Friday, January 10

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Lagos Begins Enforcement Of E-Call-Up In Lekki Free Trade Zone
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Lagos Begins Enforcement Of E-Call-Up In Lekki Free Trade Zone

The Lagos State government has kicked off the enforcement of the newly deployed e-call-up system in the Lekki Free Trade Zone. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s special adviser on transportation, Sola Giwa, said this on Sunday in a statement signed by Bolanle Ogunlola, the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation spokesperson. Mr Giwa noted that the e-call-up system was to manage the influx of trucks within the axis. He added that the initiative was crucial in preventing chaotic traffic and indiscriminate parking, preserving the real estate value and ensuring smooth operations along the Ibeju-Lekki axis. According to him, the state government will oversee traffic management and enforcement of the new system. Mr Giwa explained that the e-call-up platform would regulate the entry a...
LG elections: Yiaga Africa calls for improve autonomy, operational capacity of SIECs
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LG elections: Yiaga Africa calls for improve autonomy, operational capacity of SIECs

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer  The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo has recommended for improved autonomy and capacity of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to enhance the integrity of local government elections in the country. Itodo gave the recommendations during his presentation titled "Local Government Elections: A travesty of Electoral Democracy " at a 'Reflection Roundtable on Local Government Election' on Thursday in Abuja. The Roundabout was organised by Yiaga Africa, a Civil Society Ortganjsation and supported by USAID, UKaid and International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). According to Itodo, before the Supreme Court judgement on Local Government Autonomy and Local Elections, only 14 states in the country were operating democ...
Why women are reluctant to take leadership role – NGO
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Why women are reluctant to take leadership role – NGO

By Jacinta Nwachukwu A non-governmental organisation, Solidarity Centre, has noted that many women are reluctant to take leadership roles due to various issues, including the burden of care, cultural and social constraints. Vanessa Edhebru, a Gender Specialist with the Centre, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of a four-day capacity building/Leadership skills for men and women respectively, organised by Solidarity Centre in Abuja. NAN reports that Solidarity Centre is an affiliate organisation with the American Federation of Labour, Congress of Industrial Organisations The expert pointed out that cultural constraints often see women as nurturers, which could hinder their leadership aspirations. She explained that the goal of ...
FG’s respect for freedom of speech, expression sacrosanct – Minister
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FG’s respect for freedom of speech, expression sacrosanct – Minister

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says Federal Government's respect for freedom of speech and expression is sacrosanct. Idris made this know during his remarks at at the Maiden Edition of the Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture on Friday in Abuja. He said some politicians and citizens would always interpreted remarks by government officials out of context and spread fake news against the government, adding that it is unptriotic "Our respect for freedom of speech and expression is sacrosanct, even as we will continue to urge responsibility in the exercise of this freedom. "Nigerians are free to speak about this dear country of ours. What we can and will continue to do, as patriots and believers, i...
Jonathan extols virtues of Dokpesi
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Jonathan extols virtues of Dokpesi

Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has extolled the good virtues of the founder of DAAR Communications Ltd, late Dr Raymond Dokpesi. Jonathan during his remarks on Friday in Abuja at the inaugural edition of the Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture on Communication and Development said he was a good friend. “We gather to celebrate excellence, innovation, philanthropy and the transformative power of communication. Above all, we are here to honour and celebrate a man I called my friend while he was still here with us. ” I thank the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and DAAR Communications PLC, for the laudable decision to honour High Chief Dokpesi in this timeless manner. ” He was a brilliant entrepreneur and visionary media mogul, whose trailblazing e...
Tinubu’s Govt Condemns Terrorist Attack In Türkiye
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Tinubu’s Govt Condemns Terrorist Attack In Türkiye

President Bola Tinubu’s government has flayed a terrorist attack targeted at the headquarters of the Turkish Aerospace and Defence Company, Turkish Aerospace Industries. Foreign affairs ministry’s spokesman Eche Abu-Obe said this in a statement on Friday. “The Federal Republic of Nigeria is saddened by the act of terrorism on Oct. 23, 2024 that targeted the headquarters of the Turkish Aerospace and Defence Company, TUSAS, leaving five dead and 22 injured. “The Federal Republic of Nigeria therefore lends its voice in solidarity with the people of Türkiye and condemns such acts that only serve to propagate fear rather than peace. “Nigeria extends its condolences to the government and the people of Türkiye, while praying for the families of the dearly departed,” the government sa...
I Established Isese School To Contribute To The Educational Development Of Oyo State-Araba Of Ibadanland
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I Established Isese School To Contribute To The Educational Development Of Oyo State-Araba Of Ibadanland

The Araba of Ibadanland, Chief Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II, has said that he established Isese Light Kiddies Nursery and Primary School to enhance educational development in Oyo State. While addressing journalists in Ibadan, Araba Odegbola, who is also the Olu-Isese of Ibadanland, explained that the school's purpose is to support educational growth and preserve traditional beliefs. "The establishment of the first Isese school in Ibadan marks a significant cultural revival. We aim to contribute to the educational development of the state, while promoting Yoruba traditional beliefs, which have faced challenges from other religions." The Araba of Ibadanland also emphasized the importance of Western education and the need to reconnect with indigenous roots, asserting that educat...
Travel Agencies Sign Pact With FCCPC To Protect Travellers
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Travel Agencies Sign Pact With FCCPC To Protect Travellers

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission have signed an agreement to protect travellers and travel trade operators from unfair operational practices. FCCPC boss Tunji Bello said this in a statement on Friday. He said the agreement was signed in Abuja on Thursday. Mr Bello said the pact would be for two years but with an open window for renewal, subject to certain satisfactory metrics. He said NANTA had always been proactive in the affairs of the Nigerian travel industry, as he described the initiative as bold and innovative. He noted that he had always followed with keen interest the activities of NANTA, particularly its consistent advocacy to protect the Nigerian travelling public and the discomfort with u...
Rep canvases safety education for electricity consumers
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Rep canvases safety education for electricity consumers

By Constance Athekame A member of the House of Representatives, Mr Sulaiman Gumi, says public education is essential in ensuring the safety of electricity consumers in the country. Gumi, a former chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Safety, Standards and Regulations, said this at the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) Safety Conference 2024 in Abuja on Friday. He was the chairman of the conference organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standard and Regulations, and the Association for Public Policy Analysis (APPA) and other stakeholders in NESI. He said that NESI should ensure that electricity consumers are educated on safety tips to guide them on their day to day interaction with power infrastructure. “Let me also emphasise t...
NASS vows to prioritise safety, technological advancement in electricity sector
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NASS vows to prioritise safety, technological advancement in electricity sector

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to enact laws that prioritised safety and technological advancement in the electricity sector. Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, at the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) Safety Conference 2024 on Thursday in Abuja, emphasised the legislature’s duty to create laws encouraging innovation. “As legislators, our foremost duty is to enact laws that prioritise safety and encourage technological advancement. “The electricity supply sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by innovations such as smart grids and renewable energy sources. Our regulatory framework must evolve in tandem with these advancements.” Abbas commended the co...
Digital technology: NOUN VC warns against abuse of information
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Digital technology: NOUN VC warns against abuse of information

By Vivian Emoni Prof. Olufemi Peters, the Vice-Chancellor, Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has warned the public against wrong dissemination of information through digital technology. Peters said this at a one-day workshop to commemorate the Global Media and Information Literacy Week, 2024, on Thursday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the workshop is tagged: “New Digital Frontier of Information, Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest Information.” Peters said that technology had made the spread of information far easier than ever before, adding that people needed to be careful on how they disseminate information. According to him, people need to be careful on how they disseminate information because of the impact of what is...
21 year-old Tsaaior, wins Bible society’s NYSC essay competition
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21 year-old Tsaaior, wins Bible society’s NYSC essay competition

By Vivian Emoni Judith Tsaaior, 21, has emerged as the winner of the 11th edition of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Essay Competition/National Symposium. Pastor Samuel Sanusi, General Secretary of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), announced Tsaaior as the winner at the 11th African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) in Abuja on Thursday. Tsaaior, a corps member serving in Taraba State University, hails from Benue State and studied English and Literary Studies at Veritas University, Abuja. The essay competition’s topic was “Raising a New Generation of Transformational Leaders.” Sanusi noted that the programme had been in existence for over 12 years, with the BSN investing approximately N10 million in the competition. He said about 200 corps members participa...
CEPASD Trains 20 Community Youth as Anti-SGBV Ambassadors and SRHR Champions
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CEPASD Trains 20 Community Youth as Anti-SGBV Ambassadors and SRHR Champions

The Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD), an NGO, with support from the Government of Ireland through the Embassy of Ireland Nigeria, has trained 20 community youths as Anti-Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Ambassadors and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) Champions in Abuja.  Mr. Augustine Igweshi, the Executive Director of CEPASD, said the training was part of CEPASD's project, Promoting Gender Equality and Women Empowerment: An Approach to End SGBV," aimed at empowering youth to become agents of change in their communities. According to him, the two-day training brought together youth from Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, and Kuje, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to; advocate against SGBV and promote SRHR, p...
NGO canvasses virtual court in justice administration, lists benefits
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NGO canvasses virtual court in justice administration, lists benefits

By Jacinta Nwachukwu An NGO, Public and Private Development Centre, has underscored the importance of using virtual court proceedings for justice administration among pre-trial detainees. Mr Joshua Uba and Kwapaya Adamu, both of the PPDC’s Legal Unit, expressed this view during the Criminal Justice Cohort, four-day Second Regional Conference on Administration of Criminal Justice in Abuja. In their presentations, the duo stated that using virtual court proceedings would save time and enhance justice. Uba particularly said that currently, through the help of the centre, the administration of criminal justice system in Nasarawa, Plateau and Kaduna states had been greatly enhanced, swift and faster. According to him, inmates now have their days in court as regularly as possible...
CAF increases financial support for grassroot football Development
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CAF increases financial support for grassroot football Development

CAF has allocated a significant portion of expenditure , specifically 84%, towards African Football Development, which is a strategic move that underscores its commitment to nurturing and growing the football ecosystem. Also prize money and Host Association Support is increased to USD 56 million: This represents the largest portion of the expenditure, showcasing a continued focus on rewarding excellence. The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) released the 2022-2023 audited Financial Report and 2024-2025 budget at the 46th CAF Ordinary Assembly held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopa on Tuesday, 22 October. CAF Continues its Significant Financial turn-around as losses are reduced by 68% and Projects Net Profit in the next Financial Year It reduces deficit from USD 28.9 million to...
PTI lauds Triple Helix model for driving research, innovation commercialisation
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PTI lauds Triple Helix model for driving research, innovation commercialisation

By Emmanuella Anokam The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) has lauded the Triple Helix Nigeria model for driving commercialisation of research and innovation output for socioeconomic development. Dr Samuel Onoji, Principal/Chief Executive Officer, PTI made this known on Wednesday in Abuja at the Triple Helix Nigeria maiden SciBiz conference. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the triple helix model of innovation refers to a set of interactions between academia (the university), industry and government, to foster socioeconomic development. The model aims to ensure that research transcended the boundaries of laboratories and classrooms to solving real-world problems and fostering economic prosperity. The association hosted the conference in fulfilment of the requ...
ILO, others call for responsible business practices in Nigeria
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ILO, others call for responsible business practices in Nigeria

By Joan Nwagwu The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called emphasised the need for Responsible Business Conduct (RBC), in Nigeria. The ILO made the call in conjunction with the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE). Dr Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director for Nigeria, made the call during a workshop on Wednesday in Abuja, while inaugurating a strategic initiative to enhance the RBC in Nigeria. The theme of the workshop is,”Responsible business conduct for the realisation of decent work: international instruments, current trends and initiatives, the national context and the way forward in Nigeria ”. The workshop which was organised by ILO was funded by the Government of France, Phala said that the...
Tinubu Scraps Niger Delta, Sports Ministries, Approves Regional Development Ministry
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Tinubu Scraps Niger Delta, Sports Ministries, Approves Regional Development Ministry

The Federal Executive Council on Wednesday scrapped the Niger Delta Ministry and the Ministry of Sports Development. "There will now be a ministry of regional development to oversee all the regional development commissions, such as Niger Delta Development Commission, North West Development Commission, South West Development Commission and the North East Development Commission. The National Sports Commission will take over the role of the Ministry of Sports, ’’Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, said in a statement. He said the FEC also approved the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy. He noted, “The decisions were taken today at the meeting of Federal Executive Council in Abuja.’’(NAN) ...
Purple Dove Foundation donates gift items to indigent patients at UATH 
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Purple Dove Foundation donates gift items to indigent patients at UATH 

Purple Dove Foundation, an NGO, at the weekend donated gift items and cash donations to over 100 indigent patients worth N3.5million at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada Abuja, to help cushion the hardship faced in the country.  The Chairman/CEO, of the Foundation, Princess Amara Ifechuckwu, during the donation said it was part of the organizations efforts to give back to the society by putting a smile on the faces of the less privileged in the society that they are not forgotten.  The Team leader, Mr. Segun David, said the foundation's team generously presented gifts and cash to the indigent patients to help ease their financial burdens and brightening their days for a better and healthy living.  Sepecifically, an orphan receiv...
2024 Global handwashing Day: NGO reiterates importance of maintaining clean hands regularly
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2024 Global handwashing Day: NGO reiterates importance of maintaining clean hands regularly

By Victor Okoye An NGO known as Centre for School Health Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH) has harped on the need to ensure that the hands are washed and kept clean on a regular basis, stressing that it remains an essential defense against the spread of harmful germs, infection and illnesses. Dr. Mrs Momoh, the Executive Director of CSHEEH made the remarks on Thursday during a sensitization programme in commemoration of the 2024 Global HandWashing Day held at L.E.A. Primary School, Lugbe Zone B, on Thursday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports thatthe theme for this year's Global HandWashing Day is "Why are clean hands still important" Dr. Momoh said that this year's theme was quite apt, as it serves as a reminder that germs areeverywhere and a lot of ...