NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Abia, Turkey plan investment summit, exhibition to deepen investment ties
Foreign

Abia, Turkey plan investment summit, exhibition to deepen investment ties

231 total views today
Summit

By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

The Abia Government has announced plans to host a Turkey-Abia Investment Summit and Exhibition in a strategic move to boost international trade and attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDI).

Dr Green Amakwe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnerships, disclosed this at a news briefing in Umuahia on Wednesday.

Amakwe said that the event would focus on a multi-faceted investment promotion drive to strengthen economic relations with Turkey and other key partners.

He described the event as FDI exposition for international and local investors to explore the state’s areas of comparative advantage, as a preferred investment destination in Nigeria and Africa.

He also said that the event would position Abia as a hub for export-oriented and industrial investments across a wide range of sectors.

Amakwe said that the government was targeting high-potential areas, including agriculture and agro-allied industries, textiles, footwear and leather, gas, energy, solid minerals, warehousing, and infrastructure.

He said, “Our goal is to promote Abia as an attractive destination for sustainable investments that will drive inclusive economic growth and job creation.”

Amakwe said that a core part of the strategy involved fostering bilateral cooperation between Abia and Turkish investors, building on the strong diplomatic relations and positive perception of Turkish products and businesses among Nigerians.

He also expressed the readiness of the government to explore collaborative opportunities between Abia and other Nigerian states, working jointly to attract Turkish investments into larger, integrated projects.

“We are not just building investment partnerships; we are creating a new economic identity for Abia, one that is competitive, reliable, and investor-friendly,” he also said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abia Government, in partnership with Vega Growing Global Enterprises, is currently working on organising the event, which will run from November 25 to November 27. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

Use AI to showcase your talents, EU-backed initiative tells African artists
Science & Tech

Use AI to showcase your talents, EU-backed initiative tells African artists

174 total views today

Tolu Aiyegbusi

The Science, Technology & the ARTS (S+T+ARTS) Afropean Intelligence, an initiative of the European Commission (EU), has urged African artists to explore Artificial Intelligence to showcase their talents.

Mr Oscar Ekponimo, Managing Director, Gallery of Code, the host institution for the S+T+ARTS 4 Africa, said this during a news conference in Abuja on Monday.

Ekponimo said the S+T+ARTS 4 Africa had opened a platform through which interested artists could apply for support, adding that 10 selected applicants would get cash rewards to support their activities.

He said the beneficiaries would be expected to use their talents to promote the nexus among science, technology and arts (S+T+ARTS).

He said the beneficiaries were expected undergo the programme under a fully funded residency arrangement.

Ekponimo said the project offered a unique opportunity for the selected African artists to use the opportunities provided by AI to reach greater heights.

He said the programme would benefit artists with vision and commitment to social impact.

“The project seeks to explore themes of AI ethics, social justice and inclusivity.

“ This is not just about adding a technological veneer to existing practices; it is about a fundamental shift in how we conceive of the role of arts role in society.

“ We are seeking artists who are passionate about using their creative talents to analyse pressing social issues, challenge established narratives, and foster a more inclusive and equitable world,’’ he said.

According to him, Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been selected for the residency.

“ Artists from Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are encouraged to apply online at http://starts.eu/detail/starts-afropean-intelligence-residencies-program/ latest by July 27,’’ he told newsmen.

NAN reports that S+T+ARTS is an initiative of the European Commission (EU), set up under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

It seeks to support collaborations among artists, scientists, engineers and researchers. (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

UNICEF, stakeholders seek improved funding for maternal, child healthcare
Health

UNICEF, stakeholders seek improved funding for maternal, child healthcare

186 total views today

By Folasade Akpan

Health stakeholders have renewed calls for increased budgetary allocation and improved financing for maternal and child healthcare in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders made the call at a workshop in Abuja organised by Development Governance International (DGI) Consult, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Dr Gafar Alawode, the Chief Executive Officer of DGI Consult, stressed the need for urgent reforms in health financing to address long-standing deficiencies in maternal and child healthcare across the country.

He emphasised the need for sub-national governments to embrace data-driven strategies and translate financial commitments into measurable outcomes.

He said “the objectives of the workshop include disseminating key findings from public health expenditure analysis and advocating increased investment in priority areas.

“We also seek to share policy recommendations and secure stakeholders’ commitment to improved resource allocation.

“Stakeholders will chart a course of action for implementation of the policy recommendations and identify strategies to optimise public health financing, particularly Primary Healthcare (PHC) and Maternal Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) at the state and local government levels.”

Dr Bukola Shittu-Muideen of DGI Consult presented findings from a recent expenditure review, where she identified systemic bottlenecks and proposed targeted interventions to enhance budget execution.

She urged state governments to adopt evidence-based approaches to resource planning and health strategy formulation.

UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr Sachin Bhokare, commended the collaborative efforts of stakeholders at the workshop, saying “this is about aligning our priorities to ensure no woman or child is left behind.

“It is also about linking sustained investments to tangible health outcomes and reduced maternal and child mortality rates.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that state ministries of health, state primary healthcare development agencies and local government ministries contributed to discussions, reflecting shared concern over persistent funding gaps in the health sector.

The delegates acknowledged the challenge of poor budget implementation and reaffirmed readiness to drive reforms, especially at local government levels where service delivery is most critical. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Varsity proliferation: Alausa goes tough on illegal satellite campuses
Education

Varsity proliferation: Alausa goes tough on illegal satellite campuses

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Government says it will impose tough sanctions on any federal university that establishes a satellite campus without prior approval of the Minister of Education.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa disclosed this in a memo sent to the National Universities Commission (NUC) on May 30, 2025, and obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Alausa, the decision is borne out of the federal government determination to restore the quality and integrity of tertiary education in the country.

He therefore directed the NUC to through the memo inform all federal universities that no satellite campuses be established without prior approval of the ministry through the Executive Secretary of the commission.

He said that failure to comply would attract sanction.

“There has been noticeable and concerning trend of federal universities establishing satellite campuses across the country.

”Many of these campuses are created without clear strategic, academic or infrastructural justifications.

”It is also pertinent to note that instead of investing in and expanding the capacity of existing main campuses, some Vice Chancellors are opting for the creation of new one which in most cases are often inadequately resourced.

“This practice undermines the integrity, quality and sustainability of tertiary education in Nigeria,” the minister noted.

It would be recalled that several such satellite campuses have been established in the country infringing on previous regulations and violating the approved guidelines for such creation as set out by the NUC.

The NAN recalls that NUC had earlier warned that such campuses have been banned in the country.

The NUC had also in the past set up a committee that advised on the closure of such illegal universities, and campuses as the commission mandated it to identify, locate and prosecute such illegalities.

In 2021, the committee was reconstituted recording what the NUC then described as a huge success. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

NGO, logistics Coy partner to empower PWDs, fight hunger  
Health

NGO, logistics Coy partner to empower PWDs, fight hunger  

216 total views today

 

 

 

By Lilian U. Okoro

As part of efforts to fight hunger, the Pukka Logistics and Support Service Ltd., in collaboration with the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), have distributed food items to no fewer than 240 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The outreach to celebrate PWDs in Lagos, was part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the logistics company.

Mrs Florence Austin of CCD, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the event was to distribute rice and groundnut oil to 240 PWDs.

According to her, the PWDs include those with albinism, deafness, blindness, physical challenges, spinal cord injuries, and intellectual disabilities.

“We organised the event through cluster heads to ensure orderly distribution and also provided security due to past incidents.

“The event aims to honour children and PWDs, emphasising the importance of inclusion and support,” she said.

The Managing Director of Pukka Logistics,  Mrs Beulah Akingbelu-Banjo, said that the company had initiated an ambitious mission to combat food poverty while also championing the dignity of PWDs.

She said that the company’s latest initiative took a compassionate turn by partnering with the CCD to distribute food items to PWDs.

Addressing clusters of PWDs, she said: “Whether you are created with disabilities or it befell you, you are special. Your life matters.”

“You have a specific purpose in life, the reason and the essence why you are created, and disability or anything else cannot stop you.

“You can see a lot of people who got popular, who got into places they could never have been just by the virtue of the fact that they have  some disabilities.

`So, do not despair. It’s such a beautiful thing when people are not limited by their physical abilities anymore,” she said.

Akingbelu-Banjo said that the outreach was with support from British-Indian business partners Jai Mahtani and Sudeep Ramnani,

“Their goal extends beyond mere food distribution — it’s about restoring dignity, challenging perceptions, and proving that disability is not inability.’’

 

Pukka Logistics and Support Service Ltd., in collaboration with Center for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) distribute food items to PWDs in Lagos State.

 

Mr Anuoluwayinka  Isaac, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind and an entrepreneur, lauded the programme for providing food support to alleviate the effects of subsidy removal and hunger, especially significant during the festive period. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

NGX making efforts to contribute to Tinubu’s trn economy- Chairman
Economy/Business

NGX making efforts to contribute to Tinubu’s $1trn economy- Chairman

168 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

The Nigerian Exchange Group says it is working assiduously to ensure the Nigerian capital market contributes to actualising President Bola Tinubu’s proposed $1 trillion economy by 2030.

 

Dr Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of NGX while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, said that the NGX Group is strategically positioning the capital market to support Nigeria’s economic transformation through several initiatives.

 

According to him, these initiatives were through NGX’s investment to expand retail access to the Nigerian market; strengthening market oversight and through diversified capital formation.

 

“The Nigerian capital market has keyed into President Bola Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria to achieve a one trillion dollar economy by 2030 and has been making efforts to ensure that the vision is realised.

 

“As a concrete example of that, the Nigerian Exchange Group and the capital market has been fully represented in President Tinubu’s interactions with various investing blocs locally and abroad in order to attract much needed investment into the country.

 

“I was in New York last year with the President where we met with foreign investors at Nasdaq and it was a very successful outing.

 

“Also last month, I was in the United States of America with the CBN Governor to meet with potential foreign investors as well as our Nigerians in diaspora,” he said.

 

According to Kwairanga, the NGX is currently working with the consciousness that no country achieves sustainable economic transformation without a vibrant and inclusive capital market.

 

He said the capital market is meant to mobilise long-term capital, provide transparent investment platforms, and promote accountability and investor confidence.

 

He explained that countries that have crossed key economic thresholds have relied on robust capital markets to allocate resources efficiently.

 

He noted that the capital market’s fundamental role is to bridge the gap between people and institutions who have funds for investment and institutions that need funds for new projects or expansion of existing projects.

 

According to him, the NGX had been fully involved in this.

 

“By playing that primary role, the capital market is boosting savings in the economy, and at the same time creating or enhancing businesses and making it possible to increase factors of production.

 

“These are proven strategies that will increase the Gross Domestic Product of Nigeria.

 

“One important way in which the capital market is playing its role in increasing Nigeria’s GDP is by funding infrastructure.

 

“The capital market players have funded critical infrastructure in power, telecommunications, transportation and so many sectors for private sector players, the Federal Government and sub nationals through various equity and debt issues .

 

“By doing that , we are helping to build the physical capital required to accelerate GDP growth.

 

“A recent example was the Federal Government’s seven year sukuk for road infrastructure which I understand witnessed huge oversubscription,” he said.

 

Kwaranga noted that the capital market is heavily involved in funding tech companies either through private equity funds or through direct listings on public markets.

 

He said this had a dual impact on GDP.

 

“First, many of these companies will come up with innovative ideas and technologies that will enable Nigeria to experience quantum leaps in productivity and GDP.

 

“Secondly, these companies use such funds to scale up, employ more Nigerians and boost their enterprise value and when such values are captured into the GDP, we are on track to the 2030 target.

 

The Chairman commended President Tinubu for introducing transformative economic reforms which had reignited investors’ confidence.

 

He said the fuel subsidy removal had unlocked over $10 billion annually while the exchange rate unification restored credibility to the FX market.

 

He noted that the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, which is the first major update in nearly two decades, enhanced investor protection.

 

According to him, the gazetting of Nigeria’s AfCFTA tariff schedule strengthened regional trade access.

 

“These reforms have sent strong signals to investors. Since mid-2023, Nigeria has attracted over $50 billion in FDI commitments.

 

“Foreign portfolio investment through the capital market surged by 126.8 per cent, from N174.82 billion in 2023 to N396.41 billion in 2024. FDI also increased from $1.87 billion to $2.6 billion within the same period,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Mokwa flood: RIMSON calls for national orientation in disaster prevention, mitigation 
Environment

Mokwa flood: RIMSON calls for national orientation in disaster prevention, mitigation 

162 total views today

 

By Philip Yatai

Risk Managers Society of Nigeria (RIMSON) has stressed the urgent need for intensive orientation in disaster prevention, readiness and mitigation at national and local level.

The society’s President and Chairman of Governing Board, Dr Abbas Idriss, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

RIMSON’s call followed May 27 downpouri in Mokwa, that led to flooding the following morning, claiming 160 lives so far, with property worth millions of Naira destroyed.

Idris attributed the incident to heavy rainfall, poor drainage system, deforestation and land use changes, soil erosion, river overflow and climate change.

Condoling the Nigeria Government, people of the state and the victims, the president advocated strengthening of the state’s early warning system, reforestation programme, community education and land use planning.

He also recommended development of emergency response plans, and strengthened partnership with non-governmental organisations.

These, according to him, will help in strengthening the state preparedness, mitigation and drastically reduce the risk of flooding and improve recovery efforts.

He said the recommendations would also help Niger government to significantly reduce the incidence and impact of future flooding in the state.

At the national level, Idris recommended the creation of the Office of Risk Management of the Federation to coordinate and monitor risk management efforts across the country as a national security issue.

“There is also the urgent need to ensure disaster management agencies at the national, state and local government levels are manned by qualified risk management professionals.

“There is equally the need to upskill and equip all existing disaster management personnels for greater efficiency.

“The federal government also needs to evaluate existing early warning systems, evacuation plans and structural readiness, and review town planning and ensure strict enforcement of violations.

“There is also the urgent need for incorporation of disaster awareness and education into the national educational curriculum and the National Youth Service Corps scheme,” he said.

The president of the society also called for an upward review of budgetary allocations towards disaster prevention and providing relief to survivors.

He expressed confidence that the implementation of the aforementioned recommendations would  enhance existing disaster management efforts and proactively reduce the avoidable tragic human and economic losses.

He commended the sustained efforts of all stakeholders, especially NiMet in providing regular weather forecasts.

He reiterated RIMSON’s  commitment to sustained advocacy in promoting risk management awareness and education till it becomes a national culture that results in a more resilient, safe and prosperous nation. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Saudi authorities ban political, sectarian expressions at Hajj sites
Foreign

Saudi authorities ban political, sectarian expressions at Hajj sites

202 total views today

By Deji Abdulwahab

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced a strict ban on taking photographs, videos or raising political and sectarian expressions at main Hajj sites.
In a statement, the ministry emphasised that pilgrims are prohibited from taking photographs or recording videos within Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah.
Other location where such is banned include Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

Officials have stressed that such actions could undermine the spiritual atmosphere of Hajj and risk sowing division among pilgrims who come from across the globe.

The ministry reaffirmed that the pilgrimage is a sacred time dedicated to worship, humility, and unity, and any conduct that contradicts these values would not be tolerated.

”Pilgrims are strongly encouraged to adhere to the regulations and cooperate fully with authorities to ensure that Hajj 2025 is conducted in a peaceful, orderly, and spiritually enriching environment.

“Security personnel will be deployed throughout the pilgrimage period to monitor and enforce these regulations.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Hajj without permit attracts 100,000 riyals fine, 10-year ban- Envoy
Foreign

Hajj without permit attracts 100,000 riyals fine, 10-year ban- Envoy

185 total views today

By Deji Abdulwahab

Dr Modibbo Umar, Charge De Affaires, Nigerian Embassy, Riyadh, says pilgrims performing the 2025 Hajj without permit are liable to 100,000 riyals fine, 10 years ban and deportation.

Umar said this at the Hajj 2025 Pre-Arafat Stakeholders’ meeting, organised by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Makkah on Monday.

The envoy recalled that during the 2024 Hajj, the fine for illegally performing Hajj without a permit was 50,000 riyals.

He therefore urged Nigerian pilgrims to be law-abiding and follow the rules and regulations of their host.

“We have very strong advice for our pilgrims. We need to be law-abiding and follow the rules and regulations of our hosts for the duration of our pilgrimage here.

“We should also let our people around here know that the Saudi authorities this year have sent very strong signals that Hajj without permit will not be condoned.

“They have raised the stake. Last year the fine for illegally performing Hajj without a permit was 50,000 riyals.

”This time around, their message is 100,000 riyals, including deportation and being banned from the Kingdom for 10 years. So, please I urge you to tell our people all this,” he said.

The Charge De Affaires also urged Nigerian pilgrims to pray for Nigeria in order to leave a better country for future generation.

“We will like to use this opportunity to call on all our pilgrims who are in this holy sessions of the Hajj, to pray for our country and Muslims all over the world.

“May we have a world that is far better than what it is now for our children and our grandchildren,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman, NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, said the common goal of the Pre-Arafat Stakeholders’ meeting was to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims get the benefits and services they deserve.

According to Saleh, as stakeholders, our job is like that of a servants to the Nigerian pilgrims and they are the reason why we are here today.

“We have to serve them to the best of our ability because they have paid for that.

“Whether you are from the states, service provider, medical teams, security, media or even from the NAHCON staff, your engagement in Hajj operation is like a contract to serve the pilgrims.”

The NAHCON chairman sued for teamwork, which he said was one of the keys to success as no one person could do it alone.

“We must listen to each other, support one another and put the needs of our pilgrims first.

“I urge every one of us to work towards the success of this important five days period in the lives of pilgrims.

”Pilgrims are our guests and more importantly they are the guests of our creator, Allah,” he added.

Similarly, Prince Anofi Elegushi, the Commissioner of Operations, NAHCON, said the purpose of Pre-Arafat meeting was to inform the stakeholders on arrangements and measures put in place for 2025 Hajj rites.

Elegushi said that it had been a tradition that a few days before Arafat and moving to Mina, there would be a pre-Arafat stakeholders’ meeting.

“This is a way of informing our stakeholders on the journey so far and what we are still going to face in the Hajj process.

“So, this is a session where information will be disseminated on how to go about the rest of the process.

“It is also an avenue where people will raise questions and find solutions to issues affecting them,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Deborah Coker

Lagos launches informal land mapping project
General News

Lagos launches informal land mapping project

181 total views today

 

By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State  has launched a new land mapping project aimed at identifying and putting informal lands across the state to better use.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr Sam Egube, spoke at the handing over of three operational vehicles to the Lagos State Informal Space Management Agency (LASISMA) on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that LASISMA is the state government agency responsible for managing informal spaces and regulating informal businesses.

The governor said that the initiative would help the government to map and define informal land.

He added that the open spaces and setbacks not officially designated for any use  could be put to more productive and aesthetic use.

“The purpose of this unveiling is to let the public know we are beginning a new mapping project for informal spaces across Lagos.

“These are lands that were not considered part of formal development plan like incidental open spaces or road setbacks but they are still important.

“We want to define what they can be used for and ensure that they are used properly,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor said that within the next six months, a pilot scheme would begin across the state.



According to him, the informal lands will be mapped, reviewed and their purpose determined by the state Ministry of Physical Planning.

He warned against using such spaces without permission, saying the project was also a call to stop unauthorised use of public spaces.

He said: “You are not allowed to use these lands as you please.

“They must be formally designated for specific purposes. This will help us to organise the city better.”

The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Olumide Oluyinka, said that the project was part of efforts to improve the environment of Lagos and better manage the state’s  limited land resources.

“Our land is our oil; so, we must make the best use of every space, even those not formally developed.

” Informal lands may be temporary, but we must know who is using them and for what purpose, as well as ensure they contribute value to the city,” he added.

He said that the state would still allow legitimate operations such as parks or transport hubs on informal lands but would regulate them properly and require payment for their use.

The commissioner explained that the goal was not to evict people but to ensure better organisation, increased safety and revenue generation for the state.

The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, said that the project would end arbitrary use of land and bring order to how public spaces would be used.

“With this project, everyone will know what each space is meant for, so you won’t have someone trying to install a mast on a space meant to be a bus stop,” Babatunde said.

The General Manager of LASISMA, Mr Dasisi Osho, expressed gratitude to the governor for providing the agency with three vehicles to support the its operations.

He said: “These vehicles and tools will help us to move faster and work better.

“We thank the governor for his support, and promise to put every square metre of Lagos land to the best possible use.”

Osho said that LASISMA remained committed to transforming informal spaces across the state to benefit the residents and support the government’s broader development goals. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Ijeoma Popoola

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