Category: General News

Geography

By Thompson Yamput

Lokoja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Salihu Musa, a Lecturer at the Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), has called for the reintroduction of Geography in schools to improve the nation’s educational standard.

The don made the call on Thursday during FUL’s 19th Inaugural Lecture.

The lecture, held at the Andankola campus in Lokoja, had the theme: “Geography and Sustainability: Unraveling the Myths, Reality, and Practicability”.

Musa, a professor of Geography and Environmental Studies, blamed policy makers for the removal of Geography as a subject for both the Sciences and Humanities in the nation’s Primary and Secondary Schools.

He said the benefits of Geography for Nigeria were overwhelming.

“Geography plays a pivotal role in building resilience and fostering adaptation towards sustainability by providing essential insights into the spatial dimensions of environmental change, socio-economic vulnerabilities and complex interactions between human societies and natural systems.

“It helps in comprehending the diverse environmental processes and hazards such as climate change, natural disasters and ecosystem degradation, that pose risks to human communities.

“Geography also plays a crucial role at ensuring sustainability through equity and justice by providing insights into the distribution of resources, environmental vulnerabilities and socio-economic disparities across different regions,” he said.

He regretted that in spite of its benefits, Geography has been removed completely from the Primary school curriculum.

“It has become an optional subject for only a section of our students in Secondary Schools.

“We are now raising geographically ignorant children; citizens lack the basic knowledge of our culture and environment and cannot, therefore, interact sustainably with the environment,” he said.

The don lamented that Civil Engineers lack basic knowledge about topography.

“Town planners cannot read and produce simple maps; politicians won’t have the basic spatial knowledge of their constituencies.

“Geographic considerations contribute to social equity and environmental justice,” he explained.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, had expressed satisfaction with the series of inaugural lectures in the institution.

Akinwumi said that the inaugural lectures serve as platforms for professors to share their research, insights and contributions with the wider academic community and the public.

He said that the theme of the lecture was timely and vital, especially now that the nation navigates  the complexities of the modern world, the concepts of sustainability and geography, which are increasingly interwoven.

He described Prof. Musa as a scholar whose dedication to the field of geography and environmental studies was exemplary. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

TYC/MAM/ETS

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Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Ephraims Sheyin

Honour

By Stanley Nwanosike

Enugu, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Nzuko Umunna, a global pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, has called for the memorialisation of the 30-month civil war to honour victims and veterans through erection of monuments in key locations in the country.

This is contained in a communiqué of the second edition of Nzuko Umunna monthly dialogue issued in Enugu on the topic: “Memorializing the Nigerian–Biafran War – A Catalyst to Better Civic Engagement and Sustainable Development in South-East Nigeria.”

The communiqué was signed by President of Nzuko Umunna, Prof. Chinedu Nebo and its Executive Secretary, Dr Uju Agomoh, and after a monthly dialogue held worldwide via Webinar meeting on May 30, 2024.

The stakeholders of the meeting were drawn from academics, traditional, civil society organizations, community leaders and policymakers.

They reflected on memorialising the civil war and its implications for civic engagement and sustainable development.

The participants deliberated and reminiscence extensively on the devastating effects of the war on Igbo land.

They extolled the resilience and determination of the Igbo people in the face of adversity which brought about the significant progress made in rebuilding and reconstructing Igbo land in spite of all socio-economic and political challenges that tried frustrating sustainable development.

The session called on the government and stakeholders to establish memorial museums, digital archives and online platforms dedicated wholly to the history of the civil war.

According to the statement, this is to showcase personal stories, artifacts, photographs and historical documents with interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations to engage visitors and educate them on the impacts of war.

Other recommendations by the session were to “develop school curriculum that includes comprehensive lessons on the civil war with emphasis on the importance of peace and reconciliation.

“There is a need to organize workshops and seminars with historians, survivors and scholars to facilitate deeper understanding and dialogue.

“An annual commemorative events in forms of memorial services, peace walks and cultural festivals on significant dates related to the war.

“Implement policies and programmes that address the lingering effects of the war. Support initiatives that promote civic engagement and sustainable development in the region.

“Encourage community participation in these events to foster a sense of collective memory and solidarity,” it said.

The statement called on governments at all levels to collaborate with non-governmental organizations like Nzuko Umunna, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and international bodies to fund and implement memorialisation projects.

It said: “This will ensure that initiatives reflect the experiences and perspectives of all affected groups to foster inclusivity and ownership.

“Government should identify and preserve significant sites related to the war, such as battlefields, refugee camps and historical buildings; to support initiatives that will bring solutions to the root causes of conflict and encourage sustainable and remarkable development in Alaigbo.

“The communique, when implemented, will not only help in memorializing the dead war veterans but also help to promote healing and educate the future generations and bring about sustainable development and peace in the South-East and Nigeria.”

Continuing, the communique noted the resolve of participants to nurture a culture that enhanced peace, tolerance, and understanding in the midst of the diverse communities in Alaigbo and Nigeria in general.

Other resolutions taken were to sponsor and encourage a participatory and inclusive governance to ensure that all citizens had a voice.

“To encourage massive investment in vital areas of the economy like health, infrastructure and education which will lead to massive human capital and economic growth.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

KSN/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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Investment

By Alex Enebeli

Enugu, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Tanzanian Government has urged Nigerians with attractive business opportunities to tap abundant economic resources in her country.

Dr Binilith Mahenge, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Tanzania Investment Centre, said the visit to Enugu was to present business opportunities to Nigerian investors that would be mutually beneficial to both Nigeria and Tanzania.

He spoke at an event on Thursday in Enugu, tagged  “Tanzania Investment Forum” with members of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), in attendance.

The theme of the event was : “Strategic Investment Form For Prospective Investors in Enugu, Nigeria”.

Although Mahenge  acknowledged that there were Nigerian investors in Tanzania, but noted that the number was infinitesimal compared with the avalanche of business opportunities yet to be harnessed in the East African nation.

He said: “We are encouraging and advocating for more investments as there are many entrepreneurs in Nigeria whom we want to capture more of the available business opportunities.

“Presently, investment is being done by every country of the world including developing countries because through investment, jobs can be created, currencies of other countries can be attracted and influx of new technologies.

“So, everyone wants investment in his country.

“Tanzania is a peaceful country and from 1961 when we got independence with six successive governments, the country has always been in peace.

“We have abundant natural resources which Nigerians can invest in and our economic growth will make their investment very comfortable,” he assured.

He, however, urged Nigerians to invest in agriculture, tourism and other areas, adding with that Africans could invest, exchange their technologies and businesses.”

Mahenge extolled the inquisitiveness and willingness of the investors in Enugu on the procedures on how to invest in Tanzania noting that they demonstrated willingness especially with the questions they asked.

He, nonetheless, expressed displeasure by the way Africans were doing  in business, stressing that more needed to be done given the continent’s rich natural resources.

“Each country has what they produce. It is better for us to exchange our products within the African continent as we have the capabilities,” he said.

Earlier, the Acting Tanzania High Commission in Nigeria, Mrs Judica Nagunwa, explained that the country’s main goal was to inform Nigerians especially, investors in Enugu to bring their businesses, explore the potential opportunities in Tanzania and invest in them .

Nagunwa represented by Mr Philbert Peter, the First Secretary-Economic Affairs, Tanzania High Commission, Abuja, said the Commission covered 15 West Africa countries with Nigeria inclusive and was responsible for the country’s economic diplomats to promote investment and ease of trade.

“I came here in April to explore the possibility of the embassy’s participation in 2024 Enugu Trade Fair.

“When we visited Enugu, we presented the potential we had in Tanzania to ECCIMA President, Odeiga Jideonwo.

“But he said that he wanted members of ECCIMA to be informed about these opportunities and we spoke to Tanzania Government who sent Mahenge to come and speak to investors in Enugu,” he said.

Presenting the opportunities, the Senior Investment Officer, Tanzania, Gaudence Mmassy, said Nigerians could invest in Tanzania given its economic stability, labour force, rich natural resources, peace and political stability as well as access to market.

He explained that the investors could invest in Agriculture and agro processing, pharmaceutical, tourism, real estate, clean energy, mining and metals and oil and gas sectors.

“There are $800 million to $1 billion value opportunities in medicine and medical devices with government’s goal of reducing import bills.

“Nigeria with less than 28 companies in Tanzania created 1,990 jobs with $1,358.42 investment value,” he said.

In a welcome address, ECCIMA’s President, Jideonwo, said the meeting would lead the people expanding their business empires to Tanzania while Tanzania people would also find Enugu as the most suitable for investment destination inNigeria.

Jideonwo noted that the programme was one of their efforts towards building a lasting and profitable bilateral trade and business relation starting with the African countries.

“It is our hope that those of us in Agriculture, ICT, Health, Construction, Manufacturing of consumer goods, financial services, environmentand energy, real estate, will after this programme further plan a trip to Tanzania to sign MOU for bilateral investment,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AAE/KOO/MNA

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Maureen Atuonwu

FG urges investment in gas sector to create jobs, boost energy supply

Visit

Idowu Ariwodola/Bolanle Lawal

Ado-Ekiti, June 6, 2024(NAN) Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Thursday said the Federal Government is committed to partnering and assisting Ekiti and other states, in their agenda for development and growth.

Shettima stated this in Ado-Ekiti, when he declared open, the 3rd Expanded National MSME Clinic, Ekiti 2024.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  the vice president also inaugurated projects in the state, including, the 9.2 km Omisanjana/ Deeper Life/ Ajebamidele road, the Adire Hub, at Ado-Iworoko.

The Vice President called on people of the state to align themselves with Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, in working for the greater good of Ekiti.

He described President Bola Tinubu, as “a man who has shown zeal, commitment, knowledge and passion, towards improving the quality of governance in all tates of Nigeria and making life more meaningful for the entire citizenry.”

Shettima said the MSME clinic brought together, the regulators in the sector, alongside business owners and investors from various business classes across the length and breath of the nation.

“We are honoured to be joined by government partners and agencies such as SMEDAN, NEXIM,ITF, NAFDAC and others.

“They are here to offer guidance and provide the necessary services for the smooth operation of businesses.

“Our private sector partners, including, MAN, NACCIMA, and many others, are equally mobilised to collaborate with you in transforming your entrepreneurial dreams to reality.

” Our other MSME clinic is a fully equipped ICT hub in Eriinmope. Ekiti, which the President has granted the governor to commission, at a later date”, he said.

Shettima recalled that the governor, during his visit to presidential villa in Abuja, on the MSME clinics, demanded for the establishment of another modern ICT facility in the state capital.

“I have already conveyed his request to President Tinubu , who has consequently approved the creation of an additional ICT Hub, in Ado Ekiti. This project will be completed within 90 days”

“Mr president has also directed that all at the MSMSE clinic today receive a N150,000 grant each”.

” This is an outright grant, and the beneficiaries will not need to repay it . We thank our partners for this,” he said

In his address, Gov. Oyebanji, commended the President for the continued support to his administration.

He urged Ekiti citizens to put politics aside, as election was over, saying it was time for governance to take its full effect.

” Development can only take place in a peaceful society”, he said

Oyebanji, noted that the increase in revenue allocation to states, had allowed government to do so many things in the state.

Also speaking, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said the Federal Government under President Tinubu, had Ekiti, ‘right inside its heart’.

” Today, we are lucky to have a level headed governor, who is cool and has forged convergent of interests in the state”.

He called on Nigerians not to be disillusioned by the current trends, saying the country was going through economic re-structuring, for the good of the nation.

The Senate Leader, Sen. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, who is also from the state, described the governor as a bridge builder.

Bamidele commended the governor for providing a home for everyone adding that his partnership with the federal government was yielding results.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

ARIS/FFB/ROT
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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Soyinka
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation, Afenifere has commended President Bola Tinubu for naming the Arterial Road N20 in the Federal Capital Territory after Prof. Wole Soyinka.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Soyinka, a renowned Playwright and Political Activist, is the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Afenifere commended the President for the gesture in a statement on Thursday in Lagos signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Jare Ajayi.

The group urged Tinubu to inject Soyinka’s humanism philosophy into his governance.

Describing the honour bestowed on Soyinka as well-deserved, Ajayi said that Afenifere concurred with the President that the literary icon had brought Nigeria fame, pride, and international acclaim.

“The honour bestowed on the Nobel Laureate is timely, coming as we prepare to celebrate the 31st anniversary of June 12 struggle in which Professor Soyinka played very active roles.

“Not only that, the recognition is also a befitting prelude to the celebration of the Professor’s 90th birthday which is coming up next week,” he said.

Ajayi also applauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for recommending the naming of the said road after Soyinka to President Tinubu.

He added that the actions of the minister and his lieutenants were enhancing the aesthetics and infrastructure of Abuja.

Afenifere spokesman said that the playwright was globally acknowledged for creatively and humanistically fashioning the drama of existence through poetic, theatric and prosaic presentations.

According to him, these qualities are underscored by the ceremony in which Soyinka was given the prestigious Nobel award in Stockholm, Sweden in 1986.

Ajayi said that national honours for a man who had long become a global citizen were long overdue.

“It is better late than never, though,” Ajayi added.

He also submitted that it was better that the man was recognised nationally and internationally while still alive “given the immense contributions he has made locally, nationally and internationally to the efforts at ennobling humanity.”

“Professor Soyinka is one of those who made the world to acknowledge that Africans too are not only endowed but also have a lot to contribute to the ennoblement of humanity.”

Praising Soyinka for never despising his culture, Ajayi recalled him saying that “One’s own self-worth is tied to the community to which one belongs, which is intimately connected to humanity in general.”

The Afenifere spokesman called Nigerian leaders to emulate Soyinka and ensure that they act in a manner that relieved the pains of the people and enhanced their self-worth.

“Soyinka is always challenging those in authority to use their positions to better the lot of the people and to allow free exchanges of ideas.

“But he is also always quick to challenge individual citizens to always live and act responsibly,” he said.

Ajayi urged those in and out of public offices to be more responsible and humane in their conducts.

He said that Afenifere was congratulating the literary and academic icon in advance on his 90th birthday coming up on July 13.

“We also pray that the Almighty God will bless him with many more decades of good living in robust health and all that would be gladdening to one’s heart, especially at such an advanced age that the intellectual giant has attained,” he said.

NAN reports that Tinubu, on Tuesday while commissioning the said road which runs from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) in Abuja, announced that the 5.4 kilometers road would now be called ‘Wole Soyinka Way’.

This is in honour of Soyinka, who was also the pioneering Chairman of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

Tinubu, in naming the road after Soyinka, highlighted his contributions to literature and his role in elevating Nigeria’s global cultural standing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/COF

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Edited by Christiana Fadare

Footwear company to build 15,000 daily capacity factory in Abia

Footwear
By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Nvosi (Abia) June 6,2024 (NAN) A footwear manufacturing outfit, the Comfort Stevens Industries, says it is ready to establish a 15,000 per day capacity footwear company in Abia.

The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr John Nwankwo, said this on Wednesday in a meeting with Gov. Alex Otti of Abia in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

He said that the factory had the potentials to boost local footwear production, tackle unemployment and eradicate poverty.

According to him, the factory, situated in Owerrinta area of the state, would be executed in collaboration with partners from the U.S., Brazil and China to enhance the Made-In-Aba brand.

He  said that his company’s objective focused on producing footwear and footwear components that Nigerians import from overseas’ market every year.

“Our vision is to own and run the best indigenous footwear company in Africa.

“We want to manufacture high quality, durable and affordable footwear through automation to meet the needs of our valuable customers.

“We will strengthen the naira as we produce locally and bring in foreign exchange through export.

“We are here to discourage the xenocentric behaviour of Africans through the production of high quality footwears and footwear components,” Nwankwo said.

He commended the governor for his visionary and impactful leadership style which, he said, had produced remarkable progress in the socioeconomic growth of the state.

He further expressed the willingness of his company to work in alignment with the industrialisation agenda of the State Government to strengthen the footwear manufacturing industry in the state.

He also said that the outfit had interest in partnering with the Federal Government to become its supplier of boots for military and paramilitary agencies in the country.

Nwankwo said that serious plans were underway to ensure that the factory would be completely set up by the end of the year.

In a speech, one of the foreign partners on the project, Mr Levi Sotomaior, said that a partnership between the government and the company was essential for the execution of the project and establishment of an academy for artisans.

Sotomaior further said that it would facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, support local manufacturing and production of goods and boost large scale export of finished leather products.

Another foreign partner on the project, Mr Hon Chik, opined that the project would open up the state to the global footwear industry, which holds a lot of promise for Abia.

Chik expressed the confidence that the project would be a huge success.

Responding, Otti gave assurance that the government would partner with the company to establish an academy for artisans and boost footwear production in the state.

“We are also very encouraged to learn that part of your plans is to also train and upscale our several shoemakers.

“The major problem a lot of them have is finishing, alot of them are impatient and don’t have the right tools and skills.

“So, it would be interesting you hang Comfort Steve double as not just products but also training school for our young ones because there are a lot of them.

“Go to shoe plaza and see what the young men and women are doing there with bare hands you’ll understand that if you introduce them to technology, they will give much more,” he said.

The governor also said that the government had remained committed to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and boost job creation.

He said that the government would ensure that the shoe factory would have access to steady power supply.

He said: “Interestingly, we have awarded the contract to reconstruct the road from Imo River to Umuikaa Junction and then going beyond Umuikaa to Umuene Junction to a dual carriageway to the same contractor for seamless transportation.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

INA/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah