NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Tinubu repositioning Nigeria for effective service delivery – Group

Tinubu repositioning Nigeria for effective service delivery – Group

475 total views today

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

A pro-Nigeria and anti-corruption NGO, Ahead Nigeria Initiative, says the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is repositioning Nigeria for effective service delivery.

Convener of the Initiative, Kehinde Alamoh, stated this during the group’s inaugural news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

Alamoh, who passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu, said that he had shown deep knowledge and understanding of Nigeria’s challenges and come up with a master plan to rescue the country.

He said that after a critical evaluation of Tinubu’s administration in all ramifications, it was evident that the president was alive to the primary responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.

He also commended the president for ending a decade of fuel subsidy regime which, he said, had been stunting the country’s growth.

Alamoh said that through this singular action, Tinubu had increased the country’s revenue to about N10.1 trillion, an increase of about 23.56 per cent over that of 2022.

He said that though the subsidy removal had brought some discomfort to Nigerians, government had rolled out some intervention programmes to help cushion the effects.

The interventions, according to him, include: the new minimum wage and salary increase, student loan scheme and scholarships, supporting states and local governments to enable them to cater for the less-privileged.

Others, he said, were: provision of grains to households, fertilisers to farmers, cash transfers to people with low incomes and the planned roll out of over 11,000 CNG buses for affordable public transportation, among others.

“The landmark presentation of the 2025 budget allocations of N4.91 trillion to defence and security underscores the importance of security of lives and property of all Nigerians.

“President Tinubu’s reform in aviation, railway infrastructure and security are visible, laudable and commendable.

“On this note, as law-abiding citizens of this country from the six geo-political zones, we, therefore, pass a vote of confidence in the President Tinubu-led administration,’’ he said.

Alamoh also commended the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, for providing responsible and effective leadership for the party, in tandem with the president’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.

He said that the APC National Working Committee (NWC) members, under Ganduje’s leadership, had created an enabling political environment for peace and development to thrive in Nigeria.

“This is evident in the peaceful conduct of the Kebbi, Edo and Ondo primary elections, followed by the subsequent victories of APC at the guber polls.

“All these have been described by political actors as the most peaceful, freest and fairest elections conducted under the watch of the party,’’ he said.

Alamoh also urged Nigerians to disregard the land grabbing allegations against the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, saying: “Abuja under Wike is in safe hands.”

He sought for the support of FCT residents for Wike for him to implement the ongoing infrastructural reforms in the capital city.

According to him, Wike’s achievements so far extend beyond mere infrastructural development

“Under few months, all uncompleted major projects, such as roads and railway have been completed.

“Wike’s efforts in internal revenue generation is second to none; all these attest to his innovative approach to good and progressive governance.

“His dedication to restoring the Abuja master plan and reposition the FCT among the world’s top capitals is in line with the renewed hope agenda of the president,’’ he said.

Alamoh warned those he called Wike’s detractors, whom he described as emergency activists, opponents and enemies of progress, to henceforth stay away or face the music. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

BRIPAN seeks FG’s partnership on legal reforms for business recovery

BRIPAN seeks FG’s partnership on legal reforms for business recovery

437 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) says there is need for government’s partnership on legal reforms and policy directions aimed at enhancing business recovery in the country.

President of BRIPAN, Mr Chimezie Ihekweazu, made this submission at the association’s 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 20th Anniversary and Induction ceremony on Thursday night in Lagos.

Ihekweazu said that rescuing businesses would attract more revenues to government as well as boosting the economy.

He said that the practice of insolvency and business recovery was very beneficial for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) alongside large corporations.

“Businesses fail due a number of reasons from management issues, wrong business decisions to poor business ethics, changes in legal and socioeconomic structures and framework.

“There must be situations where businesses pass through these issues but it is important to know that there are opportunities within the framework of the law that can rescue these businesses.

“We will continue to work towards improving our relevance within the society and to make people take advantage of understanding the benefits of this area of practice, which is not targeted at killing businesses but on rescuing businesses.

“If businesses are rescued, a lot of benefits come with it, including revenues to government and our economy would reap the fruit of it,” he said.

The BRIPAN president said under his leadership in the past one year, the association had continued to sustain the excellent efforts of its past leaders in delivering on its core objectives.

He said the achievements included promoting insolvency practice, education and learning while ensuring effective cooperation and collaboration with other professional bodies.

Ihekweazu also listed the promotion standard practice, performance and awareness in insolvency practice.

He urged practitioners to continue to practice the profession with good business ethics and standards while maintaining excellent professional values with dignity and respect for one another.

“As an association committed to driving excellence in business recovery and insolvency practice, we have made remarkable strides in advancing our objectives, strengthening our reputation and contributing to national economic stability.

“Our progress over the past year is a testament to the collective dedication and expertise of our members.

“We have successfully organised six training sessions equipping more than 530 professionals with advanced skills in insolvency practice, corporate restructuring, and financial recovery strategies.

“These initiatives reflect BRIPAN’s dedication to raising standards, fostering knowledge, and building a robust professional community in insolvency and restructuring,” he said.

Ihekweazu also revealed that the 2025 BRIPAN journal to be released in the first quarter of next year (2025) would feature cutting-edge research, expert analyses and actionable insights into legal and insolvency matters.

He said the publication was designed to be an indispensable resource for professionals, academics and policymakers, fostering informed discussions and innovative solutions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that BRIPAN presented awards to its past presidents including late Prince Adesupo Adetona, a chartered accountant who pioneered insolvency practice in Nigeria and Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the 19th Akarigbo of Remoland, Ogun.

Other awardees include, Dr Biodun Layonu, Otunba Olutola Senbore, Mr Seyi Akinwunmi, Chief Anthony Idigbe, Mr Dele Odunowo, Mr Sola Oyetayo, Ihekweazu, among others.

No fewer than 381 persons got inducted into the association. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Economy on path to recovery, says BUA Group Chairman

Economy on path to recovery, says BUA Group Chairman

344 total views today

 

 

By Salif Atojoko

Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, the Chairman of BUA Group, has expressed confidence that the Nigerian economy was on the road to recovery.

Rabiu shared his optimism while speaking with State House Correspondents after the Juma’at prayer with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.

He acknowledged that although some of the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration have been challenging, they were necessary for the long-term stability of the economy.

“It’s true that some of them are quite painful, but we needed these reforms, especially the foreign exchange unification.

“As you’ll remember, the exchange rate was N500, and then outside it was N800, which was unacceptable.

“Now, the exchange rate has been unified, and although it was initially difficult, with rates reaching nearly N2,000 at one point, it is now stabilising at about N1,500 to N1,550.

I’m confident that we’ll see the rate come down even further,” he said.

Rabiu also highlighted the efforts of President Tinubu to ensure stability across all sectors of the economy.

“We can see the improvements in infrastructure, with a lot of road works underway. Given some time, I believe things will definitely improve,” he added.

He urged patience, noting that these reforms take time, especially considering that the current administration had been in power for only 18 months, with another 24 months to go.

“I think we need to give them time, and I am sure things will get better,” Rabiu said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NAN MD lauds Minister’s community project

NAN MD lauds Minister’s community project

456 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya
The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has commended the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, over the electrification project in Malagi village.

He gave the commendation during the inauguration of the projects in Malagi, the minister’s home town, in Gbako Local Government of Niger state.

He described the project, which include the construction of a mosque, an Islamiyya school, a water project, and the renovation of a primary school as remarkable.

He said the minister’s gesture was a perfect example of giving back to society, particularly in his ancestral community.

He noted that the project would outlive the minister and earn him rewards, as it promotes learning and worship.

“The Islamiyya school, in particular, is seen as a wise choice, given the community’s strong religious inclination and the importance of knowledge in Islam,” he said.

Ali expressed hope that the minister’s example would inspire others in public office to give back to their communities. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Tinubu’s reforms will benefit all Nigerians -Minister

Tinubu’s reforms will benefit all Nigerians -Minister

418 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

The reform programmes and initiatives of President Bola Tinubu are formulated to benefit all Nigerians.

 

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said this in an interview with newsmen in Malagi on Friday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister is in the community to inaugurate some projects he executed.

 

The projects include electrification of Malagi community, construction of a mosque and Islamiyya school, a water project, and the renovation of a primary school.

 

Idris said that Tinubu’s reforms were designed to take Nigeria to a path of enduring prosperity.

 

He assured Nigerians that the gains of all the economic reforms of the president would begin to manifest in 2025.

 

He called on Nigerians to support the president’s policies, saying they would ultimately lead to a better future for the country.

 

“We urge all Nigerians to support Mr President. We know that times are challenging, but we believe that ultimately, the reforms will take us to the desired land.

 

“The progressive train of the president will not leave anybody behind and we urged all Nigerians to support Mr President,” he said.

 

On the projects, Idris said they were designed to bring development to the community, adding that the electrification project would connect the community to the national grid for the first time in its history.

 

“My late father was born in this community, and it is my home. I am proud to be part of this community, and I will continue to do whatever I can to improve the lives of the people,” he said

 

He added that he was motivated to embark on such projects by his roots in the community and commended the people of Malagi community for their support.

 

The minister promised to continue working for the development of Malagi community, the local government, Niger state, and the country at large.

 

The NAN reports that dignitaries at the inauguration of the projects were Gov. Umaru Bago, Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya, Etsu Nupe, the Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) among others.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Niger governor inaugurates information minister’s projects

Niger governor inaugurates information minister’s projects

404 total views today

 

By Mohammed Baba Busu

Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger on Friday inaugurated a mosque and some critical projects executed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris-Malagi.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration held in the minister’s home town of Malagi in Gbako Local Government Area of Niger.

 

NAN also reports that the projects executed by the minister included an Islamic school, a bore hole, electrification project and renovation of a primary School.

 

NAN further reports that the gesture was part of the minster’s personal contribution to the infrastructural development of Malagi.

 

Umaru-Bago commended the minister for executing the projects, saying this would contribute to the infrastructural development of the community and the country at large.

 

While commending Idris-Malagi for complementing the efforts of the state government, the governor appealed to other well meaning individuals to emulate him.

 

He also announced the upgrading of the primary school renovated by Idris-Malagi to the status of a Junior Secondary School.

 

According to the governor, this is part of efforts to further ensure the restoration of the lost glory of the education sector in the state.

 

He drew attention to the existing cordial relationship between him and the minister, saying it was positively facilitating the development of the state.

 

Also speaking, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, commended the minister for executing the projects.

 

According to Abubakar, ensuring the even socio economic development of Niger and Nigeria should not be left to the government alone.

 

He appealed to other well endowed individuals to emulate Idris-Malagi, saying they would reap abundant rewards.

 

In his remarks, Idris-Malagi said that his gesture was part of efforts to contribute to the socio-economic development of Malagi, Niger and the country as a whole.

 

According to Idris-Malagi, the efforts of the three tiers of government in the provision of basic infrastructure and needs of Nigerians should be complemented.

 

Idris-Malagi also urged Nigerians to always pray for leaders at all levels.

 

According to him, prayers are efficacious in providing plausible solutions to the myriads of challenges facing the country.

 

The Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of other heads of MDAs in the Information Ministry, lauded the minister for the initiatives.

 

He urged Nigerians to emulate the kind hearted gesture of Idris-Malagi so as to take the country to greater heights.

 

“This type of effort attracts tremendous rewards and benefits in this world and could fetch one Aljannatul fildausi.

 

“I am therefore appealing to the people of Malagi to ensure judicious use of these structures, maintain them and continue to pray fervently for the minister to spur him and others to do more,” Ali said.(NAN)(www.nannewsng)

(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Geezers sports unveils plan for secondary school football league

Geezers sports unveils plan for secondary school football league

482 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Geezers Sports Ltd., a leading football academy, has announced plans to launch a football league for secondary schools in 2025.

Adeniyi Adedayo, Director, Project and Programme Development, Geezers Sports, stated this at a news conference on Friday in Abuja.

He said that the initiative was part of the organisation’s drive to ensure education and grassroots football development in the country.

Adedayo explained that the league will kick-off with a pilot project in Abuja, in the first quarter of 2025.

“As we look forward to 2025, we are thrilled to unveil several key programmes that aim to expand our reach and deepen our impact.

“Our goal is to create a structured platform for secondary school students to showcase their talents, develop key life skills, and build a foundation for future success in football.

“The league will commence with a pilot project in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) hopefully in the first quarter of 2025,” he said.

Adedayo said plans were underway to also launch the African Role Model Awards, an annual event designed to celebrate African sports icons who inspire youths and promote positive social change.

He consequently announced Ademola Lookman, Super Eagles forward who was recently crowned men’s African footballer of the year as the first-ever recipient of the award.

Earlier, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Director Media and Publicity, Geezers Sports, stressed the need to give the right platform for sports and education to thrive at the grassroots.

“Our goal is not just about opening a business or making profits.

“We want to provide genuine opportunities for young talents, especially those in primary and secondary schools, who have the potential but lack the resources or exposure to succeed,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative is expected to create a structured platform for identifying and nurturing young talents across the country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Yuletide: More than 340,000 passengers to enjoy free train rides – NRC

Yuletide: More than 340,000 passengers to enjoy free train rides – NRC

702 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) said on Friday that free train rides were open to no fewer than 340,000 passengers across the country from Dec. 20, 2024 to Jan. 5, 2025.

NRC acting Managing Director, Mr Ben Iloanuse, made this known while addressing newsmen after a train started the operation, carrying passengers from the Kubwa Railway Station to Kaduna.

He said that no fewer than 20,000 passengers would be conveyed daily from their stations to various destinations.

“So, we have an average of 20,000 passengers every day that will ride the train free of charge. Approximately, we are going to carry about 340,000 passengers over the period.

“As we commence today, we are expecting this to last until early January. So, today, on average, we have done 20,000 across some routes where the free train is happening.

“The routes are Abuja-Kaduna route, Lagos-Ibadan route, Port Harcourt- Abia route, Lagos Mass Transit route and Wari-Itakpe route.

“This morning, everything went seamlessly,” he said.

Iloanuse said that passengers with tickets boarded the trains and those without tickets were profiled.

He urged passengers to use the initiative of the Federal Government by making their plans early.

“Book online, the tickets are available. It makes it easy for us to allow you to board if you have a ticket. Also, importantly, please ensure you have a valid identification like NIN, international passport, valid driver’s licence.

“To ease the burden of the masses, the palliative is one of the ways the Federal Government is trying to do this, and this palliative will last till early January 2025.

“In terms of security, we have beefed up our security. Some of you at Kubwa Railway station, you will admit that you notice the presence of extra security on ground, “ he said.

According to him, the NRC has put an effective system in place to ensure that people cannot buy multiple tickets.

Passengers that spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) commended the Federal Government for the initiative.

Mrs Aina Omoworare, a civil servant, who appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s initiative in the transport sector, said she enjoyed the same palliative last year.

She said that she was also going to Kaduna free of charge by train this year, to return next year.

Mr Muhammed Idris, a trader, said he thought the initiative was not true, but was glad that the government was fulfilling the announcement. (NAN)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Morocco advances reforms for inclusive growth

Morocco advances reforms for inclusive growth

446 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has expressed commitment to structural reforms, and aligning administrative and developmental efforts with the broader vision for sustainable and inclusive growth.

 

The king made the commitment in his message read by the Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, to the participants at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, on Friday in Tangier.

 

He highlighted key challenges in the implementation of advanced regionalisation in Morocco and the significance of the process for fostering economic and social development, improving governance, and addressing regional disparities.

 

King Mohammed said the conference aimed to strengthen local governance and economic development at both regional and national levels, while building on the foundation set by the first national conference in 2019.

 

He said there was the urgency in implementing the National Charter for Administrative Devolution, emphasising ministries’ active roles in transferring powers to regional authorities.

 

“To achieve this goal, regions and local governments – each in their field of competence and within their specific powers as well as those shared with other stakeholders – are called upon to launch more ambitious programmes and initiatives within the framework of a national strategy for water conservation at the regional level.

 

“They are also expected to contribute to implementing that strategy through effective procedural measures.

 

“As regards the development of the transportation and mobility system for the achievement of integrated regional development, it is clear that this sector will quickly develop in the next few years.

 

“The reason for this is the growing dynamism of our country as a regional hub that attracts investment, not to mention the large-scale projects launched as part of our country’s preparations to host the 2030 football World Cup.

 

“Developing a comprehensive, sustainable transportation system has become a basic requirement for the achievement of integrated local and regional development.

 

“It is also a key entry point for reducing regional and social disparities,’’ he said.

 

To achieve this goal, the King urged regions and local governments to contribute to developing the sector, and accompany the efforts made by the state in that regard.

 

He added that digital transition at the local and regional levels had become a requirement to keep pace with the technological revolution the world is witnessing today.

 

According to him, one can hardly imagine a regional or local development process without digital development, especially since digital technology has been playing an increasingly important role in the management of local and regional affairs.

 

Omar Morro, President of the Council of the Region of Tangan-Texoum-Al Houceima, said the slogan of the conference, “Advanced Regionalism between the Challenges of Today and Tomorrow”, was consistent with the constant concern of the Regional Councils.

 

Morro said that implementing and developing the first advanced project in nine years had revealed the basic opportunities and challenges that must be dealt with.

 

The President, Association of Regions of Morocco, Bouaida Mbarka, said the conference was an opportunity for participatory approach and collective interaction on the problems raised.

 

Mbarka said it was to identify the nature of the challenges posed in order to make the Moroccan experience a success and to come up with solid, realistic and achievable recommendations that meet the expectations of all actors.

 

The aim, according to her, is to achieve the programmes and projects that they aspired to in order to draw and develop the areas that are authorised by the regulatory law and to promote investment for job opportunities and employment.

 

“Our first and last goal remains to create a democratic dynamic that benefits the population within the framework of justice,’’ she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Water stress, mobility challenges hindering Morocco’s regional development– King Mohammed VI

Water stress, mobility challenges hindering Morocco’s regional development– King Mohammed VI

401 total views today

Moroccan Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, on Friday in Tangier, Morocco.(NAN)

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

King Mohammed VI of Morocco, says that water stress crisis, transportation and mobility system, and adhering to digital transition process are among the challenges and risks hindering development efforts in Morocco’s regions.

 

The king said this in his message read by the Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, to the participants at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, on Friday in Tangier.

 

He said it was necessary not only to provide the water infrastructure needed, but also to establish good water governance to enhance the integrated approach in public water policy.

 

“Indeed, properly tackling water stress is a key entry point for the achievement of sustainable local and regional development,” he said.

 

The king emphasised the growing dynamism of Morocco as a regional hub that attracts investment and the large-scale projects launched as part of the country’s preparations to host the 2030 World Cup.

 

He said that developing a sustainable transportation system was a basic requirement for achieving integrated regional development, and a key entry point for reducing spatial and social disparities at regional level.

 

“To achieve this goal, regions and local governments are expected to contribute to developing this sector, and accompany the efforts made by the state in this regard,” he said.

 

He expressed the hope that the second edition of the conference would be a chance to take stock of what has been achieved with respect to implementing advanced regionalisation, and to consolidate positive interaction between all the stakeholders concerned.

 

“I also hope you will identify the most effective ways to make advanced regionalisation a lever for economic and social development.

 

“This will help address development challenges, unequal growth, and regional disparities,’’ he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email