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  • Stakeholders advocate collaboration to harness climate change opportunities 

    Stakeholders advocate collaboration to harness climate change opportunities

    By Stellamaris Ashinze

    Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Some stakeholders on Wednesday called  for collaborative effort to harness the opportunity of climate change and address the challenges associated with it

    The stakeholders made the call at the opening of the two-day Climate Action Africa Forum (CAAF) 2024 in Lagos.

    The forum had the theme, “Green  Economies, Brighter Future: Innovating and Investing in Africa’s Climate Smart Development.”

    Ms Ramatoulaye Diallo, Chief Executive Officer, Great Green Wall of Africa Foundation, said in her keynote address that stakeholders are decisive of the urgency with which Africa’s climate challenges are addressed.

    Dialo said that aside climate change being one of the most critical issue in 21st century, the reality of climate change was becoming more and more eminent.

    She said that Africa was unfortunately  in the heart of these realities and facing severe weather challenges such as rising temperature, erratic rainfall and desertification among others.

    According to her, decisive action is essential in the battle to protect Africa, noting that, however, the journey  requires collaboration, innovation and commitment from all stakeholders.

    “I have great faith in the fight against   climate change, the existence of this challenges are always hampering livelihood and social economic development .

    “That is why proactive, collective and continental efforts are too sure to address them, like I always say the development of Africa will lead to the development of higher might.

    “Money is not the issue, we have the money; what we do need, we need to fight. We need to come together and hold hands to achieve a better goal,’’ she said.

    According to her, with what countries are facing, it is imperative we work together to get sustainable solutions  resilient for a worthy transformation and significant breakthrough.

    Dialo said that stakeholders must utilise collective wisdom, share knowledge and goals as well as build capacity.

    She said that there were always opportunities for people, so, therefore, it was important that all turn the opportunity into projects that could attract investment .

    ‘’CAAF 2024 is already the platform where we can harness and address the needs of those most vulnerable to climate change’’.

    Also in his address, Markus Wauschkuhn, Cluster Coordinator of German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in Nigeria, said that the German cooperation had supported green economies in Nigeria.

    Wauschkuhn said that there was need not to talk of climate only on defensive action but as a business opportunity, adding that the innovation potential was particularly high, especially in Africa.

    He said that it was similar to what happened 10 years to 20 years back in the telecommunications sector, which saw the influx of businesses.

    He said that there were open opportunity which could be used to create businesses, instead of complaining about the situation.

    According to him, some examples are innovative green solutions to address challenges, green technologies in the production of goods in clusters .

    “We also have 44 skills programme for youths, employment programme which is focusing on technical training  for youths development and we are also actively working towards developing a curriculum for green skills in Nigeria’,” the GIZ executive said.

    According to him, green economy is not only a tool or academic concept, it is very much a trust cutting tool which is affecting more and more areas of the cooperation.

    He said it was part of its transition to a sustainable future in which critical environmental, economic and social challenges are addressed.

    “We at GIZ support our partner countries in establishing economic structures based on sustainable production of consumption patterns and combined prosperity climate, environmental protection and social justice.

    He said that in Nigeria, for example, GIZ was actively promoting energy transition through its Nigerian energy support programme.

    Wauschkuhn added that the energy support programme was focused on fostering investment for renewable energy and energy efficiency across different areas for electricity for disadvantaged rural areas.

    According to him, GIZ has also supported recycling volume chain jointly with the Lagos State Government and has worked with over 3,000 plastic waste recycling actors on different aspects of business support.

    He expressed excitement to be part of the conversation and future engagements.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CAAF is a two-day  conference which started from June 19 and would end June 20. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SKA/COF

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    Edited by Christiana Fadare

     

     

  • Stakeholders seek amendment of PIA

    Stakeholders seek  amendment of PIA

    Act
    By EricJames Ochigbo

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Some stakeholders have called for  amendment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), to abolish section 257 which criminalised an entire community, should oil facility be tampered with by any hoodlum within the area.

    The stakeholders which include leaders of host communities, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) legal and environmental activists made the call at the third edition of the Niger Delta Socio-Ecological Alternatives Convergence (NDAC) in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The conference which was organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) also demanded justice for people of the region for the many years of environmental degradation by oil companies.

    They also called for the restoration of the Niger Delta environment before the global transition to clean energy is concluded.

    In his remarks, Prof. Lucky Worika, the Director, Center for Advanced Law Research, River State University, said that section 257 should be deleted.

    He decried the clause,  saying the PIA which took 20 years before it was passed into law should not have had such a clause in the first place.

    “Section 257 that deals with the fact that if there is sabotage or alleged sabotage in communities, that they cannot benefit from the Host Community Trust Fund.

    “That is basically criminalising an entire community for the offense of one or a few; it is not done anywhere.

    “The is the most anachronistic section in that legislation that I think needs to be deleted immediately because the communities are not happy.

    “They have suffered enough then if some miscreants in the communities now go and tamper with installations you now hold the entire community, who does that?,” he said.

    Worika said there had  been almost 70 years of oil and gas exploration and development in the Niger Delta, resulting in ecological, environmental damages including destitution for the people.

    He said there were many government interventions to salvage the situation but all failed as a result of  political interference.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, described PIA as “anti people Act.”

    According to him, the section of the Act serves the purposes of the oil companies as against that of the host communities.

    He said since 1998 to date, the Federal Government had deployed excerpts and security agencies to address sabotage in the area but had not succeeded.

    “So 25 years of Joint Task Force (JTF) did not bring about any oil thief being incarcerated anywhere.

    “You are a journalist so go to Kuje prison, go to Kogi presently,  go to Kiri Kiri prison and check the roll call from 1998.

    “But today in my kingdom, if there is oil pipeline vandalism in my kingdom, I and my people, my subjects will be held responsible.

    “You are passed a job to the traditional ruler that professionals military professionals could not do, security professionals, Department of State Securty (DSS) professionals and other professionals in this country put together could not do. 

    “You put it on a youth that has not gone to school to do, you put it on a pregnant woman to do and that if they fail to do it, they will be no benefit from that three  per cent that comes from the trust fund, they won’t get it,” he said.

    The Director of HOMEF, Mr Nnimmo Bassey, said the degraded situation of the Niger Delta region must be realigned for the wellbeing of the people and the environment.

    He said  the region had been placed on a bloody slab and visited with unrelenting abuse by the forces of extractivism, internal colonialism and dispossession. 

    “It has been recklessly exploited right from the time of slavery to the time of colonial monopolies and current realities where it is raped for the sake of keeping a waning petroleum civilisation on life support.

    “The convergence continues to demand urgent responses to climate change impacts,  including setting up mechanisms for emergency response to floods, shoreline protection, restoration of mangrove forests and halting of deforestation.

    “We demand for proper urban and rural planning and rejection of false solutions such as geoengineering,  Blue Carbon and other carbon upsetting offsets which are tools for carbon slavery and colonialism. 

    “The convergence is about people and planet, with the world shifting away from dirty energy, it is of utmost urgency that the Niger Delta region is rid of the scars of that regime and the destitution it has forced on the people.

    “It is time to demand a demilitarised region with offshore oil platforms converted to wind farms for renewable energy,” he said. (NAN)

    EOO/CHOM/SH

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

  • Abia Govt. approves bursary for 271 students in law schools

    Abia Govt. approves bursary for 271 students in law schools
    Students
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Umuahia, June 20, 2024(NAN) The Abia Government has approved the payment of  bursary to 271 state-sponsored students in the various  law schools across the country.
    The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr Okey Kanu, made this known on Wednesday during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting, at the Government House, Umuahia.
    Kanu said that the students remained ever grateful to the state government for its support.
    He said that the government, through its untiring efforts had secured  accreditation for 18 courses for Abia University, Ututu.
    “It was a very rigorous process and this speaks to all the efforts that he has been making to ensuring that our education sector turns out to be the best,” he said.
    According to Kanu, there was a recent case of Abia students who were abandoned in India by the previous administration.
    He said that the government in response to the matter had approved the payment of the school fees for the students to enable them to continue with their education in India.
    On Sports,  Kanu said that, Mr Frank Onyeka, a son of Abia, who hails from Umunneochi Local Government Area and a footballer had proposed to build a football academy in the state.
    He said that Onyeka plied his trade in the United Kingdom, where he played for Brentford FC and he was equally  regular for the Super Eagles.
    Kanu said that the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Dr Ahmed Datti was on the other hand to lend support and promised to give adequate support, to ensure that the project succeeds.
    He said that the Governor had directed the Commissioner for Lands and Housing to quickly process a  Certificate of Occupancy for the project within 48 hours.
    “This is a way to encourage Mr Onyeka as a son of Abia and to let others know that if they have such viable projects that the state government will always be willing and ready to support them,”Kanu said.
    He said that the project would be sited between Umuahia and Aba  for ease of accessibility.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    INA/OJI/BRM
    ===============
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Minister pledges to promote Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage

    Minister pledges to promote Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage

    Heritage

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy,  Hannatu Musawa, has pledged to promote Nigeria’s diverse heritage in a bid to sustain the culture of the people.

    This is contained in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Sub-National Engagement and Partnership, Mr Abiola Abdulkreem, in Abuja on Thursday.

    The minsiter’s promise was made at the 2024 Emirate Durbar in Ilorin and other parts of the country after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    Abdulkareem quoted Musawa as saying that her commitment underscored the ministry’s dedication to fostering critical partnerships at both the national and grassroots levels to celebrate and elevate the country’s diverse heritage.

    “I will continue to support and partner players both at the national and grassroot levels to fashion our new ways to promote and celebrate the beauty of our diverse heritage,” she said.

    Musawa emphasised the importance of the Emirate Durbar, not only as a cultural event but as a vital symbol of Nigeria’s historical and social unity.

    She said that the durbar, renowned for its vibrant display of horse-riding regalia, traditional music, and dance, served as a powerful reminder of the nation’s rich and diverse cultural history.

    “The Emirate Durbar in Ilorin is a cornerstone of our cultural heritage.

    “Our ministry is committed to ensuring that such events receive the recognition and support they deserve.

    “We believe that by partnering with local and national stakeholders, we can create new avenues to showcase the beauty of our traditions and bring them to the forefront of national consciousness,” she said.

    Musawa said that the pledge was part of a broader initiative by the ministry to integrate cultural heritage into the national development agenda.

    According to her, by supporting traditional events like the emirate durbar, the ministry aims to foster unity, national pride, and cultural awareness among Nigerians.

    She said that the initiative would boost the local economy by attracting tourism and providing opportunities for local artisans and performers.

    Musawa highlighted the ministry’s strategic plan to collaborate with state governments, traditional leaders, and cultural organizations to create sustainable frameworks for cultural preservation and promotion.

    According to her, the plan includes capacity-building programmes, financial support for cultural events, and the development of cultural infrastructure across the country.

    “Promoting our cultural heritage is not just about preserving the past; it’s about creating a vibrant future where our traditions can thrive and inspire future generations.

    “The Emirate Durbar is a testament to our rich cultural diversity, and we are committed to making it a landmark event on both the national and international stage,” Musawa added.

    She promised to promote cultural celebrations in Nigeria, where the beauty and diversity of the nation’s heritage will be honored and cherished.

    She stated that through these efforts, the ministry  would position itself as a strong player in the cultural sector, dedicated to nurturing and promoting Nigeria’s rich heritage.

    She added that the commitment would not only help to celebrate the past but also paved way for a culturally-enriched future in the country.

    She commended the organisers for a great job and the wonderful hospitality experienced at the event.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ODF/OJI/BRM

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    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bashir Rabe Mani

     

  • NILDS D-G commiserates with Saraki over mother’s demise

    Condolence

    By EricJames Ochigbo

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) has commiserated with the former Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki over the death of his mother, Mrs Morenike Saraki.

     

    In a statement on Wednesday, Sulaiman expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Saraki family while acknowledging the significant contributions the late Mama Saraki made to nation building.

     

    “She was a pillar of strength, a compassionate matriarch, and a guiding light whose legacy of selfless service and dedication to family values will continue to inspire many.

     

    “Mama Florence Saraki was more than a mother to one of Nigeria’s eminent political leaders; she was a beacon of hope and a source of support.

     

    “Her life was a testament to the virtues of love, resilience, and faith; she played an instrumental role in shaping the lives of her children, who have gone on to serve Nigeria with distinction,” he said.

     

    Suleiman prayed for the Saraki family as they navigate through this difficult period while praying God to grant the departed eternal rest.

     

    Mama Saraki, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EOO/BEKl/BRM

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

    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Insecurity: NHFSS hails Kogi govt on recruitment of 1,050 hunters

    Insecurity: NHFSS hails Kogi Govt  on recruitment of 1,050 hunters

    Hunters
    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), has commended Kogi Government on the recruitment of 1,050 young men and women to join its fold to boost security in the state.

    This is contained in a statement by the Commandant-General of NHFSS, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Osatimehin said the recruitment would go a long way in helping the government’s resolve to deal with the challenges of terror attacks, banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other related criminal activities in the state.

    He said that Ododo had through the action, demonstrated that he meant business when he recently gave quit notice to all criminal elements to leave the state.

    According to him, the recruitment of 1.050 indigenes of the state into the NHFSS will ensure that criminal elements operating within the forested regions of the state will henceforth be flushed out.

    Also speaking on the development, the Deputy Commander General of NHFSS, Technical Services, Amb. John Metchie, commended the speaker and members of the Kogi State House of Assembly for the promptness with which they approved the governor’s bill.

    Metchie described them as true representatives of the people who were committed to the security, peace and overall wellbeing of the state and its people.

    He also used the opportunity to urge other state governments to emulate Kogi, Ondo, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Borno and others that are currently working with the NHFSS.

    According to him, their synergy with the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, NSCDC, DSS and others, especially in the areas of intelligence gathering and sharing, has been a major contributing factor to the relative peace in the states.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Kogi State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, approved the recruitment, with a view to strengthening the security architecture of the state.

    Gov. Usman Ododo had earlier forwarded a letter to the assembly requesting for approval of the recruitment of 50 people from each for the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

    After reading the letter, the Speaker, Aliyu Yusuf, said it was previously resolved by the lawmakers that there was need for the recruitment hunters into the NHFSS, given the security challenges in the state and the shortage of manpower.

    In a voice vote, the lawmakers unanimously approved the recruitment of 1050 hunters, adding that the payment of their salaries would be paid by the respective Local Government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

     

     

  • UPDATED: Court dismisses suit seeking removal of EFCC’s chairman, Olukoyede

    Court dismisses suit seeking removal of EFCC’s chairman, Olukoyede

    Judgment

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, dismissed a suit seeking the sack of Mr Ola Olukoyede as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in a judgment, dismissed the suit on the grounds that the applicant lacked locus standi (legal right) to institute the case.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an Abuja-based legal practitioner, Mr Victor Opatola, had filed the suit against President Bola Tinubu over his appointment of Olukoyede as EFCC’s chair.

    Opatola, in the suit had challenged the validity of the appointment on the grounds that Olukoyede did not meet the years of service required by law for the office of chairman of the anti-graft agency.

    He had listed the President of Nigeria, National Assembly, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Olukoyede as 1st to 4th respondents respectively, in the suit marked: HC/ABJ/CS/1403/2023.

    However, the respondents prayed the court to dismiss the suit for lacking in merit.

    Olukoyede, who was represented by Olumide Fusika, SAN, in the last adjourned date, challenged the legal authority of the plaintiff to institute the suit in the first instance.

    Besides, Olukoyede claimed that he is eminently qualified to occupy the office of EFCC Chairman, having served as secretary of the commission, a grade Level 17 position, which is higher than the rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, a grade Level 14 position.

    He accordingly asked the court to dismiss the suit.

    After listening to all parties in the suit, Justice Egwuatu had adjourned until today for judgment.

    Opatola had, among others, raised for determination: whether by the true construction and interpretation of Section 2 (1) (a) of the EFCC Act 2004, Olukoyede, who has not fulfilled the conditions of the Act can be validly appointed as EFCC chairman.

    He also asked the court to determine whether by the true construction and interpretation of Section 2(1)(a) of the EFCC Act 2004, the person appointed to the office of the chairman of the EFCC can be said to be above the rank of assistant commissioner of police or its equivalent.

    “Whether by the true construction and interpretation of Section 2(1)(a) (iii) of the EFCC Act 2004, the interpretation of subsection (iii) should be read disjunctively of subsection (ii) of the act in a manner that Olukoyede, who was appointed to the office of the chairman of EFCC can be said to have 15 Years of cognate experience in any field outside the government security or law enforcement agency.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TOA/SH

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  • Acceptable Hajj: Cleric preaches forgiveness among pilgrims 

    Forgiveness
    By Muhammad Lawal
    Makkah, June 20, 2024 (NAN) An Islamic cleric, Malam Usman Sani-Zaga, has urged pilgrims who performed this year’s Hajj to forgive one another to earn Allah’s favour.
    He stated this in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during a morning enlightenment programme for the pilgrims on Thursday.
    The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) reports that the enlightenment was meant to further strengthen the faith of believers especially after performing one of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj.
    The cleric identified forgiveness to one another as fundamental to earning Allah’s mercy and favour, adding: “God Almighty is ever forgiven and He is the one who accepts from us.
    “One of the signs that your pilgrimage is accepted, is for you to follow it with good deeds.
    “After completing your Hajj, then turn to your Lord with good deeds, praise Him and glorify Him and seek for His forgiveness.
    “The first supplication (du’a) of a pilgrim whenever he/she meets his/her fellow pilgrim colleague should be, may God Almighty accept our Hajj and make us among those who will repeat the Hajj next year and in subsequent years.”‘
    Sani-Zaga observed that it had become a tradition, whenever pilgrims completed Hajj rites their minds would not be thinking of anything rather going back hone.
    He, therefore, encouraged them to be patient as all arrangements had been concluded towards their airlift back home by the concerned authorities.
    The cleric stressed the need for each pilgrim to perform farewell circumunbilation (Dawafil Wadah) in view of its importance, assuring that it was an instruction from Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him).
    He quoted the Prophet as saying: “Whoever completes his/her Hajj rites should perform Dawafil Wadah.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    KLM/BRM
    ==========
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Why government should prioritise food science

    Why government should prioritise food science

     

    Food
    By Funmilola Gboteku
    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Gloria Elemo, the Former Director-General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), has urged the Federal Government to give priority to food science in order to solve food security challenges in the country.

    Elemo made this appeal at the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) Lagos Chapter 10th Regional Food Science and Technology Summit/ NIFST Day Technical Paper presentation opening ceremony in Lagos.

    The theme of the event was, “Attaining Sufficient, Safe and Healthy Food for Nigerians through Food Science and Technology”.

    Elemo, who is also a Professor of Biochemistry at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), said that the science of food must be given respect if the government wanted to surmount the issue of food insecurity in Nigeria.

    According to her, food science involves the application of scientific principles and techniques to understand and improve the production, processing, and distribution of food.

    Speaking on the theme of the event, Elemo said that the topic could not have come at a better time when Nigeria was experiencing food insufficiency.

    “Presently we are wallowing in unsafe food practices, because of the present skyrocketing inflation.

    “We are currently having reduced purchasing power to obtain healthy foods and this has led to acute hunger lingering in the air.

    “Food science plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges and ensuring food security in Nigeria.

    “This is a clarion call on NIFST to stand up to rescue our dear country Nigeria,” she said.

    The professor noted that there was an urgent need for action as food scientists to put out their expertise across the country to help the federal government.

    She also urged the government to implement some of the policies that researchers had come up with to make food security better in the country.

    “While I was at FIIRO, the institute came up with a lot of policy directions and many research results that could benefit the country, but the government is yet to implement most of them.

    “The science of food has not been put in its proper position in this country, if not most of the issue of unsafe foods and hunger could have been averted.

    “We need to make use of what we have to feed the nation and stop importing unsafe foods into the country,” she said.

    Citing examples, Elemo said that in American and Europe as a continent during economic crisis, they usually sustained themselves because there was always food, noting that they adopted policies to cushion the issue of food.

    The professor stressed that there was urgent need for collaboration between the government, industry and academia to solve the present food crisis.

    On other solutions, she proposed that the government should establish food and agro-allied processing and skill acquisition/training centres in universities and local governments.

    She said that the centres should address post-harvest losses, which would occur with massive food production.

    Elemo said that other areas the centre could address included proliferation of Small and Medium-scale Enterprises, job and wealth creation, food/nutrition security and waste management/value addition. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FOG/COF
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    Edited by Christiana Fadare

     

     

  • FG’ll convert Zaria Hotels to classrooms, hostels for NCAT – Keyamo

    Aviation

    By Mustapha Yauri

    Zaria (Kaduna State), June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government is to convert Zaria Hotels in Kaduna State to classrooms and hostels for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, aviation minister Festus Keyamo has said.

    Keyamo told newsmen in Zaria on Wednesday that the Zaria Hotels had been acquired as an anexture to the NCAT to widen its potential for growth.

    He spoke shortly after a familiarisation tour of the institution.

    Keyamo said that NCAT remained the best institution for the aviation industry in Nigeria and West Africa.

    “The landmass we have here is enough for expansion, so the potential for the college, in terms of expansion, is great.

    “But, in spite of that, we have also acquired Zaria Hotels as an annexure to the college. We want to add to the facilities on ground.”

    The minister assured the management of the college that government would keep working on areas that needed improvement.

    On reports that the college’s fire simulator and other facilities are to be relocated elsewhere, the minister said that there was no such plan.

    “There is nothing like that; if we do it, where are we going to take it to? NCAT is the training hub for the aviation industry; the rumour is being spread by mischief makers.”

    In his remark, Mr Joseph Imalighwe, Acting Rector of NCAT, commended the minister for the visit and support for the college. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AM/DE/ETS

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    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ephraims Sheyin