NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG expresses commitment to curb illegal mining, empower 30 master jeweller trainees
Environment , Economy/Business

FG expresses commitment to curb illegal mining, empower 30 master jeweller trainees

226 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The Federal Government on Thursday expressed commitment to eliminate illegal mining and empower 30 master jeweller trainees to create job opportunities.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, said this in Abuja during the graduation and presentation of starter packs to graduands of the third batch of jewelry-making training.

The programme was organised by the ministry, in conjunction with the World Bank Assisted Mindiver Project.

According to him, the Federal Government, through the ministry, reiterates its commitment and determination to eliminate illegal mining with the effective collaboration of security agencies.

“The menace of illegal mining that has eroded and deprived the country of substantial revenue will be nipped in the bud under the political will and firmness of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“It will no longer be business as usual, no matter the identity of whoever is involved in this economic crime, as the ministry will work with other relevant agencies to tackle the menace.

Alake said that the effort by the ministry to train the 30 master jewellers was a strong capacity-building support for economic diversification project.

He said that master jewellers were highly skilled artisans who design and create jewelry.

He said that Nigerians have no business going abroad to buy jewelry in view of its large potential to contribute immensely to jewelry-making global market.

“The solid minerals sector is the focal point of generating revenue for the country. It is now the next petroleum of Nigeria.

“It is a known fact that Nigeria, with its large population, has a huge potential for jewelry.

“It is imperative to create a local jewelry industry that will substantially meet local demand for jewelry products.

“The local jewelry industry will also increase import substitution, create jobs and boost the export value of Nigeria’s gemstones and jewellery,” he said.

The minister congratulated the graduands for completing the programme successfully.

According to him, “it is my belief that the Jewelry industry, when fully harnessed, could contribute significantly to national economic growth by creating massive job opportunities.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Mary Ogbe, commended the minister for his most valuable support for the completion of the empowerment project within his short time in the ministry.

Ogbe was represented by Director, Human Resource Management Department in the ministry, Mr Mohammed Suleiman.

The Project Coordinator (Mindiver), Mr Sallim Salaam, said that the policy on value addition has been prioritised by the ministry, adding that jewelry making was part of the strategies for implementing the downstream value addition policy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

Ghanaian mission canvasses study applications from W/African scholars
Foreign

Ghanaian mission canvasses study applications from W/African scholars

178 total views today

By Fortune Abang/Anita Uzoagba

Ghana has announced the official opening of the application portals that will enable West African scholars to apply to study at the University of Ghana for the 2023/2024 academic year.

Making the announcement in Abuja on Thursday, Eddison Agbenyegah, the Deputy High Commissioner of Ghana to Nigeria, said at the inaugural ceremony that the portal would remain open for two days.

Agbenyegah said that it would be cheaper for potential scholars in West Africa to go to Ghana and study than schooling in developed countries.

According to him, Ghana offers a lot of opportunities to young people as it can help develop their careers after graduation.

“This year, the premier university, UG-Legon and several other Ghanaian universities have opened their application portals to receive applications from West African scholars.

“University of Ghana has reduced its tuition fees for all ECOWAS students since the 2021/2022 academic year and now allows payment in naira at Access Bank Nigeria, and instituted payment plans to cushion parents and students,” he said.

He further said screening had begun for young people wanting to study at the institution, adding that those seeking clarification to do so at the high commission in Abuja. (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)

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(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Greece commits to support Nigeria’s fight against Poverty  
Metro

Greece commits to support Nigeria’s fight against Poverty  

330 total views today

 

By Ahmed Ubandoma

Mr Ioannis Plotas, the Greece Ambassador to Nigeria has expressed his country`s readiness to support the Federal Government in its efforts to lift Nigerians out of poverty.
 
Plotas stated this when he met with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu on Thursday in Abuja.
 
The envoy said his visit was to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and Greece to support the country`s humanitarian response.
 
“ My visit was to explore the possibilities of further cooperation on the domain of humanitarian affairs.
 
“We have the expertise on these issues because we have provided several to different countries across the globe.
 
“Nigeria is in the domain and it constitutes our main priority because the African continent is our priority.
 
“We are recognising the fact that there are people in need and there are communities in need especially in certain states of Nigeria.
 
“So in order to alleviate poverty and to provide whatever we can in the domain of humanitarian efforts, our government is ready to contribute either financially or in kind with certain materials.
 
“We are committed to do that through the Committee of the Red Cross or the Greek Red Cross Society has the potential to achieve this goal.
 
“We are targeting as many people as possible to lift them out of poverty’’ Plotas said.
 
The envoy assured the determination of the Greek government to provide the needed support.
 
In her response, the minister expressed commitment of the Tinubu administration to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.
 
While commending the long standing relationship that exists between the two countries, the minister expressed determination to build to build on it and ensure that Nigerians benefitted.
 
She said the ministry will ensure a robust and sustainable poverty alleviation programme, especially a social safety net that will capture the vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
 
“We have a good number of Nigerians who are living below the poverty line, and we will see how we can partner the international community and within ourselves to come up with policies that can lift these people out of poverty.
 
“Our core mandate in the ministry is to manage, prevent and mitigate humanitarian crises as well as help people who are going through humanitarian crisis to recover while reintegrate them back into the community.
 
“We are committed as a government led by Tinubu to see Nigerians come out of poverty and he has started the engagement.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
 

Edited by Joseph Edeh

COAS tasks foreign defence attaches on constant engagement, collaboration
Defence/Security

COAS tasks foreign defence attaches on constant engagement, collaboration

207 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has called on Defence Attachés of allied countries in Nigeria to close ranks with the Nigerian Army in identifying and tackling issues of mutual interest.

Lagbaja made the call when the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye led defence attachés from 27 countries for interaction with the COAS on Thursday in Abuja.

He commended the attachés for their observations on issues of concern, and pledged to take necessary measures to address some of the issues raised during the discussion.

Lagbaja assured neighbouring countries of the commitment of the Nigerian army to continue to work on mechanisms that would curtail movement of cross-border criminals.

“We look forward to fruitful engagement with all other countries to deny criminal elements and dissident groups from incubating their nefarious activities abroad and bringing them home to perpetrate.

“I look forward to more avenues of engagement with all the DAs; we will try as much as possible to establish other social avenues, sporting avenues through which we can engage and interact.

“So that we can share ideas and experiences towards moving forward the relationship that exists between the Nigerian Army and the various countries that you represent.

“I want to promise you that the Nigerian army is disposed to continue engaging with your various countries. Lines of communications are open,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief of Defence Intelligence said the engagement was the first of its kind, to enable the attachés discuss and interact in commonality, and present their concerns and challenges.

Undiandeye said the DIA was the convent and the interchange point of exchange and interaction with all defence attachés in the country.

He said that the meeting would afford them the opportunity to discuss issues that affect them individually and collectively.

The Defence Attaché of India, Col. Legha Romi, who spoke on behalf of the DAs, thanked the COAS for the combined interaction, which he said, had never been done before.

He therefore called for frank and constructive contributions during the meeting.

Romi said the attachés had been interacting with the DIA,  Army and the other service headquarters over the years, but said the combined engagement was different.

He said it was an opportunity to learn from each other for the mutual benefit of their countries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Nigerian Army to strengthen ties with UN on counter-terrorism
Defence/Security

Nigerian Army to strengthen ties with UN on counter-terrorism

152 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army has pledged to strengthen ties with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in the country.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja made the commitment when the UN Under-Secretary for UNOCT, Mr Vladimir Voronkov, visited Army Headquarters call on Thursday in Abuja.

Lagbaja said the Nigerian army had been combatting terrorism using both offensive and constructive approaches.

He added that the troops in the field have experience in all facets in the fight against terrorism and banditry.

“We are poised and ready to cooperate with critical partners especially the UN office for counter terrorism.

“The Nigerian Army is not only focusing on the offensive approach.

“We know that no matter how long we carry out kinetic operations, we need to bring in the non-kinetic approach to bear in order to have a stable environment.

“The Nigerian Army through our efforts over the years has brought repentant terrorists to our holding facilities.

“We are looking forward to the support of the UN and even other organs of the UN on the Demobilisation, Deradicalisation and Resettlement (DDR) programme,” he said.

Earlier, the UN Under-Secretary, Voronkov, said the visit was to strengthen partnership for a more robust response in combating terrorism in the country.

He said the UNOCT was looking forward to further partnership with Nigerian army and increased multilateral collaboration in addressing the evolving terrorism threat in Africa.

Voronkov added that the visit was also to formalise the existing cooperation in preventing and countering terrorism, and build Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute terrorism offences. (NAN) (www.nannewsng.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Maharazu Ahmed

Defence college officers wives donate food items to 200 women
Defence/Security

Defence college officers wives donate food items to 200 women

164 total views today

 

 

National Defence Collage Officers Wives Association (NDCOWA) donates palliative to women in Piwoyi Community in Abuja on Thursday (31/8/23)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Defence College Officers Wives Association (NDCOWA) on Thursday gave palliatives to 200 women and some less privileged persons in Piwoyi community in Abuja.

The donation is part of the association’s outreach programme to commemorate the graduation of participants of National Defence College (NDC) Course 31.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Piwoyi community hosts the permanent site of the NDC.

The Coordinator of NDCOWA and Wife of the Commandant of NDC, Mrs Rhoda Olotu, said the intervention was to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal and hike in prices of food and other essentials on the citizens.

Olotu said Piwoyi and NDC communities have been living peacefully, with no incident of violence or hostility since the relocation of the college to the area.

“Usually, when military personnel are in a civil environment, they see them as threats to them.

“So, this outreach is just to make the people of Piwoyi community know what NDC is let them know that we can actually coexist in peace,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Martha Lucas, thanked the officers’ wives for the gesture, saying that the palliatives came when it was needed most.

Lucas said the food items would alleviate their sufferings, and prayed God to guide and protect the Nigerian armed forces. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidi Opara/Maharazu Ahmed

Military neutralises 39 terrorists, arrests 157, rescues 109 hostages
Data & Analysis

Military neutralises 39 terrorists, arrests 157, rescues 109 hostages

166 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of the armed forces eliminated 39 terrorists, apprehended 159 others and rescued 109 hostages in different operations in the last two weeks

Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said this on Thursday in Abuja at a bi-weekly news briefing on military operations across the country.

He said troops of Operation Hadin Kai ambushed and arrested Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza and Tarmuwa Local Government Areas of Borno and Yobe, respectively in the Northeast.

He said that the offensive led to the surrender by some terrorists at Gwoza area of Borno and resulted in the elimination of some others; the rescue of hostages and the recovery of arms and ammunition.

He added that in another operation, troops neutralised 11 terrorists, arrested 45 others and rescued 34 hostages within the period and recovered large cache of arms and ammunition.

According to him, troops recovered six AK47 rifles, one HK21 gun, one GPMG, one fabricated gun, 11 AK47 magazines and 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

They also recovered 17 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one bandolier, and seven empty cases of 7.62mm special, five motorcycles, eight mobile phones and N368, 950.

Buba said the air component of the operations acquired and engaged terrorists’ enclaves at Wulde in Borno, adding that the outcome was being monitored.

He said that in the North Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised two gunmen, rescued three hostages and arrested 15 crime suspects during the period.

He added that the troops arrested two suspects in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, one of whom was a notorious armed robber on the wanted list of a security agency.

According to him, troops recovered three AK47 rifles, one fabricated AK47 rifles, one fabricated pistol, one Dane gun and 41 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition in the state.

Operation Whirl Stroke the North Central also arrested a member of notorious violent extremist group in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue, neutralised terrorists and rescued hostages.

Buba said troops recovered one FN rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and neutralised two terrorists, arrested 11 suspects and rescued six hostages.

The defence spokesman said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji in the Northwest neutralised 12 terrorists, arrested 33 others, rescued 40 hostages and recovered three AK47 rifles, 18 motorcycles and three mobile phones.

Buba also told newsmen that the air component of the military operations conducted an interdiction of terrorists at Sububu Forest in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State and degraded terrorists at the location. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

Ofala festival ‘ll showcase cultural heritage of Onitsha people – Igwe
Entertainment , General News

Ofala festival ‘ll showcase cultural heritage of Onitsha people – Igwe

372 total views today

By Monday Ajogun

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, says the 2023 Ofala festival slated to hold between Oct. 14 and 15 will showcase the cultural heritage of Onitsha people.

Achebe, who said this on Thursday at a news conference on the level of preparedness for the Ofala at his palace in Onitsha, said arrangements were in top gear to celebrate the festival.

The Igwe, who was represented by the Chairman of sub-committee of the Ofala Steering Committee, Mr Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, said that the Ofala was an annual festival of the people of Onitsha where they displayed their rich cultural heritage.

According to him, the celebration of the Ofala festival is billed for Oct. 14 and 15, and will be held in his Palace, situated along Awka road, Onitsha.

“The Ofala is the monarch’s annual emergence from seclusion, during which period, the monarch may have successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom.

“It is also a reenactment of the joy which the monarch shares with his subjects at the discovery that yam is non-toxic and a valuable source of food,” said the monarch.

“First day is the Ofala proper, “Iru Ofala”, which is Saturday, while the second day, “Azu Ofala”, that is Sunday. The theme of this year’s Ofala is, ‘Better , Stronger and Together,” he said.

The traditional ruler said that the activities lined up for the celebration included road show and a paper presentation at Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Awka.

According to him, the lecture will be delivered by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Felis Ajakaye, to sensitise people on the Ofala festival, among others. (NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Deji Abdulwahab

Niger crisis: Tinubu insists military intervention last resort
General News , Defence/Security

Niger crisis: Tinubu insists military intervention last resort

204 total views today

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said all diplomatic options would be exhausted with the military junta in Niger Republic before any military intervention.

A statement on Thursday in Abuja by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said Tinubu also reiterated the non-acceptance of forceful removal of a democratic government.

Tinubu stated this when he received the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the State House.

“I must thank you for your several visits to Niger Republic, Your Eminence, but you will still have to go back. My fear has been confirmed in Gabon that copy cats will start doing the same thing until it is stopped.

 ‘’We are neighbours with Niger Republic, and what has joined Nigerians together with their great people cannot be broken. Nobody is interested in a war. We have seen the devastation in Ukraine and Sudan. But, if we don’t wield the big stick, we will all suffer the consequences together,” the President said.

Tinubu noted that Nigeria, under Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, instituted a nine-month transition programme in 1998 that led the country into a new era of democratic governance.


The President said that such action can be replicated in Niger Republic if the military authorities are sincere.

“Your Eminence, please don’t get tired, you will still go back there. The soldiers’ action is unacceptable. The earlier they make positive adjustments, the quicker we will dial back the sanctions to alleviate the sufferings we are seeing in Niger,” the President said.

On the hardship faced by many Nigerians post-fuel subsidy removal, the President assured that all ongoing reforms would reposition the economy and benefit the majority of the population in terms of opportunities, infrastructure, healthcare and education.

“Nigeria is headed for a promise. Our diversity will turn into prosperity, not adversity. We will build a country that our children will be proud of,” the President assured.

He told the delegation that the federal government was collaborating with state governments for provision of land for pan-national animal husbandry and agro-allied production as well as processing facilities for mass export, job creation and revenue generation.

“If Nigeria is still looking for vaccines for basic health issues; if infant and maternal mortality is rampant, then we should examine ourselves. I will commit to consulting with other leaders, like the NSCIA, and we will meet the needs of our people,” he said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima also said that the President had budgeted N50 billion to support the ongoing rebuilding of lives and property in the North West and North East.

He said that this gesture was with a new focus on dialogue to address security challenges and complement the kinetic efforts.

The Sultan of Sokoto pledged “one hundred per cent loyalty” to the President, affirming that a leader can only reach a position by the will of God, and not man.

The Sultan assured the President that the NSCIA would be available for advice and support toward realising his dream for the country, adding that “God will hold all leaders to account, in justice and fairness.”

He suggested that the distribution of palliatives across the country should be monitored and augmented, where it fails to reach some of the people who remain in dire need.

“I honestly believe we will come out of the challenges stronger,” the Sultan said. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Enoh speaks on relocating office to MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja 
Sports , General News

Enoh speaks on relocating office to MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja 

163 total views today

By Olanrewaju Akojede

The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, on Thursday explained why he relocated his office to the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

He said he wanted to personally supervise what was going on in the sports centre and ensure that things were put in the right place.

“I did a tour of MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, and I insisted that instead of having my office at the Secretariat, my office as Sports Development minister has to be at the stadium.

“I have taken that decision already, I have an assignment to make the ministry work and we have to make it work. MKO Abiola Stadium is where we have 90 per cent of the departments of sports.

“The stadium is where we have all the federations’ secretariats, athletes and footballers. For the purpose of coordination and to keep a watchful eye, it is imperative that my office is at the stadium.

“I don’t mind the challenges; what matters to me is the gain in the sports sector. I have also issued a memo to the permanent secretary that the remaining sports departments should be at the stadium,” he said.

Enoh restated that his main focus would be development of sports and how sports could be used for the development of the country.

“The focus as a sports minister is going to be in two folds; one is the development of sports, the grassroots development, infrastructure and amenities at the grassroots level where the real talents are domiciled.

“I want to see those talents from Ajegunle developed into elite sportsmen. We want to go to those places where there are fewer opportunities, or may not get the opportunity to express themselves.

“I want to provide, like a basketball court for those in the hinterland and others. A lot of times, the great boxers are not produced in the high brow areas but in the local environments.

“I want to provide these things and not just saying it, and at the end of my tenure, we want to count tangible things that have given us social inclusion which will translate to sports development,” he said.

NAN reports that as part of his ongoing efforts to assess the state of major sports facilities in the country, Enoh inspected the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on Thursday.

He started his inspection from the stadium complex, where he visited the National Institute of Sports, the boxing complex, mainbowl of the stadium, sports medical centre, indoor sports hall and other facilities.

He also inspected the Games Village hostels, Legacy Pitch, Power House, as well as the courts for different sports. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Salif Atojoko

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