News Agency of Nigeria
Video: BRICS economic influence reshaping global development- NAN MD
Foreign

Video: BRICS economic influence reshaping global development- NAN MD

172 total views today

By Nana Musa

Ali M. Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) says the growing influence of the BRICS nations is shaping global governance, economic development, and international relations.

 

During a presentation at the 7th BRICS Media Forum on Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Ali said that the group’s impact was already felt in the global economy and geopolitical scenes.

 

‘’With nearly 40% of the world’s population and 25% of global GDP, BRICS is the place to be. We are  not just a grouping of emerging economies; we are a force to be reckoned with. And our influence is growing by the day.’’

Ali said that the BRICS countries now contribute 40 per cent of global manufacturing output with 42 per cent of world wheat, 52 per cent of rice and 46 per cent of soybeans.

 

‘‘Our GDP is a whopping $63.2 trillion, surpassing the G7’s $52.3 trillion.

 

‘’The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts that the world economy is set to rely more on BRICS to drive growth over the next five years, with China alone contributing 22% global growth -bigger than all the G7 countries combined.’’

 

Ali said that with more than 10 countries already joining as partner nations and over 30 interested in joining BRICS cooperation, the group’s influence is widely growing.

 

‘’Beijing-based international affairs commentator, Vox South, offers a profound insight on this phenomenon, saying the most compelling reason for the growing influence of BRICS is its composite strength.’’

 

Ali said Nigeria is strategically positioned to join the group because of its position in Africa as well as interest to reshape global governance, challenge Western-dominated institutions, and push for systemic reforms.

 

‘’Our partnership with BRICS is built on three key pillars. First, we see BRICS as a natural fit for Nigeria, given our shared goals and values.

 

‘’Second, we are keen to reduce our dependence on the US-centric international system and promote a multipolar world.

 

‘’Third, joining BRICS helps us position ourselves as an emerging power on the global stage.

 

‘’This resonates with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which transformative policy thrust is aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a prime global investment destination.

 

‘’The BRICS voice is, indeed, loud and clear. We envision a prosperous Global South and a more just and equitable world,’’ Ali said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Buhari’s death, great national loss- Adedoyin
General News

Buhari’s death, great national loss- Adedoyin

186 total views today

By Mufutau Ojo

Veteran journalist and former Commissioner for Information in Kwara, Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin, on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Adedoyin, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, described the passage of the former president as a great loss to the nation.

He recalled that the former president had launched a relentless fight against corruption, aiming to revitalise the economy and national institutions.

Adedoyin also said Buhari would be remembered for his legacy of public service and impact on Nigerian politics.

” I was not a fan (in fact, I was an antagonist) of General Muhammadu Buhari when he was Nigeria’s military head of the state.

” I was in the final year at the University of Lagos when he seized power in 1984.

”I was not an activist but the ‘aluta continua’ spirit drove me to be against his regime.

” The dislike was heightened by his regime’s draconian decrees (especially Decree 4 of 1984) that resulted in the jailing of journalists.

“But by divine favour, GMB got transformed into a statesman of immense national value.

“He became a national icon for his spartan lifestyle and a folk hero,” he said.

Adedoyin, a fellow of Nigerian Guild of Editors, recalled that the late president had on two occasions congratulated him.

“I hold as a trophy President Buhari’s congratulatory messages to me on the two occasions that mattered to me in 2021.

” The first, my 60th birthday in July and the second, my election in Vienna, Austria, in September into the executive board of the International Press Institute representing Nigeria and Africa.

“My election was witnessed by a Federal Government representative sent specifically for that purpose from Nigeria,” he said.

He prayed God to grant the former president Aljanah Firdaus. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NAN condoles MD over brother’s death
General News

NAN condoles MD over brother’s death

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By Muhammad Nur Tijani

The Management of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Kano paid a condolence visit to the Managing Director, Malam Ali M. Ali, over the death of his elder brother, Yusuf Lawal.

The delegation was led by the Director of Administration and Human Resource, Alhaji Abdulhadi Khaliel.

He was accompanied by the Director of Technical Services, Mr Aaron Miller; Head of Procurement, Mr Ugochukwu Nwogute; and Zonal Manager, Kaduna, Malam Bashir Rabe-Mani and Ibrahim Abdullahi, Higher Executive Officer.

Khaliel, who spoke on behalf of the agency, prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

He also prayed for strength and fortitude for the bereaved family.

“We are here to commiserate with our Managing Director, who has demonstrated exemplary leadership within two years of assuming office.

“His vision and mission have brought tremendous development and boosted the agency’s operations.

“We are, therefore, here to express our sympathy, solidarity, and support during this difficult time,” he said.

Responding, Ali thanked the delegation for the visit and the gesture of solidarity.

He said the family deeply appreciated the show of comradeship and would continue to cherish the goodwill extended by the agency.

Ali also prayed for the delegation’s safe return to their respective destinations.

Lawal, 61, a retired civil servant, passed away on Wednesday after a protracted illness.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

World Soccer legends to partner NAN in fighting cancer
Sports

World Soccer legends to partner NAN in fighting cancer

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By Victor Okoye

The Organisers of the World Soccer Legends (War Against Cancer) International Charity Football Match are set to partner the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in fighting cancer in the country.

Jacob Onu, the National Coordinator of the charity match, made the remarks during a courtesy call on NAN’s Editor-in-Chief, Mufutau Ojo, by members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC).

NAN reports that the charity football match has been scheduled to be held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Oct. 4.

The Charity football match is in collaboration with the Federal Miistry of Health, National Institute for Cancer Rescarech and Treatnent (NICRAD), National Sports Comission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Onu told the EIC that the goal of the event was to raise funds to combat the heinous pandemic ravaging the society called CANCER, using the instrumentality of football.

He noted that in order to key into President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and great vision of combating health challenges, the MOC members have decided to seek a partnership with NAN.

“This war against cancer we believe is not just for the Federal Ministıy of Health, but for all well-meaning Nigerians who are in good healıh condition in our rural and urban areas.

“It is this singular commitment that has prompted us to combine forces to fight this menace of cancer spreading in Nigeria by using the instrumentality of Football to raise funds for awareness, treatment, and research purposes.

“To achieve this objective, it is our belief that NAN has a role to play to ensure the sustainability of this project as President Bola Tinubu is expected to be the special Guest for the football match come Saturday, 4 October, 2020.

“The import of this request, therefore, is to humbly seek the partnership and support of NAN in the coverage of the entire programme,” he said.

According to Onu, football Legends like Abedi Pele, Didier Drogba, Samuel Etoo, Zinedine Zidane, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Kanu Nwankwo, among others, are expected at the event.

Responding, Ojo assured the Organisers of the 2025 World Soccer Legends (War Against Cancer) International Charity Football Match of the agency’s full support.

He noted that NAN prides itself as the largest content provider in Africa, adding that it was also the national carrier of information in the country.

“Our slogan says, Talk to NAN, talk to all. This is because of our reach. There is no state in the country that you will go to where you will not see a NAN office.

“Beyond that, we also have 12 zonal offices and about 18 district offices because we also want the news from the grassroots,” he said

The EIC also explained that because NAN is a global institution, it has some foreign missions.

He noted that presently, NAN was the only resident West African Agency in the UN in New York.

“We also have an office in Johannesburg, South Africa, and another one in Cote d’Ivoire. Before now, we had about 12 foreign missions, but over the years, because of the challenge of the paucity of funds, we could not sustain some of them.

“But now, we are planning to reopen some of these offices in London, China, and the rest of them.

“So, this is the place to be, especially for such initiatives like yours aimed at improving the human body, and I can assure you that we will offer you all the support.

“This is the type of public interest journalism that we try to expose and I urge you to work closely with our Sports desk and whatever media support you need, will be given to you,” he said.

NAN reports that other members of the Main Organising Committee present were AVM Kabiru Aliyu (Retd.), Head of Security, Paul Atteh, Samuel Taninowo, Chioma Obot. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Centre advocates e-procurement to curb corrupt practices
Business

Centre advocates e-procurement to curb corrupt practices

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By Monday Ijeh

The Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Enhancement Center of Excellence (SPESSECE) has advocated for the adoption of e-procurement processes by government at all levels to curb corrupt practices.

The SPESSECE coordinator for the FCT, Katsina, Jigawa and Sokoto States, Dr Lawal Salisu, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Salisu, who spoke on the sideline of a training programme organised for procurement officers, drawn from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, said SEPESSECE was a World Bank sponsored project.

He said the project was a deliberate attempt by the Federal Government and the World Bank to improve the capacity of federal, state and local government personnel in terms of procurement.

The coordinator said it was also to improve social and environmental standards with a view to ensuring a sustainable procurement process in Nigeria.

He added that the training was a deliberate attempt to educate participants on e-procurement and environmental procurement.

According to him, the conventional way of doing things are more like manual that requires physical meeting and this makes it difficult to curb corruption.

“The more you allow people to meet physically, the more likely you are to have some elements of influence.

“If we change the environmental processes to ensure that there is no physical meeting from the advertisement, handling, analysis and award, corruption will be eliminated.”

The SPESSECE coordinator also said that lack of professionals was a major challenge facing procurement process in Nigeria, adding that, aside the federal government, procurement cadre does not exist in most of the states in Nigeria.

“This is something that has to do with public resources. We require people with academic knowledge and professional certifications.

“People who understand that they will be sanctioned if they mislead the executive on anything that has to do with public procurement,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

NAN editor loses wife
General News

NAN editor loses wife

422 total views today

 

By Dorcas Jonah

Mr Isaac Aregbesola, a senior editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has announced the death of his wife, Mrs Wumi Aregbesola.

 

Aregbesola in a statement said his wife, 52, died on Friday.

 

The editor described his late wife as a pillar of strength, support, and a source of inspiration to her family, friends, and colleagues.

 

“Her kind-hearted nature, compassion, and generosity touched the lives of countless individuals, making her an exceptional woman who will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

 

”Throughout her life, she demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to humanity service,” he said.

 

Describing her as a God-fearing woman, a great manager of resources, and a devoted wife, Aregbesola said his late wife’s life was a testament to humility, kindness, and enduring service.

 

He notes that Wumi was a seasoned accountant and entrepreneur who impacted positively on the lives of everyone who came across her.(NAN)(www nannews.ng)

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Minister wants collective action to empower young women
Defence/Security

Minister wants collective action to empower young women

455 total views today

 

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, on Thursday called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to empower young women and advance national development.

 

Sulaiman-Ibrahim made the call in Abuja at the opening ceremony of a three-day royal ambassadors gathering week 2025 with the theme, “Building Global Partnership for sustainable impacts, Innovations and development.”

 

The minister, who was represented by a  Director in the Ministry , Dr Mrs Ola Erinfolami, emphasised that empowering young women remained critical to the nation’s growth and progress.

 

She acknowledged the ministry’s achievements in promoting gender equality, development and peace, noting that more work must be done to close existing gaps.

 

“Young women continue to face challenges in education, economic opportunities, healthcare and leadership.

 

“It is our responsibility to address these disparities and create an enabling environment for women to thrive,” she said.

 

The minister, however, outlined four key areas of focus in the ministry’s agenda to include access to quality education and skills training, supporting entrepreneurship and job creation.

 

This, she also said, includes ensuring healthcare access, promoting well-being and encouraging women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.

 

She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to promoting policies and programmes that empowered young women, adding that collaboration with stakeholders remained vital.

 

“I urge all stakeholders to join us in this effort. Let’s work together to empower more young women and create a brighter future for our nation,” she added.

 

In his opening remarks, the Founder and Director-General of the Royal Ambassadors Family Enlightenment Foundation (RAFEF), Jonathan Okwudiri, called for stronger global partnerships to drive sustainable development and innovation in Nigeria.

 

Okwudiri, who doubled as the convener of the event stressed that unity, collaboration and collective action were crucial in achieving national progress.

 

He said that in a world where challenges like poverty, unemployment, food insecurity and social inequality threatened the collective future, the need for action had never been greater.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the RAFEF, Green Revolution Farmers Feed the Nation Foundation (GRFFNF), and Young Women Rise Empowerment Initiative (YWREI) are the three NGOs working to reshape the society.

 

These are done through strategic empowerment, economic development and social transformation.

 

The groups are also dedicated to poverty eradication (SDG 1), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and zero hunger (SDG 2).

 

Okwudiri, who oversees a network of over one million women and youths across the 36 states and the FCT, said that the NGO was a formidable force dedicated to nation-building through empowerment, agriculture, and youth development.

 

He announced the launch of major initiatives under the GRFFNF, including Operation Feed the Nation, inaugurated in December 2024, and the Green Rewards Smart Farm Settlement (GRSFS), aimed at providing employment opportunities for one million Nigerians.

 

He said that the group’s Agricultural Farming Project Fund and Empowerment Scheme would provide financial grants to farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

 

“This gathering is a testament to the power of collaboration. As Royal Ambassadors, we are determined to work with visionary partners to create lasting impacts,” he said.

 

Okwudiri also highlighted the achievements of the RAFEF in training over 1,000 women and youths in entrepreneurial skills, seeking partnerships and support to enable the trainees to start their businesses.

 

He reiterated the organisation’s readiness to align with President Bola Tinubu’s administration policy, particularly the Renewed Hope Agenda, which focused on promoting agricultural development, food security, and job creation.

 

“As nation-builders, we support any leader who prioritises the empowerment of women and youth. Together, we can shape the future of our country,” Okwudiri said.

 

Okwudiri commended the Board of Trustees, management teams, and the media for their contributions to the growth of the organisations and urged participants to use the gathering to connect, learn, and collaborate.

 

“We are not just here to celebrate; we are here to build. Let us rise to the challenge and create the future we envision,” he said.

 

The event also features the inauguration of the National and State Executive Officers of the Young Women Rise Empowerment and Support Initiative (YWRESI) and the crowning of Miss Global Royalty Africa 2025.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Yakubu Uba

NAN, LAWMA partner to deepen waste management advocacy
Environment

NAN, LAWMA partner to deepen waste management advocacy

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By Fabian Ekeruche

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to deepen waste management advocacy.

The NAN delegation, led by Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, Head of Lagos Editorial Operations, was received at the LAWMA headquarters by its Managing Director, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin.

Omowole expressed gratitude to LAWMA for the efforts made by the authority in the area of waste management in the state.

She noted that NAN’s wide outreach, if leveraged on, could help in deepening the efforts of LAWMA in advocating a cleaner Lagos.

She listed some of the products of NAN, like the PR Wire Service and others that LAWMA could subscribe to in telling the authority’s story.

“The proposed partnership will also include the production of documentaries showcasing LAWMA’s initiatives and successes, further amplifying the agency’s impact and reputation,” Omowole said.

Also speaking, Gbadegesin commended the delegation for the interest in partnering LAWMA for media mileage and visibility.

He said the huge role of the media in driving sensitisation could not be overlooked, as people continued to migrate to Lagos.

He said in spite of LAWMA’s ongoing sensitisation, some residents remained unaware of proper waste mnagement practices.

“Migrants that come into Lagos must be educated on LAWMA’s policies to prevent improper waste disposal. The LAWMA advocacy team has been doing this, to ensure every resident is adequately informed,” Gbadegesin said.

He added that LAWMA would remain committed to transitioning from a linear waste management model to a circular economy model where nothing is wasted.

“We aim to replicate Sweden’s model, where compactor trucks and buses run on biomethane, reducing landfill dependence and enhancing environmental sustainability,” he stated.

Gbadegesin noted that LAWMA’s recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ghanaian firm, Jospong Group, to improve waste management in the state.

He added that the initiative was in line with LAWMA’s broader vision of diverting 90 per cent of waste from dumpsites through innovative recycling and resource recovery strategies.

He also stressed the significance of the Private Sector Participation model, which comprised 428 operators working in partnership with LAWMA to manage the city’s daily waste generation of approximately 13,000 tonnes. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

ECOWAS Parliament @25: NAN pledges publicity partnership with AWALCO
Foreign

ECOWAS Parliament @25: NAN pledges publicity partnership with AWALCO

408 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has pledged to partner the Association of West African Legislative Correspondents (AWALCO) to publicise the activities of the ECOWAS Parliament, particularly its 25th anniversary celebrations.

Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, the Managing Director of the agency, made the pledge when the leadership of the association paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Thursday.

Ali expressed appreciation to the association’s officials for deeming it worthy to pay him a courtesy visit, stressing that as Africa’s biggest news content provider, NAN was home to all.

“For deeming it worthy to come and pay us this courtesy call, the agency is appreciative.

“We hope that it will help the Parliament achieve its goals, and raise awareness, like you said, about its activities.

“On our part, the News Agency of Nigeria, like you know, is Africa’s biggest news content provider,” he said.

According to the NAN Chief Executive Officer, the agency is the most authentic and biggest news hub in Africa, with a domineering influence and reach within the West African subregion.

“So, with an association like this, certainly in the News Agency of Nigeria, you find a soulmate, a fellow traveler.

“So, you’re welcome. We look forward to partnering and doing more, and the News Agency of Nigeria is your home,” he said.

Speaking earlier, AWALCO President, Mr Innocent Odoh, explained that the purpose of the visit was to seek the collaboration and support of NAN, as the indisputable leader in terms of news credibility reportage, and viability.

He said that ECOWAS Parliament would be marking its 25th anniversary on Nov. 16 and a series of activities had been lined up for it.

Odoh said that AWALCO, being the association of the parliament’s press corps, was fully involved in it by way of planning to give the occasion a media and publicity glitze.

He said this would help to propagate the ideals of ECOWAS in general, and ECOWAS Parliament in particular, and make the objectives of ECOWAS Commission and Parliament known globally, starting from the subregion.

“In terms of viability, if we talk about the repository of news in all ramifications, in all dimensions, I think the News Agency of Nigeria comes first before any other one.

“So, what we are doing is in line with the media advocacy that we are projecting for the ECOWAS Parliament at 25.

“We can see that if the collaboration with NAN takes off as we planned it, I think it will go a long way in expanding the vision of the association,” he said.

The AWALCO president further said that the partnership would determine how the regional bloc is run, especially at a time  that so many things about ECOWAS needed to be interrogated.

“That is why we’re here, to seek that collaboration, to seek that support, how we can deepen that collaboration to ensure that the citizens of the Parliament understand what is happening around them.

“ECOWAS has a vision of 2050 but many people may not be aware of it, but collaborations like this can open up an opportunity for people to understand the vision of ECOWAS,” he added.

Mrs Uche Duru, Chief Communication Officer, ECOWAS Parliament, who was part of the delegation, in a remark, extended greetings from ECOWAS Parliament Speaker and Secretary-General to Ali and NAN’s management.

She explained that AWALCO was her brain child and the parliament’s official press corps, which was created to reposition the parliament’s media coverage.

The spokesperson for the parliament said the association was beyond Nigeria, as its membership encompassed the entire West Africa, including even from member states that were threatening to exit or had already exited.

“Permit me at this juncture also to talk briefly about NAN and how NAN has been giving us coverage. It’s been a wonderful journey.

“So, as far as Nigeria is concerned, NAN is our first port of call, so we can express our appreciation of the work that we’ve done so far.

“I want to convey that we’re most grateful to have NAN very, very actively involved in the work of Parliament,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

NAN MD says China’s “Two Sessions” key to governance, modernisation
Foreign

NAN MD says China’s “Two Sessions” key to governance, modernisation

316 total views today

By Ismail Abdulaziz
China’s cooperation with African nations, particularly in industrialisation, capacity building and technology transfer, is playing a crucial role in addressing the continent’s development challenges.

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, said this in an interview with the Chinese news agency, Xinhua.

Ali was speaking against the background of the China two sessions event that began in Beijing on Monday.

He said that China’s “two sessions” had become a crucial window through which the world observes the country’s governance model and gains insights into its modernisation.

NAN reports that the two sessions is an annual political gathering with thousands of political and community delegates converging on Beijing.

Delegates are drawn from across mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau to ratify legislation, personnel changes and the budget over about two weeks of highly choreographed meetings.

The event is called the “two sessions” because both the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) hold their annual meetings separately, but at the same time.

The meetings include “work report” speeches by the premier, and sometimes – but not always – speeches by the party leader.

Official economic targets are set, military budgets announced, and changes in the ranks of party leadership bodies are confirmed.

“The “two sessions” showcase the transparency and efficiency of China’s governance, as well as its responsible administrative system.

“China’s governance experience is even more valuable in the current context of profound global changes,” Ali said.

Having visited China multiple times, Ali expressed delight at the country’s rapid development and transformation.

According to him, China stands out in renewable energy, infrastructure and agriculture among other fields.

Describing China’s engagement with other developing countries as “unique,” he emphasised its focus on delivering tangible benefits through infrastructure development, vocational training and technology-driven investment.

“China’s cooperation with African nations, particularly in industrialisation, capacity building and technology transfer, is playing a crucial role in addressing the continent’s development challenges.

“Africa is benefiting from industrial investments and infrastructure projects that are transforming economies across the continent,” Ali said.

He added that without roads, bridges, railways and power projects, “industrialisation would be impossible.”

Noting that NAN was keenly watching and reporting on this year’s “two sessions,” Ali expected the “two sessions” to reveal more information on future China-Africa cooperation.

“By deepening China-Africa cooperation, more African nations will learn from China’s experience and jointly advance global governance and economic prosperity,” he said.(NAN/Xinhua)
(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

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