NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

Nigeria needs disruptive strategy to make significant progress – Nwala

71 total views today

By Philip Yatai

A lawyer and policy strategist, Dr Oracle Nwala, says Nigeria needs a disruptive strategy to achieve its governance and development goals for the benefits of all citizens.

Nwala stated this at the official unveiling of his book entitled, “Disruptive Strategies: Unveiling Personal Definitive Strategists”, in Abuja on Wednesday.

The author, an eminent member of the global legal community with over 25 years of experience in Nigeria’s legal and policy space, said that disruptive strategy would move the country forward.

Nwala, a member of the Senior Executive Course 43, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, defined disruptive strategy as essentially doing something the way it works with no regard to laid down procedures.

He added that it also entails looking at a system and taking decisions that work to get the needed results.

He recalled that President Bola Tinubu had disrupted Nigeria’s economy with the removal of fuel subsidy on the day he was inaugurated as president of the country.

Nwala said that the action was paying off with the economy gradually picking up and things getting better by the day.

According to him, what Nigerians need is continued disruption.

“Let us disrupt things that are not working; let’s disrupt things that are not helping us. The philosophy, the ideas and everything we have thought about and are not working let’s jettison them.

“Artificial Intelligence has disrupted the technology space and now young people are doing much more than we have ever done – this is disruption,” he said.

At a personal level, the author said that the book unveils the untapped potential within each individual to chart a unique path to success and fulfilment.

He added that by advocating a paradigm shift, the book underscores the importance of prioritising personal strategy alongside traditional business approaches to succeed.

“Disruptive Strategy empowers readers to confront life’s challenges with confidence and resilience, unlocking their full potential and achieving lasting fulfilment.

“Serving as a roadmap for those ready to break free from the ordinary, transcend limitations and embrace a life of purpose and achievement, the book is an invitation to seize control of your personal journey and thrive in the modern world.

“Whether redefining your personal or professional path, disruptive strategy combines real-world insights, practical tools and a deeply personal methodology to help you build resilience, think strategically and dominate your niche,” he said.

The book reviewer, Prof. Ahmed Okene, Provost, National Defence College, Abuja, said that disruptive strategy was simply querying existing norms or methods to achieve results.

Okene said that the book, made up of 12 chapters and 331 pages, provides a step-by-step guide on how to adopt disruptive strategy to achieve personal, governance, entrepreneurship, economy and other goals.

“In terms of governance and leadership, applying disruptive strategy means you will have to question the existing status quo to achieve desired results.

“People are used to doing things in a certain way; the way it is done but with disruptive strategy, you will have to query what you see; disorganise the system to reorganise it for it to work.

“In governance, you will have to think from a perspective that others have not thought of before,” he said.

One of Nwala’s coursemates at the National Institute, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, described the book as an eye opener in governance, leadership and personal life.

Galadima, the Director of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said: “What the book is simply saying is, don’t always follow protocol. Whatever will give you results, do it.

“The most important thing is getting the desired results.

“The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, my boss, is applying this disruptive strategy and you can see the results,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

General News

PANDEF urges Tinubu to sign South-South Devt. Commission Bill

141 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to sign the bill for the creation of South-South Development Commission.

PANDEF, the apex socio-political body of the South-South geo-political zone, made the call in a communiqué at the end of an emergency meeting of the Board of Trustees (BOT), held in Abuja on Monday.

National spokesman of PANDEF, Obiuwevbi Ominimini read the communiqué on behalf of the National Chairman, Dr Godknows Igali.

“The bill, after passage by the National Assembly was submitted at the same time as other geo-political zone’s commissions bill to the President, but ours is yet to be assented to.

“We subscribe to the desirability of having a development commission for all the six geo-political zones of the country without exception and therefore, views the withholding of assent as a grave oversight or error, capable of creating a feeling of exclusion and dejection on the part of the people of the South-South.

“The delay in assenting to this bill leaves the South-South zone orphaned within the broader context of regional development commissions which include the North-East Development Commission, the North-West Development Commission, South-West Development Commission and North-Central Development Commission,’’ he said.

The group further said that the delay in signing of this bill could have a negative impact on the present state of peace which exists in the Niger Delta.

“PANDEF BOT therefore, calls on the President to remedy the oversight which has resulted in the delay to assent to this bill and sign it into an Act without delay.

“The bill for the creation of  South-South Development Commission is different from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“The NDDC was established by law in 2000 to mitigate issues affecting the oil mineral producing communities.

“Hence, the NDDC has its own specific funding formula and modus operandi.

“The meeting therefore, strongly recommended that the name, Niger Delta Development Commission, which could become a misnomer, should revert to its earlier designation as Oil Mineral Production Areas Development Commission.

“This will distinguish it and prevent any confusion between it and the newly created South-South Development Commissions”.(NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu and Benson Iziama

Politics

NCDC Bill ‘ll address infrastructural challenges in North Central – Sen. Mustapha

127 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

Sen. Saliu Mustapha (APC – Kwara Central), has stated that the newly signed North Central Development Commission (NCDC) Bill will help address the region’s infrastructural challenges.

Mustapha, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, made the remarks in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu had signed the bill into law on Tuesday, officially establishing the NCDC.

Mustapha expressed satisfaction with the development, noting that the North Central region now joined other geopolitical zones in having a dedicated regional development commission aimed at addressing infrastructural deficits and fostering sustainable growth.

According to him, with the signing of the bill into law, President Tinubu has demonstrated a commitment to equitable national development.

He also extended his gratitude to the governors of the North Central states, particularly Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, for their political support in ensuring the successful passage of the bill.

Mustapha further acknowledged the role played by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in making the vision of the commission a reality.

“The establishment of the commission is a significant milestone in our region’s history

“It will serve as a catalyst for development, addressing the unique challenges facing the zone, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, security, and economic growth.

“I am confident that this commission will bring lasting benefits to our people,” Mustapha said.

NAN reports that similar bills for regional development commissions have already been signed into law for the South-West, North-West, and South-East regions by President Tinubu..(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News

Tinubu spent N300bn on development of FCT satellite towns – Wike

162 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says President Bola Tinubu’s administration has expended more than N300 billion on development of FCT satellite towns.

Wike stated this on Wednesday, while inaugurating the nine-kilometre Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road, in Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada Area Council.

He said that the amount, spent between January 2024 and January 2025, demonstrated the importance Tinubu attaches to the development of satellite towns.

According to him, Tinubu is not only committed to the development of Abuja city but also committed to the development of satellite towns.

He said that out of the more than N300 billion spent so far, more than N50 billion was expended in Gwagwalada Area Council alone.

He said that N8.5 billion was expended on the rehabilitation of Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road.

The Minister added that N22 billion was earmarked for the construction of Aguma Palace – Market – Radio Nigeria Road, which would be inaugurated in May 2025.

He added that the FCT Administration also spent N16.5 billion on the rehabilitation and upgrading of five secondary schools in Gwagwalada.

He identified the schools as the School for the Gifted, Government Secondary School (GSS) Gwagwalada, GSS Anagada, Government Science Secondary School, Tungan Maji, and GSS Giri.

“If you calculate the total amount, excluding the two Police Divisions under construction, Mr President has committed to Gwagwalada alone more than N50 billion.

“If you add the six area councils, with Gwagwalada having the least amount, you will see that in just a year, Mr President has committed more than N300 billion to the development of satellite towns.

“It is important for people to have this record as evidence against those claiming that the government was only developing the city with nothing happening in satellite towns,” he said.

He explained that the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road was rehabilitated following a request by the residents while the construction of Aguma Palace – Market – Radio Nigerian Road was ongoing.

“We thank God we are here today to commission the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road. In May, God willing, during the second anniversary of Mr President, we will also commission the Aguma Palace Road,” he said.

Wike reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to participatory governance and implementing projects based on the needs of residents and assured the residents of more projects.

He particularly promised to construct the Ibwa bridge following a demand by the Vice Chairman, Mr Saidu Zuba.

Earlier, Zuba described Wike as a blessing to residents of Gwagwalada following the huge investment in rural infrastructure.

He added the security situation had significantly improved in the area following Wike’s interventions to improve security in local communities.

He appealed to the minister to construct the Ibwa bridge, saying, “we lose a lot of students to flooding while trying to cross the bridge during the rainy season.”

On her part, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, urged the benefiting communities to safeguard the road, use it responsibly, and collaborate to ensure more developmental strides in the future.

“May this road bring lasting benefits to our community and serve as a beacon of unity and progress,” she said.

The Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, explained that the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road was awarded to Setraco Nigeria Ltd, in January 2024.

He said that the road was designed to open businesses and connect communities towards a sustainable development of rural communities. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News

Ododo lauds Tinubu’s commitment to rural electrification

157 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving energy access as an economic catalyst for growth and development of the nation.

Ododo gave the commendation in Abuja on Tuesday, during a roundtable on “Rural Electrification and Strategy Implementation” organised by Rural Electrification Agency (REA) with the Kogi State Government.

He said that the president has shown a clear path to unlocking the economic greatness of  the country’s human assets that were vulnerable and being endangered.

“I commend the efforts of our father, our leader, President Bola Tinubu, for his undoubted commitment to improve access to energy as an economic catalyst and enhancement of social life.”

Ododo said that the roundtable was a collective commitment to bridging the energy asset gap and unlocking the vast economic potential of rural communities.

The governor expressed gratitude to the Rural Electrification Agency and all stakeholders for their steadfast dedication to this vital course.

“Kogi is in a position to play a vital role in this very issue. Our central position and significant socio-economic potential make us not just a vision, but a strategic partner in the push for universal energy access.

“We are ready to provide flexible infrastructural support, expedite administrative processes and ensure community buy-in for every project that you may be interested in our state,” Ododo said.

According to him, Electrifying rural communities is not just about providing light; it is about igniting hope, fostering innovation and empowering our people to build a self-reliant future.

The governor appealed to REA and other partners to prioritise Kogi in their electrification programmes, stressing the importance of universal energy access in fostering innovation, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

“Together, we can achieve universal energy access and create a brighter, more prosperous Kogi,” he said.

The Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu, announced that SOSAI Renewable Energy Service Company had secured a $300,000 grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to electrify 17 health centers in Kogi.

According to Aliyu, the project has the potential to expand to an additional 40 primary health centres.

He urged the Kogi State Government to provide the necessary counterpart funding to ensure the successful execution of the initiative.

Aliyu said “Habiba Ali, the founder and CEO of SOSAI Renewable Energy Service Company, will oversee the implementation of the grant”.

On his part, Kogi State Commissioner for Energy, Mohammed Abdulmutalib, called on stakeholders to seize the opportunity to power the state’s future with reliable and sustainable energy solutions.

He emphasised the transformative impact of green energy initiatives, including mini-grids on the state’s largely agrarian communities.

“This is a chance to transform the lives of our people, vitalise the economy and set a benchmark for impactful development across the state and the country in general,” Abdulmutalib said.(NAN)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Defence/Security

NIPSS boss calls for data harmonisation, utilisation to address national challenges

196 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Prof. Ayo Omotayo, Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), has called for harmonisation of data for all agencies of government to utilise in addressing national security and developmental challenges.

Omotayo made the call at the opening of the Leadership Course in Data Mining and Geospatial Intelligence, organised by the institute in collaboration with Peace Building Development Consult (PBDC), on Monday Abuja.

The course was being hosted by the Defence Space Administration (DSA).

He lamented that there were different organisations holding large and fertile sets of data that were not connected with any other organisation making it difficult to readily have access to needed data at a given time.

According to him, we find ourselves looking for data that already some people have gathered and that they surely have, that they can easily use.

Omotayo said the course was designed to build an ecosystem of data miners to conserve resources, and be able to interrogate things.

“Our research efforts have shown that a whole lot of data in Nigeria is sitting in isolation. That is, we have data centers that are lonely and have important data on Nigerian citizens on the space and the rest of it.

“So we decided to run this course because we feel that there is a need for synergy amongst the agencies that gather data.

“If you have data sitting at different critical spaces in Nigeria, there should be a need for us to link this data together for the security of the nation.

“Your NIN number should follow you anywhere you go so that whatever you do in the Nigerian space, we can find you at that point, wherever you interact on any space, economic or social.

“We believe that for those who engage in nefarious activities, it will be easy to find them,” he said.

The NIPSS boss said the course was also designed to develop leadership skills in bringing together those who run data centres and those who took critical decisions concerning Nigerian citizens, growing the economy in the business world and everywhere.

He said the institute was partnering with the Defence Space Administration as a critical data centre for Nigeria.

On his part, Mr Kayode Bolaji, Executive Director of PBDC, said the course helps participants to understand their strengths and weaknesses with a view to combining strengths to be able to provide security for the nation.

Bolaji said that data was not just about security and intelligence gathering but also about geo-locating where resources were and knowing which agency or industry to connect with, to be able to assess a particular resource.

He said the current course, being the second in the series, had participants for the private sector, as well from security, intelligence and other government agencies.

He said the course would take advantage of the DSA’s facilities to conduct study tours of all its units to broaden the knowledge of the participants.

“We also expect that they will find a way to connect with security agencies to be able to use some of the data that they have to help in security management.

“That is not something that is common in Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Foreign

Moroccan advanced regionalisation will address territorial dev’t- official 

256 total views today

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

President, Association of Moroccan Regions (ARM), Mbarka Bouaida, says the current stage of advanced regionalisation must focus on operationalisation to meet the challenge of territorial development.

 

Bouaida said this at the 2nd National Conference on Advanced Regionalisation, held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, with the theme: “Advanced Regionalisation: Between Today’s and Tomorrow’s Challenges” in Tangiers.

 

Bouaida urged the region to fully assume its missions, manage its own affairs and exercise its prerogatives in an optimal manner.

 

According to her, the region is considered a vital and important space for creating material wealth and achieving integrated development.

 

She described the outcomes of the New Development Model which establishes administrative devolution and bolstering advanced regionalisation project, as essential pillars capable of meeting expectations and tackling various challenges.

 

Bouaida said that advanced regionalisation was the culmination of a gradual process and the enshrining of local democracy as a crucial strategy for developing the institutional structure and promoting territorial development.

 

According to her, the three territorial levels (communes, provinces and regions) have elevated the region to the status of a territorial space conducive to the convergence of public policies.

 

She called for the challenge of training human resources and local elites to be taken up, so as to strengthen the attractiveness of investments and deal with crises.

 

She said it would also address challenges including those linked to water stress, transport, sustainable mobility and the digital transition.

 

Bouaida stressed the need to adopt a participatory approach involving various territorial stakeholders, academics and civil society.

 

She said this would develop scenarios likely to improve and optimise this project to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

NNMDA D-G commits to promoting educational values, youth devt.

235 total views today

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Prof. Martins Emeje, Director-General of Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency (NNMDA), has expressed his commitment to adding more value to the education sector and promoting youth development for a better society.

Emeje gave the commitment during his conferment with a National Outstanding Award as ‘Vanguard of Good Leadership and Epitome of Hope’ by National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), in Abuja.

He said that given his humble educational background, he understood how needful it would be to make the educational system less burdensome for students.

Emeje also said that it was time for an overhaul of school curricula, alleging that Nigeria was still deploying outdated curriculum against the 21st century realities.

“Being in this position can only accord me the opportunity to make my contributions toward finding ways to better the educational system.

“NANS has the population and you are the end-users of the curriculum, meaning that whatever you don’t want should not be there.

“You need to utilise that number to engage stakeholders meaningfully,” he said.

Emeje said that he decided to accept the award, amidst many award offers, because of his disposition toward youth development, saying that he had always exhibited this in his engagements.

“When the youth pick you up on anything, if it is bad, they are right and if it is good, they are right; they are the most vulnerable people and the vulnerable people see things better.

“Consider me as one of you and I will be committed to the development of the country through NANS,” he said.

Earlier, Vice-President of NANS, Abdullahi Bilal, stressed the urgent need for the government to invest in the education system in order not to jeopardise the future of no fewer than 40.1 million members of the association.

Bilal said: “We need to increase the budgetary allocation of education, address the issue of out-of-school children in the country and ensure that the introduction of student loan by President Bola Tinubu is implemented to benefit Nigerian students and not targeted at commercialising public education,” he said.

He also expressed worries over what he called outdated curricula, stressing “our curricula should be directed toward solving the problems of the Nigerian nation.”

He said that NANS had always championed the course of advancing education in the country and would continue in that regard.

Bilal said that Emeje was chosen for the award because he had shown a trajectory that promoted youth development and that he had made meaningful contributions to the Pharmacy profession, among other interventions. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

General News

Southern Kaduna appointees visit ongoing projects, laud Gov Sani

396 total views today

Amen Gajira

Political appointees from the southern part of Kaduna State on Sunday visited some ongoing development projects in their senatorial district.

Among the officials were Dr James Kanyip, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, and Mr Jerry Adams, Executive Chairman, Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service.

Also in the visiting team were Dr Abdullahi Baba-Ahmed, Managing Director, Kaduna State Roads Agency, Mr Peter Dogara, Chairman of Jema’a Local Government, among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the officials were particularly interested in projects where progress had stagnated.

Among projects visited were the 20-kilometre Ungwan-Rimi – NEPA Roundabout road in Kafanchan whose rehabilitation started in 2020.

Its completion term had since elapsed with more than half of the job not done.

Other projects visited included the rehabilitation of the 22-kilometre Gwantu-Godogodo road and the skills acquisition centre in Samaru, Zango- Kataf Local Government.

Speaking on the visit, Kanyip said that the government would ensure the completion of the projects to bring some relief to members of the public.

He commended Gov. Uba Sani for the renewed zeal to execute development projects that would boost the economy and shore up the living standard of the residents of the senatorial district.

While highlighting the importance of the Kafanchan township project, he said that it would “provide essential access for thousands, particularly during the Christmas season”.

“The coming of the Gov. Sani administration has been a blessing to the south of Kaduna and we are thankful for these developments that will enhance mobility and commerce in the area,” he said.

Kanyip said that key initiatives like the skills acquisition centre would empower local youths with valuable skills and economic opportunities.

He recalled that the region recently celebrated the inauguration of a modern science school in Manchok, saying that the feat was a reflection of the government’s commitment to educational advancement.

Adams, who also spoke with newsmen, expressed happiness with the “flourishing infrastructure activities across the state”.

He pointed out that the success of the projects depended on the support of taxpayers.

“Without their compliance, we cannot hit these milestones,” he declared.

He urged Kaduna residents to fulfil their civic duties and contribute to the growth of their communities.

On his part, Ahmed disclosed that work on the Ungwan Rimi-NEPA Roundabout road initially stalled due to lack of funding.

“But work has been revitalised under the current administration,” he said.

According to him, the cost of the project has been revised downward from N13 billion to N9.3 billion, while “substantial tunds” have been allocated for immediate disbursement to expedite the project’s completion.

Ahmed further shared plans for additional major road projects across the region.

“There is the 22.8-kilometre road connecting Madauchi to Kafanchan through Madakiya; it is designed to modern standards, alongside another expansive road connecting Kibam to Godogodo with two major bridges,” he said.

He said that the administration was faced with a huge debt  inherited from previous regimes, adding that the ongoing projects represented a concerted effort to prioritise and complete essential infrastructure.

“The commitment shown by Gov Sani and his team demonstrates a determined vision for a brighter future in the south of Kaduna.

“As construction continues in the region, political leaders and citizens are encouraged to support these initiatives to foster a collaborative effort towards a strong economy that will birth opportunities for the people,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Metro

FCT, China to strengthen cooperation in urban devt. education, others

462 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Hunan, a landlocked province of southern China, have expressed commitment to strengthen cooperation in urban development, cultural education, tourism, and environment, amongst other areas.

The Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, stated this during a visit of the Hunan delegation to the FCTA in Abuja on Friday.

The delegation was led by Lai Mingyong, the Vice Chairman, of the Hunan Provincial Political Consultative Conference.

Mahmoud stressed that the strategic partnership between FCTA and the Chinese province would ensure expertise, resources, and knowledge sharing.

“This will lead to greater innovation, effective problem-solving, and enhanced capabilities that would be difficult to achieve alone.

“It is important that partnership fosters mutual benefit, strengthens individual and collective efforts, and promotes growth and resilience,” she said.

The minister said that the FCT was transforming President Bola Tinubu.

She added that the partnership with Hanan Province would facilitate more infrastructural development in the capital city of the most populous country in Africa.

The minister commended the Chinese delegation for the warm reception extended to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his delegation during his recent visit to China.

She also said that the partnership would enable the FCT to harness its potential in the areas of tourism, culture, education, and environment.

Earlier, Mingyong, who expressed commitment to strengthening the partnership with FCTA, noted that Abuja, the capital and political-cultural centre of Nigeria was wearing a new look.

He said that the capital city was renowned for its unique urban planning, beautiful architectural style, and well-developed infrastructure.

“This city has grown into a modern metropolis with significant achievements in terms of infrastructural development,” he said.

Mingyong invited the FCT Administration to the China-Africa Economy and Trade Expo, taking place from Nov. 28 to Nov. 30, at the Abuja Trade and Convention centre. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email