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  • FCE Gusau academic staff union suspends 3 months strike

    Strike
    By Shuaib Sadiq
    Gusau, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The College of Education Academic Staff Union, Federal College of Education, Gusau, has suspended its three months old strike.
    The Chairman, Mr Muktar Abdullahi, told newsmen in Gusau on Thursday that strike was suspended after a meeting of members of the union.
    Abdullahi urged members of the union to resume academic activities  immediately.
    He apologized to the students of the institution for the inconveniences caused them during the strike.
    “Let me apologize to our students, I assure you that we shall recover from the long absence of academic activities.
    “Whatever happened should be put behind, we have now resumed full academic activities,” he said.
    The chairman said that the decision to call off the strike was reached unconditionally.
    “Members of the union reached an agreement after the meeting, and we  were able to resolve the issues at stake,” he said.
    It would be recalled that a coalition of Zamfara-based Civil Society groups, recently staged a protest to decry the poor progress of academic activities in the college.
    Spokesman of the coalition, Alhaji Nasiru Garba, said it was unfair for the academic staff union to embark on strike after the appointment of a substantive provost.
    He expressed the commitment of the coalition to support efforts towards repositioning the college for academic excellence.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SSA/AZU
    ======
    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Varsity scraps white teaching boards from September

     

    Boards

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu says white boards would no longer be used in teaching computer science students as from September.

    The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Christian Anieke, made the disclosure while addressing Computer Science students of the university on Thursday in Enugu.

    According to him, only smart boards and projectors will be allowed in all academic activities of the department.

    He then urged students and lecturers who would not cope with the new trend to apply for change of course.

    “I wonder why a computer science graduate should be looking for a paid employment and this is why the department should train graduates that will be job creators and find solutions to the problems of the society,” the VC said.

    He pledged that any student that was able to design innovation for solving problem would receive a prize of N1 million.

    Anieke said that the prizes would be for smart students, who could create solutions to problems facing humanity.

    The Vice-Chancellor charged the students to design computer programmes that would eliminate thumbprint, and determine the number of human traffic as well as presence in a particular area in the university at a time

    Anieke advised them to get ready for more intensive and new form of academic activities.

    He urged the students to stay away from all forms of crime and use their brain to create wealth.

    Anieke directed that each computer science student would henceforth, be required to attach him or herself to an organisation for practical activities during long vacation, as practiced by law students of the university. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAE/FON/MNA

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Maureen Atuonwu

  • We’ll rebuild ABSU into a citadel of excellence — Otti

    ABSU
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Nvosi(Abia), June 20, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has expressed his determination to rebuild Abia State University(ABSU)  into a citadel of excellence in learning, research and administration.
    Otti made this known when he received a report on the institution by the Full Visitation Panel to Abia State University Uturu, in Nvosi , Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area on Thursday.
    The governor said that the panel was set up to identify and address  any threat to the vision of turning the university into a world class institution.
    “We had set up this full visitation panel to undertake a robust study of the systems and structures at ABSU, and evaluate how they align with international best practices.
    “Also the panel would return to us with a comprehensive report that would direct what we do next, in terms of investments and policy formulation in collaboration with the relevant agencies and partners.
    “What we ultimately seek to achieve is to rebuild ABSU into a citadel of excellence in learning, research and administration.
    “We want to frontally confront and eliminate whatever constitutes a threat to our vision of turning the University into a world class institution.
    “An institution that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its peers across the world on all the indices that matter in University education,” he said.
    Otti said that he  would painstakingly go through the findings and recommendations of the panel.
    He expressed optimism that the excellent work done by the panel would be of great help in the plan to transform ABSU.
    Otti said: “My promise is that ABSU shall witness a great rebirth under our watch.
    “The staff of the university shall be availed the right support to improve themselves and become better equipped for the very important assignment of shaping the future of our young ones.”
    He commended the chairman and members of the panel for the timely completion of the assignment given to them.
    Earlier, the Chairman of the panel, Prof. Steve Okodudu, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the people of Abia.
    Okodudu said that the efforts of the panel would yield results only if the report would be thoroughly examined and put into action.
    “The report we are presenting is the result of thorough research, extensive interviews, and diligent peer review sessions, thereby ensuring its factual accuracy and verifiability.
    “We hope that the contents of this Full Visitation Panel Report will justify your expectations.
    “Your excellency, this report is a prima facie document that will require your further executive evaluation.
    “For this reason, I am not authorised to discuss specific observations, findings, or recommendations at this juncture.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    INA/OJI/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Maureen Atuonwu

  • Capital Raise: Fidelity Bank shares drop N14.4bn in market value

    By Rukayat Adeyemi

    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The share market value of Fidelity Bank Plc on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) dropped by N14.4 billion on Thursday, amid the opening of N127.1 billion rights issue and public offer.

     

    At the close of trading, the bank’s stock, which opened at N10.85, lost 45k or 4.15 per cent to close at N10.40 per share, following sell pressure from investors.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fidelity Bank earlier opened its shares offer for a rights issue and public offer by way of combined subscription, worth N127.1 billion, to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation directive.

     

    The acceptance and application lists for the rights issue and public offer, which opened on June 20, will close on July 29.

     

    Under the rights issue, 3.2 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each were offered in the ratio of one new ordinary share for every 10 ordinary shares held as of Jan. 5, 2024, at N9.25 per share, totaling N29.6 billion.

     

    For the Public Offer, 10 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each were offered to the general investing public at N9.75 per share, to a total of N97.5 billion.

     

    However, Fidelity Bank sold 162.1 million shares worth N1.73 billion, compared to 1.1 billion shares valued at N11.3 billion traded in the previous session, making its total market capitalisation on the Exchange to stand at N332.93 billion.

     

    Meanwhile, on the overall trading, the NGX stock market closed flat, as the market capitalisation, which opened at N56.478 trillion, gained 0.002 per cent or one billion Naira to close at N56.479 trillion.

     

    The All-Share Index also advanced slightly by 0.002 per cent or two points to settle at 99,842.94, compared to 99,840.95 recorded on Wednesday.

     

    As a result, the Year-To-Date (YTD) return rose to 33.53 per cent.

     

    Gains in Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), United Bank for Africa (UBA), Unilever Nigeria, Guinness, Julius Berger, Transnational Corporation, and other advanced equities dragged the market performance up.

     

    Market breadth also closed positive with 35 gainers and 17 losers.

     

    On the gainers’ table, Champion Breweries led 34 other advanced equities with a 9.88 per cent increase to close at N3.56 per share.

     

    Transcorp Hotel led 16 other declined equities on the losers’ table with a 10 per cent decrease to close at N90 per share.

     

    Analysis of the market activities showed trade turnover settled higher relative to the previous session, with the value of transactions up by 53.64 per cent.

     

    A total of 1.3 million shares valued at N25.33 billion were exchanged in 8,364 deals, compared to 1.38 billion shares valued at N16.48 billion traded in 9,899 deals posted previously.

     

    FBN Holdings led the activity table in volume and value with 871.08 million shares worth N19.12 billion. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    RUKY/ AWA

    ===========

    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • VON partners DEPOWA, urges citizens to respect Armed Forces 

    VON partners DEPOWA, urges citizens to respect Armed Forces

    Partnership

    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba-Ndace, has said that VON would partner with Defence and Police Officers’ Wife Association (DEPOWA) to project its positive and humanitarian activities to the world.

    The VON boss stated this during a courtesy visit to the National President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said VON was established to tell and shape the narrative of Nigeria, Nigerians, Africa and Africans, including the Nigerian Armed Forces and DEPOWA.

    “We do these by broadcasting in eight languages such as English, French, Arabic, Swahili, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Fulfulde.

    “We are also talking with Chinese Embassy to start broadcast in Madarin and other foreign languages.

    “As D-G, working with my team, we have decided that we will be intentional and unapologetic in narrating the Nigerian stories, including the positive work that DEPOWA is doing for the youths and women in the barracks.

    “I also want to commend you for all the works you are doing for widows in the country. You have a willing partner in VON, to partner and cover all your activities.

    “President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring that the armed forces are given the best motivation and logistics to deliver on their mandate.’’

    While commending the troops fighting for the safety of the country, he noted that some officers have not seen their families for over five months.

    According to him, some even paid the supreme price.

    “Only God will bless them.

    “I also want to call on Nigerians to appreciate and respect our armed forces. Let’s respect our combatants’ armed forces who put their lives on the line,” Baba-Ndace said.

    He stressed that even in death, armed forces should be respected by Nigerians.

    The VON boss condemned the attitude of some Nigerians who spread fake news, misinformation and disinformation about the armed forces on the social media.

    He called on citizens to respect and appreciate the armed forces paying the supreme price in the line of duty for the safety of the country.

    Responding, the DEPOWA National President, appreciated Baba-Ndace for the support and partnership offered to DEPOWA by VON.

    “We have skill acquisition and leadership programmes for the less privileged and other members of the society and barrack community.

    “We will also be having more programmes in the coming weeks.

    “Our husbands are doing a lot, but people go to the social media and spread fake comments and information that are discouraging.

    “But we thank God that VON is also fighting fake news,” Musa said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Baba-Ndace and his team were taken on a tour of facilities and programmes DEPOWA is currently coordinating for the youths and women. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    CMY/MAM/AMM

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

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Afreximbank commits $2bn facility to support Africa’s health product manufacturing

    Afreximbank commits $2bn facility to support Africa’s health product manufacturing

    Facility
    By Okeoghene Akubuike
    Abuja, June 20, 2024(NAN) African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has committed a two billion dollar facility to the “Africa Health Security Investment Plan” to support the health product manufacturing ambition of the continent.

    The commitment was made under a renewed partnership between Afreximbank and the Africa Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on Thursday.

    A statement issued by Vincent Musumba, Manager, Communications and Events, Afreximbank, said the cooperation agreement was announced on the sidelines of the Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation in Paris, France.

    Musumba said the initiative would focus on the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM) and the Platform for Harmonised African Health Products Manufacturing (PHAHM).

    He said the initiative was pivotal in addressing Africa’s health investment challenges, promoting economic development, and strengthening health security across the continent.

    “ It also intends to complement GAVI’s innovative financing mechanism, the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA).

    “Which is set to provide up to two billion dollars in financing to African manufacturers of health and pharmaceutical products over the next 10 years.”

    He said African pharmaceutical companies faced severe impacts of global health, security and economic challenges, yet they were the drivers of investments and technology advancements that the health sector needs.

    “Low investor confidence, lack of appropriate infrastructure, trade-related barriers, and regulatory challenges are some of the constraints to investment in Africa’s health sector.

    “While funds might be available, many potential investments do not materialise due to financial and non-financial obstacles.

    “Coordinated efforts at the continental level are essential to reverse this trend and align with the New Public Health Order.”

    He said closing the investment gap would be crucial to achieving the African Union’s ambition of manufacturing 60 per cent of vaccines needed locally by the year 2040.

    “As well as implementing all other countermeasures necessary to ensure self-reliance, especially during crises such as pandemics and outbreaks.”

    Musumba quoted Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman, Board of Directors, Afreximbank as saying:

    “We are pleased to be part of yet another momentous event that will change the course of health security in Africa.

    “This facility will help strengthen the manufacturing of health and pharmaceutical products in Africa through our comprehensive and existing interventions such as Project Preparation funding, Project and Trade Finance as well as Guarantees.

    “Furthermore, we intend to put our full weight behind this facility with equity investments through our subsidiary FEDA – the Fund for Export Development into Africa.”

    He quoted Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General, Africa CDC, as saying, “Today is a big day for African vaccine manufacturing as well as health products manufacturing in general.

    “This is as we welcome these major investment announcements that will change the face of health products manufacturing in Africa for years to come.

    “Protecting our future means investing in our ability to achieve self-reliance on all health countermeasures; vital to accomplish our mission of safeguarding Africa’s health.”

    Musumba said the ‘Africa Health Security Investment Plan’ was built on three key pillars which include Technical Assistance and Advisory Services, Investment Project Pipeline and Regulatory and Normative Support.

    He said the Africa Health Security Investment aimed to tackle Africa’s health investment challenges, promote economic growth, and enhance health security across the continent. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OKE/VIV

    =====

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Gov. Fubara says Rivers peaceful, not under siege

    Peaceful
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June, 20, 2024(NAN) Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has dispelled fears in some quarters that the state was under siege, saying that Rivers is peaceful.
    Fubara made the statement on Thursday during an inspection tour of the 14.6km Omodu-Eberi Road project in Omuma Local Government Area.
    The governor said that Rivers people were enjoying a peaceful atmosphere, and that it was wrong to say that the state was in a crisis situation.
    “Rivers people are living peacefully in their various communities; projects are ongoing without challenges.
    “The negative narrative about the state being in crisis is misguided, unpatriotic and mischievous
    “It is important for people to know that governance is ongoing, movement of people is unhindered, social and economic activities are going on smoothly.
    “If there is any problem anywhere, I know that Nigerians know where the problem is coming from, it’s not from us,” he said.
    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing people-oriented policies, and to enthrone sustainable development in the state.
    “We shall continue to create the enabling environment for investments, we are here to make the state attractive to investors,” he said.
    Fubara said that the Omodu-Eberi Road project was delayed because of the government’s decision increase the length.
    “It was an eight kilometre long road, but we decided to increase it to 14.6km in order to link up with Abia,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PA/AZU
    =====
    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • NEMA, LASEMA, hold workshop on flood free Lagos 

    NEMA, LASEMA, hold workshop on flood free Lagos

    Flood

    By Fabian Ekeruche

    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency ( LASEMA), held a stakeholders engagement to fashion ways of curbing the threats of flooding in Lagos .

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop which held on Thursday at Ikeja saw the gathering of various stakeholders involved in emergency management in the state.

    Speaking at the event, Director-General (D-G) of NEMA, Hajia Zubaida Umar, said that the devastating impact of flood over the years especially that of 2012 and 2022 had served as a wakeup call to all tiers of government to collaborate with NEMA, to manage disaster risks and associated hazards.

    Represented by Mrs Ibitayo Adenike, Head of Operations, NEMA, Lagos Territorial Office, Umar said that in the recent past, lives had been lost, means of livelihood and infrastructure amounting to billions of Naira had been destroyed, due to unmitigated incidences of flood.

    The D-G said that the rainfall and flood advisories contained in the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) respectively, have provided us with valuable early warning alerts.

    “Consequently, we are expected to take actions that will drastically reduce the adverse impact of flood on the entire landscape and the Nigerian population, especially for the most vulnerable persons living in communities identified to be at risk of flooding.

    “NIHSA has specifically stated in the 2024 AFO that 31 states with 148 LGAs have been predicted to be within the high flood risk areas, while 35 states including FCT with 249 LGAs are considered to fall within the moderate flood risk areas.

    “The remaining 377 LGAs are forecasted for the low flood risk areas. These flood risk areas are presented with their degree of vulnerability to serve as a tool for governments at all levels to develop risk reduction measures to avert disaster losses during this rainy season.

    ” Similarly, sectors of agriculture and food security, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), education, health, transportation, protection and security amongst others are to set up mechanisms for disaster preparedness and risk reduction based on the early action strategies,” Umar said.

    In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke- Osanyintolu, said that flooding had become a major unavoidable disaster in Lagos State in recent times.

    Oke-Osanyintolu said that flooding had posed serious threats and damage to the livelihood and sustainability of most of the important settlements and communities in the state.

    He explained that with the Year 2024 rainfall prediction by NIMET, it had become imperative to brainstorm on new ways to tackle flood and source practical technologies in flood prevention, which the State Government could embrace.

    The permanent secretary said that LASEMA had conducted Vulnerability and Risk Assessment of flood in every part of the state, using integrated approach of Remote Sensing Data and Geographic Information System, for evaluation and mapping in its efforts to mitigate the impact of flood disaster in Year 2024.

    “This assessment is fundamental to mitigating flood by enabling the agency provide early warning, efficient and prompt planning, facilitate quick response and rehabilitation of affected victims in the state.

    ” It is on this note, that LASEMA is meeting with relevant stakeholders’ such as NEMA, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Red Cross Society, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, Fire Service.

    “Other stakeholders include the Office of Drainage, LASAMBUS, LASTMA, FRSC, RRS, Nigeria Army, Lagos State Neighbourhood Security Corps (LSNSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ministry of Local Community Affairs, LABSCA.

    “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, LGSs/LCDAs, NGOs ann other stakeholders will also be involved, to develop a Work Plan, which will reduce the effect of flood on lives and properties in Lagos State,” Oke- Osanyintolu said.

    NAN reports that the following LGAs, which are under High and Moderate Flood Risk Areas include Badagry, Amuwo Odofin, Ikeja, Ojo, Ikorodu, Epe, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, Kosofe, Eti Osa, Apapa, Ibeju Lekki, Surulere, Shomolu, Ajeromi/Ifelodun, Agege, Mushin, Alimosho, Oshodi/Isolo and Ifako/Ijaye. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FBO/IFY

    ========

    Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

  • Journalists task Plateau youths on peaceful coexistence

    Journalists task Plateau youths on peaceful coexistence

    Peace

    By Patience Aliyu

    Barkin-Ladi(Plateau), June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Plateau Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has sensitised youths in the state on peaceful coexistence.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, held on Thursday in Barkin-Ladi, had the theme ”Inter-ethnic and Inter-religious Dialogue: Toward Ensuring Food Security in Plateau”.

    Speaking at the event, Mr Polycarp Auta, Chairman of the Chapel, said that the summit was organised in collaboration with the Operation Safe Heaven (OPSH), the Special Task Force maintaining peace in Plateau and environs.

    Auta said that the event with participants drawn from Bokkos, Barkin-Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Jos South Local Government Areas of the state, would complement government’s peace efforts.

    He explained that the activity also aimed at addressing the looming food scarcity in the state and country in general, by ensuring a successful farming season.

    ”This summit is part of our modest contribution toward the peace efforts of the state government and the security agencies, particularly the Operation Safe Heaven.

    ”Beyond reporting security issues, we felt the need to bring young people of different tribes and religions, from troubled communities in Mangu, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South, to fashion out best ways toward a peaceful society.

    ”As the farming season set in, and Plateau being an agriculture hub, it has become necessary to remind ourselves of the looming food insecurity in the country.

    ”The desire to develop a collective approach that will allow farmers cultivate enough food to feed the state and nation in general informs the choice of the theme for this summit,” he said.

    The chairman called on residents of the state to support and cooperate with the security agencies deployed to their communities to protect them.

    ”We are strongly convinced that dialogue serves as a major tool for conflict resolution; it enables the people to air out their views, concerns, and suggest possible ways toward addressing any pressing matter.

    ”We hope that this event will elicit conversations and change our mindsets toward tackling the current security challenges confronting our dear state.

    ”We wish to use this opportunity to particularly call on Plateau citizens to support the officers and men of OPSH in their bid to stem out bad elements causing mayhem in our communities.

    ”For us, OPSH is headed by a professional, committed and an accomplished military officer with proven integrity; one who is committed to the actualisation of a peaceful Plateau, but requires the support and cooperation of the civil populace to achieve it.

    ”It is true that few bad eggs exist within the security circle, but we are appealing to residents of Plateau to look at the larger picture and maintain a cordial relationship with the security personnel deployed to protect their communities.”

    Earlier, Rev. Fr. Stephen Akpe, the Guest Speaker at the event, attributed the looming food crisis in the state to persistent conflicts that had, the over years, hindered farmers from cultivating their farmlands.

    Akpe, who holds a PhD in Conflict Resolution and Mediation, maintained that interfaith dialogue remains a major tool toward addressing the current security challenges in the state.

    He, however, called on the residents of state, particularly the youths, to develop a collective approach that would breed lasting peace, tolerance and unity in the society.

    In a keynote address, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the Commander of OPSH, said that the military had adopted a myriad of non-kinetic approaches toward stemming the tides of insecurity in the state.

    Represented by Col. Usman Abdusalam, Abubakar said that OPSH had launched a series of aggressive operations against kidnappers, cattle rustlers, armed robbers, illegal gun manufacturers, among other criminal elements, within its areas of responsibility.

    The commander, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, described the summit as timely, adding that the organisers had keyed into the peace efforts of the government and OPSH.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    PAM/AZA

    ==========

    Edited by Polycarp Auta

  • Rep mourns Bankole, ex-Lagos APC official

    Late ex Lagos APC Welfare Officer

     

    Late Bankole will be solely missed— Rep. Raji
    Condolence
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Wale Raji , representing Epe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives ,has expressed sadness over the death of Alhaja Ramota Bankole, a former Welfare Officer of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Lagos.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports that Bankole ,who recently celebrated her 60th birthday,died while performing the 2024 Hajj in Mecca,Saudi Arabia.

    Raji, in a statement in Lagos on Thursday ,said that the late politician was  a prominent  indigene of Epe and a resourceful member of Wale Raji Think Tank .

    “Alhaja Ramota was a committed, dedicated, and hard working party stalwart ,who stopped at nothing to get results on every task assigned to her.

    “Her death is going to be sorely missed in the political and community circle where she was serving and impacting.

    “We pray God grant her family and associates the fortitude to bear this huge loss and grant her eternal rest.

    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/BHB

     

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji