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  • International relations experts expect more from AU PSC 

     

    International relations experts expect more from AU PSC

     

    Empowerment

    By Busayo Onijala

    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) International relations experts have called for  empowerment of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) to enable it to surpass its achievements in the last 20 years of establishment.

    They made the call in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

    NAN reports that 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the AU PSC.

    The PSC, launched in 2004, is the decision-making organ of the AU for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts.

    It aims to promote durable peace and security in Africa through inclusive and smart partnerships, and preventive diplomacy.

    Prof. Femi Otubanjo, a researcher at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), said the PSC had been active in making peace in South Sudan, the Great Lake regions, and between Rwanda, Uganda and Congo DR.

    Otubanjo, however, said that  the council did not have  great results to show for its efforts.

    He said that the council would  need to improve its commitment to peacekeeping and peace management in Africa.

    Also, Prof. Joshua Bolarinwa, Head, Security and Strategic Studies Division of NIIA, lauded some of the achievements of the council, but said that they were not highly significant considering  visible conflicts and problems  in Africa.

    Bolarinwa, who is  a member of the AU Network of Think Tanks for Peace (NeTT4Peace) Strategy Group, said  that the council members had moved forward in terms of policies, theories and frameworks.

    “They have been doing their best to make sure elections are done the right way and democracy is better protected and sustained,” he said.

     

    He, however, noted that in recent years, there had been regressions to democracy in Africa with the resurgence of coups and return to military rule by some nations.

    Bolarinwa said that the council was still looking into the situation.

    According to him, the PSC  is making progress but  there are  challenges and more work in store for it.

    The  News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AU PSC has made efforts in deploying peace support operations  to stabilise fragile regions, protect civilians and prevent escalation of situations.

    Some of such operations include the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia and the Africa-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    OMB/VE/IGO

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    Edited by Victor Adeoti

  • Okada union’s officer killed by gunmen in Ekiti

    Killing
    Idowu Ariwodola
    Ado-Ekiti, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Ekiti has confirmed the killing of a man in the early hours of Tuesday by two men riding on a commercial motorcycle, popularly known as Okada in Ado-Ekiti.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the middle-aged man, whose identity had yet to be known, was shot dead in broad daylight by the unidentified gunmen around the popular Okesa roundabout in Ado-Ekiti.
    He was said to have been shot, moments after he asked to know if the gunmen had obtained ticket for the day.
    Witnesses who knew the victim before his death said that he was one of the officers engaged to issue tickets to commercial motorcyclists around Okesa roundabout.
    The witnesses said that the killers immediately sped off upon realising that their plan had been successfully achieved.
    Confirming the incident, Chairman of Okada Riders’ Association in the state, Mr Kunle Asaolu, said that the deceased was one of those working with the association.
    Also reacting, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Sunday Abutu, confirmed the development, saying that investigation had begun to unravel the perpetrators of the act and their motives.
    NAN reports that the incident led to people around the ever-busy area to scamper for safety, as many hurriedly closed shops and offices for fear of reprisals by members of the okada union.
    NAN also reports that the copse of the victim had been deposited at the mogue of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ARIS/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Federal University, Dutse gets NUC’s accreditation for 10 programmes

    Accreditation
    By Muhammad Nasir Bashir
    Dutse, June 18, 2024 (NAN) National Universities Commission (NUC) has given accreditation status to 10 programmes at Federal University Dutse (FUD), Jigawa.
    This is contained in statement issued by the Spokesperson for the university, Alhaji Abdullahi Yahaya, on Tuesday in Dutse.
    Yahaya said that the accreditation approval for the programmes was communicated to the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdulkarim Mohammed, in a letter signed by the NUC’s acting Director of Accreditation, Mr Abraham Chundusu.
    According to him, the programmes with full accreditation include: Master in Public Policy and Administration, Fisheries, English, Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Zoology, Criminology and Security Studies and Political Science, while Cyber Security was given an interim accreditation.
    The vice-chancellor thanked the commission for the accreditation of the programmes.
    Mohammed also commended the management and staff members of the university for making the positive results possible.
    He said that all hands must be on the deck to ensure that the standard attained was maintained. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MNB/VE/WAS
    Edited by Victor Adeoti and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Food security: Veteran actor advises S/West Govs

    Lere Paimo

     

    Food security: Veteran actor advises S/West Govs
    Farmers
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) A Veteran Yoruba actor, Lere Paimo, popularly known as Eda Onile Ola, has urged South-West governors to collaborate and take measures to restraint killer herdsmen to ensure food security in the region.
    Paimo, the Oyo State-born Nollywood actor and a National Awards holder, who made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, spoke on the way out of the current socio-economic, inflation and food crisis in the country.
    The octogenarian said that with adequate security, infrastructure, and motivation for farmers, the South-West has the capacity to feed its people and the entire nation.
    “Let every South-West governor control activities of herders, who always clash with farmers. This has sent many away from their ancestral farms, and the attendant hunger is staring us in the face.
    “The herders have brought a lot of losses to many farmers by making their cattle to feed on farms while some farmers have also lost their lives in the process. Many have left their farms over this.
    “This is very bad. Each governor has the authority and power in their various states to ensure that herders are tamed for people to have confidence to go back to farm without fear of any loss.
    “People are suffering and hungry because many people have deserted farms because of security. If we want food security like before, we need to do something in the direction.
    “Let each governor in the region take it as a personal responsibility to ensure stiff penalties for any herder who leads his flock to feed on people’s farm,” Paimo said.
    The actor advocated ranches for herders as part of efforts to turnaround current food crisis.
    “We must take actions now to ensure security in the region especially for farmers to enhance food security.
    “South-West has enough arable land to growth its food and also feed the entire nation.
    “The herder-farmer clashes is creating a lot of fears for the farmers in the region and our leaders must take urgent action before it will be too late,” he said.
    According to him, since cattle rearing remains personal business of individuals or groups of people, efforts should be made by the government to ensure farmers are not affected.
    He said that the government must provide a place in each state or local government for herders to rear their animals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/OJI/IKU
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Tayo Ikujuni

  • NDPC law has enhanced investors’ confidence in Nigeria – Olatunji

    NDPC law has enhanced investors’ confidence in Nigeria – Olatunji

    By Stellamaris Ashinze

    Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria  Data Protection Commission (NDPC) on Tuesday said that it had enhanced investors’ trust, credibility and confidence in the nation for investment to thrive.

    The National Commissioner, NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) this during its working visit to the Data Knowledge and information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI) in Lagos.

    Olatunji said that the commission had contributed substantially to the nation in the past one year of the passage of the NDPC Law.

    “The commission has contributed in the sense that an average investor coming into Nigeria now has that trust and confidence in our nation.

    “When you invest we are talking of using technology and when you use technology, we are talking of people’s  data and personal information.

    “When investors share their data and it is registered with the NDPC there is that element of trust that should anything go wrong, a law and a commission exists to which one can report to seek redress.

    “That alone is enough credibility and assurance of protecting the data of the investors.

    “The issue of having a national law and independent data protection authority is one of the criteria for investment in the country.

    “The level of compliance among others are what investors look out for; we are aware of what the President is doing to attract direct foreign investment,” he said.

    Olatunji noted that in terms of job creation, in the last one year, the commission had added about 3000 jobs because with the data protection law in place, many organisations had shown a need for data protection.

    He said that with the law in place, the country had gained international recognition in the global data protection  body made up of over 100 countries.

    According to him, a country without a national law or an independent body  cannot be accepted in the global data protection body.

    He, however, said that with the data protection law in place, having been passed in June 2023, and the commission  applied that June; by August the commission had been accepted in the global body.

    The national commissioner said that with the law in place the commission  would be hosting the network of African  Data Authorities Convention coming up  later in the year.

    He said it was where all the authorities of data protection bodies met to share their views and knowledge.

    “You know what that means to Nigeria bringing all Africa countries for like four  days, bringing multinationals and development partners, it says a lot about the confidence they have to invest in our system.

    “These are what the law has brought to Nigeria and many more,’’ the NDPC boss said.

    He said that the commission was working with Data Authorities of Canada, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa on knowledge exchange and mutual  assistance.

    Olatunji called for awareness and sensitisation of an average Nigerian on data protection law.

    He said the commission had developed a General Application Implementation  Directives (GAID) to work more with partners, which would help the commission implement whatever it wanted to implement.

    The commisioner added that GAID would also help the commission to thoroughly  explain the NDPC law and roadmap. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SKA/COF

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    Edited by Christiana Fadare

     

     

     

     

  • Police condemn killing of vigilante, 2 others in Anambra

    Killing
    By Monday Ajogun
    Nnewi (Anambra), June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Anambra has condemned the killing of a vigilante commander and two others as well as the abduction of one person by unidentified gunmen in Nnewi Hotel on Monday.
    The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ikechukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday in Onitsha, said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, had ordered immediate manhunt for the fleeing armed men.
    Ikenga said that the gunmen operated in a red Highlander SUV and abducted a resident in Nnewi at about 1:30 p.m. on Monday.
    He said that the police trailed the gunmen to Nnobi, in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state where they engaged security operatives in a gun battle.
    Ikenga said that during the gun duel, one of the security operatives was fatally hit by a bullet from the hoodlums.
    “In an attempt to escape the scene, the bullet also fatally struck two innocent passersby in the area.
    “The police response team at the scene recovered the bodies of the victims and took them to the hospital.
    “Regrettably, three of the victims, including a 22-year-old lady, were confirmed dead by the doctors on duty, while two others are currently receiving treatment,” he said.
    The spokesman said that the commissioner of police condemned the killing in strong terms, describing the killers as cowards who had murdered sleep.
    He commiserated with the families of the deceased and vowed to get justice for the heroic act of the murdered vigilante operative and innocent bystanders at the scene.
    The police commissioner also called on members of the public, especially eyewitnesses, to assist the police with information on the ongoing operation.
    An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said that the hoodlums, who carried out the act, were enforcing the Monday sit-at-home order.
    The source also said that the gunmen collected cell phones and other valuables from their victims in the hotel.
    The development, according to the source, forced many people who disobeyed the sit-at-home order to quickly close their stalls and run home. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AJOM/CHOM/WAS
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Politicians raise alarm over EU law to curb child sexual abuse online

    Politicians raise alarm over EU law to curb child sexual abuse online

    Alarm

    Brussels, June 18, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Lawmakers from across the European Union have called on member states to vote against plans by the bloc’s executive to require tech companies to monitor their platforms for child sexual abuse content.

    The 36 lawmakers cited data security concerns in their distress calls.

    In an open letter made available to dpa, the politicians said they were convinced the proposed measures were incompatible with EU basic rights.

    The European Commission in 2022 presented the proposed Regulation to Prevent and Combat Child Sexual Abuse, designed to curb the spread of material showing the sexual abuse of children.

    The law would make it compulsory for social media platforms to scan private encrypted chats on social media platforms for certain identifiers.

    According to them, this might flag child grooming or the sharing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and to report any suspicious activity.

    Under current law, this monitoring of online activity is voluntary.

    Critics have slammed the proposed measure as “chat control.”

    They saw it as an attempt to scan all online communication, including encrypted messages, raising fears of mass surveillance.

    EU member states representatives are expected to discuss the issue on Wednesday.

    The open letter calling on members to vote against the proposal was signed by lawmakers from national parliaments as well as the European Parliament.

    This includes monitoring from Germany and Austria.

    In the letter, the lawmakers call for the protection of the right to anonymous and pseudonymous use of the internet as well as for a strengthening of end-to-end encryption.

    In order to effectively combat child sexual abuse, more resources and targeted coordination among European law enforcement authorities are needed, they said.

    “Instead of effectively protecting children from sexualised violence online, the compromise draft continues to massively encroach on the protection of everyone’s digital privacy,” co-initiator Tobias Bacherle, a lawmaker for the German Green Party said. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    COO/VIV
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    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Vivian Ihechu

  • U.S. Consulate commends diaspora Nigerians’ impact on sports, economy

    Training sessions at the NFL Africa camp by the NFL hosted at Mobolaji Johnson Arena Lagos Island
    Training sessions at the NFL Africa camp by the NFL hosted at Mobolaji Johnson Arena Lagos Island

     

     

    Commendation

    By Olanrewaju Akojede

    Lagos, July 18, 2024 (NAN) Will Stevens, Charge d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy, has commended the impact of Nigerians living in the U.S. on the U.S. economy and sports.

    Stevens gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the National Football League (NFL) Africa Camp in Lagos on Tuesday.

    NAN reports that the NFL, the biggest sport in the U.S., has opened a scouting programme tagged: “Africa Camp”, which is ongoing at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos Island.

    The scouting programme is aimed at discovering  young Nigerian talents who are interested in pursuing a career in NFL as a sport.

    The programme has top NFL players from the U.S. and other countries assembled in Nigeria to also encourage young Nigerians to join the World’s highest grossing sports in the world.

    Stevens, however, said that many NFL players of Nigerian descent were doing well in the sport, hence the need to get more and give them the opportunity.

    “Nigerians are impactful in the U.S.;  we have over 750,000 Nigerian Americans, many of whom are the most educated and have high income receiving members than any diaspora group in the U.S.

    “The ties between the diaspora and the U.S., in the economy, will build more economic and cultural relationships that thrive between both countries- the U.S. and Nigeria.

    “One of the good things is that the NFL is targeting Africa for talents. We have done this in Ghana, South Africa and now, Nigeria.

    “There are over 140 NFL players from African descent, either they are born in Africa or their parents are Africans,” he said.

    Stevens also stated that the U.S. Consulate in Nigeria was happy to be part of the talents discovery in Nigeria, of  which would have great benefits including  scholarships to study in the best American universities.

    “It’s so great to have the NFL from the U.S., to have what the call African Camp here in Lagos. We have amazing talents across Nigeria that can fit in the challenge.

    “It is an amazing opportunity for the NFL to get and discover some of the very best players in Africa and in Nigeria to play in the NFL.

    “NFL happens to be the largest sports in the world in terms of revenue more than the Premier and European League. The NFL revenue generation is massive.

    “There are over 50 players in each team or 32, so each team has lots of athletes in each position,” he said.

    According to Stevens,  aside the economic benefits for the NPL Players, they can also have scholarships to study in U.S. universities.

    “Most of the NFL players play in the college, while many are also on the scholarships to get free university degrees and play for four years in the college before they move to NFL.

    “This gives them lots of opportunities as African students can come and study in the U.S., and get the degree. We have athletes that are studying in the best universities in the U.S.

    “They are enjoying the scholarships made possible by the NFL because it provides the unique opportunity,” he said.

    NAN reports that the African Camp, taking place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, is open to potential athletes, whereby Nigerians and other Africans are taught the rudiments of the NFL.

    Some of the drilling includes Broad Jump, Vertical Jump, 40-Yard Dash, Three Cones among others

    The instructors include Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Bobby Okereke and Prince Tega Wanogho, who are of Nigerian descent, among others. (NAN)

    KOJE/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

     

  • Elemure’s demise sad, shocking – Oyebanji

    Condolences
    By Bolanle Lawal
    Ado-Ekiti, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti has expressed shock and sadness over the passing away of Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo.
    Oyebanji, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described the royal father’s demise as a sad development, given the fact that he did not exhibit any sign of illness during the recent meeting of traditional rulers.
    He described the late Oba Adebayo as a loving and dependable traditional ruler, who loved and cared for his people and showed tremendous interest in their welfare as well as the development of Emure-Ekiti.
    Oyebanji condoled with the late monarch’s family, the Elemure-in-Council and the people of the town over the exit of the royal father.
    He urged them to be consoled by the fact the late oba lived an impactful life of service to the town, the state, Nigeria and humanity in general, for which he would remain unforgettable.
    “My condolences and that of the government of Ekiti State to the immediate family of the late Kabiyesi, the Elemure-in-Council and the good people of Emure-Ekiti on the demise of the Elemure, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo.
    “The late Oba Adebayo was a great leader of his people, a lover of development and a patriot, who devoted his early life to the service of the country.
    “As a police officer, he rose to the position of Commissioner of Police before ascending the throne of his forefathers, where he also made his mark as a traditional ruler, whose reign attracted huge development to his town.
    “Our prayer is that the good Lord would grant the dear departed monarch eternal rest and comfort the family and the good people of Emure-Ekiti,” the governor said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    FFB/OJI/WAS
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Sallah: No security breaches in Ebonyi—NSCDC

    Sallah: No security breaches in Ebonyi—NSCDC

    Security

    By Chukwuemeka Opara

    Abakalikii, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Tuesday, said so far there has not been any security breach as Ebonyi residents join other Nigerians to celebrate Eid-el Fitri.

    The State Commandant of the corps, Dr Elijah Willie, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakalikii that the celebration in the state has been peaceful.

    Willie said he was monitoring operations of his personnel deployed across the state especially at security flashpoints.

    “We deployed over 700 personnel across the state to ensure maximum security during the celebration.

    “We are maintaining the same security deployment used during the sit-at-home directive of an outlawed group in the south east zone, on May 30.

    “We are working in synergy with relevant security agencies  to ensure that there are no security breaches across the state,” he said.

    He urged the citizens to continue being law-abiding and provide security agencies with relevant information to combat crime.

    “I advise criminals to repent or leave the state as the NSCDC and other security agencies would make life very uncomfortable for them.

    “The citizens should see security agencies as their friends because protecting their lives and properties is our business,” he said.

    He thanked Gov. Francis Nwifuru for his support to security agencies in the state which, he said had made their work easier and more efficient. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    RCO/KUA

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    Edited by Uche Anunne