By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has expressed the determination of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to turn the country’s anticipated demographic bulge into dividends.

Shettima stated this in his keynote address at the opening of a two-day retreat for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly (NASS) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, on Friday.

He said the unrivalled democratic credentials of Tinubu, which include legislative experience would continue to rub off on the entrenched and valuable governance style of the President.

“One out of every four black man is a Nigerian. The trajectory of global growth is facing Africa and Nigeria will make or mar that transition. By 2050, Nigeria will be the third most populous nation on earth.

“Our population will hit 440 million and by the end of the century, Nigeria will be the most populous nation on earth. And what are we going to do with the anticipated demographic bulge?.

“This is a blessed nation. We can change the anticipated demographic bulge into demographic dividends. I believe with the quality of leadership we have it will not turn into a democratic disaster that will consume all of us.”

The vice president said that Nigeria was the representative of the Blackman, saying “that is the burden we all carry, if Nigeria fails, the Blackman has failed. Let us make Nigeria work.”

Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, noted that the true test of government policies and programmes was the ability to improve the lives and circumstances of citizens in measurable ways.

“We have gathered here in lovely Akwa Ibom State for the purpose of improving our individual and shared ability to be better stewards of the mandate we are given. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

By Philip Yatai

The FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCT-MPWB),  has advised 2024 prospective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to deposit N4.5 million with the board, pending the determination of the actual fee.

The Assistant Chief Information Officer of the board, Mr Ahmad Saleh, stated this in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

He said that selling of forms and registration for the exercise would commence on Sept. 25.

Saleh asked the prospective pilgrims to make the payment to the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abuja, through a bank draft.

He urged them to submit their valid international passports, and National Identification Number at the point of registration in any of the six Area Councils in FCT.

“The board does not accept cash deposits and does not entertain registration by proxy.

“It will also adhere strictly to the principles of first come, first served basis,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigeria Civil Authority of Nigeria (NCAA) has set up a joint committee to conduct holistic review and audit all fuelers, fueling facilities and equipment from initial source of fuel to point of fueling into aircraft.

Inaugurating the committee on Thursday in Abuna, Capt. Musa Nuhu, the NCAA Director-General, said that the committee would identify all the  causes of fuel contamination and proffer solutions.

Nuhu, who was represented by Capt. Ibrahim Danbazau, the NCAA Director of Operations, License and Training, stated that the committee has 60 days to do the audit across the nation.

According to him, there have been serious incidents relating to fuel contamination, particularly Max Air fuel contamination in Yola.

Nuhu said that the issue created negative publicity in the industry and a level of fear among the public which is justified.

He charged the committee to proffer recommendations that would improve the level of safety in the aviation industry in Nigeria.

According to him, the committee has members drawn from the NCAA, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Department of State Services (DSS).

Other agencies are Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Association of Fuel Marketers in Nigeria.

“”The Terms of Reference (TOR) has been clearly spelt out that would see the committee members tour all over the country to ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety requirements.

“”At this junction, I want to sincerely appreciate the Presidency, the National Assembly and Development Partners for the unwavering support and keen interest shown.

“”The Presidency and the Minister have directed that this investigation must be brought to a logical conclusion in the interest of the Nigerian population,” he said.

He also enjoined the committee to take the national assignment with all seriousness making recommendations that would help prevent future occurrence and also improve level of safety in the industry.

The NCAA boss said the authority and inspectors were working studiously to ensure that safety of air travel in Nigeria was not compromised.

He promised Nigerians that the recommendations from the committee would be fully implemented in the interest of the public and safe air travel in Nigeria.

He listed sister agencies collaborating with NCAA to include Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) that issue licences, and Department of State Security (DSS).

According to him, the collaboration with NMPDRA has helped to identify all non-licenced fuelers and those with expired licenses in Nigeria that has led to suspension of all their activities in the airports in Nigeria.

He asserted that the Nigerian aviation industry skies were safe.

“”The authority has not been sleeping and has taken steps in the aftermath of the incidents which included the investigation of all the incidents that have been reported.

“NCAA is also collaborating with sister agencies in the aviation industry to realise its plan.

““Furthermore, an All Operators Letter (AOL) has been issued mandating all Operators to comply with all requirements for fueling as approved.

“The Authority has also heightened its surveillance to ensure complete and full compliance,” he stressed. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Ruth Oketunde

Mr Christopher Maikalangu, Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), has called on residents of the area council to protect government projects in their communities.

He made the call when he led council officials and journalists on the second phase of project tour to mark his one year in office, in Abuja.

Maikalangu said it was important for them to guard the infrastructures jealously as it was to their own benefit.

Earlier at the skill acquisition centre in Jiwa community,Abuja,  the chairman urged the youths to be dedicated to their trainings, as they will be required to mass-produce furnitures for all the L.E.A primary schools in the area council.

“In a month’s  time from now, thousands of furnitures will be delivered in all our primary schools.

“I want to encourage our youths as this is an avenue for you to learn a skill and become your own boss.

“We will not go anywhere else to buy chairs or desks for our students, you will be the one to construct these furnitures for us to be dispersed to all our L.E.A primary schools.

“Therefore, I need you to take your trainings seriously, on my part, I will continue to support you.

“Make sure you pay attention to your instructors so that you can get all the knowledge you need to better your tomorrow,” he said.

At Karmo community, residents trooped out in their numbers to celebrate the chairman for the road construction in their community.

Mr Unana Dangona, a resident, appreciated the chairman for fulfilling his campaign promises to their community.

“We are happy for this wonderful road project executed by the chairman for us here in Karmo.

“Before, the road was not motorable as it was quite a disaster and muddy especially during rainy season.

“We are happy and full with joy,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the projects visited include, Skill acquisition center, Jiwa, where over 60 youths are being trained on furniture making, solar powered borehole in Jiwa community, GwaGwa-Jiwa bypass road and street lights and road project at karmo community.

Others are the Solar powered borehole at Zaudna, Bagusa communities in Dei-Dei, ongoing water project at Kagini and Kaba-Guidna communities, rural electrification project at Jiyita community, rural electrification and water project at Wupa community.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Prof. Isma’ila Shehu has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to insist on engaging trained, competent and certified personnel to manage its annual hajj operations.

Shehu, who is of the Department of Political Science and International Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, made the call at the 2023 Hajj Lecture/Award, held on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the Independent Hajj Reporters ( IHR), a Civil Society Organisation that monitors and reports hajj activities in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

The don also advised NAHCON to put in place all the requirements for the seamless implementation of its Hajj Saving Scheme.

This, he said, is with a view to making low-income earners enjoy benefits of Islamic finance.

Shehu said: ” With the exorbitant price and progressively changing policies of the Saudi Ministry for Hajj Affairs, the reality and inevitability of queuing for hajj has never been starker.

” NAHCON should insist on seeing that hajj operations are handled not just by administrators, but also by competent, trained and certified persons who must have imbibed the vocational spirit of humanitarian service, self-denial and trust in the business of hajj management.

” There is the need for a general redefinition and appreciation of the changing dimensions of hajj. Instead of simple administrators.

” We need managers who would make pilgrimage to transcend the level of spiritual trip to that of an organized global business that can enhance international trade and diplomatic relations.

” This reality should open the vistas for greater collaboration between and among states/nations as well as business agencies that would advance multilateral economic relations.”

The don also emphasised the need for NAHCON to deepen its commitment to safeguarding pilgrims’ welfare by making provisions that would add value to the huge amount paid for hajj.

He added: ” For instance, its saving scheme can be made to roll over a period of up to five years of installments.

“This would reduce anxieties among prospective pilgrims and imbue them with mental stability and assurance of making the trip.

” However, special consideration should be given to those who, for one reason or another, may justifiably be allowed to go as they pay.”

Shehu enjoined the commission to harmonise accommodation arrangements in Makkah to shelter the pilgrims close to the haram (mosque ) like the case in Madinah.

” To achieve its objective of turning waste to wealth, NAHCON should take much keener interest in its training institute for hajj managers.

” Beyond cognate experience of potential pilgrim officers, they should be certified by the commission’s institute or any other training school that has bearing with tourism or air travel business,”Shehu said.

He urged NAHCON’s operatives and their counterparts at the state levels to lead by example in complying with especially rules meant to regulate pilgrims’ behavior.

He said: ” It would appear bizarre for any official donned with NAHCON or state pilgrim officers’ operational uniforms to contravene hand luggage and other travel protocols.”

Shehu also tasked the group to assert its role as a stakeholder in public policymaking generally.

He added: ”With regards to hajj operations, they should closely monitor and critically study events, define them as problems and insist on prompt authoritative attention.

” This constitutes an important element of their social responsibility and surveillance functions while discharging this function,

” Hajj Reporters should boldly ask punishing questions and demand explanations from officers responsible.

“No unnecessary spinning; no undue image laundering for the malfeasances and ineptitude of stakeholders.

” The image of Nigeria as a nation and the welfare of the guests of Allah are more sacrosanct that the base interests of those found enmeshed in accommodation racketeering, subsidy diversion scandals and poor catering services rendered to the pilgrims. ” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Ndubusi Nwachukwu/Perpetua Onuegbu

The Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN) has charged Nigerian women to take up career professions and aspire for top positions in politics and industry.

Mrs Norah Magero, the Founder, Drop Access Kenya, Winner Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, said this at the International Conference Exhibition and APWEN 40th anniversary on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference was “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Engineering: Embracing Vision, Amplifying Voices and Shaping the Future.”

“Women should be reliable, dependable, value and think of the next generation to come and plan ahead, women should be determined to succeed, they should step up to do things differently to fulfill her purpose.

“It is very important to have a purpose, women engineers should change the narrative, for you as a woman to execute your actions you need to plan, you make progress when you learn to plan,’’ she said.

Mrs Bisola Atanda, the Sales Engineer, Schlumberger, U.S, and a Fellow, Nigeria Society of Engineers stressed the need for women to look into the future and plan toward retirement.

She said that retirement was an emotional journey as it brought about a total change of identity.

“When you retire, your identity will change totally, you will be at home always knowing what you will do to keep life moving, you have to engage in further studies in school and obtain more certificates.

“Also, engage in training people to add value to their lives, try to tell yourself that you can’t remain idle at home after retirement, don’t see yourself as an old person, try to identify your purpose here on earth, start saving some money to help you after retirement,”Atanda said.

Dr Elisabeth Eterigho, the President, APWEN said that the women in engineering were entrepreneurs who believed in using local content  to innovate products that contributed to national development.

She said a woman was a creator, an innovator, that uses simple things around her even in her kitchen to produce durable and valuable products that enhance living and the society.

“Today, we are thinking of local content, design, production and let it be competitive. You know that you can even export it when it is well packaged.

“We have young women in engineering who are entrepreneurs, a young female engineer in one of our exhibition stands is using bamboo and raft palm to produce furniture, kitchenware and  a series of decorative items.

“We are looking at applying our knowledge in engineering into production,  solving people’s problems. Most engineers become entrepreneurs because that is the only way you can easily contribute to the economy.

“An engineer like I said is a problem solver so when you solve the problem do not leave it for somebody else go ahead and make it available and competitive in the market and then you produce it,’’ she said.

She said that for the woman engineer to reach her potential there had to be sustainable drive and equity in the distribution of administrative and managerial roles and good mentoring.

“Let us be the role models we have always been for aspiring female engineers, showing them that there is a place for them in this world of innovation and discovery; the engineering world.

“It is imperative that we use our voice to assert our presence, and pave the way for future generations of female engineers. We have the responsibility to build a future where every woman and girl can thrive.

“The future of engineering is in our hands, and it is a future we are shaping with each discovery, project and mentorship,’’ she said.

On the impact of the NGO in the last 40 years, Eterigho said it had a programme called ‘SheEngineer’ where they trained  500 students and 200 teachers  in the 6 zones of the country and trained 50 engineers on STEM students.

“Also mentorship of over 200 graduate members on Entrepreneurship and are still on Job placements of over 5 graduates in different multinationals.

“Part sponsorship of graduates to study engineering related courses overseas, collaboration with the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association (NUESA), a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in organising STEM related completion.

“Invent It Build It’ is also one of the programmes we initiated  as a group in the last fourth years where we built 2 fully built and furnished Pry School Science Laboratories with ICT classrooms, E- Technical Drawing Class and Science laboratories.

“Eighty one students across the six geopolitical zones on scholarship, under NNPC Ltd, from primary to university provided they will study engineering among many other things we have been able to achieve over the years,” the APWEN president said.

Speaking on the way forward for the association, Eterigho said the NGO was looking forward to greater exploits adding that the association was started by six forceful women but after 40 years the group had registered 4,300 female engineers and expected to register more. (NAN)

Edited by Ali Baba-inuwa

By Philip Yatai

The Transport Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured residents of Abuja of adequate security when the Abuja Light Rail begins operations.

The Secretary of the secretariat, Mr Ubokutom Nyah, gave the assurance on Wednesday, after inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation of the metro rail line project in Abuja.

The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd. (CCECC) handling the rehabilitation project, had during a visit to Vice President Kashim Shettima, pledged to complete the Abuja rail mass transit (ARMT) system by May 2024.

Nyah said that the provision of security was in line with the vision of the secretariat – security, affordability, and flexibility.

He added that the security of the light rail operation ration was paramount, adding that the strategies to secure the rail tracks had been put in place.

He expressed optimism that the expected commercial operation of the Abuja light rail would commence earlier than expected.

The secretary said that the vandalised parts of the tracks had been fixed, while communication cables were being imported.

“We hope that the nine months completion scheduled period will come earlier. The residents of the FCT are in for a big surprise and a good time.

“We have gone through over 60 per cent of the rail tracks and I can convincingly state that the vandalised parts of the tracks have been duly completed.

“The cleaning is going on and I am told that the communication cables are already on the port and will soon come in.

“The completion of the ARMT might come sooner than it was expected, because what we have seen today is a great job,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the secretary and his management team visited the Metro, Kukwuaba, Airport and Basango stations among others. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Ruth Oketunde

Mr Mustapha Ahmed, Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reiterated the agency’s committment to building capacities of its staff and their state counterparts, to deliver excellent services during disasters in the country.

Ahmed made this known during a four-day workshop organised for staff of the agency and staff of various State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised in collaboration with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United States Forest Service (USFS).

NAN also reports that the training is aimed at impacting on the participants, essential knowledge on “Basic/Intermediate Incident Command System and Emergency Operations Center”

Ahmed said that giving increasing frequency and severity of disasters worldwide, it was important for the country to have an effective coordination during emergencies.

The director-general said the workshop would provide the participants opportunity to gain insights into incident command structures, resource allocation and decision-making processes within the Incident Command System.

He added that the training would also expose the participants an opportunity to design, set up and efficiently operate Emergency Operations Centers, thereby ensuring a well organised and timely disaster response in the country.

He commended the USAID for organising the workshop for its staff and staff of SEMAs, adding that the impact of the training would be felt across the country.

“I want to ensure and see that all states, all local governments are fully ready to tackle disasters.

“Disaster management is everybody’s business and I can say the trainings we have been embarking on this year has been impactful.

“We can see improvement compared to last year when the flood occured.

“Now people are getting more prepared and the awareness has been great and that is why we are involving those at the states,”he said.

In his remarks, Mr Brehan Doud, Head of USAID Technical team, commended NEMA for partnering with the agency to enhance capacity of disaster managers across the country.

“This training not only strengthens the abilities of local agencies to handle emergencies but also encourages cooperation and interoperability among diverse stakeholders.

“Ultimately, this initiative reflects USAID and NEMA’s unwavering commitment to advancing global and local resilience and disaster preparedness in Nigeria,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice president Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday revealed that the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd. (CCECC) has pledged to the complete the Abuja light rail project in May 2024.

Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, in a statement, said Shettima extracted the commitment from the management of CCECC.

The management of the company led by its Chairman, Mr Jason Zhang, paid a courtesy call on the vice president at the presidential villa, Abuja.

Shettima said the move was in line with the determination of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to enhance infrastructural development across the country.

The vice president stated that the Abuja rail project, like others, remains dear to President Tinubu and the Nigerian people.

Shettima described the company as part of Nigeria’s history, noting that the Chinese construction giant has played a pivotal role in developing Nigeria’s landmark projects.

He added that its commitment to the development of Nigeria and Africa was commendable.

“You have been in this country for 42 years. We have to commend you for all the beautiful initiatives and support over the years.

“We share a lot in common with the people of China, just as you have been with us through thick and thin.

“You have the financial power and the willingness to support Nigeria and other African countries without interfering in our local politics. This we appreciate a lot.”

Shettima assured CCECC that the present administration would sustain the existing relationship with it and the people of China.

Earlier, the company’s Managing Director, David Waig, reiterated CCECC’s commitment towards delivering the project within the stipulated period.

Waig stated that CCECC leave no stone unturned in ensuring the delivery of the Abuja light rail line in May 2024.

He called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to engage an operational company that would quickly see to smooth take off of the rail project.

Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Managing Directors of the company, Mr Jaques Liao and Mr Inain Guo, and the General Manager (Business) of the company, Mr Eric Yu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi