NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
NiMet to engage quality management system for weather forecast – DG  
Aviation

NiMet to engage quality management system for weather forecast – DG  

199 total views today

 

By Gabriel Agbeja

Prof. Mansur Matazu, the Director-General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), says the agency is ready to advance its quality management system to improve the weather forecast across the nation.

 

Matazu made this known on Thursday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

 

According to him, such efforts in advancing quality of management system with relevant training will enhance the weather prediction accuracy and precision.

 

“The agency is exposing its operations to improved quality management systems and even transforming to Safety Management Systems (SMS) across all its operations in the country.

 

“NiMet is striving to do more and is open to assist other Ministries,Departments and Agencies (MDA)s of government to pass through this process,” he said.

 

On the International Standard Organisation (ISO) Certification recently acquired by NiMet, Matazu explained that a rigorous quality management audit was followed.

 

According to him, NiMet has acquired the recertification of the International Standard Organisation ISO 9001:2015 and the International Standard Organization ISO 29990:2010 for the provision of aeronautical meteorological services.

 

” Also, for the capacity building at it’s Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Lagos and MBMIST in Katsina respectively.

 

” We took the challenge as far back as 2013 and we have been maintaining this 3 years certificate and we just acquired recertification of ISO 9001:2015 for aeronautical meteorological services in six major international airports.

 

“We are working hard to extend it to 10 more airports across the country, ” he said.

 

He further explained that the agency had acquired another recertification for ISO 29990:2010 for training, recertification and capacity training.

 

“Remember NiMet runs two training institutes like polytechnics, one in Lagos the RTC, which is a World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) accredited training centre .

 

“We also have the Muhammadu Buhari Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology (MBMIST), which is accredited by the National Board for Technical Education ( NBTE) as a training centre in Katsina and offers Diploma.

 

“So, we have acquired ISO 29990:2010 for training on all aspects of meteorology, applied meteorology including climate change,” he explained.

 

He said NiMet was the first meteorological service on the African continent to have acquired the certification.

 

According to him, the agency is serving as an auditor for some African countries like Malawi and Gambia presently.

 

“It is of note that NiMet has also been approached by Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to assist and guide them to acquire this certification.

 

“The implication of this recertification is like the stamp of standardisation of service delivery by an international organisation and gives a guarantee on the precision and efficiency of NiMe’s products and service,” he it said. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

Keep faith with Tinubu for dividends of democracy, group tells Nigerians
Politics

Keep faith with Tinubu for dividends of democracy, group tells Nigerians

141 total views today
By Emmanuel Mogbede
The Patriots in Defence of Democracy, a political pressure group, on Wednesday in Abuja called on Nigerians to keep faith with President Bola Tinubu to deliver  dividends of democracy to all.
The group’s convener, Mr Tosin Adeyanju, made the call while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of a solidarity walk organised by some All Progressives Congress (APC) support groups.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the support groups, which converged around the Appeal Court area as the Presidential Election Petition Court delivers judgment on the Feb. 25 presidential election, were seen chanting solidarity songs.
While expressing optimism that the court’s final judgement would be in Tinubu’s favour, Adeyanju said the groups converged to celebrate the president’s anticipated victory at the tribunal.
“We are here in celebration of our anticipated victory because we have no doubt in our minds that majority of Nigerains voted for Tinubu on Feb. 25.
“We have a strong believe that the judiciary will affirm Tinubu’s victory at the poll.
“Nigerians should keep faith with Tinubu because he has what it takes to deliver true democracy devidens to the people,” he said.
Adeyanju, who noted that Tinubu had done well so far in his first 100 days in office, said that his visits abroad are beginning to yield devidends to the country.
He gave assurance that Nigeria would be a better place under the Tinubu administration.
Adeyanju commended the opposition parties that challenged Tinubu’s electoral victory in court, saying they have the right to give vent to their perceived grievances in court.
He however appealed to leaders of such political parties to join hands with Tinubu to build a better country for all.
Also speaking, Mr Kashim Raji, a former National Youth Mobilisation Director of the APC Presidential Campaign Council(PCC) South West, called for peace and support from all Nigerians.
He said this is critical to enable Tinubu deliver on his “Renewed Hope Agenda”.
He said Tinubu should be commended for removing petrol subsidy, adding that it is only a president with courage that could take such a decision.
“We all know that petrol subsidy was a fraud and we thank the president for taking the bull by the horns to remove it,” he said.
Raji called on Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Candidate to join hands with Tinubu to build the country in the interest of all.
“Politics should not divide them, they all have what it takes to build the country. I appeal to them to join hands to build and move the country forward.
“Let’s all come together as brothers to build this country.
“It is only in peace and unity that we can have a country called ours I therefore appeal to their supporters to embrace peace, because there is light at end of the tunnel,” he said.(NAN)
Edited by Muftau Adediran/Julius Toba-Jegede
Amnesty Programme considers expanding cooperative scheme to accommodate other groups
General News , Solutions Journalism

Amnesty Programme considers expanding cooperative scheme to accommodate other groups

450 total views today

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), said on Wednesday that its micro-finance project, PAP Cooperative Society Limited (PAPCOSOL), would be expanded to accommodate women groups already engaged in similar practices in running mini businesses successfully.

The Interim Administrator of PAP, Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd), said this in Abuja when he received in his office, the leadership and members of the Niger Delta Women for Sustainable Development (NDWSD), a coalition of community women groups.

The cooperative society scheme was primarily designed for ex-agitators, but Ndiomu said that they were planning to incorporate into the cooperative scheme women community credit thrift schemes that thrive in the Niger Delta.

Ndiomu noted the critical role women could play in changing the socio- economic narratives of the region, if provided with the right tools and encouragement.

“We will look at the thrift or osusu scheme as you have highlighted, to see how it can be incorporated into the PAP cooperative programmes through a collaborative effort, to improve the livelihoods of the people.

“I am very happy with some of the things you mentioned, especially the idea of giving attention to women in the activities of the PAP which has always been part of our priority in contract awards.

“Our priority extends to scholarship awards for undergraduates and post graduate female students, vocational and empowerment programmes,” he said.

Ndiomu noted that there were females on the PAP pilot programme, and that with time, the cooperative scheme would be the game changer to address issues of empowerment for the people of the region.

The Interim Administrator also expressed gratitude to the women for the visit and for the words of encouragement to spur him on.

Earlier in her address, Helen Bob, who led the group, thanked Ndiomu for granting them audience.

She noted the role of women in nation building and called on relevant agencies to attach more importance in developing the capacity of women.

She also called for the provision of micro-finance loans for rural Niger Delta women through their community credit thrift cooperative society popularly known as osusu or okpu.

“This is an age long self-financing scheme among rural Niger Delta women and therefore, identifying with it will enhance financial guarantee for the rural Niger Delta woman.

“Our group is capable of organising periodic decentralised training for the women in their various communities to fully utilise the funds for their thrift cooperative societies to grow their micro-economies through petty commodity trading,” she said.

She advocated for the provision of facilities “for improved preservation techniques of seafood and farm produce, fishing and farming equipment” to reduce the stress in carrying out those activities.

“General Ndiomu is doing a good job here and he needs to be encouraged.

“It is high time people of the Niger Delta stopped being critical of their sons and daughters in positions of trust.

The ‘pull him down’ syndrome must stop,” she added. The highlight of the visit was the investiture of the Interim Administrator as the first patron of the Niger Delta Women forSustainable Development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

PEPC: Why we are out in support of Tinubu – Asari Dokubo
General News , Politics

PEPC: Why we are out in support of Tinubu – Asari Dokubo

209 total views today

By Taiye Agbaje

A Niger Delta Leader, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, on Wednesday, said his group came out to show solidarity with President Bola Tinubu because the petitions against him were frivolous and lacked substance.

Dokubo spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) outside the premises of the Appeal Court Headquarters, Abuja, venue of the Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC).

The ex-militant, who gathered with his group, the Ijaw Youths for BAT in collaboration with National APC Supporters Centre and Northern Youths Network for Asiwaju, along the Shehu Shagari Way directly opposite the Head of Service Building, said he was hopeful that the case would be decided in their favour.

“We are here to show our presence in the court. We know that the case will be decided in our favour.

“The case is frivolous; they don’t have any substance in their case.

“But if you don’t come, they will come here and start to misbehave. And that is why we came.

“You have seen the overwhelming majority (pointing to members of his group); you can’t find them anywhere,” he said.

According to him, President Tinubu has been with me in my most trying period, and this is the time for me to pay back.

When asked what he would do if the outcome of the judgment did not favour his candidate, Dokubo simply said: “We know our case and we know that it will go in our favour.”

He said whichever way the pendulum of the judgment swings, “All Nigerians should come together and work for the good of the country.”

NAN reports that some of the placards carried by members of the groups had inscriptions like: “On Tinubu’s Mandate, We the Citizens Stand”, “Thank You President Tinubu for Restoring the Niger Delta Ministry”, and “President Tinubu Loves the Niger Delta”.

Inscription on another placard reads “The Office of the Citizens is Supreme, the Citizens Have Spoken, On Tinubu’s Mandate, We the Citizens Stand”, among others.

NAN reports that the Labour Party (LP) and its presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) are challenging the election victory of Tinubu.

The presidential poll was conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Feb. 25. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

I’ll industralise Imo if I become governor, says LP candidate Achonu
Politics , General News

I’ll industralise Imo if I become governor, says LP candidate Achonu

148 total views today

By Emmanuel Afonne

Sen. Athan Achonu, candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the Nov. 11 Governorship Election in Imo, has pledged to industrialise the state if he is elected governor of the state.

Achonu made the pledge when he briefed newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that arrangements have been concluded with some power generating companies to generate power for the state to boost his government’s industrialisation plan should he eventually emerge governor.

“We have mapped out six industrial layouts, two per each geopolitical zone, with focus on job creation through industrialisation, and that is why I am focusing on power generation,” Achonu said.

He said that he was encouraged by the bill signed into law by the federal government which now permits states to produce and generate their own source of power, noting that states now have every reason to pursue their industrialisation goal.

“I have concluded plans with Afreximbank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support industries.

“I have a licence to operate a refinery; I will activate it or encourage people to take it over in order not to distract me while in office.

“Orlu is a Pharmaceutical zone, I got banks to do a pharmaceutical park in Okigwe so that investors can come; I told the owner of Orange Drugs about it a long time ago.

“I am bringing all these ideas into play to create job opportunities,” Achonu said.

According to him, security of lives and properties will be top in his agenda, while Local Government Areas (LGAs) will be given autonomy to manage their funds and resources.

Achonu noted that insecurity heightened in Imo since governors allegedly hijacked the local government (LG) system.

“I have been championing LG autonomy since Obasanjo left, till today. We will organise LG elections in six months if we are elected into office; I will lead by example.

“I have been consistent on LG autonomy in so many interviews that I have granted, and I believe that criminality came in since the LG system was hijacked by governors, who allegedly pocketed their funds.

“If you are a councilor elected by the people, there is no way a criminal will enter your territory that you will not notice or be informed.

“That is why I am advocating the establishment of vigilante groups for local governments.

“So, the first bill I will send to the House of Assembly is for every LGA to have a vigilante group which we will supervise through oversight functions by the House.

“The vigilante groups will work with the Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and so on, in securing lives and properties,” he said.

Achonu said that God had kept him alive to be the next governor of Imo in the forthcoming election, saying that he would never be a stooge or placeholder for any politician.

He noted that another major challenge his administration would face if elected as governor would be the huge debt profile of the state, in addition to salary and pension arrears of many workers and retirees in the state.

Achonu, however, assured that he would ensure a realistic policy that would fashion out ways of offsetting the backlog of salaries and pensions of workers and pensioners to give them a new life. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

Board postpones NPFL 2023/2024 season kick-off
Sports

Board postpones NPFL 2023/2024 season kick-off

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By Aderonke Ojediran

The Board of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Wednesday announced the postponement of the kickoff of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

It said the kickoff of the league scheduled for Sept. 9, was postponed to allow board members focus on the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) holding in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

Andrew Ekejiuba, media officer of GTI /NFF, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

The initial kick-off was scheduled for Sept. 9, and no new date had been set at the time of filing this report.

Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer, League Management Company explained that the League body yielded to representations from various stakeholders in reaching the decision.

“We have everything set for the kickoff in Ibadan on Saturday but following representations from multiple stakeholders and more cogent is the complex logistics involved in having our Chairman and Clubs leadership travel from Ibadan to Uyo.

“Note, therefore, that there will be no flag-off game as originally planned,” he said.

He said a new kickoff date would be communicated in a few days, and that the postponement had been communicated to the clubs so they could stand down travel plans already made. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Obinna Unaeze/Salif Atojoko

Securing Nigeria requires harnessing efforts of citizens – COAS
Defence/Security

Securing Nigeria requires harnessing efforts of citizens – COAS

108 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says securing a country like Nigeria within the ambit of contemporary security environment requires harnessing the support of the citizens.

Lagbaja, represented by the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor, said this at the maiden edition of the Nigerian Army Human Rights Seminar, on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that the support of the citizens was necessary since some operations were conducted within civilian populated areas.

According to him, the prevailing security challenges had necessitated the deployment of Nigerian army troops to various theaters of operation within the country.

“These deployments involve kinetic and non kinetic approaches that require collaboration between security agencies and all well meaning individuals and organisations.

“I wish to state that securing a country within the ambit of contemporary security environment involve harnessing the efforts of citizens in a whole of nation approach because the operations are conducted within civilian populated areas.

“Hence, the seminar was conceptualised to engage organisations, security agencies, media and other stakeholders involved in human rights advocacy and the protection of civilians in conflict areas on the issues relating to human rights during conflicts.

“The protection of civilians and their basic rights require special attention as it takes up a lot of field commanders time.

“This aspect of warfare and conflict management require the harnessing of the potentials of other actors within the multidimensional operating environment.

“Hence, the articulation of my command philosophy that seeks to transform the Nigerian army into a well trained and highly motivated organisation towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment, taking into cognizance the uniqueness of the contemporary environment, which is joint.

“The joint environment in this context includes all actors in the theaters of operation including non governmental organisations and human rights groups,” he said.

Lagbaja said that Nigeria’s contemporary operating environment had become volatile and complex as the global environment increasingly has become more connected and ambiguous.

He said that there was the need for the army to enhance capacity for efficient employment of the instruments of national power while harnessing the potentials of its allies towards achieving the desired results.

The COAS added that the army had to step up all aspects of its engagement with all actors in the field of operations in line with best practices to effectively confront the country’s adversaries.

“It is in this light that Nigerian Army is collaborating and interfacing with human rights advocacy groups in our theaters of operation to ensure commonality in understanding the practice.

“Practical understanding of issues relating to human rights are varied and challenging, especially in contemporary military operations.

“Hence, the theme for this seminar, which is “National Security and the Complexities of Human Rights, is quite apt and is in consonance with current realities,” he added.

On his part, the Chief of Administration, Maj.-Gen. Akpor, urged the public to help protect the integrity of the army while discharging its responsibility of safeguarding the nation, saying the military also needed protection from campaigns of calumny.

Akpor said that the army had prioritised human rights in its training right from the cradle, adding that with several operations ongoing and several interactions with the civil populace, there was no denying the facts that issues would crop up.

“But the military also is the only organisation in any country that is said to be administered to the point where they can even set up their own courts to deal with issues that bother on indiscipline.

“While we do so much to keep the environment safe, the military also requires protection from campaigns of calumny, sometimes from within but most times from without that will want to undermine the integrity of the military.

“And when the integrity of the military is undermined with campaigns of calumny, you are weakening the confidence of the military and the ability of military to protect the land,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Reps c’ttee to unveil identity of crude oil thieves
General News , Economy/Business

Reps c’ttee to unveil identity of crude oil thieves

165 total views today

By Femi Ogunshola

The House of Representatives ad hoc committee set up to investigate crude oil theft and loss of revenue from gas has vowed to unveil identities of those behind oil theft in the country.

Rep. Kabiru Rurum, chairman of the committee said this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ahead of its investigative hearing slated for Sept. 7.

He said the oil sector remained the major source of revenue for the country, adding that it was determined that the investigation would not be like the previous ones.

According to him, oil and gas are the major areas where the country gets its resources but the problem of oil theft has continued to go from bad to worse on a daily basis.

“The purpose of the committee is to reveal who and who are the architect of what is going on in the area of crude oil theft.”

He said apportioning blame to security agencies would not suffice, adding that stakeholders in the oil sectors should be held responsible including Chevron, Shell, communities among others

“We need to identify the culprists, this is the purpose of the investigation, everybody including critical stakeholders should come and tell us their side of the story.

He said the modalities and ways to stop or minimise theft in the oil sector should be suggested by all stakeholders which was the main purpose of the committee.

He said the committee had invited the Nigerian Navy as the custodian of the nation’s water, Airforce, Civil Defence, Police Intelligence Agency among others.

According to him, the challenges confronting the oil sector and the probable solution will be discussed

He said the Norwagean Embassy which had earlier promised Nigeria to assist in three areas to curtail oil theft had been invited to proffer solution.

He said its recommendation would be firm because the government knew that there were serious challenges in the sector, adding that it would work in synergy with the National Security Adviser.

it would be recalled that Rep. Philip Agbese (APC-Benue) had earlier moved a motion on the need to investigate crude oil theft and loss of revenue accrued from the oil and gas sector in Nigeria

The house, however, constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the issues and ensured that everyone complicit in the theft was brought to book.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Chioma Ugboma

Tinubu has surpassed expectations in 100 days— APC Diaspora Chairmen
Politics

Tinubu has surpassed expectations in 100 days— APC Diaspora Chairmen

151 total views today

 

By Adeyemi Adeleye
The APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen (APC-CDC) has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s performance within 100 days in office, saying the President has surpassed expectations.

Chief Elas Abone, the Publicity Secretary of the APC-CDC and Chairman of APC Canada Chapter , made this remark at a news conference on Wednesday  in Lagos.

Abone, highlighting a range of accomplishments and initiatives undertaken by Tinubu’s administration in the first 100 days, said the President had made Nigeria to be on pedestals of growth and development.

On economic revitalisation, Abone commended President Tinubu’s financial and economic policies, which he said had led to increased foreign investments, job creation, and economic growth.

He said that Tinubu had focused on diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil revenue.

Abone also said that Tinubu’s administration had recorded significant progress in infrastructure development which included road construction, railway expansion, and the rehabilitation of key national assets.

“These efforts are aimed at improving transportation and connectivity across the country,” he said.

Abone, who applauded the government’s commitment to enhancing national security, cited the successful counter-terrorism operations and effort of the government in addressing issues of banditry and insecurity in various regions of Nigeria.

The publicity secretary also commended the president for the launch of several social welfare programmes, aimed at alleviating poverty and improving the well-being of vulnerable population.

Abone said: “These programmes include initiatives to support education, healthcare, and food security.”

Also, on anti-corruption measures, Abone underscored the administration’s commitment to fighting corruption, noting that accountability and transparency remained top priorities for Tinubu.

He, however, used the occasion to call upon Nigerians to exercise patience and remain steadfast, saying, “the new government continues to implement its policies and programmes”.

“The challenges facing the nation require collective efforts and unity among all citizens.

“We encourage Nigerians to engage constructively with the government, offering your suggestions and support to ensure a brighter future for the country,” Abone said.

Expressing optimism about the future of the country under Tinubu’s leadership, the spokesman urge Nigerians to work together with the President for the betterment of the nation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu, who was inaugurated as President on May 29, marked his 100 days in office on Tuesday. (NAN)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

NGO trains children in Abuja IDP camp on moral upbringing
Education

NGO trains children in Abuja IDP camp on moral upbringing

211 total views today

 

By Aderogba George

Hope Raisers Global Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), on Wednesday rounded off its 16 weeks teaching activities with children from the Durumi Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp, Abuja.

The teaching activities which centred on different topics ranging from moral, security, hygiene and others, were carried out with children from the ages of two to teenagers aged 16.

Mrs Angonimi David-Imeh, the founder of the NGO, disclosed that the sole aim of the teachings was to move against social vices among Nigerian youths, and the need to emulate moral behaviors.

“The teaching activities were for children from age two to age 16, and it dwelled mostly on how to carry on with moral behaviours within the society.

“We believe in sustainable development, one way to see progress in anything you are doing is to be patient, copy, edit and repeat process with little tweaks here and there, and most especially it must be need driven.

“We have spent almost 2 years in this camp and our acronym states thus DEED which means: Discover, Educate, Empower and Deploy.

“We have been doing all at various times, but we are repeating processes that haven’t given maximum results yet, we repeat processes according to their needs from time to time.

“This is a strategy used in economic planning,” she stressed.

David-Imeh stated that the children are living in an area where negative vices are “the order of the day, hence one of the reasons for putting up the teaching idea, all in the aim not to make them emulate bad characters.

“As one who also volunteers with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), and as a national leader in the women committee, I am aware of the causes of insecurity in Nigeria communities.”

She stated that one of the ways to curb insecurity in the society is to help children to imbibe the right culture.

“We also need to make them know and understand the disadvantages of being a threat to the society and pointing their attention to a desirable future.

“To build a better society, we must engage indigent children because they are vulnerable and susceptible to negativity,” she said.

She also buttressed that children should be caught early enough as it is often said “Children are future leaders”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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