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  • Group calls for concrete actions to end child labour

     

     

    Labour

    By Oluwatope Lawanson
    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Devatop Centre for Africa Development, an anti-human trafficking and human rights organisation,  has urged state governments to strengthen enforcement of laws and implementation of policies protecting children against exploitation.

    The Group Project Manager, Mr Andrew Adaji,  gave the advice on Thursday at the group’s commemoration of the World Day Against Child Labour.

     

    The event, which held in Ikeja,  was tagged: “TALKAM Against Child Labour”.

    The World Day Against Child Labour is celebrated  every June 12 to raise awareness and activism against child labour.

    This 2024 edition had the theme: “Let’s Act on Our Commitments: End Child Labour”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Devatop Centre for Africa Development is focused on combating human trafficking, gender-based violence and irregular migration, as well as  supporting survivors and at-risk youths.

    Adaji called on governments, organisations and individuals to intensify efforts in ending child labour and ensuring children’s rights to education, health and a safe environment.

    He emphasised the need for concrete actions and fulfillment of commitments  toward eradicating child labour.

    “Governments should enforce the Child Rights Act and provide free and quality education.

    “They should support families with economic opportunities to reduce poverty which is a key driver of child labour.

    “Also, there is need for sensitilisation, public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the harm of child labour,” he said.

    The manager also advised parents and guardians to refrain from engaging  children in harmful work or exploiting them for financial gain.

    According to him, every child deserves education, protection and childhood free from exploitation.

    “Parents should ensure their children attend schools regularly and complete their education.

    “They should provide a safe and nurturing
    environment for their children to grow,” he said.

    Mrs Mienye Badejo, South-West Zonal Director, Ministry of Labour and Employment, in her keynote address, said that no child should be exploited in any way.

    In the address titled: “Our Corporate Responsibility In Promoting and Protecting the Rights of Child Domestic Workers”, Badejo said that children should be treated as children, not as  adults.

    She said that eradicating child labour  required  collaboration of everyone.

     

    “Let us unite in the common cause of ensuring that every child in Nigeria is afforded the opportunity to grow, dream and learn.

    “They should be given the chance to contribute meaningfully to the prosperity of our great nation without the burden of exploitative child labour, ” she said.

    Earlier, in her goodwill message, Mrs Comfort Agboko,   Commander, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Lagos Zone, called on all stakeholders to intensify interventions against child labour.

    According to her, there is a difference between child work and child labour.

    She said that no child should be reduced to a slave  even within the family circle.

    The zonal commander said that there was need to carry out evidence-based interventions with key performance indicators that would directly impact positively on  children. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

    LAW/OJI/IGO

    ===========

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Teenagers docked for allegedly stealing Chief Magistrate’s AC

    Teenagers docked for allegedly stealing Chief Magistrate’s AC

    Theft

    By Aisha Gambo

    Kaduna, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Three teenagers on Thursday appeared before a Shari’a court sitting at Magajin Gari, Kaduna State, over alleged criminal conspiracy, house breaking and stealing of split Air Conditioner.

    The prosecutor, Mr Luka Sadau, said the accused were five in number but only three were found, adding that they broke into a chief Magistrate’s house to steal the items.

    The three accused aged 14, 15 and 17, pleaded not guilty to all offenses.

    The Judge, Malam Anas Khalifa, granted bail to the accused on the condition they provide a Muslim cleric or traditional leader of their community as surety.

    The judge adjourned the matter to June 27 for the prosecutor to present witnesses.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AMG/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • TotalEnergies launches Ubeta gas development field  

    TotalEnergies launches Ubeta gas development field

    Gas
    By Yunus Yusuf
    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) TotalEnergies, operator of OML 58 onshore license in Nigeria with a 40 per cent interest, says it has taken the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the development of the Ubeta gas field.

    The Ubeta gas field is a joint venture operation with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd., with 60 per cent.

    Mr Mike Sangster, Senior Vice President Africa, Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies said this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

    Sangster said that Ubeta gas field is located about 80 km northwest of Port Harcourt in Rivers state, the OML 58 license contains two fields currently in production, the Obagi oil field and the Ibewa gas and condensate field.

    “OML58 gas production is processed in the Obite treatment center and supplied to both the Nigerian domestic gas market and to Nigeria LNG (NLNG) plant.

    “Also located in OML58, the Ubeta gas condensate field will be developed with a new 6-well cluster connected to the existing Obite facilities through a 11 km buried pipeline.

    “Production start-up is expected in 2027, with a plateau of 300 million cubic feet per day (about 70,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day including condensates).

    ” Gas from Ubeta will be supplied to NLNG, a liquefaction plant located in Bonny Island with an on-going capacity expansion from 22 to 30 Mtpa, in which TotalEnergies holds a 15 per cent interest, ” he said.

    The TotalEnergies boss said that Ubeta is a low-emission and low-cost development, leveraging on OML58 existing gas processing facilities.

    He said that the carbon intensity of the project will be further reduced through a 5 MW solar plant currently under construction at the Obite site and the electrification of the drilling rig.

    “TotalEnergies is working closely with NNPCL to enhance local content, with more than 90 per cent of manhours which will be worked locally.

    “Ubeta is the latest in a series of projects developed by TotalEnergies in Nigeria, most recently Ikike and Akpo West.

    “I am pleased that we can launch this new gas project which has been made possible by the Government’s recent incentives for non-associated gas developments.

    ” Ubeta fits perfectly with our strategy of developing low-cost and low-emission projects, and will contribute to the Nigerian economy through higher NLNG exports”, Sangster added.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    YO/IKU
    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • Fidelity Bank opens N127.1bn combined rights, public offer 

    Capital
    By Rukayat Adeyemi
    Board/Management team of Fidelity Bank and NGX at the Bank’s Facts Behind The Combined Offers presented to capital market stakeholders on Tuesday in Lagos.
    Lagos, June 20,2024 (NAN) Fidelity Bank Plc, on Thursday, opened application list for its rights issue and public offer by way of combined subscription, totaling N127.1 billion, to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) recapilisation directive.
    Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, rhe Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, announced this at the Bank’s Facts Behind The Combined Offers, presented to capital market stakeholders on Tuesday in Lagos.
    Onyeali-Ikpe said that the acceptance and application lists for the rights issue and public offer, which opened on June 20, would close on July 29.
    She explained that under the rights issue, 3.2 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each was 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, totalling N29.6 billion.
    For the public offer, the managing director stated that 10 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each was offered to the general investing public at N9.75 per share, totalling N97.5 billion.
    “Fidelity is the first to launch this offer out of the many, following the recapitalisation announcement by the CBN in march.
    “The bank has already started the process of raising additional capital ahead of the CBN’s directive, requiring banks to raise minimum capital base of N200 billion for national banks.
    “Also, N500 billion for banks with international operation like ours, amongst other capital requirements.
    “This did not come as a surprise to us. Our capital raising process was practically initiated after obtaining approval from our shareholders in August 2023.
    “The exercise is part of our strategic growth plan to raise additional capital to meet our growth needs,” she added.
    The managing director lauded the CBN recapitalisation directive, adding that it presented a significant opportunity for a stronger and more resilient banking industry.
    Onyeali-Ikpe said that the proceeds from the capital raise would be instrumental in achieving the bank’s strategic growth plan.
    According to her, the proceed will  expand the bank’s s footprints within and outside Nigeria to serve as a product customer base and  unlock new market opportunities.
    She said that the financial institution was also committed to leveraging proprietary technology to improve operational efficiency and deliver exceptional customer service.
    By investing in IT infrastructure and product distribution channels, Onyeali-Ikpe said that the bank aims to diversify its earnings base through digitalisation and business expansion.
    “The offer will increase our capacity to support our customers and their businesses.
    “In summary, this capital raise will help our customers to grow their businesses to thrive, and the economy to prosper.
    “We appreciate the NGX for their continued support and for providing us a platform to raise capital to achieve our goals,” she said.
    Commenting, Mr Ahonsi Unuigbe, Chairman, NGX, lauded the bank’s board and management on the capital raise initiative, saying it underscores its dedication in enhancing its operational efficiency and market presence.
    Unuigbe said that the combined offer was a testament to Fidelity Bank’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its own capital base and ensuring sustainable growth.
    He added that NGX, as a business enabler, is committed to providing platform that supports issuers and market participants in achieving their business objectives.
    In his address, Mr Jude Chiemeka, Acting Chief Executive Officer, NGX, commended the bank for choosing the platform to communicate its financial performance, operational developments and strategic plans to undertake the capital raise.
    Chiemeka stated that such accurate, accessible and timely information was essential to stimulate market activity and underscored the bank’s dedication to providing relevant information to the market.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RUKY/AWA
    ============
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
    ===

  • Institute, NGO decry surge in hate speech 

    A cross section of the youths during the training in Abuja.

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    Surge

    By Angela Atabo /Emmanuel Oloniruha
    Abuja, June 20, 2023(NAN)The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and an
    NGO, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE), have decried the surge of hate speech in Nigeria.
    The two organisations, at a two-day Training the Trainers on Combating Hate Speech Online and Offline, called on youths to synergise and galvanise efforts to address the menace.
    The event, jointly organised by the two organisations on Thursday in Abuja, brought together no fewer than  20 young participants from across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  that the training with the theme  ‘Together for Peace: Combatting Hate Speech Online and Offline’was  supported by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) coordinated by LEAP Africa.
    Speaking at the event, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, Director General of IPCR  stressed the need  for  youths empowerment and positive deployment of technology to shape the narrative of hate speech in Nigeria.
    He said such would  address bigotry, disunity and create the culture of peace and foster unity in the country.
    Ochogwu  said that the training could not have come at a better time  as Nigeria continued to battle misinformation and hate speech  impacting negatively on peace, security and stability of the nation.
    Mr Rafiu Lawal, Executive Director of BBFORPEACE, in a welcome address highlighted the importance of steming the tide of hate speech in Nigeria.
    “Hate speech, harmful narratives including rumour, disinformation, fake news and ethnic phobia have had significant and far-reaching effects on many societies and Nigeria is no exception.
    “The  proliferation of hate speech and harmful narratives now poses a critical threat to Nigeria’s social fabric, intergroup relationships, and overall unity, peace, stability and development of the nation.
    “Our four peacebuilding institutions are actively working in partnership towards mitigating the dreaded phenomenon of hate speech and information disorder across all spectrums of our society.
    “This is to foster sustainable peace, stability and socio-economic development,” he said.
    While charging all stakeholders to work together to address the hate speech menace, Lawal disclosed that participants at the training would be supported technically and financially to implement small scale initiative in all the Area Councils in Abuja.
    Another participant, Mr Kamaldeen Afolabi of the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) Grants and MERL Specialist, underscored the need to continue to build youth capacity.
    He noted that, doing so, would  provide  opportunities for youths in order to facilitate good governance for peacebuilding
    NAN reports that the training engaged young people on various topics, including,  management and peace building, social media as a tool for advocacy, dialogue, and political participation.
    Others topics are: Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act 2024, Transforming Narratives through Story Telling among others..(NAN (www.nannews.ng)
    ATAB/ROT
    =========
    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

  • Food Security: Abiodun allocates farmlands to Ogun lawmakers

    Gov. Dapo Abiodun in the middle with members of the Ogun House of Assembly 

    Food Security: Abiodun allocates farmlands to Ogun lawmakers

    Food
    By Abiodun Lawal
    Abeokuta, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has allocated farmlands to the 26 members of the state House of Assembly as part of efforts at ensuring food security in the state.

    Abiodun presented letters of allocation on Thursday to the lawmakers in his office in Abeokuta to commemorate the first anniversary of the 10th Assembly.

    The governor said that the gesture was to make them contribute towards making the state the food basket of the country.

    “I recall that I had promised to allocate agricultural land to all the Ogun State legislators as part of our food security and agricultural resurgence initiative, which is in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    ” I am glad to present to you the letters of allocation for the speaker and the 25 members of the House of Assembly.

    ” I hope that you would take advantage of this opportunity to ensure that you begin to grow what you eat and eat what you grow.

    ” This will be your way of ensuring the fulfilment of our desire to make Ogun state the food basket of the nation,” he said.

    Abiodun lauded the assembly members for their commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance and the welfare of the citizens.

    He observed that their dedication to legislative excellence had been instrumental in driving the progress and development of the state.

    The governor emphasised that the lawmaker had in the last one year passed numerous bills and resolutions aimed at improving the lives of the people.

    Abiodun noted that their tireless efforts, unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit with the executive had made the state one of the best in the country.

    Earlier, the Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, described the last one year as turbulent and filled with tension but maintained that the desire to give the people a purposeful representation saw them through the turbulence period.

    Elemide lauded the governor for embarking on the complete renovation and restoration of the assembly complex.

    The speaker assured the governor of the assembly’s cooperation in making laws that would fast track the socio-economic development of the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LKA/IKU
    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

     

     

  • 2027: Abia APC chairman urges unity among party leaders

    2027: Abia APC chairman urges unity among party leaders
    APC
    By Leonard Okachie
    Igbere(Abia), June 20, 2024(NAN) The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia, Dr Kingsley Ononogbu, has appealed to the party leaders to work in unity to win other Senatorial zones and the governorship seat in 2027.
    Ononogbu made the appeal on Thursday during a “unification” party meeting held at Camp Neya, Igbere, home of Abia-North Sen. Orji Kalu.
    He said: “We are going to work together as a starting point because I am a builder, not a spoiler.
    “When I became chairman, I was told that there were different groups but I made sure I identified with all of them.
    “We should gradually create a template that will make us work together until Congress comes, then everyone can make their choices and we would have achieved that unity.
    “If we work together, we can take over Abia-Central and Abia-South and if we get it right we can win any election.
     “These quarrels have not gotten us anywhere, we have to come together so we don’t lose again.”
    Ononogbu described Kalu, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, as a “priceless asset” to the party.
    He  highlighted the indelible impacts of the former Abia governor in moving the party forward.
    The chairman explained that Kalu’s influence had ensured that the party remained a force to reckon with in the state.
    He  specifically narrated the comforting fatherly role Kalu played when he made up his mind to resign his chairmanship position due to  infractions within the party.
    Former state chairman of the party,  Chief Donatus Nwankpa declared that the APC was no longer factionalised in Abia.
    Nwankpa, who currently serves as the National Welfare Secretary of the ruling party,  urged  Ononogbu to reach out to all stakeholders of the party.
    He  also commended Kalu’s representation at the Senate, saying “Sen.Orji Uzor Kalu is the most performing Senator.
    “He is a grassroots and charismatic Senator.”
    In his remark, Kalu said that henceforth, loyalists of different stakeholders were to participate in any political meeting he summoned.
    Kalu also enjoined all stakeholders to obey the directives of Ononogbu.
    He said: “Nobody should disobey what the chairman has said; when you get to various wards, make sure you hold meetings.
    “Whenever you call for meetings, ensure that all the factions attend and make sure you invite the party chairman.
    “You have heard from the party chairman and the National Welfare Officer, you must seek peace.”
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting, hosted by Kalu, had in attendance local government and ward executives, including loyalists of the party’s 2023 Governorship candidate, Chief Ikechi Emenike.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    LEO/SOA
    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Binance: EFCC continues criminal charge against Gambaryan

    Binance: EFCC continues criminal charge against Gambaryan

    Charge

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, continued with its alleged money laundering charge preferred against Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Ltd at a Federal High Court, Abuja

    The criminal charge continued before Justice Emeka Nwite inspite of  the withdrawal of a charge by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) against Gambaryan in the alleged tax evasion case filed against him and the cryptocurrency exchange platform.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while the EFCC filed a five-count charge against Binance and Gambaryan, FIRS filed a four-count charge against the duo.

    The anti-graft agency had accused Binance and Gambaryan of money laundering involving $35.4 million.

    Besides, the company was under suspicion of alleged terrorism financing.

    NAN reports that Justice Nwite had, on Friday, discharged the detained Gambaryan and his fleeing colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, from the alleged tax evasion charge.

    The judge made the decision in a short ruling following a fresh amended charge filed by the FIRS in view of a notice from Binance about its appointment of a Nigerian representative, Mr Ayodele Omotilewa, to oversee its affairs in tye country.

    However, expectations were high prior to today’s proceedings that the anti-graft agency would follow suit.

    But at the resumed hearing, the EFCC’s lawyer, informed the court that the matter was slated for the defence to cross-examined the agency’s first prosecution witness (PW1), Mr Abdulkadir Abbas, a Director with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC).

    Then Gambaryan stepped forward into the dock.

    While being cross-examined by counsel for the 1st defendant (Binance), Mr Babatunde Fagbohunlu, SAN, Abbas testified against Binance and Gambaryan.

    The witness, who is Director of Registration, Exchanges and Market Infrastructure Department at SEC, stated that a private company that wants to raise capital from the public in Nigeria, must become a Public Limited Company (PLC) before it can engage in IPO (Initial Public Offer).

    He, however, said that Binance did not even registered with his office in the first place.

    He said the SEC’s regulations mandated it to oversight on all Bitcoin trading platforms under the Nigeria law.

    Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until June 21 for continuation of cross-examination.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TOA/SH

    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • NAN MD urges journalists to protect journalism profession, check quackery

    Quackery

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Mr Ali Muhammad Ali, the Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has urged journalists to jealously guard the journalism profession and ensure the elimination of quackery.

    Ali said this on Thursday in Abuja during the Diamond Anniversary Special Induction of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

    The NAN MD said that media quacks needed to get the right training in order to function better in the society, as Public Relations (PR) was all about professionalism.

    According to him, quacks need better training to be able to get their acts together.

    “In public communication, the tone of the PR man is different, especially when you engage a professional; the tone is that of reconciliation and persuasion, and not combating.

    “But when you see a quack serving as a spokesman, they are always combative.

    “When you become a media manager, naturally, their language and diction should be that of reconciliation, persuasion, peace and not combative nor aggression.

    “My advice to all quacks is to get the right training by joining the institute; get the right education, knowledge, and the right attitude,” Ali said.

    He said that quackery had not only heated-up public communication in the country but had also heightened tension.

    Ali, therefore underscored the agency’s commitment to maintaining credibility and authenticity in its reporting, in spite of the prevalence of fake news in today’s digital age. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/EMAF
    ========
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Lagos Speaker, Reps member empower youths with N30m

     

    Empowerment
    By Kazeem Akande
    Lagos, June 20, 2024(NAN) Dr Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), and Dr Wale Ahmed (APC- Lagos) have offered N30 million to 135 youths in Agege area of Lagos State for start-up business.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the youths are graduands of a free empowerment and skills acquisition programme organised by Ahmed, representing Agege Federal Constituency.

    Obasa, who gave N15 million to the graduands, advised them to make good use of the training and capital to start their businesses.

    According to him, this is not just happening, it’s beyond empowerment, we must not allow anything to divide us in the community, not even poverty.

    “I thank the honourable member, Ahmed, who organised this programme for the youths to ensure self reliance.

    “You cannot depend on begging, just take advantage of this training to move a step forward in your life to achieve your goals.

    “To grow in life is not about money but seriousness and hard work, don’t rely on begging because it will reduce you to nothing in the society.

    “I used to sell Nylon bags while I was young at Agege market, at least to have my personal money rather than begging from people.

    “You need to contribute your own positive quota to the society by eradicating the challenges of unemployment,” he said.

    Ahmed, in his remarks, said the empowerment was facilitated to reduce the rate of unemployment in the society.

    According to him, the training will go a long way to better the life of the youths and allow them to be self reliant.

    “This programme is initiated to support the youths with different free training in various skills like hairdressing, catering, ICT, Event Planning and Decorations and others.

    “We organised training for over 135 youths in the community with stipends for transportation during the four weeks programme.

    “We only appeal to them to make proper use of the training and focus on how to move forward and contribute positively to,” he said.

    Esther Fagbemi, one of the beneficiaries in her remarks, thanked the lawmakers for giving them the opportunity to learn the skills.

    Fagbemi said the skill acquired would go a long way to advance her life and put food on her table.

    “The N200,000 each we received from the speaker and Ahmed will go a long way in sustaining our businesses,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)
    AKA/CHOM/IKU
    ==========
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Tayo Ikujuni