Page 4 – News Agency of Nigeria

Ismail Abdulaziz
Sep, Tue, 2025

Association plans 2nd national artisan, technician exhibition

By Daniel Obaje

The Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) has unveiled plans for its second edition of the Exhibition and Fair (NATEF), scheduled to hold in Abuja from Sept. 23 to Sept. 27.

Mr Adeshina Akinyemi, National Coordinator of ASNAT, announced this at a briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

“If you recall around this time last year, we gathered together for the same purpose, to officially launch and invite the general public to the first Nigerian Artisan and Technician Exhibition and Fair, NATEF.

“Although the event was scheduled for three days, it was held for just one day due to national security issues, it was hailed as the best and biggest event by artisan and technician groups in Africa.

“Based on that success, today we gather to officially unveil the second edition of NATEF, Abuja 2025, a platform dedicated to promoting skill development, craftsmanship, national unity and mutual acceptance,” he said.

Akinyemi explained that the 2025 edition would be a five-day working exhibition at the Velodrome, National Stadium, Abuja, featuring onsite service delivery, artisans products, skills display, workshops, hands-on training, networking opportunities, cultural showcases and skill development sessions.

He added that in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on CNG (PICNG), over 100 petrol-powered vehicles would be converted to CNG free of charge during the exhibition.

“We urge all stakeholders, including state governors and lawmakers to support NATEF by sponsoring local artisans and technicians.

”This event will showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, promote cross-cultural understanding and foster business opportunities for local artisans and technicians”

Also speaking, Mr Bari Moses, National Secretary of ASNAT, said the fair was more than just an exhibition but also a national call for recognition of artisans contribution to the country’s economy.

“We expect every artisan in Nigeria to come out and even other stakeholders, especially development partners to also be part of this great event.

“It is an avenue for all artisans in Nigeria to exhibit, to showcase what they can do and to also create awareness for other Nigerians to patronise local artisans with what they are producing in Nigeria.

“It will improve the economic well-being of this country because if you check the national GDP, artisans contribute the highest portion of the GDP.”(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Harmonised identity system will strengthen governance, unlock opportunities—Tinubu

Tosin Kolade
Sep, Tue, 2025

Science & Tech

Harmonised identity system will strengthen governance, unlock opportunities—Tinubu

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

President Bola Tinubu says a harmonised national identity system will contribute enormously to the nation’s security and socio-economic development.

Tinubu said National Identity Number (NIN) had become a critical tool in promoting good governance, security and access to opportunities for Nigerians.

Tinubu spoke on Wednesday at the 7th `National Day of Identity Day’ commemorated by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Abuja.

The theme of this year’s edition is: `Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): Backbone to Digital Public Infrastructure’.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr George Akume, said NIN had proven to be a key that unlocks opportunities, strengthens governance, and builds trust.

“The benefits of a secure and trusted identity system are immense. For our economy, it means greater inclusion, better planning, and stronger financial systems.

“For security, it means accurate identification, reduced criminal exploitation, and more effective protection of our people.

“For governance, it means precision in policy implementation, accountability in service delivery, and confidence in government. For the citizen, it means empowerment, visibility, and access to opportunities,” he said.

Tinubu said without PKI, digital platforms would be insecure.

“Today, the NIN enables students to access educational loans through NELFUND, supports business registration at the Corporate Affairs Commission, and strengthens the operations of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

“It underpins accurate data collection by the National Population Commission, enhances the efficiency of our tax system through the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and safeguards the integrity of our elections through the Independent National Electoral Commission.

` It streamlines admission processes with JAMB and secures the mobilization and deployment of corps members through the National Youth Service Corps,’’ he said.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said identity management was critical in delivering on public accountability, adding that to achieve a success system required focus and dedication.

“It demands procurement transparency, continuous penetration testing, third party conformity assessments and clear market rules for Certificate Authorities and Registration Authorities.

“It also requires continuous diplomacy: mutual recognition agreements with other jurisdictions, participation in regional PKI fora and alignment with international standards bodies so that our signatures and certificates are accepted,” he said.

The Director-General, NIMC, Bisoye Coker-Odusote, said NIN supported by PKI, was a gateway to opportunities, security and dignity for every Nigerian.

“The NIMC’s work demonstrates that a secure, verified identity is the backbone of a digital public infrastructure,” she said.

The Director-General said there was need to strengthen collaborations, expand technological solutions, and continue leveraging the NIN and PKI to ensure that no Nigerian was left behind.

“Through continued partnerships with government agencies, the private sector, and our regional neighbors we will keep setting the pace for Africa,’’ she said. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Nigeria needs 0bn annual investments to hit middle-income status by 2050 — Minister

Tosin Kolade
Sep, Tue, 2025

Politics

Nigeria needs $100bn annual investments to hit middle-income status by 2050 — Minister

By EricJames Ochigbo

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, has said that Nigeria must attract at least 100 billion dollars investments annually to become a middle income country by 2050.

Bagudu made this statement on Tuesday at a one-day policy dialogue on “Deepening Legislative-Executive Synergy for Effective Economic Governance in Nigeria.

The event was organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja.

The minister explained that the agenda 2050 was not an over-ambitious plan, but a realistic pathway to prosperity.

He said that President Bola Tinubu had demonstrated that the dream was realisable and had taken risks never attempted in developing countries adding that the results were beginning to show.

According to him, the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu is a deliberate attempt to reverse years of weak fiscal capacity and systemic distortions.

He said that without bold choices and stronger synergy between the legislature and the executive, Nigeria risked falling further behind its peers in global economic competitiveness.

“We calculated and to achieve this objective, Nigeria requires at least 100 billion dollars investment per annum from both the private and public sectors.

“Agenda 2050 is structured into six medium-term plans, beginning with 2021–2025 and moving in five-year phases until 2050.

“As of June 2023, our revenue-to-GDP ratio stood at nine per cent, one of the lowest in the world, compared to the EU average of 31 per cent; that has now risen to 16 per cent due to recent reforms, but we are still punching below our weight,

“Brazil, a federation like Nigeria, has a federal budget of about 700 billion dollars, while ours is just 36 billion dollars.

“Japan, with roughly half of Nigeria’s population, spends more than 20 trillion dollars annually. These disparities explain why outcomes are inevitably different,” he noted.

Rep. Afam Ogene (LP-Anambra), said that such dialogue was needed to keep the polity running and that there was need to break it down for ordinary citizen to understand.

He said that the Nigeria was still grappling with 2024 budget implementation as at September 2025 and local contractors were protesting on the streets demanding payments for jobs done in 2024.

“A government that is not able to meet its obligation is bankrupt; in simple economics, budget is the supreme law for the year, made up of revenue and expenditure.

“Engagement must continue because secrecy in government is the incubation of corruption; we need to demand more explanation,” he said.

Earlier, the Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, said that the dialogue was convened to foster stronger alignment between legislative oversight and executive reform priorities.

Represented by the Director, Department of Legal Services, Dr Shauibu Danwanka, Sulaiman explained that Nigeria’s economic fragility manifested in high inflation, debt servicing pressures, currency volatility and weak growth.

The director-general explained that the economic situation of the country demanded a united front from both arms of government.

“The dialogue is not only about diagnosing problems, but also about providing actionable recommendations for building a resilient economic governance framework.

“The legislature must use its budgetary and oversight powers to reinforce reform implementation and safeguard accountability,” he added.

In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun commended the organisers of the dialogue that brought all relevant stakeholders together to discuss the way forward for the country’s economy.

Represented by the Commissioner of Police, Ms Mary Obasi, Egbetokun said that all hands must be on deck to salvage the economy of the country as continuous borrowing was not the way to go.

“We need to be committed to change the narrative so that Nigeria can regain her respect in the comity of nations.

“Let us know why the economy is not doing well, let us know the strategic measures to put in place, the roadmap to achieve what we need to achieve.

“Let us discuss what needs to be done to have a greater economy that will be sustainable,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

Exhibition to celebrate Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s legacy opens in Lagos

Folashade Adeniran
Sep, Tue, 2025

Culture & Tourism

Exhibition to celebrate Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s legacy opens in Lagos

By Folasade Adeniran

An exhibition designed to showcase the life, musical and enduring legacy of the late Afrobeats pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, will open in Lagos in October.

The exhibition, with the theme “Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion”, is organised by Whitespace Creative Arts (AWCA) Foundation, with support from the French Embassy in Nigeria, the Kuti family and Ecobank.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 10-week cultural programme will run from Oct. 12 to Dec. 28, featuring a rich blend of archives, music, cinema, talks, workshops, fashion and youth engagement.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos, Mr Laurent Favier, Consul-General of the French Embassy in Lagos, said France was honoured to support a high-quality tribute to Fela.

“France has always been a heartland for Fela Kuti, supporting not only his music but also his activism.

“In the 1980s, he struck a chord with the times and fascinated the French press, which was the first to talk about the ‘Fela phenomenon’.

“These ties continue with his talented family; Femi, Seun, Made, and others,” Favier said.

He explained that the exhibition was originally conceived by the Philharmonie de Paris – Cité de la Musique in 2022 and curated by French and Nigerian experts.

According to him, the Paris edition drew wide acclaim, attracting 60,000 visitors within a month.

“It was a true exercise in collective and intercultural intelligence, which enriched this Lagos edition.

“With more archives, resources and the strong involvement of the Kuti family, the experience promises to be even more dynamic,” he said.

Favier added that the project reflects France’s broader cultural cooperation with Nigeria, built on mutual respect and equal partnership.

In her remarks, Ms Onoshiokhue Ako, Project Lead, Culture Producer, Afrobeat Rebellion, said the exhibition seeks to create a cohesive experience that resonates across generations.

“For us, Afrobeat Rebellion is more than an exhibition.

“It is a living season of culture. We designed it tobridge generations: from the children creating in the Young Rebels’ Corner to the elders who remember Fela firsthand, and everyone in between.

“We thank the Philharmonie de Paris for their deep reverence for Fela’s music. They pioneered this significant cultural exhibition, which has now expanded into what we have here.

“To Ecobank, our host and home for three months, we are grateful. You stand as a true African centre, a home and a symbol of the continent’s cultural and economic ambition,” she said.

Ako also appreciated the Kuti family for their invaluable support and contributions to the project.

Speaking on the essence of reimagining the exhibition, curator and founder of June Creative Art Advisory, Seun Alli, said that Fela was too often reduced to a handful of catchphrases and uninformed stories.

Ali said these included songs like “Zombie” and “Water No Get Enemy,” the Kalakuta fire, his marriage to 27 women, or the unfounded claim that he performed on stage in his underwear.

“Curating Afrobeat Rebellion in Lagos is a deliberate refusal of this flattening.

“It aims to reposition Fela not merely as a musician or rebel, but as a public intellectual whose music and philosophy are deeply intertwined with Africa’s social, political, and intellectual histories.”

Alli said that Fela’s work was never just style or spectacle, but rather catalyst of revolt and hope, the soundtrack for those living under oppression, corruption, and the daily failures of power.

“Nearly three decades after his passing, it remains a profound mystery how Abami Eda’s philosophy continues to resonate so powerfully across all facets of our shared human experience,” she said.

Omoboye Odu, Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations of Ecobank, said: “Hosting Afrobeat Rebellion at EPAC is a statement of pride in Africa’s creative power and resilience.

“Fela’s legacy is Nigerian; it is African, and it belongs to the world. We are honoured to provide the stage for this historic homecoming.”

Fela’s son, Femi Kuti, appreciated the organisers for honouring his father.

“We are glad that Fela is still recognised, appreciated, and honoured. As the years went by, people still understood what he stood for,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

NAN MD calls for unity of purpose at Global South Forum

Ismail Abdulaziz
Sep, Tue, 2025

Foreign

NAN MD calls for unity of purpose at Global South Forum

By Nana Musa

Malam Ali M. Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has called for unity of purpose to achieve the developmental aims of the Global South Forum.

Ali stated this at the meeting of the Global Media Think Tank Forum with the theme ‘’Coordinating Development, Igniting Growth: Global South on the Rise’’ in Kunming, China.

‘’As we navigate the complexities of our diversity, we must recognise that our nations are bound by a shared quest – the pursuit of dignity, equity, and sustainable development in a rapidly evolving world.

‘’Our differences, far from being liabilities, constitute the very fabric of our collective strength,’’ Ali said.

He said that the world’s attention has been drawn to the ascendancy of the Global South with its vast and vibrant tapestry of nations, cultures, and peoples.

Ali added that the forum’s combined resources was its greatest asset needed in reshaping the world order through equity, justice and more prosperity.

‘’Africa’s burgeoning youth, Asia’s innovative prowess, Latin America’s agricultural abundance, and the Middle East’s strategic nexus – each thread in this rich brocade contributes to a majestic narrative of collective potential.

‘’The Global South, erstwhile perceived as a realm of dependency and marginalisation, now emerges as a shining exemplar of resilience, driving the hopes and aspirations of humanity’s most critical mass.

‘’Regional bodies such as the African Union, ASEAN, MERCOSUR, BRICS, and the Non-Aligned Movement serve as vital catalysts for our development goals and aspirations,’’ he said.

Ali said that the possibilities of the bloc was endless with the synergy of Africa’s youthful dynamism, Asia’s technological innovation, Latin America’s agricultural richness, and the Middle East’s strategic connectivity.

‘’As we stand at the cusp of this new era, I urge us to harness our collective resolve, to amplify our voices, and to forge a united front.

‘’Together, we can create a world more equitable, more just, and more prosperous for all.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Age verification vital for child online protection — Official

Tosin Kolade
Sep, Tue, 2025

Science & Tech

Age verification vital for child online protection — Official

By Jessica Dogo

The National Cybersecurity Coordinator, Office of the National Security Advisor, Sa’ad Abubakar, says that age verification is a potential solution for online child protection.

Sa’ad said this at a roundtable focused on identifying and addressing harmful online contents, particularly around Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a event was organised by Centre for Analytics and Behavioral Change (CABC), supported by TikTok.

Sa’ad said that the need for effective protection measure was paramount, looking at the challenges of vast majority of children in online activities.

According to him, it is very important to start discussing how to protect children’s online engagements at the government level, at the civil society level and at the parental level.

“These kids have to understand the kind of information they are to share online.

“They have to understand the kind of policies that are there for their age and the need for the platform owners to bring on timely guidelines,” he said.

He said one crucial aspect of protecting children online was to educate them about the potential risks and consequences of their online activities.

The Coodinator also said that the children needed to understand the kind of information they could safely share online and how to navigate the online world responsibly.

He called on platform owners to develop and implement guidelines that would ensure children’s safety and well-being, adding that they have a major role to play in protecting children online.

Earlier, Dr Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Community Engagement, North Central Region, said working with government agencies like the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) could strengthen privacy control.

Essiet said that it would also improve reporting systems and ensure that people feel safe online.

“When violation occurs, justice must be served. You know, we need to also spread the message of how people did something wrong and they were arrested, or justice was served.

“We need to also create an awareness following the same route. This is how to build trust and send a clear message that violence has no space in our society, whether online or offline.

“By working together, we can make our digital space safer, more respectful and more empowering for all,” she said.

The Manager, Outreaches and Partnerships, TIKTOK, Duduzile Mkhize, said that TikTok’s priority was to work with government stakeholders and regulators to build workable policies to ensure operational efficiency.

“This workshop is centered around tech-facilitated gender-based violence. At TikTok, safety is a priority to us, and this is the safety of everyone.

“We know that minority groups such as women and children are more impacted by online violence and different things that happen in the online space.

“We have curated this event to get feedback from our stakeholders from the grassroots level of how we can make differences to improve and to eliminate online tech-facilitated gender-based violence,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Joy Mbachi/Kadiri Abdulrahman

FG sues Sowore, Facebook, X over alleged cyberbullying of Tinubu

Tosin Kolade
Sep, Tue, 2025

Judiciary

FG sues Sowore, Facebook, X over alleged cyberbullying of Tinubu

By Taiye Agbaje

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, filed a suit against politician Omoyele Sowore, Facebook’s parent company Meta, and X Corp. for allegedly cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025, was filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, by the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Abubakar.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), is facing a five-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

He is accused of making false claims against President Tinubu by describing him as “a criminal” in a post on his official X handle, @YeleSowore, on Aug. 25.

The post read: “THIS CRIMINAL @OFFICIALPBAT ACTUALLY WENT TO BRAZIL TO STATE THAT THERE IS NO MORE CORRUPTION UNDER HIS REGIME IN NIGERIA. WHAT AUDACITY TO LIE SHAMELESSLY!”

The prosecution alleged that Sowore knowingly published the false statement to cause a breakdown of law and order, especially among Nigerians with divergent views about the President.

The charge was filed days after the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly requested that the post be taken down from Facebook and X.

The FG also joined Meta and X as co-defendants for allegedly providing the platforms used in disseminating the post.

The case is yet to be assigned for hearing. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

NCF distributes improved seeds to Yobe farmers

Tosin Kolade
Sep, Tue, 2025

Agriculture

NCF distributes improved seeds to Yobe farmers

By Ahmed Abba

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) on Tuesday in Nguru distributed improved crop seeds to farmers in Maja-kura community and announced plans to establish a seed bank.

Mr Harry Junior, Coordinator of the NCF Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands Conservation Project, said the activity was part of a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-supported climate change adaptation initiative in Yobe.

He said the improved seeds, including soybean, cowpeas, sorghum and millet, would be stored in the seed bank since the planting season was over, to ensure future access for farmers during subsequent farming seasons.

“The initiative will also serve as an exchange, where farmers provide crop residues after harvest in return for seedlings.

“The residues will then be processed into animal feed and packaged, creating additional income for communities,” Junior explained.

He said that youths would be trained and engaged in processing the animal feeds, while women would benefit from packaging and sales to strengthen household income.

The coordinator added that the project sought to promote empowerment, skill acquisition and sustainable income generation for farmers, while addressing youth restiveness and reducing women’s redundancy.

Also speaking, Dr Michael Nkereuwem, a resource person and senior lecturer at the Department of Crop/Soil Science, Federal University Dutse, took the beneficiaries through the advantages of improved seeds for climate change adaptation.

Nkereuwem also explained planting methods, benefits and maturity duration of improved seeds to the beneficiaries.

Key stakeholders present at the event include officials from Yobe’s Ministry of Agriculture, Nguru Local Government Area, Yobe Ministry of Environment and traditional leaders of the beneficiary communities.

In his remarks, Al-amin Umar, the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Nguru Local Government Area, expressed satisfaction with the quality of seeds distributed to the farmers.

He said the improved varieties were free from pests and diseases, adding that farmers had also been trained on appropriate planting methods, including the number of seeds per hole and proper spacing.

“I am very impressed with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. They have lived up to their promise to support multiple communities in Nguru Local Government,” Umar said. (NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Tosin Kolade
Sep, Tue, 2025

Environment

Group seeks renewed partnership on environmental planning

By Abigael Joshua

The Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) has called on government authorities to continue engaging with it as a critical partner in environmental planning and implementation.

Dr Efegbidiki Okobia, National President of NES, made the call at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja to mark the Society’s 40th anniversary.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NES is preparing to host its 34th National Conference and 35th Annual General Meeting from Oct. 22 to Oct. 25 in Abuja.

The events will coincide with the Society’s 40th anniversary.

Okobia said NES had, over the past four decades, played active roles in local, national, regional and international environmental programmes, provided expert opinions on critical policies and served as a rallying point for advocacy.

He outlined NES as Nigeria’s foremost environmental professional body and watchdog, with a mission to promote understanding and conservation of natural ecosystems, encourage global partnerships, and improve environmental quality.

“Our 40th anniversary is not just a celebration of longevity; it is a moment of deep reflection on our achievements, our challenges, and our renewed commitment to Nigeria and the global south,” he said.

Okobia also urged the media to amplify environmental messages and hold institutions accountable, while advising the public to embrace responsible lifestyles and actively participate in conservation and sustainability efforts. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Tech firm, South African partner push smart living in Nigeria

Tosin Kolade
Sep, Tue, 2025

Science & Tech

Tech firm, South African partner push smart living in Nigeria

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

FENAC Secure Solutions, a West African provider of home automation systems, has partnered with South Africa’s NICE Automation Systems to expand smart living and security technologies in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the collaboration is aimed at scaling up the deployment of intelligent gate and door automation technologies across homes and commercial properties in the country.

It is expected to offer improved safety, convenience and energy efficiency.

Speaking on the development at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja, JaQues Van Niekerk, a representative of NICE Automation Systems, outlined the partnership with FENAC as a pivotal step in expanding smart infrastructure in the region.

“The collaboration between NICE and FENAC Secure Solutions has already laid the groundwork for innovation across West Africa.

“Now, we’re looking to deepen our impact in Nigeria by leveraging FENAC’s local expertise and customer reach,” Van Niekerk said.

He emphasised that NICE products are designed specifically for the African environment, with unique features that address infrastructural realities.

“We understand the challenges many African countries face, especially when it comes to power supply. Our gate motors can run even without batteries, which is a major advantage in areas with frequent power outages.

“NICE is currently the only manufacturer using lithium batteries in its gate motors, offering the performance and longevity compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.

“Lithium batteries are more durable, require less maintenance, and provide a longer service life, ultimately reducing costs for users,” he said.

Through its partnership with NICE, FENAC is positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s smart property space, offering cutting-edge security automation that aligns with modern housing needs.

Chuka Okafor, the Managing Director of FENAC Secure Solutions, told NAN that the collaboration with NICE would accelerate the adoption of technology-driven solutions supporting both residential and commercial development in urban and suburban communities.

“The integration of NICE’s world-class technology through FENAC’s local network is also expected to improve after-sales support and system maintenance, areas often overlooked in imported automation systems,” Okafor said.

NAN reports that as part of the partnership agreement, no fewer than 20 technicians were trained and awarded certificates on operational procedures by South African experts during a session held in Lagos.

Industry experts have described the development as timely, especially as Nigeria’s real estate sector shifts toward tech-enabled solutions for safer and more efficient living. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade