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  • NGO unveils document to mitigate climate change

    By Perpetua Onuegbu/Funmilayo Adeyemi

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Connected Development (CODE), an NGO has unveiled a policy document to galvanise mass action that would allow the engagement of faith-based organisations in mitigating climate change challenges in the country.

    Mr Hamzat Lawal, Executive Director, CODE, said at the unveiling on Monday in Abuja, that Nigeria, like many developing countries facing the effects of climate change, have designed and implemented key climate adaptation and mitigation policies.

    “However, with regards to education, mobilisation and messaging for climate action, the strength of faith is yet to be operationalised.

    “Using religion and inter-faith dialogue can improve message delivery and simplify the context of climate change.

    “The 28th edition of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in 2023 included, for the first time in the conference’s history, the “Faith Pavilion”.

    “This is aimed to, among other things, “encourage faith-based organisations (FBOs) to engage with their country delegates and increase their capacity to advocate for human and nature-centered negotiated outcomes at COP28 and beyond.”

    Lawal said that knowledge gaps in faith-based organisations’ understanding of climate science, policies and implication significantly limits the potential of faith as an effective communication strategy for behavioral change.

    “Community knowledge gaps can be reduced when faith-based communities leverage already existing knowledge about the physical and environmental changes as well as the genuine recognition of the risks associated with decline in sources of livelihood.

    “Speaking up against climate injustice requires using moral suasion and advocacy as a strategy for faith-based organisations, while amplifying the voices of vulnerable communities through working closely with CSOs and other stakeholders,” Lawal said.

    He said that Nigeria must leverage on local knowledge as presented in the policy document launched by the organisation, to engage faith-based institutions in bringing about behavioural change.

    Speaking on the ecological fund, he said two per cent of all crude oil sales was supposed to be distributed to states to mitigate the effects of climate change.

    “The reality of it is that most of the funds seem to be a pipeline through which public officials syphoned public resources,” he said.

    He, therefore, called for accountability for such funds.

    Also speaking, Mr Daniel Oladoja, Strategic Communications Consultant, CODE, said the most important thing in climate action was local evidence.

    Oladoja said that the problem Nigeria had before now was the use of foreign based data.

    He said that the challenge had been addressed by CODE as the country now had a policy document that was written by Nigerians and to be used for Nigeria.

    He, therefore, urged the government and all citizens to study the document and use it to address the climate change challenges in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PUO/FAK/EMAF
    ============
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • NSE seeks Seplat’s collaboration on renewable energy, national development

    Collaboration
    By Rukayat Adeyemi
    L-R: Director External Affairs & Social performance, Seplat Energy Plc, Ms Chioma Afe, Chief Operations Officer/Executive Director, Mr Samson Ezugworie, President , NSE, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, CEO, Seplat Energy Plc, Mr Roger Brown, Managing Director, Seplat East Onshore Ltd, Ibi-Ada Itotoi, during a visit of a delegation led by the President/ Chairman –in-Council of the NSE to SEPLAT Energy Plc, on Monday in Lagos.
    Lagos, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), on Monday, solicited collaboration of Seplat Energy Plc on capacity building for local engineers, renewable energy expansion projects and innovations for national development.

    NSE’s President, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, also an engineer, made the appeal while leading a delegation of the society on a visit to Seplat Energy in Lagos.

     

    Oguntala said that the visit was in line with NSE’s objectives and committed to partnerships toward influencing and providing quality advice to governments, commerce and industry sector players, academia and other stakeholders.

     

    She listed programmes embedded in the NSE Strategic Agenda developed by its council to drive growth in various sectors and communities.

     

    She commended the company’s demonstration of leadership through innovations, sustainability, and excellence within the industry and its efforts in pursuing cleaner energy use to reduce carbon emissions.

     

    She said the firm’s efforts in reducing carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy sources, and supporting local communities aligned perfectly with the values and objectives of the NSE.

     

    Oguntala solicited support from the energy firm toward the expansion of NSE’s renewable energy installations at its headquarters in Abuja, as well as capacity building of engineers to ensure the development of the nation.

     

    “We believe that working together with us to expand this infrastructure will go a long way in helping us to achieve our objectives and bolster your contribution to supporting  a more sustainable and prosperous future for our country.

     

    “NSE also seeks to collaborate with Seplat Energy in the realm of capacity building and professional development.

     

    “Our engineers are the backbone of the energy sector, and they must be equipped with the latest knowledge, skills, and technologies.

     

    “We propose the establishment of joint training programmes, workshops and research initiatives that will not only enhance the capabilities of our engineers but also drive innovation within the sector.

     

    “As we look towards the future, it is clear that the path to sustainable development lies in strong partnerships and collective actions.

     

    “The NSE is committed to fostering such partnerships, and we are confident that our collaboration with Seplat Energy will yield significant benefits for both our organisations and for the nation as a whole,” she said.

     

    Oguntala announced that the 2024 National Engineering Conference and Exhibition with the theme “Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change” will focus on food security.

     

    She added that the Council of NSE carefully considered and approved the theme for the conference to reflect the desire of President Bola Tinubu in achieving sustainable food security for Nigeria.

     

    The NSE president thanked the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Seplat Energy, Mr Roger Brown, and his team for hosting the NSE while expressing hope for fruitful partnerships for advancement of Nigeria.

     

    Responding, Brown, CEO of Seplat Energy, thanked the NSE team for recognising the firm as a leading indigenous energy company and for the partnership over the years.

     

    Brown congratulated Oguntala on her emergence as the first female president of NSE since inception in 1958.

     

    According to him, Seplat Energy is leading Nigeria’s energy transition with accessible, affordable and reliable energy that drives social and economic prosperity.

     

    “As the nation’s trusted independent energy supplier, we understand that Nigeria’s energy transition is a unique challenge. It needs leaders with long-term vision, local insight and courage to forge new pathways.

     

    “We are one of them. Step by step, we are bringing together like-minded trailblazers and forming networks of partners to make cleaner forms of energy more available and reliable for everyone.

     

    “Each step propels us further, and in our mission to lead Nigeria’s energy transition with accessible, reliable and sustainable energy that drives Nigeria’s social and economic prosperity.”

     

    “In line with our strategy to deliver energy transition, we have assessed various midstream gas, power, and renewable investment opportunities that are focused on increasing energy supply and reliability, lowering costs, and reducing carbon intensity of Nigeria’s electricity consumption,” he said. (NAN)

    RUKY/AWA
    ===========
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • NSCDC uncovers illegal refinery, arrests 12 suspects in Abia

    NSCDC uncovers illegal refinery, arrests 12 suspects in Abia

    Refinery
    By Leonard Okachie
    Umuahia, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Abia Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested 12 alleged pipeline vandals in Obiakpo Obuzo Asa in Ukwa West Local Government Area.

    NSCDC’s Spokesperson, ASC II Doreen Udugwu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Umuahia and made available to newsmen on Monday.

    Udugwu stated that operatives of the command successfully dismantled a syndicate, allegedly operating illegal refineries in the state.

    She added that the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Commandant-General’s Special Intelligence Squad.

    According to her, the raid uncovered a vast network of illegal refineries, cleverly hidden in the forest of Obiakpo Obuzo Asa Community.

    She explained that large quantities of crude oil, allegedly tapped from a vandalised nearby pipeline, were uncovered.

    “Also, large quantities of petroleum products in various stages of processing were seized during the operation,” she stated.

    Udugwu also stated that the leader of the team, SC Jamilu Aliyu, had announced that 12 suspects were apprehended at the scene of the illegal activity.

    “Further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in this criminal enterprise, which poses a serious threat to the nation’s economy,” the statement added.

    It quoted the State Commandant, Usman Alfadarai, to have reaffirmed the commitment of the corps “to root out criminal elements from Abia and beyond.

    “He warned all criminal elements operating within the state to desist from illegal activities or face the full wrath of the law,” the statement added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LEO/FON/USO
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Sam Oditah

     

  • Lawmaker distributes 1,200 bags of fertilizer, cash to constituents in Nasarawa

    Lawmaker distributes 1,200 bags of fertilizer, cash to constituents in Nasarawa
    Fertilizer
    By Awayi Kuje
    Akwanga ( Nasarawa State) June 10, 2024 ( NAN) Mr  Larry Ven – Bawa, member representing Akwanga North constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has distributed 1,200 bags of NPK fertilizer to boost agricultural yield of the people of his constituency.
    The lawmaker said that he has also distributed cash ranging from N1million, N500,000 and N50,000 each to his Campaign Council, Value Addition Media Team, Campaign Coordinators, delegates and supporters in order to improve  their standard of living.
    Ven-Bawa, the Chief Whip of the House made this known during the inauguration  of his 2nd Annual Value Addition Agricultural Empowerment Scheme and Cash Reward For Excellence in Andaha, Akwanga LGA.
    According to him, in this rainy season, it is time that farmers go to the farm to plant crops and dress them.
    “Value Addition demands that I should take advantage of the season by providing bags of fertilizer for the farmers so that their economic status will be enhanced and food shortage will be a thing of the past.
    ” Today’s programme is made up of two events, The Agricultural Empowerment Scheme and Cash Reward For Excellence.
    ” I have the mandate to liberate Akwanga North Constituency from the shackles of misrule, misrepresentation and under-performance
    ” In order to accomplish the mandate, I have come out with a working and guiding document known as  ‘Value Addition’, It has become my identity,” he said.
    Ven-Bawa said that the financial ‘Reward for Excellence’ was for the people who stood by him, Kwantamania and Gov. Abdullahi Sule, in the primary and general elections.
    ” These categories of people are my Campaign Council, Coordinators, Value Addition Media Team, Value Addition Placard Association and delegates that voted for me during the primary election
    ” The exercise is an expression of my gratitude to them for the sacrifices that they made for our sake, all in all for today’s programme I spent almost N50 million,” he said.
    Ven – Bawa assured of continuous sound representation at the state legislature and
     appreciated Sule for the numerous projects executed in his constituency and the state at large.
    The lawmaker called on the people of his constituency to continue to support the governor to succeed.
    On his part, Mr  Danladi Jatau, the Speaker of the assembly commended Ven-Bawa for providing the fertilizers to the people of his constituency.
    Jatau said that the gesture would go a long way in boosting agricultural production in the constituency and the state at large.
    The speaker appreciated  Sule for the good working relationship and assured him of the 7th assembly’s maximum support for him to succeed.
    The speaker urged the people of Akwanga North constituency to continue to pray and support Sule and Hon. Larry to succeed.
    Earlier,  Isa Andaha, the Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Area thanked Sule for the distribution of tractors to the people of the state.
    He said that the governor’s gesture would boost food security in the state, assuring him of his peoples’ resolve to continue to support him to succeed.
    Andaha, however, appealed to the state government to construct the Andaha road network. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AKW/BRM
    =============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Tinubu appoints new leaders for Police Service Commission, Trust Fund

    Tinubu appoints new leaders for Police Service Commission, Trust Fund

    Appointment

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd) as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

    The President also approved the appointment of Chief Onyemuche Nnamani as Secretary and DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd) as Member of the Commission.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, in a statement on Monday, said the appointments were subject to confirmation by the Senate.

    “Other members of the Police Service Commission will be appointed in due course.

    “Furthermore, the President has approved the appointment of Mr Mohammed Sheidu as the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) with immediate effect.

    “The President expects absolute demonstration of integrity, diligence, and patriotic zeal in the discharge of these important functions for the overall wellbeing of the Nigeria Police and the nation,” said the statement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Naira appreciates against dollar by 0.02%

    Naira

    By Grace Alegba

    Lagos, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Naira on Monday slightly appreciated at the official market trading at N1,483.62 to the dollar.

    Data from the official trading platform of the FMDQ Exchange, a platform that oversees the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), revealed that the Naira gained 37 kobo.

    This represents a 0.02 per cent gain when compared to the previous trading date on Friday when it traded at N1,483.99 to the dollar.

    However, the volume of currency traded reduced to $161.69 on Monday down from $269.27 million recorded on Friday.

    Meanwhile, at the Investor’s and Exporter’s (I&E) window, the Naira traded between N1,505 and N1,410 against the dollar. (NAN)

    GA/AWA
    ========
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Equity market opens with N324bn gain

    Market

    By Rukayat Adeyemi

     

    Lagos, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian equity market on Monday opened the week on a positive note with a gain of 0.58 per cent.

    Consequently, investors gained N324 billion or 0.58 per cent, as the market capitalisation which opened at N56.128 trillion, closed at N56.452 trillion.

    The All-Share Index also closed 0.58 per cent or 573 points stronger to close at 99,793.71 as against 99,221.14 recorded on Friday.

    As a result, the Year-To-Date (YTD) return rose to 33.46 per cent.

    The market’s positive performance was primarily driven by gains in Seplat, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Zenith Bank, United Bank For Africa(UBA), Transcorp Hotel (more…)

  • INEC warns personnel against unethical practices in Edo, Ondo

    INEC warns personnel against unethical practices in Edo, Ondo

    Warning

    By Emmanuel Oloniruha

    Abuja, June 10, 2024(NAN) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),  has warned its personnel against unethical and corrupt practices in the upcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu gave the warning on Monday  in Abuja at a  lecture in honour of late Abubakar Momoh, former Director-General of the Electoral Institute (TEI), from August 2013 to May 2017.

    Yakubu, represented by the National Commissioner, and Chairman, Board of Electoral Institute, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, warned that any unethical practice before, during and after those elections would  incur severe punishments under the law.

    The theme of the lecture was:  “Achieving Professionalism among Election Personnel through Effective Training in Preparation for the Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections.’’

    Yakubu said the success of any election largely depended on the professionalism and competence of those responsible for conducting it.

    He advised electoral officers to be guided by the following principles of integrity, impartiality, transparency, professionalism, gender and disability sensitive.

    He said it was important for electoral personnel to be knowledgeable, skilled and well-equipped with relevant competencies to handle the complexities and challenges of the electoral process.

    “Moreover, the crucial role election personnel play in upholding the integrity of our democratic processes cannot be overstressed.

    “The manner, in which they discharge their duties and responsibilities, affects the degree of confidence voters will have in the electoral process which will impact on their participation and turn out,’’ he said.

    Yakubu said that to ensure credibility and trustworthiness in elections and build trust among the electorate, INEC had always prioritised the professional development of its election personnel.

    He said the commission identified effective and efficient electoral training as the key to unlocking professionalism among election personnel.

    “The commission’s involvement in effective training programmes has empowered its staff to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, in order to strengthen our processes and procedures to serve the interests of all Nigerians,’’ he said.

    He said that through training, INEC was able to deepen electoral knowledge and strengthen the skills and competences of personnel over time.

    The TEI Director-General, Dr Sa’ad Idris in his remarks, said that INEC in pursuit of its mission and vision had prioritised professionalism toward achieving free, credible, transparent and inclusive elections.

    “As we prepare for the 2024 Edo and Ondo  off cycle governorship elections, the commission is assured that the outcome of effective training of Election personnel will manifest in the high level of professionalism. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OBE/CHOM/KUA
    ==============

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne

  • FG hasn’t borrowed from pension funds – Ex-NAICOM boss

     

    Funds

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 10, 2924 (NAN) Mr Olorundare Thomas, the immediate past Chief Executive Officer, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), says the Federal Government has not borrowed from the accumulated pension funds.

    Speaking on Monday in Lokoja  at a public lecture of the Federal University, Lokoja, (FUL), Thomas expressed concern about insinuations that the Federal Government tampered with  the pension funds.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the lecture is: “Insurance Solution In Wealth Creation and Sustainability” as it concerns  economic development of the country.

    The ex-NAICOM boss explained the economic challenges in the country did not translate to the Federal Government tampering with the pension funds.

    “Some situations change and challenges occur that interrupt or prevent the build-up and re-investment of wealth among citizens of a nation.

    “In spite of the best laid plans, life incidences and surprises will continue to happen.

    “These surprises, called risks, often require the diversion of resources away from created wealth.

    “The optimality of resources is the true definition of an economic growth centered on a real growth without creating other significant economic challenges or without negative effect on other sectors of the economy.

    “There is no doubt that wealth in minerals and human resources can  also partially define the wealth of a nation.

    “But the misconception that countries with vast natural resources will  translate to automatic economic growth, creation of jobs, increase government revenues.

    “This will help to finance poverty alleviation and many other positive reflections of the true dividend of development may be a mirage,” he said.

    According to him, statistics have  shown that some countries that are without natural resources grow at about four times more rapidly than other resource-rich countries.

    “It is simply because the dynamics for determining the wealth of a nation is changing.

    “This is why we are inundated with  the reality of embarking on adventures that will guarantee, not only creation of wealth but also ensuring its sustainability.

    “It is important to note that the insurance industry is one of the few sectors that continues to record growth in spite of the economic recession and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

    “From a premium of N282 billion in 2015, the Nigerian insurance industry generated gross premium income of N616.1 billion in 2021, N789.7 billion in 2022 and a record breaking N1.003 trillion as at the end of December 2023.

    “Also, the asset of the Nigerian insurance industry grew from N827.5 billion in 2015 to N2.5 trillion in 2022 and N2.7 trillion as at December, 2023.

    “It is, therefore, comforting that the insurance industry is now more willing to meet the needs of the insuring populace through insurance solutions and products,” he said.

    He said that NAICOM was a statutory agency of the Federal Government established by the National Insurance Commission Act 1997 to regulate and supervise the Nigerian insurance sector and so serve as  adviser to the government on all insurance related matters.

    Earlier,  the FUL Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, described the ex-NAICOM boss  as a seasoned insurance expert whose choice for the university’s seventh distinguished public lecture was apt and timely, considering the economic condition of the country.

    “Thomas is a seasoned professional whose extensive experience and profound insights have significantly contributed to  development of the insurance industry in Nigeria.

    “His topic is not only timely but also pivotal to our understanding of how strategic financial planning can drive sustainable economic growth.

    “In a world that is increasingly complex and filled with uncertainties, the role of insurance cannot be overstated.

    “It serves as a safety net that allows individuals and businesses to take calculated risks, innovate and invest in opportunities that drive wealth creation.

    “Moreover, insurance mechanisms are crucial in ensuring  sustainability of these ventures by mitigating potential losses and facilitating recovery in the face of adversity, ” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TYC/CHOM/KAY

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

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Kayode Olaitan

  • Police yet to fix date for recruits training – PSC

    Date
    By Monday Ijeh
    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Police Service Commission (PSC), says  it has not fixed date for training of the recently shortlisted candidates for recruitment into the Constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force.
    The Head of Press and Public Relations of PSC, Mr Ikechukwu Ani said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
    He said the training dates being speculated on  social media were fictitious and  should be ignored.
    According to him, the commission has  been inundated  by calls and messages by concerned Nigerians on the authenticity of the dates in the public space.
    “The commission is currently, working with the Nigeria Police Force to determine the training colleges and will make a formal announcement at the appropriate time,” he said.
    He urged  successful candidates to wait for the official announcement of the date and  the colleges for the exercise. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IMC/CHOM/JPE
    ============
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Joseph Edeh