NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FCTA disburses First Lady’s N10m grants to 20 women farmers
Health

FCTA disburses First Lady’s N10m grants to 20 women farmers

336 total views today

 

By Philip Yatai

The Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun the disbarment of N10 million grants to 20 women farmers in the FCT.

The grant is under the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative’s (RHI) Women Agricultural Empowerment programme.

Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, explained during the disbursement in Abuja on Friday, that each of the beneficiaries would receive N500,000.

Benjamins-Laniyi, who is also the FCT Coordinator of the RHI, said that the disbursement marked an important milestone in the efforts to support vulnerable women to expand their micro investment in agriculture.

She explained that the N500,000 grant would significantly help each of the beneficiaries to expand their agricultural production as a sustainable means of livelihood.

According to her, the Women Agricultural Empowerment programme was designed to support and empower women in the North Central zone of Nigeria.

Benjamins-Laniy said that the women were selected from the six Area Councils of the FCT, under the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative’s women Agricultural Support Programme.

She added that each of the women would also get a free health insurance scheme from the Health Secretariat of the FCTA.

“This is not a palliative, but a grant to show that President Bola Tinubu-led government cannot shine without touching the lives of the people at the grassroots.

“It is through women that the government can touch most communities. This is the message of the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady.

“The women secretariat is investing in women, and we are unifying them for global impact,” she said.

Group photograph of beneficiaries of the First Lady’s N10 million grants and officials of the Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, during the disbarment of the grant in Abuja on Friday.

The mandate secretary said that the women would be closely monitored to ensure efficient use of the grant.

Benjamins-Laniyi also announced a N7.5 million reward for the women that recorded the best yield during harvest.

She said that the woman that recorded the best yield would receive a N5 million reward, the second best would get N1.5 million while the third best would go home with N1 million.

According to her, the reward was designed to encourage the beneficiaries to expand their investment and grow their agricultural businesses to macro level.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the secretariat, Alhaji Adetoyi Kolawole, noted that the grant attested to the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to financially empower women.

According to him, the support will not only enhance the livelihoods of the women, but also impact positively on their families and communities.

He said, “The initiative aligns with the secretariat’s mission, which aims at promoting gender equality and empowering women.”

Kolawole advised the beneficiaries to utilise the grant judiciously, adding that the secretariat would monitor the utilisation of the fund.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Victoria Sani, a poultry farmer from Kurudu community, Abuja Municipal Area Council, commended the First lady for the support, which she described as life changing.

She also thanked the women affairs secretariat for implementing different interventions to improve the livelihood of women, their families, and communities. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Bello should’ve appeared in court even if arrest warrant illegally obtained – Judge
Judiciary

Bello should’ve appeared in court even if arrest warrant illegally obtained – Judge

282 total views today

By Taiye Agbaje

A Federal High Court in Abuja has asked the former Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to appear in court for his trial.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held that even if an arrest warrant issued against him was illegally obtained, the defendant (Bello) should still show up in court.

The judge had, on April 23, fixed May 10 for the ruling on the ex-governor’s application to set aside the arrest warrant against him.

The EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had, on April 17, moved the ex-parte application for the arrest warrant.

But Bello’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, on April 23, prayed the court to set aside the arrest warrant against their client

He said that the arrest warrant had become unnecessary since their lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, had accepted the service of the charge on behalf of the ex-governor.

He argued that the arrest warrant order, having been made before the charge, ought to be set aside suo motu (on its own accord, without any request by the parties involved).

The senior lawyer argued that contrary to the submission of the lawyer who appeared for EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, that the ex-governor must be in court first before any application could be entertained as a criminal case.

He said that the anti-graft agency also made an application on April 18 after the warrant arrest was issued to EFCC on April 17 and that the court granted it.

The lawyer submitted that the arrest warrant was issued in favour of the EFCC by the court in violation of fair hearing to their client.

He noted that the complainant made an application for substituted service on April 18, after the arrest warrant had been issued on April  17 and “today, my noble lord granted it.”

“The court must satisfy itself that the defendant (Bello) will not be prejudiced in fairness if the warrant of arrest continues to hang on his neck, having been made before service of the charge contrary to Section 394 of ACJA,” Adeola argued.

He argued that justice should be a three-way traffic; that is, justice to the prosecution, the defendant and the public.

He said for Bello to appear in court, he must have the notion that he would get justice.

Adedipe also argued that the EFCC was an unconstitutional body because its establishment was not ratified by the 36 states of the federation.

He said that for the EFCC to become a constitutional body, the 36 states of the federation must ratify the law establishing it as against the current position, that the EFCC Establishment Act was unilaterally ratified by the Federal Government.

He, therefore, asked the judge to vacate the arrest warrant against the former governor.

But Pinheiro vehemently opposed the application.

The senior lawyer argued that for the arrest warrant to be vacated, the former governor must be arraigned and take his plea in compliance with Section 396 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

Delivering the ruling on Friday, the judge agreed with the argument of the EFCC.

He said that the order of the court subsisted until it is set aside, even if there is irregularity.

The judge said Yahaya Bello’s staying away amounted to disregard to the sanctity of the court.

“Therefore, the application by the counsel for the defendant cannot be moved unless the defendant is present in court.

“Bello should come to court on his own, not through EFCC for arraignment on the next adjourn date,” the judge declared.

Meanwhile, shortly after the ruling, Mohammed, who appeared for the former governor, informed the court of a motion on notice filed on May 9.

He said the motion prayed the court to stay further hearing of the alleged money laundering suit filed against Bello until the Court of Appeal decides a pending case relating to the same matter.

The senior lawyer said the anti-graft agency had, by a motion ex-parte, got an order of the Appeal Court stopping the contempt proceedings filed by the ex-governor against the agency at the High Court sitting in Lokoja.

He said the appellate court had already fixed May 20 to hear the case.

He said it would be important the Federal High Court, Abuja awaits the outcome before going further with the trial.

But the EFCC’s lawyer, Oyedepo, disagreed with Mohammed’s submission.

In a short ruling, Justice Nwite refused Mohammed’s application.

The judge said that the matter had generated controversy all over the world and was unnecessary.

Reacting, Mohammed responded that the former governor was not afraid to come to court but was only afraid of his life.

Justice Nwite, however, said that Bello should not be misguided but should be advised to come and answer to the alleged charge.

“It is just a charge. It has not been proven. Counsel, it is your duty to bring him and you prepare yourselves.

“We thank lordship. We will take your admonition to him because that is just his fear,” Mohammed said.

He assured that efforts would be made to contact the former governor to appear in court at the next adjourned date.

Justice Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until June 13 for arraignment.(NAN)

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Guns, bullets alone cannot end insurgency – Expert
Defence/Security

Guns, bullets alone cannot end insurgency – Expert

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Dr Sani Abubakar, National Patron, Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism, Insurgency and Terrorism (BRAVE-IT), says the fight against security challenges in Nigeria will not end with guns and bullets.

Abubakar, a scholar in Military Studies, said this at a Breakfast Meeting on National Security organised by the group on Friday in Abuja.

The theme of the meeting is ‘Exploits of the Armed Forces in Countering Insurgency, Insecurity, and Terrorism in Nigeria Through Non-kinetic Operation’.

He said that the military option alone, using guns and bombs, must be complemented with efforts to address the root causes of the insurgency and other security challenges in the country.

Abubakar identified bad governance, which leads to poverty, deprivation and discontent, as a major cause of insecurity in the country.

He commended the leadership of the military for the successes being recorded through the combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations, specially in the North East.

The patron also identified ignorance, religious extremism, revenge, exclusion as other factors precipitating the security threats.

“All these are things that we, as civilians, need to begin to speak about. We need to add our own voices so that we could play our own part to make the systems work.

“We are trying to use this platform to speak to either bandits or Boko Haram or whatever name they call themselves, that we condemn their act, that we. as Nigerians, do not support them and we are not with them.

“We are calling on them to release people being held in captivity, without condition, without any receptor or transfer of any money in the name of ransom,” he said.

Abubakar expressed optimism that the military and other security agencies could win the war with the support of the people through timely and accurate information on the criminal elements in their midst

The National Coordinator of BRAVE-IT, Aysha Rabo, said the event  was a call to discuss the current security landscape of the nation and to laud the commendable efforts of the armed forces.

Rabo said that BRAVEIT had always advocated for the non-kinetic strategy employed by the military in combating insurgency and addressing many security challenges, saying that the strategy had proven to be highly effective.

She urged the military to enhance its non-kinetic operations, adding that the group envisioned a future where people would recognise and value the sacrifices made by servicemen and women, and motivate them to continue such dedication and professionalism.

In his remarks, the Director of Campaign Planning, Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Albert Lebo, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, commended BRAVE-IT for the feedback on the military operations across the country.

He said the ideas to include the non-kinetic approach into military operations was borne out of the need to win the hearts and minds of the populace in their areas of operation.

According to him, what military men understand as combatants is go, destroy, eliminate, annihilate and capture.

“But, as you know, the military has been evolving  in operations across the country.

“To be frank, in the Nigerian Defense Academy, where we were trained, there is no aspect of non-kinetic operations that is in the syllabus.

“But, because of the challenges that we have had and the gaps that we have identified on the need for non kinetic approach to be exploited, we in the military decided to take it upon ourselves.

“Accordingly, the Department of Civil Military Cooperation was created in the defence headquarters and also across the services.

“So, the task is to coordinate or collaborate with the field commanders, the formations and units to carry out some intervention projects.

“It is just a minor aspect to close up the gap in the field, but the main aspect of what you call non-kinetic aspect is that of the civil authority.

“I assure you that the chief of defence staff and members of the armed forces will not relent in our effort towards fighting insecurity and insurgency.

“Also, I want to assure you that we will continue to collaborate with organisations such as yours, and other well meaning members of the society, to ensure that we stamp out this menace from our society,” he said.

Deputy Coordinator, BRAVE-IT, Dr AK Peters, announced that the organisation had acknowledged the contribution of the Nigerian Air Force to the fight against insurgency in the country.

Peters said the Air Force was rated high in its activities in combating insurgency, banditry and oil theft with precision in air bombardments of criminal enclaves across the country.

He said that NAF had been awarded the Force of the Year by BRAVE-IT, adding that the award would be presented through the Chief of Defence Staff. (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)

Nigeria’s Defence Chief receives Prince Harry, Meghan in DHQ
Defence/Security

Nigeria’s Defence Chief receives Prince Harry, Meghan in DHQ

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan have visited Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters,  as part of a three-day private visit to Nigeria.

The visit, on the invitation of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, was also in relation to the Invictus Games, an international adaptive sport competition for wounded service personnel and veterans, founded by Prince Harry in 2014.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Duke and Duchess arrived Abuja on Friday, and immediately visited the Light Academy in Wuse, an institution supported by Archewell Foundation before moving to the defence headquarters.

On arrival at the DHQ, they were received by wives of military officers led by the President, Defence and Police Officers Wives Association, Mrs Oghogho Musa and top officers of the Nigerian military.

The visitors went into closed door meeting with the defence chief, at the end of which they declined to speak with newsmen.

The royal couple had left Abuja for a visit to the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna to interact with wounded soldiers receiving treatment.

They are expected to watch a novelty volleyball match between CDS Invictus and Team Duke on Saturday, hold strategic meetings, and proceed to Lagos on Sunday, before their departure. (NAN) (www.mammews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Maharazu Ahmed

NIMC captures 107.3m persons in its database
General News

NIMC captures 107.3m persons in its database

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By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says it has so far captured over 107.3 million persons in the ongoing National Identity Number (NIN) enrolment.

The Director-General, NIMC, Mrs Abisoye Coker-Odusote said this at the Maiden Media Interactive Session of the Commission on Friday in Abuja.

Coker-Odusote said there was need to fast track the enrolment process to capture more people into the national identity database.

“An increase in the enrolment rate will help to reduce the processing time for enrolees.

“Obtaining NIN should be as minimal as possible because the system has been upgraded, and the capacity is not that bad.

“We are working on increasing the capacity that we have, we are trying to increase it from 100million to 250million, the process will take us a minimum of between 6 months and 9 months,” she said.

She said the commission had equipped all its enrolment centres, saying however that most of the equipment were outdated, as the systems were acquired as far back as 2011.

The DG said that although the equipment were donated to the commission, the number of equipment donated were minimal compared to what was required.

She said that Nigerians would have to pay a certain amount of money to access the New General Multipurpose National Identity Card through their finance institutions.

Odusote also said that although NIN was free, the card would not be issued free of charge.

“It is just like how you pay to access your ATM cards in the banks, Nigerians will pay through the banks to access their cards within 48 hours after payment to get the digital multipurpose card.

“Application for the card will be based on request with individuals getting their NIN through self-service online portal or through the banks and the applicants will have to pay through the banks to acquire the card.

“The proposed general multipurpose National Identity Card will be convenient, and it eliminates the need for multiple cards,” she said.

She said that the cards had multiple use and can be used for payments/financial, government intervention/services, and travel.

The DG said that NIMC was also working with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System to ensure hitch-free roll out of the cards.

“Applicants for the card will have to request with their NIN through the self-service online portal, NIMC offices, or their respective banks

“The card will be issued through the applicants’ respective banks in line with existing protocols with the issuance of the debit/credit cards.

“The card can be picked up by holders at the designated center or delivered to the applicants at the requested location at an extra cost to be borne by the applicants,” she said.

Coker-Odusote said the commission was in partnership with Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited and Galaxy Backbone to access efficient access to internet connectivity to the 774 Local Government Areas ( LGAs) of the country.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Ali Baba-Inuwa

U.S. unveils 56 young Nigerians for 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship
Foreign

U.S. unveils 56 young Nigerians for 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship

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By Mark Longyen

The U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria has unveiled 56 distinguished young Nigerians selected for the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Mandela Washington Fellowship is a programme of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government, administered by global education and development group, IREX.

The prospective fellows will travel to the U.S. as part of the 10th Anniversary of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the U.S. embassy spokesperson, Aishah Gambari, said on Friday.

They will travel to 28 U.S. cities from June 19 to Aug.1, and engage with U.S. leaders in the business, government, and nonprofit sectors at a summit in Washington D.C.

Gambari added that, after the summit, three of the fellows would participate in a four-week Professional Development Experience programme at a U.S. organisation before returning to Nigeria.

According to her, the fellowship offers a comprehensive programme that includes academic coursework, leadership training, and networking opportunities, and is a testament to the U.S. enduring commitment to invest in Africa’s future.

She said the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, David Greene, had welcomed the beneficiaries and emphasised the rigorous selection process and their ability to lead and inspire others.

He highlighted the fellows’ diverse achievements and encouraged them to share their culture in the United States and use the fellowship to expand their influence in Nigeria.

“The Chargé d’Affaires expressed appreciation to the Public Diplomacy team and the State Department for their efforts in identifying future leaders and reminded the fellows of the importance of sharing their knowledge upon return to their communities.

“He said that since the fellowship’s inception 10 years ago in 2014, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has had the privilege of supporting 569 young Nigerian leaders through the programme.

“The envoy said the U.S. Mission in Nigeria eagerly anticipates the Mandela Washington Fellowship’s continued success and its positive impact in shaping Africa’s future, as the cornerstone of the U.S. Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), she added. (NAN)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

Addressing Nigeria’s flood disasters through preparedness
Features

Addressing Nigeria’s flood disasters through preparedness

811 total views today
By Tosin Kolade, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In Nigeria, flooding remains the most prevalent natural disaster, particularly affecting vulnerable communities residing along riverbanks and floodplains.

The ramifications of floods extend beyond loss of lives and property, encompassing disruptions to agriculture, industrial productivity, infrastructure, and overall socio-economic stability, health and academic activities.

Consequently, effective flood forecasting and early warning systems are imperative in mitigating these adverse impacts.

Nigeria has encountered severe flood disasters, with the 2012 and 2022 floods being particularly devastating.

The 2022 flooding in Nigeria, as reported by the Global Rapid (Post Disaster) Damage Estimation (GRADE) Assessment Report, indicated losses ranging from $3.79 billion to $9.12 billion based on statistics available until November 25, 2023.

The report highlighted severe damage to crops, water infrastructure, fisheries, and livestock, with over 650,000 hectares of crops destroyed, resulting in an estimated loss of $1.8 billion to the agricultural sector.

Jigawa, Rivers, Taraba, Cross River, and Delta were identified as the worst affected states, emphasising the critical need for comprehensive flood mitigation strategies.

In response to these challenges, President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the National Economic Council Ad-hoc Committee on Flood Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness, and Response.

The committee was tasked with developing a roadmap to enhance Nigeria’s flood resilience and response capabilities, underscoring the government’s commitment to proactive disaster management.

The 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), unveiled by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), identifies 148 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in high flood risk areas across 31 states, and 249 LGAs in moderate risk zones.

The high flood-risk states include Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna and Kano.

Others are; Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.

Additionally, urban centers such as Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt are susceptible to flash and urban flooding, while coastal regions face the threat of severe flooding due to rising sea levels and tidal surges.

Recognising the importance of proactive measures, NIHSA has disseminated the AFO publication and maps to state governors, urging swift action and preparedness.

The theme for this year’s flood awareness campaign, “Promoting the use of Data Analytics and Modeling for Flood Risk Assessments and Food Security,” aligns with the government’s commitment to food security and poverty alleviation.

Recall that Nigeria aims to uplift millions out of poverty and foster sustainable economic growth, hence the crucial role of flood resilience in achieving these objectives.

As outlined in the AFO, Stakeholders and decision-makers are urged to heed the insights and collaborate on effective flood mitigation strategies, including aggressive sensitisation campaigns and improved waste management practices.

Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasised that the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook serves as a vital tool for strategic planning and risk reduction efforts.

He said by prioritising early warning systems, community engagement, and coordinated response mechanisms, Nigeria aims to minimise the impact of floods and safeguard its citizens and infrastructure.

Utsev said state governments have alerted residents living in flood-prone areas to consider relocating as the rainy season approaches.

This proactive measure, he said ensures necessary preparations are made to mitigate flood impact in affected states.

Corroborating Utsev’s position, Mr Ola Oresanya, Commissioner for Environment, Ogun, issued a flood advisory during a news conference recently on the 2024 flood alert.

He said the Federal Government had notified 31 states, including Ogun, about expected flooding between April and November 2024.

According to him 16 out of the state’s 20 LGAs are expected to experience the highest rainfall, emphasising the need for residents in wetland areas to relocate to safer ground or elevate their residences before heavy rain.

Regarding agriculture, Oresanya said the farming season in coastal areas spans between 250 to 292 days, while inland areas experience a shorter growing season ranging from 200 to 250 days.

Other state governments have implemented similar policies, urging relocation to higher ground and the avoidance of floodplains.

Following the FG’s directives, Benue is demolishing riverside buildings, Lagos State is directing residents near rivers, canals, and the Atlantic Ocean to relocate.

Ongoing campaigns for environmental protection are also taking place in Sokoto and Edo states.

State governments stress the importance of clearing drainage systems and flood paths to mitigate flood risks, aiming to safeguard lives and property during the rainy season.

Stakeholders have observed that early preparedness and effective disaster management strategies are key to saving lives and reducing disaster impacts.

At a recent workshop organised by NEMA and the World Bank, the agency’s Director-General, Zubeida Umar, underscored the importance of drawing lessons from previous flood disasters to avert their repetition.

Umar highlighted the devastating impact of floods in 2012 and 2022, which resulted in significant loss of lives, injuries, and displacement across Nigeria.

The workshop aimed to identify areas for improvement and promote Nigeria’s emergency preparedness and response mechanisms, particularly in the face of ongoing climate-related hazards like flooding.

Collaborating with the World Bank, NEMA sought to provide insights into systemic opportunities for enhancing emergency preparedness at both national and sub-national levels.

The workshop provided a platform for key government officials and emergency relief entities to engage in constructive dialogue, evaluating Nigeria’s systems, procedures, and experiences related to emergency response.

Drawing lessons from the 2022 flood disaster, participants discussed strategies to strengthen Nigeria’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities, with a focus on coordination and collaboration among relevant stakeholders.

A senior disaster risk management specialist at the World Bank, Nkem Joseph-Palmer, stressed the critical need for investing in disaster preparedness and response systems in Nigeria.

He cited a striking statistic that for every $1 spent on preparedness, up to $18 in potential disaster response costs could be saved.

He noted the importance of strengthening systems and capacities at all levels of government to protect local communities during disasters.

Dr Clement Nze, Director-General, NIHSA, urged stakeholders, policymakers, and relevant government departments to heed the information outlined in the 2024 AFO and prepare proactively.

He said there was need for collective efforts in maintaining cleanliness in the environment, waterways, and flood paths, alongside proper waste management practices to mitigate flooding.

Nze highlighted floods as the most common natural disaster in Nigeria, emphasising their profound impact on vulnerable populations living along river courses and dependent on fertile floodplains for their livelihoods.

Stakeholders believe that addressing Nigeria’s annual flood disasters through preparedness requires a multifaceted approach involving proactive measures, collaboration among stakeholders, and community engagement.

Experts say by adopting a holistic approach to flood preparedness, Nigeria can reduce the impact of annual flood disasters, protect vulnerable communities, and build resilience to future flood events.

They argue that through proactive measures and collective action, the country can minimise loss of lives and property, safeguard livelihoods, and promote sustainable development. (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria

U.S. says Nigeria’s monetary policies laudable, strengthen economic growth
Foreign

U.S. says Nigeria’s monetary policies laudable, strengthen economic growth

229 total views today
By Mark Longyen

The United States government has lauded Nigeria’s monetary policies, being conducive for businesses to thrive, as well as strengthening and positioning the nation’s economy for overall growth.

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, State Department, Joy Basu, made this known at a digital news conference with participating journalists.

Basu said that the U.S. was committed to fostering its collaboration with Nigeria to tackle myriad pressing issues and obstacles, which Nigeria, being Africa’s largest economy, was facing.

The envoy said her country was working closely with the U.S. Treasury, Nigerian authorities and African central banks towards ensuring public and private sector economic restoration, stability and prosperity across Africa.

Speaking against the backdrop of the recently concluded 16th U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Dallas, Texas, Basu said the U.S. was also working on curbing Africa’s security, infrastructure and energy challenges.

“We just came back from a meeting in Abuja, which was between the Secretaries of State and the United States is committed to being a good partner of prospect.

“We have made commitments to work on the security situation, infrastructure and energy, which is a common challenge not only in Nigeria but in some other countries in the continent.

“We have made concrete commitments to work on an enabling business environment in Nigeria and to make sure that American companies that are investing in Nigeria are having a transparent experience.

“We are working closely with our U.S. treasury, and with the central banks of African countries, particularly Nigeria and the World Bank, to restore the economy, help the people and ensure public and private companies to thrive,” she said.

Reta Lewis, President, U.S. Export-Import Bank, in her remarks, highlighted U.S. efforts towards bolstering trade and investment across Africa, and emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in fostering stronger U.S.-Africa partnerships.

She disclosed that the U.S. government had earmarked $900 billion for the construction of solar power plants in Africa, being the largest renewable energy project and transaction this year.

Lewis announced that Eximbank had approved over 1.6 billion dollars for the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in sub-Saharan Africa and signed MoUs with six African governments and institutions.

She added that the U.S. government signed 1.3 billion dollars MoUs with Afreximbank, Africa Finance Corporation and Nigeria’s Bank of Industry, saying such interventions aimed to stimulate competition and foster economic growth.

“We are prepared to work with African countries and stakeholders from these MoUs to partner and foster competition, 88.5 per cent of the transactions that Exim does on a yearly basis is in small businesses.

“We feel small businesses are going to be part of the work we do, not only in the U.S. but in Africa,” she said.

Lewis urged participating journalists to always highlight the positive strides being made by U.S. to support businesses and bolster economic growth in Africa against the backdrop of the continent’s prevailing challenges.

Also speaking, Alice Albright, CEO, Millennium Challenge Corporation, said that out of 17 billion dollars, which the U.S. had invested in Africa, about 10 billion dollars was allocated to infrastructure projects.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Constitution review should make Local Governments truly autonomous—Ex-lawmaker
Politics

Constitution review should make Local Governments truly autonomous—Ex-lawmaker

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By Uche Anunne

A former member of House of Representatives, Chief Sam Onuigbo, says the review of the 1999 Constitution will not be incomplete without true devolution of powers to Local Governments.

Onuigbo who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency at the 9th National Assembly, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.

The local governments are recongnised by the Constitution as the third tier of government but their functionality has been largely undermined by state governors who are practically in charge of their administration.

Onuigbo said previously efforts had been made to review different segments of the constitution considered to require an amendment.

He cited the case of movement of electricity from the exclusive list to the concurrent list by the 9th National Assembly as an example.

“It is important absolutely important that in the current review they have to take a critical look at the local government system’’, the former legislature told NAN.

He said the local governments should be separated from state agencies such as civil service commission, while elections for their chairmen and councillors should be handled by the Independent Electoral Commission to ensure transparency.

According to him, allowing state independent electoral commissions to handle local government elections exposes the system to manipulation by governors whose parties win virtually all available chairmanship and councillorship seats.

“It is the party at the Government House that wins all the elections; so that is a problem.

“So I say that we have to take the out (state independent electoral commissions) or let INEC conduct the election so that we can have some balance… to have some competitive spirit’’, he told NAN.

Onuigbo also frowned at the practice whereby state governors run a joint state-local government joint account, adding that it did not augur well for judicious use of local governments’ resources.

“It is, therefore, important that we a review that truly guarantees the independence of the local government, so that all the monies accruing to them be put to use to the benefit of the masses.

He said making local government truly independent would make more resources available at their disposal to carry out their functions such as mobilising grassroots participations in policies as actions such as climate change.

“When we talk about emissions they are coming out from communities where local governments are supposed to in charge. You are also talking about nature-based solutions.

“Therefore, it is important that we allow local governments to play their roles’’, he said, adding that under normal circumstances, timber merchants get the permission to fell trees from local government authorities.

He said it was to encourage local government participation in efforts to mitigate climate change that the Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) was made a member of National Council on Climate Change.

“We need awareness that is why in structuring the Act (Climate Change Act) we gave different roles to every stakeholder. We want to carry everybody along’’, Onuigbo said.

NAN reports that frontline politicians and rights activists have been vocal about the need for the reviewed to make local governments truly independent

They include former governors of Edo and Kaduna State, Mr Adams Oshiomhole and Malam Nasir el Rufai and Mr Shehu Sani . (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Havel Corporate Concept unveils projects to transform Abuja to smart city
Metro

Havel Corporate Concept unveils projects to transform Abuja to smart city

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By Philip Yatai

The Havel Corporate Concept, an affiliate of ioSafe Nigeria, has unveiled projects designed to transform Abuja into a smart city.

The Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Dr Ahmed Badanga, unveiled the projects at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday.

Badanga identified the projects as Abuja Smart City Project and Abuja Residents Smart Card Project.

He explained that the Abuja Smart City Project, which would be implemented in collaboration with critical stakeholders, would make governance, transport, tourism, health, business, and homes smarter.

The. CEO said that the team would explore a Public-Private-Partnership, not just on financial agreements but also in the sharing of expertise, risks, and rewards, in pursuit of mutual and public interests.

He said that the smart city project was tailored-based on local peculiarities, people, and the current state of Abuja city, as against the practice of allocating land to build a smart city within a city.

“We are blending global standards with our unique Abuja identity, utilising, and leveraging existing infrastructure, technology, and services within and outside Abuja metropolis,” he said.

According to him, the goal is to transform Abuja to a smarter, faster, and reliable service provider, and a city where technology and innovation meets hospitality.

He said that the project, when completed, will facilitate real time access to service and transaction via internet, artificial intelligence and customised mobile application tagged, “Abuja Smartcity App”, a one stop shop.

This, according to him, will improve the quality of life of Abuja residents.

“The project is designed to redefine Abuja city, where services are provided smartly by unlocking the potentials of the city to allow people to live, explore, work with ease, and relax pleasantly.

“This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals 11, which seeks to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable,” he said.

He explained that the project would be built in phases, based on existing structures by adopting local content that focused on customer support systems.

He added that the project would rely majorly on technology, particularly internet, Wi-Fi, voice services, fiber optic infrastructure, and satellite services available in the city among others.

“This will create Abuja, where all activities and responsibilities are interconnected with an array of sensors and data collectors, distributed throughout the city, and monitored centrally,” he added.

Chief Executive Officer, Havel Corporate Concep, Dr Ahmed Badanga (middle), with members of the Abuja Smart City Project team, during a media briefing in Abuja.

On the Abuja Residents Smart Card Project, Badanga said that the digital biometric database was designed to drive the Abuja Smart City vision to reality.

He said that the proposed card would have basic features of e-payment and biometric data to enable the holders to access government, security, financial, and transportation services.

According to him, efficient public services are not possible without a resident smart card and digital database.

“The idea of the smart card is to build a reliable database of all residents of Abuja to support the proposed smart city.

“This will enhance an effective and realistic ecosystem for planning, especially in the provision and delivery of social services and amenities.

“This is critical, considering the continued influx of migrants seeking economic opportunities and better life, thereby, increasing the city population with implication on social services, infrastructure, and security.”

To ensure the success of the projects, Badanga said that the organisation would carry out an extensive awareness campaign toward building smart people, to access smart services, in a smart city.

He disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shettima would officially unveil the Abuja Smart Strategic Road Map, during the 2nd edition of the Nigeria Data Expo and Conference scheduled for July 23, 2024. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

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