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  • UK-trained educationist advocates urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s education system

     

    A renowned educationist, Mrs Yetunde Kamson

    UK-trained educationist advocates urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s education system

    Education

    By Usman Aliyu

    Benin, June 23, 2024 (NAN) A UK-trained  Educationist, Mrs Yetunde Kamson, has called for an urgent transformative overhaul of Nigeria’s education system.

    Kamson told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Benin that the nation’s education sector required renewed vigour and significant improvement.

    According to her, Nigeria will need to draw inspiration from the successful education reforms in countries such as Finland and South Korea.

    She said that there were innovative approaches to teaching, teacher training and resource distribution that Nigeria should imbibe to achieve success in the education sector.

    The education consultant further said that issues of inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality education in rural areas and teacher training required urgent attention.

    “Inadequate funding, overcrowded classrooms, insufficient resources, and disparity in educational quality between urban and rural areas are hindrances to education development in the country.

    “High number of out-of-school children, teacher recruitment and retention difficulties are critical issues in Nigeria’s education system,” she said.

    Kamson called for adequate investment in the education sector to address the observed gaps, and to set the system on a path for urgent recovery.

    “For technology to be truly transformative, there should be substantial investment in infrastructure, educator training, and digital tool incorporation within the curriculum.

    “These initiatives are not just a local concern, but also align with the global commitment to education as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.

    “Particularly the goal that aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030,” she said.

    She called for improved rural educational infrastructure and equitable resource distribution to ensure community engagement and to bridge the educational opportunity gap.

    “Government at all levels should focus on funding, policy development, regulation, and maintenance of quality standards.

    “The private sector should contribute through partnerships, investments in educational technology, and support for skills development initiatives.

    “Civil society organisations can advocate for reforms, provide community-based solutions, and promote transparency and accountability,” she said.

    Kamson made case for infusion of vocational and technical education in Nigeria’s educational landscape.

    “This form of education provides practical skills, prepares students for the labour market, and encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

    “To enhance its prominence, vocational education should be integrated into the mainstream curriculum to expand opportunities and strengthen industry partnerships,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AUO/AZU/

    =======

    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • FRSC has not abolished patrol points in southeast- official

    FRSC has not abolished patrol points in southeast- official

    Patrol
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) has not abolished patrol points in the Southeastern.

    This is contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide on Sunday in Abuja.

    “Our attention has been drawn to a report in some media platforms insinuating that FRSC has abolished patrol points Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Abia.

    “The misleading statement was attributed to the address presented by the Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO) of Zone 9 Enugu, the Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) Uche Chukwurah while on a visit  to the Abia Sector Command in Umuahia,” he said.

    According to him, the statement by the ZCO was meant to reaffirm the stand of the National Headquarters of the FRSC on the new operational strategy that would de-emphasise static patrol which comes in the form of roadblock.

    He said “It was  unfortunately misconstrued to mean abolition of patrol points in the zonal command based on security threats.

    “Nothing can be further from the truth as the statement was not only misleading but capable of giving wrong information to unsuspecting members of the public.

    “However, the public need to know the intention of the FRSC Management on the ongoing operational rejigging not targeted at the Southeastern states of the country but the nation at large.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the policy of rejigging the operational strategy of the Corps as conceived by the present Management under Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed is aimed at improving the capacity of the personnel.

    “This is to also respond promptly to distress calls through provision of functional operational vehicles, ambulances and motorbikes.

    “Also, retraining of personnel for efficient rescue services and increasing the mileage coverage of daily patrol activities for inceessed presence on parts of the road network, “he said.

    Ogungbemide said that any meaning read to the original statement attributed to the ZCO of Zone 9 Enugu to create the impression that the FRSC was abolishing or intends to abolish patrol in the Southeast was distorted, misleading and should be disregarded.

    He maintained that the FRSC remained the lead agency in road traffic management and safety administration in Nigeria.

    He added that the FRSC remained one of the security agencies charged with the responsibility of creating safer road environment.

    “What we are doing is to work harder to improve on our quality service delivery and support to other security agencies.

    “This is through credible processing of database on drivers and vehicles which has nothing to do with the abolition of patrol points in the Southeast as alleged,”he said.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/ISHO/SH

    ============

    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Sadiya Hamza

  • Trade modernisation project to boost efficiency in Nigeria’s trade operations – expert

     

    Trade

    By Martha Agas

    Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) An expert, Mr Ibrahim Yahaya, an expert, says that the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) being implemented in Nigeria will boost efficiency in trade facilitation..

    Yahaya said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    NAN reports that TMP is the automation of the business processes of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to simplify and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain.

    The project is a 20-year concession, with an execution agreement signed in May 30, 2022, between the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by NCS Board, and the Trade Modernisation Project Ltd.

    It aims to streamline the process of obtaining export and import clearances, ease the payment of duties, and facilitate the release of goods.

    The project would deploy a software described as the Unified Customs Management system (UCMS), where trade operators have the advantage to also monitor all stages of their transactions.

    It will equip the NCS with state-of-the-art technology infrastructure and facilities, to transform the service into an organisation that provides efficient services to businesses and other government agencies.

    The TMP is an improvement on the current system, featuring advanced capabilities such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to aid in the classification and validation of uploaded documents or data.

    Yahaya, the Managing Director of Paynacle Digital Services, said that TMP would help reduce corruption in customs operations and ensure transparency and efficiency in their activities.

    “It will also cut the time used in document verification. TMP will speed up the process for those importing or exporting, something that used to take 20 days can now take one hour.

    “I believe that with AI in the system, it will help predict government revenue, and if there is any deficiency, it will address it,” he said.

    He said that the project would aid Nigeria’s budgetary system, considering that revenue generated from NCS is a crucial source of revenue for the country.

    He said that for Nigeria to advance its economic diversification efforts, TMP was crucial to boosting its integrity in attracting foreign investment through international trade.

    “It will help in boosting Nigeria’s integrity in international trade because the system has undergone sanitisation,” he said.

    According to him, if properly implemented, TMP would unify customs activities and management, significantly curbing corrupt practices within the system.

    According to him, it will also ensure transparency and efficiency in NCS activities, particularly in checking the issuance of fake customs duty documents.

    “We often see a lot of fake customs duty documents, and the mode of production and issuance is obsolete.

    “Traditionally, it makes it easy for people to manipulate, but automation will help address that and improve efficiency,” he said.

    Yahaya urged the engagement of experts in the implementation of the project, noting that the Public-Private Partnership would help sustain the project.

    “I suggest they hire experts in cybersecurity and private companies to maintain its services,” he said.

    NAN reports that TMP is implementing nine technical agreements with its technical and financial partners.

    Acess Bank Plc is the financial partner, Huawei, the lead technical partner, and CrossborderXP Ltd is the software development partner, among others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MAA/EEE

    ========

    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

  • NDLEA bursts snake-guarded shrine used to store illicit drugs, arrests 2 in Edo

    NDLEA bursts snake-guarded shrine used to store illicit drugs, arrests 2 in Edo

    Drugs
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) has busted a snake-guarded shrine used for the storage of illicit drugs in Egor community near Benin, Edo.

    Nr Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Babafemi said that the NDLEA operatives had raided the shrine after detecting a specially constructed large hole storage in a wall covered with wallpapers and fetish objects.

    He said that different quantities of illicit substances such as methamphetamine, Loud, Colorado and Arizona, all strong strains of cannabis were seen.

    He disclosed that the total weight of 8.743 kilograms, were pulled out from the deep hole dug in the wall of the shrine within the building.

    “At least, two ladies: Sonia Ezumezu and Risikatu Tijani were arrested during the intelligence-led operation on Tuesday, June 18.

    “This was after the big black snake guarding the shrine was demobilised, “he said.

    In the same vein, Babafemi said two suspects: Obi Ferguson,45, and Ernest Abanum, 46, were arrested on Saturday June 22 for alleged drug possession.

    Babafemi said that NDLEA operatives raided the Usen forest in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo where 209kg cannabis and a motorcycle were recovered.

    Meanwhile, NDLEA officers in Lagos state have intercepted a carefully packaged consignment of 8.2 kilograms of methamphetamine at a motor park in Mazamaza, Ojo area of the state.

    Babafemi said that the highly addictive illicit substance, also called ice or crystal meth was packed in an imported Dunkin’ turtle love chocolate wraps.

    “It was concealed in the casing of three loud speakers.

    “A 39-year-old suspect, who was sending the consignment to Owerri, Imo was promptly arrested on Wednesday June 19 at the park, “he said.

    In a related development, NDLEA operatives in Abuja on June 18, intercepted a white Nissan Frontier pick up vehicle with amber lights and fake registration number of a security agency at Kiyi village in Kuje area of the FCT.

    Babafemi said that the vehicle was loaded with 454 compressed blocks of cannabis sativa, weighing 340.8kg procured at Uzeba, Edo.

    “A 76-year-old grandfather,, linked to the consignment was arrested.

    “He claimed to have been in the illicit drug business for 10 years, “he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/KOO/SH
    ===========
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Sadiya Hamza

  • 100% of SIM cards used in Nigeria locally manufactured – NCC

    SIM

    By Christiana Fadare
    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says 100 per cent of the SIM cards used in the country are manufactured locally.

    Engr. Babagana Digima, the Head, New Media and Information Security, NCC, said this at a training for media executives in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day training had the title: “Upskilling Media Stakeholders on Trends in Telecommunications.”

    Digima attributed the feat to the commission’s commitment in encouraging local content and indigenous participation in the industry through the Nigeria Office for Development in Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NORDIT).

    “The NCC by Section 1D to F of our Act has spelt out our function to encourage indigenous participation of telecom companies as well as the national policy for promotion of indigenous content in the Telecommuncations Sector which established NORDIT.

    “Indigenous participation is one of the key areas NORDIT has played a major role.

    “Previously, in the last two years, almost 99 per cent  to 100 per cent of SIM cards in Nigeria were imported.

    “And when NORDIT came, we made it one of our key low-hanging fruits that in five months to six months manufacture of SIM cards will be indigenous.

    “We directed all the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to source their SIM cards locally, and in fact, as at now 100 per cent of all the SIM cards used in Nigeria are manufactured locally, no importation,” Digima said.

    Digima, the former Head of NORDIT, noted that the commission through NORDIT engage in advocacy work to encourage indigenous participation of companies and people in all aspects of telecoms.

    He said that NORDIT had also provided grants and incentives to some companies to ensure the development of the industry.

    “For now, we are currently sponsoring the manufacture of Corrugated Ordinal Duct, and the company that will be established will be the first in the whole of Africa to manufacture such kind of product.

    “We also encourage tower manufacture, fibre manufacture and have been in touch with Coleman Cables, which are currently manufacturing fibre cables.

    “They have even overtaken the only company in Egypt in manufacturing capacity and they are expanding.

    “I am sure a lot of companies are very happy with what we have done,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the initiative to upskill senior media executives was borne out of the need to bridge the gap between the commission and how it was understood by its publics.

    Maida, who was represented by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, said the commission needed to develop a mechanism that would enable the consumers and stakeholders understand how things work in the industry.

    “These have led to the birth of this beautiful initiative. If our industry must succeed, there must be proper enlightenment and education.

    “So, your physical role cannot be overemphasised and that is why these are carefully selected executives from across all platforms including print, broadcast, and the online media.

    “It is to enable you understand the commission and to see the operational interventions that the commission has engaged in over the time, as well as challenges we are having.

    “This will enable us to work together to shape the landscape and also to help consumers understand what is really happening,” he said.

    He added that the aim of the training was to develop a reliable database of core partners within the geography of media systems and to cultivate a strategic relationship with media stakeholders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    COF/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • LASG yet to begin relocating residents in flood-prone areas – Oshodi

     

    Flood
    By Raji Rasak
    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Titi Oshodi,  Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Climate Change and Circular Economy, says the state has yet to begin relocating residents in flood-prone areas.
    Oshodi disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
    According to Oshodi, there will be the process of relocation when it gets to extremes.
    “Now, Lagos is channeling and charting the course for communities to build resilience.
    “That means how can the communities generate models of fortification for each to stand the impact of climate change.
    “Even if we are relocating, there are climate change challenges in each community because it is coastal, there will be issues of droughts and flooding,” she said.
    Oshodi said the ministry had started educating the public and communities about responsible attitude.
    “The responsible behaviour that is climate friendly.
    “First, how do you  dispose your waste? We know that one of the major components of flooding is from drainages that are being blocked.
    “What are the things that are blocking these drainages, it is plastics and our waste.
    “How do we responsibly dispose off the waste ? This is the kind of education and advocacy we are giving our people now.
    “They need to understand that the steps they take are part of the result they are getting with what is happening today,” she said.
    Meanwhile, a NAN correspondent who visited  flood-prone communities in Badagry such as Gbaji, Oloko,Topo, Idale, Akarakumo, Povita and Ajido observed that people are still living in the areas.
    Mr Sunday Boyanho, a resident of Ajido, said he relocates to his father’s compound in Badagry with his family whenever there is flood.
    “In 2023, we spent close to two months before coming back to our house in Ajido.
    “We are fishermen and we live very near to the rivers, we are used to this.
    “We will be grateful if the state government can assist in relocating us to a decent place within this period,” he said.
    Also, a resident of Oloko, Mr Olusegun Suru, said residents of the area were disturbed by flood some years back.
    “But we have sand-filled the area and I have built a fence round the building, we are free from flood,” he said. (NAN)
    ROR/CHOM/FAA
    ==========
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Folasade Adeniran
    07065854223

  • Army reiterates commitment to regular training, enhanced operational skills

    Training
    By Isaiah Eka
    Ibagwa (Akwa Ibom), June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Commander, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Jaa’far Ibrahim, says the army is committed to regular training of its personnel to enhance operational skills.
    Ibrahim stated this at the closing of the 6 Division inter brigade competition for warrant and senior non-commissioned officers held at the Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Abak, Akwa Ibom.
    He said that regular training would  enable the soldiers to acquire more skills and muster the capabilities to address security challenges in the society.
    The commander said that the competition was organised to sharpen the skills of Nigerian army personnel on basic abilities to function optimally in the field.
    Ibrahim, also the commander, Sector 4 Joint Taskforce Operation, said that the competition aimed to enhance the combat-readiness level of the officers.
    “The essence of the competition is also to renew the general fitness of our warrant and the non-commissioned officers, it is to make them operationally ready.
    “It will also enable us to understand their high and low points, such that in subsequent trainings, we will concentrate on the need areas.
    “From the competition, I can say that the men are combatant ready. We are poised to upgrade in order to improve and enhance security in the country,” he said.
    He commended the participants for their teamwork, determination, and professionalism during the competition.
    In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Umoh (rtd) said that the competition had provided an avenue for personnel to test their capabilities.
    Umoh said that the inter brigade warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers competition would foster friendship among formations.
    He commended the Chief of Army Staff for providing the resources to sustain the competition.
    NAN reports that at the end of the competition, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Uyo, emerged winner, while 63 Brigade and 16 Brigade finished second and third positions respectively.
    NAN reports that the event witnessed presentation of awards and souvenirs to participants.
    IE/AZU
    =====
    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Nigeria needs decentralisation not “turn-by-turn” presidency — Don

    Nigeria needs decentralisation not “turn-by-turn” presidency — Don
    Decentralisation
    By Adekunle Williams
    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) A Professor of Strategy and Development, Prof. Anthony Kila ,says most of Nigeria’s problems will be surmounted if power devolves  from the centre to the states or regions.
    Kila, Director-General/Founder, Commonwealth Institute for Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS),said this   an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.
    According to him ,power decentralisation will promote the country’s development and not the proposed  rotational presidency or “turn -by- turn” presidency.
    He said every region ,and even state, is desperate  to produce the president because the centre is too strong and attractive.
    The don said decentralisation would discourage agitations by regions to produce the president as it would empower units, such as states and regions, to deliver development.
    Kila said rotational presidency could  lead to what he called generational apathy and that it would not promote nation-building.
    “What we need to develop  is stronger states of the regions .When the states  of the regions are strong and the centre is weak,people will not think of that centre anymore.
    “The other thing we need to do is to diversify our aspirations. We need to let children grow up, not everyone wants to be a politician. Let us have journalists, judges, painters, teachers and manufacturers that are as important as the president.
    “Let us pursue other aspirations that  will earn  us enough money and enough authority , so that the push and attraction to become a politician or the president  will be less. Nobody talks about the rotational presidency of a company because it is  purely based on  merit.
    “Those who care about Nigeria need to work towards nation -building based on fairness, diversity of aspirations and decentralisation of power.
    “So rotational presidency is a good intention, but it is a dangerous consequence. It is also moved by good intention, but it can also lead to generational apathy,” he said.
    Kila noted that those calling for rotational presidency had ,sadly,come to the conclusion that  it was impossible to have a nation where everyone is one, regardless of tribe or ethnic background.
    The don said the proponents of the idea erroneously believed that the problems of the country could solved by “turn-by-turn” presidency.
    He said it was unfortunate that the political class had not been able to properly build a nation decades since 1960, adding rotational presidency would promote the triumph of ethnicity competence.
    “Nigeria has  six zones and and if each zone should have a single term of six-years, which is the proposal,  imagine children born on the same day and they grow up in life, only one would grow up to become the president of Nigeria.
    “The next one will have to wait for 36 years because of the rotational presidency. You see, people don’t think that way and that is why democracy tries to make everybody equal.
    “So ,someone from my region has gone for presidency, then my generation has lost it. I have to wait for another 36 years and people are not seeing that side.
    “That is why equality, merit and fairness are very crucial in democracy. Once you turn democracy into ethnicity and religion, you  have killed the essence of democracy itself in which anybody can strive for anything at anytime”,he said.
    NAN reports that a bill seeking a single term of six years for the President and state governors was brought up recently by 35 members of the House of Representatives.

    The bill also canvasses the rotation of the presidency among the six geo-political zones of the country.

     

    The 35 legislators, under the auspices of Reformed-minded Legislators, said both proposals  would lead to  reduction in the cost of governance.

     

    The spokesman for the group, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, added that the move would unite the country and ensure  seamless power transition and promote the development of  the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    WAC/BHB
    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • FG committed to effective border control, staff welfare – Immigration CG

     

    FG committed to effective border control, staff welfare – Immigration CG

    Border

    By Ibironke Ariyo

     

    Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS),  Kemi Nandap,  says the Federal Government is committed to effective border control and working condition of officers and men at the borders.

     

    Nandap said this when she visited some borders in Katsina and Jigawa  in continuation of  her assessment tour of the Nigerian borders.

     

    A statement by the Service Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo on Saturday in Abuja,  stated that Nandap  visited Fago Patrol Base and  Daura Forward Operational Base.

     

    Others are Kongolam Border control post and  Magatari Control Post where she inspected the ongoing e-border projects and other facilities.

     

    “She solicited the support of some critical stakeholders at the border communities, which included traditional leaders, youth leaders, transport unions and market women.

     

    “Nandap called  for their cooperation in safeguarding the borders especially the vast unmanned areas.

     

    “She enlightened them on the dangers of trans border organised crimes such as smuggling of migrants and Trafficking in persons,” she said.

     

    Nandap emphasised on the need to always provide useful information on the activities of irregular migrants.

     

    “She called for continued collaboration in the task of effective border governance noting that, “A safe border is a safe nation”.

     

    The immigration boss charged border officers to display utmost professionalism in the discharge of their duties, and to be extra vigilant in manning the  borders.

     

    She said that government was committed to improving the working condition of all officers at the borders,  through provision of logistics, accommodation and capacity building.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the CG used the opportunity to visit former President, Muhammadu Buhari and the Emir of Daura,  Alh.  Umar Farouk, in  Daura.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    ICA/ISHO/JPE

    ============

    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Joseph Edeh

     

  • NAF airstrikes destroy 13 illegal oil refining sites, 7 Boats

     

    NAF airstrikes destroy 13 illegal oil refining sites, 7 Boats

     

    Airstrikes

     

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

     

    Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has destroyed 13 illegal refining sites and seven Cotonou boats in Rivers, Bayelsa and Imo.

     

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Sunday in Abuja.

     

    Gabkwet said the air interdictions conducted between June 18 and June 22, also dispersed five J-5 buses attempting to siphon suspected crude oil products from surface tanks.

     

    He said that some of the illegal sites were discovered near Imo River on June 18 with seven overhead tanks, which were later destroyed while several suspected bunkerers fled.

     

    According to him, air strikes were also extended to Wilcourt in Rivers on June 19, after an illegal site and canoe filled with illegally refined products as well as some gun boats

     

    Gabkwet said the air crew also destroyed some illegal refining sites located at about 6-km from Tunu in Bayelsa.

     

    He said that the air component undertook another significant strike on June 22, when the crew spotted 5xJ5 buses, probably reconfigured into mini tankers at the bank of Imo River attempting to siphon illegally refined products.

     

    “Amazed at this change of tactics by these economic saboteurs, the crew did not hesitate to immediately destroy the illegal refining sites feeding the buses.

     

    “The J5 buses were later seen dispersed with some taking cover under trees to avoid detection.

     

    “Air strikes against economic saboteurs and oil thieves have continued to record the expected outcomes.

    “This is  majorly due to improved intelligence, enhanced air to ground coordination, and most importantly, due to NAF’s improved agility and resilience.

     

    “These operations will be sustained until activities of these saboteurs are reduced to the barest minimum,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    OYS/CHOM/JPE

    ============

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Joseph Edeh