Page 1283 – NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Afonne Emmanuel
Sep, Thu, 2023

Economy/Business

Naira appreciates at I&E window

187 total views today

By Lydia Ngwakwe

The naira on Thursday gained against the dollar as it exchanged at N736.62 at the Investors and Exporters window.

The local currency appreciated by 4.53 per cent compared to the N771.59 it exchanged for the dollar on Wednesday.

The open indicative rate closed at N774.74 to the dollar on Thursday.

A spot exchange rate of N799.90 to the dollar was the highest rate recorded within the day’s trading before it settled at N736.62.

The naira sold for as low as 700 to the dollar within the day’s trading.

A total of 66.43 million dollars was traded at the investors and exporters window on Thursday. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Afonne Emmanuel
Sep, Thu, 2023

Politics

Kogi: Ex-Deputy Gov. Awoniyi dumps PDP

177 total views today

The former Deputy Governor of Kogi, Abayomi Awoniyi, on Thursday, officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that his defection is contained in a letter, entitled, “Letter of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party”, made available to newsmen in Lokoja.

Awoniyi served as deputy to former Gov Idris Wada.

He conveyed his resignation in a letter dated August 31 and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi.

The letter partly read: “I hereby write to tender my letter of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party after 25 unbroken years of loyal and dedicated membership and service.”

“With this resignation letter, I cease to be a member of the PDP.

“Kindly convey my sincere gratitude to the party faithful in Mopamuro LGA, Kogi West Senatorial District, and indeed the entire state, through your fellow LGAs party chairmen, for their support and camaraderie, over the years.

“I look forward to our continued friendship, despite the fact that I am no longer a member of your party,” he stated.

NAN reports that Awoniyi did not give specific reasons for his exit from PDP.

He was reported to have expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the party’s governorship primary election.

In a reaction to the exercise, Awoniyi, who was one of the frontline governorship aspirants, described the exercise as a “farce”.

Meanwhile, he has not officially indicated his next line of action. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sam Oditah

Police Lagos Command pledges support to rights of PWDS

Vivian Ihechu
Sep, Thu, 2023

Gender , Defence/Security

Police Lagos Command pledges support to rights of PWDS

282 total views today

By Augusta Uchediunor

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Idowu Omohunwa, says the command will be sensitive to the interest of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in the state to ensure their rights are protected.

Omohunwa gave the assurance when a team from the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) paid an advocacy visit to his office in Lagos on Thursday.

The visit to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Lagos State Command, led by Mr David Anyaele, CCD’s Executive Director, was on Enhancing Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities.

The team was earlier received by ACP Mary Ayim, AC Administration, NPF, Lagos State Command, Ikeja.

The Commissioner of Police said: “ACP Ayim has given me the feedback on the interaction with you as it concerns your wishes.

“For the command under my leadership, I am very much abreast of your activities . I was part of the process that led to the establishment of Desk Office for Persons with Disability.

“Some of your requirements will require Federal Government’s actions but I know that you as a body, you have been very forceful in your presentation on issues regarding PWDs to the FG.

“For the command, we are sensitive to your interest; just that some of those demands are about structural remodeling and that must be for FG to approve, while we align with you, we truly agree.

“But the ones within our powers, like sensitising our officers to be responsive to your interest when your rights are violated, to protect you from dangers, security breaches and when they happen, to also pay special attention, I assure you, we will do that.

“You can find in us partners you can work with,’’ Omohunwa said.

Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) visits Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command

He said that ACP Ayim would be coordinating the affairs of PWDs and requests from the CCD.

In his address, Anyaele said that for PWDs to fully participate and contribute to society maximally, they must have equal access to legal protection, support, and remedies.

“We are aware of the several commitments made by security agencies to leave no stone unturned in order to ensure every form of discrimination, harassment, violence and social vices against persons with disabilities is totally eradicated and justice properly served.

“However, despite the crucial roles played by the security agencies, several challenges still hinder PWDs’ access to justice’’.

According to him, some of the challenges include lack of adequate training of law enforcement officers on disability rights, leading to misunderstandings, misconceptions, and improper treatment of PWDs.

“ Effective communication with PWDs may be hindered due to a lack of sign language interpreters or communication aids for the deaf and instructions in braille for the blind, impacting their ability to report crimes or seek assistance.

“ PWDs who seek justice are often faced with stigmatisation and discriminatory attitude, verbal and physical assaults within the security forces, affecting how they are perceived, treated, and supported.

“The Nigeria Police Force offices and posts may not be fully accessible, resulting to infrastructural discrimination, thereby making it challenging for PWDs to physically reach these facilities and access services.’’

He noted that PWDs might fear reporting crimes or rights violations due to concerns about negative reactions from law enforcement or a lack of trust in the justice system. .

He also said that PWDs might not receive the necessary emotional or psychological support during investigations or legal proceedings, thereby affecting their ability to participate effectively.

Anyaele said that addressing these challenges and fostering a more inclusive approach within the Nigeria Police Force was essential to ensure that PWDs confidently access justice through security agencies.

He made some recommendations in order to promote, enhance, and contribute significantly to a more just and equitable society for all citizens, including those with disabilities.

“That the Nigeria Police Force collaborate with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to provide comprehensive training for officers on disability rights, appropriate interactions, and the use of sign language for effective communication with PWDs that are deaf.

“This will help officers understand the challenges faced by PWDs and ensure respectful treatment. 2. Establish accessible ways for PWDs to report crimes and rights violations

“This includes ensuring that reporting and feedback mechanisms are available through various communication channels and that officers are trained to assist PWDs effectively.’’

He said there was also need for the Nigeria Police Force to launch awareness campaigns to educate officers and the public about the rights and needs of PWDs.

“This will help reduce stigma, improve attitudes, and promote fair treatment within the security agencies.

`The NPF should ensure the safety and protection of persons with disabilities in situations of risk, natural disasters, and other emergencies.

“First consideration should be given to persons with disabilities as stated in the law. Appoint dedicated officers (Disability Desk Officers) as liaisons for PWD-related cases.

“ These officers can provide specialised support, guide PWDs through the legal process, and ensure their rights are protected.

“ The Nigeria Police Force to collaborate with disability organizations and other key stakeholders to provide emotional and psychological support services for PWDs involved in legal proceedings.

“The Nigeria Police should establish mechanisms for monitoring and reporting instances of discrimination or mistreatment of PWDs. Ensure accountability and take appropriate action when violations occur.’’

Anyaele appreciated the CP for the opportunity to share some of the challenges that PWDs faced in accessing justice through security agencies, and hoped that the recommendations highlighted would be addressed.

He also presented some documents of disability acts and laws in the state and country.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

NiMet predicts 3-day cloudiness, sunshine from Friday

Afonne Emmanuel
Sep, Thu, 2023

Environment

NiMet predicts 3-day cloudiness, sunshine from Friday

199 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudiness and sunshine from Friday to Sunday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Thursday in Abuja, forecasts cloudy atmosphere on Friday with spells of sunshine over northern region with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Kebbi, Taraba, Adamawa and Kaduna states in the morning hours.

”Later in the day, thunderstorms are envisaged over parts of Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Katsina, Kano, Zamfara and Sokoto states.

“Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the North central region with isolated thunderstorms over parts of Niger, Kwara, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory in the morning hours.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Niger, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and Nasarawa states,” it said.

According to NiMet, cloudy atmosphere is expected over the South with prospects of thunderstorms and rains over parts of Edo, Imo, Ondo, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra States in the morning hours.

The agency anticipated isolated thunderstorms and rains over parts of Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Delta, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa states later in the day.

NiMet forecast Cloudy skies on Saturday with spells of sunshine over the northern region with prospects of squally thunderstorms accompanied with strong winds over parts of Kano, Katsina, Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kaduna and Kebbi states in the morning hours.

According to it, there are chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Borno, Sokoto and Zamfara States in the afternoon and evening hours.

“Cloudy skies are anticipated over the North central region with prospects of squally thunderstorms accompanied with strong winds over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kwara and Kogi States in the morning hours.

“In the afternoon/evening hours, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Plateau, Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Benue and Nasarawa States.

“Cloudy atmosphere is expected over the inland states of the South and its coastal cities with chances of thunderstorms and rains over parts of Edo, Ondo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Lagos and Delta States in the morning hours,” it said.

The agency predicted thunderstorms over parts of Edo, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Imo, Anambra, Ogun, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta states later in the day.

NiMet envisaged cloudy skies on Sunday with intervals of sunshine over the northern region in the morning hours with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Adamawa and Taraba states in the afternoon and evening hours.

It anticipated cloudy skies over the North central region in the morning hours with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of the Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau in the afternoon and evening hours.

“Cloudy skies are expected over the southern region with chances of rains over parts of Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms and rains are expected over parts of Edo, Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Delta, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa states.

“Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods. The public is advised to take necessary caution, avoid driving and walking through flood waters,” it said.

According to NiMet, Strong winds are likely to precede and accompany the thunderstorms, citizens are advised to take necessary safety precautions.

The agency advised the disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals to be proactive, to avert loss of lives and property during the rainy season.

“All Arline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports and alerts periodically from NiMet for effective planning for their operations,” it said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

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Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Company secretaries’ role pivotal to driving corporate governance in Nigeria — Experts

Afonne Emmanuel
Sep, Thu, 2023

General News

Company secretaries’ role pivotal to driving corporate governance in Nigeria — Experts

203 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Mrs Lilian Madueke, Chief Operating Officer, Kaizen Academy (Nigeria) Ltd., says the role of company secretaries in the corporate governance framework is becoming increasingly important in driving compliance across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Madueke made the observation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

NAN reports that Kaizen Academy is a governance and strategy focused consulting firm that offers services capable of revolutionising the operational and governance structures of organisations.

The chief executive officer said that the role of company secretaries were responsible for ensuring compliance, facilitating communication, and coordinating various aspects within the organisation.

According to her, their influence in terms of regulatory adherence and the smooth functioning of enterprises cannot be overstated.

Describing company secretaries as linchpins, Madueke highlighted their responsibility in connecting the board of directors, executive management, shareholders, and regulatory authorities.

Madueke stressed that as the corporate landscape continually evolved, the expertise of a proficient and well-versed company secretary remained essential.

She explained that such expertise ensured that enterprises operated with transparency, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to principled business conduct.

“Their presence is indispensable in ensuring the enterprise conducts its activities in accordance with the legal framework and upholds principles of ethical conduct.

“Company secretaries drive regulatory compliance, ensure transparency and accountability, effective board administration, improve shareholders relations, among other roles.

“They are tasked with safeguarding a company’s adherence to best practices in corporate governance, ensuring alignment of board decisions with the company’s mission and values.

“Company secretaries proactively monitor shifts in the legal and commercial landscape and offer guidance to the board and executive management on strategies to mitigate potential risks.

“Their adeptness in maneuvering the intricate confluence of legal requisites, stakeholder expectations, and business imperatives is pivotal for the triumph and longevity of the corporation,” she said.

Mrs Favour Udommesien, Managing Director, Kaizen Academy, underscored the growing criticality of company secretaries in board effectiveness and efficiency.

She said that their responsibilities extended beyond administrative tasks and encompassed facilitating good governance, compliance and strategic support.

According to Udommesien, the role of company secretaries has evolved into being the backbone of the board, directly impacting its efficiency.

She said that the changing dynamics of board mandates and legal commitments have elevated their significance to unprecedented heights.

“Far from the days when the company secretary was considered as a scribe and one to be seen and not heard, these days, their role is becoming more crucial and a massive determinant of a board’s effectiveness and efficiency.

“In contemporary times, an efficient company secretary aids the board’s effectiveness in governance expertise, processes and procedures, board orientation and training, risk management, and corporate compliance.

“Their roles also encompass stakeholders’ engagement, succession planning, information management, conflict of interests, board evaluations, ethical oversight, strategic support, and crisis management.

“In a rapidly evolving corporate landscape, the role of company secretaries in Nigeria has unquestionably become indispensable.

“They also contribute significantly to the overall health and compliance of organisations across various sectors.

“By adeptly embracing these responsibilities, the company secretary wields the power to propel the board’s efficacy, seamlessly harmonising the company’s governance, adherence to regulations, and strategic pursuits,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Olawunmi Ashafa

Lokpobiri inspects N68.5bn NUPRC `BARREL’ building, pledges urgent completion

Afonne Emmanuel
Sep, Thu, 2023

Oil & Gas

Lokpobiri inspects N68.5bn NUPRC `BARREL’ building, pledges urgent completion

267 total views today

By Emmanuella Anokam

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), says he will ensure the completion of ongoing construction of the N68.5 billion Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) `BARREL’ building without hitches.

The Minister made this known on Thursday while meeting with the management and staff of the NUPRC at its temporary headquarters in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting preceded Lokpobiri’s visit to the proposed NUPRC’s Headquarters complex site, called “THE BARREL”, located in the Central Business District, Abuja.

Lokpobiri said he would intervene to resolve challenges hampering the building construction, adding that he had already discussed with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on how to address its forex challenges, hence there should be a follow up.

“The commission is so important that you need to work in the best condition. To be able to optimise productivity; you need to be in the best environment.

“I am very sad that you are still in the temporary site. The survival of the oil industry depends on what you do; That is why I am interested in ensuring that we complete the building.

“The challenges you have will be mine. Yesterday, I was with the CBN Acting Governor, you need to follow up so that your income that you earn in dollars will be in the domiciliary account for you to expend, instead of converting to Naira,” he said.

He expressed satisfaction with the success being recorded by the commission by surpassing its financial projection, the steady progress and completion level recorded at the construction of its permanent site.

“I have been briefed by the contractor handling the project and they raised few concerns. We are going to work towards addressing those concerns,” he added.

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive (CCE) who received the Minister, said its regulatory focus was to increase the oil and gas reserve in the nation which stood at 37 billion barrel of oil and 208 TCF of gas.

“We are focused on increasing that through our regulatory approach and of course stepping up the transparency of hydrocarbon account which is very dear to our hearts. So we are pursuing that through strategies and regulations we are putting in place.

“There is a provision in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) that ensures the bye-in of the host community for inclusiveness in a manner that will encourage peaceful operation of the oil companies

“This is because without peace in the host community we cannot attain the set production target and revenue target for the nation. The commission is doing everything possible to step up effective implementation of that provision of PIA,” he said.

Komolafe said in view of this, it had ensured setting up of 82 host community development trust to serve as platform for implementation of that provision in the PIA to ensure peace.

He said it had made concerted effort to ensure reduction in the unit cost per barrel of oil targeted at ensuring that Nigerian upstream industry remained attractive to investors.

“We are equally in alignment with the global footprint in energy transition, ensuring decarbonisation in alignment with the nation’s net zero carbon emission commitment,” he added.

According to him, the commission, with a dedicated workforce of 933 staff nationwide, is being operated from five regional offices and four field offices.

In terms of revenue generation, he stated that as at July, it has already surpassed 50 per cent of its revenue generation, adding that since the last three years, it had remained so due to the hard work of the entire workforce.

Speaking on the ‘BARREL’ project, the CCE said the project (11th floor completion level) which was executed in 2021 and to be completed on Aug. 29, 2024, had its mode of payment through 65 per cent forex and 35 per cent local component.

Dr Taofik Popoola, Manager, Principal Artec Limited and the building’s design consultant, while speaking on the work status, said its installation and mobilisation recorded 100 per
cent, planning and design, 95 per cent, construction 96 per cent and procurement 48 per cent.

He listed challenges facing the construction to include inflation, COVID 19 pandemic effect, increase in prices of material, Naira devaluation (per dollar/N978 currently) and the Russian-Ukraine crisis.

“Naira to dollar was N385 at the time the contract was signed, it increased to N750 and now at N978.

“All these are unfortunately having negative effects on the procurement process, cost of project and time scheduling.” he said.

Mr Luis Sousa, Project manager, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, further explained that due to COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine Crises, supply chain of some materials was affected especially in the area of steel supply because Ukraine is the major producer of steel components. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

Female engineers seek take over of Lagos Olusosun dumpsite

Olawunmi Ashafa
Sep, Thu, 2023

Metro

Female engineers seek take over of Lagos Olusosun dumpsite

183 total views today

By Grace Alegba

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has appealed to Lagos State Government to hand over the popular Olusosun dumpsite to the association for better management, to tackle air pollution.

APWEN Lagos Chapter Chairman, Mrs Atinuke Owolabi, made the appeal on Thursday during the association’s monthly zoom meeting and technical presentation.

The programme was also organised to commemorate the International Day of Clean Air for Blue skies, with the theme, “Clean Air for Blue Skies: The Role of Female Engineers in Environmental Transformation”.

Owolabi gave a detailed history of the Olusosun dumpsite, which is the oldest and largest in Nigeria, had become a health risk to residents due to strong odour polluting the air.

She commended the Lagos State government’s effort in managing the wastes over the years, but appealed for total closure of the site.

The chairperson appealed that the site be handed over to APWEN to bring in innovations and turn it to an engineering-based solution hub, thereby mitigating environmental and health hazards.

She said pursuit of a healthier environment demanded collective efforts and advocacy, hence, APWEN’s commitment to offer solutions to make community better.

“The dumpsite has been associated with various environmental issues, including air and water pollution, as well as concerns about soil contamination.

“The burning of waste at the site has led to air quality problems in the surrounding areas.

“Proximity to the dumpsite has raised health concerns for nearby residents due to the release of hazardous chemicals and gases from the decomposing waste.

“We, as professional female Engineers in the state, stand ready to proffer innovative solutions that will uplift the lives of those residing nearby while addressing other socio-economic matters within the state and our nation at large.

“We commend the efforts of Lagos State Government over the years towards closure and relocation of this significant and notorious dumpsite.

“We hereby use this medium to appeal to our Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to consider permanent closure of the site to waste disposal and convert the site into an engineering-based solution hub, thereby mitigating environmental and health hazards,” she said.

Owolabi urged Nigerians, in commemorating the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, to be intentional in adopting practical steps that promote human and environmental health.

“Together, as female Engineers, we can contribute significantly to the preservation of our planet for generations to come.

“Today, 7th September, 2023, as we mark this global observance, we must reflect on the importance of clean air and the profound impact it has on our lives, our communities, and our planet,” she said.

Owolabi said air quality directly affects people’s health, the environment, and the well-being of future generations, adding that female engineers were doing thier bit as solution providers in society through innovations.

Mrs Helen Taiwo, Executive Director, Operations, Lagos Water Corporation, while taking a technical session, enumerated the functions and capabilities of female engineers and how they could leverage technology to preserve the environment.

Speaking on the theme, she reeled out measures against air pollution for healthy living and livelihoods.

Taiwo said air pollution was a major global problem that caused health challenges and could contribute to climate change issues.

She said environmental engineers play a vital role in reducing air pollution, adding that they design and implement solutions to control emissions and develop new technologies to clean up polluted air.

She listed some major contributions of women engineers in tackling pollution to include innovations and technology development in various sectors; sustainable energy as well as Research and Development. (NAN)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

FCT, JICA partner on nutrition improvement in area councils

Afonne Emmanuel
Sep, Thu, 2023

General News , Health , Metro

FCT, JICA partner on nutrition improvement in area councils

214 total views today

By Uche Bibilari

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has partnered with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to improve the nutritional status of rural dwellers in the FCT.

Mrs Aishat Abubakar, FCT Desk Officer, Agricultural Development Project (ADP), during the green field day event in Gwagwalada, said the project was a multi-sectoral approach to nutritional improvement.

According to her, the project is a pilot project for nutrition improvement in six communities from two area councils – Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Gwagwalada.

She explained that the project had three main areas of concentration namely agriculture, nutrition and livelihood improvement.

“The project is a technical cooperation between FCT and JICA, it is a five-year project which started in 2019 and will end in 2024.

“The project is in two phases; the first phase started in 2019 and ended in 2022 which was very successful. In the first phase, three communities from two area councils were involved,” she said.

She said that in this second phase communities from the six area councils were targeted but during selection period the issue of insecurity was much in Abuja.

Abubakar said that there was no option but to use AMAC and Gwagwalada which was used initially in the first phase of the project, adding that the target was 20 households each from the six communities.

“In this project we targeted six communities, four from Gwagwalada and two from AMAC and in each community 20 households known as the model group were trained on these three areas.

“These model group are expected to go back to their various communities and transfer whatever knowledge they have acquired from the project to other members of the community.

“Although our main target is children under 2-years-old, mothers and pregnant women and their family members”, she said.

According to her, the green field day is the agricultural aspect of the project where a demonstration site is mapped out in the six communities to train the model group on planting techniques.

She said eight crops were used for the project, to train them on types of crops, crop spacing, and fertiliser application among others.

Abubakar said that the major aim of the agricultural aspect was food availability to rural dwellers all year round, adding that the model group after the training would be given three crops of their choice.

She said that some of the crops are maize which is represents energy given food, soya bean or cow peas which represents protein and pumpkin or jute leaves (Ewedu) which represents vegetable.

“Our focus is in these three food groups which are energy given food, protein and vegetables, it is not about planting but planting what the body really needs.

“We are looking at the nutritional aspect of the crops they want to plant; some of them have a very vast land but end up planting just one crop and lacking in another.

“But with this training they will know which crop to plant and how best to plant it for food sufficiency all year round,” Abubakar said.

She said that after the training the list of crops would be given to the model group to choose three crops of their choice, considering the three food groups, also fertiliser and insecticide would be given to them.

She explained that it was expected of FCTA to upscale the project to other area councils at the end of its expiration.

Ms Khadijah Adebayo, Technical Project Staff, JICA, said that the purpose of the project was to develop the effective food based nutrition improvement approach in rural areas.

“We are building the capacity of FCT staff in our selected communities through training on nutrition, agriculture and livelihood improvement.

“The project is in two phases, in the first phase we trained three communities and in this second phase we are training people from six communities,

“These people will in turn train other members of the community,” Adebayo said.

Mr Innocent Ajeafobi, Director, FCT Agricultural Development Project (ADP), represented by Mrs Justina Ogumelen, advised participants to put into practice all they had learnt from the project for a healthy living.

Mr Usman Galadima, Lead Farmer for the project, appreciated the effort of FCTA and JICA for the great opportunity given to rural dwellers to improve their nutrition and agricultural standard.

Galadima said that with the programme they would have enough balanced diets all year round.

“Under this programme, we were taught foodstuff management, cash management, hygiene and how best to handle the environment.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Folasade Adeniran

Nigerian army must embrace emerging technology to achieved modernization-Officer

isaac aregbesola
Sep, Thu, 2023

Defence/Security

Nigerian army must embrace emerging technology to achieved modernization-Officer

400 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Brig.-Gen. Aminu Umar, has stressed the need for Nigerian Army to embrace emerging technology to achieved modernisation

Umar said this while delivering a paper titled, “Future Warfare and Modernisation of the Military: Implications for the Nigerian Army by 2033” at the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, there is a need for the Nigerian Army to take deliberate steps to train personnel with the requisite skills necessary to utilise emerging technologies.

He said that available records had shown that the strength of the Nigerian army as of the Second Quarter of 2023 was about 180,000 personnel.

“The record confirmed that about 4.28 per cent, representing 6,840 of personnel were educated on emerging technologies.

“The remaining 153,160 personnel, representing 95.72 per cent, were unaware of emerging technologies and this would undermine the army’s ability to utilise the technology for modernisation.

“For instance, the development of the Nigerian Army Smart Soldier Concept is hindered due to limited skilled manpower in emerging technologies towards modernization of the army.

“Therefore, there is a need for the army to take deliberate steps to train personnel with the requisite skills necessary to utilise emerging technologies.

“Thus, skilled manpower development is key to modernization by 2033,” he said.

Umar said the nature of war remained enduring, but its character changes, adding that one of the primary instigators of the change had been technology which had revolutionised everything from tactics and logistics to weaponry and autonomous systems.

He said the future warfare would most likely be characterised by considerable structural and industrial damage, force dispersion, smaller tailored force structures, new personal equipment, data links to the individual soldier, a 360-degree threat and non-traditional enemy force structure amongst others.

According to him, in line with modernisation efforts towards operational efficiency, the Nigerian army as an integral part of the nation’s armed forces has inducted various military equipment into its inventory with emerging technology applications.

“For instance, the Nigerian army partnered with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in 2020 to establish a Land Forces Simulation Centre (LFSC).

“The Centre was launched in 2021 and has consistently been employed for capacity building of army personnel to improve operational efficiency.

“The army also established the UAV Command in 2020 to train and maintain a UAV force that will be responsive and timely in delivering air imagery intelligence for Nigerian army missions,” he said.

According to him, in spite of these efforts, the application of emerging technologies for modernisation of the army to improve current and future operational efficiency has not been fully exploited.

“This could be attributed to inadequate skilled manpower and technological infrastructure among others and has limited the capacity of the Nigerian army to leverage precision-guided offensive and defensive weapons technology

“As well as sensors and early warning devices, surveillance and advanced communications to counter the menace of terrorism and other emerging security threats in Nigeria,” he added.

Umar said the Nigerian army was currently involved in spectrum of combat operations, adding that several areas of modernisation through application of emerging technologies were available to enhance efficiency in those operations.

These, according to him, include Artificial Intelligence (AI), virtual and augmented reality, blockchain technology as well as robotics.

The Director General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, thanked the resource person and discussants for the thought provoking lecture.

Ajunwa said the lecture was one of many they the centre had planned to organise to enable the center have enough materials to be able to put up a good paper to the Army Headquarter. (NAN) (www.annews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

100 Days in Office: LASG rates Tinubu administration high

Julius Toba-Jegede
Sep, Thu, 2023

General News

100 Days in Office: LASG rates Tinubu administration high

145 total views today

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, has said that the President Bola Tinubu administration has performed well as he marks his 100 days in office.

Hamzat made the remarks during a special prayer to commemorate 100 days in office of President Bola Tinubu, held on Thursday at the Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos Island.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu was inaugurated as the 16th President of Nigeria on May 29.

According to him, the past 100 days of this government have been very encouraging as different achievements and various initiatives are put in place by the Federal Government.

Speaking on the achievements of the Federal Government so far, the deputy governor stated that the administration had performed well.

“The first 100 days had been about economic reforms and enactment of laws than infrastructures.

“We can see judiciary reform, tax reform, education upgrade, which are part of the many things this administration has done,” he said.

Justifying the petrol subsidy removal, Hamzat said 93 per cent of the nation’s revenue was used for debt payment on fuel subsidy and the country was almost bankrupt.

“The fuel subsidy consumed more money than the Ministry of Works and Education put together and government is saying it is not sustainable as a nation,” he said.

Similarly, the deputy governor said that Nigerians have cause to give thanks to God for sustaining the country as there are many countries going through worse challenges.

Hamzat added that Nigerians have reasons to thank God for the peaceful moments the country had enjoyed in spite of the challenges witnessed.

According to him, every nation has challenges but it is the responsibility of the government to face those challenges and tackle them.

He cited examples of Sweden, Libya, Iraq and some other countries that are currently undergoing different challenges.

On Lagos State Government achievements since assumption of office for the second tenure, the deputy governor noted that a lot of initiatives had been put in place, which include the commencement of Blue Line Rail for commercial purposes.

“Lagos State Government is the only sub-sovereign that is funding rail from its balance sheet, no other sub-sovereign has done it anywhere in the world and this took a lot of financial engineering for us to build,” he said.

He disclosed that the red line would soon commence service.

Hamzat noted that the project is massive and would convey passengers from Agege through Ejigbo and Yaba within ten-minute interval.

Earlier, the Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheikh Abdul Abou, who was represented by the Bashorun of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy said the country had witnessed a lot of transformation and policy reviews in the last 100 days of the Tinubu administration.

Abou was optimistic that the transformation would yield positive results for citizens and the country in due course.

He charged Nigerians to continue to pray for the president to come up with policies and reforms that would be in the best interest of Nigerians.

The sheik also commended the Gov. Sanwo-Olu Babajide administration for the successes recorded so far in the state in the last 100 days.

According bto him, the governor has been able to put measures in place to alleviate the pains experienced due to fuel subsidy removal by sharing palliatives to the most vulnerable in the state.

“Also, the recent commencement of the commercial Blue Rail Line will reduce traffic in the state,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)