NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
NEITI lauds Chevron, Seplat for supporting EITI
Oil & Gas

NEITI lauds Chevron, Seplat for supporting EITI

251 total views today

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has lauded Chevron Nigeria Limited’s voluntary willingness to sign on as a supporting company of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, NEITI, while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Abuja said the Seplat Energy also offered to join the EITI as a result of NEITI’s activities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that EITI is the global standard designed to promote good governance by enhancing transparency, public debate, open and accountable management of oil, gas and mineral resources.

The NEITI Act was enacted in 2007 to give the implementation of the Initiative in the country a legal backing. With this, Nigeria became the first country in global EITI to support the implementation.

Supporting the EITI enables companies to gain respect and investors’ confidence, demonstrate commitment to transparency and accountability, improve access to finance, strengthen social licence and reduce investment risk.

“Many oil and gas companies have given us enormous cooperation; in fact Chevron has informed us of its voluntary willingness to sign on as a supporting company of the EITI.

“Seplat has also offered to join the EITI as a result of the work we are doing. We have given them guidelines of what is required to be a member of the EITI both at the national and international level.

“If you are a member internationally you have to domesticate it by working closer with NEITI,” he said.

The executive secretary said it achieved a lot in 2023, adding that it went through hard process of EITI validation and came out with 72 per cent which earned the organisation a lot of attention due to its activities.

Orji said it was focused on improving on observations made during the validation which included deepening its engagement with the civil societies, oil and gas companies, human capacity development, strengthening internal processes and capabilities to EITI implementation.

“We have already started by injecting younger ones into our workforce but they require a lot of training while those in the management team and cadre staff need a lot of training.

“Then we strengthen out ethical conduct to practice what we preach,” he said.

He thanked the media for the quality engagement and support on its 2021 oil, gas and solid mineral reports as well as the fiscal allocation and statutory disbursement report.

“We equally published a lot of policy briefs and guidance notes to government, we find a lot of interest that we are able to do all these with your supports,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the past and present administration for the support they gave to NEITI which necessitated its progress.

“As a transparency institution we are open to constructive, balance and fair criticism, advice and engagement.

“We are not enemies to government, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and companies, rather they are our partners. Government funds 99 per cent of our operations, government is our back backbone,” he said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government towards implementation of EITI. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Leadership: Youths must engage in politics to save Nigeria — Mahmoud
General News

Leadership: Youths must engage in politics to save Nigeria — Mahmoud

191 total views today

By Emmanuel Afonne

Nigerian youths have been urged to be fully engaged in the process of rebuilding the country and also participate in politics.

Hajiya Nana Mahmoud, Chairperson, Jama’a Mata Arewa, FCT Chapter, made the call in Abuja while admonishing youths at the Next President Reality TV Show and Leadership Award Presentation organised by Superior Radio and Television (SRTV).

Mahmoud, who is also the Board Chairman, La Plage Meta Verse, Africa’s first asynchronous learning platform, said the country would reap the benefit if youths began to occupy leadership positions in the country.

“We have reached a stage where we should engage our youths in the process of politics; we need to start early.

“If we engage our youths at the early stage, we are sure of producing responsible leaders, husbands and fathers.

“We should also look into women inclusion and we need to engage them in every aspect.

“What SRTV is doing with the reality television show is one of the processes to prepare the youths to take over.

“We keep having recycled politicians because the youths have refused to show responsibility in the past; Nigerian youths have woken up and they have seen that it is achievable,” she said.

Mr Kenneth Paul, Head of Administration, SRTV, said the organisation had already started the journey to position the youths for future leadership roles.

Paul said the annual “Next President Show” had produced winners who can be trusted with leadership position.

He said that the 37 contestants in the 2023 show would attend leadership training in the UK in 2024, as part of efforts to prepare them for future leadership positions.

According to him, the show has been productive as the winner of the last edition is currently an aide to a political office holder in Abuja.

Paul said the objective was to involve the youths in politics and build them to take over different leadership positions.

“We do not believe that the youths are leaders of tomorrow, we believe that they are leaders of today.

“The objective of the show is youth involvement in politics and grooming youths to be leaders.

“We don’t just monitor their progress, we monitor their mentors and ask them what they have been able to do for the contestants, especially the winner.

“In the past, some of them have delved into civil society organisation, while some of them were candidates of different political parties in the last general election,” Paul said.

Mr Tunde Adebayo, winner of the 2023 edition of the Next President Reality TV show, said that he was already working to ensure a successful political career.

Adebayo, who represented Osun State, said he emerged victorious having completed the tasks he was assigned to do in the house.

“I am good at uniting people and that is what the show is all about.

“I have always been in leadership position, and that was why it wasn’t difficult for me to fit into this programme.

“This is a starting point for me and I am working to enhance my ability to be a good politician,” Adebayo said.

Adebayo, who pocketed the N500,000 prize money for the show, urged youths not to relent in their endeavours.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Phanuel Babale from Adamawa, emerged as the first runner up, while Jafaru Yakubu, who represented FCT, finished as the second runner up.

Theophilus Obaje from Kogi finished in fourth place, while Vincent Shilong, representing Gombe, ended the show on fifth position. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

2023 TopFx Golf Tourney: Suleiman, Mamza sweep best gross men, ladies’ prizes
Sports

2023 TopFx Golf Tourney: Suleiman, Mamza sweep best gross men, ladies’ prizes

196 total views today

By Victor Okoye

Mohammed Suleiman and Deanne Mamza have emerged as winners of the men and ladies highest gross category.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 120 golfers slugged it out for honours in a stroke format, over the 18-holes at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

It was all fun galore as the maiden edition of the TopFx Golf tournament came to an end on Sunday, with a colourful dinner to celebrate winners in different categories.

Mohammed Suleiman playing off handicap 2 with a total gross score of 75 emerged the winner of the highest male gross category.

Deanne Mamza playing off handicap 19 with 96 gross took home the prize for the ladies highest gross category.

In the Men’s Division 1 category (for handicap 0 to 18), Okey Akobundu playing off handicap 17 with a gross of 85 and 68 net emerged winner.

While Biju Sunita playing off handicap 34 with a gross score of 106 and 69 net won the prize for the Ladies Division 1 category.

Former IBB Lady Captain, Joy Ikwe playing off handicap 27 with 108 gross and 81 net finished as runner-up in the category.

In the Auxiliary award category, Mamza won both the prize for the longest drive and nearest to the pin ladies with a distance of 195 metres and 12.10 ft respectively.

Joe Opio and T. Amanambu won the prize for the longest drive (275 metres) and nearest to the pin (3.6 ft) respectively in the men’s category.

Present at the colourful was the West Africa Regional Manager, TopFX Ada Ogbuehi, alongside other top management staff of the company.

Ada Ogbuehi, TopFx West Africa Regional Manager told newsmen that she was so excited about the large number of golfers that turned up for the maiden edition.

She said that the brand was looking forward to hosting so many more editions of the tournament, adding that the 2024 edition promises to be bigger and better.

The tournament which teed-off on Friday ended on Sunday at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Parallex Bank wins UK Reputable Bank award
Banking

Parallex Bank wins UK Reputable Bank award

226 total views today

 

By Lydia Ngwakwe

Parallex Bank Ltd. has been recognised as the Reputable Bank of the Year by the Global Reputation Forum in the United Kingdom.

The Chief Executive Officer of Parallex Bank, Dr Olufemi Bakre, who represented the bank at the event, made this known in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

Bakre said the award was presented at the 2023 Reputable Banks and Fintech Awards held at Westminster Bridge, London.

He noted that the rapidly emerging commercial bank in Nigeria, stood out among a select group of the most reputable banks and fintech institutions across Africa.

He said the Global Reputation Forum acknowledged Parallex Bank’s distinguished performance in corporate governance as the basis for the prestigious accolade.

Bakre expressed satisfaction with the award, emphasising that the award underscored Parallex Bank’s substantial impact on the Nigerian banking sector.

He highlighted that the bank’s commitment to its founding values has earned recognition from esteemed organisations through a series of prestigious awards.

Bakre reiterated the bank’s unwavering commitment to its “limitless banking” mantra, ensuring that every Nigerian experiences banking differently.

He emphasised the substantial investment in banking technology, enhancing customer experiences with seamless transactions on the bank’s platforms.

“Parallex Bank’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction recently earned it the esteemed title of the Agency Bank of the Year at the Businessday’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions Awards.

“This latest accolade not only solidifies Parallex Bank’s reputation as an industry pathfinder but also serves as a testament to its ongoing commitment to shaping the future of banking in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

Bakre quoted Mr Tonye Indaminabo, the Chief Executive Officer of Reputation Poll International, as saying that Parallex Bank holds a unique position as the first and currently the sole financial institution to transition from a microfinance bank to a commercial bank in Nigeria.

“The annual Reputable Banks and Fintech Awards and Conference, orchestrated by Reputation Poll International, a globally acclaimed reputation-management firm, is strategically designed to recognise the exponential growth, accelerated progress, and transformative reforms within Africa’s banking and financial sector.

“The selection process is meticulously based on polls conducted among the public and customers, honouring and celebrating banks and fintech institutions that play pivotal roles in propelling Africa’s rapidly evolving financial landscape forward.

“Parallex Bank, a recipient of multiple awards, has consistently demonstrated excellence in banking practices, securing various accolades both locally and internationally over the past two years,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Sanwo-Olu unveils N750m market transfer money programme in Lagos
Agriculture , Economy/Business

Sanwo-Olu unveils N750m market transfer money programme in Lagos

250 total views today

 

 

By Olayinka Olawale/Florence Onuegbu

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Sunday unveiled a  N750 million  Lagos Market Transfer Money programme for 15,000 market men and women in 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas.

Sanwo-Olu said this at the inauguration of  Fresh Food Agro-Hub in Idi-Oro Market, Mushin Local Government Area.

The Fresh Food Agro-Hub, Mushin, is the first of its kind in the state to mitigate post harvest losses inflation, traffic congestion and reduce carbon footprints emission among others.

The governor said that the first 15,000 beneficiaries of the programme would receive N50,000 each as palliatives to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

According to him, each local government areas will send 200 beneficiaries each while additional 50 will come from market leaders – Iyalojas and Babalojas across the state.

Sanwo-Olu said the government had come up with an intervention for all market men and women.

“We are launching here today, what we call the Lagos Market Trader Money.

“As a measure of where we are, the first 15,000 market beneficiaries are going to be getting a support of N50,000 from the government.

“How it is going to work is that we are not going to pick these beneficiaries from the big markets, each local government will submit 200 names that will be divided among 10 markets.

“This means from 10 markets will identify 20 beneficiaries each. We are going to give the Iyalojas and the Babalojas additional 50 slots for them to further identify beneficiaries.

“This is going to bring to a total of 250 beneficiaries from every local government and that will give us a total of 14,250.

“The balance of 750 we will identify other stakeholders, the markets that we have in barracks, in our military formation because they also have markets and they are our citizens and we need to take this type of intervention also to them.

“We will distribute the remaining 750 amongst them and it will bring us all our beneficiaries,’” he said.

Sanwo-olu told the market leaders at the gathering that he had fulfilled the promise made to the traders during their meeting.

He said that when he held a meeting with the market leaders, he promised them 5,700 beneficiaries but now, he has increased it to 15,000 beneficiaries.

“The first 15,000 would be the first attempt to ensure that the palliatives that Mr President, Bola Tinubu is talking about, the palliative that the market men and women have been clamoring for, we can give it to them.

“You can imagine somebody that is selling fruits.

“The total sale of what is on the store is about N40,000, if N50,000 additional that we are going to give will immediately increase the amount that is available for that market woman to be able to have the means.

“He or she will be able to trade more to generate  enough revenue and to build a sustainable life for her family.

“We will look for how we will implement it that it will get to the grassroots, it will not be one-sided. We will give them the money,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said that the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya, would handle all the logistics along with all the Local Government chairmen.

He added that the government had made arrangements for the funds and it would commence immediately, adding that it would be paid to beneficiaries before Dec. 31st 2023.

“This is a policy that will start immediately tomorrow, we must commence it before the end of the year, so that we can give them the money.

“We don’t want the new year to approach before we will start giving excuses.

“We have made arrangements for the money and we will ensure that this programme will give our people more resources to expand their businesses.

“This is now your government and you must give it all the support it deserves, we have promised and we are fulfilling it.

“We pray you will utilise the fund judiciously for the benefit for which it is given to you,” he said.

Earlier, Alhaja Toyibat Borokini, the Iyaloja of Mushin market, had urged the state government to provide support and assistance for her members in the face of the economic situation in the country.

Borokini said that the traders appealed to the governor to further assist them during their previous meeting.

“The entire market men and women in Lagos are grateful for this huge support and we will  utilise this facility judiciously.

“This will definitely go a long way in boosting our businesses,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Vivian Ihechu

ACAMB mourns Abdul Imoyo, condoles with family
Banking

ACAMB mourns Abdul Imoyo, condoles with family

174 total views today

 

 

By Lydia Ngwakwe

The Association of Corporate and Marketing Communications Professionals in Banks in Nigeria (ACAMB) has described the death of its Publicity Secretary, Mr Abdul Imoyo, as a big blow to the banking and financial sector.

The President, ACAMB, Mr Rasheed Bolarinwa, said this in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

Rasheed said until his demise, Imoyo contributed significantly to the financial group’s communication strategies and public image.

“ACAMB is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its esteemed Publicity Secretary, Mr Abdul Imoyo.

“Imoyo, a highly regarded corporate media manager and Journalist, breathed his last in the early hours of Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, at the First Cardiology, Ikoyi, Lagos, after a brief illness.

“Until his untimely demise, Imoyo served as the Head of Media Relations at Access Holdings, where he contributed significantly to the financial group’s communication strategies and public image,” the statement said.

It quoted a heartfelt statement earlier released by Tunde Imoyo, representing the Imoyo family, as saying, “It is with deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of our beloved husband, father, brother, and uncle, Abdul Kolawole Imoyo, who departed to be with the Lord in the early hours of Dec. 17, 2023, after a brief illness.

“We are taking some time as a family to grieve over our loss at this time. We thank you for your prayers and support.”

The statement described the late Imoyo as a dedicated professional with an unwavering commitment to excellence in the field of corporate communications.

“His contributions to ACAMB and the broader corporate landscape, will be remembered and celebrated by colleagues, associates, and the entire banking community.

“With nostalgia, the association recalls that late Imoyo played active roles in cementing the bonds of relationship between ACAMB and other industry bodies such as the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria and the Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria, while he was in the media.

“That he emerged the Publicity Secretary of the current ACAMB exco was in recognition of his amiable traits, needed to wedge the critical stakeholders in the industry,” it said.

ACAMB extends its deepest condolences to the Imoyo family and Access Holdings Group during this difficult time and expresses gratitude for Imoyo’s invaluable service to the Association and the corporate sector at large.

It added that the funeral arrangements and memorial service details from the Imoyo family would be communicated at a later date. (NAN)www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Sanwo-Olu inaugurates fresh food hub, to mitigate 50% produce loss
Agriculture

Sanwo-Olu inaugurates fresh food hub, to mitigate 50% produce loss

568 total views today

By Olayinka Olawale/Florence Onuegbu
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Sunday inaugurated a newly constructed middle-level Fresh Food Agro-Hub, at Idi-Oro in Mushin area of the state.

Speaking during the inauguration, Sanwo-Olu said that the facility would help to mitigate the 50 per cent post-harvest losses, and reduce carbon emissions in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fresh food agro-hub is one of the eight middle-level markets constructed by the state government, with the modern facility sitting on 6,400 square metres of land.

He said that the facility heralded a turning point in the state’s food distribution system, in line with the Food Systems Transformation Agenda, which was strategic in the actualisation of the THEMES Plus Agenda of the government.

According to him, the Food System Transformation Agenda was adopted as a measure to improve the current system which is inundated by wastage, post-harvest losses, traffic congestion, and other inefficiencies that result in the loss of over 50 per cent of agricultural produce, especially in perishables.

“This transformation journey is hinged on our 5-year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap (2021-2026), which reflects our passionate commitment to boosting food production, processing and marketing,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said that the roadmap sets the stage for direct interventions, strategic collaborations, and the establishment of linkages with the private sector, financial institutions, foreign governments and multilateral agencies

He said that the Mid-level agro produce hub would pave the way for the modernisation, re-organisation and presentation of state-of-the-art data-driven food and agriculture systems, where players and actors in the marketing chain interact freely.

The governor said that the food hub also addressed prevailing market challenges of inadequate infrastructure; food shortage; high degree of fragmentation and standardisation.

He said that the government, through efficiency-driven strategies such as this and other initiatives, was on the right path to enhancing food production, which would lead to attaining the goal of meeting 40 per cent of Lagos State’s food requirements by 2025.

He listed the other initiatives to include the ground breaking Eko Agro Mechanisation Programme, the innovative tractor-hailing application and the establishment of a 32 tons/hour Lagos Rice Mill at Imota.

The governor also cited the enterprise development for women and youth in poultry production, piggery, aquaculture, apiculture (beekeeping), horticulture, and artisanal fishing.

“As these efforts continue to yield the desired result in increased food production, it becomes imperative that all the inefficiencies that can erode the impact on the populace are addressed, which is the central goal of the Food Systems Transformation Agenda.

“This agenda categorises our Food System into the Central Logistics Hub, Mid-level Agro-produce Hub, and the Last Mile Food Distribution outlets.

“To demonstrate our resolve to follow through with the agenda, the construction of the Central Logistics Hub at Ketu-Ereyun, Epe is ongoing, while the smallest of the pilot, the mid-level Agro-produce Hub is being commissioned today.

“This will be followed with the construction of additional three (3) Hubs at Agege, Ajah, and Abule-Ado axis of the state.

“In all, the plan is to construct fifty (50) mid-level agro produce Hubs across the state,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya, said that the middle-level food Agro-hub was Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s food transformation agenda, purposely built to serve the people at the grassroots.

Olusanya said that the initiative was to ensure that farmers maximised their profit and allow market women to sell at the right price, since it already eliminated wastage.

She noted that the Fresh Food Agro Hub would further boost a healthy environment processed with fresh foods.

A member representing Mushin Federal Constituency, Mr Toyin Fayinka, appreciated the fact that the pilot project was constructed in Mushin.

Fayinka assured of full protection of the edifice, while challenging other members of the Executive to facilitate similar construction in their areas for the good of the people.

The Iyaloja of Mushin, Alhaja Toyibat Borokini, thanked the governor for setting Mushin as a good example to others, and promised to maximise the use of the Agro Hub

Borokini reminded Gov. Sanwo-Olu about other necessary support for market women and men in the area.

Prince Joseph Samuel, a representative of Origin Group, the Development Partner for the project, said that the idea started in 2019 and received the blessings of the governor and his deputy.

Samuel said that Lagos consumed N6 trillion worth of food annually, while the nation at large consumed N73 trillion.

He assured that the project would make food cheaper in the state.

Mr Emmanuel Bamigboye, Chairman, Mushin Local Government, said that the food hub was aimed at reducing vulnerability to food shortage and guaranteeing uninterrupted food supply at cheaper prices, to residents of the state.

Bamigboye thanked the governor for constructing the facility in the local government, adding that it would have direct impact on the lives of the market men and women.

“I am a bit overwhelmed with joy in celebrating the inauguration of this facility by Mr Governor, which is the first agricultural hub to be constructed in Mushin by the state government.

“Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has made a giant stride in the area of agriculture, with the inauguration of this agro-hub today, there will be a great encouragement in global food processing business, enhancements of employment opportunity for youths in agricultural sector.

“It will also attract many to agro-business and processing, due to high demand for consumer food products, and also bring economic development to Mushin and its environs,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Convicted yahoo boy Victor Odeh, is 19, not 7 — EFCC
Defence/Security

Convicted yahoo boy Victor Odeh, is 19, not 7 — EFCC

272 total views today

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has debunked reports claiming that one Victor Odeh who was convicted for internet fraud in July, was seven years old.

Its Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, Odeh is 19 years old and not seven as falsely portrayed by some mischievous people.

“The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has been drawn to some insinuation and contrived accounts of the conviction of an internet fraudster, Victor Oche Odeh, by Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court on July 21.

“Odeh, 19, was among five undergraduates convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment each, after pleading guilty to a one-count separate charge bordering on internet fraud.

“The other convicts are Chidebere Stanley Opara (a.k.a. Avail Hollywood), Manasseh Sefa Ephraim (a.k.a. Felicia_dannyyels), Chukwukere Obinna Paul (a.k.a. Shaun Lee) and Enyogu Etim Ekpo (a.k.a. Henry Wilson, Jasdav7),” he said.

He also noted that in a statement earlier released by the commission in July, the ages of all the convicts, including that of Odeh were not stated, hence the need for the clarification.

“All the false narratives being bandied about in some section of the social media that he is seven years old should be ignored.

“The EFCC did not “parade” the convict, and it is a court of law that rightfully convicted him,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

FG committed to well-being of members of armed forces – Badaru
Defence/Security

FG committed to well-being of members of armed forces – Badaru

212 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to the welfare and well-being of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Badaru gave the assurance on Monday while inaugurating block of flats built to accommodate personal of the National Defence College (NDC) at Ushafa, Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

“This accommodation is a tangible expression of our gratitude and recognition of their dedication as this new living space will serve as a comfortable and secure space for our personnel and their families.

“Let us continue to work together to ensure that our armed forces are equipped not only with tools, but also with the support and infrastructure they require.

“Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the service of our nation.

“This accommodation will be a place where you find rest, strength and companionship derived from serving the nation,” he said.

The minister commended successive administrations of the college for bringing the project to reality, and congratulated the commandant and the college community for their contributions towards its realisation.

He urged Nigerians to stand united in support for the military that had remained undaunted in defending the nation’s freedom.

The Commandant of NDC, Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, said the inauguration of the houses was the culmination of the lofty efforts of his predecessors, retired Rear Adm. Oladele Daji and Rear Adm. Murtala Bashir, the 18th and 19th Commandants of the college.

Olotu said the project was conceptualised and started by Daji and completed by Bashir while he undertook the landscaping and water reticulation.

He said the houses would alleviate the shortage of staff housing in the college, and enhance their productivity.

“Accordingly, the entire college community remains indebted to the two past commandants for their foresight and resolve in constructing this building.

“I would like to also, on behalf of the college community, express our profound gratitude to all eminent personalities who have contributed to this project.

“Your efforts, resilience and dedication have produced not just this building but have provided a haven that honor our personnel,” he said.

The commandant thanked the former Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshall Oladayo Amao for donating the entire furniture in the building.

According to him, it is for this reason that the College Committee decided to honor him by naming the building after him. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maharazu Ahmed

Mountain Top University starts Allied Health programmes
Education

Mountain Top University starts Allied Health programmes

714 total views today

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

Mountain Top University (MTU), Ogun State, says it will start five Allied Health Sciences programmes to enhance human resources and knowledge in the nation’s health sector.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi, made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos at a news conference on the institution’s forthcoming fifth Convocation.

Ayolabi said the National Universities Commission (NUC) undertook a Resource Verification Exercise for qualitative assessment of the institute facilities and thereafter approved the five additional academic programmes.

He listed the programmes as Nursing Science; Medical Laboratory Science; Nutrition and Dietetics; Public Health and Biomedical Technology.

According to him, admission into the programmes will start in January 2024.

Ayolabi said that the university remained consistent in its quest towards becoming a world class research-intensive institution, developing along the way a considerable track record for achieving high standards in teaching, research and community service.

To consolidate this effort, he noted that the university continued to build partnerships with other institutions, the public sector, industry players, commercial enterprises and crucially, the media.

According to him, the MTU has a Centre for Genomics and Medical Sciences, committed to research and development of local herbs to medicines that support the health of citizens.

Speaking on the forthcoming convocation which will hold on Dec. 21, Ayolabi said that 348 graduating students would participate in the ceremony.

He noted that 329 of the graduating students would be awarded First degrees, two for PhD, one for Mphil. degree, 15 for Masters’ degrees and one for Postgraduate Diploma.

Explaining further, he said that 36 graduating students would be awarded First Class degrees; 155 Second Class Upper degrees, 120 Second Class Lower degree and 18 Third Class degree.

According to him, Miss Judith Iganya of the Department of Economics with 4.94 cumulative Grade point Average, emerged as the overall best graduating student.

The vice-chancellor said that the former Governor of Akwa lbom State, Mr Emmanuel Udom, would deliver the Convocation Lecture with the title, “Optimising your potential in a challenging future”.

“Mountain Top University graduates are special in a lot of ways; besides their courses of study, the graduates have acquired other skills.

“They skills include entrepreneurial skills, playing musical instruments, farming skills, baking and culinary skills, fashion and tailoring skills, technical skills in computer and hardware, and many more.

“The university has designed these extra programmes to empower the students to stand out through self-employment in an already saturated global and Nigerian labour market,” he said.

Ayolabi appealed to the Federal Government to address the economic and security challenges facing the country, noting that solving these would discourage migration and retain the best brains in the country. (NAN)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Olawunmi Ashafa

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