Category: General News

Chief Arthur Mbanefo (middle) with other dignitaries at Fifth Arthur Mbanefo Lecture in Lagos on Tuesday

Lecture

Chinyere Nwachukwu

Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) A political economist, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu,  says Nigeria must re-align its education curriculum in line with the rapidly-evolving global landscape.

Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, also said that increasing importance of technology, science, entrepreneurship and teacher training in driving economic growth and innovation had also made the realignment compelling.

He spoke  at the Fifth Arthur Mbanefo Lecture in Lagos on Tuesday.

The lecture was organised by the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Centre (AMDRC),  University of Lagos.

It had the theme: “Education and National Development: Meeting Nigeria’s Challenge in the 21st Century”.

The lecture was part of activities to celebrate the 94th birthday anniversary of Chief Arthur Mbanefo, the donor of the centre.

According to Moghalu, Nigeria is urgently in need of educational policy that can enhance human capital development and bolster its standing within the global community.

Moghalu, also the President of the Institute for Governance and Economic Transformation, said the realignment must prioritise access and quality education by emphasising literacy, skills and national values.

According to Moghalu, the strength or failure of any nation  depends on the strength of its education system.

He added that education remained the only pathway to development.

“This is  the foundational truth. We must prioritise our education by allocating 70 per cent of the curriculum to technology, science, entrepreneurship and teacher training.

“Nigeria can better equip its youth with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in the 21st Century economy, foster entrepreneurship and improve the quality of education across board.

“I also recommend that ethics becomes a compulsory subject in the education curriculum in Nigeria at both primary (in a simplified and elementary form) and secondary schools in a more comprehensive form.

“This will help to achieve the educational objective of creating good and responsible citizens,” he said.

Moghalu also said that there was the need to shift the pedagogical practices of the Nigerian classroom from one that emphasised rote memorisation to a more intellectual engagement, creative thinking and experiential learning.

He said  that it was imperative to foster a connection between the academia and industry to improve the socio-economic impact of education.

According to him, tertiary students require exposure to real-world challenges which their education is designed to help them to address.

“A well-educated populace not only enhances personal fulfillment, but also addresses local challenges, elevates societal well-being and fosters social cohesion.

“However, the current Nigerian education landscape grapples with many challenges, undermining the nation’s human capital potential.

“As of 2020, Nigeria’s human capital index, as assessed by the World Bank, stood at 0.36, positioning it 168th out of 173 countries.

“This is a marginal improvement from 0.34 in 2018, where it ranked 152nd out of 157 nations surveyed,” he said.

The political economist said that the sluggish growth underscored  the persistent obstacles hindering  effective education of Nigeria’s populace.

“For Nigeria to play a significant role on the global stage in the years ahead, it must effectively develop and deploy its human capital to propel national advancement.

“Given its central role as the primary purveyor of human capital development, the education sector assumes heightened significance in Nigeria’s developmental agenda,” he said.

According to him, understanding the intricacies of Nigeria’s educational challenges is vital for devising effective solutions.

He listed the challenges to include hindrances to access to quality education, erosion of education quality and inadequate financing.

“Investing in education, training, research and development. and supportive policies can help develop a skilled workforce equipped to drive innovation and create value, while also providing adequate monitoring and evaluation.

“ The National Education Policy suffers from implementation challenges. Innovative policy reforms are sometimes crippled at the implementation stages due to factors such as lack of adequate human capacity, inadequate funding, and corruption,” he said.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Folasade Ogunshola, lauded Mbanefo, a former Pro-Chancellor of the university, for demonstrating love for  advancement of education through  support for the centre.

According to her,  AMDRC which began full operations in 2018, is a digital research hub where students and relevant stakeholders can have access to digital resource learning to advance research and post-graduate studies.

She said that the centre had brought to fruition, Mbanefo’s dream.

The vice-chancellor said that the annual lecture series had since become the flagship event of the centre.

“The university of Lagos has been in the forefront of Artificial Intelligence and digital learning.

“We have over 23 research centres and four innovation and technology hubs,” she said.

In his remarks,  Mbanefo, who turned 94 on Tuesday, expressed satisfaction at the operations of the centre.

He urged the Federal Government to seek appropriate ways to encourage members of the academia.

“There is the need to recognise the role that members of the academia play in nation building,” he said. (NAN)

CCN/IGO

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Shettima commends Zeberced Group’s alignment with Tinubu’s industrialisation drive 

Industrialisation

By Salif Atojoko

Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended Zeberced Group Ltd for its plan to create 40,000 jobs and develop the Abuja Industrial Park, among other projects in the FCT.

The Vice President gave the commendation on Tuesday while undertaking a tour of the company’s site at Idu, Abuja.

He said the company’s projects aligned with President Tinubu’s industrialisation drive.

Shettima, who also inspected the production line at the company’s Plastic Pipe Factory, applauded its vision for creating 40,000 jobs in about 200 factories to be established in the area.

“I must confess that I am overwhelmed by what I have seen. This project is in full alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s industrialisation drive.

“The trajectory of global growth is facing Africa and Nigeria will make or mar that transition.

“They have created a perfect ecosystem with infrastructure, the roads, and the railway line that will pass through this industrial zone,” the VP said.

He assured that the Tinubu administration remained determined to encourage investors doing business in Nigeria.

Shettima stated that the development of the park “is a harbinger of greater things to come for the Nigerian nation.”

“This company needs to be celebrated and encouraged. Be rest assured that we are going to secure for them every government support needed to catapult them to a higher pedestal.

“It is a commendable effort that they believe in Nigeria,” he emphasised.

Earlier, the Managing Director/CEO of the company, Mr Adil Ayoin Kurt, recalled that when he came to Nigeria 17 years ago, he started with a small quarry that rose to become one of the biggest among operators in Africa.

He told the Vice President that he was ready to develop the land acquired by his company, by establishing 250 factories that would create 40,000 direct jobs.

“We have already finished the infrastructure. There would be 200 factories and 40,000 direct employees. 

“This is a big opportunity for us.  We want to do similar industrial parks in different states in the country,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SA/SOA

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Nigeria’s advertising industry valued at  N605.2bn – PwC Report

ARCON
By Fabian Ekeruche
Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) A new report by the  PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has estimated Nigeria’s advertising industry contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at N605.2 billion.
The report commissioned by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) was funded by various industry associations to shed light on the advertising sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP,  its value and multiplier effect.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new report carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) was presented to stakeholders on Tuesday at a news conference in Lagos.
Speaking at the unveiling, ARCON Director- General, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, expressed optimism about the industry’s recent strides, including the launch of an Audience Measurement initiative last week.
Fadolapo expressed gratitude to the various  sectoral groups that funded the study.
He listed the sectoral groups as the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria, the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, the Outdoor Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria and the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria.
He also underscored the need to quantify the industry’s size and impact as an economic enabler.
“We cannot continue to guess and estimate the size of the industry. This report lays the foundation for us to assess the advertising space and its multiplier effect on the economy every year going forward,” Fadolapio said.
He added that findings of the report underscored the industry’s paramount role as a catalyst for consumer demand, business expansion, employment and innovation across sectors.
Fadolapo added that ARCON would hold an event on the audacious rebrand Nigeria project  that it had undertaken along side other projects as part of resolutions from the communique of the National Advertising Conference.
Also speaking, Mr Tunji Adeyinka, the Chairman of the National Advertising Conference, provided context on the study’s genesis.
Adeyinka explained that the 2022 conference highlighted a gap in understanding the industry’s GDP contribution, prompting the decision to engage PwC for a credible assessment.
He added that the report examined two key aspects: the advertising industry’s direct monetary contribution to the GDP and its multiplier effect – the amplified impact of advertising investment on overall economic output.
In his presentation, Dr Femi Adelusi, Chairman of the Multiplier Study Committee, revealed the profound impact of Nigeria’s marketing communications industry in driving the nation’s economic growth.
“The marketing communications sector has emerged as a formidable economic powerhouse. “The study estimates that for every N1 spent on marketing communications in Nigeria, the nation’s GDP increases by a staggering N16.5 – a multiplier effect that highlights the industry’s substantial value contribution.”
Referencing the report, the total expenditure on marketing communications reached an impressive N605.2 billion in 2023, having grown at a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.7 per cent over the past six years, from N216 billion in 2018.
He said the  trajectory was projected to continue, with spending expected to reach N893 billion by 2028, contributing a significant 1.08 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP, up from 0.7 per cent in 2023.
Dissecting the industry’s segments, he said the top three contributors to marketing communication spent between 2018 and 2023 were cable TV (25.5 per cent), digital media (18.5 per cent), and creative & content production (13.4 per cent).
“The proliferation of cable TV, driven by its diverse content offerings and affordable package options, has captivated a wide consumer base.
“Additionally, the surge in digital media spend, fueled by increased internet and mobile penetration, as well as the rise of social media and video-on-demand platforms, has reshaped the marketing landscape,” Adelusi said
He said the study also highlighted the growing influence of creative and content production, which recorded a CAGR of 15.8 per cent between 2018 and 2023, driven by the popularity of smartphones, social media engagement, and the appeal of real-time online content.
“The investment by video-on-demand platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime in Nigerian productions, particularly in the thriving Nollywood industry, has further bolstered this segment,” he added.
He said the study also stressed the ability to leverage technological innovations like AI and big data analytics, Nigeria’s large and culturally diverse market, and the potential for innovative, locally-tailored marketing approaches.
He said that in accelerating the industry’s growth and development, the study outlined the following key recommendations.
“Creating specific, measurable goals for the sector’s GDP contribution, establishing a Joint Industry Body for operational coordination among broadcasters, agencies, and advertisers.
“Encouraging strategic alliances among industry players, embracing a “global” approach that combines international best practices with local initiatives, and utilising analytics tools to track spending patterns and consumer behaviour meticulously.
“The marketing communications industry is an economic force that deserves recognition and support.
“By implementing these recommendations, we can unlock the industry’s full potential, drive sustainable growth, foster job creation, and cement Nigeria’s position as a leading marketing communications hub in Africa and beyond,” Adelusi said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FBO/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

June 12

By Abiodun Lawal

Abeokuta, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Abeokuta home of Chief Moshood Abiola, (MKO), has been given a facelift by the Ogun government, ahead of the June 12 Democracy Day anniversary.

Chief Press Secretary to the Ogun governor, Lekan Adeniran, explained that the renovation was carried out to make the house more presentable for the anniversary.

The renovation included repair works on fallen ceilings, damaged windows, and collapsed external drainage system.

Alhaji Tajudeen Abiola, Deputy Head of the Abiola family, expressed gratitude to the state government for the kind gesture.

He noted that the facelift would benefit the Abiola family and the community, at large.

“We are grateful to the state governor for this kind gesture.

“The fallen ceilings were replaced, the windows were touched and the old buildings are wearing new look,” he said.

On his part, Ameen Abiola, one of the sons of MKO Abiola, also appreciated the government’s efforts in preserving his father’s legacy and ideals.

According to him, the family will always be grateful for the various efforts aimed at bringing alive the memory of their father.

Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential elections, annulled by the military government.

The renowned businessman, philanthropist, and politician died in prison on July 7, 1998.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LKA/AWA

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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

FG committed to provision of water

Water
By Muhammad Nur Tijani
Kano, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to the provision of adequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in the country.

Mrs Elizabeth Ugo, the Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, said this during a one-day state-inception event on WASH Systems on Tuesday in Kano.

According to her, investment in water and sanitation yields enormous benefits to individuals and the nation at large.

She said that access to clean water, adequate sanitation and proper hygiene practices were fundamental to human health and dignity.

Represented by Chief Scientific Officer of the ministry, Hajiya Amina Musa, Ugo said that many communities continued to face challenges in these areas, impacting their health, economic stability and overall quality of life.

“Our aim is to address these challenges by working together with local communities, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and international partners.

“We aim to build resilient WASH systems that are sustainable, inclusive and capable of meeting the needs of all individuals, particularly the vulnerables,” she said.

Ugoh further said that water quality was fundamental to human health, environmental sustainability and economic development.

She said that the Federal Government had a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory in Kano.

She described the facility as a milestone in their effort to ensure safe and clean water for all.

“Carrying out regular water quality testing helps to identify contaminants, ensure compliance, monitor systems and protect public health, among others.

“Our laboratory is equipped with advanced technology and staffed with skilled professionals dedicated to providing accurate and reliable water quality assessments.

“We encourage stakeholders to utilise this facility to help maintain the highest standards of water safety,” Ugo further said.

She commended the efforts of development partners and stakeholders, whose support and collaboration, she said, were instrumental to the success of the programme.

Earlier, the Programme Manager, WASH Systems Strengthening, Mr John Wali, said that the programme aimed to significantly enhance access to and utilisation of inclusive, reliable and resilient WASH services in Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

He said that WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) was funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to the tune of 5 million pounds and the programme duration was four years (2024-2028).

He said that WS4H focuses particularly on empowering women and girls.

Wali further said that the programme geared towards fortifying the foundational pillars, such as institutions, policies and regulations.

He also said that Self Help Africa (SHA), an international development organisation headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, was committed to the vision of “sustainable livelihoods and healthy lives for all in a changing climate.

“With nearly 50 years of experience working across 17 countries, including Nigeria since 1999, our organisation has achieved significant milestone, such as facilitating Nigeria’s first open defecation free LGA in 2016.

“In Nigeria, as implementing partners, SHA will forge strategic alliances with the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, alongside State Government and relavant institutions, in conjunction with a consortium of partners,” Wali said.(NAN)(www. nannews.ng)

MNT/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah

Buni approves N695.9m as Sallah bonus for workers, pensioners

Bonus
By Nabilu Balarabe
Damaturu, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Gov Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has approved the payment of N695.9 million as Eid-el-kabir bonus to civil servants and pensioners in the state.

Alhaji Bukar Kilo, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service of the state, disclosed this to journalists in Damaturu on Tuesday.

He said that N375.9 million of the amount would be paid to local government staff and pensioners, while N320 million was for state government staff and pensioners.

According to him, each staff member and pensioner will receive N10,000 and N5,000 respectively.

Kilo said the gesture was intended to cushion hardship suffered by people in the state.

The permanent secretary charged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by being dedicated to duty and pray for the success of the Buni-led administration in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

NB/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Confidence
By Salif Atojoko
Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has commended the Indonesian business conglomerate, the Tolaram Group, for believing in Nigeria and having absolute faith in its economy.
Tolaram, which partnered Nigeria to build the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the country’s first deep sea port, has acquired Diageo’s 58.02 per cent shareholding in Guinness Nigeria Plc.
According to an announcement at the Nigerian Exchange on Tuesday, Tolaram will also enter into long-term license and royalty agreements for the continued production of the Guinness products and its locally manufactured Diageo ready-to-drink and mainstream brands.
Tinubu said Tolaram, by acquiring Diageo’s shares in Guinness, had shown that it has a long-term view of doing business in Nigeria.
Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tolaram has been doing business in Nigeria in the last 50 years.
“In choosing to expand its investment footprints in Nigeria, Tolaram has demonstrated strong faith and confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
“President Tinubu welcomes Tolaram to the beverage sector of Nigeria’s business landscape and hopes the group’s business will continue to flourish.
“President Tinubu gives assurances to investors and Nigeria’s businesses, promising that his government will continue to make the operating environment more conducive and transparent,” said the statement.
Tinubu said the multi-pronged reforms and interventions being  implemented on the economic and financial fronts would deliver sustained growth and enduring profitability for investors. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SA/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Inauguration

By Abiodun Lawal

Abeokuta, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has inaugurated the Olu of Ilaro/head of traditional rulers in Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, as Chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers in the state.

Speaking during the ceremony on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Abiodun charged the traditional rulers to continue using their revered stools in promoting peace and unity in their various domains.

He described the traditional institution as an important arm of government in the enthronement of good governance in the state.

“I promise that my government will support and empower traditional rulers through the provision of needed resources, infrastructure and platforms for effective delivery of their duties,” the governor said.

He urged the State Traditional Rulers Council to advise their members to desist from acts of indiscipline, such as allocating land for illegal mining and unauthorised selling of government land.

The governor laid emphasis on the land in the plantations, warning the traditional rulers against selling such land.

Abiodun who expressed disappointment with the activities of some of traditional rulers and local royal leaders noted that illegal mining has had serious negative environmental impact in some communities.

He disclosed that an Executive Order would soon be issued from his office to deal with any one of them found wanting.

The governor also warned the traditional rulers not to involve themselves in partisan politics.

“Traditional rulers’ role is to support government in its developmental stride across the state.

“However, we are blessed with highly resourceful traditional rulers who have been providing purposeful leadership at the grassroots and who are passionate about the general well-being of our people in our communities,” he pointed out.

Abiodun lauded the immediate-past Chairman of the council, the Akarigbo and head of traditional rulers in Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, for his sterling leadership qualities in the last two years.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Olugbenle, lauded Abiodun for his commitment to the development of the traditional institution, as well as the all-round growth and development of the state.

“Theentire members of the Council of Traditional Rulers will continue to cooperate, collaborate, and provide the required support for the present administration in achieving more positive results in the state,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LKA/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Court dismisses alleged trespass case filed by 2 businessmen

Judgment
By Veronica Dariya
Bwari (Abuja), June 11, 2024 (NAN) Justice Mohammed Madugu of the FCT High Court  in Bwari, on Tuesday, dismissed a suit of trespass filed by two businessmen.

The judge, in his ruling, maintained an earlier judgement by the Court of Appeal, on the same matter.

Madugu, gave the ruling following an application, filed Mr Adeyinka Badewa and Mr Innocent Ike,  two  business men.

The claimants’ counsel, Mr Christian Oti is  seeking an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the defendant, Ms Asabe Waziri’s  claim to a two-bedroom property in Abuja which she purchased from Abeh Signature Ltd promoted by property developer.

The judge held that suit :  no: FCT/CU/3261/2022 was dismissed for abuse of court process and that the court could not struggle for jurisdiction with the appellate court.

He held that the claimants, in their application, failed to provide the court with evidence in the affidavit of the motion and failed to show source of information they provided before the court.

The judge also noted that the court, having examined  the certified copy of an earlier judgement on the matter by the Court of Appeal, would lead to futility and a mere legal exercise that may jeopardise the reputation of the court.

He said: ” That Justice O.A.Othman of a FCT High Court, Apo, in a suit no: FCT/ CV/2435/ 2021 between Abeh Signature and Asabe Waziri declared the defendant an illegal owner of the said property.

” However, having examined the certified true copy of the judgment by the Court of Appeal no: CA/ABJ/CV/ 246/2022, as tendered by the 1st defendant’s counsel on May 27, 2022, It is evident that the defendant in this suit is the bonafide owner of the apartments.

” These are flats 3B and 3C, both being a two-bedroom flats with boysquarters, situated at Abeh Signature Apartments in Maitama.

” The Court of Appeal pronounced the 1st defendant as the legal owner of the apartments and overturned the first order by O.A. Othman.

” Any further hearing on this suit would be futile and a mere legal exercise, therefore, this court should refrain from wasting its time on this matter,” the judge held.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

DVK/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza