News Agency of Nigeria
World Soccer legends to partner NAN in fighting cancer
Sports

World Soccer legends to partner NAN in fighting cancer

222 total views today

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

FG, Jigawa partner to boost sugar production
Agriculture

FG, Jigawa partner to boost sugar production

194 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has announced plans to collaborate with the Jigawa Government to boost sugar production and enhance self-sufficiency in the sector.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa on a courtesy visit.

Utsev said the move aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aimed at accelerating food production, job creation, and youth empowerment to drive economic growth.

He outlined the proposed partnership as strategic in making life more meaningful for citizens and pledged to undertake a working visit to the sugar factory in Jigawa to assess its water supply situation.

The visit, he noted, would enable the ministry to determine possible areas of intervention to enhance the factory’s viability and ensure optimal benefit for the people.

Earlier, the governor said the purpose of the visit was to seek collaboration with the ministry to ensure consistent water supply to the sugar factory.

Namadi noted that steady production at the facility would add value to the state’s economy and contribute to national development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria produces only a small portion of the sugar it consumes, relying heavily on imports in spite having large refining capacities.

This dependence makes the sector vulnerable to global price changes.

States like Nasarawa, Jigawa, Kwara, and Adamawa have been identified for sugar production, with major investments underway, especially in Nasarawa.

These efforts aim to boost local production and reduce import reliance.

Improving sugar output requires stronger government support in irrigation, land access, and policy implementation.

With coordinated efforts, states like Jigawa can play a vital role in achieving national sugar self-sufficiency. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

U.S. ambassador pledges to prioritise commercial, investment partnership with Nigeria
Foreign

U.S. ambassador pledges to prioritise commercial, investment partnership with Nigeria

231 total views today

By Mark Longyen

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills says his top priority is to enhance bilateral commercial and investment ties with Nigeria to foster economic growth, and create beneficial opportunities for their citizens.

Mills made this known at the official unveiling of a meeting of working groups of the United States–Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the working groups, which will focus on agriculture, digital economy, and infrastructure, comprise senior U.S. and Nigerian government representatives, and private sector leaders.

The CIP, which Memorandum of Understanding was earlier signed in July 2024, aims to deepen bilateral commercial cooperation and expand economic opportunities for people from both countries.

According to the ambassador, he has identified the CIP as a top priority of his tenure because it underscores the U.S.’ government’s commitment to enhancing bilateral economic relations with Nigeria.

“The Commercial and Investment Partnership, or CIP, is one of the top priorities of my tenure as U.S. the Ambassador to Nigeria.

“The CIP underscores the United States’ strong commitment to further enhancing our bilateral commercial and investment ties.

“It will foster economic growth, and create opportunities that benefit people across both our great nations,” he said.

Mr Thomas Bruns, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Middle-East and Africa, described CIP as reflecting the shared commitment to deepening economic ties, fostering innovation, and expanding business opportunities in both countries.

He said the U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration, being the government’s private sector voice, was proud of its work to foster international commerce.

Bruns explained that by strengthening collaboration in sectors that are engines of growth for both countries including infrastructure, agriculture, and the digital economy, adding that he was thrilled to witness it.

“We can advance prosperity, create jobs, and build a foundation for sustainable economic growth that benefits our people and lasts for the long-term,” he said.

NAN also reports that participants nominated group leads to identify non-tariff barriers to trade and investment aimed at fostering job creation, encouraging private sector engagement, and addressing key challenges in the prioritised sectors.

Four senior officials from both sides comprising Mills; Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment; Amb. Nura Rimi, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary; Julie LeBlanc, U.S. State Department, Commerce, led the dialogue.

The quartet agreed to review progress on a biannual basis and to identify future areas of cooperation, while the next CIP formal meeting is scheduled to hold later in the year. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

New EU Ambassador outlines plans for Nigeria
Foreign

New EU Ambassador outlines plans for Nigeria

540 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Gautier Mignot, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has outlined the union’s plans to improve trade, strengthen investment and positively impact the youthful population of Nigeria.

Mignot made the plans known on Wednesday in Lagos at a media luncheon.

He said that the EU would want to partner closely with Nigerian authorities at all levels to know their expectations, strategies and needs.

Mignot also said that the EU would want to know the expectations of  civil societies and Nigerian youths.

He said that the EU was Nigeria’s largest trading and investment partner in 2023, with 28 per cent of its total trade at 35 billion euros.

He said that Nigeria benefitted 10.7 billion euros trade surplus form the EU.

“When it comes to investment, a key priority of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria also its strongest partner in the EU.

“Our Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock accounts for about one third of Nigerian FDI, totalling  26.4 billion euros as at 2022.

“There are hundreds of EU companies present in Nigeria and they have strict compliance policies on anti-corruption, environment, labour  local legislation,” he said.

The ambassador said that he was commitment to bringing the EU-Nigeria partnership to a higher level, with the aim  of positively impacting the Nigerian population.

He said that given the current uncertain times and fast-evolving global environment, Nigeria needed constant and faithful partners to count on.

Mignot said that EU took Nigeria as a key partner in Africa and the world; hence, its mission to inform, propose and implement decisions to strengthen the partnership.

“We have a global and strong partnership based on shared values  such as democracy, rule of law and multilateralism.

“EU interest is to see Nigeria consolidate its role as an anchor of stability in Africa, and progress on its path towards a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future.

“We want to help in this endeavour, with  full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and with humility.

“There is a lack of visibility, and we have to combat disinformation and misperceptions, and the press has a very important role to play in this regard,” he said.

Mignot said  that under the partnership, there would be better structure for economic relations and dialogue to address issues hampering  investment and trade.

Mignot described EU’s Global Gateway Investment as a new strategy aimed at connecting people and accelerating green, digital and inclusive transition in partner-countries such as Nigeria.

According to him, this means leveraging and accelerating investment and to increasingly work in coordination with EU companies to bring concrete benefits to Nigerians.

He said the EU recognised the importance of accelerating Nigeria’s industrialisation and maximising  opportunities for  value addition and job creation.

Mignot revealed that the EU cooperation budget for 2021-2027 amounted to 731 million euros in grants and it was complemented by other instruments.

“With the Global Gateway Investment Strategy, the EU works in sectors crucial for the transformation and diversification of the Nigerian economy such as energy, digital economy, agriculture and food security.

“The EU also invests in human development –  health, education and social protection – as well as in good governance, migration issues and fundamental rights.

“The EU is increasingly developing projects in the north of the country as a whole to respond to the specific development needs of this part of Nigeria.

“The EU is committed to further strengthening engagement in peace and security by responding better to Nigeria’s needs and expectations,” he said.

(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

FG, NYSC partner to curb open defecation
Environment

FG, NYSC partner to curb open defecation

676 total views today

By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has announced a partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to address open defecation and poor sanitation  challenges in the country.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, communicated this at a workshop for NYSC Community Development Service (CDS) Focal Officers of the Clean Nigeria Campaign on Thursday in Abuja.

Pheelangwah was represented by the Director of Reforms and Coordination in the Ministry, Mr Moses Jo-Madugu.

He said that the government had implemented the Partnership for Expanded Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programmes to improve poor sanitation indicators.

“The Clean Nigeria Campaign is a clarion call to action; we are excited to collaborate with the NYSC to mobilise Corps members nationwide.

“Through your CDS activities, we aim to trigger a sanitation revolution to end open defecation in Nigeria.

“With our recently reviewed Strategic Plan, unveiled the Vice-President on Nov. 19, 2024, we believe that activities will be rolled out in line with the YouthWASH Strategy.

“We count on your active participation and engagement; this will accelerate progress towards our common goal,” Pheelangwah said.

In her address of welcome, Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation in the ministry, said the training aimed to equip NYSC CDS officers with the skills to contribute effectively to the Clean Nigeria Campaign.

“Over the next two days, we will explore key strategies, share best practices and engage in collaborative activities.

“These activities are designed to inspire and empower you.”

Ugoh emphasised that the campaign was not only about achieving goals but also about building a passionate community committed to making a positive impact in the sanitation sector.

“Your involvement is crucial; we believe that through this training workshop, you will gain valuable insights that will enhance your role in our efforts to reach individuals in communities across the country,” she said.

She urged the NYSC CDS officers to actively participate in knowledge-sharing.

According to her, it is a collaborative effort and every voice matters.

NYSC Representative, Mrs Funmilayo Ajayi, said that the partnership aimed to raise awareness about hygiene and sanitation at the grassroots level.

Ajayi pledged readiness to work closely with the ministry for a cleaner society, adding that the collaboration would ensure grassroots communities were educated about proper sanitation practices.

In her presentation, the National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria, Use the Toilet Campaign, Mrs Chizoba Opara, said that a defecation-free Nigeria was everyone’s responsibility.

She added that the collaboration would involve conducting community awareness campaigns through corps members to promote behavioural change.

In his goodwill message, the National Coordinator of the YouthWASH Initiative Africa, Mr Nature Obiakor, said the National YouthWASH Strategic Framework was unveiled in 2023 to promote youth engagement in WASH initiatives.

Obiakor, who stressed that the youth were highly creative, called for more collaboration from stakeholders in the water sector.

He said that the partnership would help build a cleaner and healthier nation for future generations.

“Our efforts are aligned with national and global goals; these include the Clean Nigeria Campaign and the Sustainable Development Goals,’’ he said.

The two-day workshop, organised in collaboration with Self Help Africa, had participants from all 36 states and the FCT.

The event aimed to strengthen the collaboration between the ministry and grassroots organisations to achieve sanitation goals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Indonesia, Nigeria deepening defence, counter-terrorism collaboration — Envoy
Foreign

Indonesia, Nigeria deepening defence, counter-terrorism collaboration — Envoy

559 total views today

By Mark Longyen

Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Usra Harahap, says both countries share similar defence and security experiences and interests, and are working closely to deepen collaboration against terrorism.

The ambassador, a retired Air Vice Marshal in the Indonesian military, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Harahap stated that during his six-year tenure in Nigeria and ECOWAS, he had utilised his military experience to strengthen Indonesia’s diplomatic-military engagements in the subregion.

According to him, his concurrent accreditation as ambassador to ECOWAS enabled him to engage with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, particularly during their threat to withdraw from the regional bloc.

“The development of relations between the two countries is very dynamic. In various fields, relations between governments are getting better.

“As you know, I have a military background. But, you know, a military background does not mean I’m not able to do a diplomatic job because diplomatic action is a kind of war without a weapon.

“We come here to share experience because we know Nigeria has a lot of experience in solving the problem of terrorism through counter-terrorism. And also, Indonesia, we have plenty of experience in that,” he said.

The envoy revealed that, in line with the military cooperation between Indonesia and Nigeria, he had facilitated the training of young Nigerian military officers at Indonesia’s defence university on scholarships.

“Some of them have already graduated. Some of them are still undergoing the same,” he said.

The outgoing ambassador disclosed that one of his greatest achievements and legacies was his strategic diplomatic engagements in Nigeria and the entire ECOWAS subregion to curb the surge of terrorism.

“We tried to stop the escalation of terrorism through diplomatic efforts. Diplomacy is very effective in making the situation not escalate,” he said.

Harahap, the longest-serving Indonesian ambassador to Nigeria, said he was leaving behind a legacy of substantial growth and continuity in Indonesia-Nigeria diplomatic relations for his successors to build upon.

“Indonesia is a big country, Nigeria is a big country. It’s our duty to drive growth between both countries to solve challenges.

“We need to have a strong commitment to build our relationship with Nigeria and other accredited countries; a strong commitment to complement each other,” he said.

The envoy added that he would miss certain Nigerian dishes, which he had come to love during his stay in the country, particularly suya — roasted beef garnished with local spices.

NAN reports that Nigeria is Indonesia’s second-largest trade partner in Africa after South Africa, with current trade volume between the two nations reaching about four billion dollars. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Glovo, LASG, She Code Africa unveil initiative for tech women
Gender

Glovo, LASG, She Code Africa unveil initiative for tech women

747 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Glovo, a pioneering multi-category app, has unveiled its Women in Tech Bootcamp with the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and investment and She Code Africa to promote technology infusion for women.

Mrs Lamide Akinola, the General Manager, Glovo Nigeria, at the launch on Friday in Lagos, said the bootcamp was to empower the next generation of female leaders in technology.

Akinola said the initiative not only aimed to foster technology inclusion but to also provide skills training, and empower women to build successful careers in technology.

Akinola said the event which brought together industry leaders, government officials, European diplomatic community reinforced Glovo’s commitment to bridging the gender gap in the tech industry.

She added that it would advance gender diversity, create pathways for women to thrive in tech-driven roles and make a lasting impact in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

“At Glovo, we believe in a future where women are integral drivers of innovation, especially in technology.

“We recognise that the challenges women face in technology go beyond technical skills; they include barriers rooted in access, opportunity, and sometimes, the confidence to take bold steps.

“Today’s event is our way of saying we see those barriers, and we are here to help break them down with you.

“At Glovo, we believe that empowering women with digital skills is essential, not only for driving innovation and growth but for building communities where everyone can thrive,” she said.

Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Commissioner, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Lagos State, underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in unlocking opportunities for women.

Ambrose-Medebem quoted that studies showed that bridging the gender gap in technology could add up to $12 trillion to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025.

She said the figure showed that empowering women in technology was not just a moral imperative but an economic necessity.

She said Lagos State, a hub of innovation and economic activity, understood that inclusion was a catalyst for sustainable growth.

“However, achieving this requires intentional strategies and robust partnerships.

“Today’s gathering signifies more than just advocacy; it is a rallying cry to reimagine the future of innovation by ensuring no one is left behind, particularly women, who represent half of our population.

“We are excited to work with Glovo and She Code Africa to deliver a program that opens doors for women to excel, innovate, and lead.

“This initiative also aligns with the mandate of the ministry to foster innovation, encourage entrepreneurship, and support the development of skilled talent across industries,” she said.

Ada Oyom, Founder, She Code Africa, said her organisation as the technical partners of the Women in Tech Bootcamp Programme, was very enthusiasm about the outcome of the partnership.

Oyom said the collaboration with Glovo and the Lagos State Government to run the 12-week intensive programme would create impactful pathways for women in tech.

She noted that Glovo’s commitment to gender diversity was commendable, and urged like-minded companies to invest in initiatives that empower the future of women in technology.

“Together, we can build a more inclusive and innovative tech ecosystem,” she said.

Also, Shiro Theuri, Glovo’s Chief Technology Officer, restated the brand’s steadfast commitment to diversity in technology, saying its possibilities and impact of fostering inclusive environments was enormous.

She said the company’s dedication to “walking the talk” was evident in its strategic efforts to create opportunities for women across its operations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

She said the initiative aimed to ignite interest in technology careers by highlighting the flexibility, creativity, and impact of a modern technology environment.

“To achieve this, Glovo focuses on three pillars: facilitating bootcamps for women without technical backgrounds to prepare them for junior tech roles.

“The second pillar is breaking gender stereotypes through community engagement, such as office visits that inspire young girls with female role models; and acting as a career catalyst by offering internships to top bootcamp participants.

“This initiative also ensures that, even after completing the bootcamp, participants will have ongoing access to mentorship, supporting their journey toward careers in technology.

“This mentorship aligns closely with the broader goals of Glovo’s Women in Tech initiative across the globe, which aims to make an impact by empowering the next generation of women in technology,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

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