Page 1281 – NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Salisu Sani Idris
Sep, Fri, 2023

16th INAC: Iran offers to train Nigerians on creative home decoration

244 total views today

By Taiye Olayemi

Mr Majid Kamrani, Cultural Consular, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nigeria on Friday offered to train interested Nigerians on the production of materials for home decoration.

Kamrani disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the 16th International Arts and Crafts Expo in Abuja.

He said this was a way for Iranians to extend hands of cultural diplomacy to Nigerians.

According to him, this will go a long way in strengthening the cultural ties between Nigerians and Iranians as well as promoting mutual understanding between the two countries.

The cultural consular said that interested Nigerians would be trained on the process of production of iran products like persian rugs, calligraphy, flower vases and other materials used for home decoration.

“We are happy to be here again for the 16th INAC. We are here to showcase our arts and crafts that date back to centuries ago.

“INAC is a beautiful platform to exhibit this and we are ready to train Nigerians on the production of these materials for home decoration we have displayed here.

“Many people know the persian rugs, the value of the rug appreciates the more it is used, it is like gold. We are ready to train Nigerians on how to produce it.

“We know this will positively engage the unemployed Nigerians, we will be glad to do this, the training will be outrightly free, no financial commitment.

“Most of the home decorative materials we have showcased are made of wood, ceramics, iron, animal bones and more.

Kamrani reiterated that arts and crafts production could be the basis for economic growth, urging nations to engage other nations on empowering individuals with skills. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Culture capable of promoting national security, economic growth – Don

Salisu Sani Idris
Sep, Fri, 2023

Culture & Tourism

Culture capable of promoting national security, economic growth – Don

339 total views today

By Taiye Olayemi

Prof. Uche Waleke of the Finance Department, Nasarawa State University, on Friday urged Nigerians to embrace and uphold their culture to achieve national security and economic development.

Waleke made the call during the investment forum segment of the 16th International Arts and Craft Expo (INAC) in Abuja.

The professor spoke on the theme “Culture, Economic Development and National Security”.

According to him, culture plays a significant role in economic development and national security.

“The nation has embraced a mono economy for too long hence its challenges of insecurity and minimal economic growth,” ‘Waleke said.

He noted that when Nigeria begins to diversify its economy with a look into the culture industry, it will be better for it.

According to him, creating a more prosperous, equitable and secure society entails government rendering utmost support to the arts, crafts, fashion, music, movie sectors of the culture industry.

“Mass production of Nigerian cultural products is capable of ensuring employment creation, income generation, export promotion ,creation of some sense of identity and belonging as well as attracting tourists.

“This will also guarantee social cohesion.

“Culture is critical to economic development, skills development should be encouraged as well as good sense of business ethics.

“Also, to enhance the ease of doing business, efficient and non corrupt bureaucracy must be ensured, taxes be harmonised and the culture of paying bribes be dealt with,” he said.

Waleke advised the Federal Government and Nigerians generally to cultivate the habit of savings, as it leads to investment, growth and development.

He said that the government must begin to involve local communities when developing cultural products.

“This will help to ensure that the products are relevant and meaningful to the people who create and consume them.

“Government must work on protecting intellectual property rights so that cultural producers are compensated for their work.

“Government needs to promote cultural diversity so that all cultures are represented and respected, as well as support small-scale producers so that they have the resources they need to produce high-quality cultural products.

“Nigerian culture that values meritocracy, fair treatment, civility, harmony, rule of law and equality before the law and hard work is going to produce a far more developed and secured society than a culture that values nepotism and caste system,” he said.

Also speaking, Suleiman Mohammed, National President, Society of Nigerian Artistes, urged Nigerian universities to intensify efforts on conducting research on the nation’s culture and ways of advancing the sector.

He said this would go a long way in positioning the arts and culture industries.

Picto Uzochukwu, a security expert, said that the issue of national security must be a collective effort of every Nigerian.

He noted that culture had great potential for employment creation, urging Nigerians to tap into the preservation of historical sites as a means of wealth creation for themselves. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

National Defence College graduates 113 participants of Course 31

isaac aregbesola
Sep, Fri, 2023

Defence/Security

National Defence College graduates 113 participants of Course 31

220 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Defence College (NDC), on Friday graduated 113 participants of its Course 31 drawn from the Armed Forces, strategic ministries, departments and agencies.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that other participants were also drawn from 20 friendly countries.

Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, Commandant, NDC, in his remarks at the event said that the composition of the participants included 39 Nigerian Army officers, 22 Nigerian Navy officers and five Nigerian Air Force officers.

He said others included six Nigerian Police Force officers, 20 personnel from various MDAs and paramilitary organisations, as well as 21 officials from foreign countries.

He said the graduation ceremony was organised to honour the ladies and gentlemen who had diligently participated in various strategic paper writing exercises and field trips over the last 11 months.

“The total number of participants graduating today, as we have been told, is 113 persons drawn from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, selected strategic ministries, departments and agencies of the Government of Nigeria, as well as from 20 friendly countries.

“Composition of the participants includes 39 Nigerian Army officers, 22 Nigerian Navy officers, 5 Nigerian Air Force officers, six Nigerian Police Force officers, and 20 officers from various ministries, departments, agencies and paramilitary organizations, as well as 21 officers from foreign countries.

“These ladies and gentlemen have diligently participated in various strategic paper writing exercises and few trips over the last 11 months, and this is the day to honour them accordingly,” he said.

The commandant said that the college was established on June 16, 1992 as the National War College with the mission to develop future leaders, sufficiently equipped to analyse issues as well as provide strategic leadership among others.

He also said the college community had provided quality academic and administrative supports throughout the duration of the course.

According to him, the Module 9 of the College Course Curriculum is dedicated to the higher management of defence package involving exercises that simulate real life scenarios and review of national defence and security policies.

“Remarkably, the exercises for this year were focused on some of the most daunting security challenges facing Nigeria and through these exercises the college has equipped the participants with adequate knowledge and skills necessary to face the current volatile and complex environment.

“Participants have also received specific training in strategic decision making, future strategic perspectives, net analysis and policy implementation.

“It is therefore envisaged that this set of participants will contribute to covering implementable solutions to current and future national, regional and indeed global challenges,” he added.

Olotu further said that the college had over the years trained several resourceful senior officers in both civil and military domains from foreign nations, which had enabled the building of bonds among the alumni.

He added that the college also leverages the opportunity to build bridges across nations and this is achieved through interpersonal relationships established by the Nigerian participants and their foreign counterparts.

“It is heartwarming to note that in its 31 years of existence, the college has made significant impact on several sectors of Nigeria and the various participants from within and outside the country contribute to policy issues which affect the nation in one way or the other.

“I’m equally proud to say that the long line of this college have been involved in national assignments and varying degrees with great successes, thus projecting the image of the college in good light.

“Doubtlessly, the college has made footprints in the political terrain of not just Nigeria, in the West African Sub region and beyond,” he added.

NAN reports that the graduation ceremony involved awards of Fellow of Defence College (FDC) and Masters Degree in Strategic Studies to participants after 11 months of intensive training as well as award of excellence for outstanding research papers to deserving participants.

One of the foreign participants, Col. George Ngue Baha from the Cameroonian Air Force, said the course had enriched his knowledge in both strategic and command levels to address security challenges in his country.

Ngue Baha said the challenges of security and development in Africa required broad approaches to tackling them and commended the Nigerian Government and the college for affording him the opportunity. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Julius Toba-Jegede

FG says Agribusiness, Agritourism will strengthen food security

isaac aregbesola
Sep, Fri, 2023

General News

FG says Agribusiness, Agritourism will strengthen food security

198 total views today

By Doris Esa

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, says investment in agribusiness and Agritourism, will strengthen food security in the country.

Umakhihe stated this at the international Agribusiness and Agritourism investment forum on Friday in Abuja.

The permanent secretary was represented by Mr Adebiyi Michael, Director, Agribusiness and Market Development in the ministry.

He said that agritourism enhances the tourism industry by increasing the number of visitors to the area.

“Agritourism also provides communities with the potential to increase their local tax bases and new employment opportunities.

“Additionally, agritourism provides educational opportunities to the public, helps to preserve agricultural lands, and allows states to develop business enterprises,” he said.

He said that the Federal Government had designed agricultural investment incentives to support high level private sector participation.

“While some of these incentives are in form of tax holiday, exemptions and reliefs, there are some that leverage on specific policies,” he said.

Umakhihe restated the ministry`s commitment in working with relevant stakeholders to build agricultural and agribusiness economy capable of sustaining the country`s economy.

“I have no doubt that this forum will spur agricultural production which will ultimately contribute to growth and transformation in the nation`s economy,“ he said.

In a remark, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, urged security agencies to come up with strategies to make the initiative a success.

He was represented by Mr Okokon Etoabasi, a deputy director in his office.

Also speaking, Mr Masudur Rahman, Bangldesh High Commissioner to Nigeria described the initiative by the government of Nigeria as noble.

“This synergy will help if Nigeria and Bangladesh collaborate and both countries will benefit immensely,“ he said.

On the 50 hectares of land given to Bangladesh, he said that his country will ensure that both countries benefits in terms of job creation, rural development and human resource development.

Mr Guy Adoua, Deputy Country Director, World Food Programme, Nigeria (WFP), said that other countries should learn from the Nigeria experience.

“I work for WFP and I think we have something to learn and to share from this experience, `he said.

Adoua said that the programme`s work is to provide food assistance to people in need, adding that most of the items are procured locally in Nigeria.

In a remark, Mr Henry Ogboi, the President World Agritourism Organisation (WAO), said that the organisation had allocated some hectares to government agencies and the government of Bangladesh.

He said that this is to hasten the development of the 200 hectares of Nigerian Agritourism village project situated in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Ogboi said that the project would be centred on farm estate, improved machinery, mechanised farming, industrial hubs among others.

He said that the organisation is partnering with relevant security agencies to ensure that farming activities are carried out without fear of attack.

“The organisation has opened a dual carriage to the entrance site to facilitate development of host communities,“ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high point of the occasion was the declaration of the Agritourism Village Project in Ibadan, Oyo State for investment opportunities by Umakhihe.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Group promises FCT indigenes continued support on CDAs

Julius Toba-Jegede
Sep, Fri, 2023

General News

Group promises FCT indigenes continued support on CDAs

190 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has pledged continuous support for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) indigenes to ensure that Community Development Agreements (CDAs) with mining companies are respected.

The Executive Director of CTA, Ms Faith Nwadishi, made the pledge during a Media Roundtable in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable is part of events to herald the wrapping up of the two-year project.

The project was titled: “Promotion of the Cultural Values and Environmental Rights of the Original Inhabitants (OIs) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through Drama and Art Forms.”

Nwadishi represented by Programme and Communication Manager of CTA, Mr MacDonald Ekemezie, said the initiative was aimed at amplifying the voices of the OIs to preserve their culture and promote their environmental rights.

The executive director said that the group would continue to strengthen the capacities of community representatives on CDAs.

“We shall seek additional funding to expand the project’s scope to other area councils in the FCT and also maintain ongoing engagement with relevant stakeholders,” she said.

Nwadishi said that CTA provides training to selected community members and cultural ambassadors on how to negotiate and understand CDAs.

“During one review, it was revealed that a community leader had signed a CDA for personal gain, not for the community’s benefit.

“This discovery prompted CTA to empower communities with knowledge about their rights when negotiating and enforcing CDAs,” she said.

Also, Mr Jacob Sananu, an indigene of FCT, expressed gratitude to CTA for the projects implemented, saying they impact on the lives of the FCT residents.

“We appreciate the efforts of CTA at amplifying our voices. They have been practical, they have impacted our lives especially on CDAs. We now understand the difference between our rights and privileges,” she said.

NAN also reports that the programme was funded by the McArthur Foundation through the Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Julius Toba-Jegede

isaac aregbesola
Sep, Fri, 2023

Defence/Security

Transformer cable thief electrocuted

734 total views today

By Rita Iliya
An unidentified man was electrocuted while trying to steal transformer cables in the early hours of Friday inside the premises of Niger State Printing Press in Minna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the corpse of the man was found by some staff of the printing press hanging on the transformer on Friday morning.

Head of Legal Unit of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Aminu Ubandoma, confirmed the incident to newsmen.

He said the company had been receiving several reports of transformers vandalism.

He disclosed that the company was working with security agencies, especially with the police, to ensure the rate of transformer vandalism was reduced to the barest minimum.

Also confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Niger Police Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said at about 11:00 a.m. on Friday, an incident of suspected electrocution/vandalism was reported.

He said the incident occurred around old secretariat area at the printing press premises where a body of a male adult, yet to be identified, was found at a transformer with cable cutter and some vandalised cables.

He was suspected to have been electrocuted.

Abiodun said the body was taken to General Hospital Minna by Morris patrol team and was confirmed dead in the hospital.

He noted that effort was ongoing to locate the relative of the deceased as the incident was under investigation in collaboration with AEDC. (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

EFCC returns property to American victim of internet fraud

Julius Toba-Jegede
Sep, Fri, 2023

General News

EFCC returns property to American victim of internet fraud

172 total views today

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over property recovered from a convicted fraudster, Aisosa Ohue, alias Frederick Leonard, to an American victim, Cheryldene Cook.

Its Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, the property include the sum of N19 million and three-bedroom semi-detached duplex at Ward 36A Amagba Community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo.

He said that the property, which also include a Lexus E350 saloon car, an iPhone 13 Pro Max and a Samsung A31 phone were presented to the victim in Abuja by the Zonal Commander, ACE I Adebayo Adeniyi and the Head, Advanced Fee Fraud Section 1, ACE II Jimoh Rauf.

Uwujaren said that Cheryldene Cook who flew in from the United States of America to receive the items was accompanied to the commission by her lawyer, Dr. Mike Nwosu. He added that she expressed appreciation to the commission for the recovery.

According to him, Justice C.E Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High, Kuje had in January ordered the forfeiture of the property after Orhue was convicted of a three-count charge including obtaining money by false pretence.

“The convicted cheated the victim in a love scam while pretending to be a famous actor, Frederick Leonard”.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Julius Toba-Jegede
Sep, Fri, 2023

Education

TRCN inducts 176 teachers from UniCal

212 total views today

By Christian Njoku

No fewer than 176 teachers trained in University of Calabar (UniCal), were on Friday inducted by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

Prof. Florence Obi, Vice Chancellor of the university in her remarks at the eight induction and oath-taking ceremony said the future of the country is bequeathed to teachers.

Obi, represented by Prof. Peter Okafor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Linkages and Collaboration, described the teaching profession as the mother of all professions.

She added that other professions emanate from it and urged the inductees to protect it jealously.

“The future of our country is bequeathed into your hands, don’t destroy it, don’t rape it, do not pollute it but rather protect it, conserve it and bring the best out of it.

“This university remains committed to raising proven professionals who are found worthy in character and learning.

“You have been well nurtured to become proud ambassadors of this University and we are proud to send you out as our ambassadors who are fit and ready to blaze,” she said.

She admonished the inductees to adhere strictly to the tenets of the teaching profession, advising that they should be teachers that pupils would remember with joy and be glad to tell their stories.

She commended lecturers in the three Faculties of Education of the institution for their immense contributions towards the professional development of the graduates.

The vice chancellor also appreciated the TRCN for certifying the inductees, saying it was an indication that the graduates have been fully licensed as professional teachers.

In his remarks, Prof Josiah Ajiboye, Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, TRCN, lauded the commitment of the the university management for always placing high premium on the council’s protocols.

Represented by Dr Bimbo Okunola, Director of Regulation and Accreditation of the council, Ajiboye said such commitments enhance the TRCN quality assurance trade mark in conformity with international best practices.

He urged the inductees to be good representatives of TRCN, adding that they should always dress well and challenging their students to imbibe the qualities of professionalism.

Similarly, Prof. Arikpo Arikpo, Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Education, said the quality of a nation’s socio-economic and political development is dependent on the quality of teachers at various strata of education.

Speaking on behalf of the three Faculties of Education in UniCal, Arikpo reminded the inductees that a teacher must guide students and members of their immediate society to acquire knowledge for societal development.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN), reports that the ceremony featured an induction lecture by Prof. Idaka Idaka, on the Topic: “Education in Nigeria at the cross road: The way forward.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Julius Toba-Jegede

NLC tasks govt on implementation of tax justice

Julius Toba-Jegede
Sep, Fri, 2023

Economy/Business

NLC tasks govt on implementation of tax justice

140 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has advocated for a proper implementation of tax justice to enable higher income earners in the country pay higher taxes than low income earners.

Mr Eustace James, NLC Focal Person on Tax Justice, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.

“Those who occupy public offices, those who erect mighty buildings with public funds and yet they don’t pay taxes should be made to pay taxes accordingly, ” he said.

James was speaking at the Fiscal Accountability for Inequality Reduction (FAIR4ALL) Project Media Colloquium and Exhibition organised by Oxfam Nigeria supported by Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He decried the system where low income earners and the vulnerable in the society pay higher and double taxes while those occupying high public offices do not pay taxes.

“Tax justice is about bringing equity and justice to tax payment, about people paying based on what they earn.

“It is about eliminating extortion and exploitation of the poor as well as taxing on the basis of pure justice, ” he said.

James, who identified tax justice as key to decent work, added that tax is the most sustainable means of public finance.

“So, tax is an obligation of every citizen but what has been the issue in Nigeria is that the poor pay more than the rich.

“When you talk about tax net expansion, it is not about taxing the poor more, it is about taxing the rich who are not paying tax in order to contribute to the tax basket, ” James said.

He explained that the poor are those that are exploited and extorted in the name of multiple taxations while the rich keep invading and avoiding taxes.

According to him, tax justice campaign has brought tax payment into the limelight to address inequality and injustice.

“We, in NLC has no option than to key into this campaign and to also be the champion of tax justice and good governance, ” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Julius Toba-Jegede

Presidential election tribunal’s verdict reinforces triumph of democracy – Buratai

isaac aregbesola
Sep, Fri, 2023

Defence/Security

Presidential election tribunal’s verdict reinforces triumph of democracy – Buratai

136 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Tukur Buratai, says the victory of President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Elections Petition Court has reinforced triumph of democracy.

Buratai, who is also a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, Wednesday’s verdict of the court validating the election victory of Tinubu not only upholds the principles of justice and fairness but also reinforces the triumph of democracy.

He congratulated the President on the victory and called on all Nigerians to actively engage in the democratic process, adding that each citizen must embrace their civic duty and contribute to the betterment of our nation.

“Together, we can build a stronger society where the voice of every individual is heard and respected.

“Let us all unite under the banner of democracy and strive towards a brighter future for our nation.

“While political affiliations often divide individuals into different parties, it is crucial to recognise that once elected, there can only be one president at a time.

“It is, therefore, essential for all citizens, regardless of their party affiliations, to unite and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Buratai said.

He said that by setting aside our differences and working together towards a common goal, we can foster a sense of unity and ensure the effective functioning government.

“It is through this collective effort that we can maximise the potentials for positive change and encourage the development of policies that benefit the entire nation.

“It is essential for us to acknowledge that, despite our varying political affiliations, we all share a common objective – the advancement of our nation,” he said.

The former army chief said that success of any political party hinged on its ability to serve the interests of the people, uphold democratic principles and promote unity.

He urged all Nigerians to concentrate on matters of utmost importance and engage in productive discussions that would bring about positive transformation.

He said that every segment of the society played a crucial role in the peace, development, security, and progress of the country, adding that states and local government administrations were particularly essential in this endeavour.

He explained that states and local governments, being the closest level of government to the people, bore the responsibility of effectively providing essential services, maintaining law and order, and promoting economic growth within their respective jurisdictions.

According to him, by working in tandem with the Federal Government, states and local governments can address the unique needs and concerns of their communities, fostering a sense of inclusivity and empowerment.

“Their involvement in policy-making and implementation allows for a more comprehensive approach to national development, ensuring that every citizen can benefit from the advancements and opportunities that arise.

“Therefore, the states and local government administrations must carry out their responsibilities efficiently as they form the backbone of our nation’s progress and prosperity,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

Kadiri Abdulrahman/Chioma Ugboma