NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
War against cybercrime, unethical online behaviour yielding fruits–FG
Science & Tech

War against cybercrime, unethical online behaviour yielding fruits–FG

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Federal Government says its programmes aimed at creating incentives to discourage cybercrime and unethical online behaviour is yielding positive results.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said this on Monday in Abuja during a news conference ahead of the National Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja.

He said the conference was expected to lend support to the successes already recorded in sanitising the online space.

The conference, Inuwa said, would be hosted jointly by NITDA in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) QNA, a Dubai-based event company, among other partners.

Expected to hold between July 7 and 10, Inuwa said the conference would have its theme as: “Building a Resilient Digital Future.’’

Inuwa said that with evolving digital world, there was need for urgent cybersecurity measures.

“The digital age has brought incredible opportunities for innovation and economic growth. However, it has also created serious cybersecurity challenges.

“By 2025, global cybercrime damages are projected to reach 10.5 trillion dollars annually, a sharp increase from three trillion dollars in 2015.

“In Nigeria, the emergence of sophisticated cyber-attacks, often powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) highlights the urgent need for robust preventive measures.

“Focusing on equipping the nation’s youth with skills in technology and digital innovation can harness their talents for positive contributions,’’ he said.

Inuwa called on young people to leverage governments’ opportunities and use the cyberspace positively.

He said the conference would feature Cybersecurity Excellence Awards, to encourage individual and institutional contributions to protecting the integrity of the nation’s cyber space.

Mr Saad Abubakar, National Cybersecurity Coordinator, ONSA, said that addressing issues of cybersecurity required public-private partnership.

“You will realise that our children and elders are not protected online; 50 per cent goes on cyberbullying, cyber sextortion and the rest.

“If we can provide these online services, we should also channel the energy into securing our cyberspace,’’ he said.

Earlier, Mr Mohammed Lawal, Director, Cybersecurity Department, NITDA said that embracing digital transformation needed strengthening digital infrastructure resilience. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

JDPC rehabilitates 135 houses, constructs 90 VIP latrines in Plateau
Religious

JDPC rehabilitates 135 houses, constructs 90 VIP latrines in Plateau

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By Patience Aliyu

The Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of Catholic Archdiocese of Jos and Pankshin Diocese have rehabilitated 135 houses for victims of attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau.

Ms. Benedicta Daber, the Coordinator of JDPC Jos, disclosed this during the closing meeting of its project tagged “Plateau Emergency Response in Bokkos LGA” in Jos.

She specifically said that the rehabilitated houses were the ones destroyed during the 2023 Christmas eve attacks in the locality.

Daber said that the project was supported by the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) and funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

She further said that JDPC had also constructed 90 Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines and upgraded nine hand-pump boreholes with solar facilities under the ten months-old project.

“Under the project, we also supported 224 farmers with modern farm inputs to boost both wet and dry season farming.

“We also donated hygiene kits to 200 women in the locality,” she said.

Speaking, Bishop Michael Gokum of Pankshin Catholic Diocese, thanked JDPC and CRS for providing succour to his people.

Represented by Rev. Fr. Paul Watpe, the Vicar General of the diocese, Gokum decried the spate of insecurity in some parts of the diocese.

He particularly called on the government and the security agencies to intensify efforts towards curbing the menace.

“Our diocese consists of five Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Bokkos is among the LGAs experiencing consistent attacks and wanton destruction of lives and property.

“But we are grateful to JDPC, CRS and the funders for this timely intervention; it has brought succour to our people.

“We want to call on the government and the security agencies to put measures in place to address the rising security challenges in our dear state.

“Our people are suffering and something needs to be done urgently,” he said.

Mr Wilson Kipkoech, the Emergency Coordinator of CRS- Nigeria, said that the project aimed at restoring dignity and strengthening community resilience towards sustainable recovery in the locality.

On his part, Mr Danjuma Rafan, the District Head of Mbar, whose subjects benefitted from the intervention, also commended JDPC and CRS for the gesture.

He said that the gesture had made significant impact on the lives of his people, particularly in the areas of shelter and improved access to clean water.

“This intervention is massive; it has made majority of the displaced families to return to their original homes.

“Our people are largely farmers, so, the farm inputs will go a long way to support their farming activities.

“With the latrines and functional solar-powered boreholes, the issue of open defecation will soon be a thing of the past in Bokkos,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Polycarp Auta

NAF airstrikes kill  20 terrorists in Zamfara
Defence/Security

NAF airstrikes kill  20 terrorists in Zamfara

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has eliminated no fewer than 20 armed terrorists and destroyed over 21 motorcycles during an air interdiction operation on May 31 in Zamfara.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Monday, said the operation was carried out in the general area south of Mai-Galma in Maru Local Government Area,

Ejodame said the operation was aimed at halting a planned large-scale attack on vulnerable communities by armed bandits.

He said that intelligence received indicated that a significant number of terrorists were massing and preparing to strike unsuspecting settlements.

According to him, further intelligence confirmed that the bandits had killed some farmers and abducted a number of civilians, including women and children.

“Consequently, NAF aircraft under Operation FANSAN YAMMA was immediately dispatched on armed reconnaissance and possible rescue mission.

“On arrival at the area, over 30 motorcycles carrying armed terrorists heading into the nearby forest were positively identified.

“On sighting the aircraft, the terrorists opened fire, prompting a precision engagement that led to the destruction of several motorcycles and the neutralisation of dozens of terrorists.

“Ground forces were immediately mobilised to exploit the situation.

“They confirmed the destruction of enemy assets and the neutralisation of over 20 terrorists,” he said.

Ejodame said that two local vigilantes lost their lives and two others sustained injuries in the course of the operation.

He said NAF deeply regrets the loss of those brave vigilantes, adding that it remains committed to working with local communities to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

According to him, efforts are ongoing to track and rescue the kidnapped villagers who were taken into the adjoining forest.

“The NAF reiterates that all its operations are guided by strict rules of engagement, adherence to humanitarian law as well as the NAF Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMRAP), which emphasises the protection of innocent lives even in the face of hostile engagements.

“As investigations continue, the NAF assures the public that all necessary measures are taken to protect civilians while intensifying pressure on criminal elements threatening peace in the region,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Fire fighters quell inferno in Ogbete Main Market, Enugu
Metro

Fire fighters quell inferno in Ogbete Main Market, Enugu

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By Stanley Nwanosike

Fire Fighters from the Enugu State Fire Service have quelled an inferno in a foam-ladened packing store within Ogbete Main Market, Enugu on Monday.

The Director of the Service, Chief Okwudili Ohaa, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Enugu.

He said the swift response of the state fire service prevented the fire which started around 1.20pm from spreading to other parts of the market.

According to him, within five minutes of receiving the distress call from the Chairman of Enugu North LGA, Dr Ibenaku Onoh, and other concerned citizens at about 1:25 p.m., we arrived the scene.

“In less than 10 minutes battling the raging fire with our officers attached to the Ogbete Main Market Fire Station, those from our headquarters in Ogui, market vigilante/security group; we contained the fire from the store where it started.

“The packing store is on top of the usual shops. So, no trading shop was affected.

“No life was lost. The valuables destroyed were few foams,” he noted.

Ohaa thanked the LG Chairman and other citizens for their swift call as well as other organisations and individuals that contributed to the extinguishing of the fire.

He attributed the cause of the inferno to probably electrical surge, adding; “We discovered crowded electrical wiring in the affected packing store.”

Ohaa, however, urged the authority of the market to restore the original master plan of the market, which made provision for a free access way into the market.

“As I speak to you, the fire truck of the market provided by the state government is at the headquarters since there is no space to park it in the market.

“And if you park the truck in the market, there is no access route for it to move swiftly as traders’ wares occupy large portion of the major access routes in the market,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

JEE report rates FCT high on immunisation coverage  
Health

JEE report rates FCT high on immunisation coverage  

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Joint External Evaluation (JEE) Report, an Assessment of Health Security Capacities at sub-national level has rated FCT high on immunisation coverage.

Ms Nsikak Inman, Senior Officer, International Health Regulation (IHR), revealed this at the Dissemination of the FCT JEE Report, in Abuja on Monday.

Presenting the report, Inman said that the FCT was rated high on vaccination coverage as part of a state-level programme, as well as vaccine access and delivery.

She added that FCT equally did well in the surveillance system and reporting network and protocol under surveillance and reporting.

She, however, added that the Administration needs to improve on use of electronic tools and surveillance data analysis.

Other areas of strength include case management capacity for health security related events and Emergency Operations Centres capacities, procedures and plans.

Inman also said that best practices observed during the assessment include multi-sectoral representation and participation, transparency, commitment and state ownership.

Others, she said, were available human resource strategy and annual human resource gap analysis.

She however identified some gaps that need to be addressed, particularly suboptimal collaboration across relevant sectors and secretariat departments and agencies.

“There are also inadequate policies, strategies, guidelines and plans to improve health security in FCT.

“Inadequate laboratory capacity should also be addressed while budget allocation for epidemic preparedness should include animal and environmental sectors,” she said.

She explained that the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in its capacity as the IHR National Focal Point, supported state governments in assessing and identifying gaps in the health security core capacities.

She added that working with the FCT Administration, the assessment was conducted from Feb. 19 to 21, 2024, using the adapted evaluation tool for the assessment of subnational level health security capacities.

She equally said that the benchmarks for strengthening subnational health security in Nigeria to validate the self-assessment.

Earlier, the Director-General, NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, said that dissemination of the report marks a new beginning in the renewed commitments to building a stronger, more resilient health security system for the FCT.

Represented by Dr Fatima Saleh, Director, Surveillance NCDC, said that the FCTA has shown ownership and leadership, vital for a collective health security.

“The JEE is a critical component of the IHR 2005 monitoring and evaluation framework, which provides clear evidence of the strength, the gaps in our public health preparedness and response capabilities.

“It is not an end in itself; but a tool for action, a mirror that reflects where we stand today and a map that guides us where we must go,” he said.

Responding, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, welcomed the reports and reiterated the FCTA’s commitment to do better.

Fasawe, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Baba-Gana Adam, noted that the indicators of the reports would help the FCTA to plan on how to improve on areas of weakness.

“So, we assure you that by our next report, you will see the action plan that will be done, and evidence provided to deliver and improve on our health security capabilities,” she said.

Also, the FCT Epidemiologist, Dr Lawal Ademola, emphasised that the FCT has the capacity to detect, respond, and prevent all public health concerns.

“The JEE is just a tool that is used globally to assess our strength so that we can see the gaps and work together to strengthen where those gaps are,” he said.

Speaking on the FCT performance on immunisation coverage, Dr Ruqayya Wamako, Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Healthcare Development Board, attributed the feats to the emphasis on disease prevention in the FCT,

Wamako said that the most diseases were vaccine preventable as the first level of defence, stressing that “when children are well immunised, they won’t have diseases that are vaccine preventable”. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

TEXEM congratulates Sanni on FrieslandCampina WAMCO appointment
General News

TEXEM congratulates Sanni on FrieslandCampina WAMCO appointment

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By Kayode Adebiyi

TEXEM, UK, a global thought leader in executive development, has congratulated Yinka Sanni on his appointment as chairman of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, the nation’s foremost dairy company.

 

This is contained in a statement by Dr Alim Abubakre, Founder of TEXEM, UK, on Monday in Abuja.

 

Abubakre described the appointment as a testament to his exceptional leadership pedigree, dedication to impact and commitment to legacy building.

 

He said that with a distinguished career spanning decades in financial services, including key leadership roles at Stanbic IBTC and the Standard Bank Group, Sanni has consistently exemplified the highest standards of strategic foresight, operational excellence, resilience, and purposeful leadership.

 

“Yinka Sanni is a lodestar of purpose-driven leadership—an exemplar of how resilience, strategic learning, and an unwavering focus on impact can transform institutions, inspire communities, and shape enduring legacies,” Abubakre said.

 

He added that as WAMCO navigates a rapidly evolving economic and social landscape, Sanni’s deep commitment to learning, attention to detail, and sacrificial service positions him to steer the organisation towards greater innovation, sustainability, and national relevance.

 

The TEXEM founder commended Sanni not only for his appointment but for his unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive growth, mentoring emerging leaders, and driving long-term value for all stakeholders.

 

“We encourage him to continue making a positive difference and shaping futures—just as he always has.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Tinubu’s energy sector reforms driving economic growth- Abdullahi
General News

Tinubu’s energy sector reforms driving economic growth- Abdullahi

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By Emmanuel Mogbede

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director- General, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), says President Bola Tinubu-led administration is driving sustainable development and economic growth through advancements in the energy sector.

 

Abdullahi said this at a dinner in Abuja organised by some Nigerians within and outside the country to celebrate the mid-term of the Tinubu-led government.

 

The event with the theme: “Two Years of Impact: Honouring Mr President and the Voices of Renewed Hope”, was attended by APC chieftains, government appointees and State Governments representatives among others.

 

The ECN DG, while speaking on the administration’s solarisation initiatives, said that the Tinubu was not relenting on his oars to make the country better for all.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that solarisation refers to the process of exposing something to sunlight or solar energy, which is in line with the energy transition of the administration.

 

He highlighted the administration’s strides in driving sustainable development and economic growth through its solarisation initiative.

 

Abdullahi explained that under the solarisation initiative, all tertiary institutions, universities and primary healthcare centres across the country would be solarised.

 

He said the commission was already in talks with one of the largest solar panel production companies in the world to set up a solar panel factory in Nigeria to start production.

 

“The solarisation project is going to be across every state of the federation, not just Abuja alone, it is going to be done in all universities and tertiary institutions.

 

“This hasn’t been in the news because we don’t like speaking too much, we like being in action,” the DG said.

 

 

He particularly applauded Tinubu’s solarisation drive, adding that Nigeria was taking the right place in the global stage.

 

He also commended the presidency and the Voices of Renewed Hope for their visionary leadership and dedication to meaningful change across the country.

 

‘’It has been a very, very wonderful two years and I am very grateful being the DG and Chief Executive of the Energy Commission of Nigeria.

 

“There had been so many transformations, particularly in the energy sector that I am,” he said.

 

The DG called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Tinubu-led administration and the 2027 re-election bid of the president, saying one good turn deserves another.

 

He maintained that the administration had the roadmap to set Nigeria on a progressive pathway.

 

He said the commission had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Energy Engineering Corporation Ltd (CEEC) and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) to boost renewable energy infrastructure.

 

He said the agreement was a bold step aimed at addressing Nigeria’s long-standing energy challenges through strategic partnerships and innovation.

 

He explained that the MoU provided a framework for supporting state-level energy planning, expanding energy resource utilisation through solar, wind, and hydroelectric solutions, and developing green energy infrastructure.

 

Abdullahi said the partnership would also establish the Nigeria-China Renewable Energy Research Centre to foster technological innovation and human capacity development in renewable energy.

 

He added that the collaboration aligned with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which had already initiated transformative reforms in the power sector.

 

This, he added, included the constitutional amendment and the signing of the Nigerian Electricity Act 2023.

 

 

Mr Ade Omole, Chief host of the dinner and a former Director of the APC Diaspora Campaign Directorate, said that the event was about truth-telling and not mere praise singing.

 

Omole, also the  Convener of Renewed Hope Global said: “The Tinubu administration is not just counting years, but weighing its impact’’.

 

According to him, progress has not only emerged but endured under  Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration.

 

Dr Aliyu Modibo, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on General Duties, who represented Vice President Kashim Shettima, lauded Tinubu’s unparalleled commitment to ensuring a Nigeria where all interests were protected.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NSF crucial to discovering Cycling talent —–CFN President
Sports

NSF crucial to discovering Cycling talent —–CFN President

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By Aderonke Ojo

The President of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN), Giandomenico Massari, says the biennial National Sports Festival (NSF) is a vital platform for developing cycling and discovering new talents nationwide.

Massari said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that the festival promotes healthy competition among athletes and provides an opportunity for talent identification.

“The federation is concerned about performance assessment among junior male and female cyclists,”he said.

According to Massari, competition like the NSF is essential for athletes to showcase their skills and evaluate their performance levels.

“The event brings together cyclists from different regions, creating a platform for assessing abilities and discovering emerging talents.

“The NSF aligns with the CFN’s goals of nurturing and developing cycling talents.

“The participation of athletes from 17 states demonstrates growing interest and investment in the sport.

“I specially thank the state participating in cycling for giving an opportunity to their athletes to participate in cycling event.

“The event gave birth to new generations of cyclers that we need to nurture for future international encounters,”he said.

He praised the setup, where states sponsor their athletes, and the Ogun State government and NSF organizers handle logistical arrangements, supporting the growth of cycling.

“The competition is necessary to assess an athlete’s progress, alongside training.

” Participating in events like the NSF helps Nigerian cyclists grow and prepare for higher levels of competition.

NAN reports that the 22nd National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games was held in Ogun from May 16 to May 30.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Nigeria to host summit on boosting Africa’s green energy investment
Economy/Business

Nigeria to host summit on boosting Africa’s green energy investment

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By Martha Agas

Nigeria is to host the 4th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) to boost the continent’s natural resources through smart, cross-sector collaboration for sustainable growth.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake on Monday in Abuja.

According to Tomori, AFNIS, which will take place from July 14 to July 17, in Abuja is Africa’s leading platform for harnessing the continent’s abundant natural and energy resources to drive inclusive and sustainable economic development.

He said the fourth edition of the conference to hold in Abuja would facilitate trade and knowledge sharing, support the development of enabling policies for the natural resources sector, and highlight investment opportunities across the continent.

“The fourth edition of AFNIS will bring together visionaries, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders committed to unlocking the full potential of Africa’s natural wealth.

“This year’s summit themed brings together professionals in mining, energy, agriculture and finance alongside policy makers in these sectors, across the continent,

“This is aimed at developing bold solutions that will chart a pathway for sustainable growth through local innovation and collaboration, “he said.

He added that the 2025 summit would foster partnerships and attract investments to Nigeria, with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development expected to highlight reforms positioning the mining sector as a key driver of Nigeria’s industrial growth.

The four-day event ,he said, is with theme: `Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development`.

“This provides an opportunity for Nigeria to concretise partnerships that landed in multi-billion-dollar investment deals on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi 2023.

“Whilst also opening new vistas for expanded collaboration with Nigeria’s business community, “ he said.

According to him, a lithium processing plant will be unveiled at the summit, reflecting Alake’s push for local value addition, with the project expected to generate jobs, support technology transfer, and drive industrial growth.

NAN reports that AFNIS 2025 will bring together senior dignitaries from over 25 nations, along with executives from leading organisations such as the African Development Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), among others.

NAN also reports that the AFNIS 3rd edition in 2024, in Abuja also bought together key stakeholders from the mining, agriculture, finance, power, and energy sectors—both renewable and non-renewable to facilitate cross sectoral collaboration.

Building on the success of its predecessors, AFNIS 2025 continues the discourse initiated in 2022, where sustainable development of African natural resources was highlighted, and 2023, which delved into the need for a just and equitable transition towards a greener Africa.

The 2024 agenda underscored the pivotal role of Africa’s abundant natural resources in fuelling economic prosperity and empowering marginalised communities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

NTI to create study centres in 774 LGAs- Director
Education

NTI to create study centres in 774 LGAs- Director

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By Moses Kolo

The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) plans to establish study centres in all the 774 local government areas in Nigeria, according to its Director and Chief Executive, Prof. Sadiya Sani-Daura.

Sani-Daura disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna in a special interview to mark the two years anniversary of President Bola Tinubu.

The director said that these study centres would be fully equipped and adequately staffed so that they can function effectively.

“This move is part of our modest efforts to make NTI easily accessible by all Nigerians no matter their places of domicile.

“Already, we have state-of-the-art zonal and state centres and we will leverage on this feat to make the planned LGA centres succeed.”

According to Sani-Daura, the institute is fully committed to ensuring that all teachers in the country fully upgrade their capacities.

She added: ”Everybody can update and improve his or her capacity. We are out to ensure that all Nigerian teachers achieve this in no distant time.”

This, she said, was extremely imperative so that teachers in Nigeria would not lag behind, saying “this is to make them to be in tune with extant global trends in teaching and learning.

“The world has moved on, leveraging on emerging technologies, new teaching and learning methods, hence teachers in Nigeria must urgently catch up with the world.”

Meanwhile, Sani-Daura has vowed to make NTI the truly world-class teacher training institution that it ought to be in line with its statutory mandates.

To this effect, the director disclosed that it has since commenced the award of Degrees, Post-Graduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Education.

According to her, this is being done in affiliation with some Universities like ABU Zaria, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, University of Maiduguri and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, among others.

“Education is very critical to providing plausible solutions to practically all the seemingly formidable problems plaguing Nigeria.

“Yes, with proper attention given to the education sector at all levels, we will get solutions to all our problems including crimes and criminality.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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