Page 237 – NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Folashade Adeniran
Apr, Wed, 2025

Guinness Nigeria marks 75 years of purpose, innovation

302 total views today

By Taiye Olayemi

Guinness Nigeria Plc says it is prioritising increased connection, purpose and impact, especially following the recent change in majority shareholding and as it celebrates its 75th anniversary.

Its Managing Director, Mr Girish Sharma, who disclosed the focus in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, said that this promises greater local agility and innovation for the company.

On the milestone, Sharma reflected on Guinness Nigeria’s 75-year heritage, dating back to its establishment in 1950 and the opening of its pioneering Lagos brewery in 1962.

“Guinness Nigeria has evolved into more than a company. It has become a national treasure, woven into the fabric of Nigerian culture through the generations.

“From its iconic brands to its enduring values, the company has become a symbol of resilience, quality and shared celebration.

“This milestone is not just a celebration of how far we’ve come, it’s a tribute to the people who have built this legacy with us.

“From distributors and farmers to consumers and employees, this company has been shaped by thousands of hands and hearts.

“As we step into this new chapter, our focus is clear: we are building for more; more connection, more purpose, more impact.

“We remain rooted in our purpose of celebrating life every day, everywhere; and the next 75 years and beyond begin with that same bold spirit.”

Sharma reaffirmed the company’s legacy of social impact and community development.

According to him, the company’s long-standing Guinness Eye Centres in Lagos and Onitsha sponsor free eye surgeries to restore sight and improve lives.

“This initiative builds on Guinness Nigeria’s enduring commitment to healthcare, safe water access, education and uplifting communities across the country.

“Guinness Nigeria has consistently championed purposeful progress, investing in people, communities and the future.

“Through our Water of Life programme, the company has provided access to clean drinking water for over 500,000 Nigerians.

“Its Plan-W initiative has empowered over a thousand women with entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills, while the Guinness Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme is helping bright students across the country pursue quality education.

“For over 20 years, its partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has driven national awareness around responsible drinking and road safety,” he said.

The managing Director said that since the 1980s, the company had pioneered the use of locally sourced sorghum in the production of its brands, empowering farmers.

According to him, it is also reducing dependence on imports, long before local sourcing became standard practice.

Sharma said to commemorate the milestone, the company is rolling out a series of activities.

He said the activities included the launch of a commemorative 75th-anniversary documentary, limited-edition bottles, a nationwide consumer promo, and staff-focused celebrations such as an interdepartmental football tournament and parties across its Lagos, Benin, and field locations.

He explained that the anniversary also marked a new era for the company following the recent change in majority shareholding.

“This transition is already unlocking opportunities for greater local agility, deeper supply chain investment, and accelerated innovation, while reinforcing Guinness Nigeria’s identity as a proudly Nigerian company operating with global standards.

“Guinness Nigeria is stronger, more agile, and more ambitious than ever.

“We are not just celebrating a legacy; we are preparing for the future. This is a company built on trust, quality, and purpose. And we’re just getting started,” Sharma said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

NGEP urges gas reticulation in buildings

Muhyideen Jimoh
Apr, Tue, 2025

General News

NGEP urges gas reticulation in buildings

244 total views today

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) has called on stakeholders to promote the integration of gas reticulation systems in estates, districts, and industrial areas, following best practices seen in developed countries.

Chairman of NGEP, Prof. Mohammed Ibrahim, made the call on Tuesday during the Builders’ Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), FCT Chapter, in Abuja.

The conference, themed “Gas Reticulation in Building: Design, Safety, Environmental Compliance and Prospects for Builders,” focused on enhancing energy infrastructure in Nigeria’s built environment.

Ibrahim noted that with Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves, gas reticulation offered a sustainable solution to improve energy accessibility, affordability, and reliability in homes and businesses.

“Gas reticulation in buildings presents a compelling pathway to a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient built environment.

“By prioritising sound design principles and ensuring strict adherence to safety and environmental standards, we can unlock the full potential of natural gas to drive progress,” he said.

He highlighted the key benefits of gas reticulation, including energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, versatility, and reliability.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, Samson Opaluwah, stressed the importance of capacity building for safe and efficient gas distribution.

He said this involved training engineers, technicians, and other professionals in system design, installation, and maintenance, while also strengthening regulatory frameworks and encouraging local innovation and manufacturing.

The Chairman of NIOB, FCT Chapter, Usman Okehi, emphasised the growing need to incorporate gas systems in residential, commercial, and industrial developments across Nigeria due to rising energy demands and gas availability.

According to him, with this advancement comes the need for strict adherence to design standards, rigorous safety protocols, and full environmental compliance.

“It is our responsibility as professionals and regulators to ensure these systems are functional, safe, and environmentally sound,” Okehi said.

He described the conference as a platform where stakeholders could explore the evolving landscape of gas infrastructure in building projects, share best practices, examine safety and environmental considerations, and assess future opportunities for builders in the sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Institute of Building is the professional body for builders in Nigeria. It traces its origins to the Builders’ Society, established in London in 1834.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Alake commends Abuja varsity for pioneering Africa’s first gemology dept

Muhyideen Jimoh
Apr, Tue, 2025

Education

Alake commends Abuja varsity for pioneering Africa’s first gemology dept

342 total views today

By Martha Agas

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has commended the establishment of Africa’s first Gemology and Gemstones Department at the Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.

Alake described the new department as a significant milestone in developing a formal curriculum for the sector, emphasising its role as a vital hub of knowledge for professionals in the gemstone and jewelry-making value chain.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday in Abuja, he highlighted the initiative’ s importance in repositioning the gemstone sector and mining industry at large.

“The initiative will strengthen Nigeria’s mining industry by cultivating a new generation of experts equipped to drive sectoral growth,” he said.

He pledged support for the initiative stating that it aligned with his strategic vision for enhanced capacity building within Nigeria’s mining sector.

The minister also expressed his commitment to support the department’ s request for affiliation with the Gemological Institute of Nigeria, and encouraged other institutions to emulate Yakubu Gowon University’s by incorporating mining-focused courses.

According to the minister, the government is also working toward establishing full-fledged universities dedicated to mining.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a delegation from the department, led by Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, had earlier visited the minister in in Abuja to seek support in securing formal affiliation between the university and the Gemological Institute of Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews)

Edited by Gabriel Yough

Buhari mourns Islamic scholar, Hadiyatullah

Ismail Abdulaziz
Apr, Tue, 2025

General News

Buhari mourns Islamic scholar, Hadiyatullah

357 total views today

Former President Muhammadu Buhari joins the nation in mourning the demise of Sheikh Abdul Rasheed Hadiyatullah,

This is contained in a statement by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The late Hadiyatullah was the President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN).

Hadiyatullah, also the founder and director of Sheikh Ibn Baz Shariah College of Nigeria in Iwo, Osun State, died on Monday at the age of 81.

Buhari described the late Muslim leader as a beacon of compassion, spiritual rectitude, and a true leader in Islam.

“My heart goes out to Muslims all over Nigeria mourning the death of the great Islamic shepherd who always sided with the truth and doing so with a great sense of humility.

“I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship and advice throughout my years in office as president, and well after that.

“He will be remembered for calling for peace at all times.

“May Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family and followers the fortitude to bear this loss.”

The deceased was born in Iwo, in Osun State and was a widely respected Islamic scholar and jurist.

He was known for his advocacy for the implementation of Shari’ah law within constitutional frameworks, interfaith dialogue, and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NBS releases first prices data compiled through crowdsourcing

Muhyideen Jimoh
Apr, Tue, 2025

General News

NBS releases first prices data compiled through crowdsourcing

243 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has released its first prices data, compiled through a groundbreaking crowd-sourcing initiative.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Folorunso Alesanmi, Head, Public Relations, NBS, issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the innovative approach to data collection marks a significant milestone in the NBS’s efforts, to provide timely and accurate statistical information to policymakers, researchers and the general public.

It said the crowd-sourcing initiative, which started several months ago, aimed to compile price data daily, from a wide range of sources, including open markets and supermarkets.

Other sources, it said, included neighbourhood shops, bulk and discount stores, street outlets and Large Shops.

The statement noted that data released today provided insights into prices of essential food items such as rice (local), beans (white), maize (white), garri, yam and others, commonly consumed by Nigerians, while offering a snapshot of daily food costs.

“The NBS plans to update this data daily, equipping entrepreneurs, policymakers and researchers with a valuable tool for tracking price movements and informing decision-making,” it stated.

The statement added that data collection was done in all the 36 states, the FCT and in all the Senatorial districts.

It noted that by leveraging the power of crowd-sourcing, the bureau was able to collect a vast amount of data that would help provide a more accurate picture of price movements in the economy.

The statement quoted Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation, as saying “we are thrilled to release our first prices data compiled through crowd-sourcing.

“This initiative represents a major step forward in our efforts to harness the power of technology and innovation to improve the quality and timeliness of our statistical data,”.

It added that the crowd-sourced data was accessible to the public through a dedicated public dashboard, where users could view, analyse and download the data in real time, further enhancing transparency and accessibility.

“The NBS crowd-sourcing initiative aims to modernise data collection, providing timely and accurate statistics.

“The bureau hereby invites citizens to participate by submitting price data and feedback to build a robust statistical system for a rapidly changing economy,”the statement said.

According to the statement, the NBS remain committed to ensuring the quality and accuracy of the data collected through crowd-sourcing.

“To this end, the agency has implemented a range of quality control measures, including data validation and verification processes, to ensure that the data is reliable and trustworthy,” it said.

It said the release of the crowd-sourced prices data, was a significant achievement for the NBS and demonstrated the agency’s commitment to innovation and collaboration.

“By working together with citizens and leveraging technology, the NBS can provide more timely and accurate statistical information that will help to drive economic growth and development,” it said.

However, the statement also said that the price data compiled through crowd-sourcing was not the same as the ones compiled for the Consumer Price Index(CPI).

“Prices data for CPI computation are collected on specific or predetermined outlets, every second and third week of the month.

“But, prices data collected via crowd-sourcing, are collected randomly from different respondents everyday.

“As we engage in this collaborative effort with the public, we welcome feedback from stakeholders that will propel us for improvement,” it stated.

The statement urged the public and other stakeholders to visit the NBS website at www.nigerianstat.gov.ng. for more information about the crowd-sourced prices data.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Vivian Ihechu

FG unveils revised National Migration Policy

Philip Daniel Yatai
Apr, Tue, 2025

Metro

FG unveils revised National Migration Policy

335 total views today

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), in collaboration with other development partners, has unveiled the revised 2025 National Migration Policy to address the evolving migration challenges in the country.

During the unveiling on Tuesday in Abuja, the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Mr Tijani Ahmed, emphasised that the policy aimed to strike a balance between the opportunities and risks associated with migration.

Ahmed explained that the revised policy would ensure Nigerian migration practices aligned with global standards, such as the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, reflecting the country’s commitment to international migration frameworks.

“This update marks a significant step toward modernising Nigeria’s migration governance, especially with the validation of the 2025 National Migration Policy.

“The policy, first adopted in 2015, has now been updated to address emerging migration realities, including economic shifts, conflict-driven displacement, and human trafficking.

“The review process was led by the NCFRMI and involved a 19-member Policy Review Committee, representing government agencies, civil society, academia, and international partners.

“The updated policy also responds to new challenges and is designed to offer practical solutions, ensuring its effectiveness in managing migration,” Ahmed stated.

Ahmed noted the importance of the integrated approach, which ensured that Nigeria’s policy was not only locally relevant but also aligned with global migration governance standards.

In his remarks, Dr Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, highlighted the policy’s focus on addressing the loss of skilled professionals, especially in healthcare.

Sununu stated that the policy would encourage “brain circulation” through partnerships between Nigerian and international universities.

“More than 1.4 million Nigerians have emigrated in recent years, with 51 per cent of them holding tertiary education credentials.

“Initiatives like transnational education agreements aim to retain academic and medical talent while fostering knowledge exchange,” he said.

Sununu further noted that the revised policy reflected Nigeria’s commitment to proactive migration management amid a rapidly changing global landscape.

“Once approved by the Federal Executive Council, the policy will see state governments, civil society, and international partners working together under a coordinated strategy.

“Education on the risks of irregular migration is crucial, as this has contributed to insecurity within the country.

“The document provides a holistic approach to addressing these issues and, when fully implemented, should significantly reduce irregular migration,” Sununu emphasised.

Sununu also touched on ongoing agricultural empowerment initiatives for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and partnerships aimed at delivering essential services such as healthcare and education.

He commended the NCFRMI’s leadership and the contributions of all stakeholders, stressing the government’s readiness to present the revised policy for adoption by the Federal Executive Council.

He underscored the importance of collaboration at all levels to ensure a coordinated, rights-based approach to migration, reintegration, and poverty reduction in Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Abiemwense Moru

Philip Daniel Yatai
Apr, Tue, 2025

Economy/Business

CAC gives businesses 6 weeks ultimatum to comply with registration requirements

404 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has given all businesses operating in Nigeria a six-week ultimatum to comply with the registration requirements of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020.

The Commission, in a circular issued on Tuesday in Abuja, said that after the ultimatum, it would take necessary action against erring offenders who fail to comply.

”This includes legal action, against any Company, Limited Liability Partnership, Limited Partnership or Business Name found operating without registration or under a name different from its registered identity.

“It is a criminal offence under Section 863 of CAMA to carry on business in Nigeria without proper registration, or to use a name or acronym other than that under which the entity is legally registered,” it said.

According to the statement, Section 729 of the Act mandates all registered entities to display their registered name and number outside every business location.

It said that this should also be displayed on all official publications, including letterheads, signage, marketing and publicity materials.

It also said that Section 862(1) of the Act imposed strict penalties on individuals who knowingly made false statements in any document required under the Act.

According to CAC, such offenders risk a two-year prison term and a daily fine for each day the infraction continues.

The commission therefore advised all business owners to take immediate steps to regularise their operations, stating that non-compliance would be met with swift enforcement actions. (NAN)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

FIRS inaugurates gender desk to boost equity, inclusive governance

Magdalene Ukuedojor
Apr, Tue, 2025

General News

FIRS inaugurates gender desk to boost equity, inclusive governance

289 total views today

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Tuesday inaugurated its Gender Desk and Women Network (WoN) to promote gender equity and inclusive governance.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Chairman, FIRS, Dr Zacch Adedeji, described the inauguration of the desk as a declaration of the service’s resolve to embed equity at the heart of its operations.

Adedeji, who was represented by Dr Dick Irri, the Coordinating Director, Medium and Government Taxpayers Group (M&GTG, FIRS) said the initiative would help to drive inclusive public service.

He said that it would position gender equality as a constitutional right, and as a strategic imperative in governance, especially within the Nigerian tax system.

“Today marks a pivotal milestone, not only in the evolution of our institution, but in reaffirming our national commitment to the ideals of gender equity and inclusive governance.

“As the Patron of the FIRS Women Network, I am deeply committed to this cause, not as a matter of courtesy, but as a fundamental pillar of effective
leadership and transformative service delivery.

“The establishment of the Gender Desk, WoN is a deliberate and strategic step towards mainstreaming gender considerations across all facets of our operations,” the executive secretary said.

He said that it would help in enhancing representation and improving outcomes for all Nigerians, men and women alike.

According to him, the inauguration aligns with the National Gender Policy, the Sustainable Development Goals; particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality); Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 17 (Partnerships).

“It also aligns with Nigeria’s global commitments under various international gender equity frameworks.

“Our mandate is clear: we must not only align in principle but lead in practice,” he said.

Adedeji called on all internal and external stakeholders to collaborate with FIRS in achieving its gender equality mandate.

He underscored the need to collaborate with the Ministers of Women Affairs, Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

He added that the collaboration was to urgently develop and implement a nationally recognised definition of women-owned and women-led businesses.

“This definition must be seamlessly integrated into our business registration and regulatory processes.

“Within FIRS, I hereby direct the immediate adoption of gender-disaggregated data collection, analysis, and reporting across the TaxProMax system and all relevant departments.

“This will better inform our policies and significantly enhance the inclusiveness and responsiveness of our tax administration,” he said.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the event as a defining moment, and a declaration that in Nigeria’s new story, gender equality was not a favour, but a necessity.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that the establishment of the desk was an imperative development, a cornerstone of sustainable progress.

She said that the inauguration was an act of strategic foresight.

The minister commended the FIRS boss for building an institution that understood that companies, agencies and countries that embraced gender equity were more innovative, more competitive, and more resilient.

“You are proving that fiscal systems are not just about revenue, but also about people, about dignity, about equity, about nation-building,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Deji Abdulwahab

53 teams battle in 2nd FCT minister Volleyball challenge

Muhyideen Jimoh
Apr, Tue, 2025

Sports

53 teams battle in 2nd FCT minister Volleyball challenge

295 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

No fewer than 53 male and female teams are set to do battle in the 2025 Minister of the FCT Volleyball challenge.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highly anticipated season 2 of the grassroots Volleyball tournament will spike-off at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B, Abuja from April 30 to May 4.

James Pindar, Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the tournament, stated this at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that 33 clubs comprising 32 men and 21 women FCT teams will feature in the “Abuja Volleyball Challenge’

Pindar, who is also the Chairman of the FCT Volleyball Caretaker Committee, said that the tournament aims at engaging, discovering and nurturing volleyball talents for the national teams.

“This competition is targeted at positively engaging the youths and identifying talented volleyball players and develop their capacity to be able to play at both National and International levels.

“Other objectives include sensitising and engaging the youths in volleyball activities within the FCT in view of the security challenges in the country.

“The volleyball challenge is also our contribution in support of national youths development and national Security,” he said.

Pindar explained that the vision of the organisers is to be able to select standing volleyball teams at different age grade levels for the FCT.

“Our vision for this year is to select players at three layers (under 17, 21 and senior team).

“These teams would constitute standing volleyball teams in the male and female categories that would be capable of representing the FCT as a State, and the Federation in all volleyball competitions,” he said.

The chairman said that apart from the tournament, the organisers have also lined up competitions such as the ‘Catch Them Young’ U-17 FCT Volleyball Challenge slated for September.

He said there would also be the FCT Beach Volleyball Challenge and a sensitisation seminar for players, referees and coaches slated for November.

Pindar urged Abuja residents to troop out to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium to watch the best of raw talents and intense volleyball competition in the FCT.

He said that all 53 teams will be given participating grants, trophies for overall winners, medals and cash prizes for teams finishing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, individual awards for outstanding players (male and female).

NAN reports that some of the participating teams include defending champions Karu United VC (men), Scorpiion Spikers (women).

Others are Rockstars VC club Karu, Satellite Spikers, Suleja, NY Spikers Nyanya,, Super Spikers, Lugbe, Defense Spikers, Mogadishu barracks, Gallant Spikers Kubwa, AFC VC club Apo, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Ismail Abdulaziz
Apr, Tue, 2025

Health

SGBV: Women Affairs ministry, foundation partner to enhance healthcare services

313 total views today

By Justina Auta

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMoWA) has partnered with Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), an NGO, to enhance Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) healthcare services for survivors nationwide.

The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted WARIF’s expertise in establishing and operating Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).

“The initiative aims to provide survivors with immediate access to professional, compassionate, and comprehensive care.

“The partnership will focus on capacity building for healthcare providers, case managers, and frontline responders, as well as drive policy reforms, survivor-centered service delivery, and nationwide awareness on SGBV.”

Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that strong partnerships were crucial in creating systemic change to address SGBV.

Dr Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, Founder and President of WARIF, reiterated their commitment to bringing expertise to the partnership, particularly through its health pillar and pioneering work in establishing SARCs.

The WARIF founder added that he partnership aimed to reduce SGBV cases and ensure survivors had access to healthcare services to cope with trauma.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Abiemwense Moru