NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Troops rescue 78 victims, neutralise 5 terrorists in Borno
Defence/Security

Troops rescue 78 victims, neutralise 5 terrorists in Borno

172 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army said the Combat Team of the 7 Division on Friday rescued 78 hostages comprising 35 women and 43 children during an aggressive clearance patrol in terrorists’ enclaves in Borno.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, announced this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the troops had continued to pounce on the vestiges of the Islamic State of West African Province and their JAS counterparts in North East Nigeria.

He said the troops  successfully cleared six villages where terrorists hibernated with their hostages in a fierce gun battle, eliminating five  of the criminals.

He said the enclaves and villages cleared by the troops included Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, and Bula Dalo extension as well as Yamanci and Gargaji general areas.

According to him, items recovered are one terrorists’ flag and a mobile phone belonging to the terrorists.

“The rescued victims are in custody for preliminary investigation and profiling.

“The troops have continued to maintain momentum in the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity III to rid the North East of terrorists and insurgents,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Lai Mohammed: How fake news almost ruined my 40-year old marriage
Entertainment

Lai Mohammed: How fake news almost ruined my 40-year old marriage

219 total views today
By Rotimi Ijikanmi
 Alhaji Lai Mohammed, immediate past Minister of Information and National Orientation, has recounted how fake news peddled on social media almost crashed his 40-year old marriage.
The ex-minister gave the account in Lagos at an event to commemorate the 90th birthday anniversary of Prof. Wole Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel laureate for literature.
The text of Mohammed presentation at the event, on the topic, “The Media in the Age of Disinformation”, was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.
Mohammed, the Managing Partner of Bruit Costard, a lobbyist and public relations firm, recalled that one of the pressing challenges he faced in office as minister was  the spate of fake news, misinformation and disinformation.
Speaking specifically on how the menace almost ruined his marriage, Mohammed stressed that the consequences of fake news, disinformation and misinformation were far-reaching.
“Permit me to share publicly with you today for the first time, how social media threatened the foundation of my 40-year-old marriage.
“It was sometimes in 2018 when I came to Lagos from Abuja for an official assignment.
“As usual, I retire to bed about midnight, but about 3 a. m., my wife gently roused me from my slumber.
“At first, I panicked, fearing that there had been a security breach, but my wife’s mien belied that possibility, for she was calm and composed,” the ex-minister said.
He continued: “Solemnly, my wife asked me if I was fully awake as there were some serious issues to discuss.
“I could not fathom what was that urgent or serious to warrant being woken up at this time of the night.
“My mind immediately did a kaleidoscope of my rascalities and escapades in the last few months”.
Mohammed said that the accusation from his wife was “a bombshell” and was narrated to him in Yoruba language.
He presented the narration as follows:
“Daddy, death can come knocking at any moment, please let me also, as your wife, be a signatory to your oversea account in Ali Financial which contains 1.3 billion dollars.”
The former minister said he could not believe that his wife could take, hook, line, and sinker the fake story in circulation crediting humongous sums of money in overseas accounts to government functionaries/ministers under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“I spent the next two hours or so, sweating to convince my wife that there is no iota of truth in the allegation.
“I had to fetch a calculator and reproduce the Federal Appropriation Act for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 in the middle of the night and explain to her why it is simply preposterous for me to have 1.3 billion dollars in a foreign account.
“I explained to her that there is no year my capital budget exceeded N5 billion, which  then, at about N400 to a dollar, was just 12.5 million dollars.
“I explained that, even if I managed to divert every kobo of it to my personal account, it will take at least, 104 years to save the sum of 1.3 billion dollars being peddled that I stole,” he said.
Mohammed added: “My wife insisted that the whole world believed the story and that her friends had, as a result, besieged her with all kinds of requests.
“She said every effort on her part to deny the existence of this foreign account only succeeded in depicting her in the minds of her friends as a selfish, greedy and uncaring friend.
“Is my wife truly convinced of my innocence? The answer is in the wind!. “
Mohammed reiterated that social media remained the platforms of choice for the purveyors of fake news, anti-state groups, anarchists, secessionists, terrorists and bandits.
He recalled that while in government, his ministry uncovered 476 online publications that were dedicated to spreading fake news against the former administration of Buhari.
Mohammed specifically recalled the fake news that the former president had died while receiving treatment in a London hospital and was replaced by a clone called “Jubril from Sudan”.
According to him,  the challenge of fake news continued up to the campaigns leading to the 2023 general elections where President Bola Tinubu became a target, when videos and speeches attributed to him were manipulated and distorted.
He said the purveyors of fake news were relentless in their efforts to de-market the laudable policies and programmes of the Tinubu’s administration.
Mohammed said fake news had become exponential through the use of Artificial Intelligence and deep learning techniques to create highly realistic fake or manipulated videos, audio recordings or images.
“The consequences of disinformation and misinformation are far-reaching.
“They undermine democratic processes, sow discord within communities, and pose significant threats to public health and safety.
“Today, even the media is at the risk of losing its credibility because of the proliferation of fake news on the Social Media
“Therefore, the media, as custodians of the public trust, must take decisive action to combat the scourge of disinformation and misinformation,” he said
Mohammed said that social media platforms and other intermediaries accountable for their role in amplifying disinformation and misinformation should be held responsible
According to him, they should be checkmated through robust regulatory frameworks to curb the spread of false information while safeguarding freedom of expression.
He admonished social media platforms to prioritise the integrity of information over profit motives and take proactive measures to detect and remove harmful content from their platforms. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams
OPSWASH urges treating water as commercial asset for national dev’t
Environment

OPSWASH urges treating water as commercial asset for national dev’t

206 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (OPSWASH) has urged all stakeholders to view water as a commercial commodity, promoting investment and sustainable usage for the nation’s benefit.

Dr Nicholas Igwe, the National Coordinator of OPSWASH, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 World Water Day.

Igwe said that the organisation was committed to driving private sector involvement in scaling up water and sanitation facilities across Nigeria.

He said that investors were ready to support the state, but there was a need for robust policies and legal frameworks to facilitate such investments effectively.

Igwe highlighted OPSWASH’s acknowledgment of the private sector’s critical role in job creation, resource mobilisation, and socioeconomic development, as part of the global private sector in WASH under the Sanitation and Water for All platforms.

“In collaboration with government and other stakeholders, OPSWASH is working towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, focusing on access to clean water and sanitation.

“The organisation is also dedicated to supporting community-led interventions and designs to address the needs of underserved communities.’’

He said that despite challenges such as the misunderstood roles of the private sector and the need for strong political will, OPSWASH maintained optimism regarding its contributions to Nigeria’s WASH sector.

Igwe added that through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, OPSWASH aimed to drive efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in the water sector, ultimately benefiting communities nationwide.

Igwe highlighted the pervasive suffering and distress caused by chronic water scarcity across the nation, noting that reliance on public water supply had dwindled.

“Instead, many households and businesses rely on boreholes, wells, or water vendors for their daily water needs.’’

He underscored the significant role of inconsistent power supply in exacerbating the water scarcity issue as uninterrupted power was crucial for water schemes to function effectively.

Igwe said that addressing water scarcity would be a problem as long as power supply remained unreliable and called for a clear policy framework to guide action and funding.

He urged states and local governments to take proactive measures in ensuring water availability to the populace, emphasising the need for them to fulfill their responsibilities in this regard. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

 

Board inducts 1st set of 29 FSS Manchok-trained HIM officers
Health

Board inducts 1st set of 29 FSS Manchok-trained HIM officers

398 total views today

 

By Amen Gajira

The Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria (HRORBN), has inducted the first set of 29 Health Information Management (HIM) officers, trained by the Federal School of Statistics, Manchok, Kaduna State.

The Registrar of the board, Alhaji Babagana Mustapha, who administered the Oath in Manchok on Saturday, welcomed the graduates to the HIM profession.

Mustapha, who was represented by Mr Umar Sani, Coordinator, Northwest Zonal Office, Kaduna, enjoined the inductees to adhere to the oath and ethics of the profession.

He urged the HIM officers to be good ambassadors of the profession and avoid any act capable of bringing the profession into disrepute.

“As you are aware, you are not just inductees but ambassadors of health information management anywhere you might find yourself.

“I urge you to use the knowledge you have acquired to bring to bear the desired and needed change in the health care service delivery,” he said.

The registrar described the inductees as partners in progress, particularly in curbing the menace of quackery in the health information management profession.

Group photograph of the newly inducted Health Information Management graduates with officials of the Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria and management of the Federal School of Statistics, Manchok.

In his remarks, the acting Rector of the institution, Mr Jumbo Daniel, said that the inductees graduated during the 2022 and 2023 academic session.

Describing the graduates as custodians of vital health care data, Daniel emphasised their critical role in improving patient health outcomes, confidentiality, and maintaining the integrity of healthcare information systems.

“You will agree with me that the role of health information management professionals is indispensable.

“They are the custodians of health statistics, ensuring its accuracy, confidentiality and accessibility to those who need it most,” he added.

He implored the inductees to take advantage of any opportunity for professional development, stressing that the field of health information management was dynamic and evolving. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

WPD: Korea centre boss urges poets to inspire humanity with creativity
Entertainment

WPD: Korea centre boss urges poets to inspire humanity with creativity

225 total views today

 

By Priscilla Osaje

Mr Kim Changki, Director, Korea Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), has urged poets to use their  creative writing to inspire humanity for the betterment of society and preservation of cultural core values.

Changki said this at the KCCN March Culture Day Event with the theme: “Express Your Korea” in commemoration of the World Poetry  Day (WPD), on Thursday in Abuja.

The director was represented by Ms Suyeong Kim, Cultural Event Manager of KCCN.

He said that the centre on the day always looked at the poetic side of individuals in the likes of Yoon-Dong Ju, Kim Sowol, Lee Jenny, who had impacted humanity with their poetry.

According to him, poetry has become a way to learn, understands cultures as well as the emotions of other people.

He said that poetry predated literacy, adding that the very first poem could be dated back to 3,500 years ago.

“The word ‘Poetry’ itself means ‘create’, and today after a brief presentation on the essence of poetry, you will be divided into groups to be creative.

“An experience I hope you all are looking forward to as I urge you all to engage yourselves in cultural art, looking forward to seeing your artistic side,” he said.

Mr Matthew Nweze, an English and literature in English teacher, Saints Simon and Jude Seminary Kuje, said writing poetry seemed to be interesting, compared to reading due to the feeling attached.

Nweze, who spoke on the topic: “How to write and Read  Poetry as a Beginner”, said a good poet had  to be inspired with wonders of nature and such could occur in a quiet place.

According to him, poetry is not written in paragraphs or chapters but in a few words in single lines.

He  said that those words might not make a meaning to the reader initially, but meaning and understanding comes as he or she continues to read.

“The properties of poetry such as stanza, rhyme, rhythm, among others give poetry the flavours to be sung as a song.

“Something must cross your mind when writing poetry in order to inspire.

“You must have emotional feelings because poetry is not what you sit down and start thinking; rather something must strike your mind.

“It can be a gentle incident, a single word, social or moral issues or wonders of nature.

“You determine the format in which you want to write because a particular pattern may restrict expression of emotions on points to make in a poem,” he said.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of poems like ‘Against My Better Judgment’  ‘Korea Affairs’ ‘My Korea ‘ ‘Hallyu’ ‘The Line Where We All Meet’ and ‘Soul My Soul ‘ by various groups of participants.

Ms Shammah Teru, group one leader and presenter of the poem ‘The Line where We All Meet’ emerged winner.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Poetry Day, which was created by UNESCO in 1999 is celebrated on March 21.

It aimed at supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression, and increasing the opportunity for endangered language to be heard. (NAN)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Joseph Edeh

Foundation urges governments to prioritise TB prevention, treatment
Health

Foundation urges governments to prioritise TB prevention, treatment

235 total views today

 

By Justina Auta

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), an international NGO, on Saturday, called on governments at all levels to prioritise prevention and treatment level of Tuberculosis (TB) to meet the 2030 global target of eliminating the disease in Nigeria.

The Advocacy and Marketing Manager, AHF, Nigeria, Mr Steve Aborisade, made the call in a statement, in commemoration of the 2024 World TB Day, with a theme, “Yes! we can end TB.”

Aborisade described TB as one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases and leading cause of death for people living with HIV, yet 100 per cent preventable and treatable.

According to him, AHF Nigeria, in partnership with other stakeholders, will sensitise the public on prevention and free TB treatment in FCT, Benue, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Kogi and Nasarawa states.

“We will be honouring the millions of lives lost to TB, while urging leaders at all levels of government to prioritise TB prevention and treatment efforts.

“Through dedicated radio awareness efforts, AHF Nigeria with officials from the office of TB focal persons in these states shall be educating the public on TB prevention and creating awareness about the availability of free TB treatment across Nigeria.

“Through this effort, all the TB Directly observed Therapy (DOT) centres across AHF Nigeria states of operations shall be popularised.

“This will enable people to be aware of where to seek help for TB treatment and be knowledgeable about identifying cases and referring them to care and treatment.”

Dr. Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director, stressed the need for awareness creation and access to HIV and TB testing.

“It is important for stakeholders to create greater awareness about TB and ensure that people get tested for it and HIV.

“TB is treatable while the treatment is quite accessible and free across Nigeria.

“It is in this regard that AHF Nigeria is happy to contribute to the existing efforts of the Nigerian TB programme.

“Through awareness creation and driving greater community involvement and participation through the strategic engagement of community-based organizations (CBOs) and their civil society (CSOs) counterparts.”

According to the World Health Organisation, TB claimed 1.3 million lives in 2022, including 167,000 people living with HIV, with an estimated nearly 11 million people falling ill to TB worldwide.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World TB Day is observed annually on March 24 to renew commitment, inspire, and take action to end TB globally. (NAN)

Edited by Gabriel Yough

FG to patronise local meter manufacturers to close metering gap
Economy/Business , General News

FG to patronise local meter manufacturers to close metering gap

356 total views today

By Yusuf Yunus

The Federal Government has pledged its commitment to patronising local meter manufacturers in boosting local content development and fostering growth in the industrial sector.

 

Mr Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, during a working visit to Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Ltd. (MEMMCOL), gave the assurance to local manufacturers investing in domestic production in Mowe, Ogun State.

 

Adelabu emphasised the importance of sustaining local producers through access to affordable funding and long-term capital

He said, “We will also prioritise patronage, ensuring sustainability in their operations, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed agenda.

“It is a must to have significant local content in power sector’s projects and contracts.”

He highlighted plans to introduce legislation mandating local content in the power sector, just like the oil and gas industry, stressing the necessity of comprehensive plans for full backwards integration and technical training.

Adelabu said: “That is the only way local producers can be sustained.

“But, we need to start developing capacity in terms of investment infrastructure and also ensure mass production.

“Need to develop local capacity to avoid importation.

“We must have comprehensive plan for full backward integration, so that the locally manufactured productst will be achieved.

“We need to start training our people in technical training.”

The minister outlined the Presidential Metering Initiatives’ target of installing two million to 2.5 million meters annually over the next five years.

According to him, initially to address significant metering gaps, stressing the need for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.

Commending MOMAS for its contributions to bridging the metering gap, Adelabu stated,  “MOMAS remain our proud local meter manufacturing company in Nigeria. Its investment in metering and other electrical equipment is topnotch.

“I visited the meters manufacturing company to see how they can be supported.

“lt’s part of my visit to see how they can be supported through the meter expansion programme of the Ministry of Power.

“We know that Nigeria is highly import dependence country, this are one of the reason our currency has lost vulues.

“lt one of the intention of government to ensure we are back on import substitution journey.

“The only way we can do this is to support local manufacturers, apart from support.

“We must also incentives them by providing conducive atmosphere that we make their production activities in terms of cost to be competitive,” Adelabu expressed.

He acknowledged MOMAS’s substantial investment in metering infrastructure and emphasised the importance of creating a conducive environment for local manufacturers to thrive.
Impressed by MOMAS’s commitment to local content, Adelabu promised to engage with regulatory bodies to expedite meter acquisition plans, underscoring the urgency of addressing the widening metering gap.
He urged other Nigerian businesses to emulate MOMAS’s dedication to local content development, emphasising the government’s commitment to promoting self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign goods.
In response, Mr Kola Balogun, Chairman of MOMAS, expressed appreciation for the minister’s support and stressed the need for sustained government commitment to local industries.
Balogun highlighted MOMAS’s capability in meter manufacturing and called for increased government support to facilitate raw material procurement and potentially explore export opportunities.
As the nation’s sole Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in meter production, he said that MOMAS is poised to meet Nigeria’s metering needs.
He advocated for continued government patronage to support its investment in the country’s industrial development.

We design meters from scratch and  that capability not in doubt because we complied with all the various standards that Nigeria has set and also global best practices in terms of design.

“Virtually all DisCos are our partners. We also supply meter to Liberia,  Sierra Leone and  other African countries, but the volume Nigeria needed supersedes any volume in Africa,” he said

Balogun said: “The local patronage is still very much needed to be able meet up the investment threshold that we have done in the country today.

“We are the only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the country. We design from scratch, which is an embedded conceptualisation in engineering.

“That is the capability we have brought to the country.  It also behoves on the government to leverage on this and patronise us,”  Balogun added.(NAN)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Navy gets new spokesman
Defence/Security

Navy gets new spokesman

330 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has approved the appointment of Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu as the new Director of Naval Information and official Spokesperson for the Nigerian Navy.

This contained in a statement by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Adm. Joseph Akpan, on Friday in Abuja .

Adams-Aliu took over from Rear Adm. Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan who was deployed to Headquarters Naval Training Command as  Chief Staff Officer.

The new naval spokesperson, born on Dec. 15, 1977, graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1999, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 as a member of 47 Regular Course.

Adams-Aliu has attended several professional courses including the Captain Career Course at United States Army Infantry School, Atlanta, from 2007 to 2008.

He also attended the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, for the Junior and Senior Staff Courses in 2004 and 2010 respectively.

He later graduated from the Naval War College Nigeria in 2018 and the United States Naval War College in 2019.

The new naval spokesman commenced his naval career serving as Watch Keeping Officer onboard various Nigerian Navy Ships from  2000 to 2004, and was a military observer in the United Nations Mission in Liberia from 2011 – 2012.

Adams-Aliu was in charge of Nigerian Navy Ship BENIN and Squadron Commander of SHALDAG Boat squadron from 2013 to 2014.

He served as the pioneer Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship KARADUWA, the second navy indigenous ship, between 2016 and 2018.

From 2019 – 2020, he served as the Principal Staff Officer (Navy) to the then Chief of Defence Staff, retired Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin (rtd).

Thereafter, from July 2020 to
June 2021, he obtained a Master of Arts Degree in Strategic Security Studies from the National Defence University, Washington DC, where he won the 2021 Most Outstanding International Fellow award of the College of International Security Affairs.

On his return to Nigeria, Adams-Aliu was deployed as Directing Staff and Member of Faculty at the Naval War College Nigeria.

In March 2023, he assumed office as the Commanding Officer Forward Operating Base Badagry, and was later appointed Deputy Director Plans at Naval Headquarters in January 2024.

He was subsequently elevated to the post of Director Naval Information.

His awards and decorations include Passed Staff Course, Meritorious Service Star, United Nations Medal, Nigerian Navy Command at Sea Badge, and Distinguished Fellow of the Naval War College.

Commodore Adams-Aliu is an associate member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management.

He is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, the International Institute of Professional Security, and United States Naval Institute. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

WOHD: Oral health care, key indicator to overall well-being, health expert says
Health

WOHD: Oral health care, key indicator to overall well-being, health expert says

213 total views today

By Victor Okoye

A health expert, Dr Folasade Momoh, says oral healthcare is a key indicator to the overall well-being and quality of life of every human being.

Momoh, who is the Executive Director, Centre for School Health Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), made the remarks on Friday in Abuja.

She spoke during a sensitisation programme at Pilot Science Primary School, Gwagwalada, Abuja, to mark the 2024 World Oral Health Day (WOHD), where she emphasised the need for good oral health and hygiene.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s World Oral Health day is “A Happy Mouth Is A Happy Body”.

The day is annually marked on March 20 to raise awareness about oral health and hygiene, mouth diseases, as well as care and treatment options.

Momoh said that the theme explained the connection between oral health and the overall well-being of the body, hence the need to adopt good oral hygiene practices to avoid falling sick.

“it is a known fact that oral health contributes to overall well-being, and it is the journey towards good health begins from a clean mouth.

“So, to enjoy a healthier and happier life, we all must make oral health a priority by brushing our teeth daily (at least twice), and maintaining good hygiene

“Not just to prevent dental caries and gum diseases, but also to reduce the risk of chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancers.”

She said that the objective of coming to the school to mark the World Oral Health Day was to afford pupils the opportunity to receive adequate information on oral health, essential for good academic performance.

She thanked FCT UBEB for giving CSHEEH the approval to use the school.

The Executive Chairman of FCT UBEB, Dr Alhassan Sule, represented by Baba Aboki, Deputy Director, School Health and Sports, also thanked CSHEEH for the sensitistion.

He called for increased collaboration among stakeholders to promote oral health and hygiene.

Dr Ibrahim Yusuf, the Head Teacher of the school, said that the importance of oral health and hygiene among children of school age can never be over emphasised.

He said” what is being demonstrated here today, if put into actions, would help to save thousands of children.

Highlights of the event were presentations by dental experts and practical demonstrations on ways to effectively brush the teeth and maintain good oral hygiene.

A dental screening was also conducted for the pupils, while they received oral cleaning materials (tooth brushes and tooth pastes) to enable them practice and maintain what they were taught. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Justice minister urges HODs, agencies to deepen digital infrastructure
Judiciary

Justice minister urges HODs, agencies to deepen digital infrastructure

214 total views today

By Ebere Agozie

The Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN has urged heads of departments and agencies in the ministry to deepen the concept of Digital Public Infrastructure for effective operations.

Fagbemi made the call at the Ministerial Service Award for Justice Sector in Commemoration of the Nigerian Public Service Award on Friday in Abuja.

The minister was represented by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba.

“All heads of agencies and departments under the ministry must also make conscious efforts toward the digitalisation of the operations of their respective work processes for efficiency, attainment of deliverables, and safeguarding of the environment.

“The current administration is quite keen on promoting an enabling environment for its workforce as well as creating opportunities for sustainable economic development.

“I enjoin you all to improve upon your competence and capacity in the area of application or deployment of ICT resources, in line with global best practices.

“This is to attain a modern and technology-driven civil service in order to improve quality and turnaround time in service delivery.

“My charge to all members of the justice family is for us to redouble our efforts and avoid undue delay in the treatment of assigned tasks.

“For this to be achieved, a reliable, consistent and developed legal system is crucial for the ministry to successfully transit from its traditional legal roles to playing active roles in the economy and security sectors through the deployment of the instrumentality of the law.

“There is also a dire need for the members of staff in the justice sector to demonstrate strong commitment, loyalty and high sense of duty in order to derive maximum benefits from the functions and mandates of the ministry.”

He said the government is also placing optimum premium on the welfare of civil servants by the payment of wage awards and constitution of a Tripartite Committee to fashion out a new minimum wage in tune with current socio-economic realities.

He congratulated the 48 awardees and enjoined them to be the shining light to their colleagues and good ambassadors of the ministry. (NAN)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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