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Author: Collins M. Yakubu-hammer

  • Service Delivery: Presidency, NIPPS, SGF to harmonise inter-sectoral policies

    Service Delivery: Presidency, NIPPS, SGF to harmonise inter-sectoral policies

     

    Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman, the Chairman of the Committee (4th Left), Prof. Ayo Omotayo, DG of NIPSS (3rd Left) and other members of Committee after the meeting on Monday

     

    Harmonisation

    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Presidency and the National Institute of Policies is to partner with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Plateau to review and harmonies inter-sectoral policies to enhance effective service delivery.

    The partnership is in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and others.

    Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman, the Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination to President Bola Tinubu stated this at the meeting of the Committee for the Review and Harmonisation of Sectoral Policies in Abuja.

    Bala-Usman, who is also the Chairman of the committee, said that the team comprised of representatives from NIPPS, Office of the Vice President, SGF and others.

    She noted that in view of the absence of inter-relationship across sectoral policies, the federal government has deemed it fit to constitute the team.

    “This team or committee is expected to look at how sectoral policies would be reviewed and coordinated with enhance collaboration across the sectors.

    “We have noted with concern some outdated policies are still within our sector, and the need for us to engage with respective Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) and relevant stakeholders.

    “The aim of the engagement is to come up with current policy deployment that speaks to the reality of what is needed to achieve our eight presidential priorities.

    “So we are going to lean on subject matter experts across the sectors; we are going to work with respective ministries and heads of agencies.

    “This is to see what needs to be done to enhance our policies deployment across sectors and ministries of federal government to enhance effective service delivery, ” Bala-Usman said.

    She further explained that the committee was working on a work plan, adding that it is an assignment that would take within 12 to 18 weeks to wrap up on priority on sectoral policies being updated.

    She said that the committee had already identified few MDAs that have outdated policies and was working with them to upgrade and improve on them.

    According to her, the work the committee is doing will not stop or negatively affect the activities of any sectoral ministries, department or agencies.

    Also speaking, the Director-General, NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo said the composition of the committee indicated that no organisation want to work in silos any more.

    “One thing I want to assure everyone is that the NIPPS and presidency together with other collaborative agencies will deliver to the nation workable plan, development and implementation framework.

    “This will be done in such a way that policies in Nigeria will no longer contradict themselves. We will ensure the resolution of cross-sectoral issues that have contradictions in our policies,” Omotayo said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that those in attendance are Bashir Maiduguri, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legal, Research and Compliance in the office of the Vice President and many others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    CMY/DCO/SH

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    Edited by Deborah Coker/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Oma-Benedi emerges winner of ‘I Beg to Differ’ student debate in Abuja

    Oma-Benedi emerges winner of ‘I Beg to Differ’ student debate in Abuja

    Master Oma-Benedi Excel, Over Winner of I Beg to Differ Debate Tournament Organised by Nigeria Info
    Winner
    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Master Oma-Benedi Excel of the Government Science  Secondary School, Piakasa in Maitama on Monday emerged the overall winner of the Abuja ‘I Beg to Differ’ student debate tournament.
    While Excel clinched the prize of N1 million and a phone tablet, the runner, Miss Cindy Paul, an SSII student of Roberto Schools in Wuse II, Abuja got the prize of N500,000 and a phone tablet respectively.
    The debate tournament was organised by the Nigeria Info and supported by 3Js Hotel and Apartment, PressPay Ng and Call to fly.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Excel and Paul would represent Abuja in Lagos where they would slog it out with other winners from Port Harcourt and Lagos in the ‘I beg to differ’ debate soon.
    Meanwhile, the 13 year-old Excel described the victory as “ecstatic. It is  a brilliant feeling. I had a great time competing with the best in Abuja.
    “However, to get here was not easy, it took a lot of effort, sleepless nights and support from those around me. I hope to positively represent Abuja in Lagos.
    “For what I will do with the prize money, I prefer to keep it confidential. However, the experience of meeting Cindy, Mazida, Tommy amd others that participated in the debate was great,” Excel said.
    He appreciated the organiser, sponsors, his parents, teachers, fellow students for the support and encouragement that propelled him to victory.
    Similarly the runner up, Paul said, coming second felt like a dream, adding that she had never experienced such before.
    “Half of the prize money will be going for savings and the other half for investment.
    “In Lagos, expect more better performance. I will do much research and preparation to ensure that the Abuja team bring back the trophy,” Paul said.
    Meanwhile, the Group Programme Director of CoolWabiaInfo , Mr Prince Daniel also known as ‘Aboki’ said the debate was one of Nigeria Info’s platforms.
    “Having done ‘I Beg to Differ’ in Lagos and Port Harcourt twice and for the first edition in Abuja, is beyond our expectation. It was greater than we expected.
    “This is something we will like to continue , because our mission is to advance the cause of education in Nigeria. So using this platform gives us the opportunity to do that.
    “All the four people that made it to the semi-finals and finals will be meeting other contestants from Port Harcourt and those that won in Lagos. All will meet in Lagos to debate.
    “We actually want to power debating clubs in school and as well as begin to organise Abuja City Debate.
    “We are also construction Kids FM in Port Harcourt. We have launched one in Lagos already and soon, we will start that of Abuja,” Daniel said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CMY/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
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  • Audience measurement system will attract investment in media – Idris

    Audience measurement system will attract investment in media – Idris
    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris ( 4th Left) and other dignatries during the launch in Abuja on Thursday.
    System
    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the launch of the Audience Measurement System in Nigeria will enhance data, boost and attract great investments into the media sector of the country.
    Idris stated this at the launching of the Audience Measurement System  in Abuja.
    The event was put together by First Media and Entertainment Integrated Limited in collaboration with National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
    According to him, the System is for the broadcast sector to generate accurate and reliable data of television viewers in the country.
    Idris, who performed the launch, said the System holds immense importance in ensuring that broadcasting endeavors are not only impactful but also reflective of the diverse preferences and needs of the audience.
    The Minister described the introduction of the system as a groundbreaking achievement that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for a more prosperous and technologically advanced Nigeria.
    “The system is a tool that empowers us to understand and respond to the dynamic nature of our media consumers, providing valuable perception into their viewing habits, content preferences, and engagement patterns.
    “It is therefore gratifying to note that this project, which started in 2020, has finally come to fruition.
    “I am confident that a transparent and reliable audience measurement system will enhance data and attract greater investment into the media sector, driving economic growth and creating job opportunities.
    “It will also enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a market with robust and trustworthy media analytics,” Idris said.
    He said the introduction of the system becomes very necessary, because, the current Audience Measurement still uses age old Diary Method (pen and paper) of collecting data on TV Viewership and Radio Listenership
    He added that such does not reflect the true picture of what and how many people are watching or listening to a particular content.
    The minister said it is disheartening to note that in spite of having more than three times the eyeballs in South Africa, Nigeria’s television advertising market revenue is low compared to that of South Africa, and Kenya.
    “Hence, a development that necessitated the adoption of a system that will ensure that the advertising spend in Nigeria grows exponentially in the next couple of years.
    Speaking, the Director-General of ARCON, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo said, Nigeria has the biggest market, highest GDP and over 200 million population; and highest Internet users, but on return on investments, Nigeria is not among the top four.
    “This is as a result of series of leakages, and we have not been able to develop measures that will take cognisance of every story and advantage in the industry.
    “Now, we are celebrating a new dawn,meaning that, after this launch, all advertisers and media planners will have enough measurement to calculate what is being spent.
    Similarly, the Director-General of NBC, Mr Charles Ebuebu said the system would go a long way to improve the media sector in the country..(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CMY/SH
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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Insecurity: NAN to support Space Academy

    Support

    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), says it is set to provide the needed support to the Development Space Academy in addressing insecurity in the country.

    The Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali Muhammad-Ali, gave the assurance when the Executive Director of the Academy, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu and his team paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Abuja.

    According to Ali, Ikechukwu’s coming to NAN is like a home coming.

    “I want to assure you that all your prayers for support are already answered.

    “Prof. is a well-known voice and face on national television; he has passion and love for the country.

    “I want to assure you that we will deploy our human and technical resources to cover your news conference and roundtable on security,’’ Ali said.

    The NAN boss explained that the Sahel Region in Africa had become so endemic, adding that NAN was also preparing to host a public lecture on security soon

    “So, when I heard about yours, I was not surprised, because great minds think alike.

    “You can take it that we will be there to cover your press conference and the roundtable that we believe will help address insecurity in the country.

    “I have competent management staff, and we are working together to reposition the Agency. Just last week I came back from a conference that deliberated about newsrooms and AI,’’ Ali said.

    Speaking earlier, Ikechuckwu said that the Academy is involved in human capital development for governments at all levels and institutions.

    He added that the Academy had capacity building programmes on leadership and security, for youths, parents and servicing military officers respectively.

    “When security agencies are overstretched and government institutions speak without integrity, then there will always be challenges.

    “National security has become complicated; citizens have stigmatised the army; they don’t want to give information. The level of intelligence sharing between military and civilians has dropped by 90 per cent.

    “We have discovered that Nigerians are not loyal to the Nigerian State. We see ourselves as indigenes, not citizens.

    “So, we decided to organise a roundtable that stakeholders will come to talk about security and provide solutions to different forms of insecurity in the country.

    “So we come to NAN to seek your support and joint ownership of the project. We will have a media conference and the roundtable within the month,’’ Ikechukwu said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    CMY/GOM/ROT

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    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • National Anthem: NOA presents official version, to produce melody soon

    DG of NOA, Malami Lanre Issa-Onilu, during the presentation of the official version of the new national anthem on Wednesday in Abuja
    The Official version of the new national anthem
    Anthem
    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu on Wednesday in Abuja presented the official version of the new National Anthem.
    Issa-Onilu, said the presentation of the official version became necessary, because of wrong version being circulated on the social media, and the demand for clarification for NOA’s Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers across the country.
    According to him, the new anthem is part of the National Identity project of the Tinubu administration, and also one of the seven programmes for the institutionalisation of  national values.
    He further explained that the anthem is one of the country’s national symbols, which NOA as custodian, is mandated to promote and preserve its integrity for national cohesion, unity and a sense of patriotism.
    “Today’s event is to present the official version which will clear all doubts about the correct lyrics as contained in the Act signed by the President.
    “We call the attention of Nigerians to the line three (3) of the first stanza, which reads: “Though tribes and tongues may differ’ Note that the words “tribes” and “tongues” are in plural.
    “We want you to also note that line five (5) of the first stanza reads: Nigerians all, are proud to serve”. The word “are”, not “and” is correct.
    “On the official instrumental and audio rendition, the NOA will call for entries for the production of an authentic Nigerian melody, taking into cognizance, the indigenous instrumentation of the Nigerian people.
    “The effective date for the entries and the procedure will be announced through NOA channels in the coming week,” Issa-Onilu said.
    Meanwhile, concerning the National Pledge, the NOA boss said the Agency would follow the official procedure to obtain approval for the adoption of a new National Prayer.
    He, however, stressed that the National Pledge remains valid and operational.
    “The NOA’s values orientation programmes as envisioned under the Federal Government’s National Values Charter, seek to define the Nigerian citizens’ shared identity, with clearly stated commitment of both leaders and followers.
    “The Charter, operating under the “7 for 7” social contract will guide our national values for a reciprocal commitment of leaders and citizens towards building a nation we all can be proud of.
    “NOA will be working with a wide spectrum of stakeholders to ensure citizens’ buy-in of the National Anthem and sing it reflectively with a sense of pride,” Issa-Onilu maintained.
    Meanwhile, the Director-General of National Broadcasting Commission, Mr Charles Ebuebu said he would use the mechanism and platform of his Commission to promote the learning and singing of the anthem.
    Similarly, the Director-General of Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo congratulated Issa-Onilu and pledge the Council’s full support for NOA to deliver on its mandate
    Also speaking , the General Secretary of Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Dr Mike Ike-Ene, represented by the State Secretary, Mrs Margaret Jethro, maintained that teachers remain instrumental to the learning of the new anthem.
    Ike-Ene restated the commitment of all members of NUT across the country to ensuring that all pupils and students learn and know how to recite the new national anthem. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CMY/ROT
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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • NOA to issue standardised version of new National Anthem

    NOA to issue standardised version of new National Anthem
    Anthem
    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
    Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) The National Orientation Agency (NOA)  has assured citizens that a standardised version of the Nation Anthem would be issued by the Agency after consultation with stakeholders.
    The Director-General of the Agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu gave the assurance in a statement issued by the agency’s Deputy Director of press, Mr Paul Odenyi on Tuesday in Abuja.
    Issa-Onilu gave the assurance after several versions of the anthem appeared on the social media, with the community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOS) also reporting citizens’ confusion with the correct lyrics, instrumental and audio rendition of the anthem.
    “Our COMOS whom we ordered to learn the new national anthem have come up with a feedback that many of our people are eager to learn and promote the new anthem.
     “But they are confused and wondered if the ones they find online is the correct version. They have asked questions about which of the stanzas is the national prayer, ” Issa-Onilu said.
    The director-general assured Nigerians that a decision of which stanzas to be adopted as national prayer would be taken after the necessary approval procedure.
    He advised government agencies who seek to play the anthem at their functions to revert to the Agency for the official copy of the new Anthem. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CMYSH
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    edoted by Sadiya Hamza

  • End strike, return to negotiating table – FG urges Labour

     

    FG appeal to Labour to call off strike, return to negotiating table
    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, (2nd Left) Minister of State for Labour, Mrs Nkiruka  Onyejiocha (1st Left) and the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga (3rd Left) during the news conference on Monday in Abuja.
    Appeal
    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
    Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has appealed to the NLC and  TUC  to call off the ongoing strike and return to negotiation table to arrive at befitting minimum wage for workers.
    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made the appeal at a news conference on Monday in Abuja.
    The briefing was addressed by Idris in company of the Minister of State for Labour, Mrs Nkiruka  Onyejiocha and the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
    According to Idris, the Tripartite-Committee comprised of the governments, organised labour and the private sector but it was only the organised labour that opted out to embark on strike.
    He explained that, the country belongs to all Nigerians, and that “power grid does not know political party, tribe or religion, adding that when it is shut down, it affects all Nigerians” .
    “We are making a heartfelt and deeply considered appeal to the labour unions to continue along the path of negotiations with the federal and state governments, under the auspices of the tripartite committee.
    “As government, we are desirous of a peaceful outcome, and we will do everything to make this happen.
    “Yesterday, the leadership of the National Assembly met with the Unions. Today, we have offered another invitation to the unions, to meet with us and continue our discussions.
    “We will continue to engage, and make ourselves very available in the context of these negotiations on behalf of the Nigerian people
    “Let me make it clear, that we are not opponents on this negotiating table. We are united by the fact that we want the best for Nigeria and for all 200 million citizens of the country,” Idris said.
    He further explained that the tripartite committee has a responsibility to strike a measured and realistic balance, in the effort to arrive at a new minimum wage for Nigerians.
    According to him, the minimum wage is not only for public sector workers alone, stressing that It will be binding on the private sector as well.
    The Minister added that this reality must be factored into the negotiations.
    “As I have explained earlier, labour’s current proposal of N494,000 is an increase of 1,547 per cent on the existing wage, and translates into an annual wage bill of N9.5 trillion Naira for the federal government alone.
    “This is apart from its cost implications for sub-national governments and private sector employees. Such a wage bill would cripple the Nigerian economy, by leading to massive job losses, especially in the private sector.
    “The National Consumer Credit Scheme and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) are additional significant demonstrations of a determination to bring relief to the people of Nigeria.
    “We want the labour unions to understand that the relief that Nigerians are expecting, and that they fully deserve, will not come only in the form of increased wages.
    “It will also come as efforts to reduce the cost of living, and to ensure that more money stays in the pockets of Nigerians.
    “The President is firmly committed to doing what is right, reasonable and sustainable regarding these minimum wage negotiations.
    “We call on the labour unions to reciprocate this gesture in the interest of the nation,” Idris said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CMY/EBI/ROT
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    Edited by Benson Iziama/,Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • New National Anthem captures whole essence of our being, says NUJ President

    New National Anthem captures whole essence of our being, says NUJ President

    Anthem

    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

    Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalist. (NUJ), Dr Chris Iziguzo has that the now new anthem captures the whole core of being Nigerians.

    Isiguzo made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
    “Look at Nigeria, we have different languages and tribes. This anthem unite us better regardless of our differences.
    “The new anthem of ‘Nigeria we hail thee’ says a lot about us as one country with one destiny.
    “However, I think the first thing they would have done was to put the old and new on the table side by side and review it.
    “If in the wisdom of the president and members of the National Assembly, we should revert to the old anthem, why not.
    “After all, it highlights the fact that we have different tribes and tongues in one nation and yet we still exist as one. So be it,” Isiguzo stressed.
    NAN reports that President Bola Tinubu Tinubu signed the National Anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” Bill 2024 into law on May 29.

    The return of the old anthem elicited divergent views, with some commentators criticising the move as yet another case of “misplaced priority” given the slew of challenges confronting Nigerians.

     Tinubu said that returning the old national anthem was a priority for him.

    Tinubu made this known during a meeting on Thursday with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the presidential villa in Abuja.

    Tinubu said Nigeria’s diversity should be protected and celebrated, adding that the country’s population should not be seen as a burden.

    “But the question of diversity. Who gave us the name Nigeria? Is it not Britain? Or somewhere? Have we changed our name? We are Nigerians. Our passport shows that,” he said.

    “As long as we are Nigerians and one family, we remain and protect our diversity and love one another as brothers and sisters.

    “It is God Almighty that puts you in that particular place and makes you a member of that family. You have no control over it,” Tinubu said.NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    CMY/BEKl/SH
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    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Sadiya Hamza