News Agency of Nigeria
ECOWAS Parliament @25: NAN pledges publicity partnership with AWALCO
Foreign

ECOWAS Parliament @25: NAN pledges publicity partnership with AWALCO

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

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)

NAN’s Aisha Gambo bags Report Women! FRLP fellowship
General News

NAN’s Aisha Gambo bags Report Women! FRLP fellowship

By Hussaina Yakubu
Aisha Gambo, a Senior Correspondent with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has been selected for the sixth Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP) fellowship.

The fellowship, which was launched in 2017, is organised by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ).

It aims to equip female journalists with the skills to champion the cause of improved leadership status of women in the news, newsrooms and society.

In a statement on Saturday, Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director and CEO of WSCIJ, said the Report Women! programme had helped to increase the quantity and quality of reports on issues affecting women and girls in Nigeria.

She said over the past decade, WSCIJ had trained 537 journalists across Nigeria and Ghana.

Alaka said the centre had also supported 136 stories and 138 leadership projects, published six research on women’s representation in the media and produced six documentaries.

The centre, she said, had also launched a female experts’ source guide and engaged newsrooms on the leadership of women in the news and newsrooms.

“The Female Reporters Leadership Programme, introduced in 2017, has produced 86 fellows across five cohorts and driven intentional efforts to place more women in leadership positions within newsrooms and news.

“Through an intensive training and mentoring, this sixth edition of FRLP Fellowship will equip participants with the skills to champion the cause of improved leadership status of women in the news, newsrooms and society.

“The fellowship and the broader Report Women! News and Newsroom Engagement project has been supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation since 2021″ she said.

She added that the fellowship was designed to engage the management and staff of news media organisations in Nigeria, and eventually Africa, to increase representation of women in news coverage, newsroom leadership and as news sources.

Gambo is one of the 12 participants who made the shortlist out of a competitive pool of 160 female applicants.

Other beneficiaries of the programme include Melony Ishola, Juliet Buna, Bilkis Lawal, Rasheedat Iliyas, Temitope Obayendo, Mary Agidi, Dana Zagi, Chigozie Victor, Christiana Alabi-Akande and Gloria Attah.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Solutions Journalism: NAN vows to change media landscape
Solutions Journalism

Solutions Journalism: NAN vows to change media landscape

By Ahmed Musa

Malam Ali Muhammed Ali, the Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has expressed the agency’s determination to sustain efforts in changing the media landscape in the country.

 

Ali said this on Thursday in Abuja when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Health Watch (NHW) led by Mr Chibuike Alagboso, its Director Media Programmes.

 

According to him, the agency will continue to join efforts by pushing stories that will promote the needed solutions to societal problems.

 

He said, ”NAN will continue to appreciate the partnership with the Nigeria Health Watch and Solutions Journalism Network which began in 2020.

 

”We are sustaining the effort of changing the media landscape with Solutions Journalism stories.

 

”Its unique style of telling the positive developments in the country aligns with the NAN mandate of promoting understanding, mutual respect, professionalism and giving voice to the majority and minor views of the citizens.”

 

The managing director also informed the visitors that the agency had earlier created a special desk to handle Solutions Journalism stories with a view to enhance specialisation and boost productivity in the agency.

 

”We have created a Solutions Journalism desk since the first engagement with Nigeria Health Watch in 2021 and the message will continue to be propagated to all our members of staff,” he said.

 

According to him, Solutions Journalism has a critical role to play in the nations journey to realising the impact of small achievements on national development.

 

“It highlights the little efforts put in to address daily social challenges of citizens.

 

”This is what is needed to build trust and buy-in from people about steps taken by the government to address their problems,” he added.

 

On his part, the Editor-In-Chief of NAN, Mr Mufutau Ojo, while declaring open the One-day training session, urged participants to pay attention to the keynote speakers and learn the new skills.

 

Ojo expressed optimism that the training would provide a paradigm shift and new opportunities for reporters to explore.

 

Also speaking, the Head of NAN Multimedia Section, Mr Ismail Abdulaziz, expressed gratitude to the team for providing the opportunity for NAN reporters to be trained.

 

Abdulaziz commended the reporters for showing exemplary attitude based on the questions raised during the training season.

 

”This shows that you understood the topic, now it’s just to know how to put your thoughts into Solutions Journalism style of writing,” he said.

 

Mr Aderogba George, one of the participants who spoke after a session, said that the training would avail him the opportunity to understand how to write Solutions Journalism stories.

 

Others in the delegation of Nigeria Health Watch (NHW) are Kenneth Ibe, Senior Social Media Coordinator, Tzar Oluigbo, Health Journalist and Hadiza Mohammed, Communication Officer.

 

The delegation was in NAN Headquarters to train reporters on Solutions Journalism based on the existing partnership they had with NAN since 2020. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Ismail Abdulaziz

Video: NAN, MENA sign MoU on media cooperation
Foreign

Video: NAN, MENA sign MoU on media cooperation

 

By Fortune Abang

The Middle East News Agency (MENA) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing media cooperation through news exchange.

NAN reports that MENA, a regional news agency founded on Dec. 15, 1955, is based in Egypt and operates under the Egyptian government.

The agreement was signed virtually by Mr Ahmed Kamal, MENA’s long-serving journalist and current Board Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, and Mr Ali Muhammad Ali, the Managing Director of NAN.

During the virtual signing ceremony on Monday, Kamal, speaking from Cairo, described the event as a historic moment for both organisations, emphasising the deep-rooted relationship between Egypt and Nigeria.

He noted that the cooperation marked a new chapter in the long-standing friendship between the two countries, which dated back to their shared struggle for independence and prosperity.

 

 

“Today, we sign an agreement that reflects the deep-rooted historical relationship and friendship between Egypt and Nigeria.

“This cooperation between MENA and NAN is significant, as both organisations are major news platforms in our respective regions MENA in the Middle East and NAN in West Africa.

“Our agreement will widen the scope of cooperation between our two nations in news exchange, as well as other strategic domains.”

He also expressed personal fondness for Nigeria, having worked as a MENA correspondent from 2005 to 2011 in the country.

He said Egypt has a shared vision with Nigeria in promoting stability and prosperity in Africa, especially in fighting corruption.

“So, our cooperation with NAN today represents a partnership between two great organisations, and this long-awaited agreement will expand the scope of cooperation between Egypt and Nigeria in news exchange.

“In addition, it will strengthen other vibrant areas of strategic cooperation between our two nations. This is particularly meaningful for me, as I worked as a MENA correspondent in Nigeria from 2005 to 2011.

“May God preserve your beautiful country, its kind people, and its wise leadership in West Africa.

“Once again, I assure you that Egypt and the Arab world share the same perspective on the need for strategic balance in this turbulent world.

“Egypt and Nigeria also share a strong vision of strategic partnership in fighting corruption and building a stable and prosperous Africa,” he added.

In response, Ali lauded the agreement as historic, noting that it had been in the making for the past three years.

He expressed excitement about the strengthened ties between the two agencies, noting that they would not only involve news exchange but also extend to capacity building and technical support.

Ali remarked, “Today marks the culmination of years of conversation and collaboration.

“We look forward to greater cooperation with MENA, and I personally look forward to visiting Cairo soon.”

Ali also mentioned plans for NAN to host the first African media summit later this year, as part of the agency’s commitment to promoting global media relations.

NAN, owned and operated by the Nigerian government, produces over 200 stories per day and plays a key role in disseminating news domestically and internationally.

It also serves to counter negative narratives about Nigeria by providing accurate and reliable news coverage.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Vandalism: NAN MD charges NSCDC on intelligence gathering
Defence/Security

Vandalism: NAN MD charges NSCDC on intelligence gathering

 

By Kelechi Ogunleye

Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has charged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command to improve on its intelligence gathering in the territory.

Ali said this during a visit by the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, to his office on Wednesday in Abuja.

The NAN MD urged the NSCDC to go beyond arrests and be more proactive by engaging Nigerians, pantaker operators and even arrested vandals to get information that would help nip vandalism in the bud.

He said that vandalism of Critical National Asset and Infrastructure (CNAI), especially the destruction of manholes and theft of manhole covers in the FCT,  had become worrisome.

“The roads leading to NAN office is the worst hit by the activities of vandals.

“The big thieves are somewhere hiding in, and if there are no willing buyers there will not be a market. So, your crack down on pantaker operators has yielded results,” the MD said.

He further called on NSCDC personnel to maintain civility in the discharge of their duties, adding that there was a remarkable difference between the corps and sister agencies.

He said that NAN, being the largest content creator and distributor of news, would partner seamlessly with the corps to achieve set objectives.

“We will give you whatever support you need to succeed because if you succeed, then we can go home to sleep with our eyes closed,” Ali said.

He commended the commandant for his doggedness and strides since his assumption of office.

Earlier, Odumosu said that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen NCDC’s already existing partnership with NAN.

“We have enjoined wonderful cooperation and publicity from your service to reach out to the public in terms of what we do,” the commandant said.

According to him, investigations revealed that most of the vandalism in the FCT were perpetuated by scavengers (baban bola).

“I have been given a charge to tackle vandalism in the FCT to nip it in the bud or bring it to the barest minimum, so I have declared war on the activities of scavengers.

“All these activities cannot  be  successfully done without the support or recognition of NAN,” he said.

He said that the command had been sending warning messages to vandals who give Nigerians sleepless nights.

Odumosu said that he had advocated for the regulation and possible eradication of pantakers in the FCT.

“Surveillance and investigation has shown that there was a spike in vandalism because there was a ready market for sales when they steal.

“If we are able to regulate pantaker then we will have solved 50 per cent of this problem,  because when there is no supply,  there will  be no demand,” he said.

The FCT NSCDC helmsman, however said that there was a ban on the activities of scavengers as they have been restricted to the dump site.

“We hope for policies and laws to be enacted in that direction, as we are doing our best in the field, and have been able to propose ideas that will eradicate the menace of vandalism,” Odumosu said.

He urged residents not to leave the protection of CNAI to the Federal Government or security agencies alone.

“We need the support of the public  and organisations like NAN to continue to succeed,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Security structure crucial to aircraft leasing – Boeing Director
Foreign

Security structure crucial to aircraft leasing – Boeing Director

By Gabriel Agbeja

Ms Rose Lereece, Director Customer Finance, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, has said that security structure is crucial  in obtaining aircraft lease.

Lereece made this known at the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global in Dublin, Ireland, on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the director described structure as a “Stand-by Letter of Credit (SBLC),’’  serving as a security provided by a commercial bank and covered by a confirming Banking and an Insurer.

According to her, SBLC provides a short-term guarantee (immediate and irrevocable) which allows the lender or lessor to cash-in an amount to the value of six to 36 months of payments in U.S. Dollars.

Lereece said that the payments were envisioned to include both rentals and maintenance reserves.

She listed SBLC Security features to include, immediate availability and irrevocable funds, US Dollar settlement and further security in the form of confirming and or third-party insurance.

She said that others were more entities that implied more security and fees, giving lessor or lender the ability to cure and continue or severe and repossess.

“`Collateteralisation by the airline of a fraction of the agreed SBLC value may be required by the commercial banks, “ she added.

According to her, airline pays commercial banks a single rate that embeds all fees including insurance where applicable while commercial banks pay lessor in the event of an issue.

The director explained that commercial banks obtained SBLC insurance support from the confirming bank while the confirming bank obtained SBLC insurance support from the insurance provider.

She further explained that the insurer provided insurance for the confirming bank or the commercial bank

Contributing, Mr Moor Ibekwe, Boeing Sales Director Africa Region Commercial Airplanes, said that the value of the SBLC, measured in payments due, could be six to 36 months for both rental and maintenance reserves.

He explained “playout term“ as one-off or monthly according to the severity of the underlying issue.

“Continued utilisation or restoration would be at the behest of the lessor or the lender, confirming bank support needed for the lease or loan traction.

“Insurance support needed for the lease/ loan transaction while tenor is the period for which the SBLC must be available to the lessor or lender in the first five years of a 12-year lease,“ he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

NAN MD reels out achievements, pledges improvement in 2025
Metro

NAN MD reels out achievements, pledges improvement in 2025

By Ahmed Musa/Collins Yakubu-Hammer

Malam Ali M. Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),  has reeled out his achievements in office during his 12-month-old leadership and promising to do more in 2025.

Ali reeled out the achievements during an end of year interactive session with members of staff of the Agency across the country on Monday in Abuja.

He explained that 2024 was challenging, adding that it is good to be thankful to the Almighty for all that the agency was able to achieve.

“We had an International lecture that boosted our image, brand and capacity. This has attracted other organisations willing to sign Memorandum of Understanding to partner with us.

“We also had management retreat followed by that of the editorial. These retreats reshape the operations as participants came back better enriched with the belief that we can move mountains.

“This year, we have improved on our infrastructure and facilities. Lagos has been without power for the past two years. We have connected them to the national grid and added solar energy.

“In Abuja, most offices have solar power supply and before next week, all the offices will enjoy solar in Abuja,” Ali said.

He further explained that there would be training for members of staff in 2025 to further boast productivity, adding that an untrained staff can wreck a good system.

“On the social calendar, we were able to engage ourselves in health walk and regular weekly exercise to keep fit. We may introduce interdepartmental sports competition to ease the tension of the work.

“We are going to fix our states and zonal offices to portray our image as the number one News Agency in Africa. We have traveled to some states and saw the state of our offices. We will fix them.

“All Zonal Offices deserves multimedia unit. It is just a matter of time and we will get there, this is because the future of news is multimedia and we will not be left behind.

“I encourage all of you both in Lagos, Abuja and other states to collaborate,”

He appreciated the management and members of staff for their support so far, adding that more would be achieved with such environment of understanding.

Ali admonished senior officers in the agency to mentor the younger ones that would take over in years to come.

He stressed that the Ombudsman is a very important component in the agency.

Members of staff commended the Managing Director for the new lease of life in staff welfare as well as the December welfare package. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NAN MD promises improved working environment
General News

NAN MD promises improved working environment

By Rita Iliya

Malam Ali M Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has promised to improve the working environment for the personnel of the agency. .

He spoke on Saturday when he visited the agency’s Minna Zonal office to assess its situation.

Ali was received by Alhaji Mohammed Bababusu, Zonal Manager in charge of Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa.

He commended the zonal manager and members of staff for their resilience and dedication to work.

Ali reiterated his commitment to providing a conducive environment that befit the agency’s mandate, adding that: “I have seen the condition of the NAN Minna office, this structure is not befitting to staff of the agency to work.

“People need the right environment to work, and here is not the right environment. It is a shame that the agency still has structures like this.

“We will send our Engineers from Abuja to the Minna office to give us a professional assessment of what can be done.

“The agency would not leave any of its offices behind in terms of development.”

NAN MD, Ali M Ali flanks by staff of Minna zonal office

Ali said that a recent tour of offices in the North-East had provided valuable insights into the requirements for improvement.

The managing director also extolled the leadership of the zonal manager, saying, ”as the son of the soil, you are leveraging on your contacts for the glory of the agency.”

He, however, cautioned against joining local politics, warning that defaulters would be sanctioned, adding that, “NAN is a professional media organisation respected globally, and efforts were being made to reposition it”.

While reitrating commitment to the welfare of staff, Ali announced plans to establish a multimedia unit in the Minna office, deploy more workforce, and open district offices in Bida, Suleja, Kontagora and New Bussa.

He urged the staff to keep up the good work by focusing more on exclusive stories.

NAN MD, Ali M Ali inspects Minna zonal office

Earlier, Bababusu, thanked the managing director for the changes he has so far brought to the agency, particularly in the editorial department, adding that his achievements were visible across NAN offices.

“We have long wished for your visit to the NAN Minna office and I want to appeal for your regular visits to the zonal offices to address their challenges,” he said

Bababusu said that the Minna office required an overhaul, adding,” the current office space is not befitting.”

The zonal manager appealed for provisions to enable the zonal managers to periodically visit offices under their zones. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Bashir Rabe Mani

NAN MD lauds Minister’s community project
General News

NAN MD lauds Minister’s community project

 

By Rita Iliya
The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has commended the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, over the electrification project in Malagi village.

He gave the commendation during the inauguration of the projects in Malagi, the minister’s home town, in Gbako Local Government of Niger state.

He described the project, which include the construction of a mosque, an Islamiyya school, a water project, and the renovation of a primary school as remarkable.

He said the minister’s gesture was a perfect example of giving back to society, particularly in his ancestral community.

He noted that the project would outlive the minister and earn him rewards, as it promotes learning and worship.

“The Islamiyya school, in particular, is seen as a wise choice, given the community’s strong religious inclination and the importance of knowledge in Islam,” he said.

Ali expressed hope that the minister’s example would inspire others in public office to give back to their communities. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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