NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG to revamp steel sector to boost Nigeria’s economy
Economy/Business

FG to revamp steel sector to boost Nigeria’s economy

180 total views today
By Vivian Emoni
The Federal Government is set to revamp the nation’s steel sector to enhance the economy as well as create employment opportunities.
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuabi Audu, said this in Abuja when he met with heads of agencies and departments in the ministry.
Audu said that Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources hold the key to reshaping the nation’s economic landscape and extending the benefits of democracy to every Nigeria.
“By tapping into the latent potential of the steel sector and channeling it into lucrative ventures, we can ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every citizen.
“The steel sector stands as a pivotal pillar of Nigeria’s industrial growth, carrying the potential to provide substantial job opportunities for the youth.
“To realise this vision, the government is fully dedicated to implementing an extensive array of measures designed to attract reputable international investors,” he said.
Audu said that every Nigerian deserves to partake in the benefits that democracy brings, adding that a core tenet of democracy was its ability to uplift individual needs and aspirations.
According to him, the government is steadfastly focused on cultivating an environment conducive to ensuring these advantages.
“In the pursuit of attracting investments, the Federal Government remains resolute in its mission to boost economic growth and empower its citizens through the potential of the steel sector.
“This is by fostering strategic alliances, facilitating investment inflow and cultivating a business-friendly atmosphere, the government envisions a future marked by prosperity, progress, and collective advancement,” he said.
The minister said that Nigeria was ready to take a leading role in the global steel market, adding that the transformative journey was poised to reshaping the nation’s economic trajectory.
“This is to ensure that the benefits of democracy are tangible and accessible to all”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Ese E. Eniola Williams
Oil theft: Troops crackdown on oil thieves in Imo, Delta
Defence/Security

Oil theft: Troops crackdown on oil thieves in Imo, Delta

152 total views today

 

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigeria Army on Wednesday, confirmed its cracked down on illegal refineries in Imo and Delta, with seizure of several litres of illegally refined Petroleum products.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made the confirmation in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the Troops of 343 Artillery Regiment, on Monday, cracked down on an oil thieves’ camp in Obokofia Community in Imo while conducting anti-oil theft operations.

According to him, the vigilant troops intercepted 15 sacks and 13 Jerry cans of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in the camp.

He added that the troops also recovered two pumping machines, three power generators, one hose and a tool box used for hacking into oil pipelines.

Nwachukwu said the troops, while acting on credible information, on Tuesday, intercepted a wooden boat loaded with 110 sacks of illegally refined AGO concealed in the creeks of Egbema West in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area( LGA) of Imo.

“The vigilant troops equally intercepted two vehicles  loaded with 18 sacks of illegally refined AGO within the same general area.

“Members of the public are please implored to report any suspected act of sabotage or criminality to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations to curb  economic sabotage in the country,” he said.

According to him,  “Troops of 3 Battalion also on Monday, clamped down on an active illegal oil refining site containing three cooking ovens and six reservoirs at Enokora Community in Burutu LGA of Delta.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Isaac Aregbesola

Tinubu to address UN General Assembly Sept. 19
General News

Tinubu to address UN General Assembly Sept. 19

175 total views today

By Cecilia Ologunagba

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu will address the 78th Session of the high-level General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

The UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu, in his first outing to the Assembly, will be addressing world leaders in the evening of that day.

The Nigerian President would be the fifth African leader to speak on day one of the gathering, according to the speakers list from the Office of the General Assembly President,

According to the list, Tinubu will be the 14th speaker out of 20 leaders slated to speak on the first day.

The South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the 10th speaker, will be the first African leader to speak in the morning session of the Assembly.

In the Afternoon session, five African leaders are expected to address the gathering.

The Nigerian president would deliver his statement around 6:00 pm (11:00 pm Nigerian time) to the world leaders during the afternoon session.

The President of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune will be the first African leader to speak at the afternoon session, followed by the Moroccan leader, Aziz Akhannouch and Mozambique President, Filipe Nyusi.

The President of Senegal, Macky Sall will be the firth African speaker to address the gathering and the last leader on the first day.

The President of Brazil, Luiz da Sliva would be the first world leader to present his address to the 78th session as it is tradition, followed by the U.S. President, Joe Biden, the traditional second speaker, being the host country.

NAN reports that the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) will open on Tuesday, Sept. 5, with the inauguration of a new President, Dennis Francis of Trinidad and Tobago, who will take on the mantle for the next 12 months

The high level General Debate will be held from Sept. 19 to Sept. 29.

The Theme of the General Assembly including the general debate will be rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its sustainable development goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG improves infrastructure at Idu train station to boost service delivery — MD
Metro

FG improves infrastructure at Idu train station to boost service delivery — MD

207 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja,

The Federal Government has commenced improvement of facilities and infrastructure at Idu Train Station, Abuja, to improve the quality of service delivery.

Mr Fidet Okhira, Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), stated this after an inspection visit to the station on Wednesday.

Okhira added that the move was to improve customer service experience and ensure comfort, safety, and the safety of users.

He explained that the inspection became necessary following the unscheduled visit by the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Alkali to the station.

He added Alkali had highlighted some issues that needed to be corrected.

“My visit today is a follow up to ensure that all directives are duly followed and implemented.

“We appreciate the minister`s visit because it has put us on our toes and everybody, including myself, is busy getting the job done,“ he said.

He said that the three faulty lifts at the station have been fixed, while one of the three escalators was also working.

He explained that the remaining two escalators could only work in one way for now, adding that the remaining two were being fixed.

According to him, the NRC has keyed into the renewed hope of President Bola Tinubu and is determined to transform the railway service to serve the public better.

On welfare, the managing director said that the corporation had paid two months out of the five months allowances owed to cleaners and security personnel.

He explained that the delay was due to a shortfall in revenue generation since the train attack, adding that expenses had equally gone up.

“We will do all we can to ensure that the remaining balance is paid. This key to boost their morale to keep the train clean and safe for all users.

“Nonetheless, we are appealing for continued cooperation of the cleaners and security personnel to enable us to deliver quality services to the members of the public,” he said.

Okhira commended the Nigerian Police, the Army, and other stakeholders for securing the station and keeping it clean and serene. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Building collapse: FEMA, stakeholders meet to strengthen response, victims’ recovery
Metro

Building collapse: FEMA, stakeholders meet to strengthen response, victims’ recovery

144 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) met with stakeholders on Wednesday, to review the level of preparedness, response, and recovery of victims during possible building  collapses.

The meeting was a fall out of the two-storey building that collapsed in Garki Village on Aug. 23.

Dr Abbas Idriss, Director-General, FEMA, said at the opening of the meeting in Abuja, that the goal was to make recommendations that would improve preparedness, response, and recovery of victims in the future.

Idriss said that the meeting was comvened to review the activities of responders at the scene of the incident with a view to identifying  lapses to forestall future recurrence.

He commended the responders for their prompt response, adding that in spite of the delay in the arrival of rescue equipment, they used their professional skills to rescue 37 affected persons from the rubbles.

Idriss appealed to all the responders to take coordination and synergy more seriously to achieve better results.

Stakeholders at the meeting included the Department of Development Control, FCT Police Command, Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service, the Red Cross and the National Emergency Management Agency.

Others were the Federal Road Safety Corps FCT Command and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).

The stakeholders identified crowds as one of the challenges affecting rescue operations as well as lack of information on the number of occupants in collapsed buildings.

They also identified mob action and vandalisation of equipment by hoodlums as the other challenges.

The stakeholders resolved that the Nigeria Police and the NSCDC should intensify efforts in cordoning incident scenes to provide optimal security to the rescuers.

They also stressed the need for coordination and cooperation among emergency responders, establishment of an information point at the incident scenes and provision of adequate equipment. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

FG, Taraba Gov’t sign MoU on skills development, job creation
Metro

FG, Taraba Gov’t sign MoU on skills development, job creation

212 total views today

By Joan Nwagwu

The Federal and Taraba Governments on Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to operationalise FG’s Skills Upgrading and Vocational Training Centre (SUVTC), for job creation and poverty reduction in Taraba.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong, said during the event in Abuja, that the MoU would operationalise the SUVTC, located at Ibi, Ibi Local Government Area of the state.

Lalong congratulated the state government for keying into the vision of President Bola Tinubu on job creation and poverty reduction, through skills development.

He commended Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba for taking the bold step to stem unemployment and encouraged other states to key in.

He assured the government of the ministry’s continued support to strengthen skills development in the state.

“President Tinubu has said that he wants to take our youths out of the streets and by God’s grace, we will take people off the streets,” the minister said.

Earlier, the Minister of State in the ministry, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said that the SUVTC was designed to equip Nigerians with relevant skills.

This, Onyejeocha said, would create employment opportunities for Nigerian youths, adding that certificate was simply not enough.

“I am encouraging graduates to upgrade their skills because certificates may not work but skill will keep you going,” she said.

Also, Mrs Juliana Adebambo, the acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said that Borno government had completed a similar process, adding that the skills centre at Konduga was fully operational.

Adebambo equally said that Kano, Kaduna, and Edo state governments had also shown interest in the initiative.

According to her, establishment of skills centres, particularly in rural areas will significantly help in curbing the menace of unemployment and youth restiveness.

On his part, Gov. Kefas, who was represented by Mr Habu Phillips, Commissioner, Ministry of Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation, commended the federal government for the partnership.

He expressed optimism that the MoU would help significantly in creating jobs to address the problem of unemployment in the state.

This, according to him, is in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu and the moving agenda of Taraba government.

He explained that based on the MoU, Taraba government would take over the management of the centre for the benefit of all residents of the state.

The governor said that the government would train between 5,000 and 7,000 women and youths on different skills in the next three years.

“We have put in place proactive measures and effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the smooth running of the centre to achieve desired results,” he aid.

He urged the federal government to build more skill centres across the state to increase access. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Ex-Canadian minister advocates partnership with Nigeria on food, economy
General News

Ex-Canadian minister advocates partnership with Nigeria on food, economy

129 total views today

By Ibironke Ariyo

Ex-Canadian Secretary of State and Minister of Immigration and Citizenship, Mr Weiner Gerry, on Wednesday advocated for partnership between Nigeria and Canada in the areas of food security and economic sustainability.

Gerry said in a virtual engagement with members of the Journalists International Forum for Migration (JIFORM) that the two areas were key to ending irregular migration.

He spoke ahead of the body’s fourth Global Migration summit slated for Oct. 2 to Oct. 14 in Toronto, Canada.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit would be focusing on Climate Change, Human Mobility and Sustainable Investment.

Gerry, also the Executive Director, Global Relations Partnership and Customers Satisfaction, Canada Startup Visa, said that the challenges confronting human mobility in recent times could be traced to the imbalance in global economic progression.

He said that the imbalance included widening poverty net between the rich and poor countries.

Gerry added that he was willing to facilitate partnership between Nigeria and Canadian companies to conduct thorough research on the Agro food sector in Nigeria and other African countries, to understand specific challenges and opportunities and identify potential partners.

According to him, Africa has enormous potentials that could be fine-tuned to enhance the standard of living of her people.

“Canada is one of the countries with food surplus while half of Africa goes to sleep hungry every night.

“We have 10 per cent of the world’s freshwater supply but half of Africans may be drinking contaminated water. What a world without conscience,” he lamented.

He x-rayed some tough economic decisions taken by President Bola Tinubu geared towards Nigeria’s economic recovery.

He said there was a need for Canada and other top economies to back Nigeria with a structured positive economic blueprint that would impact on Africa.

According to him, if a roadmap on Agro-food production and technologies from Canada could be adopted by the Nigerian government, the project could be funded by international development organisations.

“This also includes impact investors, with grants to support the initiatives that will encourage Canadian investors to explore opportunities in Agro food startups in Africa to foster self-sufficiency.

“This is to empower local communities to independently operate and maintain the technologies especially in Nigeria.

“These will lead to collaborations with Canadian companies willing to share their technologies and expertise, facilitate knowledge exchange and technology transfer by organising workshops, webinars, and training sessions.

“This will be to ensure that the technologies being transferred are adapted to suit the local agricultural and environmental conditions in Nigeria and in many African nations,” he said.

NAN reports that the JIFORM is an international media network founded in 2019 with over 300 journalists and other volunteers focusing on issues of migration across continents.

The fourth JIFORM summit would be hosted by Abedorc Productions, Toronto. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

=======

Edited Dorcas Jonah/Maharazu Ahmed

Prudential Zenith Life records N50.2bn assets, earns brokers support
Economy/Business

Prudential Zenith Life records N50.2bn assets, earns brokers support

217 total views today

By Rukayat Adeyemi

Prudential Zenith Life Insurance, says it recorded N50.2 billion worth of total assets in 2022 financial year as against N48 billion posted in 2021.

The Managing Director of the company, Mr Chris Igumbor, made this known at the August edition of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), held in Lagos.

He said the shareholders’ fund for the firm reached N13.1 billion in 2022.

Represented by Dr Ifeoma Oragwu, Head of Corporate Sales at Prudential Zenith Life, Igumbor also said the Gross Written Premium (GWP) amounted to N6.4 billion same period.

He said that this demonstrated the company’s efforts to strengthen its capital base and grow its business.

Igumbor expressed the underwriter’s desire for further partnership with the brokers.

The managing director also expressed appreciation to the brokers for their continued patronage of Prudential Zenith Life and urged them to consider renewing their partnership with the company.

He emphasised the company’s commitment to providing valuable insurance solutions.

He said this specifically highlighted the company’s focus on the school fee protection plan for students, parents, and the group life plan for teachers and school administrators.

In his address, NCRIB’s President, Mr Rotimi Edu, represented by his deputy, Mr Babatunde Oguntade, assured the management of the underwriting firm of its cooperation.

Edu, also Chairman, NCRIB Governing Council, stated that the insurer had sponsored the council’s event within the two years of his administration.

According to him, this shows that it has so much confidence in the brokers and as such deserves their patronage.

“I thank Prudential Zenith Life Insurance for hosting this event, and by so doing reaffirming itself as one of the most insurance broker’s friendly underwriter in Nigeria,” he said.

The president appreciated his colleagues, for their staunch support since the commencement of his tenure, two years ago, which would end in October.

Edu noted that with the support of the members, the council has been raised to an enviable height.

He said: “This administration would continue to adhere to the actualisation of the thrust of office tagged: ‘Broker Centrism’, without leaving a stone unturned until the very last day.

“This is because, I am persuaded beyond reasonable doubts that the herculean task of ensuring that the Nigerian insurance industry and broking profession becomes enviable, is realisable.

Edu congratulated all the newly appointed ministers by President Bola Tinubu and specifically Mr Gboyega Oyetola, who is a fellow of the council, for being appointed as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

He expressed optimism that Oyetola would bring his administrative and leadership dexterity to bear on charting an enduring path for the new ministry.

According to him, with this appointment, there is hope in the horizon that the economic thrust of the Federal Government would be on stream.

Edu also thanked Mr Bayo Fasoranti, Secretary, Nigeria Red Cross, Ogun State Chapter and Mr Kehinde Suraju, Divisional Coordinator, Ado-odo/Ota division of Red Cross for taking the brokers through: ‘Essential First Aid Tips for Emergencies’.

He said, the choice of the topic and the speakers were apt, because of the relevance of the topic to the business of risk management.

According to president, such rescue tips is important, as many Nigerians who died of cardiac arrest and similar health issues in our society could have been saved if we are all well informed. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Niger crisis: Avoid amendments in favour of tenure extension – stakeholders urge African leaders
Politics

Niger crisis: Avoid amendments in favour of tenure extension – stakeholders urge African leaders

168 total views today

By Muhammad Nasir

Participants of an International Symposium on the Niger Republic crisis and the future of African Integration has urged leaders in the continent to avoid constitutional amendments in favour of tenure elongation.

The call is contained in a communique issued on Wednesday at the end of a meeting organised by the Center for Peace Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS).

The communique was signed by Dr Abubakar Mohammed and Prof. Muhammad Usman, Chairman International Symposium and Director, Center for Peace Studies, UDUS, respectively.

The stakeholders that participated comprised diplomats, members of the academia and civil society organizations.

The stakeholders sought for African leaders to continue to promote the principles of good governance.

They urged that ECOWAS should be consistent in upholding the provisions of the protocol that prohibits unconstitutional change of governments among member states.

The stakeholders observed that historically and geographically Africa had been an integrated community.

“Religion, trade, language and other aspects of culture had contributed to the integration process in the history of Africa.

“As such, intercommunity relations and other forms of social and economic interactions should be strengthened to promote African integration,” the communique said.

The participants added that the sanctions imposed on Niger Republic were causing a lot of hardships and sufferings to the ordinary citizens of the country.

“As we are aware, good governance and democracy are the fundamental mechanisms for the promotion of peace and political stability.

“So, the channels of communication through dialogue and diplomacy initiated by ECOWAS should be sustained as opposed to the use of force to resolve the impasse in Niger Republic,” it added.

The stakeholders further urged the military regime in Niger Republic to in the spirit of reconciliation immediately release the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and other detained officials unconditionally.

It also charged that the period of the transition programme for a return to a democratic system in Niger Republic should not exceed one year.

They appealed on ECOWAS to lift the sanctions imposed on Niger Republic to restore electricity and allow for the supplies of food, medicines and other essential necessities for the citizens.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four papers were presented at the meeting by Prof. Mukhtar Bunza, Prof. Toyin Falola, Prof. Aja Akpuru-Aja and Dr Musa Umar. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Shettima harps on value of traditional institution
Politics

Shettima harps on value of traditional institution

222 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has reiterated the value of the traditional institutions in the country.

Shettima made the statement when he received a delegation led by the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, retired Justice Sidi Bage I, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday.

He expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers, the government and people of the state for their love and support to President Bola Tinubu during the last electioneering campaign.

” You are the custodians of our rich cultural heritage, the people listen to you more than us because you are the closest to the people. We appreciate you and value you because you are our link to the past.”

” If we productively utilise our solid minerals, Nasarawa can be to the North what Lagos is to the South-West and can be the engine room in this region because of its proximity to the FCT; opportunities abound more in Nasarawa State,” he said.

He urged the people of the state to be peaceful in order to develop, adding that Nasarawa is home to all the solid minerals in the country.

In an interview with newsmen, Bage, said the aim of the visit was to reiterate the support of the people of Nasarawa to President Tinubu’s administration.

” We are here today on a courtesy visit to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by extension, we are here on a courtesy visit to this administration.

” This administration is our friend. It’s a friend of Nasarawa, it’s a friend of our people and added to it both Mr President and the Vice President all of them are our own.

” They know how close they are to Nassarawa State and since the assumption of office, we’ve not had the opportunity of coming around physically to and congratulate them that’s why we’re here today.

” It’s not very easy to see Mr President at his desk, but it could be slightly easier to see the Vice President at his desk.

” That’s why we booked the appointment first, to see the vice president at his desk, congratulate him and give him all our assurances that our people are with this administration.

” Our loyalty, our support to this administration is 100 per cent and we are there in support of all their aspirations, all the good things that they have laid out for this country.

Vice President Kashim Shettima in a warm handshake with the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The traditional ruler expressed confidence in the ability and capacity of Tinubu’s administration to move the country to the desired level.

” They are people that we know and we know very well and people that we can give a trust to. We are sure that tomorrow will be better than today with the two at the helms of affairs in this country.

” What we are saying is that Mr President has started and we are confident that he has started right. The policies and all of those things that are laid out for this country are the best that should happen at this time.

” So we are here to tell Mr President to please carry on with the good work that he is doing for this country . Nasarawa State is with you. We are behind you.

” We give you all the support that is necessary for you to succeed in what you have laid out to do for this country. Thank you.

Among the delegation were the Emir of Keffi, Dr Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, Emir of Awe, Alhaji Isa Abubakar, Emir of Nasarawa, Alhaji Usman Jibrin, the Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Ahmadu Ogah, the Chun Mada, Chief Samson Gamu Yare II, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Julius Toba-Jegede

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email