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  • Niger Delta: CSOs back NASS resolution to halt divestment by IOCs

    Niger Delta: CSOs back NASS resolution to halt divestment by IOCs

    IOCs

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations have aligned with the resolution passed by the House of Representatives to halt ongoing divestment of oil and gas assets by multinational companies operating in the Niger Delta.

    The coalition made its position known at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja.

    The coalition was led by Botti Isaac of Social Action Integrated Centre (Social Action), Nigeria; Dr Prince Ekpere of OLESH Centre for Community Development; Arigbabu Sulaiman of HEDA Resource Centre and Dr Barrister Uko Etuk of Policy Alert.

    Others are Shehu Akowe of Health of Mother Earth Foundation; Prince Ayanfe Akintola of Legislative Media and Citizens Advocacy Initiative (LeMCAI).

    They said that their position was made known when they met with Executive Secretary of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Kayode Komolafe, in Abuja.

    Speaking on the resolution, Isaac expressed worry over the rationale behind Federal Government’s plan to hurriedly approve the IOCs’ divestment plans without proper assessment.

    Isaac said the coalition was worried at the pace that Federal Government was taking to grant these approvals.

    ”You would recall that Federal Government has set this June as deadline for granting the divestment approvals to all these oil companies.

    “But we are worried that in spite of the cries and complains of Nigerians the Federal Government is interested in completing the transactions not minding the implications on the people.

    “So, we are saying that the Federal Government should slow down that pace, carry out comprehensive audit and investigation around the divestment process,” he said.

    Isaac also urged the Federal Government through NURPC to put necessary measures in place to ensure that the process transparent, accountable and in compliance with international best practices.

    These, according to him, are some of the demands that government should put a halt to the divestment to ensure the right thing is done.

    He said it would enable any of the oil companies that had applied for divestment through divestment application to make sure they comply with the standards and the requirements that government had put in place for them to divest.

    According to him, government should not be in haste to grant the approval but rather listen to the voice of wisdom.

    “The National Assembly has asked them to suspend the process, they should suspend the process and ensure the right thing is done before going ahead with the approval,” he added.

    On his part, Dr Prince Ekpere affirmed that companies operating in the country had the right to re-order or divest investments, but alleged that the funds to be used by the Consortium which intends to acquire SPDC assets would be provided by Shell.

    Ekpere called for proactive steps to hold the IOCs accountable for their historical activities in the oil producing region.

    He added that the assessment report conducted by Bayelsa State Government indicated that the sum of 12 billion dollars, would be required to clear the environmental degradation in the state.

    “These are some of the reasons why most likely these oil companies are divesting from the Niger Delta. They want to evade the long historical liabilities they’ve caused thjbhe the Niger Delta,” he said.

    In her remarks, Cecilia Ogwuchie, Legal/Programme Officer for HEDA Resource Centre, explained that one of their concerns was the Environmental Liability and Cleanup.

    Ogwuchie said the divestment had raised critical questions about responsibility for past and ongoing environmental damages due to oil pollution.m

    According to her, with assets changing hands, there is concern about the commitment of new local owners to address legacy pollution issues and invest in necessary cleanup and remediation efforts for the past and recent liabilities.

    She lamented that contentious award of cleanup contracts and oil spill management had often intensified tensions, underscoring the necessity for equitable and transparent divestment.

    She harped on the need to ensure effective regulatory oversight and legal clarity.

    She added that “minimal involvement of regulatory bodies in supervising previous asset transactions and ensuring the addressing of environmental liabilities raises alarms about the efficacy of existing frameworks to safeguard community rights and ecological integrity amidst divestments.

    “We are a delegation representing Nigerian civil society organizations and community groups working to promote the best interest of Nigerian citizens, their natural environment and livelihoods in the context of oil and gas extraction and energy access in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.

    “We have collected over 1000 signatures from community leaders of the Niger Delta, national and international organizations, academic scholars and concerned individuals.”

    According to her, they are all calling on the Federal Government to address the critical issue of Shell’s divestment from The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC).

    “This proposed divestment, which entails Shell’s withdrawal from its Nigerian onshore operations by transferring its interests to a consortium comprising various Nigerian and international energy entities—demands an immediate halt to enable scrutiny given the historical and ongoing challenges in the Niger Delta region.

    “We acknowledge and applaud the recent resolution of the House of Representatives directing the NUPRC to withhold consent for all international oil companies intending to sell off assets in the Niger Delta region.

    “We are expecting that NUPRC will respect the views of the National Assembly and the Nigerian people, especially the members of the communities in the sites of oil and gas extraction in the Niger Delta, and halt approval of all divestment requests.

    “Our delegation is here to offer our partnership towards ensuring that no divestment proceeds without clear commitments to environmental remediation, community compensation, Payment and Escrow of Host Community Fund, participatory and implementable decarbonization plan, and the establishment of robust regulatory oversight,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/IAA

    ========

    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • Africa CDC, AU pledge support for Gavi 2024 AVMA unveiling

    By Kemi Akintokun

     

    Support

    Lagos, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the African Union (AU) have pledged their full support for the forthcoming Gavi’s 2024 African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA).

    A statement from the Africa CDC on Sunday said the AVMA inauguration, which will hold on June 20 in Paris, France, will provide financial incentives to help vaccine manufacturers in Africa scale up production and become sustainable on a long-term basis.

    It said the Africa CDC recognised Gavi as a pivotal partner for health security and collective resilience to vaccine-preventable diseases across the continent.

    According to the statement, Gavi has invested US$11.9 billion from 2000 to 2022 to enhance access to life-saving vaccines in Africa, preventing 11.1 million future deaths in the continent.

    Gavi is expected to unveil a groundbreaking US$1 billion commitment over ten years through a new AVMA initiative aimed at bolstering African health security and sovereignty.

    “This week, Gavi board approved a 5-years new alliance strategy 2026-2030 which will be focusing on accelerating vaccine coverage, introducing new vaccines, strengthening health systems for equity, and supporting global health security and regional vaccine manufacturing.

    “As a public-private partnership, Gavi is funded through replenishment events hosted by donor governments to mobilize support from governments, philanthropies, the private sector, various institutions, civil society organizations, and individuals.

    “In a show of commitment and support as the continent is the primary beneficiary of Gavi funds, Africa CDC and the African Union and African member states stand ready to fully support the 2024 replenishment holding in France”.

    It said the 2024 replenishment meeting would highlight Gavi’s support for Africa’s agenda of local manufacturing, as endorsed by African Heads of States under the Africa CDC’s Platform for Harmonised Health Manufacturing in Africa (PHAHM).

    Dr Jean Kaseya, the Director-General of Africa CDC, underscored the importance of respectful partnership and collaboration.

    Kaseya said: “Local manufacturing is the second independence of Africa because it impacts our health security and economic growth.

    “Additionally, Africa CDC will spearhead the Lusaka agenda to strengthen national leadership and partner coordination for effective implementation of the One Plan, One Budget, and one M&E Framework.

    “In recognition of AVMA’s significance to Africa, the popular launch of AVMA will occur on African soil in the coming weeks.

    “It will bring together African leaders, Gavi, donors, partners, African Civil Society Organisations, and communities to reflect on and celebrate the journey toward Africa’s self-reliance in vaccines manufacturing, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

    “Together, we stand on the brink of a new era for Africa’s self-reliance in health security, driven by innovation, partnership, and a shared vision for a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Africa”. (NAN)

    KOA/VIV

    ===

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Eid el-Adha: Bauchi residents lament hike in ram prices

    Ram

    By Ahmed Kaigama

    Bauchi, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Some residents in Bauchi have expressed concern over hike in ram and sheep prices ahead of the Eid el-Adha celebration.

    Eid el-Adha or the “Fest of Sacrifice” is a significant holiday celebrated by Muslims to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) devotion to God.

    It is being observed on the 10th day of Dhul Hajj (the 12th month of the Islamic calendar).

    One of the central rituals on Eid el-Adha is the act of sacrificing a ram, sheep, goat or cow.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that prices have skyrocketed by over 100 per cent in the past two weeks amid low demand of the animals.

    A NAN check at Kasuwan Shanu and railway livestock markets in Bauchi metripolis showed that traders were making lull businesses.

    A average ram was sold at N160,000 as against its old price of N80,000.

    A well bred bull was sold between N500,000 and N750,000 as against N250,000 and N450,000, it sold in the past weeks.

    Similarly, sheep and goat indicated similar increase in prices, as a medium size sheep sold for N100,00 and N45,000 as against N60,000 and N25,000, respectively.

    Mr Sani Ayuba, a resident, blamed traders for the unilateral hike in prices to exploit buyers.

    He said the traders jerked up the prices to make profit inview of the high demand of the animals for sacrifice during the festivities.

    Another resident, Ibrahim Usman, who bought a ram at N170,000, decried the exorbitant prices at the market.

    “I bought a ram at the Kasuwan Shanu at N170,000. This is much higher than the usual price.

    “Traders are taking advantage of the festive period to get more money from people needing the animals for sacrifice,” he said

    However, Musa Zanna, an animal dealer, attributed the hike in prices to high cost of transportation and animal feeds.

    He said that animal dealers spent much on transporting the animals from village markets to the state capital. 

    Zanna expressed optimism that prices would further drop in view of the increase in the supply of the animals. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/AAA/RSA

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

    Edited by Aisha Ahmed/Rabiu Sani-Ali 

  • NDLEA arrests Nigerien with illicit drugs, nabs 19 others

     

    Some of the suspects arrested for drug related offenses

     

    Drugs

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 9, 2024(NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested a 32-year-old Nigerien, Hassan Mummuni, with 4,000 pills of diazepam and 1.250kg Cannabis Sativa(Indian Hemp).

    A statement by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja stated that the suspect was nabbed along  the Lalgo-Birnin Kebbi road, Kebbi on Saturday,  June 8.

    Babafemi said the consignment was concealed in four pesticide tanks, adding that operatives in Gombe, same day, arrested one Ibrahim Abubakar at Herwagana.

    He said that Abubakar was arrested with 6,740 pills of tramadol and 20,000 tablets of diazepam.

    Meanwhile, not less than 1,098 bottles of codeine-based syrup were recovered from a suspect, Onyekachi Iwula, 42, following his arrest in a commercial bus at Aloma junction, Otukpa, Ogbadibo LocalGovernment, in Benue.

    Also, in Bauchi state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Ningi-Kano road on Wednesday, June 5,  arrested a 20-year-old lady, Hasana Usman, with 25 blocks of cannabis sativa that weighed 28.2kg.

    “Their counterparts in Yobe nabbed Ali Mohammed, 42, along the Kano-Potiskum road, with 19,000 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in a black sack and the suspect’s travelling bag,” he said.

    In Oyo State, 57-year-old Oladimeji Samson was arrested in a commercial bus at the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway with 79 blocks of cannabis sativa, he said.

    Babafemi said the drugs weighed 44.4kg and 48 grams of ecstasy, adding that they were all concealed in the engine compartment under the driver’s seat of the bus.

    In the same vein, not less than 17,980 pills of tramadol and other opioids were seized from a suspect, Ali Mohammed, 36, following his arrest at Ganaja village, Lokoja, the Kogi capital.

    Babafemi said the duo of Blessing Samuel, 35, and Unnanchi Mike, 34, were arrested with 804 bottles of codeine syrup at Narayi, Kaduna state.

    Also in Kaduna, Tijjani Umar, 37, and Yahaya Suleman, 35, were arrested with 33.9 kilograms of cannabis sativa at Lafiya area, Kudan Local Government Area of the state, he said.

    Babafemi further said that at least nine suspects, including Salisu Sanda, 48, and James Andrew, 25, were arrested by NDLEA operatives during a raid on Toaabora hills in the Federal Capital Territory.

    “They were arrested on Saturday, 8th June, with a total of 83.01kg cannabis recovered from them,” he said. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/CHOM/ETS

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  • Delta enjoying peace, progress in hard times – Oborevwori

    Fourth (L-R), Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Mr Dennis Guwor, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife, Tobore flanked by others cutting the eight Assembly anniversary cake on Sunday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Asaba.

    Peace

     

    By Mercy Neme

     

    Asaba, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta says the state has enjoyed peace and progress in hard times within the first year of his administration without borrowing money.

     

    Oborevwori stated this on Sunday at the 1st Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the 8th Delta House of Assembly.

     

    The service was held at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 34 Headquarters, Unity Model Parish, Asaba.

     

    The governor proudly said that the state had recorded impressive progress in infrastructural and human capital development despite the economic downturn bedevilling the country.

     

    “God has been faithful in the affairs of the state as people who live outside this state don’t know what we are enjoying; we are enjoying peace and progress.

     

    “There is also abundance for us in this hard time in Nigeria; Delta has not borrowed in the last one year.

     

    “You can see that members of the state house of assembly are shining,” he said.

     

    Oborevwori, however, urged the lawmakers to continue to serve their constituents with the fear of God.

     

    According to him, God will continue to bless the state to become one of the best states in the country.

     

    The Speaker of the assembly, Mr Dennis Guwor, said the house needed to thank God for His mercy upon the lawmakers and for keeping them through their first year in office.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the assembly was inaugurated on June 13, 2023.

     

    Guwor said the assembly was unique in having one of its own and a former presiding officer of the house as governor.

     

    “Governor Oborevwori understands perfectly the workings of the state house of assembly, hence we have enjoyed a robust partnership with the executive.

     

    “My colleagues respect the leadership of the house and there has been lots of cooperation among members; I thank them for their support and partnership,” he said.

     

    Guwor, commending residents for selecting the best out of the state to represent them in the assembly, promised the house would not fail them.

     

    According to him, the house received 18 bills from the executive and private-member, of which nine had been passed and three already assented.

     

    Meanwhile, in his sermon, the host pastor, Olufemi Olumide, says thanksgiving is the key that opens all doors.

     

    Olumide commended the assembly for appreciating God with a thanksgiving service.

     

    Olumide said the 8th Assembly was unique as it represented a new beginning in the affairs of the state legislature.

     

    The occasion, he said, had accommodated Christ at the state’s centre of affairs.

     

    Meanwhile, the governor unveiled the 8th Assembly “Legislative Agenda”.

     

    NAN reports that the Legislative Agenda is the policy thrust of the eighth assembly that is expected to guide it in the next three years.

     

    Dignitaries at the occasion include the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Tobore Oborevwori; the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme; the immediate past Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro and others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    MOA/MAS

     

    Edited by Moses Solanke

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Tinubu approves mandate for special presidential envoy on climate action

    Tinubu approves mandate for special presidential envoy on climate action

    Mandate
    By Okon Okon

    Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has approved terms of reference for the pioneering Office of the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC).

    Mr Segun Imohiosen, Director, Information, office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    The statement said the President approved the terms of reference for SPEC to bring clarity to the functions of the office within the climate and green economy ecosystem.

    “By the President’s directive, the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action shall be the lead negotiator on climate-related matters on behalf of the Federal Government, reporting directly to the President,” said the statement.

    It also said the office shall be the lead negotiator on carbon market and management initiatives on behalf of the Federal Government.

    It added that the office had a mandate to integrate the work of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP) into the climate action plans of the Federal Government, reporting directly to the President.

    The terms of reference also include, “Supervising interface between the Secretariat of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and the NCCC Supervising Council, which is chaired by the President.

    “Coordinating all climate action-related activities across Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, legislative, and subnational entities which directly impact the President’s climate action and green economic agenda.”

    The statement said the supervisory function included a mandate to directly engage other nations, international organisations, and non-governmental entities to build coalitions and advance global climate goals in accordance with Nigeria’s national interest.

    It said it shall be the focal point of the Federal Government’s engagement with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings, and other related international meetings on climate-related and green economic matters.

    The SPEC shall also be the coordinator of activities of all relevant Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies towards the successful fulfilment of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

    Amongst others, it shall be, “The secretary of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, which is chaired by the President.

    “The chief diplomat and lead representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on all climate-related engagements and negotiations while supervising the Energy Transition Office.

    “The focal-point authority on all non-executive activities related to the operations of NCCC with delegated authority to oversee the activities and operations of the NCCC secretariat for frequent reporting to the President in between meetings of the NCCC Supervisory Council.”

    It shall also act as the lead interface on engagements with the Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Finance and Federal Ministry of Power, Federal Ministry of Environment.

    This includes other critical Federal Government institutions concerning the administration and coordination of climate-related donor finance, renewable energy finance and green industrial growth management.

    The statement further said the office of the SPEC shall be chair the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

    Furthermore, the statement said the President approved the expansion of the membership of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions (P-CAGE).

    The committee comprises representatives of Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas).

    Others are: Representatives of  Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, Nigerians National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Special Assistant to the President on Energy Transition, Ms Yasmin Mohammed and representative of Energy Transition Office, Mr. Somkele Awa-Kalu.

    According to the statement, the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions will be inaugurated in July.

    It added that the President emphasised diligence, dedication, and patriotism in the execution of this critical national assignment.

    This is with a view to realising his administration’s agenda on climate action and green industrial growth for the long-term benefit of the Nigerian people and Africans at large. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MZM/BEKl/SA
    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Salif Atojoko

  • Edo Govt. to begin operation flush out cultists, criminals

    Criminals

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 9, 2024(NAN) Edo Government says plans have been concluded to flush out criminal cult groups and ‘Okaigheles’(youth leaders) from the state.

    The state government reacted on Sunday to recent attack on soldiers in Okomu community by criminals and cultists.

    Chris Nehikhare, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, spoke at the Military Base Hospital in Benin during a visit to wounded soldiers and a police officer who were shot by suspected cultists.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two soldiers and a police officer were on June 7, shot in Okomu community in Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state by suspected cultists.

    Nehikhare pledged the Edo Government’s support in footing the bills of the wounded military officers receiving treatment at the Military Base Hospital.

    Nehikhare, who disclosed that Gov. Godwin Obaseki frowned at the attack on military personnel, said a task force led by the Director of the State Security (DSS), had been set up to combat cult groups in the state.

    “It is not right in any way for the military to be attacked in any community in Edo.

    “A few weeks ago, we were all aware of what happened in our neighbouring Delta, where no fewer than 20 soldiers were killed by some youths.

    “In Edo, we have a bad case of cultism and what we also call Okaigheles(Youth Leaders) in Benin and across Edo South Senatorial District.

    “The data available to us provided to the State Security Council has shown that these people are mostly responsible for the threat to the security in Edo.

    “That is why this group of people were banned and a task force set up to neutralise their activities.’’

    The commissioner said that the governor placed a ban on the Okaigheles (youth leaders); however, some people told them to ignore the government ban.

    According to him, there can only be one government at a time.

    He said it was regrettable that the banned group was emboldened to go into Okomu forest to attack soldiers protecting the assets.

    “One of the soldiers is on the bed in critical condition and two soldiers were badly injured.

    “The gun boat they were in were destroyed and riddled with bullets; this is happening in Edo.

    “We do not want a situation where we will be losing soldiers to civilians or to reckless and dangerous cult groups.’’

    The commissioner pleaded with leaders in Edo South to rein in their children and the people that they had armed one way or the other.

    “We have come to quickly visit the wounded officers and the army to assure them that Edo Government will not tolerate this untoward behavior.

    “We don’t want what happened in Odi Community in Bayelsa  to happen here in Edo or a repeat of what happened recently in Delta to happen here.

    “It is a serious matter and all Edo people, irrespective of political affiliations, must support the government in this fight against cultism and killings going on.

    “Since January to date, we have lost no fewer than 150 people in cult related violence,’’ he said.

    He commended the army for being a responsible organisation which did not take the laws into its own hands. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    NY/ CJ/

    =======

    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

     

     

  • LASG subjects Badagry master plan review to public scrutiny

    LASG subjects Badagry master plan review to public scrutiny

    Plan

    By Lydia Ngwakwe

    Lagos, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Government says it will make the draft report on review of Badagry Master Plan  available for public scrutiny for 28 work days.

    The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Lagos State, Mr Oluwole Sotire, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

    Sotire said in the statement issued by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs Unit of the office, Mr Mukaila Sanusi, that stakeholders would go through the proposed plan and provide feedbacks.

    According to the permanent secretary, the Draft Report on the Review of Badagry Master Plan (2022-2024) would be open to public scrutiny from June 19  to July 26.

    He said that the goal was to create a more inclusive plan that would reflect the needs of the community.

    He said: “Subjecting the draft report to public scrutiny is part of the acclaimed process of preparing an inclusive plan, which is also in tandem with the state’s culture of citizens’ participation in the preparation of physical development plans.

    “The inspection venues which are 13 in all, include the local government/local council development area secretariats within the Badagry Division of the state.”

    Sotire added that local planning offices within the division, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development Secretariat, Alausa, and the Headquarters of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority at GRA, Ikeja, would also be venues.

    ” It is worthy of note that, to ramp up public participation in the plan preparation process, the 28-day public inspection of the Draft Report on the Review of Badagry Master Plan (2022-2042) will be followed by a final stakeholders meeting on August 8, at LASU Main Auditorium, Ojo.” he said.

    According to Sotire, the plan is being reviewed because the original one was in place for 20 years and needs updates to reflect current conditions and future goals.

    He said that the plan aimed to identify and leverage Badagry’s unique features, such as  historical significance, cultural heritage and natural environment.

    Sotire said that the plan prioritised environmentally-friendly development practices to ensure long-term viability without harming the environment.

    He also said that the goal was to create economic and social development in Badagry that could be maintained overtime.

    According to him, there will be socio-economic development to improve the overall quality of life in Badagry through job creation, infrastructure development and access to social services.

    He added, “The plan seeks to make Badagry an attractive location for  investment, potentially bringing in more economic opportunities.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    LED/IGO
    ========
    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

     

     

  • Returned artifacts will boost Edo’s tourism potential – Obaseki

    Returned artifacts will boost Edo’s tourism potential – Obaseki

    Artifacts

    By Maureen Okon

    Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN)Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has said that the stolen Benin artifacts recently returned to the state would boost its tourism potential .

    “The artifacts will bring back our status as the tourism hub of the country,” Obaseki told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    According to him, the returned artifacts are “still within the federal realm, while the state is facilitating the storage infrastructure for the relics”.

    He said his administration had invested much in infrastructure development and facilities for storing, research and preservation of the cultural artifacts.

    “Building of the infrastructure will not only help preserve Edo’s cultural heritage, but also provide a safe and proper environment for exhibiting these delicate artifacts.

    “These measures are put in place so that when these artworks eventually come into the state , we will have a safe place where they can be properly stored.

    “As you know, many of them are very old and very fragile and need to be specially handled.

    “That is why the Edo government has to invest in infrastructure for proper storage of these artworks.

    “We have also collaborated with experts and investors to build the infrastructure so that when the artifacts come, the state can professionally handle them,’’ he said.

    According to the governor, the tourism potentials of the artifacts and relics will strategically position the state as a tourism hub for both local and international visitors.

    “As we speak, part of the strategy for developing Edo is the strategic plan to make the state a tourist hub for Nigerians and foreigners, given its natural beauty and strategic location.

    “Edol, by its nature and location, is a tourist place where you cannot move from the West of the country to the East and the South-South, without passing through.

    “The government is also going to create facilities to showcase the beauty of Edo, its culture, food, arts, and history that will attract visitors and promote economic growth.

    “The world is tilting toward tourism as an income generating sector and Edo is poised to tap on that,” Obaseki said.

    NAN recalls that in December 2022, Germany returned 22 artifacts looted during the 1897 Benin invasion.

    Former President Muhammadu Buahri, in his respect for Benin Kingdom, told the German government that the artifacts would be returned to the traditional ruler and not to the Nigerian state, as Germany had expected.

    Buhari named the Oba of Benin as the recipient of the items.

    The traditional ruler is a descendant of the sovereign chief, who reigned over the Kingdom of Benin, when the Bronzes were looted by the British at the end of the 19th century. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ETIM/KOO/ETS
    =============
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Ephraims Sheyin

  • Engage in real estate business, company urges youths

    Engage into real estate business, company urges youths

    Training

    By Alex Enebeli

    Enugu, June 9, 2024 (NAN) An Enugu based company, Set Reality Limited, on Sunday trained 160 Enugu youths on the rudiments of real estate business aimed at making them financially independent.

    Speaking during the training which held in Enugu,the Managing Director of the company, Mr Ugochukwu Okoronkwo, said the training was motivated by the core goal of the organisation to empower youths in Enugu free of charge on how to make money through real estate.

    He said it was a business they could do on the side in addition to what they were doing and earn huge amount of money from it.

    According to him, their objective is to see that Nigerian youths acquire knowledge of finance and take advantage of real estate industry that will enable them make so much money to take care of their needs and people around them.

    Noting that the company specialized more on human capacity development and empowerment on real estate, Okoronkwo said, “We do more of building people than building property.

    “Our doors are open to anybody that wants financial empowerment as we teach and mentor them to take advantages in real estate industry,” he said.

    The managing director equally urged the public to patronise their property at Prime View and Akuabata Estates at 9th Mile Enugu, assuring that they were genuine with certified documents.

    Highlighting the opportunities available in real estate, Mr Francis Uka, the Chief Operation Officer, Set Reality, advised the participants to become a realtor- the one who broker deal between a buyer of a property and a seller for reward and commission in a real estate business.

    He said they could get commission as high as five, 10 to 15 per cent of the total sum paid for a property.

    “It is a business that can be done with zero amount but pays in millions of naira as well as done in their comfort zones.

    “Basically, we have over 160 participants and real estate business in Enugu is very lucrative given its landmass and people from the southeast wants to own property in Enugu.

    “Even with the issues of government demolition that make people apprehensive and great impact on real estate business, the industry is not slowing down as the value of landed property in the state keep jumping,” he said.

    He pointed out that there was massive investment opportunities in real estate business that youths could explore.

    “At the estates we have, we offtake it from the communities with understanding that we buy and sell.

    “We provided survey for the property and all the registration with the ministry of lands.

    A beneficiary, Esther Egbo, said the training was impactful stressing that he had benefited a lot from the company’s training.

    While thanking the organisers, Egbo said youths engaging in real estate business would create them massive employment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAE/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu