NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FCTA, professionals meet over building collapse, undeveloped plots in Abuja
Metro

FCTA, professionals meet over building collapse, undeveloped plots in Abuja

173 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Wednesday met with building professionals, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders to address the problems of building collapse, undeveloped plots and abandoned structures.

Addressing journalists after the meeting in Abuja, the Director, Department of Development Control, FCTA, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, expressed FCTA’s concern over substandard structures and the spate of building collapse in the FCT.

Galadima explained that the meeting was to exchange views on how to stop the menace of building collapse in the FCT.

According to him, working with experts outside FCTA would help in strengthening supervision with a view to ensuring that only quality projects are delivered in the FCT.

“As a responsible agency, we have to be proactive in addressing the cases of building collapse. We have to work with professional bodies and regulating agencies.

“The meeting will help us to constitute a committee that will be making suggestions on tackling the menace of building collapse and substandard structures.

“We are going to engage with professionals and regulatory bodies continuously to discuss technical issues and strengthen supervision of building projects.

“This will help us to share responsibilities on how to ensure quality and safe buildings in the Abuja city,” he said.

Galadima disclosed that the committee which will soon be constituted will also examine issues surrounding abandoned structures and undeveloped plots and come up with solutions.

Also speaking, Mr Cyril Nwafor of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), urged the National Assembly to implement the council’s recommendations submitted to it since 2010.

He listed the recommendations to include involvement of only registered professionals in handling projects and discipline of those behind failed projects.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other professional bodies at the meeting included the Architect Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) among others. (NAN)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

We’ll focus, invest on the blue economy – Badaru
Defence/Security

We’ll focus, invest on the blue economy – Badaru

201 total views today

By Deborah Coker

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, said on Wednesday that the Federal Government was focused on investing in the modernisation of military equipment to guarantee the safety of citizens and foreigners.

Badaru said this in a statement issued by Mrs Victoria Agba-Attah, Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, in his goodwill message at the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference 2023.

The conference had as its theme: “Crafting a Strategic Blueprint for Security and Prosperity”.

He said while investing in the modernisation of military equipment, the government would also pay attention to the blue economy, the unmanned spaces and climate change.

Badaru who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Ibrahim Kana, said that the Nigerian Government through the ministry had invested a lot in providing equipment and platforms to address piracy.

He added that the International Maritime Bureau had declared that Nigeria had recorded less than two to five cases in the gulf of guinea.

According to him, the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria are responsible for maintaining peace and stability, not just within the black water and the brown water, but deep down into the blue water.

“Indeed the government is redoubling its efforts by providing more platforms like ‘Falcon Eye’ as well as the deep blue project.

“Government has invested huge resources on these projects to address insecurity in not just the Niger Delta but the entire coastal areas of Nigeria,” he said.

Badaru also said that the Nigerian Navy had been active in fighting piracy which had affected the economy of the country, particularly in the maritime area.

He further said that unmanned spaces had significant impact on both the security and economy of the country.

He added that the country would invest in the unmaned spaces through agriculture in order to reduce insecurity in the country.

On Defence and innovation, the minister said that the focus of the National Defence Policy was on modernisation of the Armed Forces.

He noted that the country was developing her local Military Industrial Complex which would ensure innovation and employment as well as fight insecurity.

“With the deployment of modernised military equipment, we will begin to say goodbye to insecurity in Nigeria”, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, represented by Rear Admiral M.K Onubebe were in attendance.

Others in attendance were the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, represented by Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor who is the Chief of Administration, Army and the Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Frank Mba.

His Royal Highness Emir of Gumi, Justice Lawan Gummi; Chief Adetunji Adeleye, Commander, Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun) were also among other dignitaries present at the event. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Sheriff extols leadership qualities of Shettima
Politics

Sheriff extols leadership qualities of Shettima

180 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

A former Governor of Borno, Sen. Ali Sheriff, on Wednesday described the Vice President, Kashim Shettima as a leader who examplies the core values of good leadership.

Sheriff made the assertion in an interview with newsmen shortly after he paid a solidarity visit to Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for finding Shettima worthy and competent to be his running mate.

Sheriff said:” I am here to see the Vice President of Nigeria, who is my younger brother, whom I worked with very closely when I was the governor of Borno State.

” So, I came to bless his office formerly as the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and wish him well.

” You know God is wonderful. Today, somebody who worked with me for more than 10 years cand today he is the number two citizen of Nigeria.”

The APC chieftain recalled with a pride that he handed over the governorship of Borno to Shettima in 2011, adding that the vice president worked with him at various levels of governance.

Shettima added:” I handed over governorsgip of Borno State to him, he worked with me in various levels of governance and he had exhibited a quality of leadership from time memorial.

” And by divination, His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu picked him as his running mate.

“So, I’m a happy man today and I came to bless his office and wish him well.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Kogi guber: We’re presenting most sellable candidate – APGA
Politics

Kogi guber: We’re presenting most sellable candidate – APGA

164 total views today

By Stephen Adeleye

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Kogi, says the party is presenting the most sellable candidate in the Nov. 11 governorship election in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Idoko Kingsley Ilonah is the APGA governorship candidate with Yakubu Bawa as his running mate.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday in Lokoja, the spokesperson for Ilonah/Bawa APGA Campaign Council in Kogi, Mr Aliyu Ibrahim, said the party’s candidate remained the most qualified and suitable among others.

According to him, Ilonah is a man of capacity and has the ability to harness the fortunes of Kogi to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths, provide quality functional education with improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state.

“Our candidate has capacity, he is a man of integrity, and competent to bring the desired development to Kogi.

“Ilonah is the most sellable among all other candidates presented by other political parties,” Ibrahim said.

He assured that APGA government in Kogi would not rely on monthly allocations from the Federal Government to develop the state if voted to power.

The spokesperson emphasised that the party was adequately prepared for the governorship election, and urged the electorate to come out enmasse to cast their votes for APGA.

He explained that Kogi has huge challenges of unemployment, infrastructure deficit, youth restiveness, and low IGR that required urgent solutions.

“The rate of unemployment is very high in Kogi with prevalent poverty which must be urgently addressed.

“The citizens are suffering in the midst of plenty; Kogi is richly endowed with human and mineral resources.

“If elected as Kogi governor come November, our administration is poised to change the narratives within the shortest period,” he said.

He assured the people that under the APGA government, Kogi would largely depend on the internally generated revenue for its development.

He stressed that APGA administration would explore several other avenues to avoid waiting for monthly allocations, saying youth empowerment would be the party’s focal point.

He promised that the APGA administration would establish fashion or garment industry in the state.

The spokesperson, therefore, urged the electorate to chose wisely and vote for Ilonah/Bawa APGA ticket in the coming election in the state.

Also speaking, the Chairman of APGA in the state, Mr Moses Ajodo, said Ilonah has capacity which he had proven over time in his private businesses.

Ajodo stressed that if Ilonah is given opportunity to govern the confluence state, he would adequately utilise its numerous resources to the benefit of the people.

On his part, the Director General, Ilonah/Bawa APGA Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Arikora, enjoined the party leaders and members to go back to their various local government areas and mobilise total support for the candidate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Chioma Ugboma

Internet fraud: EFCC returns ,000 to Briton
Defence/Security

Internet fraud: EFCC returns $26,000 to Briton

162 total views today

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has facilitated the return of  $26,000 to Christine Brown, a British national and a victim of internet fraud.

The EFCC Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said this in a statement in Abuja, added that the Benin Zonal Command handed over the money to the victim on Monday.

According to him, Brown expressed gratitude to the Commission for its efforts which she said, has brought some succour to her after losing her life’s savings to the fraudsters.

He said that the 70-year-old had petitioned the Commission after being defrauded by an internet fraudster through a romance scam.

“Narrating her ordeal, Brown said she became a victim after she met a purported John Barrowman, an entertainer and citizen of America online.

“Unknown to her, he was a fraudster.  Brown said they became romantically involved, and the fraudster began to demand money which she sent to him through wire transfers,  Bitcoin and  gift cards,” Uwajaren said.

“Kanu Idagu, the Zonal Commander, while handing over the recovered fund,  said the Commission will continue to discharge its mandate to the betterment of the society.

“We are doing a whole lot in ensuring that victims of fraud are restituted where possible, and we will continue to do more,” he said.

He admonished the public to be circumspect in whatever they do online as fraudsters prowl the internet seeking to defraud unsuspecting victims.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Rotary club provides free medical services to over 500  FCT residents
General News

Rotary club provides free medical services to over 500  FCT residents

161 total views today

By Deji Abdulwahab
 The Rotary Club says no fewer than 500 women and children have benefitted from free medical outreach in Guidna community in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The President, Rotary Club of Abuja Central Business District (CBD), Rotarian Aisha Ali, said this on Wednesday at the medical outreach in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach was organised by 12 Rotary Clubs in District 9125 in Abuja in collaboration with Silver Cross Hospital.
Ali said that the outreach was in response to one area of focuses of Rotary International, which focused on providing high-quality health care to vulnerable mothers and children.
She said that the clubs decided to provide the medical intervention to the less- privileged and vulnerable groups that could not afford regular healthcare checks.
According to her, the essence of the programme is to expand access to quality care so that mothers and children can have the same opportunities for healthy future.
“An estimated 5.9 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation; all of which can be prevented,” she said.
According to her, Rotary provides education, immunizations, birth kits, and mobile health clinics.
” Women are taught how to prevent mother-to-infant HIV transmission, how to breast feed, and how to protect themselves and their children from diseases,” she added.
In her remarks, Mrs Lovina Okorn-Ntui, the District Chair, Maternal and Child Health Committee, District 9125, said that the outreach was to fulfill the area of focus as it concerns maternal and child health.
According to Okorn-Ntui, it also focuses on safe delivery for women, safe breastfeeding for women and their children as well as healthy living for women and children.
“We will be enlightening them on safe delivery, issues surrounding safe breastfeeding as well as its importance.
“We will be giving them treatment for preventable diseases such as malaria fever, other common diseases that affect women and children, among others.
“We decided to come here because this is an indigent community and what Rotary preaches is to go to indigent communities to bridge the gap,” she said
She added that the items received by the beneficiaries were mosquito nets, whil free scan services, deworming of children, eye checks and distribution of eye glasses, among others were provided for them.
The Chief Medical Director, Silver Cross Hospital, Dr Patrick Ezie, said that the gesture was to assist the poor and needy in the community.
“We came together and decided that we need to flag-off this kind of intervention for women in rural communities because we identify that a lot of these women are not able to get the type of care that they want for basic problems,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
Bi-Courtney says MMA2 ready for regional flight operations
Aviation

Bi-Courtney says MMA2 ready for regional flight operations

171 total views today

By Oladele Eniola

The Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd. (BASL) says its facilities will be ready for the commencement of regional flight operations from the Murtala Muhammed Airport II (MMA2) terminal.

Bi-Courtney’s Head of Operations, Mr Blessing Ewah, made the disclosure during the regional facility tour with newsmen at the terminal in Lagos on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a ministerial committee on Airport Security in 2016, had certified the MMA2  fit for the commencement of regional operations.

In April, the Chairman of BASL, Dr Wale Babalakin, had stated that in spite of the terminal being granted approval by the Federal Government, there were still delays in starting regional operations from the MMA2.

Ewah said the company had complied with all regulatory requirements by clearly separating domestic from regional passengers and providing facilities for security and facilitation agencies such as immigration, quarantine officials, among others.

The official said that all the agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), had assessed and approved the facilities after all necessary requirements were met, wondering why operations had yet to begin.

“We have invested over N600 million in the facilities for this operation and we have not recouped one Naira since it all started in 2014.

“We are actually ready, the terminal is ready, gates 5 and 6 have been dedicated for regional flights.

“We were shocked because the MMA2 terminal was built to provide services for both regional and domestic passengers, but it is presently underutilised.

“We had already spent several millions of Naira to acquire the state-of-the-art facilities in preparation for regional flight operations.

“However, the inconsistency in government policy despite the approval, had prevented it from using the facilities,” he said.

Ewah said  that the MMA2 is the foremost terminal in the country, adding that the best architects were engaged to design it.

The operations manager said everything requested and required for regional operations were carried out in the best standards.

According to him, regional operations can commence this year due to the infrastructure in place.

He felicitated the Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo, on his appointment, noting that remarkable achievements would be accomplished in his tenure. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

===============
Edited by Benson Iziama/Julius Toba-Jegede

How Great Green Wall Agency spent N81.2b to plant 21m trees – Reps
Environment , Politics

How Great Green Wall Agency spent N81.2b to plant 21m trees – Reps

333 total views today

By Femi Ogunshola

The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating the utilisation of ecological funds released to the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has uncovered N81.2 billion allegedly spent to plant 21m trees in 11 states.

The investigation is from 2015 till date.

Rep. Isma’ila Dabo, the Chairman of the committee in Abuja, decried the persistent of environmental challenges in spite of funds put into the programme.

He said the funds put by the Federal Government and international partners necessitated the investigation.

He said the committee would embark on, on-the-spot assessment tour to all the projects executed under this scheme to ascertain the claims.

He said the committee was not out to scandalise any individual or organisation but only to ensure that public funds were utilised for the purpose they were given.

“We will not shy away from pointing fingers where necessary, not out of personal animosity but simply in the national interest of our nation.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 11 states where the trees are planted are: Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Yobe and Borno.

The committee expressed displeasure over conflicting financial reports submitted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and office of the Accountant General of the Federation (oAGF) to the committee.

Piqued by the inability of the agency to substantiate most of the tree planting projects carried out so far, the committee said 80 per cent of trees planted by the agency did not survive.

Meanwhile, the documents submitted by the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein showed that the total sum of N19.378 billion was released from the derivation and Ecology Accounts to the agency from Feb. 2019 to date.

Responding to questions from the committee, NAGGW Managing Director, Dr Yusuf Bukar, said the Great Green Wall Act was signed by Mr. President in 2015.

He said it enabled the agency to implement the Nigerian component of the programme as an initiative of the African Union being implemented in 11 African countries.

This according to him, is to address the problem of land degradation, desertification, drought, climate change and livelihood of affected communities.

He said the agency planted one million trees in Borno, Yobe and other states, adding that N2.4 billion was released in the first phase and N7.3 billion released in the second phase.

He added that the fund accruing into the agency’s account included 15 per cent of the ecological fund for the Great Green Wall, contribution of fund from the natural resources development fund and gifts.

Others include loans and grants in aid from national bilateral, multilateral organisations and donors, international and development agencies as well as individuals.

He said that the agency often got funds from donor agencies, however, he did not provide relevant documents on the amount received so far. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Angola to deepen bilateral cooperation with Nigeria
General News

Angola to deepen bilateral cooperation with Nigeria

231 total views today

By Fortune Abang

Angola has declared the readiness to deepen its bilateral cooperation with Nigeria.

Téte António, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Angola, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during his visit to Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.

António was in Nigeria to deliver the Angolan President, João Lourenço’s invitation to President Bola Tinubu for the regular bilateral and multilateral consultations of African leaders slated for November in the Southern African country.

According to António, who met with Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lourenço’s message has been delivered through Tuggar, to Tinubu.

“I do not know what is written, but I discussed with my counterpart. We talked about bilateral relations between Angola and Nigeria.

“We discussed how we will like to boost the diplomatic relations, in terms of the cooperation existing between our two countries, including the legal institutions we signed in the past.

This will enable both countries, “to see how we are implementing them and to see which new ones we have, and we can bring in again”.

It will also help on “how to create suitable environment for business people to ba a part of this bilateral ties existing between Angola and Nigeria.

“As ministers of foreign affairs and external relations, we discussed the peace and security situations in the Sahel and other parts, including Central Africa, Great lakes and Sudan.”

He mentioned that such were actually challenges for the continent, as well as constitutional changes that happened in West Africa and recently, in Gabon.

He explained that their discussion centered on multilateral issues and on ways both countries could support each other in Angola-Nigeria multilateral systems.

“Bearing in mind that a very good relationship exists between our countries, we actually have duties as ministers of foreign affairs to deepen ties.

“We also discussed ways we can make diplomatic relations of Angola and Nigeria not only matter of diplomats and politicians, but matter of people, including the business community.

“We have a very vibrant Nigerian economy in Angola which is very active in helping the country to rebuild itself of 27 years of war and they are contributing a lot.

“We are certainly going to work closely together, to also make sure we facilitate tackling issues such as the visas for business to business community.

“Certainly, in our next meeting we will plan; today we have discussed the joint commission, this is where we go and review everything, also for business forum between Angola and Nigeria,” he said.

The envoy assured of the provision of suitable environment for business communities to interact and encourage people to know more of each other’s national interests.

The Angolan minister, however, allayed fears about differences in language between the two countries as communication barrier.

He said: “We can always find a common language to speak and the common language are the ties.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

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
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