoral Committee Chairman, Eneh, announced the results of the congress election that saw newly elected executive members emerge for the association.
According to her, Mr Oru Leonard of News Dot Africa, an online medium, who emerged as Chairman, polled 9 votes to defeat his rivals Mr Idu Jude, of the Sun newspaper, who garnered 8 votes and Mr Ejike Ejike of Leadership newspaper, who got 7 votes.
Eneh said the post of General-Secretary went to Mr Gabriel Agbeja, a Principal Correspondent with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who scored 24 unopposed votes.
“The Vice-Chairmanship position went to Mrs Ogar Franscisca of ITV, who gathered 18 votes unopposed. Mrs Aminat Aminu-Isah of Royal news, an online medium, got 22 votes unopposed to become the Association’s Assistant General-Secretary.
“Mr Ugwu Chidiebere of Daily Independent, was elected unopposed with 23 votes to occupy the seat of Welfare Officer. The post of Financial Secretary went to Mrs Falaju Joke, who picked 20 votes unopposed.
“Also, the treasurer’s position went to Tyavezua Saanyol of Nigerian Tribune , who got 23 votes unopposed while Mr Sumaina Kasim of ThisDay newspaper, was elected with 19 votes to occupy the seat of Public Relation Officer (PRO),“ she said.
Eneh added that the total number of eligible voters was 24, total number of invalid votes was 20 while total number of votes cast was 173.
The newly-elected executive members were immediately sworn in for a two-year tenure.
Eneh urged all newly-executive members to be faithful in discharging their responsibilities and fulfilling their promises.
The newly-elected ATACA Chairman, Mr Leonard, appealed to members of the association to support the newly–elected officials to move the association to greater heights.
“The new executive members can hardly achieve meaningful progress in the association without the support of all members,” he added.
Leonard also vowed to work with other executive members in love, unity and mutual understanding to collectively promote integrity of the association. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi