NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Gov. Adeleke seeks TETfund’s support on infrastructure
Education

Gov. Adeleke seeks TETfund’s support on infrastructure

153 total views today

 

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Osun Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has sought for the support of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in strengthening the infrastructural development of tertiary institutions in the state.

Adeleke was speaking during a courtesy visit on the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono in Abuja on Friday.

The governor who noted the educational decline of the state, said that the visit was necessary to ensure education takes its place.

While commending the fund on its role in giving tertiary education a face, Adeleke said that hardly would there be any development in tertiary institutions that would not be traceable to TETFund.

“Let me first commend TETFund for the great job it is doing cut across Nigeria. There is no institution that you will not see TETFund presence, so any right thinking governor must commend their work so they can do more.

“In Osun, greatest of Nigeria education is due to TETFund efforts. We are enjoying tetfund in the areas of infrastructure.

” I am here for the support from TETFund for osun state and to come and ask for more because we still need a lot of support because our education has really dropped.

“And maybe it is because I have not come to see you that is why we have not paid attention to osun state and that is why I am here. You are doing great job and you must continue,” he said.

Responding, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said that tertiary education plays a special role in the affairs and even the destiny of any country.

Echono said this is because tertiary education is where greatest level of production, creativity and the greatest impact happen, especially in terms of new ideas, new product and services, and also better ways of doing things.

He said that adequate attention must be placed on tertiary education because innovations, creativity and enterprises are usually at its highest level.

“We believe strongly that tertiary education plays a special role in the affairs and even the destiny of any country because that is the level where greatest level of production, creativity and the greatest impact happens.

“Whether it is in terms of new ideas, in terms of new product and services, in terms of better ways of doing things, it is at that level that innovation is at its highest, that creativity and enterprises are at its highest.

“And it is that body of knowledge of expertise that service the various sectors of every economy whether it’s health, media in any field.

“So if we get our tertiary education right, we can even export that to other African countries and indeed other parts of the world because Nigerians are known and we are endowed by God-very intelligent and hardworking people,” he said .

Echono explained that when Nigerians are equipped with the best facilities and the enabling environment to excel, they do better in every field.

” The task before everyone of us is how do we prepare our people, how do we improve on their living standards, how do we give them the necessary tools to transform to the end of other places in the world.

“And as a state we see you as one who can give this.

“On the specific of the request as it is usual, we discussed on specific issues in terms of infrastructure in our schools, we have to deal with some specific projects that we want it completed.

“We have to deal with issues and challenges that arise from security, climate change and flooding and other issues and we could work together in promoting arts and culture-our own indigenous technology, how collectively we can translate some of those in term of areas of research and innovation.

“Osun has taken a lot of lead even at technical levels called STEM, trying to promote technical education and the governor has been talking to me on how we can work together to take this beyond the basic and secondary education to the tertiary level,” he added.

He commended the state governor for paying attention to education while also underlying how important to lay a solid foundation so that collectively the country could be developed.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Cancer survivors in Abuja embark on awareness walk
Health

Cancer survivors in Abuja embark on awareness walk

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By Justina Auta

 

Some survivors of childhood cancer on Saturday embarked on a walk to sensitise FCT residents on the need for early diagnosis, accessible treatment and political will to support children with the disease.

 

Okapi Children Cancer Foundation, an NGO led the walk in Abuja.

 

The foundation’s Chief Volunteer, Ms Kemi Adekanye, said the seventh annual event was to galvanise action from the government, policy makers and other stakeholders to support children with cancer.

 

” We are advocating and creating awareness that childhood cancer needs attention and children battling cancer need to be supported.

 

” Childhood cancer is everybody’s business, we all have children. No child should have to suffer from this disease, no child should lack access to treatment, so I encourage everyone to support.

Our major challenge is that of awareness,” she said.

 

Adekanye, said the theme: ” Steps to Survival” drew experts to educate the public on some signs and symptoms of childhood cancer.

 

According to her, the organisation has been supporting the treatment and care to children with cancer, especially those from less-privileged families in the FCT and other rural.areas.

 

” This walk is to educate people on cancer disease and with more people been aware of the diseases, I believe more actions will be taken to support them, have early diagnosis and treatment.

 

” Government needs to pay more attention to children suffering from cancer in terms of subsidised drugs, initiating policies that will support them, access to treatment,” she said.

 

Mrs Titilayo Adewunmi, parent of a cancer survivor said: “my son had cancer when he was barely six years old.

 

” But with support from this foundation, we have been able to access treatment and care. He is now cancer free and is doing well academically as he is now in secondary school.”

 

Adewunmi, who spoke on behalf of other parents, guardians and survivors of childhood cancer, expressed appreciation to the foundation for its financial, pscho-social, educational and economy supports.

 

Also, Dr Uduak Offiong, Consultant Paedetric Oncologist, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital,urged the government to carry out free cancer screening for children, improved access to care and treatment at subsidised rates.

 

Offiong noted the high cost of cancer treatment, cultural, religious and social beliefs as factors that impede treatment and cure for the various diseases.

 

She said: ” We should ensure that children are diagnosed early. Things like awareness programs, government policies and certain symptoms in children should be screened.

 

” Also, in the policy, cancer screening and treatment for children should be free, just like we have for adult screening.

 

” Parents should also be alert, not only for cancer, but every ailments.They should seek treatments in the hospital.”

 

The oncologist also stressed the need for awareness creation on signs and symptoms of cancer, as well as importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

 

She listed some childhood cancer symptoms to include unusual lump or swelling, sudden unexplained weight loss, unexplained paleness and loss of energy, frequent headaches offer with vomiting and others.

 

” The poor health literacy in our country, if at the primary health care level, there is education, so everytime a patient visits the hospital for whatever it is, there should be proper education.

 

” And if parents or people can have faith in the system they will also be ready to spread the message about early diagnosis and treatment that they went early to the hospital and their child was healed.

 

” So we need to improve the health literacy in our nation,” she said.

 

Similarly Dr Ezie Patrick, Medical Director, Silver Cross Hospital, encouraged people to engage in regular medical checkup to ascertain their health status.

 

” The checks we have done here, we found out that there are some people who planned to go on this walk, but were not fit to engage in it either due to high blood pressure or their sugar level is high.

 

” So screening is good as it also helps people to know their health condition at every point in time.

 

” It is very important because we want to reduce the rates of people having mortalities and morbidities from problems that they may or may not know they have,” he said.

 

He also called on the government to subsidise cancer treatment for citizens suffering from cancer disease.

 

“Everywhere in the world, cancer treatment is expensive, the burden is now on the society to provide enabling environment and subsidised treatment for its citizens.

 

“It is one of the responsibilities that government owns its citizens to ensure that some of these illnesses, especially cancer treatment that has high financial burden is accessible to the public,” he said.

 

NAN reports that other activities include free medical screening and drugs for HIV, Hepatitis, sugar level, blood pressure and others. (NAN)

More Nigerian wrestlers will qualify for Paris Olympics – CG Customs
Sports

More Nigerian wrestlers will qualify for Paris Olympics – CG Customs

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

 

The acting Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed optimism that more Nigerian wrestlers will qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

 

He stated this on Saturday in Abuja after the inauguration of the ‘Work-Life Balance’ initiative which is a routine 5km brisk walk exercise meant to keep officers and men of the NCS physically and mentally fit.

 

Adeniyi who is also a board member of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) said this against the backdrop of only one Nigerian female wrestler securing Olympic qualification in the just concluded World Wrestling Championships in Serbia.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that only three-time Commonwealth Champion, Odunayo Adekuoroye, secured a bronze medal in the women’s 57kg category at the just concluded Championship, to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics Games.

Team Nigeria was represented by six female wrestlers at the championships.

The customs boss however maintains there is no cause for alarm, as there are still two more pre-Olympics qualifiers, where he hopes more Nigerian male and female wrestlers will qualify.

 

“I am not disappointed with the performance of the wrestling team in Serbia.

 

“The competition in Serbia is one of the various competitions lined-up to get slots at the Paris Olympics, there are still one or two championships.

 

“I am very sure there will be one (championships) in March in Egypt and those of our athletes who did not get the ticket, would have the opportunity to do so,” he said.

 

Adeniyi said with the quality of wrestlers in camp and the continued training and exposure being given to them, the sky is the limit.

 

“What we had in Serbia was just our women team, we also have our men in camp and they are in top condition.

 

“I believe our male and female teams stand a very chance with the level of preparation and exposure we are going to give them ahead of the outing in March,” he said.

 

On the ‘Work-Life Balance’ initiative, the Customs CG expressed optimism that the initiative will lead to better wellbeing and productivity for officers and men of the NCS.

The theme for the Saturday’s Walk/ exercise is: “balancing for better tomorrow ” and it had participants from other para-military agencies.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria backs Tinubu’s food systems goals at UNGA
General News

AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria backs Tinubu’s food systems goals at UNGA

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By Cecilia Ologunagba

Chief  Executive Officer (CEO), African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) Nigeria, Gloria Akobundu, says the AU agency is backing the food systems priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Akobundu said this on the sidelines of High Level Meeting on “Attracting investments in Land Restoration, Food Systems, and Rural Transformation in Africa” organised by AUDA-NEPAD on margins of the 78th session of UN General Assembly in New York.

The UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria Secretariat in collaboration with its continental counterpart (AUDA-NEPAD) Contiental.

“President Tinubu has set his target and his goals and we are so grateful that food systems and education are priorities to his goals and his great vision for Nigeria and Africa.

“For us in Africa Union Development Agency, our mandate centres on driving the vision of the heads of state and government, ensuring its implementation and reporting back.

“So, we’re so grateful to him as our leader and our president. We’re grateful for his passion, for his commitment and dedication in realising a peaceful and vibrant economy in Nigeria, of which there will be an overflow to other African countries.

“So, coming here today on Global Financing for food systems, is very welcoming to development for the country and it’s in line with Tinubu’s vision on realising food security, and also in line with African Union agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she said.

Akobundu, also the National Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, said the agency was grateful for the commitment and support of the Nigerian government.

“Education and food become priorities and the bedrock for development and there’s no doubt if achieved will curb insecurity, create jobs, ensure exports, grow our GDP and add a lot to the economy of our country.

“So, it’s a welcome development, and you can see we have development partners. We have been working with them, they’re very much interested. They’re very happy with the Nigerian government,” she said.

According to her, the partners are happy with the set goals, the policies as President Tinubu promised to remove every bottleneck to ensure that these priorities succeed.

“We are collaborating with the Continental Secretariat to mobilise development partners, to market, educate and inform the global community on the priority of the Nigerian government and Africa at large.

“Also, to woo investors and ensure that in every sector of the economy, investors come into partnership with Nigeria, following the vision of our leader, President Bola Tinubu,” said Akobundu.

Earlier in her speech, she informed the participants of  the smallholder farmers’ project in Nigeria, targeted at building the capacity of local farmers in order to increase their contribution to the nation’s food production and improved nutrition.

“The project was initiated by AUDA-NEPAD as a response to the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“More than 20,000 smallholder farmers spread across 22 states of Nigeria have been enrolled into the scheme and have been grouped into cooperatives in order to facilitate assess to financing,” she said.

According to her, the project is in line with Zero hunger Policy of AU Agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want” and also Goal 2 of the UN SDGs.

“It aims to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030, and ensure that all people–especially children–have sufficient and nutritious food all year.

“The smallholder farmers’ project also serves as a vehicle for the restoration of one million hectares of degraded land in Nigeria,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

Navy warns petrol dealers against smuggling on Badagry waterways
Defence/Security

Navy warns petrol dealers against smuggling on Badagry waterways

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By Raji Rasak
The Forward Operating Base (FOB), Nigerian Navy, Badagry, on Saturday warned petroleum  dealers in the town over smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) known as petrol to neighbouring countries.
Capt. Adams Aliu, the Commanding Officer, FOB, NN, gave the warning at a  stakeholders’ meeting with Petroleum Dealers Association, Badagry Chapter, at the Base office.
“If the Federal Government makes  a decision that petrol that is meant for Nigeria market should be sold in Nigeria, I cannot pretend when someone is carrying it across waterways to neighbouring countries.
“I have to react and ask why they are carrying petrol in jerrycan and where they get it and where they are taking it to.
“This is where you come in as the petroleum dealers in Badagry.
“As I am, I can’t get petrol here unless I get to filling stations within Badagry.
“So, it is you that Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) supplies petrol and you are the ones  that can explain how the product gets to all these neighbouring countries.
“The opposite of this is that when they smuggle petrol to neighbouring countries, they will bring rice into the country.
“It is now necessary on me to check the boundary, why there is such movement and make the arrest, if necessary,” he said.
According  to him, smuggling of petroleum products outside the country is having adverse effects on the economy of the nation, urging marketers to shun the practice.
Aliu said that there was a recent online report that Naval officers were harassing and extorting petrol stations  in Badagry communities.
He, however, said that since he assumed office on March 23, no personnel had come out of the waterways to filling stations or land to check any smuggling.
Navy Capt. Adams Aliu, the Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Nigerian Navy, Badagry, in a group photograph with the Petroleum Dealers Association, Badagry Chapter, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Badagry

 

The commanding officer, who gave out his phone number, urged members of the association to call him anytime and not to hesitate on reporting erring personnel in their filling station found harassing people.
Responding, Alhaji Ganiyu Adelani, the PDA Chairman, Badagry, said that the association had been having issues with officers and men of the Nigerian Navy.
“There was a time some filling stations had issues with Naval operatives but you had not assumed office then.
“We are very grateful to you for inviting us to this meeting today and we promise to assist you from checking smuggling on waterways,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
WAEC to introduce CBT for WASSCE — Official
Education

WAEC to introduce CBT for WASSCE — Official

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By Chinyere Nwachukwu
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says plans to introduce the Computer Based Test (CBT) mode in the administration of its examinations are at advanced stage.
The Head of National Office (HNO), Mr Patrick Areghan, gave the hint in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.
Areghan was speaking against the backdrop of notable achievements and advancements of the council under his watch, as he prepared to bow out of office on Oct. 1.
He would be bowing out after completing his three-year tenure.
Areghan said that introducing the CBT mode of administrating some of the council’s examination had been part of his vision for the body in the near future.
”We have already started something in terms of CBT examination. We have gone far with our planning and all of that, even in the sub region, the registrar to council is also doing something.
“But this is not as easy as some people will think. This is because we ask ourselves, how do we conduct CBT for practicals and essay papers?
“We can only readily do that in the case of objective questions. But so many people will not see it from that angle. They argue that some others are doing it, why can’t WAEC do same.
“Now, no one even talks about energy;  how many schools are exposed to computer literacy? How many have computer facilities and how many have electricity to run these things?
“Even where you have all these things on ground, how do you handle the issue of theory and practical papers? So, these are the issues, but that is what I want the council to do in the very near future.
“We should be able to conduct CBT examinations, even if it means starting with the objective questions,” he said.
The outgoing WAEC boss noted that already, the council had concluded on introducing the administration of its examination using the CBT platform under his watch, in no distant time, starting with the objective questions  and later theory and practicals.
 “But you can still be sure that not all schools will be ready. Maybe we can have a segregated market. Those who cannot afford the CBT will go for the pencil and paper mode.
“So, I will like to see WAEC in that light,” he said.
Areghan said asides the introduction of the  CBT,  he would also like to see all  the operations of the council fully digitalised in the near future.
He noted that almost every section of the council had been digitalised under his watch.
“I have almost digitalised everywhere now. Talk of certificate, checking of results and verification of results and more.
“I will live to see more massive deployment of technology so that the vision of council can change from just being a world class examination body to a technology-driven examination body.
“I also want WAEC to be more visible in the international stage. I want to see, through the cooperation of the sub region, how we can take WAEC overseas,  that is, how Nigerian children in the diaspora can sit for WASSCE overseas.
“That, again, is what I want WAEC to do in the very near future. That is one thing I wanted to do under my watch, but, again like I said, it needs the cooperation of the sub region, not just Nigeria, to take WASSCE overseas.
“I also want to see its digital certificate that we have successfully launched in Nigeria replicated in the entire sub region, so that any candidate that has taken WASSCE,  can be in any part of the world to access the  digital certificate; that is a legacy.
“For instance, if your certificate gets missing, soaked, destroyed by fire and so on, with one touch on the bottom, it appears.
“For me, this is a great legacy,” the WAEC boss stated.
He also stated that the council’s Digital Security Printing Press is another milestone achievement under his watch.
According to him, after 71 years of council’s existence  the introduction of the digital security printing press is a worthy legacy.
This is alongside other internal ones, such as the Staff Bus scheme, meant to cushion the effect of high transportation fare, occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal, he said.
“We are going to do more to motivate staff. I am counting on my successor to follow suit, being a very committed and intelligent person. It is my prayer that he achieves more than me,” he stated.
Speaking on his greatest achievement, Areghan highlighted the successful conduct of examinations, release of results within stipulated time and printing and release of certificates to deserving candidates as key.
“That is my greatest achievement. That is because when you work in the council and you fail to conduct any examination, no matter the other levels of achievements, you have failed.
“So, I give God all the glory that I have been able to conduct all the examinations, even in the COVID-19 years, from 2020 to 2023,” the outgoing council boss told NAN. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Oluwole Sogunle
FG decries slow pace of Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail project
General News

FG decries slow pace of Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail project

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By Alex Enebeli
The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Alkali, has expressed disappointment over the slow pace of work on the reconstruction of the Eastern Railway Corridor by the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) Ltd.
The minister made his feelings known on Friday when he inspected the progress of work done on the reconstruction of Eastern railway corridor to Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
Alkali expressed sadness that between Port-Harcourt and Aba Section, only 47 per cent completion stage had been achieved as against 47 per cent completion of the entire stretch from Port-Harcourt to Maiduguri.
 “If you cannot complete Port-Harcourt to Aba which is 63km in 12 months, how would you be able to complete over 2,000km in 36 months?”
Alkali expressed dismay on the use of manual alignment processes by the CCECC in laying the track in the 21st Century.
According to him, in a project that is 85 per cent funded by the Chinese and 15 per cent by the Federal Government, it is only the 15 per cent fund provision by the Federal Government that financed the project so far.
The minister said that he would go back to the ministry to look at what was doable within the ambit of the law and that whatever the law provided on the issues observed, he would enforce it.
Alkali, however, identified one of the striking benefits to be the linking up of the two Sea Ports in Port-Harcourt to Maiduguri as well as promotion of regional trading at a highly reduced cost.
The minister assured the people of the zone  that by the time the passenger train services commenced, it would go a long way in cushioning the effect of the petroleum subsidy removal on Nigerians that would make use of the train services.
Briefing the Minister and his delegation, representative of the CCECC, Mr C. Ching, promised that the first section of the project from Port-Harcourt to Aba, would be delivered by December, 2023.
The CCECC assured the minister that enough materials were on ground to meet the target date, adding that the project with a special kind of bolts and nuts that were ‘anti-theft’ had been introduced to make vandalism difficult.
Onovo said the Consultant handling the project, Khairi and Jamub Global Services Limited  as well as the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr Magdalene Ajani, Directors from the Ministry, the Managing Director, NRC, Fidet Okhiria and others attended the inspection.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on March 10, 2021, the Federal Government began the $3 billion repair and reconstruction of the 1,443 kilometer Eastern Railway Line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.
NAN reports that when completed, it will link Rivers, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
FG urges Chinese investors to explore steel devt
General News

FG urges Chinese investors to explore steel devt

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By Busayo Onijala

The Minister of State, Steel Development, Maigari Ahmadu, has urged Chinese investors to explore and forge mutually beneficial relationships in sectors including steel development, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and renewable energy.

Representing Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Ahmadu made this known at a Business Forum hosted by China Industrial and Commercial Enterprise Association on Friday night, in Lagos.

Ahmadu said the new administration was investing heavily in critical infrastructure, including roads, ports, and energy.

These developments, he said, would not only facilitate the movement of goods and services but also create opportunities for investments.

Ahmadu said Nigeria was committed to enhancing its investment climate, understanding that for businesses to thrive, they required a stable and conducive environment.

“Nigeria is rich in natural resources from oil and minerals to a fertile agricultural landscape. These resources provide a solid foundation for businesses in various industries.

“We view Chinese investors not merely as financiers, but as partners in our journey toward the economic prosperity of our country.

“It is in the light of this that we are using this opportunity to emphasise collaboration between our nations which can bring about transformative change,” he said.

He described Nigeria as a land of immense opportunities, adding that with a population of over 200 million people, the country represented the largest consumer market.

He noted that investments in the country had the potential to reach millions of eager consumers because of its strategic position in West Africa,  offering Chinese investors a gateway to broader regional markets.

“We are committed to responsible business practices that will benefit people, protect our environment and ensure long term businesses.

“We invite our Chinese friends to join us on this exciting journey of growth, innovation, and prosperity.

“We sincerely look forward to building a brighter and a more prosperous future with the People’s Republic of China,” he said.

Guo Pengwen, Commercial Consul at the Chinese Consulate in Lagos, lauded the existing cooperation between both countries, noting that it had a huge potential.

Representing Ms Yan Yuqin, Chinese Consul General, Pengwen said investment from China was helpful to  Nigeria’s economic prosperity, increased the local government tax revenue, improved employment and promoted industrial development.

He said that in terms of the steel industry, no other countries could do better than China.

According to Pengwen, in 2022, China produced more than one billion tons of steel, accounting for 55 percent globally.

“China can produce normal steel and the special steel which are used in different fields.

“Normal steel used in the real estate space but special steel is used to make high-speed railways, spaceships and aircraft carriers.

“The Chinese enterprises also have the awareness of environmental protection, sustainable development and low carbon emission.

“China and nigeria have good economic cooperation. Many Chinese enterprises have invested in Nigeria and I believe there will be bright future for our countries,” he said.

Maigari Ahmadu, Minister of State, Steel Development flanked by members of the Chinese community

On his part, Dr Eric Ni, Chairman, China Industrial and Commercial Enterprise Association, said that the Chinese community  was committed to giving back to Nigerians.

He noted that one of the ways they did this was by empowering low-income students with scholarships.

“We’ve given over 6,000 scholarships and renovated five primary schools in Lagos. We will continue to do more as long as we are here,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

EDO-APC Diaspora Council wooing investors to Edo, says D-G
Politics

EDO-APC Diaspora Council wooing investors to Edo, says D-G

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By Bridget Ikyado

The EDO-APC Diaspora Council, says it has commenced discussions with potential investors in the United States to invest in Edo.

The council said this in a statement by its Secretary General, Abdulrazak Abubakar, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

Abubakar said that the council, led by its Director-General, Dr Legend Asuelime, and Amb. Dion Osagie, Organizing Secretary, have been soliciting for Foreign Direct Investment to Nigeria.

“The group joined other progressives to engage investors on the need to look towards Edo and invest in agriculture, education and Information Technology,” he added.

Abubakar explained that the council participated in the Business, Trade and Investment Summit, being held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, with the theme: “The Imperatives of Trade For African SMEs As A Game Changer For The Continent’s Future Prosperity”.

“Specifically, Edo-APC Diaspora Council leaders established a rapport with the biggest multi-billion dollar Agro-Allied and Distribution Company in the whole of Southern USA, with the aim of investing into the agricultural sector in Edo.

“A commitment was made to connect the U.S. group with the next government and governor of the state in a few months, to promote food security, employment, and general economic well-being of Edo people.

“The EDO-APC diaspora group also met with one of their own, Taiwo F. Akerele, the Executive Director, Policy House, and former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Edo, at the Summit,” the secretary general added.

According to him, the summit was attended by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, who canvassed for investment in aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities in Nigeria.

Also in attendance were the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Minister of State, FCT, Mairiga Mahmud; Sen. Ireti Kingibe, and Abike Dabiri, the Chairman and CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Military neutralises 52 terrorists, apprehends 60 – DHQ
Defence/Security

Military neutralises 52 terrorists, apprehends 60 – DHQ

153 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Defence Headquarters says troops of the Nigerian armed forces have eliminated 52 terrorists, apprehended 60 and rescued 61 kidnapped hostages in different operations between Sept. 15 and Sept. 22.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Buba said a total of seven terrorists comprising of five adult males and two adult females surrendered to troops within the period under review.

He said the troops recovered a total number of 77 weapons and 658 different types of ammunition.

“The breakdown is as follows: 53 AK47 rifles, two AK47 rifles loaded with 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 18 locally fabricated rifles, one beretta pistol, three pump action guns.

“650 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 50 AK47 magazines, two rounds of 9mm ammo, six rounds of 7.62 NATO and five fragmentation jackets.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 15 vehicles, 12 motorcycles, 12 Bicycles, five mobile phones, 12 cutlasses, two generator sets, two gas cylinders, 133 livestock and a sum of N602,000 and Airtel airtime worth N8,000,” he said.

Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe denied oil thieves of an estimated N946.38 million being value of seizures in the South-South region.

He stated that the troops recovered 496,250 litres of stolen crude oil, 83,400 litres of illegally refined AGO, 1,200 litres of PMS, four pumping machines, five speed boats, 34 dugout pits, 57 storage tanks, 16 wooden boats, 85 ovens and three outboard engines.

According to him, the mission of the military against terrorist and other violent extremist groups in the country remains unchanged.

“The military will continue with aggressive operations to force these groups to submission,” he added.

The defence spokesman said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai were engaged in ambushes, raids, rescue operations, fighting patrols, attacks as well as cordon and search activities in the North East theatre.

He added that troops of Operations Hadarun Daji, Safe Haven, Whirl Punch and Whirl Stroke had also sustained aggressive postures against bandits and other criminals in North West and North Central.

According to him, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke conducted 22 operations, 13 fighting patrols, six confidence building patrols and one raid operation within the period under review.

He said that the areas covered included Mbaayande, Mbamazu and Mbaagudu villages of Konshiga Local Government Area of Benue.

“Troops of Joint Task Force Operations UDO KA and Operation Search and Flush in the South East region sustained momentum in the fight against insecurity in the region.

“Troops apprehended five suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists in Ikwo and Ihiala Local Government Areas of Ebonyi and Anambra, respectively.

“The military will through its operations continue to make improvements towards ensuring safety of citizens and restoring security across the country.

“Citizens are encouraged to know something, say something and let the military do something about it,” Buba said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Maharazu Ahmed

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