Category: Metro

Reforms

By Joan Nwagwu

Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has sought to collaborate with the Federal Government on reforms that would drive economic growth in the country.

Mr Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA, said this at third edition of the Nigeria Employers Summit on Wednesday in Abuja.

The theme of the summit was “Economic Renaissance Harnessing Government Reforms and Private Sector Agility.”

Oyerinde said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration within one year had introduced different fundamental reforms that would shape the growth trajectory of the country.

According to him, these reforms, one way or the other has affect every body differently. It has affected the private sector and it is already affecting Nigerians and households.

“One of the aims of the summit is not just to interrogate the reforms but to find a way where we can create a deeper nexus between those reforms.

“It is also to create an environment where the private sector can play a major role in facilitating the achievement of the objectives of those reforms, as all reforms have their own objectives,”he said.

He said that the federal government needed credible organisations such as NECA to help drive the reforms to a logical conclusion.

He, therefore, said that the summit aimed basically to discuss the reforms of government and also to seek the private sector collaboration with government to achieve the objectives of the reforms.

“It also to let government know that much can be achieved when we deepen the collaboration between the private sector and government towards the fulfilment of the 8 point Agenda of this administration.

“This is because without the private sector involvement in those reforms, much cannot be achieved.

“Also, because new reforms or policies need new adjustment modalities and there should be gestation periods to adjust to the new reforms in the country,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
JAN/IU

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Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

L-L-R: Commander 9 Bridge of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adegoke Moses Adetuyi presenting an award to the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat today during the Deputy Governor’s Visits to the Candidates at the Military Cantonment, Ikeja.

Recruits
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has urged the state candidates for the 87th Regular Recruits Intake of the Nigerian Army to be good representatives of the state.

The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, gave the charge on Wednesday, during his visitation to the candidates, at the Military Cantonment Ikeja.

Hamzat urged them to always remember the sons of whom they are, to remember their homes and upbringing; never to lose their heads; and be rest assured that the state would be behind them.

”Never forget your roots and the values that will shape your character, remember the ‘Omo Luabi’ ethos in us as Yoruba, which should be taken to the military.

”Show that you can build a country that is better than the ones our fathers have built and that is capable of making you a better soldier,” he said.

He urged them to be more determined, as everything in life required determination, stressing that it was important they represented the state and country well.

”Nigeria is the only country we have and it must be sustained, and anyone who helps to sustain one’s country is always rewarded, even with the creator,” he said.

Hamzat also assured them that they were in good hands, and that the Nigerian Army is a professional institution.

According to him, the Nigerian Army is an evolving system, which is getting better; more advanced than before; and more technologically grown.

”I assure you that the experience you will have will be better than the one the officials that precede you had,” he said.

Earlier In her remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, reiterated the commitment of the state government to prioritising the welfare of the Lagos State candidates.

Salu-Hundeyin said that this was the first time the Lagos State candidates have had it so good.

She said that the government deliberately provided conducive accommodation, feeding, and other welfare packages to ensure that the candidates experienced unusual welfare.

In his remarks, the Commander 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Adegoke Adetuyi, said that the recruitment commenced with a sensitisation programme.

Adetuyi said that different able-bodied men and women in the different states were called to show interest in the Nigerian Army and defend their nation.

He said that the sensitisation programme was to emphasise that the Nigerian Army does not belong to a particular section of the country.

According to him, there is a career path the candidate can choose to follow by joining the Army.

While commending the state government, the Army Commander appreciated the presence of the deputy governor for identifying with the indigenes of Lagos State, who had chosen to pursue their careers in the Nigerian Army.

He said that the deputy governor’s presence would further encourage the young men and women and, would assure them that they were not alone, as the state was right behind them to boost their morale.

In his address, the State temporary Recruitment Officer, Maj. Olufemi Okuneye, noted that a total of 409 candidates were initially shortlisted for the exercise; 280 of them were documented; and eventually; 191 candidates succeeded to the medical screening point.

While highlighting the recruitment exercise, Okuneye said that the 87th recruitment team commenced training on June 20 across the different states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

He said that the training would run till July 4, when the candidates would be conveyed to Depot of Nigerian Army, Zaria.

Earlier in his remarks, one of the royal fathers, Oba Of Ibgobi Sabe, HRM Oba Owolabi Adewunmi, said that the present administration had shown its unflagging support for the candidates’ recruitment into the Military.

He said that the presence of the traditional rulers at the event signified that the royal fathers were in support of the candidates. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LAW/FON/JNC
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Edited by Florence OnuegbuChinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Press

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Justina Auta

Abuja, June 26. 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has restated its commitment to creating a conducive environment for journalists and the media profession in the country.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja  at a book presentation titled “Writing for Media and Monetising it” by Azu Ishiekwene.

“As we celebrate this milestone, it is also important to reaffirm the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to a free and responsible journalism.

“We understand that a society can only flourish when its media organs are free to report the truth without fear of retribution and to equally hold those in authority accountable.

“The Tinubu’s administration is therefore, dedicated to creating an environment where journalists can work freely, without intimidation, and with the assurance that their rights will be acknowledged and protected,’’ Idris said.

The Minister, however, stressed that, freedom comes with responsibility.

He noted that as the government championed the cause of a free press, it is incumbent on the media to exercise the freedom with a sense of duty, ethics and patriotism.

According to him, it is crucial that the information disseminated to the public is accurate, balanced, and devoid of sensationalism.

“We must all strive to ensure that this role is played with the utmost responsibility while we work closely to advance the course of good governance in our country.

“We must be wary of fake news, misinformation and disinformation and indeed, new cankerworms that destroy individual and corporate reputation, and above all, destabilise the society,’’ Idris said.

Speaking on the book, the Minister said the author had done a huge favour of distilling his great skill, talents and experience into the 280 pages of valuable works.

“I am very glad about the enthusiastic reception that the book is getting from a wide range of quarters as well as stellar reviews and comments, from some of our most respected media practitioners.

“This initiative represents a meaningful way for the author to give back to the media industry by offering valuable guidance and support to the next generation of journalists.

“Indeed, the way Azu has creatively deployed the Internet for this new book is a testament to how well he has kept up with changing times and technologies,” he said.

Speaking, the Chairman, Leadership Newspaper Group, Mrs Zainab Nda-Isaiah said the author has been honing his craft, writing articles that educate, inform and entertain on various and diverse topics.

“This book is not just a collection of tips and tricks, but a comprehensive guide that covers the entire process of writing for media from idea generation, to publication.

“However, this book is in a class of its own, because beyond what I just mentioned as its focus, the book also focuses on monetizing the craft of great writing,’’ Nda-Isaiah said

Meanwhile, Mr Ahmed Shekarau, owner of Trust TV and Daily Trust Newspaper encouraged the media to focus on human angle reporting that would create traffic in the media space,

Similarly, Ms Kadaria Ahmed, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Radio Now 95.3fm, stressed the need to educate citizens on the significance of what they are doing.

Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi of Mass Communication Department, School of Postgraduates Studies, Baze University, emphasised on the need for the media to be creative and adapt new trends in media profession. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

CMY/JAD/ROT

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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Education

By Esenvosa Izah

Lagos, June, 26, 2024 (NAN) Some stakeholders in education have called for a paradigm shift to socio-emotional learning and leadership development to transform societies.

The stakeholders made the call at a leadership  development programme in Lagos on Wednesday.

The programme tagged “Leader in Me (LIM)”, was organised by Teesas, an education technology company, in collaboration with FranklinCovey Education, a provider of educational leadership programmes.

It was organised for school owners and  management staff.

The Founder of Oxbridge Tutorial College, Mrs Femi Ogunsanya, said at the event that such a paradigm shift would require restoration of  values needed for societal advancement.

“The LIM programme has some of the values that it propagates: discipline, hard work and respect.

“It is important that we catch children young from nursery and primary schools and inculcate these values in them.

“How do we restore all these? It is through programmes like the LIM so that, once the children are able to imbibe all of those values, their emotional quotient shifts; that is paradigm shift we need to see, “ she said.

She urged that schools in public and private sectors should key into such a programme and collaborate to ensure promotion of the values.

“It has taken us decades to get to where we are, but we have to be intentional through this programme, for decades, to gradually re-find ourselves and re-establish the values in our system, “ she said.

The Executive Director of Standard Bearers School, Mrs Modupe Adeyinka-Oni, urged schools and governments to key into the LIM programme to enable a positive change in the society.

“Every school is a sub-sector of the larger community, and every community, a sub-sector of the country.

“If we change as a people, become more conscious of other people and collaborate, we will have this multiplier effect, “ Adeyinka-Oni said.

In his remarks, the Founder of Teesas Education, Mr Osayi Izedonwem, described the programme as a whole-school transformative programme.

According to him, it aims to raise the level of socio-emotional learning across all schools.

“As we know today, a lot of schools focus on academics.

“However, the reality is that in a knowledge economy that the world is moving into, social-emotional learning and leadership development are the core skills that truly transform learners and prepare them for that world.

“Today, a lot of schools are not equipped for that, and that is what LIM aims to do – a whole-school transformation that works with the school administrators and parents in a holistic manner to deliver leadership development and socio-emotional learning across primary and  secondary schools, “ he said. (NAN)

EEI/IGO

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Strike

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government delegation and the leadership of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), are in closed door meeting to discuss lingering crisis and avert strike by the Union.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the meeting holding on Wednesday in the office of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman,commenced at about 4.30p.m.

The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu and other top officials in the ministry are in the federal government” team

The ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, who led the union’s delegation told newsmen that the meeting was to deliberate on lingering issues affecting the universities to avert the planned strike actions.

“There are a lot of issues that are outstanding within the system and we believe that before now, they would have been takwn care of.

‘The issues would have been resolved in line with the promise made by President Bola Tinubu and there will not be strike in the university system.

“We hope that this meeting will be able to resolve some of these issues so that we can move forward as a country as well as our university system,” he said.

Earlier, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, said the meeting would provide an opportunity for both parties to rub minds on issues affecting the university system.

Mamman said that ASUU had earlier written to the ministry, detailing a number of issues and concerns affecting the universities and the union.

He said that the issues required interactions between the union and government officials to avert any strike proposed by the union.

NAN reports that the closed door meeting is still ongoing as at the time of filing this report.

ASUU had threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over the federal government’s failure to meet its demands.

Osodeke had charged the government to act within two weeks to address all outstanding demands by the union(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

FAK/ROT

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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Nigeria

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday called on the members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and other appointees of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to rally round the president to salvage the country.

The spokesperson of the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha in a statement, said Shettima spoke when he received a high-powered presidential delegation in Kano to condole with him over the loss of his mother-in-law.

The vice-president , who reiterated the president’s genuine leadership, maintained that Tinubu meant well for the nation.

He said, ” I want to register my sincere gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for sending such a high-level delegation to condole with us over the sad demise of our mother. That portrays the purity of heart and empathy of the President.”

” I wish to call on all of us to rally round him and see to it that we salvage this nation together.

” It’s not a game of apportioning blame. It’s a game of making this country work and if Nigeria works, Africa works. No matter how long the night is, it must give way to the light of dawn.

” We are facing security challenges across this country, but the President is determined to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership and determined to address the problem of insecurity facing the entire nation.”

Shettima expressed profound gratitude to the government and people of Kano State for hosting him and members of his family for the past three days.

“Everyone that has come here is welcomed by the Governor. We have gone beyond politics. We are now in the phase of governance and what binds us together triumphs whatever that divides us,” he added.

On arrival in Kano, the delegation led by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, was received by Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano.

While delivering the president’s condolence message to Shettima, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu felt saddened about the passing of Shettima’s mother-in-law and sent his deepest sympathy and prayers.

” The President has sent us to commiserate with you and your family. He sends his best wishes, his prayers, his thoughts to you and your wife and the entire family of the deceased.

” Mr President has asked that we convey to you his deepest sympathy and his prayers that the Almighty Allah grant our mother Aljannah Firdaus and forgive her sins.

” It’s indeed saddening that she died. We commiserate with you on behalf of Mr President, on behalf of the government and on behalf of his cabinet and the whole federal government of Nigeria,” he said.

Other members of the delegation included the Minister for Budget and National Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Transport, Sen. Sa’idu Alkali and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development,  Alhaji Abdullahi Gwarzo,  among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SSI/BRM

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Building material testing: Lagos agency to crackdown on erring consultants

Integrity

By Lydia Ngwakwe

Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL) has called on technical and non-technical consultants to uphold integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

The General Manager of LSMTL, Mrs Olayinka Abdul, made the call in a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Public Affairs Unit, Mrs Salehu-Badejo Abimbola, on Wednesday in Lagos.

Abdul said: “It has come to our notice that there have been unscrupulous activities posing threats to the credibility and integrity of our testing processes.

“There is going to be a form of rebranding requiring you to revalidate your contract with us.

“As a certified civil engineer with a long-standing experience, I am committed to ensuring that the highest standards of quality and safety in construction are carried out across our state.

“Any actions that undermine such validity of test results endanger lives of countless individuals.

“That is why we need to revamp our processes and operations to ensure we safely protect lives and property vested upon us as the mandate of this agency.”

Abdul said that the agency was implementing stricter protocols for building materials testing to ensure safety of buildings.

According to Abdul, the protocols include unannounced collection of samples of concrete, soil, water and steel throughout construction stages.

She said that the agency was also educating the public about the dangers of using poor quality building materials.

Abdul promised a 72-hour turnaround time for credible and professional testing results.

She urged independent laboratories to be committed to safety and report suspicious activities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LED/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola