Training - News Agency Of Nigeria

Philip Daniel Yatai
Feb, Wed, 2025

Union trains 100 artisans on CNG conversion in FCT

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Amalgamated Union of Motor Mechanics and Technicians of Nigeria (AUOMMATION) has offered free training on conversion from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to 100 artisans in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Its National President, Mr Oseni Suleiman, disclosed this in Abuja while speaking with newsmen on the union’s structural operational guidelines in line with National Policy Priorities.

Suleiman said the next move was to launch the initiative in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States.

“This union was registered on Oct. 6, 2023. In November 2023, we planned to train 5, 000 artisans on conversion of petrol energy to CNG. Within 15 months, we have completed this training of 100 artisans free in FCT.

“We have requested support from the Federal Government, FCT Minister, Industrial Training Funds (ITF), National Automotive Design Development Council (NADDC).

“We regret to say that the help is yet to come while the training is still on. We appeal to the government at all levels to support us on this laudable venture,” he said.

Suleiman said that the union held its maiden National Executive Council (NEC)/ Special National Delegate Conference (SNDC) on Jan. 30. where the union achievements were itemised.

He recalled that the union was inaugurated on Aug.13, 2024 at the national level, adding that the CNG Training Centre in Abuja and the Abuja Chapter of AUOMMATION were launched on Oct. 5, 2024.

He said efforts had been made to expand the union from Abuja to Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Edo, Niger, Kano, Osun, Nasarawa and Delta.

The president emphasised the need for the union to have permanent office for the national operations, vehicle for operations, stationeries and other needs of a secretariat.

Others, he said, were books, jackets, files, bags for the finance office and administrative clerks for the office of president and deputies. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Lydia Beshel
Jan, Fri, 2025

Religious

Group trains educators to become religious, belief freedom advocates

Advocates

By Angela Atabo/Justina Auta

Empower Women Media, a multi-faith network, on Thursday, in Abuja trained educators with the necessary skills to become advocates and promoters of Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FoRB’s leadership training has as its theme: “Educators as Advocates for Peaceful Coexistence “.

The training which was attended by over 50 educators and advocates from across the country was organised under the auspices of the “Live What You Believe Project” of the group.

Mr Felix Samari, Country Coordinator, Live What You Believe Project Nigeria, explained that FoRB does not protect any specific religion, but rather protects people because it is a fundamental human right.

Samari said that every individual has the right to believe in whatever they choose or not believe at all as enshrined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reinforced by Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution.

He, however, said that there were gaps in FoRB awareness in Nigeria as some politicians and religious leaders continue to fan the flames of hate and intolerance, causing deep divisions and undermining national unity and progress.

Samari said that the training was crucial because teachers, whether at the primary, secondary or university level, are the bedrock of any society.

Samari said that Live What You Believe Project Nigeria, strongly believed that educational institutions could be a great asset in promoting FoRB by providing objective and expert insights through deliberate and robust research.

More importantly, he said, by working with students to understand and apply the principles of religious freedom in daily life, a more tolerant society would be created.

The event’s Keynote Speaker, Alkasim Mohammad, who spoke on “The Role of Teachers in Providing Stability on Matters of Religion in Nigeria, urged teachers to instil in students the values of respect, love, and coexistence.

Muhammad urged teachers to ensure that classrooms remained safe spaces for learning and interaction across religious lines.

The keynote speaker also urged teachers to discourage extremism through critical thinking to prevent the spread of religious misinformation and extremist ideologies.

He encouraged teachers to foster moral and ethical values, encourage interfaith dialogue, counter religious misinformation and provide emotional and psychological support.

Dr Longji Dambok ,a FoRB Trainer, called for the need to accept and inculcate FoRB into the society and urged religious leaders to teach tolerance for a unified and peaceful society.
A participant, Rahinatu Tukur, the Amira of FOMWAN, Jema’a Local Government, Kaduna State, commended Empower Women Media for the training.

She added that educators have been better equipped with the requisite knowledge on how to inculcate FoRB in students for national unity.

Another participant, Prof. Emem Olutoke of the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja, said that religious tolerance held the key to national unity, peace and development.

Olutoke urged that participants should not rest on their oars but continue to imbibe in students and the society the need for FoRB for a better society.(NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

AATF, Bakers train 1,000 cassava farmers, 200 processors

Tosin Kolade
Dec, Tue, 2024

Agriculture

AATF, Bakers train 1,000 cassava farmers, 200 processors

By Felicia Imohimi

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), in collaboration with the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), FCT Chapter, has trained 1,000 cassava farmers and 200 processors in Oyo State.

The group described the training as a huge step toward Nigeria’s goal of integrating High-Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) into bread making.

Mr Alex Abutu, Communication Officer for West and Central Africa at AATF, stated this in a press release issued in Abuja.

Abutu explained that the initiative aims to enhance cassava utilisation and strengthen the cassava value chain.

“This will be achieved by equipping processors with the skills needed to produce bread and other confectioneries using a blend of HQCF and wheat flour in a 20:80 ratio,” he said.

He noted that the training is part of the Mechanisation of Cassava Production and Processing in Nigeria Project.

“Out of the 200 trained processors, 10 were selected for advanced training as lead trainers. These individuals are now set to cascade their knowledge to others, fostering widespread adoption of the technology.

“Participants at the training included processors from Oyo State project clusters, as well as representatives from Pacific Ring West Africa (PRWA)/GIZ and AATF.

“This initiative forms part of the Mechanisation of Cassava Production and Processing in Nigeria Project, spearheaded by AATF and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ),” Abutu stated.

He further highlighted that the project seeks to address critical challenges faced by cassava farmers, including low yields, high post-harvest losses, and limited access to modern processing technologies.

“By introducing mechanisation, digital tools, and best agronomic practices, the initiative aims to improve efficiency, boost farmers’ incomes, and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s cassava value chain,” he added.

Abutu also identified a robust capacity-building programme as central to the project, targeting 6,000 cassava farmers and 1,000 processors.

“In 2025, the project plans to train 2,000 farmers—1,000 each in Oyo and Ogun States—as well as 200 processors in Ogun and 100 in Oyo.

“The programme will conclude in 2026 with the training of 3,000 farmers and 500 processors, solidifying its impact across the region.”

Abutu emphasised that the initiative highlights Nigeria’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and leveraging cassava as a driver of food security and economic growth. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

NAF acquires 64 new aircraft in 3 years – CAS

Philip Daniel Yatai
Dec, Thu, 2024

Defence/Security

NAF acquires 64 new aircraft in 3 years – CAS

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force in the last three years, took delivery of 64 new aircraft into its inventory.

Abubakar made this known at the NAF Training, Operations and Safety Seminar for the year 2024, in Abuja.

He said the NAF had witnessed a remarkable renaissance, evident in the renewal of its aircraft fleet and enhanced operational readiness with the support of President Bola Tinubu.

The CAS said NAF in the last one year, took delivery of 12 advanced aircraft including two KA-360i aircraft, four DA-62 aircraft, four T-129 helicopters, and two AW-109 Trekker helicopters.

The CAS said the service was expecting additional deliveries of two T-129 helicopters and one KA 360i aircraft before year end.

“In 2025, the NAF will receive 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters, 24 M-346FA aircraft, and three CASA – 295 aircraft as well as 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters.

“This makes a total of 64 brand new aircraft in about three years. That’s not all.

“In addition to these new acquisitions, we have also procured 12 pre-owned A-Jet aircraft from the French Air Force through SOFEMA.

“All 12 aircraft are ready for shipping. It is anticipated that six will be restored to operable status, with the remaining six used as spares to support the Alpha Jet fleet,” he said.

Abubakar said it was no exaggeration to state that the NAF was experiencing a golden era under the current administration.

He pledged the commitment of the service to continue to consolidate on the operational gains made so far.

According to him, a review of their key performance indicators shows that, between June 2023 and September 2024, the NAF conducted 8,665 missions in 9,928 sorties within 15,915 flying hours.

This, he said underscored the magnitude of the relentless efforts of NAF personnel in all theatres of operations.

The air chief commended all Air Component Commanders for their exceptional leadership and outstanding performance, urging them to build on the success and strive for greater excellence.

In the aspect of training, Abubakar said the NAF had gained significant mileage in 2024 as 405 airmen and 186 officers had completed various foreign courses, seminars and trips, while 64 currently ongoing.

He added that 5,474 and 1,331 personnel had completed and were undergoing various local training courses, respectively.

“Furthermore, from January to November, the service has trained 54 Pilots abroad and 43 Pilots locally, while 16 UAV operators were trained locally.

“Indeed, it is gratifying that, today, we will also be witnessing the winging ceremony of 28 of these pilots and operators,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Cardiac Arrest: Foundation trains 105 FAAN staff on response

Vivian Ihechu
Nov, Thu, 2024

Health

Cardiac Arrest: Foundation trains 105 FAAN staff on response

By Adeyemi Adeleye/Bolu Akindoyin
The Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF) on Monday trained no fewer than 105 staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on basic life support for victims of cardiac arrest in airports.

Dr Olufemi Mobolaji-Lawal, the Chairman, Executive Council of NHF, said that the training on Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for basic Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) had become very important to safeguard lives.

Mobolaji- Lawal recalled that NHF and other partners had earlier donated some emergency equipment to the FAAN through the Federal Ministry of Health.

He said that ministry had also directed that all the staff of FAAN be trained.

NHF boss said: “Today is the first of those activities and it is to train staff of FAAN in the basic life support, that is basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

“This is the resuscitation of somebody who has slumped, whose heart is not breathing.

“We know that part of that cardiopulmonary resuscitation is the use of the equipment called AED.

“When the heart is breathing ineffectively, it cannot pump blood. This training is to equip FAAN staff on how to resuscitate people that collapse all of a sudden in the airport, and how to use the equipment.”

He said that NHF, as a Non-Governmental Organisation, had been in the business of educating people and training them on how to live healthy and long.

According to him, the NHF has been donating such equipment to several other organisations and training has been carried out in some companies.

“NHF has been able to do this through partners and we need people to partner with us in order to deliver those trainings,” Mobolaji- Lawal said.

Dr Mutiu Rufai, the Guest Lecturer and a Medical Emergency Care Practitioner, said that cardiopulmonary resuscitation involved a procedure where the rescuer compressed the chest and breath for the victims of cardiac arrest.

Rufai, who noted that emergency cases were two – pre-hospital and in-hospital- said that not up to one per cent of victims of cardiac arrest were being rescued, because of where it happened and lack of training.

“The population of people that know what to do is very small.

“The in-hospital cardiac arrest emergency is better, because people must have been trained and they recognise when it is coming,” the certified instructor under American Heart Association, said.

He said that he had trained no fewer than 30,000 people in various organisations on cardiopulmonary resuscitation involving choking, slump, cardiac arrest and other heart-related diseases.

Also speaking, Dr Bilqis Ibrahim, the General Manager of the Association of Medical Clinics of FAAN, said that beneficiaries were not only FAAN staff but also included other agencies like Customs, Immigration, Police, Air Force, Quarantine among others at the airport.

Describing airports as gateway into the country, Ibrahim said that whenever there was an emergency, workers should know what to do to rescue lives.

One of the participants, Mrs Funke Ojekale, a FAAN staff, who described the training “as very rewarding”, said that it had enhanced her with basic ways to attend to such emergencies, and how to resuscitate the victim within a very short time.

Ojekale, said: “Now, I am in a better position to teach others around me, so that together, we can save lives in emergencies.”

On his own part, Mr Odion Andrew, also a staff of FAAN, who appreciated the organisers, said that he was ready to cascade the training to others.

“This is the essence of the training – to know and let others know,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Army must select recruits with physical, intellectual capacity– Experts

isaac aregbesola
Oct, Wed, 2024

Defence/Security

Army must select recruits with physical, intellectual capacity– Experts

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Some serving and retired army generals have emphasised the need for the Nigerian Army to select recruits with both physical strength and intellectual capacity to meet future operational demands.

The views were canvassed at a one-day Nigerian Army Military History Seminar organised by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) on Tuesday in Abuja, with the theme “Military History and Decision Making in the Nigerian Army Drawing Lessons from the Past Challenges and Prospects.”

Retired Maj.-Gen. Stephenson Olabanji, who delivered a paper on “Nigerian Army’s Cultural Evolution Since 1863”, said that little emphasis was placed on educational qualifications of enlisted men at inception.

Olabanji said that the force had, however, metamorphosed into a highly educated upwardly mobile band of professionals across all facets of learning.

He explained that “the current Nigerian army is making commendable strides to modernise the force.”

He emphasised that recruitment must be enhanced with improved processes to be able to achieve an ideal soldier.

According to him, recruitment system should be up-scaled with heightened emphasis on physical fitness, mental toughness, strategic thinking and
adaptability to diverse operational environment.

“This is because future battlefield will not only require physical strength, but intellectual capacity and emotional resilience.

“The concept of ideal soldier is central to Nigerian army’s vision for operational success, while the skills and competencies of the ideal soldier must align with Nigeria’s national interest.

“Ideal soldiers function as cohesive and highly effective force in pursuit of national interest.

“Ideal soldier is expected to exhibit profound love for homeland because love for country translates to readiness to defend the country at all cost, soldier with strong patriotism likely to uphold Nigerian army’s values and contribute to successes,’’ he added.

In his remarks, Retired Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Jibrin, the Special Assistant, Technical to the Minister of Defence, said the seminar would help to expose soldiers to lessons learnt from past wars and battles.

Jibrin said it was not enough for the military to prepare and go to war but having it in mind that some of the plans made might not come true.

According to him, each and everyone of the principles of war is derived from the lessons learned in history.

“And so, since we are using the principle to fight the present war and even the future war, then it is necessary for us to know that without history, we cannot build today and the future.

“In the past, these technological advancements were not in the stage, but the lesson of history has taught us that things will not continue to be as they used to.

“Nations will continue to strive to make efforts to come up with more modern ways and means of dealing with security situations confronting them.”

The Deputy Chief of Training (Training and Exercise), Army, Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, said the soldier of the future must be a smart soldier that should be well-educated.

Etsu-Ndagi said such a soldier should be in tune with realities of the time such as technology, to be able to navigate the battlefield of the future.

The Director-General of NARC, Retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, described the seminar as an “indirect approach training to look at what was being done right from lessons learnt from the past.”

Wahab said that the first seminar had been of immense benefit to the army, adding that the second edition was expected to help them come up with lessons and gaps needed to be filled.

According to him, it is not just for the soldier to be physically fit and man the weapon, but ability to relate with the community, and be able to communicate effectively.

He said: “it goes beyond handling of weapons because that weapon is being held in trust for Nigerians to be able to secure them.

“So, we have to find a way of ensuring that trust is built between not only the army, but all the security agencies and the community they are securing.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu