NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
LASG charges students to speak up against violence
Education

LASG charges students to speak up against violence

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By Oluwatope Lawanson

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday charged students to speak up against domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, gave the charge during the induction of 201 students from Education District six into the Kings and Queens Club in Lagos.

The induction was organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).

The 201 students were inducted into the club after weeks of orientation to stand against all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.

Ogunlende said the purpose of the induction into the club was to help the young boys and girls to imbibe the act of discipline in the fight to curb such violence in Lagos State.

He urged them to speak out and report any case of sexual violence in their community, to rid the state off the menace.

L-R: Executive Secretary, DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Princess Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, the Lawmaker representing Lagos Island Constituency 1 and Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende.

 

The commissioner said the initiative was in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in the area of youth engagement and social inclusion.

Also speaking, Princess Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, the lawmaker representing Lagos Island Constituency 1, said that the programme aimed at reiterating the state government’s zero tolerance for all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.

Oyekan-Olumegbon said having such club would help to address the grappling issues of violence that individuals and communities were faced with.

She urged the students to continue to strive for excellence and champion a world free of all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.

Oyekan-Olumegbon also urged the inductees to see themselves as ambassadors and change agents in the society.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Executive Secretary, DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the initiative was to create a sustainable social structure in educational institutions that would help debunk socio-cultural misconceptions.

Vivour-Adeniyi said the club would promote empowered femininity to bring about behavioural and attitudinal change in the minds of young girls in Lagos State.

She added that the initiative would help to constitute an alliance of trained young girls and boys in schools, who would serve as peer educators and advocates of positive femininity and masculinity.

According to her, the club will expose the girls and boys to increased knowledge on sexual and gender-based violence and enable them question dominant norms which promote gender inequities.

She added that it would enable them to challenge myths and misconceptions about violence.

”Empowering and inaugurating the students into the King’s Club and Queen’s Club is expedient, as children are amongst the statistics of victims, prey to peodophiles and all forms of abuse,” she said.

Babayomi Abraham, a student of Euba Senior Secondary School, said he learnt a lot from being in King’s Club, as the club had taught him how not to be harmful in the society, but report any form of sexual and gender-based violence in the society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Methodist Church lauds Wike’s revolutionary strides in FCT
Metro

Methodist Church lauds Wike’s revolutionary strides in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

The Archdiocese of Abuja Methodist Church Nigeria has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for the changes he is bringing to the territory, Abuja.

The archbishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Michael Akinwale, gave the commendation when he and other bishops of the church visited the minister in his office in Abuja on Thursday.

Akinwale, describing the changes as revolutionary, also commended the minister for the improved security being experienced in the FCT.

“We commend you for trying to maintain the Abuja Master Plan and of course, the security which you have provided.

“Today, we can sleep with our two eyes closed. Within the last two months, it has been very, very traumatic, and we commend you on that,” he said.

Describing Abuja as Nigeria’s commonwealth, the bishop expressed confidence in the capacity of the minister to get things done the right way in the capital city.

He explained that the visit was to congratulate the minister, identify with him and wish him well as he steers the affairs of the FCT, leading it to greatness.

“Our duty as a church is to pray for our leaders; those who have been placed in authority of leadership to lead the people,” he said.

The cleric also informed the minister of the forthcoming annual apostolic visit of the head of the Methodist mission, Most Rev. Oliver Aba, to Abuja.

Responding, Wike thanked the delegation for the visit, stressing that the church’s role in keeping the country together was very important.

He assured the church and other religious groups of continued partnership and appealed for continued prayers for Nigeria and its leaders, including the president.

“We require prayer for peace; we require prayer for stability; we require prayer for this country to move forward.

“The church and other religious groups have been praying for this nation to remain together, and therefore, whatever we can do to support, we will always do.

“We will do all that we can to make Abuja the city that everybody will be proud of,” he said.

According to the minister, the government is trying to handle issues of insecurity and infrastructure and promised not to let anybody down. (NAN)

Edited by Moses Solanke

NABDA unveils indigenous technology that produces hospital gadgets
Science & Tech

NABDA unveils indigenous technology that produces hospital gadgets

328 total views today

By Sylvester Thompson

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director-General, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), says the agency has unveiled indigenous technology that can produce all necessary gadgets to be used in hospitals across the country.

Mustapha said this on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the 2024 Science, Technology and Innovation Expo in Abuja.

According to him, NABDA has developed test kits for COVID-19.

“The move was not for the disease to resurface, but to show that the agency is capable of developing other kits for testing.

“It also means that the agency has indigenous technology that can provide all the necessary gadgets to be used in hospitals in Nigeria,” director-general said.

According to him, the test kits are cheaper, more efficient.

He said that the agency was also working on vaccine technology which would soon be developed.

“We are hoping that this will transform the medical line in our country, ” director-general said.

He added that the agency had discovered lassa fever drug which was still under clinical trial.

He said that the agency’s indigenous biodigester could be used to provide electricity especially to rural communities in the country.

” It can be used to provide gas for cooking as well as energy for whatever demand.

“With these developments, it means that we have researches that can take into consideration and transform the Nigerian economy, ” Mustapha said.

Earlier, the NABDA D-G made a presentation on, “STI: Solution to national economic challenges, the role of biotechnology. ”

Dr Rose Gidado, Director, Agricultural Biotechnology department of the NABDA and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the NABDA expo, remarked that biotechnology was a game changer.

“It has revolutionalised our world in countless ways, from advancements in medicine and agriculture, to environmental sustainability and industries processes,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

TEXEM commends Transcorp Hotels boss for emerging CEO of the year
General News

TEXEM commends Transcorp Hotels boss for emerging CEO of the year

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

Dupe Olusola, CEO of Transcorp Hotels and alumnus of the United Kingdom based leadership development firm, TEXEM UK, has been commended for emerging CEO of the year 2023.

In a statement on its website www.texem.co.uk, TEXEM’s Director Special Projects, Caroline Lucas said Olusola stands out as a beacon of inspiration in the dynamic world of corporate leadership, where excellence is often measured by innovation.

Lucas said that as the esteemed CEO of Transcorp Hotels, and a trailblazing leader, Olusola’s outstanding achievements and unwavering dedication have propelled her to the pinnacle of success.

She said the achievements also earned her the prestigious title of CEO of the Year 2023 by LEADERSHIP Awards.

Lucas said Olusola’s journey to this remarkable achievement is a testament to her exceptional leadership skills.

“Taking the helm of Transcorp Hotels during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, she exhibited unparalleled resilience and strategic acumen, steering the company back to profitability.

“Under her visionary leadership, Transcorp Hotels has become the foremost hospitality brand in Nigeria, achieving a remarkable share price growth of more than 600 percent over the past year.

“For Dupe Olusola, leadership is not just about managing a business; it’s about fostering a culture of innovation, driving growth, and delivering value to stakeholders,” the TEXEM director said.

Lucas said Olusola’s commitment to excellence is reflected in Transcorp Hotels’ impressive revenue growth of 47 percent to N31.4 billion in 2022, setting new benchmarks and surpassing pre-COVID performance levels.

“The accolades bestowed upon Transcorp Hotels and Dupe Olusola are not just mere recognitions; they are a celebration of exceptional leadership and business acumen.

“From Booking.com’s Traveller Review Award 2023 to World Luxury Hotel Awards, Dupe Olusola’s leadership has garnered international acclaim.

“Dupe Olusola’s commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her active participation in the TEXEM programme, “Strategic Leadership in Difficult Times,” held in March 2017,” she recalled.

Lucas said the dedication to continuous improvement by Olusola has undoubtedly contributed to her success in navigating complex business landscapes.

“In addition to her corporate achievements, Dupe Olusola embodies the spirit of a modern woman successfully juggling multiple roles.

“As a passionate mother and wife, she exemplifies that women can excel in both their careers and personal lives.

“Her ability to maintain a work-life balance serves as an inspiration to women aspiring to reach the pinnacle of their professions without compromising their family life,” she said.

Lucas said beyond her corporate achievements, Olusola’s commitment to societal development and empowerment is noteworthy.

“From founding the non-profit organisation Forty for Good to her advocacy for women in leadership positions, she is a true catalyst for positive change.

“In celebrating Dupe Olusola as the CEO of the Year 2023, we honor not only her remarkable achievements but also her visionary leadership that continues to shape the future of Transcorp Hotels and the hospitality industry at large.

“Dupe Olusola is more than a CEO; she is a trailblazer, an advocate for women’s empowerment, and a symbol of excellence in leadership,” she said. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

ICIR, IBP train 20 journalists on SPARK 2 project
General News

ICIR, IBP train 20 journalists on SPARK 2 project

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By Ibukun Emiola

The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), with support from the International Budget Partnership (IBP), on Wednesday in Abuja began a two-day training for journalists selected for its fellowship.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the investigative journalism training is tagged “Strengthening Public Accountability for Results and Knowledge (SPARK 2), a project with focus on health and agriculture.

In his address, the Executive Director of ICIR, Mr Dayo Aiyetan, said investigative journalism which would be impactful should be evidence-based.

He also stressed the importance of contextual data and research in bringing out the relevance of the story to address societal issues.

“Research provides you the information, data and other materials you build your investigation on. It helps you achieve hypothesis.

“It helps you organise your thoughts and develop a story plan, determine who to talk to, where to look, where to go. Research helps develop a foolproof security risk assessment.

“It provides you information about what has been reported before. You don’t want to reinvent the wheel,” Aiyetan said.

In her remarks, the IBP Country Director, Dr Olayinka Babalola, said journalists are the conscience of the nation, adding that their reports could engender change in the society.

She emphasised the need for systematic reporting on issues affecting the country.

Also, the Programme Coordinator of Small-scale Women Farmers’ Organisation in Nigeria (SWOFON), Ogechi Okebugwu, urged journalists to give more support to stories about the plight of women farmers.

She highlighted peculiar issues confronting small-holder women farmers, such as lack of gender-friendly equipment and timely intervention of inputs.

Earlier, the ICIR Programme Officer, Ayisat Abiona, had said the programme was to build the capacity of journalists on investigative and impactful reporting which could hold people in government accountable.(NAN)

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(Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Olawale Alabi)

Fubara promises enhanced education standard for Rivers
Politics , Education

Fubara promises enhanced education standard for Rivers

302 total views today

By Precious Akutamadu

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers says his administration will give utmost attention to the education sector to maintain standard and ensure quality.

Fubara said this when he inaugurated the Governing Council of the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

“When one creates a job, you automatically employ others, that is what I want this council to see as their task,” he said.

The governor stressed that in achieving legacy in the sector, schools would be driven with a curriculum that would equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.

He said it was regrettable that some people felt that his administration lacked focus, with no vision and direction.

It would be recalled that Chief Tony Okocha, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers, had accused Gov. Siminialayi Fubara of allegedly spending frivolously and organising thanksgiving with funds meant for the development of the state.

Okocha, while briefing newsmen on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, also said that Fubara’s administration was “visionless”, as it failed to consolidate on the road plan of former governor Nyesom Wike.

Fubara, however, said that his administration is determined to develop Rivers.

“But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channelled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education that is creative, that gives you independence.

“We have left the era when people speak too much grammar. We are in such time when it is what you can do with your hands,” he said.

The governor said that the purpose of ensuring quality education was to return academic programmes to a standard where at the end of studies, graduates would create jobs for themselves.

Fubara said that the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in Diobu axis of Port Harcourt had left many primary school leavers out of school.

“Such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford to send them to far away secondary schools to roam the streets, and therefore, become willing tools for criminality,” he said.

He said that such fundamental problem would be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of the state.

He expressed confidence in the capacity of members of the Governing Council to bring about positive change in the university while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the state.

“I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but add something different from the normal things we already see,” he stated.

In her response, retired Justice Mary Odili, the Pro-Chancellor of the school on behalf of other members, thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.

Odili promised that the council would work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitated the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that would be bequeathed by his administration.

Other members of the governing council included the Chairman of the Governing Council, Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Adata Bio-Briggs, Dr Jonathan Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr Nancy Nwankwo, Dr Igoni William-Park and Mr Ogbugbu Barisua.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Bassey/ Ali Baba-Inuwa

Mathematics Day: Centre boss urges support to aid teaching, learning
Education

Mathematics Day: Centre boss urges support to aid teaching, learning

232 total views today

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

Prof. Promise Mebine, the Director/Chief Executive, National Mathematical Centre, (NMC), has called for more support towards aiding the teaching and learning of mathematics to promote national development.

Mebine said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in commemoration of the International Day of Mathematics (IDM) on Thursday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the day is celebrated annually on March 14 to highlight the importance of mathematics and its essential role in everyone’s life worldwide.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Playing with Mathematics”.

According to him, research in mathematics inspires new ways of thinking and commonly leads to the development of new mathematical theories, models and tools that help solve some of the world’s challenging problems.

“Be it in the physical, biological and life sciences. This ultimately has a significant impact on the world’s health, security, economy and technological inventions.

“Mathematics has proven to be a powerful tool for understanding the world around us.

“It helps us to understand patterns, quantify relationships, predict the future, predict profit and study exponential growth and decay (the rate at which things grow and die) within the context of population growth,” he said.

According to him, every sane person does and uses mathematics, though many do not realise that for instance, when you want to cross a road and there is an on-coming vehicle, what do you do?

“You consider the following: estimate the distance between you and the vehicle, the speed of the on-coming vehicle, the time it will take the vehicle to reach your crossing line and the time it will take you to cross.

“All these must be calculated and analysed, though mentally before crossing the road.

“Also a good cook, who wants to prepare food must take into consideration the number of people to be fed, the quantity to be cooked, the size of the pot to use, quantities of ingredients and water to make the food tasty.

“These are some of the things people do in their everyday lives without knowing they are doing Mathematics, though in an informal way,” he said.

He said that mathematics helped one to be precise in his/her decision-making and as such came up with better results.

Mebine said although many do not see the usefulness of mathematics/mathematical theories beyond pure academic exercise.

“The question is, can we have a better world without Mathematics? Saying yes to this question is the same as saying there can be a better world without technological development.

“Imagine our world today without all the recent technological developments, it would be a very boring/difficult place to live in, especially for people of this present generation.”

He said that there would not be a better world without technological development, also there would not be a technological development without sciences.

“And there cannot be sciences without mathematics because it is the language of science and the mother of all subjects.

“The importance of mathematics cannot be over-emphasised. Therefore, there is a need to make IDM worth looking forward to in Nigeria every year.”

He commended the members of staff of the Mathematics Programme for all their efforts towards the success of the celebration, saying “the celebration would be a joyous one for us as we play with Mathematics”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Environment

C-G urges retiring officer to engage in meaningful activities

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By Abigael Joshua

Dr Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General (C-G), National Park Service (NPS), has urged a retiring officer, Dr Martins Omole, to engage in meaningful activities in life after retirement.

Goni gave this advice in Abuja at the valedictory/pulling out parade of Omole, retired Assistant Conservator-General (AC-G), from the service.

He implored the retiring officer to be prudent in his expenses and continue in his positive attitude to work.

Goni commended Omole’s career progression in the service and his dedication to work.

Responding, Omole expressed satisfaction on his contribution to the NPS for 35 years.

“I am glad to be part of the team that has conserved the ecology, the flora and fauna resources of National Park Service,’’ he said.

He called on the Federal Government to support the national park service and provide them with all the necessary funds to carry out their duties.

On his part, Pastor Kayode Daniel of the Deeper Life Bible Church, urged Omole to embrace God for the remaining days of his life in order to attain greater heights. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Institute urges FG to commercialise technology research findings
Science & Tech

Institute urges FG to commercialise technology research findings

203 total views today
By Jessica Dogo

Prof. Jeffery Barminas, the Director-General of the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology (NARICT), has urged the Federal Government to commercialise science and technology research findings in the country.

Barminas made this plea on Wednesday during the institute’s Special Day at the ongoing 2024 Science, Technology, and Innovation Expo in Abuja.

The sub-theme of the special day is titled “Investment Opportunities as a Sure Path for Economic Growth and Revitalisation through Innovative Chemical Technology.”

The director-general also called on the legislature and relevant agencies to emulate the working templates of the United States, Asia, and Europe to foster industry growth.

He noted that the industry is currently expanding in proportion to Nigeria’s economic growth estimate.

“There must be a deliberate effort by the government to encourage the commercialisation of scientific and technological research findings.

“Chemical industry experts in Nigeria should urge the legislature and relevant agencies to replicate the working templates of the United States, Asia, and Europe to foster industry growth.

“This market is diverse, ranging from basic chemicals like petrochemicals and polymers to specialty chemicals used in specific applications, such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and electronic chemicals.

“As we can see, there are numerous opportunities for Nigeria to explore in the chemical industry market.

“For this sector to play the role of the engine of growth, it must continue to diversify, seek product definition, be export-oriented, and above all, be competitive,” the director-general said.

He highlighted that NARICT has established a ten-ton methanol production plant from natural gas and other renewable sources like biomass and waste, which would lead to job creation and import substitution.

Furthermore, he mentioned that the production of precipitated calcium carbonate is vital in pharmaceutical and allied industries.

“NARICT aims to provide investment opportunities for economic growth through the natural endowment of resources we have in this country.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Deji Abdulwahab

 

Science & Tech

SHESTCO to bridge research gap via Technology

298 total views today
By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) has expressed its commitment to bridging the gap in research and development through technology.

The Director-General of SHESTCO, Prof. Paul Onyenekwe, made this assertion on Wednesday during SHESTCO Day at the ongoing Science, Technology, and Innovation Expo in Abuja.

He stated that the complex was a leading hub for research utilising modern technology, emphasising that it had acquired new equipment ready for researchers’ use.

“We are extending an invitation to scientists and researchers with proposals involving modern equipment; much of this equipment is not commonly found in most institutions, but we have it available.

“Our facilities are open for use,” Onyenekwe emphasised.

According to him, the complex offers opportunities for institutions of higher learning in the country to conduct capital-intensive research at a cost-effective rate.

Onyenekwe added that the complex also facilitated the development of advanced computational and multiscale modeling and simulation foundations, along with establishing a resource-based center to accelerate scientific discovery in the country.

He further mentioned that the complex had already constructed three zonal offices across the country and planned to build offices in Kano, Anambra, and Plateau.

In addition, Andrew Iloh, the Director of the Biotechnology Advanced Research Centre at SHESTCO, stated that the biotechnology research center had successfully trained over 1000 industrial training students and approximately 100 masters and PhDs in various research fields.

“We aim for our research to attain innovative status; we want our research outcomes to contribute to the country’s economic growth.

“Biotechnology offers an excellent opportunity to build a sustainable economy,” he remarked.

Prof. Danlami Uzama, the Director of the Chemistry Advanced Research Centre at SHESTCO, disclosed that the complex had developed an anti-sickening phytodrug derived from local plants.

He explained that the phytodrug had undergone compounding and toxicology studies, with preclinical studies indicating its effectiveness as an anti-sickling drug.

Furthermore, he highlighted that the complex had developed an anti-epilepsy phytodrug currently undergoing phases 1 and 2 clinical trials. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Deji Abdulwahab

 

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