NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Soludo empowers “1 Million Anambra Digital Tribe” on Tech skills
General News

Soludo empowers “1 Million Anambra Digital Tribe” on Tech skills

294 total views today

By Funmilayo Adeyemi
Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has unveiled the “1 Million Anambra Digital Tribe” (1MADT), an initiative designed to empower no fewer than one million “Ndi Anambra” – Anambra people, with world-class digital skills.

This is an initiative through the Solution Innovation District (SID), toward transforming Anambra into Africa’s Silicon Valley and a Smart Mega City.

This is contained in a statement made on  Wednesday by Ms Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation.

According to Okoli, the ground-breaking programme aims to democratise access to digital education by providing free, high-quality digital skills training to over one million Ndi Anambra, both residents and indigenes.

” At the heart of the initiative is the SID Academy – a robust Learning Management System (LMS) accessible via www.sidacademy.ng, where participants can learn anytime, anywhere, at their own pace.

“Designed to be inclusive and transformative, 1MADT offers 32 beginner to advanced courses in high-demand digital fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, SEO optimisation, web design, data analysis, graphic design, digital marketing, and more.

“It is with flexible training durations ranging from four to 12 weeks.

“No prior experience or qualifications are required, making it accessible to everyone- from students and job seekers to professionals and entrepreneurs,” she said.

She added that the benefits of this initiative extend far beyond individual learners, but equipping Anambra’s workforce with future-ready skills.

Okoli also said that the 1MADT had been designed to drive job creation, inspire innovation, fuel entrepreneurship, enhance SME productivity, and position the state as a magnet for global technology investments.

“Mr Governor promised to upskill 10,000 persons annually but has already surpassed that number.

“With a new target of one million, the goal is to eradicate digital illiteracy and unlock the potential of our people to compete favourably with technology.

“Mr Governor is developing 13.7 hectares as our Silicon Valley and investing in the skill sets required to compete globally. This programme is for all Ndi Anambra—and it is totally free to beneficiaries.

“There are even additional incentives such as laptops and smartphones to celebrate excellence,” she said.

She added that the initiative supported the Governor’s broader vision of economic transformation through digital empowerment and innovation-driven development.

“In line with this vision, SID is also deploying SID Mini Hubs/partner centres which are tech-enabled learning centres strategically located in schools and communities across the state.

“These hubs are outfitted with computers, internet access, projectors, and teleconferencing tools to ensure equitable access to digital resources, especially in underserved areas. (NAN)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Agriculture: Expert lauds Gombe governor’s rural roads initiative
Agriculture

Agriculture: Expert lauds Gombe governor’s rural roads initiative

351 total views today

By Peter Uwumarogie

Dr Musa Arab, an expert in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, has praised Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State for investing in rural road construction.

Arab gave the commendation during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Wednesday, highlighting the importance of rural roads to food security.

He explained that rural roads are vital for agricultural development, as they serve as crucial links between farmers and urban markets.

According to Arab, the Yahaya-led administration has prioritised rural road construction, which has significantly supported the state’s agriculture sector.

He noted that post-harvest losses have been greatly reduced, and farmers can now access urban markets more easily.

“The rural road construction by this administration has been impressive, positively impacting livelihoods and advancing agricultural growth in the state,” he said.

He added that rural infrastructure contributes to economic activity, food production, market access, and the overall welfare of rural populations.

Arab stated that the new roads have boosted agricultural output and improved rural living standards across various communities.

He said the improved road network has cut transport costs, enhanced market access, and increased availability of farm inputs like fertilisers and seeds.

Arab also said the good roads have helped raise farmers’ incomes by reducing losses and expanding sales opportunities, thus lowering poverty in rural areas.

He recalled that in the past, poor roads made it difficult for farmers to access support, training, and interventions outside their communities.

Arab urged the government to continue constructing roads to link more communities to markets and unlock the state’s vast agricultural potential. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

FG pushes phytomedicine for economic, health boost
Health

FG pushes phytomedicine for economic, health boost

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By Abujah Racheal

The Federal Government has launched a strategic initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and advancing healthcare innovation.

The move seeks to unlock the economic and therapeutic potential of Nigeria’s rich biodiversity through the development of the phytomedicine value chain.

Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, in Abuja, inaugurated a ministerial committee to drive the initiative.

Salako stated that the country stood at the threshold of transforming its vast reservoir of medicinal plants into a dynamic source of economic growth and improved healthcare delivery.

He emphasised that while Nigerian communities had long relied on medicinal plants for traditional healing, the resources had yet to be fully harnessed to benefit the broader economy and health system.

The new Phytomedicine Value Chain Initiative, he noted, was designed to shift the narrative by integrating traditional medicine into formal economic and healthcare structures.

“This initiative is both a health and socio-economic policy.

“It supports the administration’s broader goals of achieving Universal Health Coverage, creating jobs, and driving economic diversification,” Salako said.

According to him, commercialising Nigeria’s phytomedicine sector will generate employment in areas such as plant conservation, cultivation, harvesting, and industrial-scale production of herbal medicinal products.

This, he added, would enable the country to claim its share in the rapidly expanding global phytomedicine market.

“A key component of the initiative is the newly inaugurated ministerial committee.

“It is tasked with developing a comprehensive commercialisation framework, proposing policy reforms, and establishing robust regulatory systems to ensure safety, efficacy, and a conducive business environment,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Dr Obi Adigwe, Director General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), underscored the urgency of Nigeria’s active participation in the nearly 500 million dollars global phytomedicine industry.

“For a country blessed with such a wealth of natural resources, continued underrepresentation in this market is no longer acceptable,” Adigwe said.

He highlighted that recent presidential policies, such as the Presidential Initiative to Unlock Value Chains and the Executive Order on Pharma and Allied Sectors, had created the enabling environment needed for significant progress.

Adigwe said that NIPRD had laid a solid foundation through years of research and evidence-based strategies, adding that it was to scale up and bring Nigerian phytomedicines to both domestic and international markets.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that phytomedicine refers to medicinal products derived from plants and plant extracts such as roots and barks.

They are used in the prevention, treatment, and management of various diseases such as malaria and diabetes.

In Nigeria, several plants are used in traditional medicine and are gaining recognition for their commercial and therapeutic potential.

Common examples include neem leaf extract for the treatment of ulcer and bitter leaf and scent leaf for the management of respiratory conditions.

Globally, phytomedicines such as Echinacea and Ginseng are recognised for their immune-boosting and energy-enhancing effects, highlighting the immense opportunities for integrating traditional remedies into modern healthcare and economic systems. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Don urges state govts, others to support Tinubu’s tax reform
General News

Don urges state govts, others to support Tinubu’s tax reform

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By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

A university lecturer, Prof. Godwin Oyedokun, has called on state governments in the country and other stakeholders to support the tax reform of President Bola Tinubu to bring prosperity to Nigeria.

Oyedokun made the call at the 2025 Award of Excellence organised by the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), FCT Chapter on Wednesday in Abuja.

Oyedokun, who lectures at the Department of Accounting and Financial Development, Lead City University, Ibadan, said the tax reform initiated by the President was one of the best things that had happened in Nigeria.

“I am not a fan of any government, but when government gets its right, I will say it; and if they do not, I will say it.

“The content of the bill is better than what we have currently. So, I want everybody to support the reform.

“State governments, lower income earner and others will benefit massively from the Tinubu’s tax reform, because it will bring them out of unnecessary taxes, and thus, we no longer need to tax poverty.

“Prosperity will come and government will also gain from it. And you could see incentive for companies, start-up companies, informal sector and entrepreneurs will now be able to do well.

“When it comes to harmonisation of taxes in Nigeria, this bill will ensure that we have it. There will no longer be anything like touting in tax arena.

“Apart from that, all the different pockets of tax law that we have around will now be codified and made as just one textbook where each chapter contains each of the tax laws,” Oyedokun said.

Oyedokun, who was one of the awardees, explained that if the tax reform bill scaled through, it would also make state governments deliver more dividends of democracy to their people.

Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of SWIT, Dr Bosede Ikanoba said the essence of the 2025 Award of Excellence was to recognise the deserving individuals and their contributions to professionalism and SWIT.

“When you give awards and recognition to deserving individuals, you are recognising their contributions for professionalism, their skills, talents, excellence and contributions in making the society greater.

“They’ve given support financially to the society. They’ve contributed to building capacity of our members. And so, they are quite deserving of this award today.

“It’s a good thing because, it will further motivate others, you know, to see that they also do their own bit and contribute to the society,” Ikanoba said.

Also, the Coordinator of SWIT, Abuja Chapter, Mrs Biola Saliu, said the event was to mark the end of her tenure that started about two years ago.

“There is nothing that you can do all alone. There are people that have been there for me, who supported me and who made me to achieve the little that I was able to achieve.

“So, therefore, I decided to recognise them just as it’s being said that when you say thank you to somebody, you have pushed the person to do more for you. So that’s the purpose of organising this event.

“I will advise the person that will take over from me to build on the legacy that has been laid and to make sure that it’s improved upon because there is always room for improvement.

“The purpose of learning is for you to improve on what your teacher has taught you. So, she is supposed to be able to perform better than what I have done,” Saliu said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 20 persons bagged the SWIT awards for excellence. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

CFG Africa introduces Naira fixed income fund  
Business

CFG Africa introduces Naira fixed income fund  

257 total views today

 

By Olawunmi Ashafa

 

As a response to the growing need for stable and reliable investment opportunities in the nation’s dynamic economic landscape, CFG Africa has introduced the GFG AM Naira Fixed Income Fund.

 

The launch event, which took place in Lagos on Wednesday, gathered key stakeholders, investors, and the CFG Africa leadership team.

 

The CFG AM Naira Fixed Income Fund is a managed open-ended unit trust scheme designed to provide investors with investment liquidity, diversification, and competitive returns through investments in high-quality Naira-denominated fixed income securities.

 

This fund is tailored for individuals, corporates, high net worth investors, and institutions seeking stable and reliable investment growth.

 

Speaking during the launch, Mr Babajide Lawani, the Managing Director of CFG Africa Ltd., emphasised the strategic importance of the Fund.

 

“The introduction of the CFG AM Naira Fixed Income Fund is a deliberate step in expanding our capacity to serve a broader spectrum of investors.

 

“It allows us to channel capital into stable, Naira-denominated assets, contributing to a more resilient and inclusive financial market in Nigeria.

 

“This launch demonstrates our proactive approach to addressing market dynamics and providing solutions that meet the long-term investment goals of our clients.

 

“We believe this fund offers a crucial avenue for Nigerians to participate in stable investment opportunities, contributing to their financial well-being and the broader economic landscape.”

 

Also, Mr Adedoyin Wilson-Diamond, Chief Investment Officer of CFG Africa Ltd., added, “In a dynamic economic environment, preserving capital and achieving consistent returns are paramount.

 

“The CFG AM Naira Fixed Income Fund has been meticulously structured to navigate market fluctuations and deliver competitive yields through prudent investment in quality Naira-denominated assets.

 

“Our active management approach will ensure we capitalise on opportunities while effectively managing risk,” he said.

 

CFG Africa views the current macroeconomic landscape as an opportune moment to introduce such a fund, providing a hedge against volatility while offering consistent returns.

 

The fund’s assets will be held by an independent custodian, Rand Merchant Bank Ltd., with AVA Trustees Ltd. acting as the independent trustee, ensuring the highest standards of security and governance.

 

CFG Africa remains committed to providing innovative and accessible financial solutions that empower individuals and institutions to achieve their financial goals. (NAN)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

NIESV Conference to address limited access to real estate financing -Alonge
Metro

NIESV Conference to address limited access to real estate financing -Alonge

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By Angela Atabo

The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), says its 55th Annual Conference will address the teething challenge of limited access to real estate financing, among other issues affecting the sector.

NIESV President, Mr Victor Alonge, who disclosed this at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja, added that the conference would address issues on fragmented taxation and the urgent need for institutional reform.

Alonge said the conference which holds on Thursday and themed, “Transform, Invest, Thrive: Optimising Real Estate Finance and Taxation’’, will have President Bola Tinubu as the Special Guest of Honour.

He explained that the theme of the conference reflected a strategic push to position real estate as a driver of economic growth and social transformation.

Alonge said that the conference would provide a platform for stakeholders in the real estate industry, government, policy makers, operators, regulators and academia, to brainstorm on strategic issues of national importance.

According to him, the stakeholder would share notes and ideas on the roles, relevance and power of the real estate in driving the national economy on a sustainable growth and development paths.

“It is going to be a different package and different trajectory this year.

“The conference shall be itemising bold ideas and initiating pragmatic strategies tailored towards redefining real estate practice and business for value delivery,’’ he said.

According to him, more emphasis would be placed on innovation, with a vibrant and sustainable development in view.

He said that carefully assembled resource persons, highly renowned intellectuals, policymakers, stakeholders and real estate practitioners from across the globe, experts on the subject matter would examine and give insights on the theme.

Alonge said at the end of the event, communique would be made available to relevant stakeholders for the purpose of using the conclusions for re-appraisal and aligning of real estate practices, strategies and operations with the best global practices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu, Rotimi Ijikanmi

24 federal tertiary institutions powered by solar energy – Alausa
Education

24 federal tertiary institutions powered by solar energy – Alausa

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, says 24 federal institutions have been powered by solar energy under the “Energising Education Project’’ of President Bola Tinubu’s Administration.

Alausa, who disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja, at the Collaboration Agreement Signing Ceremony with the Vice Chancellors of beneficiary institutions, added that eight more universities have signed collaboration agreements to join the fourth phase of the project.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that before the signing ceremony, the minister undertook an inspection tour of the solar powered facility at the University of Abuja, now Yakubu Gowon University.

Alausa, who described the project as a “new day for Nigeria”, hailed the transformative initiative under Tinubu, aimed at providing uninterrupted power supply to Nigeria’s federal tertiary institutions.

He said the projects had wide-reaching benefits for education and the economy.

According to him, the University of Abuja, which now boasts of a solar farm comprising 6,000 photovoltaic panels, is generating approximately 3.3 megawatts of electricity daily, enough to power the campus round-the-clock.

“This project brings continuous 24-hour electricity to our institutions.

“It allows for increased academic activity, powers laboratories and libraries throughout the day and night, and improves living and learning conditions for both students and faculty,’’ he said.

The minister emphasised the economic ripple effect of the initiative, explaining how reliable electricity stimulates business within campuses.

“Any campus is a community by itself. With constant power supply, you unleash high economic activity,” he said.

The minister explained that the project was backed by the Renewable Infrastructure Fund established by President Tinubu, to support infrastructure development across sectors.

He, therefore, challenged vice chancellors of universities on innovative and creative ways of sustaining the project, noting that before 2027, every tertiary institution would have renewable energy generation.

On his part, the Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, said that the phases 1, 2, and 3 of the project have so far impacted over 600,000 students and 50,000 academic staffers.

Aliyu said that the project had also generated over 100 megawatts of electricity to power university campuses and teaching hospitals.

He said the initiative, implemented through multiple phases, had already brought solar mini-grid infrastructure to 24 federal universities across the country.

“What you are seeing here is one of our interventions in the education sector, and the aim is to ensure that universities have a sustainable and affordable electricity supply,” he said.

In addition to educational institutions, he said the Universal Public Health Project, part of phase 2, had successfully delivered clean energy to two universities and two teaching hospitals.

He added that the Phase 3, which includes electrification of eight more universities and one additional teaching hospital, is near completion and set to be commissioned in the coming two months.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the eight new beneficiary institutions include: Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Federal University, Wukari, Taraba state.

Others are Federal University Dutse, University of Benin, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and University of Lagos. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Rare New Zealand snail filmed for first time laying egg from its neck
Foreign

Rare New Zealand snail filmed for first time laying egg from its neck

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The strange reproductive habits of a large, carnivorous New Zealand snail were once shrouded in mystery.

Now footage of the snail laying an egg from its neck has been captured for the first time, the country’s conservation agency said on Wednesday.

What looks like a tiny hen’s egg is seen emerging from an opening below the head of the Powelliphanta augusta snail, a threatened species endemic to New Zealand.

The video was taken at a facility on the South Island’s West Coast.

A place where conservation rangers attempted to save the species from extinction have cared for a population of the snails in chilled containers for nearly two decades.

The conditions in the containers mimic the alpine weather in their only former habitat a remote mountain they were named for, on the West Coast of the South Island being engulfed by mining work. (AP/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Cecilia Odey/Ekemini Ladejobi

Edo speaker explains reason for defecting to APC
Politics

Edo speaker explains reason for defecting to APC

243 total views today

By Nefishetu Yakubu

The Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Mr Blessing Agbebaku, has explained reasons behind his defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to him, he defected to retain the benefits of the speakership seat for the development of his constituency.

Agbebaku said this while officially informing members of the House of his defection to APC during plenary on Wednesday in Benin.

“Distinguished members, I want to formally let this House know that yesterday, the Speaker of this House, Blessing Agbebaku, defected to the APC.

“For me, this is not about party allegiance but rather about the growth, progress and development of my area.

“As a speaker, if I throw away this position because of the party; the position that would enhance development in my area, it means that I am not ready to serve my people,” he said.

He added that his constituents were in support of his decision, citing ongoing developmental projects in Owan West Constituency initiated by Gov. Monday Okpebholo.

“On that note, I took that decision, and I think to a large extent, my people are happy about it.

“I spoke about some of the projects the governor has taken to my area yesterday, and the people of Owan West are very happy,” he said.

Agbebaku emphasised that his defection was not driven by personal gains but by a commitment to the welfare of those who elected him.

“Politics is all about interest, but not my interest, but the interest of my people that gave me the mandate to be here today,” he added.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the unity within the House, noting that there was need to also have opposition in the Assembly.

He pledged that the House would continue to work together for the interest of Edo people.

The speaker concluded by downplaying party lines within the Assembly saying “to me, there is no party in this House”.

“We are all working with the governor to take the state to the next level so that the people will enjoy the dividends of democracy; so, the issue of party affiliations should not arise.

Meanwhile, a bill for a law to establish St. Mathews Royal College of Nursing Science Edenu-Irrua, Esan Central, passed through second reading after debate for its passage. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

FG ban on foreign goods, testament to re-engineering economy – CSO
General News

FG ban on foreign goods, testament to re-engineering economy – CSO

218 total views today

By Ikenna Osuoha
Initiative for Leadership Development and Change (ILDC), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), says the Federal Government’s ban on foreign goods is a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to re-engineering Nigeria’s economy.

Chief Ugochukwu Nnam, President ILDC, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently banned the procurement of foreign goods or services by Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)

The initiative tagged “Nigeria First Policy,” is aimed at strengthening the country’s economy by prioritising locally manufactured goods and services.

Nnam noted that the policy was key to rescuing Nigeria’s shrinking economy from collapsing.

He also said that the policy would stimulate the micro and macro industries in the country and improve the economy.

He expressed optimism that the policy would not only boost the national economy but promote local content.

He lauded the policy and described President Tinubu as a leader with overwhelming love for Nigeria and her progress.

“This is a win-win policy for our local industrialists like Dangote, Innoson and even the upcoming ones.

“This policy will guarantee patronage for their products at least from MDAs and as such increase the country’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

“I salute Tinubu’s transformational courage, because he has shown capacity in leadership unlike his predecessors.

“Tinubu is the only President that practically wants Nigeria to produce what she uses and use what she produces.

“Now that government agencies are directed to only patronise our local manufacturers, there will be job creation and financial security,” he said.

The ILDC President reaffirmed the commitment of his CSO to supporting people- oriented policies of President Tinubu for sustainable development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Deborah Coker

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