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Author: Jessica Dogo

  •  Institute certifies GBB Data Centre for excellence, reliability

    Certification

    By Jessica Dogo

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Uptime Institute Professional Services has certified Galaxy Backbone’s (GBB) Tier IV Data Centre for its excellence and reliability.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Friday by Mr Chidi Okpala, Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, GBB.

    Okpala said the prestigious Tier IV Certification of Constructed Facility (TCCF) marked a significant milestone in its commitment to excellence and reliability in digital infrastructure services.

    “This prestigious certification recognises GBB’s commitment to delivering the highest standards of reliability, security, and operational excellence in its Cloud and Data Centre operations.

    “The Tier IV certification is the maximum level of Data Centre certification offered by Uptime Institute, signifying a facility that offers 99.995 per cent availability.

    “It affirms that the GBB’s Data Centre meets stringent criteria for fault tolerance, redundancy, and robust operational processes, enhanced security and providing unparalleled service to its clients.”

    He highlighted Galaxy Backbone’s Tier IV Data Centre as fault tolerant, which designed the centre to withstand multiple equipment failures and maintain continuous operations, ensuring maximum uptime for critical applications.

    “Redundancy in power, cooling, and network systems, ensuring no single point of failure can disrupt services.

    “24/7 monitoring and management of advanced systems and a dedicated team of experts providing round-the-clock surveillance and management of the facility.

    “Enhanced State-of-the-art security measures, including biometric access controls, surveillance systems, and multi-layered security protocols, protect the integrity and confidentiality of client data.

    “Sustainable practices including energy-efficient technologies and environmentally friendly operations, aligning with global sustainability goals,” he said.

    Okpala quoted the Managing Director of GBB, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, as saying that this was a testament to unwavering dedication to the agency’s excellence in cloud, data centre and business continuity services.

    Adeyanju said this would strengthen GBB’s drive and commitment around data sovereignty, which encourages public and private sectors to host and collate its IT applications within the country.

    He said the achievement would further position Galaxy Backbone as a preferred partner for organisations seeking robust and resilient data centre solutions.

    He said this certification would not only reinforce GBB’s position as a leader in digital transformation services, but also assure its clients reliability for the highest levels of service availability and security.

    “We remain committed to driving innovation and delivering world-class services to support the digital transformation of Nigeria and beyond.

    “This certification thus, complements its already existing Tier III Uptime certified Data Centre in Abuja and presents a critical milestone for Galaxy Backbone as it continues to expand its services.

    “This also strengthens GBB’s drive and commitment around data sovereignty, which encourages public and private organisations to host and collocate its IT applications within the country.

    “Galaxy Backbone is a transformation enabler, a platform and aggregator of digital services for effective delivery across public and private sector organisations.

    “Beyond its world class data centres, Galaxy Backbone has connected about 30 states with its fibre optic cables providing secure, high-speed connectivity to and between organisations.

    “Its Security Operations Centre (SOC), ensures the provision of secure digital services across its stakeholders and customers,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    JEZ/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

  • CARE advocates 1% budget provision for PWDs

    Budget

    By Jessica Dogo

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Centre for Ability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment (CARE) has advocated one per cent budget provision for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) from the federal and state governments.

    CARE made the call on Friday during a two-day National Co-creation Stakeholders Conference for PWDs of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was supported by VOICE Project and implemented by OXFAM.

    The theme of the programme is: “The Disability Act Post-Moratorium: Advancing Inclusion and Accessibility for those Vulnerable and Outside the Margin”

    Dr Chike Okogu, the Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer of CARE, said this had been an international movement right from the level of United Nations Commission (UNC) on the rights for PWDs, which Nigeria was a signatory to.

    According to Okogu, It is not a law here in Nigeria.

    “But we are saying that if 15 per cent of your people are persons with disabilities, it  means that not including 15 per cent of your population, you are short changing yourself by 15 per cent workforce and that reduces your GDP by 15 per cent.

    “So, instead of saying we want 15 per cent of the National budget, we are saying we want just one per cent of the National budget for PWDs in the country”.

    The Programme Manager of Cognito, Kaseina Dashe, said the community came together and launched a document called The Compass to Disability Inclusion (CDI) aimed at providing information about the simplified Disability Act, passed in 2018

    Dashe said the event was a build-up to initial conversations of when the bill and disability act was passed into law.

    She said that the act gave a five-year moratorium grace period for all public buildings to become accessible for certain conditions to be put in place in order to enhance access and inclusion of PWDs in Nigeria.

    She explained that the five-year period of grace had elapsed, adding that every public building was supposed to have modified its physical structure for accessibility.

    “It is a build-up to those initial conversations to say when the Disability Bill was passed into law, it gave a five-year moratorium period for all public buildings to become accessible.

    “And for certain conditions to put in place and enhance the access and inclusion of persons with disability and that period elapsed in January this year

    “So, we are asking now that it has elapsed, what next? how do we begin to hold governments accountable? How do we begin to hold institutions accountable? She asked.

    Akom Nya, the VOICE Project Coordinator for Nigeria said that the organisation was looking at how more persons with disabilities would be included in decision-making process of Nigeria.

    “we are looking out for how more persons with disability can be included in the decision-making process of Nigeria, in the economic situation of Nigeria, where they are empowered to sustain themselves.

    “These are people that need to be integrated into the society and included in what we are doing like politics, economic empowerment, political positions and party leadership.

    “It is very important that everyone is brought to the table because once we do not include everyone we are depleting the workforce of the nation and of course we do not want anybody to be left behind.

    “We just want the voice of every marginalised community to be heard. We just want a society where everybody can live without inequalities, without hindrances and barriers. That is just our interest,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    JEZ/KAE/ADA

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    Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Deji Abdulwahab

     

  • Support rural schools with basic amenities, NGO urges FG, others

    Amenities

    By Jessica Dogo

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) A Non- Government Organisation (NGO) has called on the Federal Government, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to assist schools in rural communities with basic amenities especially toilet facilities.

    Christybelle Sylva-John, the Founder of Ray of Hope Empowerment Foundation (RHEF), made the call on Friday while inaugurating a block of four toilets constructed in Zjidu community, Abuja.

    Sylva-John said that schools in rural communities lacked basic amenities such as toilet, adding that open defecation encourages the spread of diseases.

    “As we celebrate this milestone, we also call on the government, non-governmental organisations, corporate bodies, and individuals to invest in the well-being of our future generations.

    “Creating conducive learning environments is a shared responsibility, and collective support is crucial.

    “By working together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive in a safe and healthy environment.

    “Access to clean and safe sanitation is a fundamental human right and a crucial element for the dignity, health, and well-being of our students,” she said

    She said that the lack of adequate toilet facilities in many schools negatively impacted student health, attendance, and overall academic performance.

    She said that the foundation was committed to addressing this critical needs for rural schools.

    The founder said the project was established with the vision of ensuring every student had access to safe and hygienic toilet facilities.

    “Today, as we inaugurate this new toilet blocks, we move closer to making that vision a reality.

    “We hope it will contribute to a healthier, safer, and more enjoyable school experience,” she  said.

    She said that the NGO also engaged in donation of sanitary pads to the secondary school in the community.

    According to her, the reason is to ensure menstrual hygiene management because most times,  girls absent themselves from school due to lack of sanitary product.

    ‘When they are in school and their menstruation starts, they have no choice than to go home because they do not have sanitary pad to use at the moment.

    “The whole essence is for them to have sanitary pad bank in schools just in case menstruation starts they do not have any reason to go back home,” she said.

    Dr Alhasan Sule, the Acting Executive Chairman, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB),  said a child’s education was everybody’s responsibility.

    Sule, represented by the Director of School Services, UBEB, Habbiba Aliyu-Barau, commended the RHEF for complementing the efforts to eradicate open defecation in the FCT.

    “Education is the responsibility of everybody. Government cannot do it alone. If we all wait for government, this will not happen.

    “We scout for NGOs that will help us. We have several but I must commend Ray of Hope Empowerment Foundation because this is not its first project.

    “We have inaugurated many of its projects. RHEF is one of the best partners we have in the FCT UBEB. They have assisted us and have done a lot for us,” she  said.

    Earlier, the Chief of Zhidu Community, Goni Philip, commended the foundation for embarking on a laudable project in the community.

    “I do not know how much to appreciate them for this gesture.

    “I urge them to extend it to other community schools that lack such basic facilities within and even outside the FCT,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    JEZ/KAE/ADA

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    Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Deji Abdulwahab

  • ECN, SON, others review MEPs for air conditioners in Nigeria

    Review

    By Jessica Dogo

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have reviewed Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners in Nigeria.

    The review, which has the support of Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC), was done at a technical committee meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inception of this review process was marked by a successful stakeholders’ workshop on May 15.

    The Director-General of ECN, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, said that the organisations had been working diligently and collectively with the aim of enhancing energy efficiency and promoting climate-friendly cooling solutions.

    Abdullahi said this would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s climate goals and sustainable energy access.

    According to him, a crucial component of the project is scaling up energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling in Nigeria’s nationally determined contribution revision.

    “These organisations have been diligently working on this project.

    “Our collective effort is aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and promoting climate-friendly cooling solutions, thereby contributing significantly to Nigeria’s climate goals and sustainable energy access.

    “A crucial component of the project is scaling up energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling in Nigeria’s nationally determined contribution revision,” he said.

    He urged the committee to approach its deliberations with utmost diligence, expertise, and collaborative spirit, adding that it will not only influence national standards but also contribute to Nigeria’s global commitment to combat climate change.

    Earlier, the Director-General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said that the review was not just about meeting today’s need but anticipating and preparing for the future to enable Nigeria participates in continental and global trade.

    Okeke, represented by Olalekan Omoniyi, Deputy Director, Standards Development, said that setting appropriate standards for energy would contribute to global effort in combating climate change.

    According to him, it will also enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a leader in sustainable energy solution potentially attracting more international investment and partnership.

    “By setting appropriate standard for energy efficiency, we are not only contributing to global effort to combat climate change.

    “It will also enhance Nigeria’s reputation as one of the leading countries in sustainable energy solution, potentially attracting more international investment and partnership,” he said.

    The Committee Chairman, Nelson Chukwu, said that one of the objectives of the meeting was to review and scrutinise drafts.

    Chukwu said that the committee must pay attention to details and ensure that the standard was robust, scientifically sound and tailored to the scientific needs and conditions of the environment.

    He added that the committee was to establish a benchmark to drive the industry to a higher efficiency, while maintaining the balance between performance and cost effectiveness.

    “As we deliberate, let us have it at the back of our minds that energy efficiency is not just a technical requirement,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    JEZ/KAE/ADA

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    Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Deji Abdulwahab

     

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  • 90% of tramadol seizures globally occur in Africa – UNODC

    Seizures

    By Jessica Dogo

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), says its 2024 drug report has revealed that 90 per cent of tramadol seized globally in the past five years occurred in Africa.

    The UNODC country representative, Oliver Stolpe, disclosed this on Wednesday at the commemoration of the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking in Abuja.

    The theme of the event, which titled “ The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention’’ was organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with the UNODC and the MTN Foundation.

    Stolpe said the African continent was a major transit point and urged Nigeria to invest more on prevention and access to healthcare.

    “More than 90 per cent of tramadol seizures over the past five years worldwide were seized in Africa, predominantly West Africa.

    “To reduce the evidences here; Nigeria needs to invest more in prevention with some concentration in youths and women.’’

    He advised the government to include all public and private secondary schools in its programme against drug abuse.

    “The programme should be for all government and private secondary schools and out of school children. We need to sensitise people on the ability to recognise drug use sufferers and help them.

    “And the health sector needs response require fundamental upgrade because access remains a major challenge.”

    He said UNODC 2024 drug report shows that 292 million or 5.6 per cent of the world population aged between 15 and 64 use drugs in the past year.

    “That’s 20 per cent increase over the past ten years, while cannabis remains the main drug used and trafficked in Africa, with West Africa as one of the major entry points in Africa.

    “The continent continues to be used as a transit area for drugs such as cocaine, heroin etc. Drugs trafficked to Africa continues to penetrate the local market.

    “It is adding to the health challenges already faced in nations where cannabis is used. Tramadol used medically is illicitly manufactured and it is being used illicitly more than the one medically manufactured.”

    In his remarks, Chairman of the NDLEA, Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, said the agency’s passion for prevention was due to evidence-based results.

    “The imperative to invest in prevention is dictated by evidence-based results that have shown prevention is far more cost effective than dealing with the consequences of drug use disorder.

    “At NDLEA, drug use prevention lies at the heart of our strategy in addressing the drug problem as it is far more effective and cost-efficient to prevent drug abuse than to deal with its consequences.

    “As part of the reforms being undertaken in the Agency in the last three years, with the support of the Federal Government and various stakeholders, we have invested in prevention programmes.

    “The magnitude of our effort is reflected in the statistics of our drug supply reduction activities. We have arrested 52, 901 drug traffickers, including 48 barons, in three and half years.”

    Marwa said over 9, 000 suspects have been convicted in court.

    “We have also seized over the same periods 7.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances,” he said.

    In his remarks, the Chairman MTN foundation, Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, said MTN saw the need to assist government in some areas and decided to collaborate.

    Adelusi-Adeluyi said that in the past 20 years, the foundation had expended N30 billion in different programmes and projects within the country.

    “Mtn foundation is 20 years this year and right from the start we made up our mind that Nigeria as a government cannot satisfy needs of all Nigerians and therefore, well meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies should get to see how they can assist.

    “In view of that the MTN has made tremendous impact in areas of education, health, economic empowerment, and some other special projects.

    “In fact, the MTN foundation has expended more than N30 billion in the process.

    “We at the board got together and said to ourselves; while these programmes are going on we must focus on the youths because they holds a very special demographic in the affairs of our nation.

    “We did our research and found out that as long as younger generation does not have something to do, something to love, and something to hope for; they will be subject to negative distraction.

    “And one of these distractions we identified as substance abuse that is why we started Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP).

    “In the area of advocacy, we have done  programmes for schools across the nation, 6,400 students and over 1,400 teachers with 140 public schools.

    “The programme was done in 12 states and part of awareness creation we organised a quiz competition,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    JEZ/EBI/ADA

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Deji Abdulwahab

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  • NIPC launches investment certification programme for economic growth   

    NIPC launches investment certification programme for economic growth

     

    Certification

     

    By Jessica Dogo

     

    Abuja, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) has launched its Investment Certification Programme for States (NICPS) in Enugu State to enhance the investment climate for economic growth in the country.

     

    The Executive-Secretary of NIPC, Aisha Rimi, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

     

    Rimi said NIPC was partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), under its Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) Phase II project.

     

    She said that the European Union (EU), would also support the implementation of the Nigerian Investment Certification Programme for States (NICPS), of which Enugu State is one of the beneficiaries.

     

    Rimi said Enugu State, with its rich natural resources and vibrant economic potential, stands to gain significantly from the initiative.

     

    She said that the launch would also follow similar visits and workshops in Ekiti and Gombe states, aimed at improving their investment climates.

     

    According to her, NICPS focuses on providing accurate investment information, facilitating necessary infrastructure, and professionally packaging this information to attract investors.

     

    She added, “The programme would also boost investment inflows, create jobs, and increase the state’s revenue.”

     

    Rimi thanked the state government for these strategic initiatives and their hospitality and looked forward to continued collaboration.

     

    Meanwhile,  Gov. Peter Mbah, emphasised the state’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, saying.

     

    Mba, represented by his Deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, said his administration has initiatives that align with the objectives of the program e, including rehabilitating industries and establishing industrial parks.

     

    “We aim to build a private sector-driven economy.”

     

    “The Enugu Geographic Information Service (ENGIS) was also highlighted for its role in streamlining land titling processes,” the governor said.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NIPC  is the apex agency of the Federal Government, established to encourage, promote, and coordinate all investments in Nigeria.

     

    It is designed to empower states to attract and manage investments efficiently,” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    JEZ/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani