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  • Eid-il-Kabir: NSCDC expands intelligence network in Edo

    Eid-il-Kabir: NSCDC expands intelligence network in Edo

    Intelligence
    By Deborah Coker

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)  has expanded an Intelligence network ahead of Sunday’s Eid -el-Kabir celebrations in Edo.

    This is contained in a statement on Friday by Mr Efosa Ogbebor, Head Public Relations and Media Unit of the command and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja.

    According to Ogbebor, the state Commandant of the corps, Agun Gbenga disclosed this while highlighting the command’s preparation for the Sallah celebration as well as the public holidays.

    Gbenga said that the command had also deployed 1,210 personnel to provide maximum security at various Eid prayer grounds, palaces, monuments, and recreational centres across the state.

    “The command has expanded its Intelligence network with the view to nip in the bud any security threat in the state during the period.

    “I assure you that the security of lives and property of residents of the state before, during, and after the festive celebration remained our priority in the command.

    “I have directed all commanders, heads of tactical units, area commanders, and divisional officers to ensure a smooth crime free and secured celebration before during and after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration”, he said.

    The commandant further appealed to members of the public to give maximum cooperation to the personnel of the corps as well as support them with useful information on the activities of criminal elements. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DCO/SH
    =======

    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • FRSC deploys personnel to ensure hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir in Kaduna

    FRSC deploys personnel to ensure hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir in Kaduna
    Deployment
    By Muhammad Tijjani
    Kaduna, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC), Kaduna Sector Command, said it has deployed its personnel and Special Marshals across the state to ensure hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
    The Sector Commander, Mr Kabir Nadabo, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Friday in  Kaduna.
     Nadabo explained that the special marshals would complement the efforts of the regular marshals in the enforcement and public enlightenment campaigns.
    According to him, the corps has released an operational order to guide patrol and rescue operations nationwide during the upcoming Sallah celebrations.
    He said in view of this, the command  has outlined modalities and strategies in line with the operations order from the FRSC National Headquarters.
     He explained that the objective was to achieve crash free, hitch free and seamless vehicular movement around the state during and after the festival.
    Nadabo said that these modalities were aimed at sensitising and enhancing public awareness on routes likely to be affected by mass vehicular movement during the Sallah season.
    “The Command has arranged a series of interventions and mobilisation of sufficient manpower and Logistics on critical routes.
    “These routes include the Abuja to Kaduna Road which stretches from Katari to Doka down to Gonin Gora, a road still under construction but with monumental presence of FRSC Formations and personnel.
    “Additionally, the command has set aside eight Ambulances, stationed at Katari, Doka, Kakau, Rigachikun, Mando, Zaria and Tashar Yari for prompt response to road traffic crashes,”, he said.
    He further disclosed that the command has made adequate arrangements in the deployment of more staffers to other formations across the state.
    According to him, these formations are:  Zaria, Soba, Pambegau, Saminaka, Kachia and Gwantu.
    Nadabo said, “This is to compliment their efforts in traffic control and rescue operations along their routes which interconnect to various parts of the country.
    “To ensure adequate visibility during the festivity, staff have been deployed to enhance optimal performance, particularly, in response to road traffic crashes.”
    The sector commander also said that the operatives would focus primarily on offences such as overloading, loading of humans and animals, driving with worn out or expired tyres, drivers license violation, excessive speeding and lane indiscipline.
    He added that the command had also deployed bikes for effective patrol and tow trucks for prompt removal or clearance of obstruction along the highways.
    Nadabo appreciated the efforts of the Kaduna State Government in supporting the  corps activities in the state through various intervention support.
    “The corps will continue to collaborate  and engage with the state government to achieve less crashes and fatalities as well as ensure compliance to traffic rules and regulations by the citizens.
    “FRSC Kaduna sector command will monitor the implementation of all directives to ensure  successful Eid-El-Kabir Sallah Patrol Operations, ” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    TJ/DCO/BRM
    =============
    Edited by Deborah Coker/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Artificial intelligence pivotal to electoral development of youths – FG

    Artificial intelligence pivotal to electoral development of youths – FG
    AI
    By Perpetua Onuegbu
    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Youths Development, Dr Jamila  Ibrahim says artificial intelligence is pivotal to electoral development of youths.

    Ibrahim said this at the unveiling of Naija Elections, a generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, developed by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) with the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in Abuja on Thursday.
    According to her, the naija electoral AI tool herald a new era in which every Nigerians can participate meaningfully in our electoral process.
    “In an era where technology and information are pivotal to ensuring our young people have the tools and knowledge to engage in the democratic process actively is essential.
    “This platform will empower our youths by giving them easy access to accurate real time electoral information enabling them to make informed decisions and participate actively in electoral processes.
    “This could not have come at a more appropriate time than when we are celebrating 25 years uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.
    ” As we inaugurate this platform today, I wish to emphasis the government’s determination to deploy technology that will enhance our democratic processes,” Ibrahim said.
    Speaking also at the launch, Mr  Bukola  Idowu, Executive Director, KDI, said the  tool would facilitate easy access to the Nigerian election ecosystem by youths.
    “The tool  is going to combat misinformation and disinformation, enhance voter education and electoral knowledge .
    “Every information on Niaja elections is from the official sources that is, the Constitution and INEC.
    “What we have done is that we give  you information that you can rely on and you can actually use the platform without signing in you just log on to the address and it  does not store an individual’s data.”
    Speaking more on the features he said it had the three major Nigerian languages- Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba.
    He  was optimistic that it would have up to 150 languages before the next election in 2027.
    In her remarks, Cynthia Rowe, Development  Director, FCDO said ”for a country that is as large and diverse as Nigeria a well informed electorate is pivotal.”
    According to her, an educated voter is better equipped  to make informed political choices and engage in the democratic process in a way that is meaningful.
    According to her, technology is bridging digital gaps in business, education , security that ensures much better efficiency.
    “As we celebrate this launch it’s important that we  look at the broader context, democracy around the world is all facing exceptional challenges of  misinformation and disinformation, which encourages scepticism.
    “And, it is  important we know  that our collective efforts in putting forward correct information using platforms like this,  we are also strengthening democracy in Nigeria and contributing to global efforts on democratic values.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the App is developed by Nigerians and  built to supply any kind of electoral information that concerns Nigeria and can be accessed by logging on to www.naijaelections.ng.
    KDI is an independent non-profit and Non-governmental Organisation that inspires citizens-led-democratic development anchored on principles of participation, data -driven, advocacy,  strong institutions, gender equality and public policies.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PUO/IAA
    =========

    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • KDSG reviews policy on food, nutrition

    Review

    By Sani Idris

    Abuja, Jun. 13, 2024(NAN) HarvestPlus Nigeria, an initiative, has supported the Kaduna State Government (KDSG) in reviewing its policy on food and nutrition.

    It works with partners to tackle hidden hunger on a global scale by breeding vitamins and minerals into everyday food crops.

    The two-day review was organised by the State Planning and Budget Commission (PBC), where the state’s committee on food and nutrition is domiciled, in collaboration with HarvestPlus.

    The Country Manager of HarvestPlus, Dr Yusuf Dollah, stated that with a focus on enhancing production standards, saying that iw was poised to elevate the quality and efficacy of its bio-fortified crops.

    He underscored HarvestPlus’s decade-long dedication to developing bio-fortified crops tailored to address the nutritional needs of vulnerable populations.

    Dollah added that crops meticulously bred to contain essential micro-nutrients and vitamins, offered a sustainable solution to combating malnutrition and promoting healthy growth.

    He, therefore, stressed that reviewing the state Policy on Food and Nutrition was important to HarvestPlus so as to ensure their bio-fortification efforts align with national policies and priorities.

    He equally said it would inform their policy decisions that can scale up biofortification impact on addressing hidden hunger.

    “It will help us align with the state policy on food and nutrition, so as to maximize our impact and contribute to a more comprehensive approach to addressing malnutrition and improving public health,”he added.

    Earlier in an opening remark, the Commissioner of commission, Mr Mukthar Ahmed, thanked HarvestPlus for itr unwavering dedication in championing the cause of nutrition and sustainable agriculture in the region and Kaduna in specific.

    Ahmed was represented by the Director, Development Aid Coordination of the PBC, Hajiya Aisha Muhammad.

    He said that through robust discussions, knowledge
    sharing, and collective brainstorming, it would pave the way for innovative solutions that will drive positive change and foster sustainable development in the state.

    “I am confident that this workshop will serve as a platform for constructive dialogue, meaningful exchange of ideas, and the forging of partnership that will propel us towards
    our shared goal of a healthier, more nourished future for all,”he said.

    Also, the Permanent Secretary, Kaduna State Ministry of Health, Dr Aisha Abubakar, said living things need nutrition to survive.

    She mentioned some of the challenges that deprive individuals and communities of optimal nutrition.

    They  include government policies, climate change, inadequate food fortification and supplementation practices, poverty and food insecurity, among others.

    Abubakar, therefore, said eating small in the right diet will go a long way, adding that addressing the challenges is crucial to ensure that individuals and communities can achieve optimal nutrition and overall well-being.

    In a goodwill message, the State Coordinator for Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Ms Jessica Bartholomew, said the engagement would enhance multi sectoral plans.

    She said the current economic status has affected nutrition status in Kaduna State, where the review of the policy on food and nutrition was a critical step towards addressing it.

    Also, Sarah Kwasu of Alive and Thrive, and Malam Sani Hassan of Nutrition Society of Nigeria, said a lot of things have changed, which made the review critical.

    The duo commended the government for initiating the review of the State Policy on Food and Nutrition.

    They added  that the milestone demonstrated  its commitment to addressing malnutrition and ensuring a healthier future for its citizens.

    They acknowledged the progress made so far and reaffirmed their support to the government in achieving its nutrition goals.

    Speaking to newsmen at the sideline of the last day of the review on Thursday,  Mr Cyril Inegbedion, said biofortified crops which HarvestPlus wass into was key in the fight against hidden hunger and malnutrition which is prevalent in Northern Nigeria.

    Inegbedion is the Project Team Lead for the FCDO funded scaling climate adapted and nutritious smart crops through market systems in Northern Nigeria project in HarvestPlus.

    He added that for the particular crops to gain prominence, an enabling environment is critical where they needed the government’s buy-in so as to infuse into its policies, the adoption, production and consumption of biofortified crops.

    Speaking to newsmen on the rationale for reviewing the policy, Dr Zainab Muhammad-Idris, the facilitator, said it was to align the policy with current nutrition priorities and evidence-based practices.

    She explained that the policy, which was produced in 2017 and expected to last to 2025, was deemed necessary to begin its review process so as to capture new issues and the relevance of what was previously captured in the document.

    Muhammad-Idris, who doubles as the Project Coordinator of Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project, added that it was to strengthen policy provisions to address malnutrition in all its forms.

    “It also enhances coordination and collaboration among stakeholders; improves policy implementation and monitoring and increases investment in nutrition-sensitive interventions,”she said.

    She said the expected outcomes from the review would include an updated policy that reflects current nutrition priorities and evidence; improved policy coherence and coordination across sectors and enhanced stakeholder engagement and commitment.

    The facilitator equally said it would strengthen capacity for policy implementation/ monitoring and improve nutrition outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.

    “The review is expected to result in a robust and effective policy that addresses the nutrition needs of the population, particularly vulnerable groups, and contributes to the achievement of national and global nutrition goals,”she said

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that present at the review were representatives from various MDAs and development partners in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SA/BRM
    ===========

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Gov Lawal tasks judges on prudent administration of justice

    Gov Lawal tasks judges on prudent administration of justice

     

    Justicee

    By Ibrahim G. Ahmad
    Gusau June 14,  2024 (NAN) Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has called on judges to be prudent in the administration justice in all cases.

    The governor made the appeal while inaugurating 10 newly appointed magistrates of the State High Court held in Gusau on Thursday.

    Lawal said the administration of the criminal justice was critical in the restoration of peace and security of Zamfara and the country as whole.

    He noted with concern how some judges compromise justice for their selfish gain especially at this crucial time when insecurity had ravage the state.

    “You must take your duty diligently and with all sincerity. Judicial process must be handled with fairness, if at all we want restore peace and economic growth of our dear country Nigeria.

    “You should bear in mind that your judgments could be appealed, so you should try as much as possible to do justice to avoid nullification,’’ Lawal said.

    In her remarks, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kulu Aliyu commended  Lawal for payment of which backlog judicial officers’ allowances and other entitlements.

    She called for the renovation of the existing seven magistrate courts and construction of another seven to cover the remaining local government areas of the state.

    “This will help in bringing judicial system more closer to communities to enable them access justice in good time,’’ she said.

    She pledged that the judiciary will play its role in bringing the nation to normalcy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IAG/OIF/SH

    ==========

    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sadiya Hamza

     

  • High sense of decorum, critical to successful Hajj, cleric tells pilgrims 

  • CAS charges junior officers to be decisive in discharging duties

  • Hajj: Nigerian pilgrims begin movement to Mina ahead of Arafat

    Hajj

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Makkah (Saudi Arabia), June 13, 2024 (NAN) Nigerian pilgrims in white seamless ihram dress, began their slow and steady trek to the tent city of Mina on Thursday night ahead of the day of Arafat scheduled for Saturday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the holy city of Makkah reverberated with chants of “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” (O God, here I am answering your call).’./

    More than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world readied themselves for once in a lifetime journey of faith.

    NAN reports that pilgrims will spend the Tarwiyah day on Friday, in the sprawling tent city, marking the beginning of this year’s Hajj.

    They will spend the Tarwiyah day in prayers and meditation in their tents in preparation for Saturday’s standing at Arafat, the pinnacle of the annual pilgrimage of hajj.

    According to the Saudi Gazette, the Saudi authorities have mobilized all their human and material resources to make the pilgrimage hassle-free and a great success.

    The security authorities have completed all their flawless preparations to ensure the safety of pilgrims and security of the Hajj operation.

    The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has mobilized more than 2,000 employees to provide water services for pilgrims.

    The daily pumping rate exceeds 750,000 cubic meters in Makkah and reaches one million cubic meters at peak times on the Day of Arafat and Eid Al-Adha.

    The Ministry of Transport and Logistics prepared the flexible rubber asphalt initiative in the pedestrian walkways in the Holy Sites for Hajj this year.

    The Head of Nigeria’s Medical Team for the 2024 Hajj, urged pilgrims to drink water regularly to avoid dehydration.

    He also emphasised the need for pilgrims required to drink more than two litres of water daily.

    He said that the temperature in the Holy land may likely rise up to forty eight degree Celsius. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/BRM

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

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Anti-money laundering report rates Nigeria high

    Participants at GIABA’s event in Dakar, Senegal, on Thursday

     

    Report

    By Abdullahi Mohammed

    Dakar, June 13, 2024 (NAN) GIABA, an inter-governmental action group against money laundering in West Africa, says Nigeria recorded significant achievements in its war against money laundering and terrorism financing in 2023.

    GIABA said this in its 2023 annual report unveiled for ambassadors of member states, technical and financial partners on Thursday in Dakar, Senegal.

    According to the report, Nigeria made progress in addressing the technical compliance identified in GIABA’s Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) in relation to various recommendations made to the country.

    The report further said Nigeria had taken several measures to promote transparency and accountability in the administration and management of Non Profit Organisations (NPOs).

    It added that the country also raised awareness in the financial sector about the vulnerabilities to Terrorist Financing (TF), developed and refined best practices in collaboration with the NPOs sector to address the deficiencies and challenge information on NPOs suspected to be at risk in terrorism abuse.

    “Nigeria demonstrated that it has mechanisms for international cooperation and procedures to respond to international requests for information on NPOs suspected of terrorist financing or involved in other forms of support for terrorists.

    “Nigeria demonstrated that it has a system for maintaining statistics on its Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system,” the report said.

    Despite the progress made in the country, the report, however, said the requirements for application of simplified due diligence measures were not consistent with the country’s assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

    It added that the country did not demonstrate compliance with its internal procedures to designate target pursuit to United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR).

    The report noted that GIABA had discussed and adopted the MERs of Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Guinea, which indicated that 88 per cent of the member states had been assessed.

    It said the performance of Cote d’Ivoire showed that the country required major improvements in its AML/CFT regime in relation to its understanding of the risks, among others.

    Similarly, the report said Liberia had demonstrated low effectiveness on 10 of the 11 parameters, noting that its shortcomings had impacted effectiveness such as lack of comprehensiveness of National Risk Assessment (NRA) in some areas.

    It also said Guinea demonstrated low effectiveness on all the 11 parameters, indicating that the country required fundamental improvements of AML/CFT regimes.

    Earlier, GIABA’s Director General, Mr Edwin Harris Jr, said this year marked the 24th anniversary of the fight against money laundering, “a mandate that has evolved to adapt to changes, and which now includes the fight against the financing of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

    “GIABA is the response to the call of the international community for an alliance against transnational organised crime and its harmful effects on peace, security, stability and economic development of our member states.

    “In June 2006, through relentless efforts and stakeholders’ mobilisation, GIABA was granted the status of a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-Style Regional Body (FSRB) and in June 2010 became an Associate Member of FATF.

    “There is no doubt that our West African space is highly vulnerable to carry with it many consequences of money laundering and terrorist financing, and without a strong political commitment to combat it, the negative impacts on our economies will be enormous,” he said.

    The director general said it was important for all the stakeholders to fully understand the need to take ownership of the fight and appreciate their contribution to building economies and by extension, the communities to achieve GIABA’s desired common prosperity.

    “This is also in line with the core objective of the GIABA’s Strategic Plan 2023-2027 that focuses on sensitisation for the benefit of the various targeted audiences,” he said.

    Despite challenges posed by the changing global trends and emerging threats, Harris said GIABA had focused its interventions on protecting national economies and their financial and banking systems from laundering the proceeds of crime and combating the financing of terrorism.

    He said the organisation had also improved measures, intensified efforts to combat the laundering of proceeds of crime and strengthened national and international cooperation.

    “Beyond information, these sessions aim to encourage the governments of member states to act in the relevant areas of the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing for the integrity of their economic and financial systems.

    “By so doing, we are calling on you all to add your voices to the authorities back home, to strengthen the AML/CFT regimes in your countries,” Harris said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports GIABA is a specialised institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) responsible for strengthening the capacity of member states toward the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.

    In addition to that, GIABA also grants observer status to African, non-African states and inter-governmental organisations that support its objectives and actions that apply for observer status. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AOM/SA

    Edited by Salif Atojoko

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

  • U.S. CDC director, Benue Gov. commission model lab

    Theroux, 2nd from left, Suzanne and Gov Alia, 3rd from left, Gov Alia during the commissioning of the lab on Thursday in Makurdi.

    U.S. CDC director, Benue Gov. commission model lab

    Lab

    By Mark Longyen

    Abuja, June 13, (2024) Acting country director, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), Suzanne Theroux and Benue State Gov. Hyacinth Alia on Thursday commissioned a molecular laboratory at Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Makurdi, the agency stated on Thursday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lab was renovated with funds and technical assistance from the U.S. CDC via the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Ms SuzanneTheroux said that with the commissioning done, FMC Makurdi was now a model lab for the rest of Nigeria and commended their focus on quality management.

    “Using state-of-the-art medical laboratory technology, the lab can now conduct HIV viral load and early infant diagnosis testing.

    “The lab can also carry out molecular tests for other priority diseases including tuberculosis, COVID-19, hepatitis, and HPV,” she said.

    U.S. CDC explained that the high-quality data provided by the lab would help in facilitating integrated service delivery for patients at healthcare facilities.

    It added that this would also strengthen the state’s capacity to detect and quickly respond to disease threats.

    “FMC Makurdi currently tests more than 200,000 patient samples annually.

    “The facility is one of the top molecular labs in the PEPFAR-Global Fund-supported molecular lab network,” the organisation said. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

    YEN/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru