Page 1265 – NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Afonne Emmanuel
Sep, Wed, 2023

FG allocates 50% intervention initiative to boost women businesses

151 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Director-General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr Olawale Fasanya, has reiterated Federal Government’s desire to boost women owned businesses in the country.

Fasanya said this at the opening of “Meet With the CEO” in collaboration with International Labour Organisation (ILO), in Abuja on Wednesday.

The director-general said in order to ensure this, SMEDAN had established a gender desk and had reserved 50 per cent of its intervention programmes for women.

Fasanya said that the objective of the event was to broaden and deepen the capacity of the MSME operators on regulatory issues.

He said it would enable the agency initiate need-based programmes that would enhance MSMEs competitiveness in the global market.

He quoted the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) saying that 40 per cent of businesses in the country were female-led and that they contributed significantly to economic growth and job creation in the country.

“These businesses led by visionary women entrepreneurs are emerging as pivotal drivers of Nigeria’s economic resurgence.

“And they are contributing significantly to the nation’s development across divers sectors,” he added.

According to Fasanya, female-led businesses has continued to show resilience and high level optimism in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and economic downturn.

He said: “Considering the impacts, female-led businesses continue to make progress in spite the challenges they face.

“The government and ecosystem players takes a more intentional approach to supporting the demographic segment for greater impact.

“Female-led businesses produces ripple benefits that triggers employment generation, poverty reduction and wealth creation.”

The director-general, therefore urged the participants to interact with each other and with government officials, ask questions and network on ways to forge ahead.

He commended the ILO, their Co-host, for the unwavering support towards the promotion of equal human right, social justice and sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Founder, Celina Unogwu Visioning Academy (CUVA), Celina Unogwu, reiterated the importance of having a balanced work life as a woman entrepreneur.

According to Unogwu, work life balance refers to the intersection of work and personal life, when there is equilibrium or balance between a personal life and a professional life.

While stating the importance for entrepreneurs to be focused at their goal, she urged the participants to work hard and believe in their dream.

She said: “Work hard, keep dreaming and bring it to life”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

AfDB strengthens partnership with Eritrea, pledges continuous support

isaac aregbesola
Sep, Wed, 2023

Business

AfDB strengthens partnership with Eritrea, pledges continuous support

157 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue
The African Development Bank (AfDB), and Eritrea have strengthened their partnership to support the country’s growth.
The aim is to place it on a more sustainable development path in the coming years.
The President of AfDB, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, in a statement said the bank had committed to supporting Eritrea’s development, including its goal of self-reliance.
Adesina said the bank as an important partner of Eritrea, was currently supporting the country in energy, water and sanitation, agriculture, skills and capacity development, and economic and financial governance.
“I had an excellent visit to Eritrea. I came away highly impressed by the passion to develop and the incredible resilience and self-reliance of the Eritrean people.
“ The best part was when I was told by a United Nations (UN) senior level official that in Eritrea, corruption is zero per cent.
“Another UN senior official said Eritrea’s capacity for pharmaceuticals meets all World Health Organisation (WHO) global standards.”
Adesina said the Eritrean president, Isaias Afwerki, had been consistent with his engagement with AfDB since Eritrea joined the institution nearly 30 years ago.
“The capacity and first-rate skills of Eritrean engineers are amazing and should be shared with other African countries.
“President Afwerki is so passionate, determined very simple. Eritrea and its highly committed people have all it takes to rapidly grow and thrive in the years ahead.
“As president of AfDB, I can assure you that under my leadership, the bank will be there to support Eritrea’s drive to transform its economy.
“It can only get better with all the projects we have talked about today. If we work together, I know that Eritrea will be a much better country in many ways,” he said.
The AfDB boss highlighted the need to prioritise agro-industrialisation to further grow the agriculture sector and ensure food stability.
He also proposed the AfDB’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones initiative as a model for transforming Eritrea’s rural communities into prosperous economic zones, harnessing the power of commercial agriculture and food production.
The Eritrean president thanked Adesina for the strategic role the bank was playing in improving the lives of the Eritrean people.
Afwerki said the country had identified the AfDB Group as the partner of choice to drive rapid socio-economic development and to move its economy “from subsistence to industrialisation.”
According to him, Adesina is the first AfDB president to visit Eritrea, which joined the institution in 1994.
“We have had fruitful engagements with the bank and want to do more with the institution on a sustainable level.”
Afwerki called for more resources for the bank and for it to be strengthened to support Africa’s development priorities.
He also called for additional support in other critical areas, including fishing communities, agriculture, skills and capacity development to increase self-sufficiency, and integrated infrastructure.
He said these would enable the country to make the most of its large potash deposits.
In April, the AfDB’s board of directors approved a 49.92 million dollars financing grant for the construction of a 30-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant in Dekemhare.
This is the Bank’s largest investment in the country. The project will have a transformative impact on improving access to energy in Eritrea.
It will contribute to the Eritrea’s target of generating 360 megawatts of electricity by 2030.
In 2018, Eritrea signed a peace and cooperation agreement with its neighbour, Ethiopia. This milestone marked the end of 20 years of conflict that had hampered economic development.
The agreement and the lifting of United Nations and United States sanctions ended a decade of international isolation for Eritrea. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
LCN/EEE
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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Disability Inclusion, critical strategy to meet SDGs

Tosin Kolade
Sep, Wed, 2023

General News

Disability Inclusion, critical strategy to meet SDGs

169 total views today

By Justina Auta

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have called on the government and stakeholders, to prioritise disability inclusion as a strategy to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

They made the call at a one-day consultation on mid-term review of disability inclusion in the implementation of SDGs organised by an NGO, Sightsavers Nigeria, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Dr Abdullahi Usman, National President, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), called for bridging disability gaps and promoting good governance to address them.

“It is important to note that building an inclusive society goes beyond preparing PWDs for the workspace or providing them with skills.

“We are appealing to all relevant stakeholders both in public and private sector to accelerate action on the SDGs and ensure inclusion for PWDs.

“We all have equal rights to education, employment opportunities and health care, and the rights to have a say in the decisions that affect our lives,” he said.

He said Nigeria has an estimate of over 30 million PWDs, who are marginalised on the grounds of gender, poverty, age or other factors.

Mrs Esther Bature, Sightsavers Country Advocacy Coordinator, said the forum was for PWDs members in Nigeria to review mid-term implementation of the disability inclusion in the SDGs.

Bature explained that the upcoming SDG summit, as part of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) scheduled for Sept.18 and 19 was an opportunity for the voices of PWDs in Nigeria to be heard.

He said that their voices would be heard in the implementation of all inclusive SDGs.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for the voices of PWDs to be heard in the highest echelon.

“So we work with the JONAPWD to mobilise their members across the geopolitical zones, across disability clusters to come together and hold a consultation about the SDG implementation at the grassroots.

“This is to ensure that recommendations made to our government so that when they go to the SDG Summit, they will make commitments that are inclusive.”

According to her, Sightsavers has collaborated with the Office of the Senior Special Adviser to the President on SDG (OSSAP-SDGS), in shadow reporting for the Voluntary National Review (VNR).

Dr Zakariya Mohammed, Deputy Director, OSSAP-SDGs, said the meeting was crucial toward ensuring inclusion in the implementation of the SDGs for PWDs. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru/ Joseph Edeh

Salisu Sani Idris
Sep, Wed, 2023

Education

World Literacy Day: Lions Club donates educational materials to school in Lagos

179 total views today

By Taiye Olayemi

Ikeja Dynamic Lions Club, an arm of Lions International District 404B2, Nigeria, has donated school books, bags, story books and other stationery to pupils of Agidingbi Primary School,in Lagos.

Speaking during the gift presentation, Mr Sanyaolu Opeyemi, President of the club, said that the gesture was extended to the school in commemoration of the 2023 World Literacy Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Literacy Day is celebrated annually on Sept. 8, to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.

Opeyemi said that the club was operating with its annual theme, “Service With Love”, which also necessitated the act of gifting the pupils educational aid.

He said over 500 story books, 200 school bags, 2,000 exercise books, 200 biros and 500 pencils with erasers were donated.

He said uniforms were also sewn for some of the pupils who did not have.

“This is our way of giving back to the society to commemorate the World Literacy Day, bearing in mind the theme for the year in the Lions Club, “Service with Love”.

“We will come back to do more for the school; we have another big project on the way; we will spread the kind gesture to other schools around Ikeja Local Government Area.

“We appreciate Belloxxi biscuit for their generosity shown toward the children,” he said.

Also speaking, Mrs Oluwakemi Abimbola, Second Vice District Governor of the club, described the donation as a significant and signature project, urging the pupils to make good use of all the materials donated.

She called on the staff of the school to join the club as it is a voluntary and humanitarian society.

Mr Lekan Owolabi, immediate past District Governor of the club, commended the current leadership for believing in the future of the pupils.

Owolabi said this was an opportunity given to the children to realise their full potential.

“With this, we are securing your future, it is better to nurture you properly so we will not take the fate of having our future in jeopardy because you are the future of tomorrow,” he said.

In her response, Mrs Deji Alao, Head Teacher of the school, said, “I believe God is solidly behind us here, I thank Ikeja Dynamic Lions Club for the humanitarian job done so far.

“We have been enjoying this gesture, at least three times in a session, your charity work is really appreciated.

“I pray that your own children will never be stranded in life.”

Mr Popoola Ayodeji, representing Mr Shittu Babatunde, Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), said, “This act of kindness will spur the children to also give back to their society when they are older. We appreciate you.” (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Voter Education: Group embarks on tour of 203 wards in Ondo

Afonne Emmanuel
Sep, Wed, 2023

General News , Politics

Voter Education: Group embarks on tour of 203 wards in Ondo

201 total views today

By Segun Giwa

A socio-political group, Ondo State Conscience Movement (OCM) has said it would tour the 203 wards in the state to stimulate participation and voter education in the state.

The Chairman of the Group, Mr Shalom Olaseni, said in a statement on Wednesday that the tour would be a deciding factor in voters’ participation in the next electoral season.

Olaseni highlighted the urgency and importance of engaging with citizens across the length and breadth of the state, adding that the outcome of the 2023 general election could discourage the people from voting in future elections.

“We are thrilled to announce our ambitious and unprecedented initiative, a Wards Tour of all 203 Wards in Ondo State.

“An educated voter is a powerful person, and our tour will include comprehensive voter education programmes, seminars and workshops to equip citizens,” he said.

Olaseni said that the group would go the extent of sensitising voters on the nature of demands, standards, and expectations that could serve as reliable indices for choosing a candidate, with the knowledge of critical evaluation.

“This monumental effort is aimed at sensitising our people, galvanising popular participation, and carrying out extensive voter education, ahead of the upcoming local elections in our great state.

“As we stand at the precipice of yet another crucial electoral season, we recognise the urgency and importance of engaging with our fellow citizens across the length and breadth of Ondo State.

“Our goal is to empower every Ondo resident with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions when casting their votes.

”We are committed to promoting active civic engagement.

“Through our tour, we aim to inspire and encourage increased participation in the electoral process, from voter registration to election day turnout.

”We want every eligible voter to exercise his or her right to vote,” he said.

Olaseni said that during the ward tour, the group would employ a grassroots approach in passing their message, by engaging with local communities, leaders, and stakeholders in each of the 203 wards. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by John Amieyeofori and Emmanuel Afonne

Rabi'u Sani Ali
Sep, Wed, 2023

Aviation

FG ready to make Nigeria aviation hub of Africa- Keyamo

144 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo says the Federal Government is ready to make Nigeria the aviation hub of Africa.

Keyamo sated this at the seventh edition of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition 2023, on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, the current administration is ready to achieve the feat by tackling challenges in the aviation industry to attract foreign investors.

“The government is already looking at the Aircraft Leasing Company, Aircraft Maintenance Organisation, Forex availability and Tax holidays to improve the aviation business in Nigeria

“This includes upgrading of the CAT III landing system, at major airports, construction of the second runway in Abuja, airport improvement programmes through concession and government willingness to partner with companies to turn major airports into Aerotropolis.

“The government welcomes major players in aircraft leasing and head lessors to invest in Nigeria airlines to provide state of the art aircraft,” he said.

Keyamo said the government would ensure enforcement of contract agreements, rights of investors and indeed all parties were protected as Nigeria being a signatory to the Cape Town Convention to uphold international obligations.

The minister said Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility was another critical component that could make the Nigerian aviation industry a hub on the continent.

“With the shortage of qualified engineers, the current administration is willing to provide all the necessary support for the establishment of a world class MROS and training organisation.

“The current administration is aware that one of the setbacks entrepreneurs have suffered in Nigeria in recent years is the fluctuation of foreign exchange and its availability.

“This administration is committed to ensuring that forex is readily available to entrepreneurs and I have directed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) holds quarterly reconciliation meetings with a view to resolve this issue,” he said.

He further explained that the current administration was open to providing tax holidays to encourage existing and new entrants into the Nigerian Aviation Sector.

“I wish to reiterate that my administration, will continue to sustain the support being given to the industry.

“I firmly believe that as key players and decision makers, this summit will provide the required atmosphere for you to discuss, and identify recovery strategies that would attract private investors to support the funding of infrastructure projects.

“By building a transparent, stable and predictable investment climate, as well as include aviation in the continent’s national development plans.

“Nigeria is honoured to have these distinguished captains of aviation industry and industry stakeholders, from all over the world who are participating in this event,” he said.

According to him, air transport remains an essential component of the global transportation system as a crucial driver of economic, social and cultural development worldwide.

He said air transport generated economic growth and development, provides jobs and fosters a range of socio-economic benefits.

Keyamo said the continued promotion of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business development within the African aviation community, would address all the significant and structural challenges.

“Having this unique and important event for the seventh time demonstrates the organizer’s determination and interest to support the sustainable development of air transport in Africa.

“I therefore wish to take this opportunity to appreciate Times Aerospace Limited, which has been the champion of the Aviation Africa Summit as well as making Nigeria the first country to host this noble event in West Africa.

“The recent global events further exposed the immense contribution and importance of air transportation as a catalyst for economic development, vital engine of global socio-economic growth.

“One of the greatest contributors to the advancement of modern society and a key instrument for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Proceeds of kidnapping being used to finance terrorism – ONSA

isaac aregbesola
Sep, Wed, 2023

Defence/Security

Proceeds of kidnapping being used to finance terrorism – ONSA

160 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Retired Rear Adm. Yaminu Musa, the Coordinator, National Counter-Terrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), says proceeds of kidnapping is being used to partly finance terrorism.

Musa said this on Wednesday in Abuja during the `Anti-Kidnap Multi-Agency Fusion Cell Media and Communication workshop’, organised by ONSA in collaboration with the British High Commission.

“Kidnapping for ransom is also identified as one of the means of funding terrorism.

“Thus, carnage unleashed by kidnappers in affiliation with terrorist groups all over the world leading to loss and disruption of lives and properties, is a major concern.

“Hence the need for collective efforts in advancing measures to check the threat.

“Evidently, the menace requires concerted and sustained efforts by every citizen, government at all levels, international community and the media which of course is the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

“You will agree with me that proceeds of kidnap for ransom enterprise have continued to serve as a platform for financing terrorism not only in Nigeria but across the Sahel,” he said.

Musa said the workshop was pertinent to the overall success of the government’s effort to curtail the menace of kidnapping.

He added that the media would help to build the kind of relationship the NCTC-ONSA desired on the efforts of security agencies in the protection of lives and properties in the country.

According to him, the agenda setting role of the media cannot be over emphasised in the fight against terrorism and other associated crimes like kidnapping.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, where information spreads at an unprecedented pace, the media has the power to either amplify or mitigate the impact of security-related news events.

“The consequences of inaccurate or sensationalist reporting can be detrimental to public trust, exacerbate fear and anxiety, and even hinder counterterrorism efforts,” he said.

The coordinator said it was vital that the government and the media work together to establish a framework of synergy and standardisation for reporting on security-related matters.

He said that such collaboration would not only enhance the accuracy and quality of news reporting but also contribute to national security.

The Programme Manager, National Crime Agency UK, Mr Chris Grimson, said the workshop was a fall out of a number of agreements between Nigeria and the UK to create a multi-agency kidnap fusion cell.

Grimson said the purpose of the workshop was to identify and explore what was needed to create the fusion cell or whatever it turns out to be.

One of the facilitators of the workshop, retired Rear Adm. Leye Jaiyeola, said “the fusion cell workshop was designed to come up with a joint decision model to allow for an effective multi-agency use and conflict resolution’’.

Jaiyeola said the workshop was meant to set up principles that would provide participants with an agreed framework to support decision making, and develop appropriate legislation for effective management and resolution of kidnapping issues.

He said that kidnapping had become a major threat in Nigeria, hence the need to develop an agreed national kidnap fusion and coordination mechanism.

“Our focus is to make sure that we maintain a strategic national kidnap operation posture, get all the agencies involved in doing it, so that we will be able to put our feet at the right spot and come up with a set of principles so that the commanders will be able to deliver.

“We have looked at coming up with standard operating procedure, looked at developing the doctrine itself and this session of workshop is the session that involves relating with the public so that they will build trust and confidence in the security.

“Before now that is missing. As to what the security agencies are doing and in some instances, it is assumed that the security agencies are not doing anything, which in most instances is informed by lack of knowledge of what the security agencies are doing.

“So the essence of this phase of training is for us to develop what we call a clear and effective information sharing strategy and an effective information sharing platform,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop has participants drawn from the media, military, security agencies, ministries, departments and agencies. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Maharazu Ahmed

Institute pledges support for FG’s loan recovery from farmers

Rabi'u Sani Ali
Sep, Wed, 2023

Agriculture

Institute pledges support for FG’s loan recovery from farmers

211 total views today

By Mustapha Yauri

The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, on Wednesday pledged to support the Federal Government in the recovery of Anchor Borrowers loans granted to farmers.

IAR’s Executive Director, Prof. Mohammad Ishiyaku, assured of the support as he toured its Tela Maize Farmers Field at Kakangi in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He appealed to stakeholders and beneficiaries of the loan scheme to support President Bola Tinubu’s drive on the recovery of the loans.

“It is a legal and economic matter; there is nothing that legitimises refusal to repay a loan taken.

“Nigerians should rally behind the president to ensure that money provided by government to improve food security is not mismanaged by few Nigerians.

“I am one of those Nigerians who believe in whatever it will take to recover these funds and put them back into appropriate use,’’ Ishiyaku said.

He decried the attitude of those condemning government’s loan recovery drive and called for a re-evaluation of the approach to the loan recovery processes.

Ishiyaku noted that if farmers formed the habit of not repaying loans, they would be depriving people interested in starting agriculture business access to funds.

He said his visit to the field was to extend the appreciation of the institute to the farmers on behalf of scientists and technologists of the institute.

He expressed excitement that IAR’s TELA maize was being embraced by farmers and translated into economic development for the country.

Earlier, the principal investigator of TELA Maize Project, Prof. Rabiu Adamu, said the trial was part of the requirements for the release of new seed varieties.

He added that the trial was an on-farm exercise, a farmer-managed trial on four different maize hybrids for test and evaluation.

Adamu said IAR was demonstrating the Tela maize fields in more than 15 locations.

He added that the result gathered by farmers’ reference would guide the institute on the eventual release of the variety preferred by farmers.

Responding, Alhaji Kabiru Salihu, Chairman, Maize Farmers Association, Kaduna State chapter commended IAR for developing Tela Maize and other improved maize varieties.

Salihu observed that improved seeds and better agronomic practices introduced by IAR had increased farmers’ yields and enhanced their earnings. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Alli Hakeem

Julius Toba-Jegede
Sep, Wed, 2023

Education

Nigeria’s higher education landscape in need of total overhaul – Minister

174 total views today

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman has called for the total overhauling of the higher education system to put the universities and other tertiary institutions at par with others around the globe.

Mamman made this known while declaring open the 8th edition of the “Libsense” Open Science Symposium in Abuja on Wednesday with the theme:” Advancing Open Science and Collaboration:The role of Stakeholders”.

The event is organised by the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) in partnership with the West and Central African Research Education Network (WACREN) and other partners.

Represented by the Director of University Education in the ministry, Mrs Rakiya Ilyasu, the minister said the ministry is committed to fostering the role of science through partnership from shared knowledge.

“Higher education is an education designed to produce manpower for the social, economic and technological development of the country.

“It is however, unfortunate that our higher education sub-sector is plagued with many challenges such as inadequate funding, corruption, inadequate infrastructural facilities, shortage of academic staff, strike actions, brain-drain, poor research, weak governance and insecurity, among others.

“You will agree with me that, the higher education landscape in Nigeria requires a total overhaul so that it can effectively put Nigeria universities and other levels of tertiary institutions at par with others around the globe,”he said.

The minister added that president Bola Tinubu is aware of the enormity of challenges of Nigeria’s higher education and fully prepared to confront them headlong.

He said in addressing this information the president decision to improve the education budget to 25 per cent with the right policies in place.

“We need to understand that before we can harness our human resources, we need to be sure of what we need to do to fill in the gaps that have, over the years, inexplicably pulled us back.

“We need to know the extent at which we have met contemporary demands of tertiary education globally and if it is not sufficient, how to address them.

“I passionately appeal to the roadmap committee of the Vice-Chancellor of Nigerian Universities to provide the committee with quality memorandum of how our education sub-sector can be competitive in all ramification,” he added.

Also, the Secretary General, CVCNU, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, said there was need to explore innovative ways on the scientific future of the country.

Represented by the Vice-Chancellor, Kaduna State University, Prof. Abdullahi Musa, said the conference was apt as it would help uncover innovative ways toward research development as well as foster collaboration to new opportunities.

In the same vein, the Chief Strategy Officer, WACREN, Omo Oaiya, said that the symposium would be if immense benefit to the Nigeria academy space as it would increasing the visibility of research in the education sector.

“Nigeria can benefit from this open science in the production of research by the different groups. This will create conversation towards resolving problems associated with research programmes.

” Stakeholders will come up with the kind of roadmap that will describe the work to deliver the goals in terms of producing community driven infrastructure.

“Though, the government need to help but also community can do a little bit more with the support of WACREN.

“It will further improve efforts of stakeholders to take all of the ideas to campus level connecting with their communities and campus level,” he said.

NAN reports that the national symposium is aimed at increasing open science awareness among primary stakeholders in the country, ranging from university leaders, librarians and Directors of ICT.

Nigeria, however, has two member networks of WACREN – the Nigerian Research and Education Networks (NGREN) and Eko Konnect Research and Education Initiative. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Group sets agenda for new Lagos Waterfront Commissioner

Julius Toba-Jegede
Sep, Wed, 2023

Environment

Group sets agenda for new Lagos Waterfront Commissioner

193 total views today

By Yemi Adeleye

The Joint Action for Good Governance (JAGG), has urged the newly inagurated Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront, Mr Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, to revitalise the waterfronts and promote the blue economy.

The National Vice President of JAGG, Mr Abdulwaheed Odunuga, made this known in the group’s congratulatory message in Lagos on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday swore in 38 commissioners and special advisers in Lagos.

Odunuga said the commissioner’s appointment would further attract tourists and investors to Lagos while preserving its natural resources.

He said the appointment came at a time when Lagos waterfronts and blue economy need focused attention.

“We believe that with his leadership, our waterfronts will be transformed into protected environments that are not only attractive to tourists but also sustainable for future generations,” he said.

The vice president said the group has full confidence that the commissioner would bring the same level of dedication, passion and expertise as former lawmaker to his new role in waterfront infrastructure development.

“We encourage Dayo Bush-Alebiosu to leverage his extensive experience and deep-rooted commitment to the well-being of our society to revitalise our waterfronts and promote the blue economy.

“His track records of delivering developmental projects and amenities to his constituency is a testament to his dedication to improving the lives of the people.

“We are confident that under his leadership, the waterfront infrastructure in our region will undergo significant transformation, attracting tourists and investors while preserving our natural resources,” he said.

He said as an accomplished architect, Bush-Alebiosu had already demonstrated his prowess in the field of construction and nation-building.

Odunuga said he would be looking forward to witnessing the positive impacts of his leadership on the waterfronts and the overall development in Lagos. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)