NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Shettima launches 2025 Hajj in Imo
Religious

Shettima launches 2025 Hajj in Imo

242 total views today

By Peter Okolie

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Friday, launched the 2025 National Hajj Pilgrimage, urging the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country.

In a speech at the ceremony, held at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Owerri, Shettima called for collective efforts to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

He emphasised the need for the country to learn from past exercises and avoid issues of negligence.

He urged those charged with logistical operations and support to see their responsibility as a trust from God, ensuring that every pilgrim departed and returned with heart full of gratitude.

He charged the pilgrims to see themselves beyond being spiritual travellers.

“You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You carry with you not only yourself but also the pride and dignity of this nation.

“The president in his characteristic foresight has made available all the necessary resources to ensure the success of the 2025 Hajj,” the vice president said.

He affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protect, support and elevate every Nigerian.

Shettima, however, commended Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo for fostering an atmosphere of religious tolerance, mutual respect and inclusion, and his commitment to the Nigerian project.

In a speech, Uzodimma said the airlift of the 315 pilgrims from Imo, Abia, and Bayelsa marked the first international flight from Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.

“This airport, built over 40 years ago through communal contributions and collective effort, is widely recognised as the first of its kind in Africa.

“That it now serves as a departure point for an international pilgrimage reflects not just our history, but how far we have come,” he said.

The governor also said that on assumption of office, his administration resolved to ensure the airport met international aviation standards.

He said: “We upgraded the runway, installed night-landing equipment, strengthened the aviation security, and rebuilt the access road, now named Bola Tinubu Drive.

“These steps were taken deliberately to reposition the airport for full international operations.

“I thank President Tinubu for the approvals that made this possible.

“I also acknowledge the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and his team for their support.

“We are grateful to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for choosing Imo as the host of this year’s inaugural flight,” he further said.

The governor charged the intending pilgrims, who were the first Nigerians to depart for Hajj in 2025, to travel in the spirit of the mission, uphold discipline, reverence, and national honour that the journey required.

“You carry not just your personal intentions, but the image of your state and country,” he said.

He said that the maiden Hajj flight also highlighted Imo as a state that embraces diversity, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Uzodimma disclosed that Christian pilgrims would also depart for the Holy Land from the same airport in June, “underlining, yet again, our shared values of faith and unity”.

He said the launch opened a new economic window for Imo, with improved infrastructure and rising investor confidence, boosting business and tourism prospects.

He said that the Oguta Lake dredging was underway, with an expansion in the energy access, leveraging gas reserves for inclusive and sustainable growth.

He also commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for its effort in facilitating the pilgrimage.

In a remark, the Sultan of Sokoto and President, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, expressed gratitude to Uzodimma for his role in ensuring the successful hosting of the event.

Abubakar also thanked him for consistently accommodating all faiths in the state.

He urged the intending pilgrims to pray for Nigeria’s leaders, peace, stability and unity in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

Commission reafirms commitment to transparency, accountability for financial management
Economy/Business

Commission reafirms commitment to transparency, accountability for financial management

235 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The Executive Chairman, Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Mr Victor Muruako, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment on transparency and accountability.

Muruako said this while receiving a delegation from Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC), in Abuja.

He said that such commitment would help to promote fiscal openness and responsible public financial management.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit, led by the SERDEC representatives, is part of ongoing advocacy efforts around the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

The Chairman said that the advocacy was to strengthen engagement with institutions to promoting fiscal openness and responsible public financial management.

He welcomed the initiative and expressed the commission’s readiness to collaborate with SERDEC and other relevant organisations.

He emphasised the commission’s active role in anti-corruption efforts, notably through its membership in the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reform (TUGAR).

Muruako also praised President Bola Tinubu’s fiscal reforms and expressed full support for the push toward Local Government Autonomy.

He said that the local government officials must first be trained in budgeting and fiscal responsibility to ensure effective implementation.

According to him, the FRC has a broad mandate but faces financial constraints in fulfilling its responsibilities.

He said that efforts were underway to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 to enhance revenue generation into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

He, however, assured SERDEC of the commission’s openness to partnership.

“Our collaboration machinery is ready and waiting. We look forward to working together to achieve our shared vision of open and accountable governance.

“This visit marks a significant step toward deepening civil society, government collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s fiscal governance and transparency agenda,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Tijani Abdulkareem, Executive Director, SERDEC, said that the purpose of the visit, was to explore alignment between the FRC’s mandate and OGP commitments.

According to him, the visit is to propose collaboration on fiscal transparency initiatives and present strategic recommendations to enhance the commission’s public engagement and digital innovation.

“SERDEC recognises the pivotal role FRC plays in enforcing fiscal discipline, monitoring public expenditure, and ensuring budget compliance.

“These functions directly support the goals of the OGP, especially in promoting transparency, anti-corruption and citizen participation,” he said.

He said that SERDEC had presented several advocacy points including increased public access to FRC’s reports and fiscal data in simplified formats. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Minister tasks ITF board  to address industries’ needs
Economy/Business

Minister tasks ITF board  to address industries’ needs

285 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, has urged the newly inaugurated board of Industrial Training Fund (ITF), to implement programmes that would address industries’ need in the country.

Enoh said this while inaugurating the Governing Board of the ITF on Thursday in Abuja.

He urged the board to develop and implement training programmes that would address the current and future needs of various industries in the country.

“Secondly, I expect the board to foster partnerships with industry, the academia and other stakeholders to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the training programmes.

”Then finally, I expect that the board is going to ensure that the ITF resources are utilise efficiently and effectively to maximise impact, ” he said.

The minister said that President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda involved diversification through industrialisation and digitisation.

He said that the entire world was in an era where technology and digitisation had become the imperative.

“Leadership of the board can get the ITF to run those kinds of training programmes that can actually respond to the need,” he said.

Enoh said that the inauguration marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s drive to bridge workforce skill gaps and align talent development with industry demands.

He emphasised the critical role of the ITF in preparing Nigeria’s workforce for a highly competitive global economy.

He tasked the board to advocate for technology-driven training programmes, industry-academia partnerships, and strategic resource utilisation to accelerate progress.

“As this board is inaugurated today, I charge you with the responsibility of staring ITF toward achieving its mandates.

“I believe that your expertise, experience and dedication will continue to be instrumental in terms of your ability.

“So you are meant to contribute and to help in terms of the delivery of the mandates of the ITF,” he said.

Speaking, the Chairman of the board, Mr Hamma Alikumo, said the board would ensure that it achieved the mandates of the ITF.

Alikuma thanked the president, the minister and other members of the board for the success of the programme. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Kadiri Abdulrahman

LP DG decries internal wrangling, calls for unity
Politics

LP DG decries internal wrangling, calls for unity

241 total views today

By Wandoo Sombo

Mr Marcel Ngogbehei, Director-General of the Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration of the Labour Party (LP), has bemoaned the intensifying internal wrangling within the party.

Ngogbehei, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, described the trend as a dangerous distraction from its core mission of offering credible opposition and hope to Nigerians.

He spoke against the backdrop of the recent suspension of Abia Governor, Dr Alex Otti, and five others by the Julius Abure-led faction of the party, and the counter-suspension of Abure by a faction reportedly led by Sen. Nenadi Usman.

He expressed disappointment that at a time when Nigerians were grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, and governance challenges, LP, once viewed as a beacon of hope, had descended into internal chaos.

“The recent suspension of Gov. Otti and five others, alongside the purported suspension of the party’s national chairman, Abure, by a self-styled caretaker committee led by Usman, has sparked controversy and concern among observers,” he said.

“This unfolding drama reflects a troubling display of arrogance and immaturity within the party’s ranks.

“Instead of fostering unity and strengthening internal structures, certain actors are prioritising power struggles and factional intrigue,” Ngogbehei added.

He questioned the legitimacy of the caretaker committee, noting that legal and political analysts had raised doubts about its authority, underscoring a deeper leadership crisis within the party.

“At such a critical moment in Nigeria’s history, with millions struggling to survive, the party should be focused on governance and meaningful opposition, not internal games that threaten its credibility,” he said.

Ngogbehei described Otti as a symbol of effective subnational leadership, praised for his focus on transparency and reform.

He, however, warned that factional battles might risk tainting that legacy.

“Attempts to discredit the very party that provided him a platform raise serious questions about the true motivations behind these factional conflicts,” he noted.

He affirmed that the LP under Abure remained committed to restoring internal order and maintaining the goodwill it had earned from Nigerians.

“This is a time for unity, maturity, and statesmanship, not division.

“If Usman and her allies cannot embrace this, they risk destroying the party’s potential to lead Nigeria into a new era,” Ngogbehei added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Peaceful reunification will address Taiwan question – Chinese expert
Foreign

Peaceful reunification will address Taiwan question – Chinese expert

252 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher

Mr Zhu Songbo, Director, Political Section, Chinese Embassy in Nigeria said that achieving peaceful reunification and One Country, Two Systems approach is key to addressing the Taiwan question.

Zhu said this during a media salon on the “One-China Policy as the bedrock of China-Nigeria relations” on Thursday in Abuja.

He affirmed that open dialogue and mutual respect among all relevant parties are vital in achieving the goal.

Emphasising the essence of peaceful reunification, Zhu said, “We are eager to engage in constructive discussions with all stakeholders in Taiwan to bridge the political differences under the umbrella of the one-China principle.

Regarding the One Country, Two Systems framework, he explained how it serves as a mechanism to facilitate a harmonious reunification process.

He reiterated the Chinese government’s commitment to allowing Taiwan to maintain its societal structures and enjoy a considerable level of self-governance post-reunification.

“We maintain that after peaceful reunification, Taiwan may continue its current social system and enjoy a high degree of autonomy in accordance with the law.

“The two social systems will develop side by side for a long time to come.

“We will give full consideration to the realities in Taiwan and the views and proposals from all walks of life on both sides, and fully accommodate the interests and sentiments of our compatriots in Taiwan,” he said.

Zhu also underlined that the Taiwan Question is deeply rooted in historical contexts, primarily stemming from the Chinese Civil War, and remains an internal matter for China.

He condemned any attempts at promoting separatism or ‘Taiwan independence’, reiterating China’s steadfast support for the One-China principle and its opposition to any divisive actions.

Commending the Federal Republic of Nigeria for upholding the one- China policy, Zhu highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria based on mutual respect and recognition.

‘Nigeria recognises the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal Government representing the whole of the Chinese people’.

“Since that, Nigeria has adhered to the one-China principle. China appreciates Nigeria’s effort, including the relocation of the Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria out of Abuja in recent years.

Prof. Sheriff Ibrahim, Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, UniAbuja and Director, Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research emphasised the vital role of embracing peaceful reunification in strengthening China-Nigeria relations.

He urged Taiwan to align with this vision, asserting that any challenge to the One-China Policy would prove futile.

“Nigeria stands firm in its commitment to the one-China principle and will not entertain any disruptions to this enduring bond with China,” Ibrahim said.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

FG inaugurates governing board to strengthen sugar council
Economy/Business

FG inaugurates governing board to strengthen sugar council

254 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The Federal Government has inaugurated a Governing Board for the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), to strengthen and enhance its activities.

Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Owan Enoh, while inaugurating the Governing Board of the NSDC in Abuja on Thursday, said that the council should intensify efforts in its activities, to achieve its mandates and goals.

The minister said that the inauguration of the board would help to strengthen the council and enhance its activities.

He urged the board to work assiduously to ensure that within the next three months, they would be able to achieve good results.

“I mean urgent work needs to be done.

“We need to be committed and work together to ensure we strengthen the growth of the council.

“As the reporting minister, I must be ready to brief the President on the level of steps that have been taken to make sure that we are able to achieve the goals and mandates of the council.

“We must ensure that we make progress and ensure that the purpose of the inaugurating the board is achieved respectively,” he said.

The minister also urged the board to be committed to ensuring effective implementation of the brownfield backward integration projects.

“We must ensure that the sites are being worked upon. We should identify if there are sites that are fertile enough for the growing of sugarcane.

“If they are not, the council will provide guidance to know the land that is available.

“We must all be committed to doing the work, to make sure that we progress,’’ he said.

The minister reminded the council of how competitive the market was.

“We are competing with countries like Brazil that have been in this business for upwards of several years.

“So, our competitors are our seedlings that we are planting.

“We are not just talking about producing in-country, but the cost effectiveness of that production is important because of the competition that we are all involved in,’’ he said.

Responding, Chairman of the board, Sen. Surajudeen Basiru, thanked the minister and the President for the opportunity given to him and other members of the board.

Basiru said that the board would work hard to offer good performance and ensure the council’s achieve its goals and mandates.

“We have been given three months to make sure we deliver and bring a positive result.

“We will try our best to ensure that we don’t disappoint the minister and Nigerians at large,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Nembe-Brass Road, open to benefits in deep sea oil fields – Bayelsa Govt
Metro

Nembe-Brass Road, open to benefits in deep sea oil fields – Bayelsa Govt

213 total views today

By Nathan Nwakamma

The Bayelsa Government says the construction of the ongoing Nembe-Brass Road is to harness the potentials in the deep sea oil fields for economic prosperity.

Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), stated this on Friday at the Bayelsa Media Summit with the theme: Media, Culture and Identity, Promoting Indigenous Perspectives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ayawei spoke on the topic: Setting a Media Agenda for Assured Prosperity.

The SSG said that in spite of the enormous maritime potentials of Bayelsa, including over 200 kilometres coastline, the state was yet to have them translated into economic benefits for the people of the state.

According to him, the lack of access road to Brass Oil Export Terminal had deprived the state of enormous economic benefits, including Pay as You Earn taxes by oil workers at the Brass Terminal.

He explained that lack of infrastructure had compelled oil services companies to operate from neighbouring Rivers and Delta States.

The SSG noted that the state was poised to exploit the comparative advantage of proximity to offshore oil fields by creating the conducive environment for oil and gas related businesses to thrive.

He explained that the geographical location of Bayelsa places the state in proximity to offshore oilfields like Bonga and Egina Fields.

Ayawei said that the state was aggressively pursuing the road project to harness economic potentials of the blue economy and the offshore oilfields.

“We are deliberately working to hit the Atlantic Ocean by road to unlock the benefits of the Atlantic from Brass.

“Currently, the oilfields are serviced from either Port Harcourt or Osubi Airports for air logistics.

“For marine services, typical vessels destined for the oilfields take between three hours and seven hours from either Warri or Port Harcourt but from Brass in Bayelsa it takes between one and half hours to get to the oilfields.

“It makes a lot of sense, therefore, to connect Brass by road to unlock the maritime potentials and this explains why Bayelsa created the Ministry of Blue Economy,” he said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu-led administration for collaborating with Bayelsa Government in funding the second phase of the Nembe-Brass Road.

NAN reports that the Media Summit, put together by the Bayelsa Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, attracted over 400 media practitioners.

The summit featured lectures and panel session on contemporary issues in media practice in Bayelsa. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Media expert calls for collective action to ensure journalists’ safety
General News

Media expert calls for collective action to ensure journalists’ safety

188 total views today

By Oluwatope Lawanson

A University Lecturer, Dr Ganiyat Tijani-Adenle, has called for collective action to ensure the safety of journalists’ in the AI-driven media era.

Tijani-Adenle made the call at a media stakeholders roundtable on Artificial Intelligence, titled “The Media and Press Freedom: Issues and Perspectives.”

The event was held at the International Press Centre (IPC), Ogba, Lagos, to mark World Press Freedom Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by IPC and the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria with the support of IFEX.

According to her, journalists and media professionals must be able to perform their work without fear, threats and be protected from harm.

Tijani-Adenle from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Lagos State University, Ojo, spoke on a paper titled, “Advancing Journalist Safety: Stakeholders’ Role in AI-Driven Media Era.”

The media expert urged media employers to invest in continuous media and information literacy training, provide protective technology, offer life insurance, ensure freedom of expression and address impunity.

She also called on journalism unions and associations, such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists, to advocate for Rapid Response Units, awareness campaigns, and legal and policy advocacy.

Tijani-Adenle advised academic institutions to update their curricula, build tech literacy, and develop competent AI utilisation tools, recommending partnerships with technology and media companies.

On individual responsibility, Tijani-Adenle emphasised that journalists must take proactive steps to protect themselves from physical and digital harm and verify information to avoid publishing misinformation.

“Even though we expect media employers to protect us and put some things in place, the onus is still on every individual journalist to protect themselves,” she said.

She advised journalists to ensure their safety and the integrity of their work by getting adequate media and information literacy.

“The need for collective action to ensure journalist safety in the AI-driven media era cannot be overemphasised.

“We must work together to create a safe and secure environment for journalists to perform their duties without fear or intimidation,” she said. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

NSF 2025: Ekiti receives torch of unity
Sports

NSF 2025: Ekiti receives torch of unity

187 total views today

By Adedeji Egbebi

The Ekiti State Government on Friday in Ado-Ekiti received the Torch of Unity for the Ogun 2025 National Sports Festival.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the presentation of the torch serves as a formal invitation to the state to attend the event scheduled for May 16 to May 30 in Abeokuta, Ogun.

Receiving the torch on behalf of the state government, the Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Youths and Sports, Mr Idowu Odebunmi, commended the delegation and described the visit as a symbol of unity across the country.

Odebunmi said Governor Biodun Oyebanji was committed to youths and sports development in Ekiti.

The lawmaker described the governor as a sports enthusiast, always using sports for youths development, job creation, wealth generation and to reduce crimes in the state.

He added that the ongoing renovation of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, which include, upgrading the football pitch to synthetic turf, renovating the administrative block and athletics track was a reflection of the governor’s passion for youths and sports development.

Odebunmi assured that the state athletes are both mentally and physically prepared to participate in the competition.

The lawmaker said the state government would continue to support and encourage them towards achieving laurels for the state.

NAN reports that the Technical Advisor to the State Governor on Sports Development, Dr Olusola Osetoba, led the state contingent to the presentation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

2nd anniversary: AICC, first project to be inaugurated by Tinubu – Wike
Metro

2nd anniversary: AICC, first project to be inaugurated by Tinubu – Wike

181 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) will be the first project to be inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu.

Wike, who stated this after inspecting the project in Abuja on Friday, explained that the project would be inaugurated to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

He commended Julius Berger, the contractor executing the total renovation of the edifice for the quality of job so far.

He also commended the company for working based on agreed timeline for completion of the project.

The minister said that the centre was in a terrible state before Tinubu directed that it should be rehabilitated and upgraded to the status of an international conference centre.

He said that the centre was built in 1991 saying “it is surprising that no one had attempted to give it a facelift until now.

Ariel view of the Abuja International Conference Centre undergoing renovation by Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration.

He described the feat as a prime example of “effective leadership”.

“No responsible leader would allow such a facility to be referred to as an international conference centre, given its deplorable state.

“Today, the centre has been transformed into a world-class facility, thanks to Mr President’s leadership and support.

“That’s what leadership is all about,” Wike said.

The minister also inspected the ongoing extension of Obafemi Awolowo Way (N5), from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, being executed by Julius Berger.

He expressed optimism that the first phase of the project would be part of the projects that would be inaugurated by Tinubu to celebrate his second anniversary in office.

He commended the contractor for keeping to the project timeline saying, “their commitment to excellence was evident in every aspect of the project, from the equipment used to the skilled labour employed.

“This project is a testament to the Renewed Hope Agenda, and we’re thrilled to see it come to fruition,” Wike said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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