Category: General

Stakeholders in the agricultural sector, on Thursday in Abuja, launched the African Catfish Value Chain to address the challenges in its farming and boost productivity.

The Representative of UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Fred Kafeero, during the launch of the flagship programme, themed: “FISH4ACP”, said the project was an opportunity to reiterate FAO’s commitment to a blue transformation of the catfish sub-sector.

Kafeero said FISH4ACP” was a global fish value chain development programme, set up by the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), being implemented by the FAO, and funded by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

“Nigeria is a very important and strategic member state in the development. Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of African catfish, with an estimated annual production of one million tonnes (in 2021), worth around 2.6 billion dollars.

“Additionally, Nigeria has an estimated 285, 000 producers, of which small-scale farmers represent over 60 per cent. The catfish value chain itself offers employment to about one million people.

“This data, according to the value chain, followed the analysis conducted by FISH4ACP and the FMARD (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), which underpins the strategy we are launching today,” he said.

Kafeero noted that the strategy would reduce harm to human health, and lessen the burden on the environment, through the introduction of cleaner smoking technologies.

Frank Okafor, who represented the International Partnership Officer of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Urszula Solkiewics, said the African Catfish Strategy, developed under the Fish4ACP Programme, reflected stakeholders’ commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive growth in the fisheries sector.

“The EU and the German Government, have long recognised the importance of investing in the fisheries sector, both as a means of livelihood for communities, and as a contributor to the overall economic growth of the continent.

“Through the Fish4ACP Programme, we aim to strengthen the capacities of African countries to sustainably manage their fisheries resources, enhance the competitiveness of the sector, and foster regional cooperation.

“By supporting the African Catfish Strategy, we strive to address the challenges faced by catfish farmers and entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond,” Solkiewics said.

The Permanent Secretary, FMARD, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, represented by the Director of Special Duties at the Ministry, Fausat Lawal, said Fish4ACP Initiative aimed to ensure economic, social, and environmental sustainability of the fishery and aquaculture value chains.

Umakhihe said the ministry was supporting fish farmers’ efforts at boosting the catfish sector due to its potential for job creation and widening business opportunities.

The National President, Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON), Dr. Ebinimi Ansa, said the catfish value chain played a vital role in meeting the growing demand for quality fish products, generating employment opportunities, and contributing to Nigeria’s food security and economic growth.

Ansa said the launch of the programme marked a significant milestone in the collective efforts to harness the potential of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, by focusing on the value chain approach.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has said that all arrangements to transport 2023 prospective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia must be completed latest by June 20.

This is contained in a statement issued by the commission’s Deputy Director of Information and Publication, Mala Mousa Ubandawaki, on Friday.

Ubandawaki said that all states that are scheduled to fly are on course to do so without any disruption related to visa procurement.

“We want to reiterate our commitment to transport every eligible Nigerian pilgrim to the Holy land not only in good time, but also in comfort and best welfare service.

“Our attention has been drawn to a news story that over 45,000 Nigerian pilgrims may miss this year’s Hajj as a result of non-availability of travel visas to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The report is not only misleading, but mischievous and aimed at causing panic and apprehension among intending pilgrims in particular and the public in general.”

Ubandawaki, however, admitted that there was a technical problem relating to visa processing.

“But it has been resolved at the moment, as visa processing is ongoing. In the last two days, visas to state pilgrims have been steady, and no flight has been cancelled due to visa issues.

“Therefore, over 35,000 Nigerian pilgrims are in the Holy Land, while the remaining pilgrims are expected to be transported in the next 10 days.

“It is interesting to note that out of 75,000 slots, more than 58,000 visas are being processed for Nigerian pilgrims. Of these, 20,000 visas were issued between Thursday and Friday while the remainder will be processed by Saturday.

“Despite the hiccup, the commission is committed to concluding the airlift operation to Saudi Arabia before June 20.”

Ubandawaki said the commission had resolved to transport all pilgrims to visit Madina before Arafat, and synchronise the transportation with the available accommodation in the city.

“And not to overcrowd the place, the commission is cautious of pushing more pilgrims out.

“We want to urge our partners in the media that while it is critical for them to push the interest of Nigerian pilgrims, they should also be conscious of the fact that they might be indirectly creating worry and anxiety for the hapless pilgrims.”

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi has expressed concern over how some Nigerian publications fall below international standards.

Anunobi spoke in Abuja on Thursday at a Sensitisation Workshop on Legal Deposits and International Numbers Utilisation organised by the National Library of Nigeria (NLN).

The theme of the workshop is tagged: ‘Bibliographic Control in Information Resources Publishing in Nigeria”.

The national librarian said there was need for authors and publishers to have the international standard numbers for proper documentation and collation of Nigeria’s heritage.

According to her, ”documentation of history of a people could determine the root of the people.

”The law of the National Library of 1970 gave the national library the mandate of legal deposit which is the collation of what is published and depositing them for posterity.

”While the documentation of this history makes it possible for a society to trace its roots, it becomes easier to access and utilise the history for the diverse needs of the people.

”’Documentation of the knowledge heritage is one aspect while publishing them in the globally acceptable standards is another.

”How embarrassing will it be to have our published heritage despised and/or criticised in comity of global documented knowledge. Such is also the concern of National Library and by extension the global publishing industry.”

She added that a published document would be globally accepted where it has international standard numbers.

She, therefore, urged authors and publishers to also make it a point of duty to submit electronic copies of their resources for proper documentation and collation.

She added that the national library had succeeded in automating the process, while calling on authors to familiarise with the requirements as well as ways and means of getting published resources assigned the standard numbers and newsletters inclusive .

”Our decision to begin this conversation in Abuja this year is derived for the observation that many Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) publications fall short of international standard expectations.

”It is then a case of rushing to help a neighbour make his bed when yours is in disarray. Thus charity begins at home , we must surely give back to the seat of federal might before moving to the states,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr David Adejo, called for concerted efforts to collect all materials published in the country.

Adejo, represented by the Director, Special Duties in the ministry, Zubairu Abullahi, commend the National Library for the continuous effort in sensitising the public about the legal requirement of publication.

He also said that proper documentation is foundation for all materials stored in books to get to digital space.

”Nigerians are good in writing and creativity for a very long time, most of the time we do not have a standard procedure of recording our achievements.

”The best of what you have done if it is not recorded in accordance with international best practices, there is every chance that over time you are going to miss it.

”So for the sake of history, posterity and longevity, this particular exercise we are doing with the national library is good for the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Preston Associates for International Development (PAID), a development sector research organisation has launched the “Iwadii App” to aid research, data collection, and analysis processes.

The App was launched at an event to mark the 10th year anniversary of the organisation, in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the term “Iwadii” is a Yoruba word that means “to find out”.

Dr Nkemdilim Ene, Chief Executive Officer, PAID, said the App was developed to aid the easy collection of data that would be helpful in enhancing development not only in Nigeria and Africa.

She said that accurate data was important to enable any government to bring about meaningful development to its people, especially meaningful development to its people, especially in the areas of health, education, gender, child and youth development, among others.

“The Iwadii App is something that we really want to bring to the world because we believe that there is not enough Nigerian or African data out there.

“Any time we want to do a study, we borrow data from other countries and the only way to do that is to start from the ground up.

“For Academia, we need to get the average user involved in research, everybody needs information to do what they are doing.

“So the generation of evidence is key to our existence, we need data for decision-making at all levels, starting from the household level, private business level, and at the national level,” she said.

According to her, gone are the days when we listen to the person that has the loudest voice, sometimes those who have access to the key decision-makers in government get to have their way.

“Their way may not be representative of what Nigerians are going through, what enables more equitable decisions to be made and better planning is access to empirical data that is collected in time.

“So what we are saying is that there are indigenous companies that know how to gather these data in the context of our knowledge of the African setting and so we are here to work with the government in achieving that,” she said.

On its achievements, Ene said that the organisation, which started from a “Kitchen Office Space” had so far been able to provide technical support to development partners as well as engaged in philanthropy activities in the country.

“We have come a long way, we started in a small converted kitchen office, but along the journey a lot of people joined us, just like a train, some people jumped in and jumped out at different times.

“But we sought to make a difference, we put value ahead of profit, for a long time we didn’t break in because we were seeking to do more than we were being paid to do.

“That came with a lot of sacrifices, but because the vision was clear, it was easy to persevere when the going was tough and now we are on the other side,” she said.

Also speaking, Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi, Chairperson of the occasion, lauded the organisation for its numerous achievements in the development space.

“The unique thing about Preston Associates is that they are African homegrown and home resourced.

“The best place to find gold is where you found it before and Africa is really the new frontier for advancement, Africa is the new bride, as we have amazing resources, not just in our mineral resources but in our human resources.

“All we need in Nigeria is the conducive environment and I would like to see reversed medical tourism, where Nigeria would be the preferred destination,” she added.

On his part, Dr Kene Mkparu, Chief Executive Officer, of KOMWORLD Cinemas, also commended the organisation for its resilience in community development initiatives in the country.

“It takes resilience to leave the big city to do business and provide services to people in rural communities.

“A lot of people give up or focus on the money but refuse to focus on the developmental aspect of what they do and have been quite resilient in the last ten years,” he said.

A staff of the organisation, Mrs Abimbola Daramola, Grand Compliance and Human Resources Manager, said that for any nation to develop properly there was a need for information and accurate data.

“When we mention figures in Preston, it is backed by data and also our goal is to prove that Nigerians have integrity, we don’t cut corners.

“Part of our goal is to provide those facts that can be used to make informed decisions as a nation, and on how to go forward,” she added.

NAN reports that the theme of the event is “Built to Outlast – Growing Resilient African Businesses to Compete Globally”.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Sen. Abdul’aziz Yari, one of the aspirants for the Senate Presidency of the 10th National Assembly, says his focus is to ensure that Nigerians aspiration for good governance is achieved.

Yari said this at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, promising to be a senate president for all Nigerians if given the mandate.

“In all our activities in the Senate, under my leadership, by the grace of the Almighty Allah, I shall be completely democratic, open and serve only the interest of Nigerians,’’ he said.

Yari, a former Zamfara governor, assured of ensuring a firm, transparent and purposeful national assembly ready to partner with the executive to deliver a secured, united and prosperous Nigeria.

“It is important to state with the permission of my bosses, that I possess the requisite experience, competence, capacity and the national acceptance to lead the Senate at this point in time.

“As you all know, I have over the years built strong connections among the various peoples of Nigeria across the 36 states and the FCT and I understand the nuances of our nation.

“We will build on such ties, connections and experience to heal our nation, foster strong synergies and unity in our country.

“I want to assure you that the National Assembly which we seek to lead will be stable, proactive, listen to and pursue the genuine aspiration and yearnings of Nigerians,’’ he said.

Yari added: “It is for these reasons that I put myself forward with the support of majority of my colleagues and bosses to lead the 10th Senate.

“As fellow stakeholders in this democratic project, I seek your support as always in this noble mission.

“Which primary objectives are stability, unity, economic development and wellbeing of all Nigerians.”

Also Speaking, Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi) said that 67 senators were in support of Yari’s aspiration.

“I did a political calculation; 2003; 2007; 2011 and 2015 consecutively, our latest count as of last night (Tuesday) was 67 and more are coming by the grace of God.”

He expressed optimism that Yari would lead the Senate to the promised land.

“That is why we are following him.We know the game, we know the temperament there. There is no one single individual that knows it all either in the House of Representatives or in the Senate.

“So he needs experienced hands like us to be able to guide you to achieve what is required.

“If we make a mistake in choosing our leaders, we can at any given time remove him.”

He urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to allow senators to choose their leaders freely.

“Just as the nation chooses you as a president and party chairman, allow the senators choose their own leader,” he said.

Ningi said that Sen. Sani Musa (APC-Niger), Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu and senator-elect Osita Izunaso were still in talks of alliance.

“Musa, Kalu, Izunaso, Yari are in one camp. Discussions are is still ongoing. In the politics of the national assembly, everything is possible,” he said.

On his part, Sen. Samaila Kaila (APC-Bauchi), said he was in support of Yari’s aspiration.

“We are supporting Yari to win but anyone that emerges, we will support the Tinubu’s administration; he will not work against democracy and against democratic process.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The desire to go on honeymoon after the consummation of marriages is every couple’s dream. Beautiful destinations and exotic getaways suitable to cater for honeymoon adventures continues to spring up across the African continent.

Honeymoon has lots of therapeutic effect on couples who engage in it as it gives room for ultimate relaxation after going through the stress of planning and executing wedding ceremony.

Honeymoon also allows for the couple to bond well enough before resuming back to their various official duties.

The recently concluded 6th AccraWeizo West Africa Travel and Tourism Market revealed choice honeymoon destinations across Ghana.

Ghana, which covers an area of about 238,535 km2 (92,099 sq mi), spanning diverse biomes that range from coastal savannas to tropical rainforests, has been naturally endowed with many go-to-see potential to accomodate tourists for holiday and honeymoon purposes. With over 32 million inhabitants, Ghana is the second most populous country in West Africa, after Nigeria.

The 6th AccraWeizo came alive again from May 23 to 27, 2023 after three years hiatus due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, with the theme “Tourism Development Through Digitalisation”.

It began with familiarisation tours to tourists destinations within Akosombo and Accra cities like the Royal Senchi resorts, the Peninsula Resort and Golf Club as well as the Accra City Hotel.

These destinations are strategically designed to attract tourists due to the unusual African architectural designs put in place to give aesthetics.

According to Emmanuel Mensah, Sales and Marketing Manager of the Royal Senchi Resort, the facility is the first four-star luxury resort in Ghana.

Mensah said it is a destination suitable for honeymoon because of its serenity, romantic ambience, lush greenery with a magnificent view of the famous Volta River.

He said the resort stands on 35 acres of lush greenery and a unique blend of fauna, flora, traditional architecture, and modernity of the highest standards.

“The Royal Senchi is known as West Africa’s most romantic hotel destination. We are also an ideal venue for business meetings, conferences, and other special events.

“We have 84 rooms, 74 are standard rooms, nine suites and one presidential room for the Very Important Personalities (VIP).

“Due to the quality of our services, we have won a number of coveted awards,” he said.

Mensah urged more Africans to visit the resort because of the therapeutic nature of most of the materials used in putting up the facility.

For instance, instead of the usual cement and glass for the construction, woods and rafia produce were used for mental and psychological healing to visitors.

“We are looking at adding much more activities for tourists on the resort, like ziplining, playground for kids, canopy walkway, luxury tents, additional swimming pool and more.

“Maintaining this resort has not been easy, we engage in serious maintainance annually, serious hard work goes into this; we import treated thatch from South Africa every year, to replace the old ones.

“We are committed to greenery and environmental issues, also very soon we will stop supplying plastic bottled water, but glass bottled water,” he said.

Also, the Peninsula Resort in Akosombo, known as a destination to discover serenity, is a relaxing countryside retreat that invites individuals to escape the hustling lifestyle of the city life.

This is located amidst the majestic Akosombo mountains on a sprawling country estate where hiking and canopy walk are most suitable.

Mr Robert Thompson, General Manager, The Peninsula Resort, said the resort offers a charming blend of classic style, elegant comfort, spectacular views and rich natural heritage.

According to Thompson, the Peninsula Resort sits on a 300-acre of land, endowed with a lake, serene atmosphere, hills, and hiking capacity of two kilometres, among others.

He said the longest canopy walkway in West Africa is also located at the resort which is about 550 metres long.

He added that the management of the resort was planning to upgrade its facilities by constructing apartments for long and short stay accommodation to make it a one-stop resort.

According to him, other attractive activities that tourists can enjoy at the resort include archery, swimming, horse riding, lawn and table tennis, as well as golf and boat cruise.

Accra City Hotel, Ghana’s first internationally branded Hotel in 1988 and first ISO certified hotel in West Africa, could also cater for honeymoon adventures with about 196 well-furnished guest rooms ranging from Queen-size to studio units.

Mr Ekow Sampson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), during the conference session of the tourism expo, said Ghana has many more choice destinations for honeymoon and conferencing.

The expo which seeks to improve seamless travels across the West African region had in attendance delegates from different countries, exhibiting series of travel and tourism products.

Mr Ikechi Uko, organiser of the expo, advised Africans to intensify efforts toward working unanimously to achieve seamless travels across the continent.

Uko said West Africans with over 400 million people, are seen to be among the most travelled across the world. And if formidable synergies are created to make West Africa a domestic market for all, Africa will be taking its pride of place globally.

“What we can achieve together is amazing but unfortunately, we have not explored well enough. If only 10 per cent of West Africans can be made to travel within the region, we will be making fortune as Africans.

“A lot of countries get their travelling population from West Africa; we must stop the usual numerous check points on our roads to improve seamless travels,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Ade Omole, an APC chieftain, had said that only a President that dares to take decisive decisions on behalf of the people would win and enthrone a better society.

Omole, a former Director of the Diaspora Directorate of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), said this when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that Tinubu would redefine governance in Nigeria, using his action plan as a template for taking decisive actions to birth the expected new dawn.

Omole said that the Tinubu’s Action Plan was not only a campaign tool, but a well-thought-out plan to take purposive steps that would birth the new dawn in Nigeria in the interest of all.

He advised Nigerians to study the action plan because they were about to witness the birth of a renewed Nigeria that would work for all.

“Full deregulation, foreign exchange management, amongst others, are captured in the action plan: a plan to take action from day one as evident in the last seven days of his administration.

“Tinubu, before the election, dared to inform Nigerians of his tough but decisive plans for the country.

“Good things, they say, come to those who are audacious enough to try new things and take decisive steps.

“Tinubu is primed to win for Nigeria given his bold steps from day one. He has hit the ground running and hit the ground running in the right direction,” Omole said.

He added that this was evident from his first week activities in office as President, which included meeting Security Chiefs to find solutions to the country’s security challenges and visiting the National Security Adviser, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno.

Omole said that during the visit on Monday, Tinubu’s first point of call was the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), where he did a facility tour.

He added that on the visit, the President noted that terrorism was not unique to Nigeria, but rather a global phenomenon and pledged his administration’s resolve to aggregate international and local intelligence to curb the menace.

“Within the first week in office, he also made critical appointments of men of integrity and capacity, including appointing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Chief of Staff (CoS).

“He also met with the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) leadership to avert the planned nationwide strike against the removal of fuel subsidy earlier slated for June 7.

“As long as we think wisely, take bold decisions and remain faithful to our noble objectives, no moral power can stop us.

“The road to a better Nigeria lies before us. Together, let us walk it. Together, let us birth renewed hope for Nigeria,” Omole said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Parliament says it will reject the Electoral Commission’s (EC) new Constitutional Instrument (CI) seeking to make the Ghana card the only primary document for voter registration.

Addressing Parliamentary Press Corps at a Leaders’ Media Briefing in Parliament House on Wednesday, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority Leader and Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minority Leader said failure by the EC to take onboard proposed changes by the House would see the CI rejected.

Parliament through Mr Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, had written to the EC asking for the restoration of the guarantor system during the voting process.

However, the EC in its response noted that it would submit the CI without the changes proposed by the House.

Consequently, the two leaders of the various caucuses explained that since the EC was independent, failure to listen to the concerns of Parliament would result in the rejection of the CI.

‘…The reality is the EC is the authority charged with the responsibility to bring this instrument, what we have done is to make proposals to them. Do not forget that the constitution is emphatic that in the performance of its function, the EC is not subject to the direction or control of anybody.

So, whereas we think that the suggestions we have given to them may further improve what they intend to, it is for them to evaluate our proposal and see how to factor them into their Instrument before submitting it to us,’ Mr Kyei Mensah-Bonsu said.

‘If after they have done the appropriate consultations and considerations, they think that they are good with the original, it is left to them. But if they submit it to us, it should not be the end of it, we will then peruse it to see whether it finds

congruence with our proposals and if it does not and we have to return it or annul it, it is the preserve of Parliament so to do,’ Dr Forson said.

The Leaders’ Media Briefing is a periodic engagement between the Leadership of the House and the Media at the beginning of every Meeting of Parliament to outline the framework of the Meeting.

It also serves as a platform of interaction between the Leaders, the Public Affairs Directorate of Parliament, and the Parliamentary Press Corps.

Source: Ghana News Agency