Nigeria - News Agency Of Nigeria

Ismail Abdulaziz
Oct, Fri, 2024

Nigeria will explore viable, sustainable solutions to transportation- Shettima

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Nigera will continue to explore viable and sustainable solutions towards solving its transportation challenges.

It will also collaborate with relevant players in the private sector to work out alternatives for the challenge to achieve optimum result.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima stated this on Thursday during a facility tour of the Scania headquarters in Södertälje, Sweden.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Scania is a world leading provider of transport solutions.

The visit is a strategic engagement to discuss Nigeria’s market potential and explore deeper collaboration opportunities.

It focused on Biofuel solutions for Nigeria’s transport sector which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s push for cleaner and efficient transportation, with emphasis on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

On arrival at the company, Shettima was received by the Head of Sales Africa, Middle East and Central Asia, Mr Fredrik Wijkander.

They had discussions to innovative solutions to ease Nigeria’s transportation challenges through heavy-duty trucks and buses.

The company expertise is expected to play a crucial role in modernising Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.

NAN reports that the Vice-President, who is on a two-day working visit to Sweden, held a close-door meeting with its Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Nigeria not snubbed in UN Human Rights Council election – Presidency

Rabi'u Sani Ali
Oct, Mon, 2024

General News

Nigeria not snubbed in UN Human Rights Council election – Presidency

By Salif Atojoko

Nigeria was not snubbed in the 2024 UN Human Rights Council election, as some reports have claimed, says Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy.

Onanuga said this in a statement titled, “Setting the Record Straight,” on Sunday.

He said the country did not stand as a candidate for this cycle of elections, just like it did not stand for election in 2023 when a Nigerian medium reported that the country earned three votes.

“The same lie was rehashed in the erroneous report in circulation. Again, we restate that Nigeria was not on the ballot in the election held on Oct. 9.

“Whatever vote was recorded for our country must have been cast in error in the secret balloting by some countries which thought Nigeria was on the ballot,” said Onanuga.

According to him, for those conversant with elections into international organisations, especially to the Human Rights Council, countries vying for positions usually receive regional endorsements.

He said the regional bloc endorsed Benin and Gambia, both members of ECOWAS, for the 2025-2027 term.

Given Nigeria’s continued leadership in fostering African unity, he said the nation focused on supporting the endorsed candidates to promote collective African representation.

“This has been the hallmark of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership on the continent.

“This strategic approach aligns with Nigeria’s long-standing diplomatic efforts to ensure Africa speaks with a united voice on the global stage.

“The media should cross-check their information before rushing to press. There was no sign this was done with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or our country’s mission in New York.

“As Nigerians, we should not be quick to disparage or drag our country, especially on international matters,” said the presidential aide.

He stated that on Oct. 9, the UN General Assembly elected 18 members to the Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term.

The members elected to the Council are: Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Iceland, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Mexico, North Macedonia, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland and Thailand.

Onanuga said the Council was an intergovernmental body within the UN system consisting of 47 States tasked with promoting and protecting human rights globally.

“The election, conducted via secret ballot, determined which nations would fill three-year terms beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, replacing members whose terms expire on Dec. 31, 2024.

“Among the outgoing members are: Argentina, Benin, Cameroon, Eritrea, Finland, Gambia, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Montenegro, Paraguay, Qatar, Somalia, United Arab Emirates and the United States,” he said.

He added that a report on the meeting published by the UN said Argentina, Cameroon, Eritrea, India and Somalia, which had served two consecutive terms, were ineligible for immediate re-election.

Also, Albania, Algeria, Brazil, China, Ghana, Japan, and South Africa will continue serving on the Council.

“In the African regional group, the endorsed candidates, Benin, Gambia, Kenya, DRC, and Ethiopia – successfully secured all the five available seats.

“There was no competition in the African regional group, as the continent fielded the same number of candidates as available seats,” Onanuga clarified. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Stakeholders seek FG’s support for agroecology in Nigeria

Philip Daniel Yatai
Oct, Fri, 2024

Agriculture

Stakeholders seek FG’s support for agroecology in Nigeria

By Eric James Ochigbo

Some stakeholders in the agricultural sector have called for the Federal Government’s support for agroecology to enhance production of healthier food and to ensure environmental sustainability in Nigeria.

The stakeholders made the call on Thursday in Abuja, at the second regional workshop on agroecology organised by Bread for the World (Brot für die Welt) a German development organisation.

The workshop is titled” Advancing Agroecology in Nigeria: Building Pathways for Sustainable Agriculture.”

In the keynote address, Mrs Joyce Brown, Programme Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) explained that agroecology as a practice, includes different farming methods like mixed cropping, crop rotation, cover-cropping among others.

According to her, agroecology increases biodiversity, reduces need for chemical inputs and ensures increased productivity while enhancing Nigeria’s food system resilience.

Brown said that strict application of the principles of agroecology would also protect the environment as it is in line with nature.

She explained that agroecology focuses on building soil health through appropriate farming practices including agroforestry and use of organic fertilisers.

Brown said that adoption of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) does not have any advantage over agroecology but rather poses more health and environmental risks.

NAN reports that a GMO is a plant, animal or microorganism that has had their genetic material modified in a way that does not occur naturally through a process called genetic engineering.

Brown said that GMOs have implications from biodiversity loss as a result of intensive chemical use, loss of indigenous seed varieties, health and cultural implications as well as labelling issues.

According to Brown, agroecology on the other hand strengthens local economies, ensures rural development, energy and water efficiency, environmental conservation and increased food productivity.

Stakeholders at the event recommended that the Federal Government should develop and implement an agroecology policy built on practical solutions and successes.

They also highlighted the need to integrate agroecology into national agricultural plans, and develop appropriate institutions to drive organic and agroecological farming in Nigeria.

The stakeholders further called for more training for farmers, extension workers, and policymakers as well as establishment

of farmer field schools and demo plots for peer learning.

In his remarks, Prof. Olugbenga Adeoluwa of the Department of Soil Resource Management, University of Ibadan, said that agroecology is not averse to new technology.

He, however, said that just like guns and bombs, not all technologies are safe for human and environmental consumption.

“Many people that are supporting GMOs do not understand the underlying agenda which is business, control and monopoly.

“We should understand this and not be fooled,” he said.

Also, Mr Andrew Kwasari, President of Sa’l’anwaraTumal Consultaire Limites (SCI) an agro firm, stated that there was a need to have in-depth research and conversations around improved seeds. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Military Games‘ll strengthen cooperation, partnership in Africa – CDS

Philip Daniel Yatai
Oct, Fri, 2024

Defence/Security , Sports

Military Games‘ll strengthen cooperation, partnership in Africa – CDS

By Philip Yatai

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa said on Thursday that the Africa Military Games would strengthen military cooperation and partnership in the region.

Musa stated this in Abuja at a World Press Conference to announce the forthcoming games, scheduled for Nov. 8 to 30, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

He added that the event presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria’s Armed Forces to showcase their skills to the world and foster camaraderie amongst participants.

He also said the sports fiesta was another means of Nigerian military non-kinetic operations.

The CDS said hosting the African Military Games in Abuja was a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and security in the African region.

He added that it is also an opportunity for the nation to demonstrate its capabilities as a host nation.

“The games will provide a platform for our Armed Forces to compete internationally and exchange best practices with their counterparts from other African countries.

“It will also build lasting relationships that will contribute to the overall security and stability of the continent.

“I am confident that our Armed Forces will rise to the occasion and make the nation proud with their performances both on and off the field,” he added.

Musa said that the Nigerian Armed Forces was currently finalising preparations for the games, including ensuring that necessary infrastructure and logistics support was in place to host this prestigious event.

He expressed gratitude to the Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, for being a wonderful host, saying that the noble opportunity to host the continent would bring significant benefits to the FCT and the nation in general

He identified economic and sports development, global recognition, and national pride as some of the benefits the country stands to derive by hosting the fiesta.

“Let us therefore come together to ensure a hitch-free event.

“I, therefore, urge all well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to support our armed forces as they prepare to compete in the African Military Games.

“Let us unite as a nation to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and togetherness that this event embodies.

“Let us show them the love and hospitality that Nigerians are known for,” the CDS said.

The Chairman, Local Organising Committee, AVM Abidemi Marquis, said that the theme of the event is “Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports”

He said the objective was to foster the already established relationship among the African armed forces and enhance awareness and cooperation away from war.

According to him, 42 African countries have indicated interest in participating in the games and that 27 countries have submitted their final entries, while awaiting others from now to Oct. 15.

“As of today, we have 17,75 officials and athletes from the 27 countries, out of the 3,000 officials and athletes expected to participate in the games from the 42 countries.

“We will be competing in 19 sporting events, including all the ball games, swimming, obstacle crossing, taekwondo, and wrestling, among others,” he said.

Also, the President of Military Sports in Africa, Maj.-Gen. Maikano Abdullahi said the organisation’s design is to take the African armed forces from the battlefield to the sports field.

“The idea is to bring peace, stability, and understanding among members of the armed forces from the 44-member countries in the continent, to understand ourselves,” Abdullahi said.

In his remarks, Wike thanked the CDS for giving Abuja the opportunity to be the chief host of the games.

The minister said the 3,000 expected participants would become ambassadors and tell the world that indeed, “Abuja is one of the best cities in Africa and that Nigeria is moving forward.

“We will do everything to give you the necessary support so you can have a successful hosting of the event so that your colleagues can be proud of you,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim