NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Illegal operations: FCTA impounds, crushes 400 commercial motorcycles in Abuja
Metro

Illegal operations: FCTA impounds, crushes 400 commercial motorcycles in Abuja

157 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Joint Task Force Team of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Thursday impounded and crushed no fewer than 400 commercial motorcycles for operating illegally in Abuja capital city.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the motorcycles were impounded at strategic spots the motorcyclists use as their routes for operations.

The areas included Kpaduma II, Asokoro Extension, Galadimawa by Primary School, Gudu market, Kabusa junction and Apo mechanic village.

Mr Abdulateef Bello, Director, FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), said that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to take commercial motorcycles and tricycle operators off Abuja roads.

This, he said, was in line with the matching order by the Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, to ensure sanity on Abuja roads.

Bello said that the DRTS had been working hard to enforce  the ban on commercial motorcycles and tricycle operations within Abuja metropolis since 2006.

He ,however , said  that the operators kept returning to the roads, adding that the FCTA had declared zero tolerance for illegal operations of commercial motorcycles.

Earlier, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Garba Haruna, said that the exercise was a sign that the law on motorcycle ban was still in force.

“FCT residents are aware that commercial motorcycles have been banned from entering the Federal Capital City since 2006.

“We decided to crush the impounded ones today to indicate  that the city centre is not an area for them to operate,” Haruna said.

The commissioner said the motorcyclists were allowed to operate only in the suburbs of FCT.

“We don’t want to see any motorcycles in the city centre,” he insisted. (NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Birthday: Shettima urges friends, allies to refrain from placing paid adverts
Metro

Birthday: Shettima urges friends, allies to refrain from placing paid adverts

143 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has urged his friends and political allies to refrain from placing birthday wishes on Newspaper pages.

Shettima gave the advice in a statement he personally signed and issued by Mr Olusola Abiola, Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shettima will turn 57 on Saturday.

He also advised his friends to stop utilising paid channels to convey their greetings in their endeavours to commemorate his birthday.

Shettima stated that the decision was made in the spirit of national commitment to responsible resource management and responsive governance.

He said: ” Dear friends and well-wishers, as we approach the anniversary of my birth on Sept. 2, I am utterly grateful for the warm wishes and kind sentiments that many of you have expressed over the years.

” Your thoughtfulness has touched my heart and has been a source of immense joy. I would like to take this opportunity to humbly request that you consider celebrating this occasion in a different way.

” In the spirit of our nation’s commitment to responsible resource management and responsive governance.

“I kindly ask you to refrain from placing birthday wishes on newspaper pages or utilising paid channels to convey your greetings.”

Shettima further asked his friends to join him in channeling their collective efforts towards a nobler cause.

He said: ” Instead of spending resources on such messages, I encourage you to contribute to the betterment of our society by donating to charity organisations in need or your preference, in our collective pursuit of a humane and functional world.

“Thank you for your understanding and for being my all-weather friends and allies. Warm regards.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Kogi Govt provides market infrastructure for Kabba-Bunu community
General News

Kogi Govt provides market infrastructure for Kabba-Bunu community

198 total views today

By Stephen Adeleye

Kogi Government has constructed market infrastructure for farmers and women in the agrarian community of Oke-Ofin in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking at the inauguration on Thursday, the State Security Adviser, retired Cdr Jerry Omodara, who represented the governor, commended the state government for the kind gesture towards the people of the community.

Omodara noted that no other infrastructure would have been better for the community than the market infrastructure.

He described the people of the community as agrarians in nature with no suitable socio-economic infrastructure over the years.

Omodara, an indigene of the community, said people usually come from the Northern part of the country to load yams and other farm produce without the market infrastructure.

He praised the governor for what the State Government was doing through the International Fund for Agricultural Development and Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD/VCDP).

The security adviser stressed that the initiative had improved the well-being and livelihoods of the people of the state through its (VCDP) intervention programmes.

He commended the State Programme Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP, Dr Stella Adejoh, and her team for siting the market at Oke-Ofin, to improve the livelihoods of the people.

He congratulated the market women who were the main beneficiaries, urging them to utilise it and ensure proper maintenance of the facility.

Earlier, Dr Adejoh expressed gratitude to the governor for his full support for the implementation of VCDP programmes in the five benefitting local government areas of the state

She said that VCDP had immensely impacted the well being and livelihoods of the beneficiaries in the state, thereby reducing poverty among the rural farmers.

The SPC assured the people of continuous support of VCDP to improve their livelihoods , reduce poverty and ensure food security.

She commended the women for cooperating with the state government over years, and enjoined them to utilise the market for the common good of the people.

The programme coordinator encouraged the women folks not to relent in putting in their best to ensure that the objectives of the programmes are achieved.

She stressed that she would be more fulfilled seeing the market infrastructure properly utilised and maintained.

She emphasised that the VCDP objectives was to ensure that small holder farmers were empowered to stem the tide of poverty, hunger and starvation, thereby boosting their livelihoods.

The market women leader, Mrs Funke Joseph, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the governor, the Federal Government and the IFAD-VCDP for the gesture.

“Market infrastructure is one of our major needs in our community because we are farmers and business women but we have no suitable market infrastructure before the governor and VCDP’s intervention.

“We are very grateful to the governor and the VCDP for the gesture because it will improve our standard of living,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Highlighting girl child’s development through sports, institutional support
Features , Sports

Highlighting girl child’s development through sports, institutional support

307 total views today

 

 

By Dianabasi Effiong, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

 

Recent events involving Nigerian teams in world sports have reinforced the notion that the girl child can prevail in all endeavours if opportunities are provided.

The excellent performances of Super Falcons at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Australia and New Zealand, and the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship in Rwanda, lend credence to this notion.

The performances of the female teams, on African soil and on the global stage, warmed the hearts of most Nigerians, especially the youth, transforming weariness into joy.

While those events lasted, the gloom experienced by some Nigerians over the removal of fuel subsidy and the attendant high cost of living, diminished.

D’Tigress’ 84-74 win over Senegal in the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship in, Kigali, Rwanda, made Nigeria the first team to win the coveted trophy four titles in a row.

According to FIBA.basketball, “D’Tigress’ sixth continental title comes exactly 20 years after they conquered their very first African crown in 2003 in Maputo, Mozambique.

Again, when the curtain finally closed on the ninth FIFA Women’s World Cup on Aug. 20, African teams, including Nigeria, depicted resilience and put up encouraging performances.

The Super Falcons, in their ninth world cup appearance, did not lose any match in the tough Group B that included Australia (co-hosts), Canada and the Republic of Ireland.

They eventually succumbed to a 2-4 loss on penalty kicks in the last 16 to the eventual runners-up, England, after tying goalless in regulation time.

Interestingly, the Nigerian goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie was named Player of the Match against Canada by the FIFA Technical Study Group.

According to CAFONline.com, with 36 successful tackles made, Nigeria’s Christy Ucheibe ranked among the top five defenders at the tournament.

The FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, said the Women’s World Cup had been truly transformational, not only in Australia and New Zealand but all over the world.

He said the tournament’s success story had supported the decision for its enlargement from 24 to 32 teams.

“We need everyone. We need the UN agencies, who have been very helpful to us in this World Cup, participating with us.

“We need the governments, we need the institutions, to create dedicated spaces for women, and for women’s sport and women’s football in particular, of course.

“We need the partners, the sponsors to pay a fair price. We need the media,” he said.

Some organisations have already heeded the clarion call. For instance, the Olumide Oyedeji Foundation, an NGO, is promoting girl child development in sports in Nigeria.

Its founder, Olumide Oyedeji, said the foundation, had trained 40,000 young Nigerians, including girls, through its basketball camp since inception in 2001.

The Foundation opened its training camp from Aug. 21 to Aug. 25, for another batch of 400 kids trained on the rudiments of basketball at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Oyedeji said the main objective of the exercise was to discover the next generation of basketball stars for Nigeria.

“This is the 22nd Edition. We have over 400 kids from over 10 cities in Nigeria, already,” he said.

He said future leaders from other fields had emerged from the basketball camp, and that the Foundation would not relent in searching for more talents.

According to her, some of the members of the female national basketball team, D’Tigress passed through the camp and are doing very well in other fields.

She said Kaffy, a dancer and Rasheedat Sodiq, an Olympian and former Captain of the D’Tigress, and several other female celebrities passed through the camp 11 years ago.

“We have also seen lawyers, bankers and also pilots. We have also had over 100 junior and senior D’Tigers and D’Tigress players that have emerged from this camp,” he said.

There is no doubt that with institutional support, the girl child and, indeed, her male counterpart, can ‘breathe.’ Yes, they can! (NANFeatures)

***If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

Edited by Salif Atojoko
AGRIVEST reality TV show to create more than 10m jobs – AFAN president
Agriculture

AGRIVEST reality TV show to create more than 10m jobs – AFAN president

345 total views today

By Patricia Amogu

Dr Farouk Mudi, President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) said the newly unveiled AGRIVEST Reality TV Challenge Platform will create more than 10 million jobs in five years.

Mudi stated this at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AFAN, TINGO mobile, and the Association of Deans of Agriculture in Nigeria (ADAN) and the unveiling of the reality TV show.

Reality TV shows are television programmes in which ordinary people are continuously filmed, designed to be entertaining rather than informative.

According to the AFAN president, the Agrivest Reality TV Challenge Show is a comprehensive Agribusiness Training, Advocacy, and Mentoring Programme delivered on an entertainment platform but designed and intended to promote self-sufficiency in food production in Nigeria as well as explore the business opportunities in the sector.

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“We are certain that this project will indeed bring about a positive change to the agriculture industry and the communities within.

“I implore farmers and our members across the country to leverage this positive trend to promote and tap into it, and to improve upon the production and supply of agricultural and other agro-related goods and services.

“Our objective is to stimulate, create awareness, and redirect the attention of the youthful population of Nigeria to the tremendous potentials and opportunities in agriculture using entertainment as a delivery channel, ” he said.

Mudi pointed out that the reality show would create a scenario whereby the youth would be educated and entertained through a competitive process.

He said that in addition to the millions of jobs and wealth that would be created for those engaged, the resurgence of the sector would help the country guarantee food security and reduce poverty.

The AFAN president maintained that the project is designed and intended “to build a country where sustainable agriculture will be the bedrock and core foundation of our collective and thriving economy and means of livelihood leveraging on our human and material resources and connecting with rural smallholder farmers to cultivate ideas for sustainable growth.”

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He stated that as the Nigerian population continues to grow, the revival and sustainability of the sector will become even more critical.

Also speaking at the event, Auwal Maude, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TINGO Mobile, one of the partners in the project, and Africa’s leading Agri-Fintech company, said he was certain that the show would bring about a positive change in the agriculture industry and the communities within.

Maude said that the company is out to transform rural farming communities to connect through its proprietary platform to meet their complete needs through the use of smartphones and GSM technology to enable subscribers and farmers to converge on the marketplace.

“We offer this service within and outside of the agricultural sector to manage their commercial activities of growing and selling their produce in the market both domestically and internationally,” he said.

He called on the Federal Government to create an environment conducive for agri-business to thrive and make it more attractive to the youth.

“We urge the government to create an enabling environment for agriculture to thrive and make it more attractive for youths because agriculture goes beyond farming,” he said.

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On his part, Dr Emmanuel Abuhson, member of the team urged Nigerian youths to see agriculture from a business and marketing perspective.

Abuhson said that Nigeria is capable of feeding not only Africa but the world at large given the country’s huge potential in agriculture.

He observed that a wide gap exists between farming and getting the farm yield or products to the consumers which the reality show seeks to bridge. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

MDCN inducts College of Medicine UNILAG graduates into medical profession
Health

MDCN inducts College of Medicine UNILAG graduates into medical profession

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By Abiodun Azi

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) on Wednesday inducted 160 medical students of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, into the medical profession.
The event which took place in the Old Great Hall of the College of Medicine, had inductees  which included 134 MB, BS, and 26 BDS students.
Delivering his welcome address, the Provost, Prof.  David Oke, on behalf of the management, staff, and students of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, welcomed everyone to the oath-taking ceremony.
He congratulated and saluted the inductees for their perseverance during their course of study at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos.
He also charged the inductees to be good ambassadors of the college and the nation.

“Remember that your training is a combination of godliness and excellence, which is what will define your future.

“The good physician treats the patient who has the disease. If you want to succeed in this profession, never neglect your connection with the Great Physician”.

Oke noted the difficulties facing most Nigerians currently, but expressed confidence that the inductees would pull through by relying on the training they had received.

He said: “It is a well established fact that the Nigerian terrain is difficult.

“But I am confident that with the quality of training you have received, you will rise above all the difficulties you may encounter and make positive impact in your chosen profession — the health sector.

“I charge you inductees that your future should not be a confusing time, but a demanding and challenging time.

“Demanding because it will often require you to multitask, undergo interdisciplinary collaborations; challenging because it is a terrain you are not used to but you have to flourish”.

The provost also enjoined the inductees to explore new frontiers of knowledge and become distinguished professional practitioners.

He said that, over the years, in spite the increase in the student population, funding to the health sector had dwindled.

He added that this had resulted in decay in the college’s infrastructure, in spite efforts of  successive administrations.

He, therefore, called on the college’s alumni, corporate bodies and philanthropic individuals to invest in the college.

He also  acknowledged the parents and guardians of the inductees and the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr T.A.S. Sanusi, for making time to conduct the oath-taking ceremony.
Speaking, Sanusi, reminded the inductees that the medical profession i was a regulated one and  admonished the inductees to be mindful of their interaction with social media.
He informed the graduands that housemanship job was centralised and urged them to log on to the MDCN website to apply.
He emphasised the code of conduct for medical practitioners and implored the new doctors to adhere to the rules and regulations governing the medical profession.

“This is a regulated profession; there are certain conducts expected of you as doctors, you don’t go to the social media disparaging your regulatory body,” he said.

Sanusi added that the attitude of taking every matter to social media may cause the inductees to disclose confidential information about patients under their care to the public of the social media.

He warned that this would, thereby, be violation of their oath and affirmation to keep patients’ medical information private.

He warned the inductees of strict sanctions and punishment prescribed by the law against any inductee found at any point in time to break the guidelines, whether in Nigeria or abroad.

Dr Olayemi Dawodu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Clina Lancet Laboratories and an alumnus of CMUL, charged the inductees to remember that graduation was not merely an end point, but a start of a new chapter— a dawn of new possibilities.

Dawodu encouraged the inductees to continue to seek knowledge, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and always uphold the highest standards of ethical practice and compassionate care.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the induction ceremony also featured an induction lecture, which was delivered by Dr Olayemi Dawodu, an alumna of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos and CEO of Clina Lancet Laboratories Nigeria.

There was sashing of the inductees as well as the presentation of awards and prizes to the best graduating students.

The College Secretary, Dr Olayinka Obafemi-Moses, in his vote of thanks, congratulated the new doctors and their parents and wished them success in their careers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Building Collapse: FCTA to conduct integrity test on old buildings
Metro

Building Collapse: FCTA to conduct integrity test on old buildings

157 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said on Thursday, that it will conduct integrity tests on old buildings within the city to forestall building collapse.

Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Development Control, FCTA, stated this in Abuja while addressing newsmen on buildings in Jabi that failed integrity tests which might likely collapse.

Galadima said that the test, which would be conducted in partnership with professional bodies and regulatory bodies, and agencies would be carried out in Wuse 1, Garki 1, Garki 2, and Asokoro.

He said that the old houses that would be targeted for the exercise would be mainly those above 30 years.

The director said that the measure became necessary, following the unfortunate incident that happened in Garki village, where a two-storey building collapsed, killed two persons and injured 37 others.

“We have agreed with our colleagues, the professional and regulatory bodies and agencies to identify some structures within the city and conduct integrity tests on them.

“The goal is to avert unforeseen circumstances like building collapse that may occur due to structural defects.

“I have discussed with my colleagues and we will soon be going to the field for the exercise, particularly in Garki 1, Garki 2, Wuse 1 and Asokoro,” he said.

He explained that the areas were targeted because they were mainly developed by private individuals with houses standing for over 30 years.

Galadima said that most of the officers that supervised buildings in the areas were out of service, “and we don’t know the level of supervision then.

“We want to be sure that the structures can stand the test of time,” he said.

The director, however, said that not every building that failed the integrity test would be demolished.

He said that sometimes the consultants would give room for remedial measures for the building to stand.

Galadima emphasised that structures that failed integrity tests and beyond remedy will be removed.

He urged people to comply with building regulations as provided by relevant acts and laws.

On the buildings located on Plot 643 Cadastral Zone Bo4, Jabi District, he said that the integrity test revealed that the building may collapse.

He said that after the failed test, the occupants of the four single-storey buildings on the plot were asked to vacate the buildings for their safety but refused to do so.

“It is disturbing that in spite professional warnings, the people are still occupying the house, even going further to obtain an order of the Court to stop us from vacating them.

“Our concern is the safety of the individual and their properties that is why we are calling on the public to desist from such acts.

“Once a structure has been tested and confirmed to be deficient, people should comply and vacate the structure because anything can happen,” he said.

On the court order, Galadima said that the department would consult the legal secretariat to decide on the next line of action.

During a visit to the affected buildings, Mr Abdulrazak Alao, Deputy Director, Building Inspectorate, North, said that the occupants were served a vacation notice on Aug. 21.

“We also invited them for a stakeholders` meeting to carry them along in the entire process but they refused to cooperate with us.

“Only for us to get here today (Thursday) and saw a Court Order pasted on the gate of the house, restraining us from carrying further action.

“We have carried out a scientific investigation called the Smith harmer test that indicated that the building is weak and could collapse.

“The buildings have decayed, soaked and weak. I want it to be on record that the building is very unfit for human habitation and might collapse any day,” he said.

Mr Mustapha Suleiman, one of the occupants of the buildings, appealed for the meeting to be rescheduled to Friday and it was granted. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

UNICEF partners Nigeria celebrities as champions, voices on child rights
Education , General News

UNICEF partners Nigeria celebrities as champions, voices on child rights

246 total views today

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

The United Children’s Nation Fund (UNICEF) has partnered Nigerian celebrities as its champions to drive the needed change and provide hope for the vulnerable and adolescent children.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday which held at Ikoyi, Lagos, Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria Representative, said that the champions would serve as powerful voices on amplifying issues around child right in Nigeria.

Munduate announced the appointment of the celebrities in the music, entertainment, film industry among who are Cobhams Asuquo, Waje, Kate Henshaw and Ali Nuhu as UNICEF champion for a period of 12 months.

“They are essential to bring attention to the difficulties children in Nigeria and other countries are experiencing.

“The idea is to promote awareness and organise supports, UNICEF champions give their time.

“Over the course of the next year, these champions will work together with UNICEF to elevate pressing concerns related to children.

“The spanning sectors such as health, education, nutrition, child protection, water sanitation, and hygiene will be given priority,” She added

The UNICEF Representative in Nigeria also lauded the commitment and unmatched influence of the champions.

She noted that the collaboration symbolises a bridge between the commitment to child rights and the power of art and storytelling through music, film, and public engagement.

She passionately expressed that, “we hope to touch hearts, shift perspectives, and inspire action.”

“We are truly elated to join hands with such influential voices in the entertainment industry; Waje Asuquo, Henshaw and Nuhu.

“Their dedication and passion for children’s rights will undeniably amplify the urgency of the issues we fight for daily.”

Similarly, the champions engaged in numerous initiatives and campaigns designed to ensure every child’s right survival, growth, development, and protection is upheld and championed.

Henshaw, said, “Every Nigeria child will get from all of us a chance of life and become a better individual that can contribute positively to the nation and environment as a whole.”

Nuhu said, ” There is need for collaboration across the zones, maybe through songs like national anthem or campaign to drive the message.”

Asuquo, a visually impaired in his remark declared that he was able to attain his personality due to the attention he received during his formative years, saying there is need to give back.

He expressed determination to leverage on the platform of UNICEF champion to shape lives of not only the Nigeria children but children across the world.

“It is my/our responsibility to as people in the space that we are in to use the art form and gift that we are blessed with to touch lives in the young generation.

“It is our duty to pass on the touch to young generation who heavily relied our personalities on the UNICEF platform because that is the only way that we can grow and sustain development.”

Asuquo, also a UNICEF Ambassador acknowledged that there are lots of flaws endemic in the system, but added that “in places were things have worked, people use their art forms as what we have now to influence positively.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

FMDQ empowers students with financial market literacy in Lagos
Business , Economy/Business

FMDQ empowers students with financial market literacy in Lagos

252 total views today

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

No fewer than 130 pupils and students benefitted from the just-concluded Next Generation Financial Markets Empowerment organised by FMDQ Group Plc. in Lagos.

The 2023 Summer Camp Programme held at the Exchange Place, FMDQ premises in Lagos.

At the grand finale of event on Wednesday, Ms. Kaodi Ugoji, FMDQ Group Chief Operating Officer, described the programme as a huge success.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FMDQ Next Generation Financial Markets Empowerment Programme, a learning and development initiative, was aimed at promoting financial market awareness and literacy among students across all levels.

It involves pupils of ages eight to 10, secondary school students of ages 11 to 16 and students in tertiary institutions, as well as fresh graduates.

The 2023 edition, which is the fourth, had streams one and two and held from Aug. 2 to Aug. 25.

Ugoji said that the programme was organised to equip the participants with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities and intricacies of financial markets.

According to her, the aim of enhancing the participants’ understanding of savings and investment in financial markets was achieved.

“This programme has provided them an opportunity to learn about the various investment vehicles and the roles of the different financial market participants, through educational and interactive exercises and activities.

“We are extremely delighted at the knowledge, enthusiasm and dedication shown by participants throughout the 2023 Summer Camp Programme.

“It has indeed been a remarkable journey of learning, growth and creating lasting memories by combining theoretical learning with practical experiences,” she said.

The chief operating officer said that the programme created a platform for the organisation to execute part of its commitment to foster financial literacy in the younger generation.

Ugoji said that secondary school students who participated were immersed in currency trading knowledge within a simulated environment in FMDQ Q-Hub, a trading simulation room.

“This cutting-edge platform, powered by the FMDQ-Next bespoke trading system, empowered participants to gain practical experience in trading, identifying potential risks and effectively managing virtual portfolios with the ultimate goal of making profits.

“FMDQ-Next initiative is an expression of FMDQ Group’s ongoing commitment to continually implement innovative initiatives that ensure a sustainable financial future for the next generation,” she said.

NAN reports that the participants also had opportunities to showcase their talents in drama, singing, dancing and playing of musical instruments.

The top three finalists from secondary schools were honoured with laptops and tablets as well as future internship positions at FMDQ Group.

The top three finalists from each stream of the primary school category were also given prizes.

Mrs Amanda Okafor, who brought her three children from the U.S. specifically for this programme, said, “I appreciate the programme’s focus, which is educating the younger generation about financial markets in an exciting way.

“It was truly enriching and memorable for my children.

“I was particularly impressed by the well-thought-out schedule that balanced financial markets education with recreation and personal growth.

“Seeing my children return home each day with a sense of confidence and excitement to share their experiences was incredibly rewarding.”

Master Nestor Odionyenma, a participant from Ray Jacobs Boarding School, Imo State, said, “The variety of learning activities offered during the programme was very impressive.

“I learnt about financial market instruments such as commodities, equities, treasury bills and derivatives, among others.

“I also learnt about the importance of savings and long-term benefits of investing.

“I made new friends from different backgrounds and age groups; together, we shared laughter and experiences that I will cherish forever.

“I sincerely appreciate FMDQ Group for creating such an engaging and enriching programme.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

PTDF partners with universities on renewable energy research
Oil & Gas

PTDF partners with universities on renewable energy research

204 total views today

By Usman Aliyu

The Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) says it has partnered with some Nigerian universities on research into alternative source of energy called renewable energy.

The PTDF’s Executive Secretary, Dr Bello Aliyu Gusau, disclosed this at a workshop on Wednesday held at University of Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop titled: “Agro Waste to Energy: Biodiesel Bedrock of Energy Sufficiency in Nigeria” was organised by PDTF Professionals Chair.

Gusau was represented by the Deputy General Manager, Strategic Planning and Documentation, Mr Olayinka Agboola,

He said the workshop was to expand the frontier of knowledge based on findings of research work on alternative energy sources.

“We have invested funds in this research work, to see how we can make our local materials in renewable energy,” he said.

According to him, the effort became necessary due to the complexity of the energy problem in Nigeria which requires alternative sources.

The D-G pointed out that the fossil fuel used as a source of power by Nigerians is becoming expensive to procure, adding that time has come to harness solar, wind and geothermal as energy sources.

In her welcome address, Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Lilian Salami, commended PTDF for assisting the universities with research funds.

Salami, who was represented by her Deputy Vice Chancellor Ekhewan Campus, Prof. Buniyamin Ayinde, said that the partnership would move the society forward.

Speaking, a scholar Prof. Ikuonase Emovon of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta, said Nigeria is endowed with renewable energy resources capable of easing the power generation problems.

Also contributing, Prof. Kessington Obahiagbon, the PTDF Chair Holder, said biomass fuel is becoming a viable alternative for fossil fuels due to rising demand for clean energy, diminishing fuel stocks and lowering reliance on crude oil. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abdul Hassan/Julius Toba-Jegede

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