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Entertainment

Association to celebrate disc jockeys’ influence on Nigeria’s music, entertainment sector

By Priscilla Osaje

Deejays Association of Nigeria (DJAN) in collaboration with Leadership Scorecard Magazine, is organising an awards to celebrate creative influence of Disc Jockeys (DJs) in Nigeria’s music and entertainment industry.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the upcoming 2024 Nigerian Deejays Awards, aimed at recognising unsung heroes of Nigeria’s music and entertainment industry will hold on Dec. 6, in  Abuja.

Humphrey Onyima, Chief Executive Officer, Leadership Scorecard Magazine  and organiser of  the awards, stated this at a news conference on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, Nigeria’s music industry had witnessed explosive growth, based on its  significant contributions to the global music scene.

Onyima,  who is also the project consultant, said that the industry was thriving from the dominance of afrobeat to the infusion of traditional Nigerian rhythms in modern soundscapes.

”However, while artists, producers, and music video directors are often celebrated in numerous awards shows, the critical role of deejays(DJs)  remains largely underrepresented and uncelebrated.

”Notwithstanding, deejays are vital players in the music ecosystem. They shape trends, promote artists and serve as cultural ambassadors by introducing new sounds to local and global audiences.

“Yet their contributions often go unnoticed. So based on that, Nigerian Deejays Awards seeks to fill the gaps by acknowledging and celebrating the creative influence of DJs in Nigeria’s music and entertainment landscape,” he said.

The project consultant further said the awards ceremony aimed at recognising and celebrating  the achievements of Nigerian DJs, who had contributed significantly to the growth of the music industry.

”It is to elevate the status of DJs  by providing a platform that highlights their importance and influence within the entertainment ecosystem, as well as inspiring future generations of deejays, showcasing Disc jockey (DJ) as a legitimate and influential career path.

”It aims at  promoting professionalism within the DJ community by encouraging excellence, creativity and innovation, and also document the historical contributions of pioneering DJs  who have shaped Nigeria’s sound culture,” Onyima added.

According to him, the nomination process would allow DJAN members, as well as the public to nominate DJs through an online platform, when a jury of industry professionals would be selected to vet the final nomination.

He added that  there would be performance and recognition during the show, where DJs would be required to perform throughout the award ceremony.

”In aspects of collaboration and partnership, music streaming, nightclubs and event venues, DJ equipment manufacturers, telecommunication companies and government bodies will be involved in such celebrations.

”The significance of the award is to recognise  the crucial role that DJs play in promoting new artists, making and breaking hit songs by bringing global attention to Nigerian music.

”By creating an annual competition for excellence, which will motivate the DJs to continue raising the standard of their craft whether in mixing, live performance or music curation.

“It will also expose them by opening opportunities for mentorship, collaboration and career growth among others,” he said.

Also speaking, Prince Akim Edeh, National President of DJAN, said the awards ceremony, which happens to be the maiden edition, would be one of its kind in recent times.

According to him, effort has been made to create awareness and they have also reached out to their partners to make the event a remarkable one.

”DJAN is the king of entertainment, bearing in mind that every artist needs a DJ. The DJs have not been recognised in any category in many awards.

”We are not happy about it, so we have decided to take the bull by the horns by making it the mother of all award, where others will partner to sustain their own,” DJAN president said.

NAN also reports that the key awards categories include; Best Club DJ, Best Radio DJ, Best Afrobeat DJ, DJ of the Year( Overall Excellence), Best Female DJ, Best Event DJ.

Others were  Breakthrough DJ of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award(Pioneering Contribution) and Electronic Music DJ of the Year.

The targeted audience are the DJs(emerging and established), musicians and producers, entertainment executives, media professionals, music enthusiasts, government and cultural agencies and youths interested in the creative industry. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Health

Association seeks global action against abduction of health workers

By Desmond Ejibas

The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), has called for a global action against increasing abduction and violence against medical professionals in the country.

National President of the association, Prof. Rosemary Ogu, who made the call at a news conference in Port Harcourt, said there was urgent need to end the crime of abduction of health workers across the country.

She frowned at the alarming trend of kidnappers targeting medical practitioners, who dedicate their lives to serving others.

Ogu cited the recent abduction of Dr Ekanem Philips in Calabar over a year ago, Dr Ganiyat Popoola, kidnapped on Dec. 2 in Kaduna, as examples of this troubling issue.

“More tragic is the recent abduction of 20 medical students and a house officer while travelling to Enugu through Otukpo LGA in Benue.

“This is not just a violation of their rights, but an affront to the entire medical profession and the nation at large,” a teary Ogu said.

The MWAN president questioned why health workers, who are not wealthy and spend their time caring for others, had become targets for criminals.

“Our colleagues spend countless hours in hospitals, clinics, and communities, providing care, comfort and healing to those in need.

“The kidnapping of healthcare professionals is a grave injustice that undermines the essential role they play in society.

“This situation is unacceptable, and we will not stand by in silence while our colleagues are subjected to such terror,” she lamented.

Ogu urged President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies to address the underlying security issues that had made health workers vulnerable to abductions.

She emphasised the urgent need for the safety of healthcare workers, who are often overworked, underpaid, overlooked and now live in constant fear.

“Governments at all levels and security agencies must take immediate and decisive action to secure the safe release of our colleagues.

“We demand that every resource  be mobilised, and all avenues explored to bring them home safely,” she pleaded.

Ogu said that in spite of multiple letters to security agencies and the Federal Government regarding this escalating crisis, the kidnapping of healthcare workers had continued. (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

General News

NDA alumni donates food, consumables to orphanage

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Members of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 26 Short Service Course (SSC) Association, have donated food items, toiletries and other consumables to Abuja Children Home, Karu.

The General Secretary of the association, retired Brig.-Gen. Bassey Etuk, in a statement on Friday, said the gesture was part of their humanitarian activities to give back to the society.

Etuk said the visit and donation to the orphanage was part of activities to mark the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association codenamed, SSC 26 Nigerian Army (NA) Biz.

He said the association had in 2023, introduced humanitarian activity into its AGM where spouses of members visit orphanages.

Etuk said the 2024 AGM was the 12th in the series, adding that their spouses visited the Abuja Children Home (ACH) in Karu where various items were donated.

According to him, the items include bags of various types of grains, cartons of biscuits and Indomie noodles, sanitary tissues and used clothing items.

“The Forum was formed to enhance espirit-de-corps, foster bond of friendship, promote cordial relationship and look into the welfare of retired members and their families.

“The Association’s next AGM will be its 13th and also the 40th Anniversary of members of NDA 26 SSC since they were commissioned as officers into the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

General News

Association urges FG to increase budget for basic, secondary education

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) has tasked the Federal Government to channel bulk of the education budget to basic and secondary education.

The President General of the association, Mr Michael Magaji disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja to herald the 40th Plenary and 2023 Annual General Meeting of the association.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the Plenary is tagged: ” The Journey To Nationhood: 50 Years of Unity Schools”.

Magaji said that basic education required adequate attention adding that not until the country begins to give priorities to basic education, the other layers of education would not improve.

According to him, it is easy to build on tertiary education if the foundation is solid and any country that does not apply adequate funding to education is going to be threatened by the challenges of the future.

“The government has a constitutional obligation to fund public education and any type of funding is not too costly for the sake of our country and national development.

“Any amount of money you spend on education, no matter how much, will give you the desired results. We cannot afford not to fund education.

“Interestingly this years budget, I know education featured third highest which to me is a good sign that the federal government is showing more concern in education, our issue really is about the balance in the allocation of basic, secondary and tertiary.

“We feel the emphasis on the bulk of the budget should go to basic and secondary education which is the formative year of a child, once you have that pedagogy right it’s easy to build on tertiary.

“But if we are doing the reverse, then we will have challenges and that has been the case for a very long time.

“Apart from budget of the federal government on education, we have interventions from agencies like TETFund who are doing tertiary education, the education tax of three per cent goes to TETFund but it is only for higher institutions,” he said.

Magaji explained that not until few years ago that an act to establish a National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) was passed in the parliament.

He said that hopefully when the intervention line for secondary budget commenced in 2024, there would be great improvement in the sector.

In the areas of capacity building, Magaji said there was need for continuous strengthening of the various institutions to train manpower fit to teach students in the schools.

“In terms of capacity, educational planning, resourcing and training of those managing the process, we must continue to strengthen the institutions that train teachers.

” We must provide training for teachers and strengthen the examination bodies so that they can use the modern tools to deliver our exams and prepare students also.

“We need to build strong institutions and that has not always been the case because of so many reasons around corruption but if we continue to strengthen these institutions, we will be able to deal with it.

“Our people must be educated because it is very key to national,” he said.

On the state infrastructural deficit in the schools, he said that mainstreaming the alumni associations would help in strengthening public education as well as support the government in providing infrastructures for the benefit of the students.

Also speaking on character formation, he said that celebrating 50 years of second generation of the schools had greatly helped in forming Nigerian students to be great ambassadors of the country anywhere they found themselves.

“We as USOSANS are showing good examples through our strong mentoring skills we do to help strengthen students formation and character formation in their own school.

“We do this as part of our responsibilities as leaders, we attend the Monday and Saturday assemblies of the schools to talk to the kids, inspire them and hopefully that will help remold them in the area of character formation,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

General News

Butchers pledge safe, hygienic meat for Enugu residents

By Stanley Nwanosike

The Enugu Urban Butchers Association (EUBA) has pledged its commitment to safe and hygienic meat for Enugu residents in both independent butcher’s shops and counters.

The newly-elected Chairman of EUBA Ogbete Main Market Branch, Chief Nnaemeka Nworie, made this known in Enugu immediately after being sworn after its election on Monday.

According to Nworie, having stringent food safety practice in a butchers’ shops is essential when it comes to running a successful and healthy meat selling business.

“We will strictly abide by the food hygiene guides in our place of business. The meat must not be contaminated during handling or packaging in the butcher’s shop.

“Any utensil used to handle meat should be cleaned thoroughly after each use. If utensils are not used, anybody handling meat should use disposable gloves and practice good hand washing hygiene,” he said.

On the association, the new chairman promised to run an inclusive administration, adding that butchers line in Ogbete Main Market would continue to be a good place for business to thrive.

“I thank the electoral committee that conducted the election which brought us in as executive of Enugu Urban Butchers Association.

“Today, we have taken the oath of office to abide by the constitution of the association in piloting the affairs of butchers in Enugu.

“Henceforth, I am assuring butchers that butcher’s line will be a better place to do business. I am here to serve everybody,” he said.

Earlier, the legal adviser of the association, Mr J.C. Nwankwo, while administering Oath of office, charged them to abide by the constitution of EUBA. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Culture & Tourism

Tourism: Association urges minister to collaborate with stakeholders

By Priscilla Osaje

The Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) has urged the Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade- John, to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to reposition the Nigerian tourism sector.

Mr Nkereuwem Onung, National President, FTAN, who made the call during a courtesy visit to the minister on Thursday in Abuja, said tourism had contributed immensely to the country`s economy.

Onung said that effective collaboration would help in promoting investment opportunities, and economic potential of the sector for national growth and development.

“We earnestly trust and believe you will bring to bear Nigeria as a country that should enormously rely on the Tourism Industry for the immense economic values it has to offer.

“We are sure that such will increase government revenue earnings, create jobs, reduce poverty among others,” he said.

The president called for the formation of a forum of all state Commissioners for Tourism across the country.

He said that the forum would afford stakeholders the opportunity to discuss development issues in the sector.

“We may have to address the thorny issue of ‘Grading and Classification of Tourism and Hospitality establishments.

“We should have in place standard operation patterns for tourism and hospitality establishments in the country in line with global best practices,“he said.

He urged the Federal Government to devise means to implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that will creates jobs, and promote culture and products.

Onung urged the minister to revisit the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) started more than two decades ago but was inconclusive.

He said that Nigeria cannot talk about developing the tourism industry without a roadmap.

The president said that states should be encouraged to develop and have a tourism Master Plan, that will serve as a roadmap and guide in the implementation of their tourism development programmes.

He appealed to the minster to ensure that the World Tourism Day event was celebrated with government and organised private sector, to chart new trajectories for the sector in line with UNWTO themes.

Responding, Ade-John said that the sector would become the sector that could drive the country`s economy.

According to her, the tourism sector is supposed to be the number one revenue earner in the country aside the petroleum sector.

“On a serious note, my background is technology and I believe in data and information which is the main key to effective decision making”.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Food Security

Association seeks approval for 100,000 hectares rubber plantation in C/River

By Christian Njoku

 

The National Rubber Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NARPMAN), Cross River Chapter, has sought the approval of the state government to cultivate 100,000 hectares of rubber plantation.

 

Mr Umo Inameti, State Chairman, NARPMAN, sought the approval on Wednesday when he led his members on a courtesy visit to the State Commissioner for Crops and Irrigation Development, Mr Johnson Ebokpo.

 

Inameti said that years ago, the state depended heavily on rubber, but presently, it does not have up to 10,000 hectares of prime producing rubber trees.

 

According to him, as the plantations disappeared, all the processing factories in the state went with them except for Royal Farms which started in 2018.

 

“Our prayer therefore to the state government is an approved policy document to develop 100,000 hectares of land for rubber cultivation and the crop should be added in the state’s 2024 budget.

 

“If we are able to do 50,000 hectares in the next few years, we will drastically be reducing rural-urban migration and we will be making about N200 billion direct incomes to our primary industries annually,” he said.

 

Similarly, Mr Usen Umo, National Vice President, NARPMAN, South-South, said that developing rubber plantation in the state is an urgent need because of the important role rubber plays in everyday human life.

 

Umo who doubles as the General Manager, Royal Farms in Cross River, said that years ago; Pamol, CREL and other rubber processing plants had huge plantations with facilities that made life easy for the community dwellers but today, they are all dead.

 

He reminded the commissioner of the promise of the state government to establish 50,000 hectares each for rubber, cocoa and oil palm trees, adding that this would help the state be on its way to economic growth.

 

In his response, Ebokpo, while harping on the importance of the cultivation and processing of rubber said that the importance and economic benefits of the crop could not be over-emphasised.

 

He disclosed that Gov. Bassey Otu had made a pronouncement on some mandate crops such as oil palm, cocoa, rice, cassava including rubber to be effectively developed in the state.

 

He said that with the pronouncement, next is to put up a full proof policy framework that would drive the process.

 

“Before we come up with a policy document, we will meet all the players in the rubber value chain, so that we will have a policy document that gives clarity to the entire value chain.

 

“It is my desire that processing takes place here. So, one of the things I intend to do is to visit Royal Farms and officially inaugurate it.

 

“This administration is very serious with agriculture because we don’t have a choice; it is the evacuation of some of our produce that will make our seaport work and boost our economy,” he said.

 

Meanwhile, Mr Fidelis Obi, Managing Director, Pamol Nigeria Limited, a rubber plantation and processing plant said there is no other way to boost Cross River’s economy other than through Agriculture, just like other nations have done.

 

He added that the rubber estates established by colonialists had all been destroyed, adding that the state needs to start empowering local farmers for the processing plants to return. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Julius Toba-Jegede

Environment

Waste managers seek special fund

By Florence Onuegbu

The Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) has appealed to the State and Federal Governments to create special fund for effective waste management.

The President of AWAMN, Mr Olugbenga Adebola, made the appeal on Tuesday in Ikeja, during the Inauguration of the  executive committee of the association.

Adebola described waste management as an essential sector of the economy which needed special funds within a single digit interest loan facility, to ensure environmental sustainability.

He said that the waste managers were going to collaborate with government at all levels to transform waste management in the country.

According to him, low interest rate loans will enable waste managers to invest more for sustainable environment.

”We are going with our demands to create a special fund for the environment family, especially for waste management.

”We shall work with the State and the Federal Government of Nigeria to explore access to single-digit loan facilities to our members.

”Our members are essential service providers, supporting environmental sustainability, health and well-being and nationwide aesthetics of the people and country.

“Low-interest-rate will enable our members to enjoy dedicated funding plans like the farmers, aviation industry, healthcare industry, among others.

”It will help our people to invest more, because waste management is highly capital intensive, and you also need to have access to single-digit credit facility like Anchor Borrowers’ Programme for farmers.

”The Federal Government is doing it for health sector, aviation industry and for all critical industries. We are also a critical industry, operating within the space of environmental sustainability,” he said.

Mr Olugbenga Adebola, President, Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) delivering his acceptance speech, during the inauguration of the new executive committee of the association, in Ikeja on Tuesday.

 

The president described effective waste management as pre-health services, that would reduce Lassa fever, mosquitoes, and ensure better environment.

He appealed to the government to sponsor its members to local and international conferences, trainings and study tours, as these would expand their capabilities for better performance.

According to him, it will equally help waste managers to take advantage of newer technological advancements and innovations, which will enhance operational efficiency, reduce leakages and improve their income.

He said it would also help them to remain connected to the global trends within the industry.

”We need to work with researchers and develop even our members, that is why my administration is going to emphasise more on capacity development of our members.

”If you don’t train them, you don’t blame them, and one of our cardinal objectives is to train our members for effective and efficient service delivery,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Josephine Obute/Oluwole Sogunle

Community

Association wants FCTA to establish committee on electricity safety

 

By Constance Athekame

 

The Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN) has appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to establish a joint committee on electricity safety, security and enforcement.

 

The National President of LECAN, Mr John Etim, made this appeal while delivering an inaugural lecture at the inauguration of the Executive Members of LECAN, FCT Chapter.

 

The lecture was titled: “Addressing Epileptic Power Supply in the Federal Capital Territory: Perspective of Licensed Electrical Contractors of Nigeria.”

 

Etim said that the establishment of the FCT Joint Electricity Safety, Security and Standards enforcement committee would reduce epileptic power supply in the territory.

 

 

 

“The committee should comprise of members of LECAN, Works Department of FCTA, FCT Fire Service, FCT Police Command, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA),

 

 

 

“FCT, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCD), Representatives of works department of the Six Area Councils of FCT, representative of Civil Society Organisation working in the Power Sector,” he said.

 

 

 

Etim listed the functions of the committee to include ensuring that fake electrical materials in the markets of FCT are confiscated and the dealers prosecuted.

 

 

 

“Monitor electrical installations in FCT to ensure that NEMSA criteria for best practice are complied with.

 

 

 

“Identify quacks who carry out installations within and outside Distribution Company (DISCO) staff are prosecuted and also ensure that new installations are inspected and tested before connection to the grid,” he said

 

 

 

He said that the committee should not be seen to be taking over NEMSA’s job, but would rather be supporting it to deliver on it functions as provided by the new Electricity Act.

 

 

 

According to him, FCTA should consider safety reliability and quality standard in the electricity sector as a priority in its development agenda.

 

 

 

“This is to prevent incidents of fire outbreak, destruction of electrical equipment’s and gadgets and loss of lives,”he said.

 

 

 

While congratulating LECAN FCT Chapter new executives, he urged them to ensure safety in the discharge of their duties.

 

On his part, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Mr Temitope Fashedemi, said that collaboration between stakeholders is key to achieving significant result in the sector.

 

He was represented by Mr Bright Obidi, Acting Head, Regulatory, Safety and Certification Unit, NEMSA

 

He urged the new executives to take seriously the instrument of uniform professional standards by upholding the code of ethics of the profession.

 

” Using the mechanism of conflict resolution where required to ensuring seamless collaboration for the betterment of all in the sector, ”he said.

 

Earlier, retired Navy Captain, Umar Bakori , Commandant-General, Vigilante Group, Nigeria, said the event was apt considering the importance of electricity.

 

Bakori said that ensuring safety of the sector is everyone’s business.

 

”And we have vigilante in every local government in the Federation to ensure the protection of power equipment which is critical, ”he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

General News

Ondo FA holds local council election

By Segun Giwa
The Ondo State Football Association on Wednesday in Akure held elections into its local council offices ahead of the board election scheduled to hold on March 10.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that candidates were elected into positions of football administration in the 17 council areas of the state.
Only the election in Ilaje local council could not be decided because football stakeholders from the council could not agree on the list of delegates.
Those elected and their local councils include former Chairman of the FA, Otunba Dele Ajayi (Akure North), Abayomi Ogunlade (Akure south), Olagunju Isaac (Ifedore), former Vice Chairman, Cornelius Ologbese (Akoko South west), Abiodun Mohammed (Akoko North East), and Gabriel Oloye (Akoko North West).

Others are Gabriel Aborowa (Ose), Tokunbo Akintelure (Idanre), Akinfolarin Akinbobola (Ondo West), Iluyomade Awosakin (Ondo East), Akinyele Olowokere (Akoko South East), Henry Akingboju (Irele), Sunkanmi Kukoyi (Ese Odo), Babatunde Igbasan (Okitipupa) and Oladimeji Abiola (Osogbo).

The Chairman of the electoral committee, Mr Steve Alabi, noted that Ilaje local football council election had been postponed indefinitely due to differences among the contestants.
Alabi, a former president of the Sports Writers Association (SWAN), noted that the local football council election was free, fair and credible, assuring that more would be done to make the next election into positions of executive committee of the Football Association peaceful and hitch free.
Observers at the election were Mrs Evelyn Lebi from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and representative of the Ondo State Sports Council, Babatunde Henry, both of whom described the exercise as a peaceful and credible electoral process.
One of the elected Chairmen, Gabriel Aborowa from Ose local government council, said he would do more to develop football at the grassroots and engage private investors to develop the game. (NAN)