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Author: Jacinta Nwachukwu

  • ICAN urges FG to invest more in agriculture, SMEs

    ICAN urges FG to invest more in agriculture, SMEs to enhance economy

    The newly inuaugurated executive Committee of ICAN Gwagwalada and District Society on Saturday at Gwagwalada

    ICAN urges FG to invest more in agriculture, SMEs

    Economy

    By Jacinta Nwachukwu

    Gwagwalada (FCT), June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), has urged the Federal Government to invest more in  Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and agricultural sectors to enhance the economy.

    The association made the call on Saturday, at the Investiture of the 4th Chairman of Gwagwalada and District Society of ICAN and inauguration of Executive Committee in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

    The new Chairman, Sosanwo Akinwunmi, Fellow of Chartered Accountants, said there was need for improvement in the economy through gainful initiatives in these areas.

    Akinwunmi said that President Bola Tinubu should empower the agricultural sector, reaching out to them directly, create wallets through the Ministry of Agriculture.

    He said that financial aids should be given directly to the people; provide farmers with fertilizers and other materials needed for SMEs.

    “Educate them on how to run their businesses effectively and monitor the businesses properly. I think with that, we’ll be able to improve our domestic productions,” he said.

    According to him, the problem of the economic crisis lies with a lot of things, which include multiple the borrowings.

    “A lot of things have happened, which include the multiple borrowings by the government, and not getting the right information about the developmental projects done with the money.

    “Even, telling the CBN to print money is an act of borrowing and it also has an impact on the economy.

    “So, these are some of the things preventing the various economic policies put in place by the government to have a significant indelible value,” he said.

    Akinwunmi pledged that under his leadership the District would impact on the communities around it.

    On his part, Mr Godwin Eje, Technical Director said that the leadership team would focus more on the capacity building of Chartered Accountants.

    “I’m hoping to bring in new innovations to ensure that my colleagues are up-to-date with contemporary issues.

    “Before the advent of technological advancements, a lot of things were being handled differently.

    “But with the advent of new technology into the accounting domain, some of our colleagues, who were previously skilled to handle certain things, but can no longer meet up to them, due to the knowledge and skill gap.

    “So it is paramount that everyone gets carried along with the modern developments, to enable meet up with modern challenges in the accounting domain,” Eje said.

    The 60th President, ICAN, Chief Davidson Alaribe, while congratulating the new executive, urged them to work hard to build on the efforts of the past executives to keep the flag of professionalism and excellence flying in the District.

    Represented by the 1st Deputy Vice President and District Coordinator, ICAN, Hajia Queensley Seghosime, Alaribe urged them to intensify efforts on all initiatives of the Institute, especially the “Catch Them Young” programme.

    He said this was to attract and retain more young talents into ICAN and the accounting profession at large.

    He urged them to always bear in mind that the efforts of the past leaders of the Distinct must not go down the drain.

    “I encourage you our new leaders to ensure that the district activities are at their highest tempo.”

    The president also said that the country was going through various socioeconomic challenges, hence, the need for the new leadership to maximise the opportunity to showcase its problem-solving capability and in turn produce quality results.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

    JIN/IAA

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    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

     

  • FG receives 103 Nigerians deported from Turkey

    Deportees
    By Jacinta Nwachukwu
    Abuja, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has received no fewer than 103 Nigerians deported from Turkey over migration related issues such as, expired visa, irregular migration, among others.
    Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) stated this on Friday evening, during the deportees’ profiling in Abuja.
    Represented by Amb. Catherine Udida, the Director Migration Affairs in the commission, Ahmed said that the commission expected 110 deportees but received 103, all males.
    “Some of them have been in the deportation camp for some months, and  now that they are here, we are hoping to follow up on all the allegations gathered in their profiling.
    “We will go through the profiling forms, because some of them have said that their passports were seized.
    We are going to follow up with the Turkish authority, because the passports are still the property of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he assured.
    According to him, the NCFRMI is the mandate agency responsible for all returnees, irrespective of  their status.
    “We equally have a programme where we train them and thereafter reintegrate them into the society”, the Federal Commissioner stated.
    Similarly, Mr Bashir  Garga, the North-Central Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA),  assured the returnees of government readiness to support them through collaborative efforts of all relevant agencies.
    One of the victims, Mr Arinze Stone,  said that Turkish authority arrested and detained him in the camp for about six months.
    Stone said he had been living in Turkey for quite some years doing business.
    “They were arresting people whose paper are not yet out or just expired,” he said.
    He alleged that it was since the European Union started paying Turkey for illegal immigrants, that the government stopped issuing and renewing resident permits.
    “Each day, the European Union pays 120Euros per head of immigrants in the Immigration Camp.
    “Ever since I had been in Turkey, I always had my resident permit renewed. It just got expired and Turkish authority collected 700Euros from me for tax and insurance and then cancelled the renewal,” he explained.
    Stone added that the deportation fee of about 2,500 Euros that was supposed to be given to each victim was not paid.
    Another victim, Mr Moses Emeh, said he had a registered company in Turkey which had been functioning for more than eight years.
    “I also have a resident permit, which was forcibly cancelled but I had earlier planned  to convert it into working permit.
    ” I don’t know where to start from. But I believe this is a diplomatic issue and I trust our foreign affairs minister, to follow it up.
    “I also think that they should have a sensitisation programme for  Nigerians still living over there in Turkey, because the Turkish government is not being sincere and transparent with us,”  Emeh stated
    He narrated that he was arrested and  put in a dungeon, for  11 months  and three weeks.
    “I was told that, If I did not sign the deportation documents, I will have to stay in their custody for one year to two years, after which I could be released and given immigration documents to sign, then be reintegrated into the system. But, they never fulfilled that.
    “I also know  that occupying a territory, without a permit is a crime, but mine was forcibly terminated twice, and I took the case to court.
    “Since my case was already in court and the court was yet to preside over my case,  I don’t think it is right for them to deport me,” he added.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the returnees were given some dignity kits, starter-packs and stipends to enable them travel to their respective places. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
    JIN/ROT
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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Centre trains police duty solicitors for quick dispensation of justice

    Centre trains police duty solicitors across 5 states

    Participants at two-day Access to Justice Police Duty Solicitors Scheme training, organised by the Public and Private Development Centre on Thursday in Abuja

    Justice

    By Jacinta Nwachukwu

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has trained about 50 police duty solicitors across five states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to aid quick dispensation of justice in police stations.

    The Chief Executive Officer, PPDC, Mr Jubril Shittu, disclosed this during the “Access to Justice Police Duty Solicitors Scheme” (PDSS) training on Thursday in Abuja.

    Shittu, represented by Mr Kenechukwu Agwu, Senior Programme Manager, PPDC, listed the states to include Adamawa, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and the FCT.

    “And we have 10 young lawyers in each of the states, the crop of the lawyers includes lawyers, who are still undergoing their National Youth service programme and those who have had one or two years experiences at the bar.”

    He said the training was designed to equip the duty solicitors with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in their vital roles.

    According to him, PDSS is a scheme where the centre uses young lawyers and corps members stationed at the police stations to provide justice to Nigerians.

    He said the essence of the initiative was to provide free legal representation and assistance to indigent suspects and reduce the number of detainees at the police stations.

    “Indeed, this gathering is a step in the right direction as we become essential contributors to our justice system, where our expertise, commitment, and professionalism will play a vital role in upholding the rights and freedom of many Nigerians.

    “PPDC is committed to catalysing societal transformation towards enhanced governance transparency, accountability, and active citizen’s participation.

    “Our Access to Justice programme tackles pressing issues and fosters evidence-based solutions, promoting a more just and equitable society.

    “Through targeted strategic initiatives, we are committed to enhancing the operational capabilities of these institutions, making justice delivery more efficient and equitable,” he said.

    Shittu, therefore, urged the duty solicitors to have compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice, saying “every individual you represent is entitled to fair treatment.

    “It is your duty to advocate for their rights with diligence and empathy. You stand at the forefront of legal representation, often encountering people at some of the most challenging moments in their lives.

    “Whether it’s in the early hours of the morning in a police station or during a critical court appearance, your role is pivotal in ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done,” he added.

    The chief executive, while appreciating the participants thanked the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, for the support which enabled PPDC to start off the
    PPDC’s PDSS Scheme.

    Similarly, Mr Bamidele Ibikunle, Technical Assistant to the Director-General, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, encouraged the participants to be passionate about their duties and always sensitise their clients to their rights.

    Speaking on the topic “PDSS in Nigeria: The role of PDSS in protecting detainees”, Ibikunle said that the major challenge Nigerians had was ignorance of their rights.

    “As a duty solicitor you’re expected to provide legal aid and assistance to indigents suspects within the first 48 hours of arrest at the police station.

    “Ensure that due processes of law are undertaken in the course of investigation, and also ensure that all facilities needed by the suspect for his/her defence are available.

    “And also ensure that you reduce the duration of pre-trial detention at the police station among others,” he explained.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was organised by the Public and Private Development Centre as of one of its interventions towards enhancing the justice system in the country.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

    JIN/KOO/AMM

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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • FCT farming community begs Wike for access road, basic amenities

    Kungaboku Village, Bwari Area Council, FCT

    Appeal
    By Cynthia Okoye
    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Kungaboku rural community in the Bwari Area Council, has appealed to the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike for the construction of its access road and provision of potable water, other basic amenities.

    Residents of the predominantly farming community, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

    They urged the minister and other relevant bodies to safe them from being cut-off completely from the territory because of the bad state of the access road to the community.

    Zephaniah Moses, the community youth leader said the only road leading to the community has been washed off by the rains making it very difficult for people to come in and go out .

    “When heavy rains fall, the river across the road will be filled up. We will have to wait for at least, five hours, for the water to go down, before anyone can go out or come into the community

    “What we need, is a bridge across the river. The palliative measures we have done on the road, through communal efforts have been washed off with the coming of the rains,” he said.

    Moses also appealed for the provision of potable water, the rehabilitation of the only, LEA Primary School in the community, which he said the roofs of two of the blocks of classrooms, have been blown off by storm.

    “Whenever it rains during school hours, the pupils will have to cramp in the few classrooms covered with roof for the rain to subside.

    Roof of a block of classrooms in LEA Primary School, Kungaboku, FCT, blown off by storm.

    “The school also needs perimeter fencing to protect the pupils and their teachers from attack,” he said.

    Mr Rafiu Akintoye, a resident and farmer, who said he has lived in Kungaboku for 15 years described the community as peaceful and the indigenes, accommodating.

    On the poor state of the road, Akintoye recalled an incidence when the river across it washed away a car trying to go out of the community when it was raining.

    According to him, it took the intervention of able-bodied young men in the community to rescue the occupants of the vehicle down the river.

    He said before the community carried out the palliative maintenance on the road, there were times they would have to remain in the community for two days whenever there was heavy downpour.

    Akintoye said that the primary healthcare centre in the community is also in dire need of rehabilitation, health workers and drugs.

    Primary Healthcare Centre, Kungaboku, Bwari Area Council, FCT

    According to him, the health carecentre built by government and equipped by the Rotary Club many years back is in a sorry state at the moment.

    He said health workers are not readily available, especially in the night, putting sick residents at risk and there are no drugs to be dispensed for patients.

    Male Ward of Primary Healthcare Centre, Kungaboku, FCT

    A poultry farmer in the community, Mrs Anna Jonah narrated how the bad access road has affected her business negatively.

    “Coming in and going out of this community is the major challenge, especially for farmers who are dominant here.

    “You have to trek a long distance before you can get “okada or keke” (commercial motorcycle or tricycle), many of them are not willing to come here.

    On Saturday, I paid N5,000 to a “keke” man who brought in my chicken feeds, a distance of just 10 minutes. The fare will not have been up to that if the road is good.

    People that come in here, to buy the birds also complain about the bad road and use the opportunity to underprice our birds,” she said.

    She appealed to the Minister, the Bwari Area Council and other relevant bodies to come to their aid in fixing the road for ease of doing their business.

    Mr Omerigwe Bartholomew, who did his national youths service’s programme in a farm in Kungaboku some years back, said he has remained in the village doing his own farming.

    He said some of the big farms in the village are being leased out by the owners because of poor infrastructure and unfavourable business environment.

    “I am into poultry, livestock and crops production. Right now, I am coming from my cassava farm

    “I choose to remain in this village, after my youth service, because the villagers are peaceful and accommodating.

    “We have not recorded clashes between farmers and herders here because we all live peacefully and when there is misunderstanding, the community head resolve it amicably,” he said.

    Bartholomew appealed to the FCT administration to fix the infrastructure in Kungaboku village, particularly the access road, healthcare facility and potable water.

    He also urged agricultural agencies to visit the village for possible  establishment of farm clusters.

    He assured that such development would boost agricultural production in the area and attract many youths to site more farm projects in the area.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CTO/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Harassment of Journalists: Centre, NUJ seek review of cybercrime Act

     

    Some participants at the PPDC media convening on Exploring critical issues and fostering collaborations in the media landscape on Thursday in Abuja

     

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    By Jacinta Nwachukwu

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have called for a review of the Amended Cybercrime Act, allegedly being used to harass and gag journalists

    The duo made the call on Thursday in Abuja, at the PPDC media convening tagged, “Exploring Critical Issues and Fostering Collaborations in the Media Landscape”.

    The Centre and NUJ called on the Federal Government to engage stakeholders for discourse on the amended Act in order to forestall the recurrent harassment of Journalists and the restrictions from doing their statutory job.

    Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer, PPDC, Jubril Shittu, underscored the relevance of journalists in the protection of rights of common citizens, dissemination of information and as government watchdog.

    Represented by Lucy Abagi, PPDC Director of partnership and Innovation, Shittu said the journalists should be protected and unhindered in the discharge of their duties.

    “Journalists are on the field daily and they are the first people to get hold of information, and it is in our place to protect the media.

    “If there are laws inhibiting press freedom, fighting against the voice of the media which is the voice of the common man, such must be addressed.

    “The example of such law is the Cybercrime Act which imposes as much as N7 million fine on any publication capable of breaching the nation’s peace.

    “However, there are no clauses to what can be published that can constitute the breach the nation’s peace.

    “My appeal is that government should take a step to look at this Cybercrime Act.

    “Of course, it is needed, but then, it must not be used to stop the media from doing their job,” the PPDC boss said

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  PPDC is a non-governmental organisation concerned with transparent and accountable government and increased citizens’ participation in governance.

    Similarly,   the NUJ Chairman, FCT Correspondents Chapel, Jide Oyekunle, said the cybercrime Act has been a tool in the hands of the security operatives against journalists.

    Oyekunle said that the amended Act is very porous, hence, the security personnel are now using it to hunt journalists and suppress press freedom.

    He explained that the cyber crime amended Act did not specify the type of publications that can breach public peace and break down law and order in the country.

    “If you look at the cybercrime Act it is very cancerous to the democratic rights of Nigerians. It has become a tool in the hands of security agents,” he reiterated.

    According to him, media is one of the pillars of democracy and as a result should not be gagged in any way.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

    JIN/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

  • Centre trains 300 teachers in mathematical kits application

    Mathematics

    By Jacinta Nwachukwu

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) National Mathematical Centre (NAN) has said that it trained no fewer than 300 teachers in three states on the use of mathematical kits to enhance teaching and learning in schools.

    The Director/Chief Executive of the Centre, Prof. Promise Mebine, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja

    The Director/Chief Executive, National Mathematical Centre, Prof. Promise Mebine

    Mebine listed the states that benefited in the training to include, Bayelsa, Ekiti and Adamawa, adding that 100 teachers each were trained per state.

    According to him, mathematics kits are instructional materials that enable students to enjoy the study of mathematics and other science subjects.

    “They are hands-on materials and kits that make mathematics and sciences real, concrete, interactive and practical; examples are cylinders, protractors, compass, ludos, etc.

    “There are Secondary Mathematics Kits (SMK) and Primary Mathematics Kits (PMK),” he explained.

    He added that the centre organised mathematics improvement training of teachers in some selected schools in the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Research findings have shown that inadequate qualified mathematics teachers in the education system are partly responsible for the declining standard of graduate training in mathematics in the country.

    “To alleviate the problem observed above, the centre embarked on programmes aimed at strengthening teaching and learning of mathematics at all levels of the education system,’’ he said.

    Mebine further explained that in order to strengthen the teaching and learning of mathematics across universities, NMC organised capacity building workshops for Nigerian universities lecturers in mathematical sciences.

    He said this training was done, most especially, in the endangered areas of mathematics and other areas of competitiveness in mathematical sciences.

    On talent hunt, the director said that the ventre has activities of Olympiad Unit in 2023.

    He said,  after the final round of the competition, three students emerged out of the 60 participants and the successful three represented Nigeria at the PAMO Competition in Kigali, Rwanda – two boys and a girl winning two gold medals.

    According to the DG,  the centre also embarked on a serious drive to seek strategic partnership and collaborations between NMC and National /International agencies, institutions and industries to promote development in some areas of concern.

    Mebine, on behalf of the management and staff members of the centre, congratulated President Bola Tinubu, on his one year in office.

    “We congratulate the President on his purposeful leadership and economic grandeur that is gradually repositioning Nigeria as one of the emerging economies in the world.

    “Your ambitious infrastructural development plan for Nigeria is a thing of great interest to us also.

    “Moreover, we appreciate Mr President for increasing our capital and overhead funding, wages of our workers and six months palliative grants’’.

    He said the centre will continue to ensurre that its activities/programmes aligned with the Ministerial Strategic plan, especially the Road Map of the Federal Ministry of Education. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JIN/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Has Renewed Hope brought lifeline to Niger Delta region?

    Has Renewed Hope brought lifeline to Niger Delta region?

     

    By Jacinta Nwachukwu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

     

    Niger Delta region of Nigeria comprises nine states – Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers with about 31 million people.

     

    Over the years, militancy has been synonymous with the region known for its vast oil and gas reserves with several militant groups and ethnic nationals agitating for the restoration of the environment degraded by exploration and seeking more developments in the region.

     

    President Bola Tinubu, on assumption of office, has shown significant commitment to the region by pledging unwavering support and assistance to ensure successful execution of projects that would bring sustainable growth and improvement in Niger Delta.

     

    While acknowledging the critical role Niger Delta plays in the nation’s economy, the president during a crucial meeting with the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, reassured the people of his administration’s commitment to a holistic plan for the overall development of the region.

     

    This underscored the reason for the recent meeting of the National Council of Niger Delta (NCND), held in Asaba, to deliberate and proffer solutions to the social, economic, environmental and infrastructural decay bedeviling the people and the region.

     

    Speaking at the meeting, Momoh highlighted the vital projects and initiatives of the Federal Government to uplift the socio economic landscape of the region.

     

    He said the Ministry was working assiduously with other stakeholders to improve on infrastructure and human capital development in the region in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

     

    “The Ministry is poised to leverage this commitment from president Tinubu to further advance its mission of fostering holistic development, infrastructure enhancement, and community empowerment in the Niger Delta region.

     

    “It will work with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to complete all ongoing and abandoned projects across the region,” the minister stated.

     

    He also presented a detailed overview of ongoing infrastructure projects, community development programmes, among other initiatives to address environmental concerns in the Niger Delta.

     

    Affirming the Minister’s assertions, the Managing Director, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said that one of the cardinal policies of the Tinubu administration was stakeholders’ engagement.

     

    Ogbuku said the Commission would soon be inaugurating 92 infrastructure projects executed at a cost of N84 billion across the nine states in the region.

     

    He also said that the Commission carried out massive electrification of rural communities through the “Light up the Niger Delta’’ project.

     

    He said this “Light up the Niger Delta” project had reduced criminality in the various communities and enhanced commercial activities in the areas.

     

    He explained that the Commission decided to adopt the clean energy approach which not only provided light but helped in the fight to mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment.

     

    Ogbuku further said that the Commission was making progress with its youth development and empowerment scheme, known as Holistic Opportunities, Projects and Engagement (HOPE), aimed at building a comprehensive database of the youth population of the Niger Delta.

     

    He, then, called on the youths of Niger Delta region to ensure that they were registered on the website of Project HOPE, saying that the project would benefit all Niger Delta youths.

     

    “We have also inaugurated the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, (NDCCITMA), which along with the Bank of Industry will serve as a platform for supporting young entrepreneurs in the region on a sustainable basis,’’ he said.

     

    Speaking further on other programmes of the Commission, Ogbuku said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had agreed to partner with NDDC to implement a Health Insurance Project, as well as other health programmes that would benefit the people of the region.

     

    He also stated that the Commission and the Industrial Training Fund, (ITF), had commenced collaboration to actualise the Skill-Up Artisans, (SUPA), a transformative initiative of the Federal Government for the youths of the Niger Delta region.

     

    He said the Commission was eager to serve as an enabler in achieving the goals of the federal government in this regard.

     

    He said that sequel to the SUPA initiative to send 14,000 work-forces of skilled artisans to the United Arab Emirates on manpower/skill labour export arrangement through the ITF, the Commission would partner with the Fund to ensure that Niger Delta artisans would benefit from the scheme.

     

    According to him, the Skill up Artisan programme being part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President is aimed at creating availability of skilled workforce for domestic and international export; boosting the economy through gainful employment and increasing diaspora remittances as a result of international manpower and skilled labour exports.

     

    “Engaging the youths meaningfully will help to reduce crime in the Niger Delta region. We are going to use the ITF platform to up the skills of the artisans and youths of the Niger Delta region.

     

    “We have set up a committee to work out the details of the collaboration with ITF. We are also in partnership with the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, which has been registered and inaugurated.

     

    ‘’Any issue on oil theft the government will be able to know who to hold accountable.

     

    “As we speak, the last report I got from the NNPC is that oil output is about 1.7million barrels per day, this is something that we had over 2million barrels previously.

     

    On the issue of security, former Special Assistant/Head of Media, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr Murphy Ganagana, noted that significant factors that led to agitations in the region must be appropriately addressed to sustain lasting peace.

     

    “If you looked at the Niger Delta, what gave birth to the Amnesty Programme was a situation of violence, protest of dissatisfaction by the people, who felt they have been marginalized.

     

    “Again one of the major plans of the Amnesty programme was infrastructure development; unfortunately that key aspect of the programme has not been looked into by any administration.

     

    “For instance when you talk about infrastructure development, there is nowhere you will see any infrastructure apart from the cities in the Niger Delta states capitals, many areas are still deprived, no quality healthcare, education among others.

     

    “We need industries to take those armed youths away from the streets; we need good educational institutions for their development to make them functional and self-reliant in the society,’’ Ganagana reiterated.

     

    He said for the government to succeed in these areas of concern, the oil host communities should be involved in any of the government projects in the region.

     

    Similarly, to sustain peace in the region, the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), the Ministry of Niger Delta Development (MNDD) and other stakeholders in the region had validated the Niger Delta Regional Peace building Strategy (NDRPS).

     

    The Executive Director, PIND, Tunji Idowu, said at the validation workshop, recently, that the document, co-designed by PIND and the MNDD, would provide the framework for the implementation of a regional peace building apparatus in the Niger Delta.

     

    According to him, this apparatus will apply a multi stakeholder approach, where all stakeholders focusing on peace building, conflict management and resolution in the Niger Delta will join resources to ensure the effective prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts in the region.

     

    “The development of the NDRPS was based on a presidential directive to the MNDD in 2021 to guarantee an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in the Niger Delta, Idowu explained.

     

    He also noted that the validated NDRPS document had passed through due process and was very participatory.(NANfeatures)

    **If used, credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

  • Stakeholders seek collaboration in enhancing migration governance in Nigeria

    Stakeholders seek collaboration in enhancing migration governance in Nigeria

    Migration
    By Jacinta Nwachukwu/Fortune Abang

    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Some migration stakeholders have underscored the need for positive collaboration among actors to enhance migration governance and management in Nigeria.

    They expressed this view during a two-day Technical Working Group (TWG), workshop on Migration and Development, in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, said the aim of the meeting was to update the TWG on the progress of the National Migration Policy review.

    Ahmed explained that the goal was to initiate and ensure a unified and effective National Migration Policy review.

    ”This means bringing together all relevant stakeholders, aligning our efforts, and working collaboratively towards a comprehensive and forward-looking policy.

    ”We therefore seek your valuable input, feedback, and recommendations.

    ”By engaging with the United Nations Network on Migration country team and drawing from your collective expertise, we aim to create a well-informed and inclusive review process,” he said.

    Earlier, Ms Paola Pace, Deputy Head of Mission, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in Nigeria, said that the purpose of the TWG meeting was to advance the critical review of Nigeria’s National Migration Policy (NMP).

    Pace said that the gathering represented a significant step towards enhancing migration governance and management in the country.

    She said it also underscored the importance of adaptive and inclusive policy frameworks in addressing the complex dynamics of migration.

    The deputy head of mission reiterated the IOM’s commitment to continue providing technical support.

    ”By ensuring that our policies and actions address present-day challenges and opportunities, we can create a future where migration is safe, orderly, and beneficial,” she added.

    Also, the German Ambassador, Annett Gunther said that Germany was committed to safe, orderly and regular migration.

    Gunther, said that a review of the National Migration Policy was proof of commitment of the Nigerian government to capture new realities arising from the implementation of the policy in the last eight years.

    The British High Commissioner, Mr Richard Montgomery, thanked all the partners for working tirelessly to combat people-trafficking and smuggling.

    Montgomery said that as migratory routes continued to diversify and expand, it would not slow down any time soon.

    He said that stakeholders’ joint efforts to support safe and regular migration and bring those who seek to profit illegally to task, make a difference.

    ”My team and I welcome continued partnership and we look forward to continuing to see the results of much hard work and strategy as a result of this workshop,” Montgomery said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    JIN/FEA/DCO/ORO
    ================
    Edited by Deborah Coker/Razak Owolabi

  • Couple appeals for support to raise quadruplets

     

    The quadruplets, their parents and some visitors on Sunday in Abuja

    Support

    By Joy Kaka/Jacinta Nwachukwu

    Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) A civil servant, Mr Ugochukwu Nwogute and his wife, Vivian have appealed to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and well-meaning Nigerians for support in raising their quadruplets.

    The couple, who gave birth to the four babies in a private hospital in Kubwa, Abuja on May 21, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    Speaking with NAN in the hospital, Mrs Nwogute, said she got married in 2015 and had her first daughter on Nov. 5, 2016.

    “After years of waiting, I became pregnant in Sept. 2023 and was delivered of three boys and one girl through caesarean section at Vinca hospital, Arab Road, Kubwa, Abuja, on May 21.

    “When I was told I was going to have multiple babies, it was a mixed feeling for me.

    “Mixed feelings, because I was not expecting it, but was happy because we have waited for years after our first daughter. So, we were hoping on God and praying and God did more than we expected,’’ she said.

    She added that the hospital billed them about N1.7 million in the first instance, which they were still running around to pay.

    “The babies eat two hourly, they consume almost half of their Pre NAN formula which we were asked to feed them with, and a tin costs N10, 000.

    “We also have follow ups because the paediatrician said after we have been discharged, we are expected to be bringing the babies to the hospital weekly for check up,” she said

    On the babies’ health, Mrs Nwogute said that they were responding to treatment, adding that her recovery was gradual.

    “I am getting stronger because I have relapses. For example, last night I was cold all through and I have treated malaria and because of that, I cannot breastfeed my babies the way I am expected to,’’ she said.

    The husband appealed to the government to come to their aid, financially and in the area of accommodation for a bigger apartment that can be convenient for the family.

    “The journey has not been easy, taking care of a heavily pregnant woman and the only daughter we had eight years back.

    “When the babies came, I was not expecting such a number, but I give glory to God for the marvelous thing He has done for us.

    “My appeal to the government and well meaning Nigerians is for them to come to our aid.

    “We need financial support to take care of the babies as well as, in the area of accommodation, because the apartment we are currently occupying cannot contain us anymore,” he said.

    Nwogute, specifically appealed to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, to see the quadruplets as anniversary gifts to the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    He, urged Mrs Tinubu, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmud as well as the wife of the FCT Minister, Mrs Eberechi Wike, to render assistance to his family

    On his part, Dr Chiemezie Odera, an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist at the hospital said it would not be easy, taking care of the children as they would need more hands for their care because the mother would not be able to do it all alone.

    Odera, therefore, urged the general public to support the couple so as to take good care of the babies.

    “Most importantly is care and support after delivery. Any woman that has more than one baby, needs more hands to help out because she might go into depression if you allow her to stay without care.

    “So, we encourage that they have support, people should be around them to help in taking care of the children,’’ he reiterated.

    The obstetrician said that it would not always be easy for the woman as her breast milk would not be enough for the babies.

    According to him, Vinca hospital has been doing well in the area of maternal care, and the facility have had series of multiple birth.

    Talking about the weight of the babies, he said, for the fact that they might not have weight like single birth, but they were still strong like any other single birth.

    “In the uterus, they shared what was available, so, you don’t expect them to have much weight.

    “But interestingly, those weights, no matter how small they appear compared to single birth, they are still as strong as those single births without any complication.

    “Though they need to be observed after delivery, but they are doing well. Even if they weigh 1.5kg, they are still as strong as 3kg and above,’’ he explained.

    The Doctor added that there would be  need for the babies to be reviewed over time by the paediatrician to see how they were faring.

    Odera, while urging the nursing mother to eat well and rest, he advised her not to hesitate in coming back to the facility where the babies were delivered, in case of any issue.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    JK/JIN/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi