NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG tasks Google on sanity of cyberspace

FG tasks Google on sanity of cyberspace

149 total views today

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris has appealed to Google for a safe cyberspace to enhance peace and unity in the country.

The Minister who made the call when a delegation from Google West Africa led by its Director, Mr Olumide Balogun paid him a visit on Thursday in Abuja.

“It is very important to find a critical balance between the negative and positive aspects of cyberspace. I think the role is on your side because you are the one that has the switch button to switch on and off.

“It is not in the interest of the government to gag the press or deny people freedom of expression. I can tell you that the president is not interested in stifling any press flow of information, but once information becomes dangerous, it can now become a problem for us, tear us apart and create confusion for us as a country.

“We know that information dissemination is critical to the survival of any country. I think it is important for us to have free press, a platform where people can express themselves freely.

“I think that once people communicate or put out information, it reduces tension and the menace of fake news. That freedom comes with responsibility,” the Minister said.

He said Google has an enormous responsibility to ensure that the freedom people have in cyberspace does not also translate to an avenue for anarchy for Nigerians.

“We want to stay united and in peace; and sometimes if you feel that the knife in the kitchen would be more negative and dangerous, you sometimes need to take it out and use what is available.

“We don’t want to get to that level.  It is a twin problem, but how you as Google navigate that is important for us,” Idris said.

Speaking earlier, Balogun said that Google in the last three years has trained over 3,500 journalists to use different tools for news verification, including digital tools to manage misinformation.

“We have the Google News integration team that helps news organisations across the world, including Nigeria through what is called “Google Innovation Challenge” to innovate and introduce new innovations to news organizations.

“One of the innovations that we funded, called ‘full fact’ is an AI technology that helps in fact-checking”.

The Google team pledged to support the Ministry by training staff on online skills. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

FEMA mobilises stakeholders to fight inequality in disaster risk reduction in FCT

FEMA mobilises stakeholders to fight inequality in disaster risk reduction in FCT

233 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has called on all stakeholders to work together to fight inequality in disaster risk reduction for a resilient future.

The acting Director General, FEMA, Alhaji Muhammad Sabo, made the call in Abuja on Friday, at an event to commemorate the 2023 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR).

Oct. 13 of every year has been set aside by the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate how people and communities around the world were reducing their exposure to disasters.

The day was also set aside to raise awareness and mobilise people to take part in building more disaster-resilient communities.

Sabo identified the stakeholders as governmental and non-governmental organisations, local and international bodies, and private individuals.

He said that the theme, “Fighting inequality for a resilient future”, resonates deeply with the challenges being faced in building a safer and more equitable world for all.

According to him, inequality and disaster risk are indivisible, adding that disasters, whether natural or human made, do not discriminate.

Sabo said, “They can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. However, their impacts are not evenly distributed. It is often the most vulnerable and marginalized communities that bear the heaviest burden, exacerbating existing inequalities.

“As we address disaster risk reduction, we must acknowledge and confront these disparities and to create a resilient future, we must fight inequalities on multiple fronts.

“For example, people who live in poverty are more likely to live in areas that are at risk from hazards.

“They are also less likely to have access to early warning systems and other resources that can help them to stay safe.”

He stressed the need to invest in building resilience at the community level and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to the resources, knowledge, and infrastructure needed to withstand and recover from disasters.

This, according to him, means better access to health care, education, clean water, and housing.

Sabo said the 2023 IDDRR presented an opportunity to raise awareness of the link between inequalities and disaster risk and take action to reduce inequalities towards building a more resilient future for all.

The director general  also stressed the need to listen to the voices of people at more risk to disasters, saying, “they have the knowledge and experience that we need to develop effective solutions.”

Sabo also called for the recognition of gender equality in disaster risk reduction, adding that women and girls suffer disproportionately during disasters.

According to him, their voices and leadership are vital in crafting effective solutions.

“We should promote policies and practices that aim to reduce inequality in access to economic opportunities, social services, and participation in decision making.

“It is also essential to acknowledge that environmental degradation and climate change exacerbate disaster risks.

“To address this, we must work collectively to reduce carbon emissions and transmission to more sustainable practices that benefit everyone, rather than just a select few.

“Fighting inequality for a resilient future serves as a powerful reminder that disaster risk reduction is not merely a technical challenge but a moral imperative.

“Let us commit ourselves to work together, leaving no one behind. And build a more resilient and equitable future for generations to come, ” Sabo said.

Also, Dr Abbas Idriss, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Aygee and Hazard Consulting Ltd, stressed the need to fight all forms of inequality in disaster management.

Idriss, who was the immediate past director general of the agency, also called for collective action to curb human induced disasters, while mitigating the effect of natural disasters.

The permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Adesola Olusade, said that breaking the circle of inequality required organised and strategic actions on the part of the government through empowerment programmes targeted at women, girls and youths.

This, according to him, will ensure inclusion so that those with special needs are not also left out.

Earlier, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, Director, Forecasting, Response and Mitigation, FEMA, said that in the last 10 days had been sensitising residents on disaster risk reduction.

“We went round the six Area Councils to sensitise residents of the FCT and we are rounding up today with all stakeholders who play key roles in disaster risk reduction in the nation’s capital.

“We were on radio and television stations for life programmes as well as social media, sensitising residents of FCT on disaster risk reduction,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commemoration of the IDDRR began with a road walk from the FCTA Secretariat to the Conference Hall of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) at Area 11.

Wenegieme had explained that the essence was to reach out to more residents of FCT with disaster risk reduction messages, particularly what disasters are and how to prevent them. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Actors Guild unveils “On-screen” magazine to create visual awareness

Actors Guild unveils “On-screen” magazine to create visual awareness

231 total views today
By Taiye Olayemi
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has unveiled an online magazine, known as “On-screen”, to create visual awareness for actors across the country.
Its National President, Dr Emeka Rollas, while speaking during the guild’s  pre-International Festival cocktail, on Friday  in Lagos, said that the magazine would educate the public on roles actors play in the industry.
Rollas said that the cover page of the magazine had just been launched while the main magazine would be unveiled during the guild’s International Festival scheduled for  Nov.16 to Nov. 18 in Miami.
“The On-screen magazine is for actors, we have just unveiled the cover page, we have the intention of unveiling the main magazine in Miami. It will be an online publication which will be done quarterly.
“It will be capturing the activities of actors in Nigeria, we are trying to create visual awareness for actors.
“We know that in recent times, a lot of actors have worked so well but there is nothing to show for it because we have not been able to work on branding and rebranding of our craft nationally and internationally.
“I don’t want the Nollywood industry to look like that of football in Nigeria,” he said.
According to Rollas, the festival was deliberately organised to promote Nigerian actors as well as expose them to international casting agencies.
He said through this, actors would gain access to well renumerated jobs with international actors, film directors and producers.
He noted that the festival would engage casting directors, members of the Script Actors Guild of America in different workshops and Artificial intelligence (AI) would also be touched on.
“The only way the industry will improve the welfare of its members in terms of good renumeration is when they are involved in productions with massive budget.
“So, we are advocating that we need to go and sell ourselves out there.
“This will create  cross cultural relationships between Nigerian actors and foreign ones.
“We are going to continue the festival next year until we are able to strengthen our body, we need to see actors engage in bigger projects outside here,”  he said.
Rollas noted that the events for the festival would include a red carpet gala and awards, film screening, panel discussions, city tours, workshops and seminars.
He appreciated the U.S. Consulate in Lagos for supporting the AGN in hosting its maiden international festival. (NAN)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
Anyanwu remains PDP National Secretary -NWC  Secretary

Anyanwu remains PDP National Secretary -NWC Secretary

189 total views today

 

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National  Working Committee (NWC) says the party’s candidate in the Nov. 11 Imo State Governorship election, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu will remain the party National Secretary.

The party made the clarification in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja on Friday.

Ologunagba said that the attention of the NWC of PDP had been drawn to a statement by a group mischievously purporting that the NWC had relieved Anyanwu of his elected position as national secretary.

“The NWC states In very clear terms that the claim by the group is completely false as the NWC did not at any time relieve or contemplate to relieve the National Secretary, Anyanwu of his position.

“The NWC therefore strongly condemns the action of this group which is obviously the handiwork of those who intend to embarrass, cause disaffection and division in our party in their attempt to distract the PDP, our candidate, Anyanwu and the people of Imo State in the quest to rescue the State from the stranglehold of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The NWC states and cautions that no matter how strongly an individual or group feels about an issue, resorting to fabrications, lies and claiming of a non-existent decision by the NWC is highly condemnable, “ Ologunagba said.

He urged Nigerians, particularly PDP teeming members and supporters in Imo to disregard the said false claims as Anyanwu remains the PDP national secretary and candidate of the party in the Nov. 11, Governorship election.

“The NWC charges the PDP in Imo to remain united, focused, at alert and continue to resist the antics of suppressive forces which are bent at distracting our Party in the march to victory on Nov. 11,” Ologunagba said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Information Minister tasks ARCON on innovation, local content, job creation

Information Minister tasks ARCON on innovation, local content, job creation

133 total views today

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to improve on innovation, local content and job creation to boost the country’s economy.

The minister made the called when he visited the Council on a familiarisation tour on Friday in Abuja.

According to the minister, the visit is a continuation of his tour to all agencies under his ministry with a view to helping and enhancing their operations.

He noted that the ARCON Act had been fully taken care of by the government, saying that the council was fully covered legally.

The minister explained that ARCON had the pivotal responsibility of regulating advertising practices and ensuring that practitioners adhered to the highest standard.

According to him, advertising is not only business but a way of engaging the nation, promoting its cultures and values to reflect its diversity.

“ It also provide direct and indirect jobs for our people, especially on local content.

“This is because, whatever we do, we have to see that jobs for our youths are protected and the economy also goes with that.

“I am committed to closely working with ARCON to promote innovation, because it is the key to remain relevant, especially in this age and time. I am happy with the innovation I am already seeing here.”

He urged the council to continue to evolve, saying ” If you stay in one place, then you become obsolete and everyone will forget about you.

” Our collective goal is to ensure that every sector in Nigeria, not only meet the international standard, but also serve as a catalyst for national development.

“ I encourage you to promote local content which you have mentioned earlier,” Idris said.

The minister said it was regrettable that so many jobs were being lost to other countries, adding that, ” in spite of our rich capacity which is the pride of Africa, we are still losing jobs to other countries.”

He said that Nigeria would not afford to continue to have unnecessary capital flight out of the country when its population was growing, with so many capable young people looking out for jobs.

According to him, if these jobs are allowed to leave this country then it will be a disaster for us in the future.

The minister encouraged ARCON to engage with its stakeholders, saying “the more you engage with them in the country, the better for us.

“It is better that we all come together and be on same page”.

He stressed that the issue of reorientation, national rebirth and reinstatement of Nigeria’s core values would not be realised by only one agency, thus, “there is need for all hands to be on deck.

“President Bola Tinubu is very keen to ensuring that Nigeria claims its value, so as to take our rightful place in the committee of nation once again.

“The Federal Government is here, and I am going to work with you very closely to see that this sector is grown.

“We cannot afford a situation where all the jobs that are meant for Nigerians are taken out of this country.

“ We have every potential. It is important that Nigerians play a key part in the affairs of Nigeria, and advertising should not be an exception to that,” Idris stressed.

Earlier, the Director-General of ARCON, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, brought the minister up to speed on the council’s issues, reforms and benefits.

He listed the issues to include use of local content, branding Nigeria project, advertising contribution to the economy, audience measurement for broadcast, measurement for other media and digital space regulations.

Others included, advertising offence tribunal, national advertising conference, issues with Facebook and Google, regulatory frame work and many others.

Fadolapo said some of the benefits included media house stability and rates review which had also eradicated industry’s debt.

The ARCON boss pleaded with the minister to inaugurate its governing council and help to reconsider the plan to remove the Council from the country’s budget.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that so far on the tour, the minister has visited, Nigerian Television Authority, National Broadcasting Corporation, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Voice of Nigeria and NAN.

NAN also reports that the minister will on Oct. 17, visits the National Orientation Agency and Nigerian Press Council, in continuation of his working visits(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Isaac Aregbesola

Tinubu appoints Onanuga, Yakubu as aides

Tinubu appoints Onanuga, Yakubu as aides

190 total views today

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr Bayo Onanuga, the former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

This is contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity,Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday in Abuja.

The president also approved the appointment of Ms Delu Bulus Yakubu as  Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

“It is part of efforts to prioritize effective and efficient working synergy between the Presidency and Federal Ministries through the appointments of professionals who have prior working experience of the Federal Ministries they will be coordinating.

“This will also be in addition to duties to be carried out at the President’s discretion.

“The President wishes the new presidential aides well in the discharge of their duties,” he said.(NAN)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

NEDC lauds Nigeria’s giant strides in energy transition, climate legislation

NEDC lauds Nigeria’s giant strides in energy transition, climate legislation

184 total views today

By Femi Ogunshola

Mr Sam Onuigbo, Chairman of the North East Development Commission’s (NEDC) Security, Special Interventions, and Climate Change Governing Board, has lauded Nigeria’s strides in energy transition and climate legislation.

Onuigbo, a former lawmaker representing, Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South of Abia State in the House of Representatives, made this known on the sidelines of Africa Climate Forum Conference on Friday in Abuja.

The theme of the conference is: “Parliamentary Dialogue on Powering the Future: Financing Energy Transition for Sustainable Progress.”

Onuigbo emphasized the critical role of financing the energy transition to ensure sustainable progress within the current climate context.

The former lawmaker stressed the significance of shifting from traditional energy sources to renewables, such as wind, solar, and hydropower.

According to him, the transition is not only essential for economic growth but also imperative for productivity and achieving sustainable development goals.

He said: “The 9th National Assembly has made significant strides in climate-related legislation.

”These include amending the 1999 Constitution to move electricity from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List and passing the Climate Change Act.

”The Climate Change Act, which became effective in 2021, provides a framework for mainstreaming climate change actions.”

According to him, the Act sets a target for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions between 2050 and 2070 and establishes a Climate Change Fund.

Onuigbo emphasised the need to integrate climate change into Nigeria’s educational curriculum, adding that this forward-thinking provision aimed to raise awareness.

He added that it would also prepare future generations to address environmental challenges effectively.

The NEDC top shot noted that the electricity Act, has decentralised and de-monopolised the entire energy value chain, promoting competition, renewable energy utilization and state electricity markets.

He added that several states had already passed their own State Electricity Laws.

Onuibo also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving electricity accessibility and affordability, adding that this was evident through his quick assent to the Electricity Act.

“His goals include stimulating renewable energy development, improving rural access to electricity and establishing the Rural Electrification Fund,” he addeed.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
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Edited by Mark Longyen/Maureen Atuonwu

Air Peace CEO, Olubadan, others bag prestigious Afro Awards

Air Peace CEO, Olubadan, others bag prestigious Afro Awards

164 total views today

By Thompson Yamput

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), if Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Dr Moshood Olalekan-Balogun, are among 26 Africans and Americans honoured with the prestigious Afro Awards 2023 for their humanitarian services.

The AFRO awards is an annual and non profit event being powered by Oduala Foundation that honors outstanding individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to humanity in various fields.

The Executive Director and Founder of AFRO awards, Chief Taiwo Oduala, in a statement said that the annual event was also aimed at establishing a unique Afro-centric excellence award on individuals and organisations that had touched lives in their various communities.

“While Onyema have made significant impact in the lives of many with his free evacuation philosophy, the Olubadan, distinguished himself as a caring and wise Royal Father.

“Air peace airline painstakingly evacuated Nigerians from South Africa during the Xenophobia, in Sudan and China besides Indians and Chinese evacuated from Nigeria back to their countries,” he said.

Chief Taiwo Oduala, Chief Executive Director and Founder of AFRO Awards based in USA

Oduala, who is U.S.-based famous Movie Director, explained that the 2nd Annual AFRO Awards, held at the prestigious Directors Guild of America in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, proved to be an unforgettable celebration of humanitarian excellence and cultural significance.

“With a star-studded guest list and a remarkable lineup of honorees, this event exceeded all expectations, leaving a lasting impression on attendees and the global community.

“The highlight of the evening was the recognition of accomplished individuals, who have made indelible contributions to society and culture.

“This spectacular event is a testament to the AFRO Awards mission of celebrating excellence and humanitarian contributions on a global scale.

“The red carpet was graced by an array of celebrities, dignitaries, and community leaders, setting the stage for a night of unity, inspiration, and cultural appreciation, ” he said.

The director named some of awards and recipients to include: Business Tycoon of The Year Award: Conferred upon the dynamic Founder of Spectrum Solution, Phill Westbrooks, for his remarkable achievements.

Cross section of some of the awardees

Others are Finance Innovator of The Year Award: Awarded to Founder of Agic Energy North America and Agic Group Holdings, Chief Duran Alabi for his outstanding contributions and innovations within the banking industry

Others are the AFRO Awards Governors Award: Recognizing the immense impact of Global Media Entertainment Executive and Head of Content & Brand: The Africa Channel, Aval L. Hall and Collaborative Practice of The Year Award: Presented to Paul Mwaura Mwangi, Founder and President of Staff Today Inc., for his outstanding contributions to collaborative practices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Anti-graft activist tasks new EFCC chair on transparency, accountability

Anti-graft activist tasks new EFCC chair on transparency, accountability

128 total views today

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Chief Executive of Connected Development (CODE), Mr Hamzat Lawal, has urged the newly appointed Chairman of EFCC, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, to uphold the independence of the commission in its operation.

Lawal, an anti-corruption activist, made the call in interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday approved the appointment of Olukoyede to serve as the new Chairman of the Economic and Financial  Crime Commission (EFCC).

The appointment will be subject to Senate confirmation.

This comes nearly four months after Tinubu suspended the former chairman of the anti-graft agency, Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa.

According to Lawal, the new EFCC chairman should uphold the independence of the commission and ensure that it remains free from undue political influence in the discharge of its duties.

“There is a need to maintain transparency and accountability within the EFCC and its operations to ensure public trust and credibility.

“Ensuring robust protection for whistleblowers who report corruption is also vital for encouraging individuals to come forward with information.

“The efficient recovery and forfeiture of assets gained through corruption are pivotal, and the new EFCC boss should find a way to streamline these processes,” he said.

Lawal also urged him to engage the youth and the public in all anti-corruption efforts through awareness campaigns and education, which are essential for building a corrupt-free society.

“As an anti-corruption activist, my advice for him is to enhance collaboration between the agency and civil society organizations, and indeed, other government agencies, to foster a comprehensive approach to tackling corruption,” he said.

“He also needs to provide solid and moral leadership to guide the EFCC in fulfilling its mandate and encourage a culture of continuous learning and adaptation to address evolving forms of corruption,” he added. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Police impound 10 vehicles over “one chance” activities in FCT

Police impound 10 vehicles over “one chance” activities in FCT

156 total views today
By Monday Ijeh
The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) says it has impounded 10 vehicles suspected to have been used for “one chance” activities in the territory.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the FCT, Mr Haruna Garba, said this at a media briefing on Friday in Abuja.
He said the vehicles were impounded by the newly created ‘Anti-One Chance Squad’ of the command to curb the menace of “one chance” activities within the FCT.
According to him, most of the vehicles impounded had tinted glasses on them and during  searches, axes, cutlasses and knives,  ostensibly for use in carrying out their criminal activities were recovered from the vehicles.
He said the three suspects who arrested in connection with the seizure of the vehicles were currently under investigation.
Garba said that operatives of the command from Zuba Division, on Oct. 8, arrested three suspects over alleged armed robbery and kidnapping.
He said the suspects were arrested following a distress call about some strange and suspicious movements around the Zuba Fruit Market.
“Police operatives from Zuba Division swiftly mobilised to the scene and arrested a suspect, who upon sighting the police operatives took to his heels.
“He was given a hot chase and apprehended by police operatives.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a 5-man gang and later led the police operatives to the arrest of two of his gang members.
“Two AK-47 rifles, two magazines and 35 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the houses of the suspects.
“The suspects are cooperating with police authority to arrest the rest of the gang members,” he said.
The CP said 62 cases of alleged disappearance of male organs had been reported in the FCT since the first case was reported in Gwagwalada on Sept. 21.
Garba said 51 suspects had been charged to court for giving false information and inciting public disturbance in connection to male organ disappearance.
“To this end, I want to reiterate my commitment and willingness to always work with FCT residents to defeat crime in all its forms in the territory,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
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