Author: Web Desk

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, says no fewer than 8.3 million Nigerians are in dire need of humanitarian assistance in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

Edu said the figure is part of the total 16 million Nigerians affected by various humanitarian crises, with the three states worse hit.

The minister said this in a statement by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Mr Rasheed Zubair, on Sunday in Abuja.

She said aside from the North-East, Benue in the North/Central had been tagged the capital of humanitarian crises in Nigeria by United Nations.

“We have a huge task on our hands, as we speak now, over 16m Nigerians are affected by humanitarian crises either man-made or natural disaster with over 8.3m of them based in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.

”Several states in the North Central; and others spread across the country.

“The UN said Benue had become the humanitarian need capital in Nigeria, and as such, a lot of work needs to be done in the humanitarian angle,” she said.

She added that “One of the agendas of Tinubu administration is to ensure that poverty is alliviated in Nigeria in line with the SDG goal one.

“The president is coming up with a very robust program to lift Nigerians out of poverty.

“Our work is to see how we can get those in poverty out and those at the verge of getting into poverty increase to social safety to protect them from falling into poverty.

“In a couple of weeks, we will be fully launching into this plans to take out over 136 million Nigerians out of poverty as implementation has started to help cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.”

She said the ministry had come up with innovative ways of thorough verification of the social register for accuracy and transparency.

“We are bringing innovations to ensure transparency in Conditional Cash Transfer by carry out a thorough verification of the social register, validate and then expand it to accommodate more persons.

“We will be working with the World Bank while seeking approval from the President to begin the Conditional Cash Transfer to Nigerians” she said.

The minister promised to upgrade, rejig and expand the social safety net programme to accommodate more people through a transparent process.

“We want to increase the Social Safety Net for Nigerians in a transparent manner by counting the numbers together just as we counted COVID-19 cases using a digitalised system.

“We are very conscious of the fact that Mr President’s passion and true intentions are to ensure that we can lift Nigerians out of poverty.

“Party politics is over, now is time for governance, President Tinubu is a president for everyone irrespective of political party,” she said.

She therefore assured Nigerians that the ministry would soon come up with accurate and acceptable social register to curb the challenge associated with disparity in the register.

”Ministry would soon come up with a more acceptable Social Register, one that will be verified, validated.

” It will also be expanded to include those who should be there while taking off those who no longer belong within that bracket.

”We will also work with all tiers of government as well as various communities to identify persons eligible for the scheme.” she added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Former Heads of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, have called on the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 43 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, to promote democratic ideals.

They made the call at the maiden reunion of the Alumni Association of SEC 43, 2021, in Abuja on Saturday.

The reunion was tagged: “Getting Things Done: Embracing Memories, Forging Futures, Reuniting Heats and Forever Entwined with SEC43, 2021.”

Babangida, in a goodwill message, read by a member of the course, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Department of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), described promotion of democratic ideals as a “national call”.

He stressed the need for collective efforts in stabilising the polity and strengthening democracy in the best way possible for the good of all.

“We only need to keep reminding ourselves of the magnitude of this national call, since we are all expected to be strategic engineers of a functional socio- political, economic, and democratic order in Nigeria.

“These benefits will be enjoyed by every Nigerian.

“There is no doubt that you are all achievers as men and women who have made, and continue to make, immense and laudable sacrifices towards national progress,” he said.

He further called on the group to sustain the call for national integrity, stressing that commitment, collective drive and strategic orientation would serve as a motivation to make Nigeria a unique nation.

“I therefore commend you all on your years of service to the nation and I am convinced that you will not relent in furthering activities set to brighten our democratic ambitions as a country.

“Congratulations on this important move of solidarity and an effort in the promotion of national integrity and cohesion,” he said.

Also, Abubakar, noted that Nigeria is facing myriads of challenges, including poverty and insecurity, which would require a multi-disciplinary approach to tackle.

In a message read by Brig.-Gen. Solomon Inuwa, the former head of state called on the group to mainstream the sterling ideas they learnt from NIPSS, to help the country pull out of its current disturbing situation.

“I equally urge you to continue to work together as a team in adding value and utility to the Nigeria project.

“The challenges facing Nigeria are complex and cannot be solved by one person or one organisation.

“We need to work together, in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration to find solutions to these challenges,” he said.

Earlier, the Monitor General of the SEC 43, retired Col. Mustapha Anka, said that the set graduated from NIPSS two years ago and decided to come together to interact and socialise.

Anka said that the reunion was also to fashion out ways to positively impact society in line with the motto of the institute: “Towards a Better Society.”

He said that the theme of their course was: “Getting Things Done: Strategies for Policy and Programme Implementation in Nigeria,” which he described as “all encompassing”.

“We were 85 in number and our membership cut across military, security agencies, private sectors, civil servants among others,” he said.

The Secretary-General of the course, Mr Chukwudi Oracle, described SEC 43 as a “think tank” that has all it takes to enhance national growth and development.

Oracle said that their members were experts in different fields, including economics, politics and social policy.

“We have all it takes to conduct research and provide analysis on a wide range of issues that are important to Nigeria’s development.

“One of the most important things that a think tank can do is to provide policymakers with the information they need to make informed decisions.

“This is especially important in a country like Nigeria, where there is a great need for evidence-based policy making and implementation,” he said.

He said that the SEC 43 had produced three permanent secretaries, three heads of service, eight Generals, four Assistant Inspector-General of Police and two Deputy Inspector-General of Police.

“Mrs Husseina Akila of FRCN became the National Deputy President of the Guide of Editors and Mr Dada Joseph elected as Deputy President of the African Association for Public Administration and Management

“Also, Mr Jude Egbo was re-elected as Council Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and many other members have distinguished themselves in their various professional fields,” he said. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has inaugurated the Artificial Intelligence Girls in Engineering Club aimed at grooming young experts to drive the nation’s rapid industrialisation process.

The inauguration took place on Saturday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 300 undergraduates and young female engineers were inaugurated under the APWEN Lagos Skill Up Initiatives tagged “Skill Development on Industry Trends And Cutting Edge Technologies”.

Speaking at the event, APWEN Lagos Chapter Chairperson, Mrs Atinuke Owolabi, described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative force helping to reshape industries, solve complex problems and enhance living and livelihoods.

Owolabi said AI was helping humanity to address complex challenges in various sectors, but there had been gender disparity in the field, hence inauguration of the club to bridge the gap.

She explained that with AI, young engineers would be able to apply their techniques into machines and get things done within a short time.

She said that the selected female engineering students would be taught in many areas of artificial intelligence disciplines in order to be employers of labour rather than looking for jobs.

“Artificial intelligence is a transformative force in today’s world, and it has the potential to reshape entire industries, solve complex problems, and enhance our lives in ways we could have only dreamed of a few years ago.

“It is no exaggeration to say that AI will play a pivotal role in addressing some of the greatest challenges facing humanity, from climate change to healthcare, from transportation to education.

“Yet, for too long, there has been a gender disparity in the field of engineering and AI.

“But today, with the inauguration of this club, we take a decisive step towards changing that narrative. We firmly believe that diversity drives innovation,” she said.

Owolabi said empowerment of young female engineers would provide a level playing field and ensure that innovations to shape Nigeria’s future were driven by inclusive innovations.

She told the young engineers that the world needed their unique perspectives, creativity, and unwavering determination to lead innovations for Nigeria’s development.

“Embrace challenges, seek knowledge, and never be afraid to ask questions. In this club, you will have access to resources, mentors, and a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion.

“Together, we can harness the power of artificial intelligence to create a brighter, more inclusive, and more innovative world,” she said.

On his part, an ICT expert, Mr Haastrup Adesoji, who is also a member of the faculty, said the training would give the students about six months opportunity to learn different skills.

Adesoji said Nigeria had a lot of talents but there was a vacuum in harnessing technological opportunities, hence the intervention by APWEN to close the gap between the academia, industry and government to drive innovations.

Dr Imhade Okokpujie, Senior lecturer/researcher, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, and Mrs Oluwatosin Essien, a software engineer, said women engineers should take the lead in mentorship of the younger generation.

This, they noted, would help Nigeria catch up with the rest of the world, to take its pride of place in the fourth industrial revolution for rapid development and quantum leap of the country’s GDP.(NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, has challenged members of the 50th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to deploy their competences in addressing the nation’s security challenges.

Dambazau, also a former Minister of Interior, gave the charge at the 20th anniversary Reunion Gala Night of the NDA 50th Regular Course, on Saturday in Abuja.

He expressed joy with the course members, saying they came to the NDA when he was the Registrar and Secretary to the Armed Forces Selection Board that screened them in 1998.

The former army chief said he had been fortunate and privileged to witness firsthand the transformation that occurred from the first year of the officers to their final year and now as senior officers in the Nigerian armed forces.

“Your training at the Defence Academy was not just about theory but practical military leadership, friendships that would last a lifetime, and the personal discoveries that helped shape your character.

“From the first day you were admitted to the moment you passed out, your journey has been a testament to your dedication, resilience, and quest for excellence.

“Each of you holds a unique tale of growth, struggle, and triumph in the face of arduous tasking and adversity.

“The legacy you carry forward proves the power of sound military education, and I am truly honored to have played a part in your journey,” he said.

Dambazau said that integrity, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence were values that the armed forces cherished.

He urged them to ensure that their stories continue to inspire the next generation, by showing them that the path to success requires dedication and willingness to learn from both triumphs and setbacks.

“I encourage you to embrace your roles as mentors and guides to younger officers, particularly in this age where competent junior leadership is sorely needed to solve the internal security challenges we face as a nation.

“As you continue to excel in your endeavors, you must remember to carry the values instilled at the academy.

“You must remain connected, not just as course mates, but as a community bound by shared experiences and a common commitment to impact our nation and the world positively.

“Your experiences, insights, and practical wisdom remain invaluable assets that can help shape the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers.

“This task is a lifelong endeavor, and I urge you all to embrace it with the dedication of a professional military officer,” he added.

The President, 50th Regular Course Association, Col. Mukhtar Daruda, thanked Dambazau, immediate past Chief Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor and other retired senior officers for their contributions that molded them into the class of officers that they had become.

Daruda said the military as an institution had invested so much in their training from cadets to where they are now, saying they would remain committed to the defence of Nigeria.

He said the reunion had afforded them the opportunity to reconnect and bond as well as remember their colleagues who had laid the ultimate price while defending the nation.

The Chairman, Organising Committee, Col. Abbas Umar, said that 144 out of the 191 cadets that were admitted for the course passed out in 2003, nine have died, and some have since left the service.

“At the moment, the course has 50 colonels and five Lieutenant Colonels, 30 Navy captains and two commanders in Nigerian Navy and 40 Group Captains and one Wing commander in Nigerian Air Force.

“This event has afforded us the opportunity to come together and celebrate as course mates after leaving the NDA 20 years ago.

“It is also a good avenue for us to remember our colleagues who fought and died while defending this nation,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the senior officers who taught the officers at the academy took turn to share experiences with regards to how some of the officers were handled as cadets.

Widows and family members of the deceased course mates were presented with tokens during the dinner. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra Chapter, has urged Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to allocate 10 per cent of government’s subsidy palliatives to persons with disabilities (PWDs), in the state.

Mr Ugochukwu Okeke, state Chairman, JONAPWD, made the call in a letter addressed to the Governor and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Awka.

Okeke said that the dedicated percentage would enable PWDs to meet their basic needs, including food, healthcare, and other essential assistance during the challenging period.

He said that persons with disabilities who were often faced with additional challenges in daily life, were disproportionately affected by the current hardship due to the fuel subsidy removal.

According to him, there is an urgent need to ensure that they are not left behind in terms of accessing essential services and support.

“We appreciate the government’s commitment and intentions to distribute palliatives at the community and ward levels, to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

“We humbly propose that a minimum of 10 per cent of the palliatives be specifically dedicated to PWDs within each ward and community to ensure their fair and equitable access to the palliatives.

“It is also important to make one of us (PWDs), a member of any committee that will be set up by the government to handle the distribution of the palliatives.

“This can significantly mitigate the adverse impacts faced by PWDs and uphold their rights to a healthy living as well as demonstrate our state commitment to inclusivity, compassion, and the principle of leaving no one behind,” he said.

Okeke urged Gov. Soludo to consider the 10 per cent proposal and issue directives to community leaders or regard the disability community as an additional special ward in the state.

He appreciated the Governor for his continuous efforts in addressing the challenges facing the state and the needs of the most vulnerable members of the society.

“We remain hopeful that our government will take the necessary steps to address the concerns of persons with disabilities during these challenging times,” he said.

JONAPWD is an umbrella organisation of persons with disability established in Nigeria to promote the rights and development of Nigerians with disabilities.(NAN) (www nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has organised its first-ever cultural carnival in Akwa Ibom to promote national unity and its diverse cultures and traditions.

The State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Chinyere Ekwe, disclosed this on Saturday during the ceremony at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Vamp in Nsit Atai Local Government Area for the 2023 Batch ‘B’ stream II corps members.

Ekwe said that the reason behind the carnival was to promote the oneness of Nigeria and bring the corps members together.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the colourful cultural carnival display by various platoons showcased multiple ethnic groups

The coordinator said that the NYSC carnival coincided with the host community’s festival day, adding that it would avail the corp members an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the cultures of their host communities.

“NYSC scheme is a trailblazer in the promotion of the unity and integration of Nigeria and has been at the forefront of preserving our rich cultural heritage.

“Hence the introduction of the cultural carnival in the orientation course.

“Today’s event is also embellished with the Local Government Day Festival for the host communities to showcase their cultures.

“A clear understanding of the culture and traditions of the host communities where the corps members will be posted to serve is very important in ensuring a successful year.

“It is meant to remove prejudice, eliminate ignorance, and confirm at first hand the many similarities among Nigerians of all ethnic groups.

“My dear corps members, I wish to inform you that though our tradition may vary from one ethnic group to another, the operational norms and cultures are similar all over the state,” Ekwe said.

In her remarks, the Nsit Atai Local Government Council Chairman, Ms Emem Ibanga, commended NYSC for commencing the cultural carnival during the orientation course.

Ibanga said that the introduction of the cultural carnival for corps members would continue to promote national unity and integration among Nigerians from various ethnic backgrounds. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A university don, Prof. Michael Ikupolati, has tasked President Bola Tinubu not to listen to unnecessary criticism but focus on goals that will birth a new Nigeria.

Ikupolati, who is also the Provost, the University of America, said this in Abuja on Saturday at the convocation ceremony of the university in Nigeria.

While urging Nigerians to give the president the opportunity to settle down and find solutions to the challenges currently facing the country.

“The current president should be given some time to settle. What he has started to do now is what we call the foundational aspect of economic or national development.

“When you are building up your foundation, nobody can see the building, all you can see first is people labouring and that is exactly what is happening now.

“We can’t see the beauty of what he is doing but I can tell you that he is leading a foundation for the geometrical growth in the economic development of Nigeria if he does not derail and focus on the future,”he said .

According to him, any leader that holds yesterday too tight to his chest will not see tomorrow, but if you can focus on tomorrow and the goal and the general good of the people, will see the beautiful job .

“So I advise the president not to listen to unnecessary criticism but focus on the goals and look at Nigeria as one entity so that he can put things in place for the purpose of development.

“You can see that the country is destroyed for over 63 years, and to rebuild it cannot take 63 days, it is take some time.

” He must also make use of a good people, people that can deliver, people that have the ability to do and the willingness to do the work.

” We need leaders that have the willingness and the ability to perform and if you can just get them, we will be able to move forward.

“Pareto Principle says you only need 20 per cent of your resources to achieve 80 per cent of your goal, so he can identify 20 per cent of Nigerians with technocrats, he will be able to achieve the goal,” he added.

The President and Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Prince Gamaliel, said the America brought the institution to Nigeria to contribute to its manpower.

Gamaliel noted that there was need to give unparalleled education to Nigerians and not allowing students to rely on their certificates but ensure they possess the skills needed to transform their lives

“We are contributing something to Nigerian society and one of the most important things Nigeria needs is leadership. After independence, we left the education system in Nigeria in what I called indigenisation of education.

“We have now brought it back to take Nigeria forward. Every problem of Africa and Nigeria inclusive begins in the classroom because all the politicians come from the classrooms.

“If they are better equipped in the classrooms they would come out to be better leaders but if we have failed in the classroom what we see outside is the product we have from the classrooms.

“We must give unparalleled sound education and not just certificates but give them the experience that is needed for life. And that is why we are here to give people the skills,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Simeon Obida, the Chairman, Planning Committee of the Convocation Ceremony called on the government to make education compulsory, affordable and accessable to all Nigerians.

Obida also called on Nigerian leaders to give the educational institutions a facelift, especially in the area of research to enhance a learning and teaching activities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Ethiopia is committed to further strengthen its exiting ties with Venezuela in the pursuit of shared prosperity and well-being, Europe and American Affairs Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zenebe Kebede said.

The Director General made the remark at the launching of a photography exhibition organized by the Embassy of Venezuela in Addis Ababa to commemorate life of the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez as part of Venezuelan National Day.

He said during the ceremony that the proper utilization of the existing potentials in the context of South-South Cooperation will further strengthen our bilateral relations and cooperation in different fields.

Zenebe further stated that Ethiopia values the longstanding friendship and cooperation with Venezuela pointing out that the bonds between the two countries are strong and deeply rooted.

He expressed the continued commitment of the government of Ethiopia to further strengthen the existing relations and cooperation between the two countries.

Noting that the world is at a critical time to cope with rapidly changing and complex challenges, requiring all to come together, the Director General pointed out Ethiopia and Venezuela can contribute a lot towards addressing these challenges, particularly in the global peace and security issues, including the UN peace keeping operations.

“We believe in the powers of diplomacy and collaboration, and we are committed to strengthen these ties even further, in the pursuit of shared prosperity and well-being.”

Venezuelan Ambassador to Ethiopia, Modesto Ruiz Espinoza said Chávez has significantly improved Venezuela’s relationship with Africa, adding that when he took power Venezuela only had five African embassies but when he died they reached 18.

According to the ambassador, the Venezuelan Government has reaffirmed in recent years its commitment to further developing relations with Ethiopia, and the two countries are working together to build a more multipolar world.

“Our two countries share a common history of struggle for independence and social justice. (And) we are committed to working together to build a more just and equitable world.”

The photo exhibition underscores the warm ties between Venezuela and Ethiopia that have shared diplomatic relations for over many years.

The two nations aim to continue strengthening cultural, political, and economic bonds.

The exhibition, that depicts Chávez’s role spear heading the development in Venezuela, will remain open until September 17th at the Venezuelan embassy.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency