News Agency of Nigeria
NOG Conference: UNIDO, Shell, TotalEnergies endorse clean energy investments
Oil & Gas

NOG Conference: UNIDO, Shell, TotalEnergies endorse clean energy investments

203 total views today

By Emmanuella Anokam

Stakeholders at the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference and Exhibition have called for an equitable energy mix to enhance transition in consideration of Green Hydrogen investment and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Technology.

The stakeholders made this known during a panel session tagged “ Candid Conversation: Defining the Journey to Equitable Energy Mix for Nigeria’’ at the on-going NOG Energy Week.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2023 Energy Week, which is the 22nd edition of the annual event, has as theme: “Powering Nigeria’s Sustainable Energy Future”.

NAN reports that CCS technology has been considered as an important methodology to reduce Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions and as key to help in tackling global warming.

The global demand for Green Hydrogen, which is a cleaner and alternative low carbon energy, is anticipated to increase by 700 per cent by 2050.

The session however explored cleaner energy options that can be utilised by the manufacturing sector in meeting Nigeria’s energy supply needs and steps to unlock investment opportunities for alternative energy sources.

Speaking, Abimbola Wycliffe, Head of Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Nigeria of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) said from the UN perspective, energy transition was seen as an opportunity for industrialisation not a task.

Wycliffe said Nigeria could make the energy transition to work by embracing technologies such as CCS and utilisation.

“If the UN has been pushing the narratives of energy sustainability and low carbon emission future, why can’t we then push for top leadership in the sector to toll the light in achieving decarbonisation?

“It cannot be overemphasised that energy transition for a period of 15 to 20 years is inevitable. This is our reality but we can make it work by embracing the technologies such as carbon capture, storage and utilisation.

“If we do not start to talk about hydrogen, there will not be an opportunity to key into the technology when it is scaling in other climes.

“It is very good for Nigeria to embrace the narratives around Hydrogen because the more we scale renewables the more viable green hydrogen will be for us in our energy mix,’’ she said.

She urged the International and Indigenous Oil Companies to adopt or have a discussion with UNIDO, which had some key programmes targeted at accelerating clean tech, addressing energy transmission as well as empowering youths.

She said though there was an energy transition plan, Nigeria needed to articulate a narrative in terms of strategies for attracting and retaining green funding to see maturation towards a new world of low emission, industrialisation and empowerment.

“We gather to discuss oil, gas and economy but how to balance the industry is missing in the conversation.

There is a need to start to align our visions for energy and industrialisation and integration plans on how to advance.

“The incorporation of clean innovation technology is the responsibility of everyone now and has become the focus for UNIDO, especially getting women and youths involved,’’ she said.

She said democratising the knowledge on renewables by removing the barriers to knowledge sharing and technological transfer was one of the things UNIDO had been driving in and across Africa.

She said it also focused on improving global access to components and raw materials because energy transition would be powered by long duration energy storage hence battery solutions were paramount.

“It will be good for a forum like this to discuss how to expand and diversify our manufacturing capacity not only for export but also for internal consumption and domestic utilisation because we have the minerals.

“We have to level the playing ground for renewable energies technology by reforming our domestic policies.

The Electricity Act of 2023 has excited a whole lot of people working in the sustainable energy space.

“We are hoping that the implementation of the act will deliver on our carbon future,’’ she said.

She further underscored the need to shift energy subsidies from fossil fuel to renewables especially now that there were no more subsidies on petroleum products.

Also speaking, Mr Johnbosco Uche, Energy Transition Business Opportunity Manager of Shell Nigeria said it could be difficult to get to absolute zero emission while decarbonising the upstream due to flaring which it had tackled in its new projects.

“Therefore, he said carbon offset in reducing carbon emission became credible especially nature-based solutions which could take about 15 to 20 years and any country that would like to use such a solution in future should start now.

“The same comes into CCS technology as well, for an average carbon capture storage and utilisation project, it takes about five to seven years from conception to execution.

“Therefore, should we in Nigeria wait till we are ready? We have to prepare ahead of time and CCS is one of the technologies we have to deploy to decarbonise.

“It is evolving, and capital intensive,’’ he said.

Uche explained that there was a CCS pilot project running in Nigeria being funded by the World Bank which started through the office of the former Vice President, adding that they had been collaborating with the industry.

He said before the end of 2023, they would be able to turn out a report on the project.

He said the total emission in Nigeria currently stood at 275 metric tonnes Co2, adding that the contribution for oil and gas was less than 20 per cent.

He said the project would cover industries including cement, fertilisers and petrochemical industries as well as refineries.

He thereby urged the government to support the evolving initiatives of the National Climate Change Council in view of energy transition.

Also, Mr Dabo Alabo, General Manager of Crude Oil and Gas Commercial in TotalEnergies EP Nigeria said the company had always been supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and development and issues bothering climate change, efficient energy mix and low emission.

Alabo said, TotalEnergies being a company committed to delivering energy with less emission, was ready to support the country in the journey towards decarbonising the oil and gas industry.

He said it was committed to CCS technology and nature based solutions, adding that TotalEnergies was always focused on finding solutions that matched the content.

“A lot of our research today on CCS is focused on reservoirs, using them to test the technology and continue to develop and innovate,’’ he said.

He said one of the advantages of Decade of Gas was being able to grow our consumption of natural gas domestically from one Pound Cubic Feet (PCF) to two PCF per day.

“TotalEnegies is committed to helping the direction the country will take in ensuring efficient gas supply and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

“We have laudable projects expected to come out in 2026 and 2027 targeted at producing up to 500 million scoff gas into the supply,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

NNPCL restates plan to sell shares soon, says Kyari
Business , Economy/Business , Oil & Gas

NNPCL restates plan to sell shares soon, says Kyari

240 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue/Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has restated plans to issue its Initial Public Offer(IPO) to investors very soon.

The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari said this at the 22nd edition of the 2023 Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy conference and Exhibtion on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports that the theme of the conference is , “Powering Nigeria’s Sustainable Energy Future”
Kyari while speaking on ”Redefining Nigeria’s Energy Landscape for a Sustainable Energy Future’’ said the decision was based on the law.

”As a Company that it is guided under the regulations of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, the NNPC Ltd.will declare its shares to the public for acquisition very soon.

“We will pay taxes; we will pay royalties like anyone; we will also pay dividends to our shareholders which many of you are.

”We are in business and business means competition. We are a private sector, forget about the fact that we are own by the government 100 per cent.

“ You are also aware, we are going Initial Public Offer very soon, we will sell a part of our equity.

” It is in the law, and once that happens, we will not be any different for any of you and it will be a very different business environment,”he said.

On subsidy removal, kyari said it had ensured positive change in the sector by freeing up capital for powering the sustainable supply of energy.

“Are we positioned to facilitate business? Yes, but our partnership produced over 80 per cent of the oil and gas in the country either directly or through our off stream company or through our partnership.

“I am in a position to facilitate business. On the PSC today, we are just agents of the state, trying to make sure we deliver value to them and then they will pay.

“I am sure you appreciate this new relationship. The PSCs are not on the balance sheet on the NNPCL.

”We make sure you do your work because when you do, we are compensated 40 per cent of your profit oil, so it is important for us as well as business for us,”he said.

On energy poverty, the NNPCL boss said the focus was now to ensure that more people had access to energy.

Kyari said, “Over 30 per cent do not have access to electricity. So, is energy available or is it the problem of affordability.

”Or it is that we have an unsustainable situation or is it combination of all of them? I think we are dealing with the combination of all.”

According to him, energy is not available, it is not affordable in definite sense.

He said this was due to many structures and issues that made affordability a matter of concern for everybody.

“We supply gas, we do not get payment for it; We supply power and we do not get payment for it.

”So, you cannot run any business this way. You cannot be sustainable. You cannot create affordable energy and it will not be available.”

According to him, affordability, accessibility and sustainability are the drivers of Nigeria’s energy future.

He said that key initiatives on the horizon for NNPCL would include expanding gas infrastructure to deliver gas across West Africa and potentially, Europe.

He further said expansion of liquefaction capacity of NLNG and enabling availability of LPG as a cooking fuel and CNG as alternative fuel for automobiles were paramount.

Kyari then reiterated the need to bridge the skilled manpower gap, ensure asset security, and invest in infrastructure to transform challenges into opportunities.

NAN reports that the NOG Energy Week is Nigeria’s foremost international energy conference aimed at discussing policy implementation, vital energy agenda and investments, among others.

The ongoing event was attended by policymakers, regulators, leaders, stakeholders and partners of the industry.(NAN)(www.nannes.ng)

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Stakeholders seek African markets integration for economic growth
Business , Economy/Business

Stakeholders seek African markets integration for economic growth

173 total views today

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Stakeholders have stressed the need for the West African Capital Markets Integration (WACMI) for enhanced economic growth and development.

They said this at a two-day capacity building/sensitisation programme on WACMI Phase II project on Tuesday in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the West African Monetary Institute (WAMI) Dr Olorunsola Olowofeso, said one of the aims of the WACMI Phase II Project was to deepen West African markets.

Olowofeso said the integration would help to achieve robust and integrated capital markets in West Africa and Africa in general.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the WACMI PHASE II Project is funded by the African Development Bank through a grant from the Capital Markets Development Trust Fund.

It is implemented by the West African Monetary Institute.

The lead anchors are the West African Capital Markets Integration Council (WACMIC), a platform for Chief Executive Officers of the Securities Exchanges and Central Securities Depositories in West Africa, and the West African Securities Regulators Association (WASRA).

Olowofeso said the capacity building and sensitisation workshop was designed to enhance the skill level of different classes of market participants through dedicated trainings on operating rules, investment processes, trading and settlement operations for cross-border investments.

He added that it was expected to create awareness and sensitise the public on the implementation of the WACMI Phase II Project.

Olowofeso said that WAMI as the implementing agency of the project would continue to collaborate with all the stakeholders, particularly WASRA and WACMIC to ensure that the completion of the project by June 2024.

In a keynote address, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr Lamido Yuguda, said the initiative aimed to establish a common and integrated platform for listing, trading, and settling securities transactions within West Africa.

“One of the primary objectives of this programme is to enhance awareness of the WACMI Phase II Project and its significance for the region’s capital market ecosystem.

“We seek to foster a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as we strive to facilitate cross-border investments and create a seamless trading environment within West Africa,” Yuguda said.

Represented by the Executive Commissioner Operations at the SEC, Mr Dayo Obisan, he said the aim of the programme was to facilitate a fruitful knowledge exchange, enabling learning from each other’s experiences and identify practical solutions to strengthen cross-border investment and trading activities.

Yuguda added that this would bring about the much-desired integrated capital market that would cater for the region.

“Capital markets play the crucial role of channelling capital from the place of surplus to that of deficit, helping make production and in turn, development possible. For development to happen, a strong capital market is a requisite.

“There’s need to expand the markets in the sub-region, and one of the ways to do it is to encourage cross-border capital market activity.

“This increases the opportunity set for people in our sub-region, helps diversification of investments, and encourages transfer of skills and best practices,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Temi Popoola, the Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Ltd., said the capacity building aimed to foster collaboration and enhance capacity, as well as improve understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with the integration of capital markets in the West African sub region.

“The workshop is geared toward sensitising relevant stakeholders on efforts at enhancing cross-border investments across the region through the establishment of a common and integrated platform for the listing, trading, and settlement of securities transactions and leveraging technology,” he said.

Popoola, represented by Mr Jude Chiemeka, Divisional Head, Capital Markets, added that it would create robust policies that would drive innovation, create liquidity, and reduce regulatory burden and other challenges across the region.

Giving an overview on West African Capital Market Integration (WACMI) Phase II Project, Project Manager, Dr Abdulrasheed Zubair, said the direct beneficiaries included WACMIC, comprising the Ghana Stock Exchange, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Cape Verde Stock Exchange and Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM).

He listed other beneficiaries as the capital market ecosystems of The Gambia, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, among others.

“The indirect beneficiaries are stock brokers, securities traders, central securities depositories in the West African region, institutional investors including pension funds, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds and other asset managers operating within the region.

“Others are foreign portfolio investors and international asset managers with interest in the West African markets,” Zubair said.

The aim of the project, he stated, was to facilitate cross-border investments in the ECOWAS region through the harmonisation of regulations for trading and settlement of capital market securities transactions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Association advocates laws, policies to support, regulate orphanages
General News , Health

Association advocates laws, policies to support, regulate orphanages

282 total views today

By Justina Auta

The Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON) has advocated for the review of existing laws and policies that defined the rights and protection of orphans in Nigeria.

The association made the call during its 2023 National Conference, themed: “Advocating for Change: Policy and Legislative Measures for Orphans Welfare,” on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Gabriel Oyediji, ASOHON’S National President, noted the increasing number of orphaned and vulnerable children in the society, calling for laws that will protect their rights and prioritise their well-being.

“We are advocating legislative policies and measures that establishes comprehensive legal frameworks that define the rights and protection of orphans, including access to education, healthcare, inheritance and legal representation.

“A proactive streamlining and harmonisation of adoption processes, reducing bureaucracy and ensuring the best interest of the child are prioritised while maintaining appropriate safeguards.

“Legislative policies and measures that strengthens foster care system including robust screening, training and support to foster families to provide stable and nurturing environment for orphaned children,” he said.

Oyediji also called for legislative policies that ensure availability of monthly grants for operators of registered homes as well as robust budgetary fund allocations to social development and humanitarian ministries across the country.

He said establishing mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement of funds and resources allocated for orphan welfare was also necessary to ensure accountability and address their challenges.

The ASOHON president also noted the issue of child trafficking and exploitation, financial constraints, emotional and psychological well-being of the orphans as some of the challenges facing orphans and orphanage operation.

“We cannot overlook the issue of child trafficking and exploitation, which poses a significant threat to the well-being of orphaned and vulnerable children.

“Criminal elements often prey on these children, exploiting their vulnerability for various purposes, including forced labour, sex trafficking and organ trafficking.

“As orphanage operators, we must be vigilant and implement stringent safeguards to protect the children under our care from such heinous acts.

“We must collaborate with law enforcement agencies, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and other stakeholders to create a robust child protection system that ensures the safety and security of every child,” he said.

He therefore urged all stakeholders, especially the orphanage operators, to continue to strive towards providing their needs, ensure they have access to education, healthcare and other necessary requirements.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day conference had in attendance orphanage operators, religious leaders, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

We’ll focus on decongesting Ports- Customs boss
Defence/Security , Economy/Business

We’ll focus on decongesting Ports- Customs boss

234 total views today

 

By Ismail Abdulaziz

The Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, says the Service will focus on decongesting the nation’s ports.

At a briefing at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, he said this would make the ports more user friendly and improve an export led economic development strategy.

After a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Adeniyi said officers and men of the service would carry out their duties in line with the objectives of the Customs Service and the Policy Advisory Document on the Customs (PAC).

“We had discussions regarding what Customs can bring to the table to actualise the vision of renewed hope for Nigeria, what customers can do in terms of addressing gaps in revenue generation in the customs, our enforcement strategies and most importantly, the issue of promoting port efficiency and competitiveness of our ports.

“In terms of specifics, I am sure that we are all very, very familiar with the Presidential Advisory Council.

“And there is a document which has been made public.

“Our discussions centers around aligning the vision of customs, the activities of custom in the short, medium and long terms with those noble objectives set out in the PAC documents.

“So,we’re talking about making our ports user friendly.

“We’re talking about decongesting the ports, we talked about 48 hours clearance of goods around the ports, export led inward looking economic development strategies. So these are some of the issues that we discussed.

“And I pledged commitment of the customs to bring out reforms and to collaborate with other agencies of government to achieve some of those objectives stated in the PAC documents,” he said.

Adeniyi said the recent election of Tinubu as ECOWAS Chairman, means more work for the Nigeria Customs and strong collaboration among countries in the region.

“For us in the Nigerian Customs Service, ECOWAS represents a very bold attempt to forge regional integration, cooperation in border security and monetary affairs.

“And it is so good to note that my assumption of office coincide with that period when attention will be focused on Nigeria holding the flag of regional integration.

“I can also tell you that part of my discussions with Mr President is to actively engage customs administration’s across our borders, particularly the strategic ones that we must work and collaborate with for us to achieve common objectives of border security and regional integration.

“In the next one week, or thereabout, I will be paying an official visit to Republic of Benin, to have discussions with the Customs Administration of Benin.

“And see how we can take forward the issue of collaborations between us, the issue of border security, the issue of importation across the border, and more importantly, how we can deploy technological solutions to very complex border problems,” he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Nigerian army will restore peace, stability to Kaduna – Lagbaja
Defence/Security

Nigerian army will restore peace, stability to Kaduna – Lagbaja

165 total views today
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja receives Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani on Courtesy Call in Abuja on Tuesday (11/7/23)

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says the Nigerian Army will do whatever it takes to restore peace and security to Kaduna State and the entire country.

Lagbaja gave the assurance on Tuesday when Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, paid him a courtesy visit in Army Headquarter, Abuja.

The COAS, who thanked the people of Kaduna State for sustaining cordial relationship and good understanding with the Nigerian army, said the governor’s visit was timely.

He said the visit had afforded the army leadership the opportunity of a feedback on what was happening in Kaduna.

According to him, the visit will help the army to know the desire of the people, and do more to entrench peace and stability in their communities.

According to him, Kaduna holds a special place in the heart of military men, especially officers of the Nigerian army.

“We all know that several military establishments, critical ones for that matter, are located in Kaduna.

“The establishments are Nigerian Defence Academy, the Defence Industries Corporations of Nigeria, the Premier 1 Division; Armed Forces Command and Staff College,” COAS said.

According to him, others are the Infantry Power Center and the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, among others, are located in Kaduna.

“Besides, for an average army officer, we have a sentimental attachment to Kaduna because in the course of our career in the army, we must award at least one or more course of duty in Kaduna.

“When we work to entrench peace and stability in Kaduna and the communities around, we are not doing it only for the people of Kaduna states.

“we are doing it also because military men will be beneficiaries of the peace and stability that we will bring to our community.

“So, we see you as a strong and very dependable ally and I want to thank you for the support that the Nigerian army formations and units domiciled in Kaduna have been receiving from the people of Kaduna State,” he said.

Lagbaja said that the acknowledgement of the people on the return of peace and stability to Kaduna was an example of how the military could work with the people to bring about desired peace, and a perfect example of what could be done.

He said the achievements that were recorded could not have been possible without the support of the government and the people.

He therefore commended the people for their cooperation and support.

“Your Excellence, this is an opportunity to appeal to you that you kindly extend the same support to the new GOC and even our formations and units that spread all across Kaduna State.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is doing a lot to entrench peace and stability in the state and we want to appeal to you that you assist us to mobilise other critical stakeholders in the society.

“The security threats in southern Kaduna is complex considering there is a mix of the farmer-herder crisis and ethnic animosity and other variables.

“It is when there is a perfect balance of the people, the government and the military can bring peace and stability to our community.

“So, I want to appeal to you that you assist us to rally the critical stakeholders, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, the clergy and other critical stakeholders within the society to come to the aid of the military.”

Lagbaja added that this could further entrench the peace and stability in Kaduna State.

“During my media chat, I expressed my desire and goal to have a society where people can wake up by 0200 hours and go about their lawful businesses.

“And I believe it is possible especially in Kaduna state, with what was achieved within the short spell that I was the GOC 1 division,” he said.

Earlier, Gov. Uba Sani, described the appointment of Lagbaja as army chief as well deserved, and commended the efforts of the Nigerian army at restoring peace and stability to Kaduna state.

Sani said that the activities of Lagbaja as GOC of 1 Division gave him confidence that the president made the right choice in appointing him.

He said that peace had largely returned to the southern part of Kaduna where the COAS personally led the battle against banditry and terrorism as GOC.

According to the governor,  Lagbaja’s effort and intervention with his men have really helped Kaduna state as well as Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.

He urged the COAS to scale up the effort, assuring that the state government would continue to give the Nigerian army and the military in general, all the needed support to succeed.

“We will try as much as possible also to continue to sensitise our people to work closely with the army and other security agencies, because we believe security is the responsibility of everybody within the society.

“Before coming here, I had series of meetings with traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, youth groups, women group and even non-governmental organisations.

“I have no doubt in my mind that we will continue to cooperate with all the relevant security agencies in our state to ensure that they work without any problem,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Hajj Return Journey: Flynas operates 22 flights in 7 days
Foreign

Hajj Return Journey: Flynas operates 22 flights in 7 days

206 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

A Saudi designated air carrier, Flynas, has operated 22 flights from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria in the last seven days.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that so far 11,966 Nigerian pilgrims had been flown home in the last seven days, with Flynas accounting for 8,063 of them, leaving the remaining 3,903 to Max Air, Aero Contractors, Azman Air and Air Peace.

Flynas is operating the flights from Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, to Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos; and the Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto.

Official data obtained from the Command and Control Centre of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Tuesday, revealed that the five approved hajj air carriers have operated a total of 30 flights so far.

Flynas has transported 5,523 pilgrims in 14 flights to Sokoto, and 3,075 pilgrims to Lagos Station in eight flights, according to the official data.

The Managing Director of First Planet Travels – the General Sales Agent (GSA) of Flynas in Nigeria, Alhaji Umar Kaila, in an interview with journalists in Jeddah, said the airline would conclude its inbound transportation of pilgrims ahead of schedule.

“Flynas is fully prepared to conclude its inbound transportation of pilgrims ahead of schedule. We are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure that all our assigned pilgrims are transported back to Nigeria in maximum comfort and safety,” he said.

Kaila said as witnessed during the outbound movement, the priority of the airline was the safe and comfortable transportation of its esteemed passengers on schedule.

“Like we did during the phase one operation, we have operated 24 flights so far on schedule without any delay or cancellation.”

The statistics have shown that Air Peace and Aero Contractors have operated one flight each, while Max Air has operated four flights and Azman Air two flights since the beginning of the return journey on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

Flynas has so far transported pilgrims from Sokoto, Lagos, Zamfara, Osun, Ogun, Kebbi, Borno states using the two operational centres in Lagos and Sokoto states.

NAHCON allocated 29,296 pilgrims to Flynas, 16,326 to Max Air, 11,348 to Air Peace, 8,660 to Azman Air, and 7,833 to Aero Contractors.

With over 80 Nigerian adhoc staff on its payroll, Flynas has been in Nigeria since 2014 as part of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

LASU School of Communication, scholars pay tribute to Oso
Education , Metro

LASU School of Communication, scholars pay tribute to Oso

199 total views today

 

 

By Oluwakemi Oladipo

 

Lagos, July 11, 2023 (NAN) Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunde-Bello,Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), said that the late Prof. Olayiwola Oso contributed to the largely progressive movement and healthy development of education in Nigeria.

Olatunji-Bello, represented by Prof. Adenike Boyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), said this at a Day of Tributes organised for the late professor by the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies, LASU, in Lagos.

 

She said that he was a very great man who effortlessly demonstrated common sense in all his affairs, a respected Pan-Nigerian and formidable comrade of his immediate community.

Prof. Lai Oso

“We recognise Oso’s large heartedness and legacy. We also praise his generosity of spirit and magnanimous nature.

 

“During his lifetime, he contributed hugely as a member of Senate. He excelled as a past Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies.

 

“However, I consider him a fine Nigerian Philosopher of Education, an administrator, a friend, for all who welcomed him.

 

“He was an inspiration to a new generation of researchers, and above all, a brilliant man who selflessly gave his all to the service of the university,” Olatunji-Bello said.

 

She said that they were consoled by the fact that he lived a good life and touched as many lives as he could.

 

“We hope that his family and close friends will be consoled by the great memories he has left behind.

 

“Finally, on behalf of the university governing council and senate, I commiserate with the immediate family, particularly his amiable wife and children, staff, students and associates on the demise of a prominent member of LASU,” Olatunji-Bello said.

 

Prof. Sunday Alawode, Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, described Oso as “the legend of our time, lifter of careers, teacher of teachers and professor of professors”.

 

Alawode said that he gave up himself in the service of humanity.

 

Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, former Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, said that this was a collective loss but more importantly a personal loss to him and his family.

 

Olatunji said he was a big brother, friend, counselor, boss, prayers partner and most of all a mentor.

 

“We are proud of his legacies and we should sustain the good memories,” he said.

 

Mr Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Chapter, said that Oso’s death was a colossal loss because he built many people positively.

 

Ajayi said that they had close relationship right from being his senior in secondary school and later as his lecturer.

 

“I know his legacy lives on,” he said.

 

Prof. Umaru Pate, President, Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), said that the combined qualities endeared Oso to the younger generation of media and communication scholars .

 

Pate, also the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Kashere, Gombe, said that professionals constantly sought his support and mentorship.

 

“Oso held the firm conviction that the meeting of the gown and town will benefit mass communication and media fields for the maximum impacts of both professions on democracy and development.

 

“He pursued this conviction relentlessly and his death is a collective loss,”he said.

 

Some education and media institutions were also present to pay their tributes.

 

They include Channels Group, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Yaba College of Technology and Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Prof. Oso, born on Oct. 19, 1955, made his mark in the field of communication and media studies before his exit from the world in June.

He was  a major pillar in Nigeria’s premier school of communication in LASU, now known as Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, and became a Professor of Mass Communication in 2011 at the university.

 

Oso died in a car accident that occurred on June 24, 2023 when he was returning from Delta State University, Abraka, where he had gone to examine some masters and PHD students.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

By Oluwole Sogunle

ASF France trains 30 members of committee against torture
Judiciary

ASF France trains 30 members of committee against torture

179 total views today

By Taiye Agbaje

Avocats Sans Frontieres (ASF) France, on Tuesday, began a two-day training for 30 members of the National Committee Against Torture (NCAT) on the legal framework on torture and effective implementation of the Anti-Torture Act, 2017.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Government Inaugurated the NCAT on Sept.11,2022 with the aim to eliminate torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, the Country Director of ASF France, who stated this during the opening ceremony, said participants were drawn from the law enforcement agencies, judiciary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), among others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NCAT was set up by the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, as one of his commitment to torture prevention in the country.
Uzoma-Iwuchukwu said the essence of the training was to provide capacity support to NCAT to enable it perform its function efficiently in terms of torture prevention in the country.
The country director said the organisation, also known as Lawyers without Borders France, had been able to support at least 2, 000 victims of torture across various states in the country.
She disclosed that the organisation was able to secure a judgment on Monday at ECOWAS Court, Abuja in favour of Mr Sunday Ayodeji whose leg was amputated due to a gunshot by a police officer in Kaduna State.
According to Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, the torture victim, whose case was handled on pro-bono basis by ASF France under the European Union (EU) and Agence française de Développement (AFD) funded SAFE Project, was awarded N60 million damages with an order for the immediate return of his confiscated possessions.
She called on the government to do more in the implementation of the Anti-Torrure Act in Nigeria.
She said at the end of the two-day training, members of the committee would have been better schooled and supported, having their capacity built by experts to take on from international best practices to be able to do their work better as a committee against torture.
Ms Leann Johnston, the acting High Commissioner, Australian High Commission, said the training by ASF France was part of development programme her country was supporting in Nigeria.
She said the commission was interested in promoting human rights globally and supporting local programmes that help to support victims of toture, among others.
The Executive Secretary of NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, said Nigeria had taken legislative, judicial and other measures to implement the United Nations Convention against Torture, Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) as well as the Optional Protocol to the Convention (OPCAT).
Ojukwu, represented by Director, Monitoring Department, Okay Agu, said the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Anti-Torture Act 2017 and Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, further demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to protect all persons from torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment.
He said this was also to ensure that persons, irrespective of their circumstances, were treated with utmost dignity.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

China’s firm Sailun studies future of tyre business in Nigeria
Business , Economy/Business

China’s firm Sailun studies future of tyre business in Nigeria

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By Augusta Uchediunor
 A Chinese firm, Sailun Tyres, says it is working toward helping Nigeria to sustainably develop its economy through effective road transportation.
The Executive President of the company, Mr Xie Xiaohong, who led a 13-member delegation to Nigeria, disclosed this on Monday during an interactive session with some journalists in Lagos.
Already, he said the company had carried out an extensive research work on tyre uses in Nigeria, the peculiarity of the environment and the nature of the roads.
“We heard that the new President, Bola Tinubu, wants to reinforce the economy of the country.
“And we know that you can only achieve that with effective transportation and quality tyres developed for your road play a vital role in effective road transportation.
“We came to Nigeria to do some research on the tyre market for more trade and strengthen our partnership  with Tanzanite Ltd.
He also hinted of plans to set up a tyre factory in future to serve the African market, adding that a research was being done in this area.
According to Xiaohong, Sailun develops tyres that are tropicalised and suitable for Nigerian roads, noting that China had a similar road condition in 2000 and its tyres were reinforced to serve the people for a long time.
The Xiaohong-led delegation met with their Nigerian partners, Tanzanite Ltd, represented by Mr Anil Sahgal, Managing Director, and some other business executives, to explore new avenues of collaboration and strategies for further growth and development.
The visiting executives of Sailun Tyres also engaged leaders of Tanzanite Ltd, a prominent distributor in Nigeria and Africa, in strategic discussions to identify opportunities for mutual growth and explore new ways to enhance customer satisfaction.
Xiaohong said the Sailun Tyres partnership with Tanzanite Ltd dates back to 15 years.
An earlier  statement by Tanzanite said the visit by Sailun Tyres’ team came “at a time when the Nigerian automotive industry was experiencing significant turbulence resulting in movement towards value brands due to price pressure.
“Sailun Tyres aims to capitalise on this future market and solidify its position as a trusted tyre provider in Nigeria.”
It also said: “Sailun Tyres is renowned for its cutting-edge manufacturing processes, innovative technology, and commitment to delivering superior quality products.
“With a wide range of tyre solutions for passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and off-road vehicles, Sailun Tyres has firmly established itself as a global leader in the tyre industry.
“As Sailun Tyres’ local partner, Tanzanite Ltd possesses an in-depth understanding of the Nigerian market, ensuring effective distribution channels and comprehensive customer support.”
The collaboration between the two industry giants is expected to foster the availability of high-performance tyre solutions that meet international standards, catering to the increasing demands of both individual drivers and commercial fleets across Nigeria. (NAN)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
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