Category: Metro

Investment opportunities: EU-Nigeria businesses, policy makers meet – Official

Forum

By Angela Atabo

Abuja, June 24,2024(NAN)Nigerian and European business leaders, policy makers and institutional stakeholders will converge on Abuja on July 2, to identify and explore investment opportunities along specific value chains during the ninth European Union-Nigeria Business Forum.

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, made this known to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

Isopi said the business forum will also facilitate trade, investment, and partnerships through networking, discussions, and policy shaping, to promote economic cooperation between the EU and Nigeria and stimulate sustainable growth for both parties.

“It is important to note that for the first time since its inception, the 2024 edition of the EU-Nigeria Business Forum will be held in Abuja.

‘This will provide an opportunity for the EU, its Member States and the private sector from Europe and Nigeria to engage the new administration on their investment agendas in a transparent and inclusive manner, with a view to fostering confidence and commitment to a stronger and sustainable partnership.”

As part of the EU Global Gateway Strategy, she explained, EU-funded projects will complement private sector investment in areas, which bring about critical social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

In the case of Nigeria, she said, particular attention is paid to the harnessing of local talent, particularly among youth and women, as well as economic, social, and environmental resilience.

Against this backdrop, she also said that the forum will focus on current and prospective investment in the digital, health, and agricultural sectors.

According to Isopi, the forum will discuss options and respective benefits towards establishing a bilateral legal framework between the EU and Nigeria, bringing certainty, stability, and sustainability to bilateral trade and investment relations.

NAN reports that latest statistics have shown that Nigeria and European Union trade volume has grown to 45 billion Euro.

The statistics showed that this was the case as at September 2023, even as the United Nations COMTRADE database indicated that Nigeria remains EU largest trade partner, accounting for 20.9 per cent of Nigeria’s global trade.

The EU is made up of 28 European countries, though there are 50 countries considered European..(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ATAB/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Creatives

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Lagos, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), an independent civil society-led transnational democracy solidarity network, has urged  collaboration between Civil Societies and Creatives to drive social change in the region.

Dr Kojo Asante of WADEMOS made the call at the launch of ‘DemoCreatives’, in collaboration with Yiaga Africa, Centre for Democracy Development-Ghana (CDD- Ghana), Africtivistes and AWO Hub, held at Victoria Island in  Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘DemoCreatives’ is an innovative initiative to collaborate with creatives to promote democracy.

NAN also reports that WADEMOS mobilises, coordinates, and leverages the collective power of civil society and other pro-democracy actors, resources, and opportunities within the West African region to advance, defend, and reinvigorate democracy.

They also promote democratic norms and reforms in the sub-region.

Asante, who is also a Senior Research Officer at CDD-Ghana, emphasised the need for civil societies and creatives to join forces to bring about social change in West Africa.

According to him, the region is in dire need of a new narrative, as many citizens feel disillusioned and hopeless.

He believed that creatives have a crucial role to play in inspiring change but noted that many had shifted their focus from activism to business in recent years.

To bridge the gap between civil societies and creatives, Asante suggested leveraging artist expressions to confront social challenges.

He cited the popularity of afro-pop music in Nigeria as an example, noting that musicians have the influence to shape people’s thinking and encourage them to take action.

Asante, therefore, urged civil societies and creatives to work together to keep the civil space open and encourage people to speak out against oppression.

Obianuju Udeh, a renowned Nigerian Disc Jockey, popularly known as DJ Switch, in her virtual keynote address,  urged civil societies and creatives to come together, re-strategise, and make a meaningful impact.

According to her, it is imperative that both parties join forces in the fight for democracy and human rights.

She emphasised the power of art in reflecting society’s trials, struggles, and dreams, and its ability to nurture critical thinking and empathy.

DJ Switch highlighted the historical impact of art on social movements, citing examples such as the late king of Afro beat, Fela Anikulapo’s music and the role of literature in exposing injustice.

She encouraged civil societies to reimagine their funding strategies and collaborate with creatives to amplify their message and reach a wider audience.

“There is need for unity and strategic alliance between civil societies and creatives to combat the enemies of democracy and human rights.

“We need to spend money to get the big guns to be involved.

“Art is not a luxury, it is a necessity for a dying democracy, ” she said.

Also, Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa, said that democratic practices, not just labels, remained essential for a functioning democracy.

According to her, Democreatives, is a movement that leverages art and creativity to promote democracy and good governance in West Africa.

“Expression, a fundamental human right, is crucial for democracy, and this partnership seeks to protect and promote free expression and press freedom.

“By working together, we hope to inspire hope and democracy in neighboring countries, leading to economic empowerment, inclusive growth, and development.

“With WADEMOS leading the charge, this collaboration brings together artists, musicians, creatives, and civil society partners to advance democratic development in Africa, ” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

LAW/CHOM/VIV

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vivian Ihechu

Airports

By Gabriel Agbeja

Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo says the Federal Government is making efforts to tackle the menace of tours and extortionists at the nation’s airports.

The minister, who made this known on his verified X account (@fkeyamo) on Sunday, expressed sadness over prevalence of touts and extortionists at the country’s international airports.

Keyamo said he had received series of complaints from Nigerians concerning touts and extortionists that were giving the nation a negative image.

“Just to set the records straight, most of the agencies involved in this menace are not under the control of the aviation ministry, though they are stationed at our airports.

“However, I have been working closely with other Ministers, arms of government and agencies who are responsible for these agencies and a solution is in sight.

“We are all working under the coordination of the National Security Adviser who called a meeting a few days ago on this issue and we shall soon unveil practical steps being taken to stem this ugly tide.”

The minister thanked Nigerians for their eternal vigilance on burning issues.

Keyamo affirmed he had received several complaints about the menace of begging and extortion at the  nation’s International airports by a few unscrupulous persons that gave the country bad image.

“My phones are beeping every minute with messages about this from well-meaning Nigerians. We shall soon unveil practical steps being taken to stem this ugly tide.

“We thank Nigerians for their eternal vigilance on this issue,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FGA/CHOM/MNA

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Maureen Atuonwu

By Okon Okon

Abuja, June 23, 2024, (NAN) Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF) has charged civil servants to broaden their horizon through training while in active service.

Yemi-Esan gave the charge on Sunday at an Inter-denominational thanksgiving service at Exousia Church of God, Mabushi, Abuja, to mark the 2024 Civil Service Week.

While attributing the successful celebration of the week to God’s guidance, she advised civil servants to endeavour to train themselves as it is the required key to ascend any position in life.

“We’ve come here this morning to thank God for His presence with us in the civil service and especially for the success of a week-long celebrations.

“We’ve come to cap it up with thanksgiving to God.

“My final words to civil servants is that, just like the theme of the week and what we actually heard this Sunday morning from the Cleric, is that, we cannot stop training ourselves.

“Knowledge, learning are  keys for us to ascend to the positions God has for us and also to live up to expectations of Nigerian citizens.

“We must train ourselves with requisite skills, and we can only do this by continuous training and learning, ” the HOS advised.

She said achieving the objectives of upgrading the nation’s civil service sector was the reason behind the introduction of Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (2021 to 2025.), aimed at learning and capacity development of workers.

“We have strategic plans that we are running which has six objectives and one of those objectives is learning and capacity development.

“ So, we have gone all out to ensure that we meet the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on that objectives and I thank God that we have signs to show for that, ” she said.

Earlier, the Senior Pastor in the Church, Kunle Shoyele, who spoke on the theme, ‘Dominion through knowledge’, tasked civil servants to rededicate themselves to change through consistent learning.

He said that civil servants needed more exposure to wisdom, learning, to obtain more transformation in service.

“Skill is required to execute all human endeavour and as a people, we must daily seek out to gain understanding

“The scripture in Proverbs 4 says; ‘In all you are getting, get wisdom and with it, get understanding.

“Wisdom is the principal thing. So, if you don’t have it, there is nothing else that you can have because that is the foundation to all, “ he said.

He, therefore, encouraged civil servants to be skillful and bring positive development to the nation.

The cleric, observed said the civil service  had improved tremendously in the last four years under Yemi-Esan as the HOCSF.

In attendance were the Accountant -General of the Federation, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and stakeholders in public service sector. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

MZM/EBI/ROT

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Edited by Benson Iziama/Rotimi Ijikanmi

Sanction

By Okon Okon

Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has directed that all civil servants who are drawing salaries from the government after relocating abroad should be made  to refund the money.

The President also directed that the supervisors and department heads of the culprits must also be punished for aiding and abetting the fraud under their watch.

Tinubu’ gave the directive on Saturday at the award night  organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), to commemorate the 2024 Civil Service Week.

The event was also to honour some outstanding civil servants in core ministries.

Represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the President expressed dismay over the attitude of the ghost workers.

“”During my recent visit to South Africa, I kept abreast of the week’s activities.

 “I was particularly struck by the revelations shared by the Head of the Civil Service, regarding employees who had relocated abroad while drawing salaries without formally resigning.

“It is heartening to hear that measures have been taken to address this issue, but we must ensure those responsible are held accountable and restitution is made.

“The culprits must be made to refund the money they have fraudulently collected.

“Their supervisors and department heads must also be punished for aiding and abetting the fraud under their watch,” Tinubu said.

He reiterated that government would take appropriate measures to ensure they were punished and the money refunded to government treasury.

The President acknowledged the challenges in the civil service sector and reiterated his commitment to address them for optimal performance.

“Our administration acknowledges the challenges the civil service is facing.

“I want to give you the assurance that we are committed to ensuring the welfare and development of all civil servants to deliver optimal performance for the growth of our nation.

“Over the past year, I have provided all the necessary support to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to ensure the continued stability of the civil service.

“I also supported the office in implementing far-reaching policies and reforms capable of improving efficiency and service delivery, ” the president said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports other activities to mark the night was the presentation of top three prizes to the winners and additional N500, 000 cash prizes to 40 workers.

Making the presentation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, the HOCSF announced the top three  prizes won by three lucky officers at the event.

“The Star Prize is a Brand New 2023 JAC JS4 Luxury Model SUV; the second is a 2 Bedroom semi-detached bungalow; and
the third top prize is a serviced plot of land measuring 400sqm.

“I am also pleased to announce that the Nigeria Customs Service has graciously committed to donating 6 Toyota Camry Cars in support of the 2024 Civil Service Week.

” The office has started receiving the vehicles, and these will be presented as prizes to the next set of runner-up best performing officers,” she said.

NAN reports that Dr Mercy Ilori, a staff of Ministry of Transportation, who won the star prize.

She appreciated Yemi-Esan, the Federal Government on behalf of other awardees for the gesture and the honour done to them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

MZM//ROT

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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

NiMet predict 3-day thunderstorms, rain from Sunday

Weather

By Gabriel Agbeja

Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thundery and rainy weather conditions from Sunday to Tuesday across the country.

NiMet`s weather outlook released on Saturday in Abuja forecast morning thunderstorms on Sunday over parts of Gombe, Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Taraba and Kaduna states.

It envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Zamfara, Kebbi, Kano, Borno, Adamawa Bauchi, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Yobe, and Taraba states later in the day.

“Thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the central states` places like; Plateau, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Benue and Niger states during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of; Kogi, Niger, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory.

“The southern cities are expected to witness morning rains particularly parts of Imo, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Bayelsa and Lagos states,’’it said.

The agency anticipated thunderstorms to be accompanied with rains over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Lagos states in the afternoon and or evening hours.

According to NiMet, early morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Jigawa, Taraba and Kaduna states on Monday.

“While afternoon/evening period show prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Zamfara, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Bauchi and Kaduna states.

“Early morning thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa states while afternoon and evening periods have prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Plateau Niger, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Morning rains are anticipated over parts of Ekiti, Imo and Cross Rivers states with prospects of rains over parts of Abia, Imo, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, and Rivers states during the afternoon/evening hours,’’ it said.

NiMet envisaged morning thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi and Kaduna states on Tuesday.

According to it, thunderstorms are predicted over most parts of the northern region later in the day.

“With morning thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Niger states while thunderstorms are envisaged over the entire region during the afternoon/evening hours.

“Cloudy skies are predicted over the southern region with prospects of morning rains over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states while prospects of afternoon/evening rains are envisaged over the entire region,’’ it said.

NiMet advised public to take adequate precaution as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms were likely to occur.

It urged Airline operators to get updated weather reports and forecast from NiMet for effective planning in their operations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

FGA/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Lagos Deputy Gov. Obafemi Hazmat

Hygiene

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Lagos, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Saturday called for improved personal and environmental hygiene to curb the spread of cholera in the state.

Sanwo-Olu,  who was represented by his Deputy,   Dr Obafemi Hamzat, made the call in his goodwill message at the 2024  Eid-el Kabir celebration at the Government House, Alausa, Ikeja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eid-el Kabir celebration was organised Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs.

It had the theme: ”Leveraging on the Gains of Hajj and Eid-el Kabir for Building a Better Society’.

Sanwo-Olu said that there was need to always make  the environment  clean.

“Cholera has started to raise its ugly head in our state and across the country.

“We must be very careful with our hygiene. Let us make sure that our environment is clean. This is raining season when we experience flooing.

“We must wash our hands regularly and listen to  jingles on the media on how we can protect ourselves, and follow the procedure.

” Cleaniness is part of our religion and the will of the Almighty Allah; so, we must live in clean environments,” he said.

The governor also charged the residents to  live  in peace and harmony irrespective of religious differences.

Sanwo-Olu called on the residents to make necessary sacrifices  that would move their families,  Lagos State and the entire forward.

The Wife of the Governor, Mrs Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, urged the residents to cooperate with the state government to facilitate delivery of dividends of  democracy.

She also solicited their cooperation in the fight against gender-based violence, sexual violence and domestic violence.

She emphasised proper enlightenment on the teachings of the Quran on gender-based violence.

Highlights of the celebration included Quaranic recitation and musical  renditions, and prayer for Nigeria and that of President Bola Tinubu,  Sanwo-Olu and Hazmat. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

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Edit by Ijeoma Popoola

By Okon Okon

Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), says Nigeria has the best civil service in the world.

Yemi-Esan stated this on Saturday in Abuja during a sporting event organised for workers as part of activities to mark the 2024 Civil Service Week.

According to her, Nigerian civil servants are hard working, intelligent, adding that, “they can look after their own health for greater productivity in the course of discharging their duties.

“You know I am always proud of civil and public servants because Nigeria has the best civil service in the world and I can say that confidently anywhere”.

She expressed satisfaction with high turnout of the civil servants from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies at the events.

“I recall three or four years ago, we only used to have a handful of civil servants and today, the numbers that are here have increased tremendously.

“Thank you for a very good turnout today, you know this sporting activities, you don’t have to take it for granted because if we are not healthy, we can’t give the country the best that we have.

“And please this exercise is very important for us to be productive and to give our very best, our body system must be healthy enough.

“Apart from today’s sporting exercise, always ensure to visit our wellness centre to exercise yourself. I am sure a lot of civil servants don’t even know where the centre is. Some people are taking advantage of the centre, some are not,” she said.

Yemi-Esan said the government invested a lot of resources at the wellness centre towards ensuring healthy civil servants with sound mind to offer their best.

Also speaking, Minister of Sport Development, Mr John Enoh, lauded Yemi-Esan for sustaing the initiative since assuming office, especially during the annual Civil Service Week.

According to Enoh, the required results are always achievable with the an active administrator put in place whether elective or appointive office, adding that the HoS has made a remarkable legacy in the sector.

“When you have an active administrator in an office, whether the officer is elected, appointed, you would see the required results.

“In the course of my journey here this morning , I was just reflecting and I imagined the great initiative that started these programmes on physical fitness, the programme on exercises for the public servants.

“And I think that the head of service has done a great job for everyone who is here, and I will like to commend her for such initiative.

“And I thank the Head of Service for succeeding this tradition looking at the kind of excitement that I find, it appears that there are some of you that wish that this took place everyday just to keep you physically fit,”  Enoh said.

The initiative, she said, was an added advantage to keep civil servants alert mentally for productivity, stressing that, “its sustainability is very necessary and vital”.

Earlier, Dr Deborah Bako, Permanent Secretary, Service Policy and Strategies Office (SPSO) office of HOCSF, said the inclusion of sport activities as part of events to mark civil service week was imperative to acquire mental ability.

Also, Mr Aliyu Tajudeen, Sport Manager, Ministry of Education, said that involving civil servants in sporting activities was highly recommended to promote productivity.

Highlights of the include athletics like running, football, aerobatics, cycling among others. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

MZM/MAM/RSA

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Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Rabiu Sani-Ali

Airports: FAAN vows crackdown on touts, sets up task force

Touting

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Saturday said it had set up a task force to eliminate touting, extortion and illicit activities at airports.

The FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on Saturday, in Lagos.

Kuku expressed her worries over reports of harassment and extortion of passengers at airports.

She vowed to crackdown on perpetrators of such illegal activities, emphasising her commitment to ensuring a seamless and pleasant experience for travelers.

Kuku said that Mr Henry Agbebire, Director of Special Duties at FAAN, was to spearhead the initiative as the chairman of the task force.

The FAAN MD also declared her intention to personally engage with all government agencies operating at the airports to ensure compliance with the anti-touting and anti-extortion measures.

Kuku said that strict disciplinary actions would be taken against anyone found engaging in illicit practices, stressing that it was no longer business as usual.

She highlighted the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct.

Kuku announced that as measures to ensure the zero tolerance policy, magistrate courts would be established at international airports to expedite the legal process for prosecuting offenders.

“The task force has been mandated to enforce discipline among airport staff and maintain a culture of professionalism at all levels.

“In addition, dedicated phone lines and QR codes will be set up to provide passengers with a means of providing feedback on their airport experience.

“All airport personnel must prominently display their on-duty cards and name tags for easy identification and accountability,” she said.

The FAAN MD reiterated the authority’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and ensuring a safe and secure environment for passengers and other airport users. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ITM/SOA

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle