NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Centre inaugurates hubs to empower women leaders
Politics

Centre inaugurates hubs to empower women leaders

203 total views today

By Justina Auta

The Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD) has established dedicated resource centres to support women in governance and decision-making roles, aiming to enhance their participation in leadership and national development.

Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja on Wednesday, the Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), Dr Asaba Vilta-Bashir, said the initiative, supported by UN Women and the Canadian Government, was a significant step toward gender equality.

She said their support was aimed at advancing women across all sectors and enabling Nigeria to reach its full potential by fostering inclusive participation in governance and decision-making.

Vilta-Bashir highlighted that women continue to face barriers such as limited access to information, resources, and opportunities, compounded by socio-cultural biases and systemic inequalities.

“It is to address these challenges and bridge the gap that the resource centres for women in governance and decision-making were established.

“These centres are vibrant hubs of knowledge, support, and empowerment.

“Through them, we inspire women to take on leadership roles, foster inclusivity, and drive change,” she said.

She said that the centres would provide access to governance-related publications, leadership and political training materials, online courses, internet-enabled facilities, and networking opportunities for mentorship and peer support.

“Existing centres are located in the FCT, Calabar, and Maiduguri, with plans to expand nationwide.

“I urge women to make use of these centres and call on stakeholders to support this initiative. Your support is critical to the success and sustainability of these centres,” Vilta-Bashir added.

To further amplify advocacy efforts, she said MBNCWD had installed a digital billboard to run educational clips on women’s leadership, including the Reserved Seats for Women Bill.

“We call on all stakeholders to support this crusade. Let us use our influence to galvanise support for the bill, creating a more inclusive democracy for sustainable development,” she said.

UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, represented by Mr Zephaniah Aura, said that global evidence had shown that inclusive governance and stronger institutions were more likely when women were in leadership positions.

“Women are underrepresented not because of a lack of talent, but due to limited access to mentorship, information, and opportunity.

“These centres are designed to change that narrative,” Eyong said.

Also speaking, Mrs Ebere Ifendu, Chair of the Political Participation Working Group and Women in Politics Forum, called for the creation of a more inclusive and equitable society, urging greater support for women in political spaces. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Abiemwense Moru

FCT, MCO partner to resolve mining conflicts
Metro

FCT, MCO partner to resolve mining conflicts

156 total views today

By Martha Agas

The Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) says it is working with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to resolve conflicts between mining and land title claims.

The Director-General of MCO, Mr Obadiah Nkom, disclosed this when an FCT delegation visited the organisation on Wednesday in Abuja.

The delegation was led by Mrs Chinyelu Obrike, Overseeing Director of the FCT Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters.

Nkom said the visit had created the synergy needed to ensure better management and administration of mineral resources within the Federal Capital Territory.

He stated that the collaboration aims to eliminate conflicts between mineral titles and land titles, making such disputes a thing of the past.

According to him, the FCT will be able to streamline its operations and maintain clarity on land use and mineral exploration boundaries.

He added that the partnership would address complaints of mining operators encroaching on legally held land titles within the FCT.

The MCO Director-General also noted that although clearance is currently obtained from the FCT Department, this partnership would centralise approvals and enhance compliance.

He said the collaboration would tackle the problem of illegal scavenging on plots of land, which had become an increasing concern.

“It will help a lot. Scavengers are defacing the FCT, and that is unacceptable to us,” he said.

He described a situation where someone returns to their land only to find it excavated and cleared without authorisation.

Nkom expressed confidence that the FCT Department, under professional leadership, would work closely with the MCO and relevant bodies to ensure accountability.

Earlier, Mrs Chinyelu Obrike said the visit aimed to seek the MCO’s support in executing her department’s responsibilities effectively.

She said the department, created in 2022, is tasked with organising mining in the FCT, raising internal revenue, and resolving related conflicts.

Obrike revealed that shortly after assuming office, she began receiving letters and complaints about illegal mining and land encroachments.

She noted that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, recently approved a new operational guideline for mining and quarrying in the territory.

According to her, the visit was necessary to enable a smooth rollout of these mining-related activities across the FCT.

She requested relevant data from the MCO to ensure operators comply with the Community Development Agreement and other legal obligations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

NMDPRA launches campaign to curb tanker accidents
Oil & Gas

NMDPRA launches campaign to curb tanker accidents

200 total views today

By Yunus Yusuf

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has launched a campaign to reduce petroleum tanker accidents on highways across the country.

The Southwest campaign was inaugurated on Wednesday at the Dangote Refinery Depot, Lagos, by NMDPRA Chief Executive, Mr Ahmed Farouk, represented by Dr Mustapha Lamorde.

Farouk stressed the importance of educating tanker drivers and downstream operators on best practices to prevent petroleum-related road accidents.

He said the campaign will teach drivers how to prevent petroleum spillage, which often causes fires, environmental damage, and loss of lives.

Farouk stated that over 15 agencies are involved in the campaign to improve public safety and reduce transport-related risks.

He revealed that, from March 1, tankers over 60,000 litres will be banned from Nigerian roads.

Also, from the fourth quarter of 2025, only trucks with a 45,000-litre capacity or less may load petroleum products.

“These decisions are necessary due to the rise in fatal accidents involving oversized tankers,” Farouk said.

He confirmed that regular training for tanker drivers and assistants will begin before year-end to improve safety and awareness.

NMDPRA is partnering with key bodies including FRSC, PTD, NUPENG, NSCDC, NARTO, Police, Army, and PETROAN to ensure campaign success.

Farouk said the FRSC will conduct regular checks to ensure drivers are sober and not fatigued.

He also revealed plans to introduce a colour-coded system to identify compliant and non-compliant tankers.

Alh. Adigun Gbolahan, NUPENG-PTD Lagos Zonal Chairman, commended the campaign and the proposed driver training initiative.

He confirmed NUPENG’s commitment to safety, offering rewards to drivers with five-year accident-free records.

He warned drivers to avoid alcohol, follow safety rules, and stop driving after 6:00 p.m.

“Any driver caught driving after 6:00 p.m. will be sanctioned,” he said.

He added that drivers now have official ID cards for free emergency hospital treatment nationwide.

Dr Kassim Bataiye, NARTO National Operations Coordinator, promised continued support and said better health insurance is being considered.

FRSC Assistant Corps Commander, Hyginus Omeje, praised the initiative and urged stakeholder collaboration to end truck accidents.

He encouraged ongoing driver education and monitoring to promote road safety.

Mallam Haruna Mohammed, a driver with Shafa Energy, supported the night travel ban, citing reduced accidents and robbery.

Other drivers backed the 45,000-litre limit, saying it discourages overloading and enhances safety.

However, drivers urged NUPENG and employers to increase salaries, claiming the current sub-N100,000 wage is inadequate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives from major stakeholders attended the sensitisation event. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Customs, Police, NDLEA collaborate to combat drugs, arms smuggling
Defence/Security

Customs, Police, NDLEA collaborate to combat drugs, arms smuggling

209 total views today

By Aisha Cole

The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has sought collaboration with the marine police and narcotics officials to combat smuggling of ammunition and drugs through waterways.

The Customs Area Controller, Patrick Ntadi, made the plea when his team visited the Marine Police and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) commands in Lagos on Wednesday.

From L-R DCP Obassi Okechukwu DC Admin, the AIC Maritime Police, Musa Garba and the Customs Area Controller Western Marine command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi during courtesy visit by the Western Marine Command Customs to Police Office in Lagos for collaboration.

Ntadi said his visit was to build more synergy to enable them have robust relationship in achieving more success in their core assignments of maritime security in the country.

He advocated for collaboration through intelligence sharing among the security agencies.

“In customs operations, the first person to ask for backup is police. It is only when we assist each other that we achieve more success.

“We need to resolve the issue of rivalry between lower level officers of customs and police. The officer sees operations as competition. I believe as time goes on we will resolve that.

“The level of unwanted substances that could come through the waterways are much compared to the land that is why we need to collaborate to assist our incoming generation to benefit from our untapped resources.

“There is a lot of insecurity in the system which is affecting our economy,” Ntadi said.

Also speaking, the AIG Maritime Police Command, Musa Garba, said that no organisation could succeed without synergy.

He frowned at the issue of rivalry adding that he had been an advocate in ensuring issue of rivalry was resolved.

Garba advised officers to always talk to their colleagues to shun rivalry and adopt collaboration for the betterment of the country.

“No organisation has the monopoly to do it alone.

“I want to assure you, I, as the AIG Maritime Command in charge of Western and Eastern parts of the country please feel free to call on me for any support you want police to do in the course of your duties,” Garba said.

During his visit to the (NDLEA), Marine Command in Lagos, Ntadi called for seamless operations between customs and the agency.

He acknowledged that no agency was superior to another, adding that officers of both agencies should collaborate to stop illicit drugs into the country.

Ntadi said before now Nigeria was import independent but due to exportation, which expanded customs operations, they seek collaboration to stop smuggling of unwanted substances into the country.

From six left, the Customs Area Controller, Western Marine command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, the NDLEA Marine Commander, Mr Emmanuel Udoh, during the customs visit to the command for collaboration in Lagos on Wednesday.

“In achieving our mandate, we must interface and if we collaborate, the success story will be more.

“Officers should shun rivalry as it affects our operations. Please let me know if there are issues you notice from customs officers so that we can come in and address it on time,” Ntadi said.

In his response, the NDLEA Marine Commander, Mr Emmanuel Udoh, commended Customs for the robust collaboration with the NDLEA.

He said he had received three seizures of cannabis sativa with suspects from customs since he assumed office.

Udoh acknowledged customs support for providing them with logistics whenever they come to receive intercepted cannabis from the command. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Taraba is an agricultural power house not yet harnesed – Shettima
Agriculture

Taraba is an agricultural power house not yet harnesed – Shettima

256 total views today
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Taraba is an agricultural powerhouse yet to be harnessed.
Shettima made the remarks at the Taraba State International Investment Summit (TARAVEST) 2025 held in Jalingo.
He said that the state was endowed with rich agriculture potentials for investors to tap.
According to him, agriculture is beyond use of hoe.
He said that the mining sector in the state also needed to evolve, adding that wealth in Taraba was too much to be reduced to mere statistics.
He said that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, was committed to supporting local investment for wealth generation.
The vice president, however, said that the translation of abundant natural resources into wealth can only be achieved through unity and collective efforts.
He noted that the conversion of these resources to wealth would continue to make Nigeria viable in spite of the growing population.
He said that the growing population of Nigeria was a matter of concern to all, adding that poor economic planning would be inimical to the country’ s future survival.
Earlier, Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba said the state was safe for investment, nothing that the security and peace was guaranteed.
He thanked the vice president and other dignitaries for coming to the state for the summit, saying, “you have come home”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Gabriel Yough
First Lady appointed Merck Foundation Ambassador
General News

First Lady appointed Merck Foundation Ambassador

175 total views today

By Celine-Damilola Oyewole

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has been appointed as an ambassador for the Merck Foundation’s “Merck More Than a Mother” campaign in Nigeria.

The Chairman, Merck Foundation, Prof. Frank Strangenberg-Haverkanp, in the company of other team members, officially declared Mrs Tinubu as the ambassador during a visit to the State House on Wednesday.

He told the first lady to join hands with them to fulfil the vision of the organisation which he said focuses more on women empowerment.

“Nigeria is a very important country; the Merck Foundation was set up in 2012 when I was still a chairman of a commercial organisation.

“Due to my love for Africa, we set up the organisation in order to give back to the society, the idea with the main focus on women.

“It gives young girls the opportunity to have a better life, to overcome the stigma of not having children,” he stated.

Dr Rasha Kelej, the Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, earlier informed Mrs Tinubu that the group wants to establish a partnership with the First Lady through her NGO, Renewed Hope Initiative.

Kelej said part of the organisation’s vision is on women empowerment, medical outreach, education programme, specifically scholarship for girls.

She said the campaign of the organisation also included media training aimed at inspiring and educating young journalists on how to break the silence and be the voice of the voiceless.

“We emphasise on the importance of girls’ education, women empowerment, ending child marriage at all levels through the Merck Foundation.

Responding, Mrs Tinubu joyfully accepted the task with a promise to work with the group.

“I appreciate your impact in Africa and I will work for you, I feel honoured by your visit.

“I believe once you have an educated population, the country will grow in bounds,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

U.S. shifting to ‘investment-led’ strategy in Africa- Senior official
Foreign

U.S. shifting to ‘investment-led’ strategy in Africa- Senior official

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U.S. trade with Africa ‘will be much more focused around a reciprocal relationship, one that addresses the needs on both sides,’ says ambassador Troy Fitrell.

Ambassador Troy Fitrell, senior official at the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, said that Washington is “very directly, very intentionally” shifting toward an “investment-led” strategy in Africa.

“The future of the U.S. trade with Africa “will be much more focused around a reciprocal relationship, one that addresses the needs on both sides,” Fitrell said at an online news conference.

He said trade reflects an “exchange between equals” in an activity, unlike the assistance-led paradigm that the U.S. had in the past, which involved “a donor and a recipient, instead of having it being negotiated with equals.”

Fitrell said he tasked ambassadors to “go out and find” commercial opportunities to advocate for US companies, identify opportunities, push for market reforms to enhance the business environment and engage host governments on those issues.

He said as the U.S’ African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) marches to its end date, “it is our Congress who has the responsibility to revise, renew, or re-establish it.”

The envoy added that “if there’s going to be a renewal of AGOA, it will probably reflect the modern world rather than the one from 25 years ago when it was first founded.”

AGOA is a special law enacted in the year 2000 that grants duty-free access to nearly 40 sub-Saharan African nations to US markets.(AA/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Mark Longyen)

Youth inclusion key to Nigeria’s OGP progress – Minister
General News

Youth inclusion key to Nigeria’s OGP progress – Minister

177 total views today

By Nana Musa

The Federal Government is committed to involving young people in shaping and driving national development, says the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande.

Olawande stated this during the global Open Government Partnership (OGP) working and learning visit to Nigeria, held in Abuja on Tuesday.

 

He stated that Nigeria would continue efforts to develop the fourth National Action Plan (NAP 4) under the OGP framework.

 

Olawande explained that the global OGP has launched a strategic plan for 2023–2028 to promote transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance worldwide.

 

“We are committed to ensuring youth voices and contributions are reflected in thematic focus areas and during implementation.

 

“We value the hard work of stakeholders, youth members, partners, and the OGP-Nigeria technical working group.

 

“I’m especially proud of OGP Local Kaduna, co-chaired by a young person, and the Nigeria Youth Investment Project, supporting the youth ministry,” he stated.

 

Olawande also commended global OGP, state, and non-state actors in Nigeria for their longstanding commitment to the OGP reform process.

 

Earlier, OGP Global’s Team Lead for Partnership for Democracy and Accountability, Maureen Kariuki, spoke about the significance of the OGP mission.

 

She stressed the importance of youth inclusion in policymaking and decision-making to bring about meaningful reform.

 

“We’re here to learn what Nigeria is doing and explore ways we can support ongoing efforts.

 

“Support is key, because the partnership thrives on mutual cooperation.

 

“Nigeria has many governments and reformers, as well as strong civil society partners contributing to real change.

 

“OGP members globally learn from one another based on their unique experiences and priorities,” Kariuki said.

 

She also praised the minister and OGP-Nigeria for their notable achievements and dedication to the OGP agenda.

 

OGP National Coordinator, Dr Gloria Ahmed, also lauded the minister and global OGP partners for their continued support and contributions to the initiative. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Dangote funds women entrepreneurs in Benue
General News

Dangote funds women entrepreneurs in Benue

432 total views today

In a bold boost for women entrepreneurship in Nigeria, Dangote Cement Plc has empowered businesswomen in host communities in Benue with cash grants, thus deepening business activities in the State.

 

The women empowerment programme came months after the Dangote Cement in Gboko increased bursary payments to students of host communities by more than 100 per cent.

 

Mr Wakeel Olayiwola, Group Head, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, disclosed this at the ceremony on Wednesday in Gboko.

 

“Through this scheme, selected women entrepreneurs in host communities will receive ₦100,000 grants each to strengthen and expand their businesses.

 

“The financial support aims to boost local enterprise development at the grassroots level, empowering female business owners with capital to scale their operations.

 

‘’Each beneficiary will use the funds to address specific business needs, from purchasing inventory to upgrading equipment, creating tangible economic impact in their communities.”

 

Olayiwola said that the empowerment would boost ability to invest in their families’ education, health, and well-being as well as break the cycle of poverty and enable positive change in their communities.

 

He said the programme would also enable the women to generate more income to reduce over-reliance on their husbands.

 

He said the money is a grant and would not be paid back to the Dangote Cement.

 

Olayiwola said traditional leaders of Quarry, Tse-Kucha, Amua, Mbazembe, Mbatur and Pass Brothers host communities, as well as the Dangote Community Consultative Committee were involved in the selection of beneficiaries.

 

He said the company would monitor progress of the women entrepreneurs and evaluate how the money is being invested.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Dangote Cement Plc and six host communities signed a historic Community Development Agreement (CDA) in 2024.

 

The acting Plant Director, Munusamy Murugan, said the empowerment would be an annual event.

 

Murugan, who was represented by Tavershima Soom, said that other economic empowerment programmes lined up include farmers programme and youth skill acquisition programme.

 

In his remarks, Head of the Social Performance, Gboko Plant, Johnson Kor, said that the company would continue to support members of the communities, urging them to be good ambassadors of the Dangote Cement Plc.

 

Ruth Tser, a beneficiary, said she would invest the money in her cassava farming business, while commending the company for the support.

 

Similarly, Mrs Vishigh Msurshiona, pledged to use the money to grow her trade in commodities.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Gateway Games sparks adire fabric boom— NSC DG
Sports

Gateway Games sparks adire fabric boom— NSC DG

221 total views today

By Yetunde Fatungase

The  Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade says the financial gains of the 22nd National Sports Festival cannot be overemphasised

He revealed that thousands  pieces of adire fabrics have been sold since the beginning of the festival, adding that vendors had ran out of stocks.

He said that the festival was steadily improving the financial prosperity of vendors and residents of the state.

Olopade added that over 300 vendors were operating in each of the venues.

“How do I begin to aggregate in dollars, the value of that opening ceremony that was seen in more than 50 countries.

“Let’s talk about the naira and kobo, over 300 small scale businesses are operating inside the stadium.

“We have sold thousands pieces of  adire; we have more demands than supply. Hotels are making business

“These are the benefits of hosting a sports festival; it opens more doors for business opportunities,” he said.

Olopade commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun for raising the bar in terms of infrastructure development and athletes’ welfare.

He said no fewer than 9,040 athletes were accredited, whose feeding and welfare are being handled effectively.

“We need to be scored very high. In the last 20 years, this is the festival that athletes will get to their hostels and get their foods and other things they need.

“With joy and pride, everything is  going on at Babcock, where the athletes are housed, I can categorically say that the standard is very high,” Olopade said.

He urged journalists and people of the state to visit some of the venues to watch the games.

The festival which began on May 16 will end on May 30.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

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