NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Baptist Seminary advocates collective participation in Nigeria transformation
Religious

Baptist Seminary advocates collective participation in Nigeria transformation

174 total views today

 

 

By Olatunde Ajayi

 

The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS), Ogbomoso, says transforming Nigeria into a better country is a collective responsibility.

 

Its President, Rev. Stephen Ayankeye, said this on Tuesday in Ogbomoso during a news conference on the forthcoming 2023 NBTS Ministers’ Conference, scheduled to hold from Sept. 11 to Sept. 14.

 

Ayankeye said that the theme of the conference; “Vessel for Honour”, was apt, following the current situations and challenges in Nigeria.

 

He said that gospel ministers were expected to lead people to be God-fearing and impact spiritual renewal in them.

 

According to him, the conference will help gospel ministers to be further equipped and reinvigorated for Godly living and effective ministries.

 

Ayankeye said the conference, embedded with continuing education programme, would help to update the academic and professional knowledge of gospel ministers.

 

This, he said, would also sharpen their ministerial skills and provide them the opportunities for fellowship as well as denominational promotion.

 

“It is the responsibility of all and sundry to participate in the transformation of the society.

 

“This will be possible and faster if the gospel, which is God’s power unto salvation, is handled by vessels well molded.

 

“We call on all political office holders and all others in government to live in gratitude to God, for having granted us peaceful elections in Nigeria.

 

“The citizenry should also be law abiding and be praying for our leaders, regularly.

 

“Time has come when all should work hard to make Nigeria great again in all ramifications,” he said.

 

Ayankeye noted that the conference would be a transitioning ministers’ event,  as Prof. Emiola Nihinlola, the outgoing President of the body, who had complete his ten years tenure on June 30, would retire on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

“This is why I have been appointed by the Nigerian Baptist Convention to assume the position of the Seminary President from July 1, 2023.

 

“The conference holding at NBTS Alumni Multipurpose Hall will feature key programme personnel such as Reverend Israel Akanji, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and a visitor to the Seminary, Reverend Victor Adebayo-Dada, among others.

 

“We look forward to the active participation of all categories of gospel ministers: church pastors, specialised ministers on music, education, children and youths as well as evangelists and missionaries,” he said.

 

Also speaking, Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, NTBS, Rev. Simon Ishola, noted that adequate security arrangements had been made to ensure safety of lives and properties of all conference participants.

 

He added that the seminary security apparatus in conjunction with teams of security outfits from the Police, State Security Service and Federal Road Safety Corps would be on ground to maintain law and order. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

N-HYPPADEC trains personnel on project management
Health

N-HYPPADEC trains personnel on project management

185 total views today
By Obinna Unaeze
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has embarked on refresher training of its staff to enable them deliver quality and acceptable commission’s projects to the benefitting states/communities.
Alhaji Abubakar Yelwa, Managing Director (MD), N-HYPPADEC, disclosed this on Monday in Minna, while inaugurating a four-day workshop for the middle and top management staff of the commission.
“I expect that our knowledge and skills from this training will see us through project management and ethics, risk management and assessment.
“And also through stakeholders’ engagement and management, project management and execution, collaboration and teamwork and monitoring and evaluation,” he added.
Yelwa, who is also a trainee, said that the management staff of the commission hardly engaged enough during projects, hence the refresher training to enable them deliver optimally.
He disclosed that the workshop would expose the staff to more knowledge on project management and also management of various beneficiaries of the commission’s projects.
“There is need for proper management, because without that, the commission will not be able to deliver quality projects to the benefiting states/communities while collaborating with the contractors,” he said.
The MD said that one of the basic functions of the commission was to conceive, plan and implement projects for the areas affected by the activities of the hydroelectric power dams.
He said that the commission was established by the Federal Government to tackle ecological problems and also promote socio-economic development of states/communities affected by the hydroelectric dams in the country.
Yelwa urged the participants to take the training seriously in order to help the commission deliver on its mandate.
Similarly, Prof. Suleiman Bilbis, Vice Chancellor, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, who led a team of facilitators to the training, said there was the need to refresh the memory of the commission’s staff to ensure service delivery.
Bilbis said that the measure would expose the staff of the commission on how to manage the contractors, projects and beneficiaries.
Earlier, Mr Haruna Gabi, Director, Finance and Administration, N-HYPPADEC, said that the commission had recorded significant achievements in promoting socio-economic development in the communities under its jurisdiction.
He, however, said that the commission’s journey so far needed to be reviewed in order to explore other areas of improvement, adding, ‘’this workshop on project management is a good way to start.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 10 benefiting states under the HYPPADEC intervention programmes include Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Plateau, Taraba, Gombe, Kaduna and Nasarawa. (NAN)
Edited by Janefrances Oraka/Ismail Abdulaziz
FCTA’s N34bn ground rent, debtors to be penalised-Wike
Metro

FCTA’s N34bn ground rent, debtors to be penalised-Wike

199 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says owners of landed properties owing the FCT Administration (FCTA) ground rents, amounting to N34 billion would be penalised.

Wike stated this when members of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee Investigating Failure of Mass Transportation in Nigeria, visited him in Abuja on Tuesday.

He warned allottees owing the FCT Administration ground rents to either pay or have their property revoked and reallocated to those who could pay.

“I have calculated the debt of nonpayment of ground rent, which is about N34 billion, and I am going to collect all of those back. I don’t care, all I want is for the rent to be paid,” he said.

The minister said that the list of the people owing FCTA ground rent would be published on Thursday, adding that they would be given two weeks to pay.

According to him, whoever does not pay, his land will be revoked and be given to whoever will pay so that the necessary services will be rendered.

“People want to live in a beautiful city but don’t want to pay their dues which is impossible.”

He said that the decision became necessary following a decision to tie projects to Internally Generated Revenue to enable contractors complete abandoned projects.

Wike complained about the poor budgetary allocation to the FCT and appealed to the lawmakers to assist in improving its budgetary provisions.

The minister also said that he would overhaul the Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company (AUMTCO), expressing displeasure that AUMTCO buses were loaned out without maintenance.

Earlier, Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Mr Afam Ogene said that his committee visited the minister to find solutions to epileptic mass transportation in the country and the FCT.

Ogene described the development as “worrisome”, saying that over N16 billion had been invested in mass transportation during the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SUR-P) with little services being rendered.

He expressed relief with the ongoing transformation of the Abuja Light Rail transport system, and traffic lights across the city.

“We are here to encourage you to look into transportation and reorganize it. We will support you to do it and it will also solve problems of one chance in the city,” he pledged. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Shettima assures of FG’s support to RMAFC
Politics

Shettima assures of FG’s support to RMAFC

162 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday assured the Federal Government support to the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in discharging its mandate.

Shettima gave the assurance when he received a delegation led by the commission’s Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He stated that the work of the organisation transcends all tiers of government, especially as it relates to its task of assisting government to generate revenue to deliver democratic dividends in the country.

Shettima also stated that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, would address some of the challenges facing the commission.

According to him, some of the solutions might require inputs from the sub-national, the federal and state legislative institutions and the judiciary.

Shettima noted that since the commission was a constitutional body, any amendment to its mandate must pass through the National Assembly, especially any changes that would affect its operations to enable it perform its constitutional functions without difficulties.

Earlier, Shehu briefed Shettima on the activities and achievements of the commission, especially in the area of revenue generation and efforts put in place towards addressing some of the challenges facing the commission.

He emphasised that the commission needs the support of the Federal Government in its bid to find solutions to some of its challenges.

This, according to him, will enable the commission to effectively deliver its mandate. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Anti-graft: Anglican bishop seeks collaboration with EFCC
Defence/Security

Anti-graft: Anglican bishop seeks collaboration with EFCC

158 total views today

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Anglican Communion Diocese of Makurdi has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in fighting corruption in the Church and the nation.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by EFCC Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren.

Uwujaren stated that the Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Nathan Inyom, made the declaration when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Makurdi Zonal Command of the Commission.

The cleric expressed concern over the way and manner people employed to oversee church resources handle it.

“We are here to interact with you, seeking ways of collaboration in terms of trying to understand the working of the Commission better.

“And, how it can relate with the Church, especially in terms of handling issues of sharp practices that result in malpractices and misappropriation.

“One of my greatest frustrations in ministry, as a minister of God, is that those whom we employ to assist us in overseeing resources end up defrauding the Church.

“And carting away huge sums of money meant for development of the Church,” cleric said.

The Bishop of Anglican Communion Diocese of Makurdi, Rt. Rev. Dr. Nathan Inyom and other when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the EFCC Zonal Commander, Makurdi Zonal Command ,ACE 1 Friday Ebelo

He added that Anglicans held utmost respect for the pivotal role the Commission had been playing in safeguarding the financial integrity of the nation.

“Your dedication to upholding the rule of law and combating economic and financial offences is truly commendable and has a positive impact on our society,” he said.

The cleric further urged the Commission to intensify public enlightenment on the menace of economic and financial crimes to discourage would-be offenders.

According to him, the church itself is grappling with the menace of corruption within its fold.

In his response, the Zonal Commander, ACE 1 Friday Ebelo, thanked the Bishop for the visit.

He sought the counsel and prayers of the clergy to enable the country to win the war against the scourge of corruption, economic and financial crimes.

He noted the strategic position of the Church as the moral conscience of the society and called on its leaders to speak to their leaders to do the right things.

The Zonal Commander reiterated the commitment of the Commission to public enlightenment.

According to him, Currently, EFCC has sensitisation programmes for schools and an inter-faith programme designed to bring churches and mosques into the public enlightenment orbit of the Commission.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

IAA/ADA

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Economy/Business

Minister pledges sustained security of waterways to boost maritime tourism

151 total views today
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has pledged to ensure that the country’s waterways remain secured to boost maritime tourism.

Oyetola made the pledge during the tour of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos on Tuesday.

According to Oyetola, the Nigerian economy can be sustained through maritime tourism, therefore, the need to secure the waterways.

“Nigeria has about 853km coastline which is in abundance for maritime tourism.

“The first thing is to ensure the security of our waterways, so that people will use it for transportation.

“We need to invite investors. In Kenya, there is a particular beach that contains 10,000 villas. Imagine the kind of revenue they get. I want us to be able to ensure investors come to invest in the sector.

“Investors will not want to invest if we can’t guarantee security. So, the first thing is to ensure that security of our waterways is guaranteed,” he said.

The minister commended the management of NIMASA on the efforts taken so far to ensure the security of the country’s waterways.

“They had done very well. I have seen the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4i) and they have reduced the level of piracy to zero. We should sustain that.

“If we are able to encourage people to come and invest in our coastline, we will get the maximum benefit that other nations in the world are getting,” he said.

Oyetola noted that fishing was also an area that should be harnessed, urging that the youth should be encouraged to venture into it.

“We should encourage them by ensuring that we have a fishing line; we can invest in fishing trawlers and this will help our youths to be gainfully employed.

“Aside from this, the Central Bank of Nigeria data showed that billions of dollars were spent last year in importing fish.

“The irony of it all is that most of these fishes are harvested from our waters and taken to neighbouring countries and brought back to us a canned fish.

“This is the time for us to ensure that we take control of our waterways and harness the potential that are abound there,” he said.

He noted that Nigerians really look forward to the ministry harnessing the potential in the blue economy, which had been there all along, but should be done in a cordinating manner.

“I have been to the NIMASA facilities, enforcement area, the Head Office, the training school, the C4i manning the security of our waterways.

“I am impressed with what I have seen so far and I think we are really ready for the marine and blue economy, in the real sense of it.

“Where we have issues, we are going to look at them with the view of ensuring that we are able to really prepare the ministry with the challenges ahead,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

NSCDC employs 7 family members of personnel killed by bandits in Kaduna
Defence/Security

NSCDC employs 7 family members of personnel killed by bandits in Kaduna

177 total views today

By Mohammed Tijjani

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), on Tuesday presented employment letters to families of the seven personnel killed by bandits in Kaduna State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on Jan. 23, 2023, seven personnel of NSCDC Kaduna Command were ambushed and killed by bandits while on official duty in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state.

The employment letters were presented to the families by the NSCDC Commandant in Kaduna State, Mr Idris Adah, on Tuesday.

Adah said the gesture was in fulfillment of the promise made by the Commandant General, Mr Ahmed Audi to the families of the deceased.

“Today it’s with joy that I present to you the CGs good deeds by handling over the appointment letters to the next of kins of the late officers.

“This is in fulfillment of the CG’s promise to the family; this however cannot replace the lives of our loved ones,” he added.

Adah therefore changed the beneficiaries to do their best and represent their families with honour and dignity.

The commandant said that the Corps remained committed to its responsibility of protecting critical national assets.

“We are working round the clock with other security agencies to fight crime in the state so that we all can sleep with our two eyes closed,” Adah said.

He warned that anyone caught vandalising critical national assets will be arrested and prosecuted.

Alhaji Baba Audi-Landan, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, appreciated the CG for fulfilling the promise.

He said the appointments given to them would benefit not only the families, but society at large. (NAN)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Maharazu Ahmed

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Shettima tasks national nutrition council on research, innovation
Health

Shettima tasks national nutrition council on research, innovation

160 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice President Kashim Shettima, has called on the National Council on Nutrition (NCN) to prioritise innovation and research in its quest to significantly transform the nation’s nutritional landscape.

Shettima made the call in his keynote address at the inauguration of the new NCN at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday.

” I wish to appeal to all members to prioritise innovation and research in the field of nutrition.

” We must embrace technology, leverage digital solutions and invest in research and development to discover sustainable and scalable solutions for our nutrition challenges.

” This aligns with our pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage.

” By harnessing the power of innovation and making prudent investments, we can fundamentally transform the nutritional landscape in Nigeria, creating lasting and meaningful change,” he said.

The vice president, also the Chairman of the council said that there were challenges hindering the actualisation of set targets and goals.

According to him, Nigeria must collaborate to enhance nutrition governance, ensure the widespread availability of nutritious food, champion optimal infant and young child nutrition as well as bolster nutrition education and awareness campaigns.

” While funding is undeniably crucial, we must also prioritise streamlining processes, implement practical strategies and foster genuine collaboration to overcome the hurdles before us.”

“A healthy nation isn’t just a happier one; it’s also safer. This underscores the necessity of our gathering here today.

” This occasion is not only to emphasise that the quality of what we consume is just as important as the quantity but also to renew our commitment to understanding the connection between food and human security,” he said.

On NCN composition, Shettima said it was a testament to the priority accorded to nutrition of every Nigerian in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for food and nutrition security.

He further said that the council was ready to foster political determination and the utilisation of resources to eradicate malnutrition.

” This is our realistic pathway toward attaining the objectives outlined in the National Policy on Food and Nutrition.

” I am therefore, confident that the diverse assembly of stakeholders within this council will facilitate comprehensive multi-stakeholder engagement, encompassing various sectors such as health, agriculture and social protection as well as spanning across different levels of government,” he said.

The vice president acknowledged the support of stakeholders in the private sector and the UN system.

He noted that the country was fortunate to have partners who offered technical and financial expertise to support government’s efforts in addressing the challenge.

Earlier, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, said the inauguration of NCN would ensure further consolidation on the successes already recorded in the sector.

He said that especially, the country’s alignment with the global direction to develop Food Systems Transformation Pathways.

Bagudu, however, disclosed that implementation of the priority actions in the Food Systems Transformation Pathways had begun in all the 36 states, including the FCT.

The Ministers of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris and the Minister of Women Affairs attended the inauguration.

Others are the Minister of State for Health, Mrs Uju Kennedy; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Beta Edu; Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev;

Also present at the meeting are the World Bank Country Director, Mr Shubam Chauhdri; Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Muhammad Sanusi II, and UNICEF Country Rep, Cristiane Munduate. (NAN) www.nannews

Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Ekemini Ladejobi

DSS arrests agency officials over paliative diversion in Nasarawa State
Defence/Security

DSS arrests agency officials over paliative diversion in Nasarawa State

144 total views today

By Monday Ijeh

The Department of State Services (DSS) said it has arrested some officials of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) and their accomplices over alleged palliatives diversion.

The Public Relations Officer of DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Afunanya said that the service had received complaints from some states relating to diversion and sale of palliatives meant for their citizens

“Consequently, the Service undertook investigations in that regard and has recovered some of the items as well as apprehended the suspects.

“While this operation is ongoing in other states, the Service has for instance, intercepted a suspected criminal syndicate in Nasarawa State responsible for the diversion and sale of the palliatives.

“Among those suspects are officials of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) and their accomplices in the markets, notably Modern Market Lafia, where the items were being resold,” he said.

The DSS spokesman said the suspects had been handed over for appropriate disciplinary measures.

He urged members of the public with information relating to palliatives diversion to report to relevant security agencies for necessary action. (NAN)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Politics

NNPP crisis: Rufai, former National Chairman, dumps party

136 total views today

Prof. Rufai Ahmed, the immediate past National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has left the party.

Rufai, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said he decided to quit “after consulting widely”.

His action is considered by observers as a huge blow to the party that has been whacked by a major crisis that has torn the group into shreds.

The former national chairman, who resigned from the top job on 31 March, said he had offered to step aside then, to give the group an opportunity to move ahead by injecting people with new ideas.

“When I resigned from being national chairman, I wanted NNPP to move fast and consolidate on the indisputable gains made in the 2023 general elections and prepare for future polls.

“Unfortunately, in the last few weeks, the party has slipped deeper and deeper into avoidable crises and conflicts that have led to several cases of suspension and counter-suspension of key leaders.

“There has been an acrimonious press war, accusations and counter- accusations which, regrettably, has torn the party into factions.

“After the historic merger of the party in March 2022, together with other astute, highly dedicated, hardworking and loyal members, we put in place a robust political structure nationwide.

“The National Working Committee forged cohesion among our members and created a formidable platform that fielded candidates for all elective offices. I am proud to be part of that dream team.

“It is on record that within a period of less than one year and despite the limited time corridor from the merger to the general elections, the party won a governorship seat and many other slots in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.

“I voluntarily stepped aside as the national chairman shortly after the general election to give room for new hands and fresh ideas in order to advance the party forward.

“As far I was concerned, I never believed in the culture of sit-tight in leadership positions nor that I was indispensable.

“We wanted to build a new Nigeria on the solid foundation of dedication, hardwork, resilience and personal sacrifice.

“Recent disturbing developments that threw up factions working against each other are really unfortunate and counter-productive.

“Sadly, there appears to be no end in sight in this needless war of attrition.

“It seems that there’s an unwritten code by the warring factions not to allow elders of the party to mediate toward finding a lasting solution to the crises.

“This is indeed regrettable and unhealthy for the growth and survival of any political party, especially an emerging group like the NNPP.

“Having consulted widely, I hereby announce the withdrawal of my membership of the NNPP forthwith, and I pray and wish the party the best in her future endeavours,” he stated.

Rufai called on friends, associates and supporters to “remain calm and resolute while awaiting communications on future developments and our next direction”.

Rufai’s departure is coming shortly after a faction of the party announced the expulsion of Sen Rabiu Kwankwaso, the party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential elections.

Another faction had earlier expelled Dr Boniface Aniebonam, founder of the party, from the NNPP.

Rufai joins many other top members of the party that have left the NNPP.

Among them is Sen Othman Hunkuyi, the party’s candidate in the Kaduna State governorship election. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

RA/ETS

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