Blog

  • NSCDC trains hunters on operational, leadership skills

    NSCDC trains hunters on operational, leadership skills

    Training

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps , (NSCDC), has trained no fewer than 300 key officers of the Nigeria Hunter and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), on Operational, Leadership Skills and Organisational Management.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the participants of the 4-Days Capacity Workshop were drawn from the ranks of Assistant Commanders,  Commanders, Assistant Commanders General, (ACG) and Deputy Commander General (DCG).

    The training is being conducted at NSCDC Headquarters in Sauka Abuja.

    In his remarks, the Commander General (CG) of NHFSS, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, said the training workshop was designed to enhance the capacity of NHFSS operatives as being rendered in public service.

    Osatimehin said the training would be a continuous one, adding that the move would also go a long way in enhancing the productivity of NHFSS personnel towards strengthening the security of lives and property in forests accross the country.

    He reiterated the commitment service to training and retraining of its officers and men.

    The CG said that the capacity workshop was also to enable the hunters to contribute to the realisation of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda in the area of security.

    “NSCDC has over the years being rendering necessary security training to NHFSS to enable the service be abreast with current strategies on intelligence gathering, security tips, mode of conduct among others in line with the best international security standard.

    “This is feared towards safeguarding the country from crimes and criminality most especially in the ungoverned space which the forests nationwide,” he said.

    Osatimehin advised the participants to take what they have learnt during the four days Capacity Workshop to their State Commands and Structures by replicating the gains of the training on their junior officers most especially in the 774 Local Government Areas towards realising the objectives.

    The Deputy Commander General (DCG), Technical Services, Dr John Metchie, said the training was a train the trainer initiative to enable the senior officers pass same to down to the local level.

    Metchie said the organisation was determined to make sure that all its officers from the rank of deputy commanders upwards to were properly trained and well equipped on how to handle issues.

    “We want to bring everybody up to standard, to the same level as the civil defense, same level as the police, same level of all our parent bodies in the army and everybody.

    “ It is expected that when they go back to their various commands, everybody will be very professional doing their work.

    “They will go back and train their own commands so that what they have learnt here, they will pass it down to their different state commands,” he said.

    In a paper presentation entitled “Security Threats and Risks” a Commandant at NSCDC,  Mr Vincent Ogu, advised the participants to always be alive to their responsibilities in line with the current trend in security business and operation.

    He emphasised the need for beneficiaries of the capacity workshop to reciprocate the gesture through efficiency in their various duty posts.

    Other lectures and paper presentation during the Workshop included Dress Code,  Discipline, Security Tips and Identifying Security Threat and Risk among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/SH

    ========

    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Alleged extra-judicial killings: Lawyer files leave to appeal against judgment

    Alleged extra-judicial killings: lawyer files leave to appeal against judgment

    Appeal

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, Jan. 9, 2024 (NAN) An Abuja-based human rights and constitutional lawyer, Emmanuel Ekpenyong, has filed a motion for leave to appeal at the Supreme Court, the judgment of Court of Appeal, Abuja delivered on March 27, which dismissed his case against the Federal Government.

    It would be recalled that the Court of Appeal had, on March 27, dismissed Ekpenyong’s appeal on the alleged prevalence of extra-judicial killings in the country and affirmed the decision of the trial court.

    The appellate court upheld a Federal High Court (FHC) Abuja judgment delivered by Justice Nkeonye Maha, on May 6, 2022, that dismissed his suit seeking to address the alleged increasing cases of extra-judicial killings by the law enforcement agencies and non-state actors in Nigeria.

    The three-member Justices, chaired by Justice Joseph Oyewole, unanimously held that the appellant, Ekpenyong of the law firm of Fred-Young & Evans LP, lacked requisite locus standi (legal right) to institute the suit.

    Justice Oyewole-led panel also awarded a N250, 000 costs against the lawyer.

    However, in a notice of notion for leave to appeal marked: CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CU/582mi/2024 between Emmanuel Ekpenyong Esq. Vs. President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, the lawyer sought two orders.

    The motion, dated and filed June 5, was made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

    He sought an order granting him leave to appeal against the decision of the Appeal Court in appeal number: CA/ABJ/CV/1200/2022, on grounds of mixed law and facts as set out in his proposed notice of appeal annexed as “Exhibit JO3.”

    He also sought an order granting leave to him to appeal against the concurrent findings of the FHC in suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/755/2020; and the judgment of the Appeal Court in appeal no. CA/ABJ/CV/1200/2022; on the extent of his right to life guaranteed under Section 33 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    In the proposed notice of appeal, Ekpenyong contended that the Appeal Court justices misdirected themselves and erred in law when they held that reasonable cause of action vest him with the requisite locus standi to institute the suit.

    He said the judges also erred in law when they failed to consider the provisions of Article 3 (e) of the Fundamental Right Enforcement Procedure Rules, 2009 which confirmed his locus standi in the suit.

    He said instead, they relied on the general principle of law on reasonable cause to arrive at the conclusion that he had no locus standi to institute his fundamental human right suit.

    He argued that the appellate court erred in law when they held that his suit for interpretation of the extent of his constitutional right to life enshrined in Section 33 (1) of the Constitution did not disclose a reasonable cause of action and is mere academic and hypothetical.

    According to him, the Court of Appeal did not state why the surviving paragraphs of the affidavit in support of the originating summons did not constitute a reasonable cause of action.

    Ekpenyong equally argued that the court erred in law when it affirmed the trial court’s award of N100, 000 costs against him and awarded an additional cost of N250, 000 against him, even where the trial court did not state its reason for the fine.

    Besides, he said that no valid reason could be seen from the Court of Appeal’s sanction as well against him for prosecuting a suit for interpretation of his constitutional right to life enshrined in Section 33 (1) of the Constitution”

    Against these backgrounds, he argued that “the findings of both the trial court and Court of Appeal is perverse and was reached as a result of a wrong approach to the evidence before them and a wrong application of principle of substantive law and procedure.”

    He said there was a need for him to appeal their decision to the Supreme Court for the court to interfere with the findings of both courts.

    “This constitutes an exceptional circumstance for this Honourable Court to grant this application,” Ekpenyong said.

    He equally said that being dissatisfied with the judgment of the Court of Appeal, he is desirous of appealing against the concurrent findings in the judgment of both the lower and upper courts on questions of mixed law and facts.

    The lawyer said the application is made in the interest of justice.(NAN)www.nannews.ng)

    TOA/SH

    ======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • June 12: Democracy enthusiasts seek revival of basic amenities

     

    June 12: Democracy enthusiasts seek revival of basic amenities

     President Bola Tinubu

    Democracy

    By Bukola Adetoye
    Abeokuta, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Democracy lovers in the country have urged both state and Federal Governments to revive social amenities to enable Nigerians to reap more dividends of democracy.

    They made the appeal while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abeokuta  on Sunday ahead of the celebration of ‘Democracy Day’ on Wednesday.

    Democracy Day is a national public holiday in Nigeria to commemorate the restoration of democracy in 1999.

    The Founder, ‘Useful Youth Vision Concepts (UYVC)’, an NGO, Mrs Adetokunbo Shonibare – Ayantunji said,”Democracy is  yet to fully deliver dividends to all Nigerians.

    ”For the dividends of democracy to be reaped, electricity supply must be regular.

    ”Nigerians pay extremely high costs to access electricity, which in turn has a geometrical reaction on their finances .

    “Many companies have folded up as a result of the lack of adequate electricity and other factors.”

    Shonibare – Ayantunji said for Nigerians to enjoy the dividends of democracy, basic amenities like electricity, potable water, sanitation and health care facilities must be available.”

    She,however, pointed out that there have been notable advancements in areas like media freedom and civil society engagement.

    The Iyaloja of Owode market , Mrs Monsurat Adelaja decried the lack of good roads to transport goods and services in some of the communities .

    Adelaja said that challenge has negatively impacted the prices of goods and services.

    She pleaded with the government to rehabilitate the roads to enhance transportation for the traders and Nigerians as a whole.

    A butcher at Kuto Market, Abrokuta Alhaji Sherif Hassan, urged governments to end herder–farmer conflicts.

    ” The conflicts, ongoing insecurity and terrorism are deterrents to our business and reasons we are not enjoying democracy in Nigeria,” he said .

    Hassan canvassed for a security sector reform, calling for a ‘professionalised security forces’,  to address corruption and enhance community policing.

    Mrs Roseline Olusegun , a textile dealer at Kuto market said Nigeria’s democracy was still evolving.

    “Addressing the challenges will require collective efforts from the citizens, civil society, government and other stakeholders,” she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    OBA/BRM
    ============

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mnai

     

  • Senior advocate wants Nigerian Law Reform Commission to do more  

    Senior advocate wants Nigerian Law Reform Commission to do more

    Reform

    By Ebere Agozie

    Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mr Mohammed Ndarani, says the Nigerian Law Reform Commission (NLRC) should be properly funded to deliver on its mandate.

    Ndarani said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said that the commission should be  enabled to deliver on its mandate by constantly researching, reviewing, and reforming laws in the land.

    The NLRC has the responsibility to conduct research, take and keep under review, all federal laws, with a view to their systematic and progressive development and reform.

    It is mandated to do so in consonance with the prevailing norms of Nigerian society, to codify such laws, eliminate anomalies, repeal obsolete, spent, and unnecessary enactments, reform procedural laws in consonance with changes within the machinery of administration of justice.

    The Commission can also, among other means, perform its functions based on proposals for law reform made or referred to it by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) or the National Assembly.

    It can also, by its own initiative, propose a programme for examination of different branches of law for reform, and submit same to the Attorney-General and the National Assembly.

    Ndarani said that the NLRC needed to be more proactive in addressing obsolete and outdated laws in the country.

    He noted that the presence of obsolete sections and aspects of the nation’s laws was one of the major problems bedevilling its economic progress and development.

    The senior advocate said that such laws do not have any practical relevance to the realities of today’s Nigeria but were still being relied upon as binding.

    “The presence of laws which are not in alignment with the laws in operation in the countries with which we do business would defeat the intendment of such operations as it would erode the basis for such activity,’ he added.

    According to him, such laws also erode and retard administration of justice based on the nature of their  prescriptions and fines imposed, when considered against present day realities.

    “Examples include Sections 210 (Witchcraft) and 370 (Bigamy) of the criminal Code Acts and criminal Code Laws of States.

    “Witchcraft Act stipulates that anyone caught practicing magic and witchcraft has committed an offence. The problem is how do you ascertain what is magic and witchcraft? No one has been tried and convicted of this offence till date.

    “Bigamy refers to the act of entering into a marriage with one person while still legally married to another.

    “It applies to both men and women, especially under the Matrimonial Causes Act. No one has been successfully prosecuted on this offence since the law was made.

    “The legality and validity of this law is put to serious question in the light of cultural and Islamic values which support marriage to more than one wife at the same time’’.

    He, however, noted that only Lagos State had decriminalised bigamy, which meant that it was no longer a crime in Lagos State to marry another woman/man, where there was an already existing valid statutory marriage.

    He said although NLRC was established in 1979 to reform in consonance with changes within the machinery of administration of justice, it had not been able to achieve much in relation to the mandate.

    Ndarani said that dependence on obsolete and outdated laws limited development of the country.

    “The exclusivity of the rights vested on the federal government is what has made several states lazy as they just wait to receive and share monies accruing to them from the federal allocation every month.

    “These laws make us bound to misguided policies of exploitation, frustrate import – export substitution, and diversification drives,” he said.

    According to him, obsolete maritime laws in the country also result in huge losses.

    He said that any law that does not reflect the realities of the present day, in science, technological development, cultural advancement should not be lavishly deployed.

    “This is one sure path to a better Nigeria and also a good path to pulling this country out of the woods,’’ the senior advocate said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    EPA/IAA/SOA

    Edited by Isaac Aregbeeola/Oluwole Sogunle

  • Tinubu appoints leaders for National Council on Climate Change

    Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC)

     

    Appointments

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Nkiruka Maduekwe as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) pending confirmation by NCCC’s Supervisory Council.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, announced the appointment in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said the appointment was in accordance with the commitment of the President to actualise Nigeria’s green industrial vision.

    Ngelale said it was also to boost investor confidence and unlock sustainable economic value through various climate finance instruments.

    He said the President also approved that Maduekwe, 39, would serve as the Co-Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP).

    “Maduekwe holds a Bachelor of Law degree; a Master’s degree in Environmental Law & Policy from the University of Dundee (UK), and a Doctorate degree in Law from the University of Hull (UK).

    “She has over 15 years of national and international experience in climate policy development and project implementation. She previously served as Nigeria National Coordinator, Climate Parliament.

    “Climate Parliament is an international, multi-partisan network of legislators working worldwide to help solve the climate crisis and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

    “Maduekwe was also the legal adviser to the NCCC Director-General,” the statement read in part.

    Ngelale said that the President also approved the appointment of Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi Shelleng, 40, as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Finance and Stakeholder Engagement, Office of the President.

    Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi Shelleng, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Finance and Stakeholder Engagement, Office of the President


    Shelleng is seconded to the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) Secretariat, where he will handle all matters related to Climate Finance and Stakeholder/Donor Relations.

    Ngelale said that the President also approved that Shelleng should assume the position of Secretary of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP).

    “He will serve as a member of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, as well as the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

    “Shelleng, who holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has served in leading roles across multiple financial institutions.

    “He was Head of Business Development for the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company PLC (NMRC) before his appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the President,” the statement read in part.

    Ngelale said that the President had also approved the appointment of Mr Olamide Fagbuji, 44, as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations, Office of the President.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations, Office of the President

     

    “He is seconded to the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) Secretariat, where he will oversee the digitalisation of a new open procurement process and cross-departmental procedural optimisation initiative.

    “Fagbuji served as Special Assistant to the President on Economic Matters under the previous administration, and was most recently the Technical Adviser to the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) on Policy Research and Strategy. He is a policy analyst and computer scientist.

    “By the directive of the President, the aforementioned appointments take immediate effect.

    “The President expects the new appointees to bring their expertise and discipline to bear in these very important assignments in pursuance of the nation’s aspiration on green industrial development and climate action for sustainable growth and national prosperity,” the statement read. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/SOA 

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • KTSG nets N4bn IGR in Q1 2024

    KTSG nets N4bn IGR in Q1 2024

    Revenue

    By Abbas Bamalli

     

    Katsina, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Katsina State Government says it collected N4.08 billion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the first quarter of 2024.

    Malam Ibrahim Kaula,cChief Press Secretary (CPS) to Gov. Dikko Radda, announced this in a statement on Sunday in Katsina.

    According to him, the figure indicated a 227 per cent increase compared to the N1.79 billion generated during the same period in 2023.

    He attributed the feat to the administration’s unwavering commitment to plugging leakages in the state’s financial system.

    Kaula added that Radda’s  administration had strategically positioned the state to not only exceed its current capacity, but also to shatter revenue projections.

    “Estimates indicate that the state is poised to surpass the N20 billion mark in internal revenue generation for the year 2024.

    “A feat that seemed unimaginable in previous years when the range hovered between N10 billion and N14 billion,” he said.

    Kaula added that at the heart of this financial renaissance lies Radda’s visionary ‘Building Your Future’ policy document, a blueprint that had paved the way for ground breaking initiatives.

    He listed some of the initiatives to include the State Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the recently implemented E-tax billing system.

    “These reforms have not only streamlined tax and revenue collections, but have also fostered an inclusive environment, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in the quest for economic growth.

    “One of the key catalysts for this extraordinary success has been the administration’s unwavering commitment to plugging leakages in the state’s financial system.

    “By identifying and addressing these vulnerabilities, Gov. Radda’s team has effectively stemmed the tide of revenue loss, paving the way for an unprecedented influx of resources,” he said.

    According to the CPS, Radda’s overarching objective is to empower the state to achieve a level of fiscal self-sufficiency.

    This will enable it to offset its monthly and annual wage bills solely through internally generated revenue by year 2027.

    Kaula expressed confidence that at the current pace of progress, that ambitious goal may be realised even sooner than anticipated.

    He said, ”The state government had set an example for others to follow, proving that with undeterred commitment and innovative solutions, even the most daunting obstacles could be overcome.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AABS/EEM/BRM

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

    Edited by Emmanuel Mogbede/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Group urges Gov. Kefas to probe alleged diversion of FG palliatives

    Group urges Kefas to probe alleged diversion of FG palliatives in Taraba

    Palliatives

    By Martins Abochol

    Jalingo, June 9, 2024 (NAN) A group, Taraba Concerned Citizens (TCC), has urged Gov. Agbu Kefas, to investigate alleged diversion of Federal Government (FG) palliatives to 16 local government areas (LGAs) and two development areas of the state.

    The group, through its coordinator, Mr Timothy Gayus, and the secretary, Hamisu Salejo, made the call while speaking to newsmen in Jalingo on Sunday.

    TCC called on Kefas to probe the local government council chairmen saddled with the responsibility of distributing the palliatives to the vulnerable.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that there have been widespread allegations of diversion of food palliatives sent to Taraba by the Federal Government, to cushion the effects of the economic hardship.

    The items include bags of rice, maize, sorghum, garri and fertilisers, which were allegedly found on sale in major markets in the state.

    “We demand to know why the palliatives meant to be distributed free to the masses have dominated all the major markets in the state without getting to the locals.

    “Our question is that who sold them to the marketers? The palliatives were given to the state to cushion the present hardship the people are passing through, and not to be sold.

    “The people are hungry, but the local government council chairmen chose to sell the palliatives.

    “The people behind the diversion of the palliatives must be exposed and made to face the wrath of the law, in order to serve as deterrence to others,” the group said.

    When contacted by some of the journalists on phone, Mr Saviour Nokun, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, said that it was the LGAs that first got the allocations.

    Nokun assured that the allegations would be investigated and the culprits brought to book.

    “Due to widespread outcry of alleged diversion of the commodities, I personally visited the Jalingo main market and found the commodities in some market stalls.

    ”This is sad and I want to assure you that the government will do everything possible to unmask those behind the diversion,” the commissioner vowed.

    Available records from the ministry indicate that Wukari, Sadauna, Jalingo and Gasol LGAs, were given 850 bags each of rice, maize, milet and sugar; while the rest of the LGAs were allocated 800 bags of each of the items. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MK/TOA/DOR
    ============

    Edited by Taiye Agbaje/Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Anniversary: CSOs urge Radda to intensify efforts to combat banditry

    Anniversary: CSOs urge Radda to intensify efforts to combat banditry

     

    CSOs

     

    By Abbas Bamalli

     

     

    Katsina, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Katsina State, has called on Gov. Dikko Radda’s administration to redouble efforts to fully combat banditry.

     

    Mr Abdulrahman Abdullahi, the Chairman of the coalition stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina on Sunday.

     

    According to him, within the last year of the administration, the governor did well in trying to address security challenges.

    He cited the establishment of the Community Security Watch and providing them with working tools to tackle banditry.

     

    Abdullahi said, “However, the governor needs to do more in ensuring that bandits are crushed.

    ”This rainy season should be the litmus test in assessing the return of investment in the area of security promotion.

     

    “The governor should facilitate a sustainable onslaught on the bandits using air and land forces simultaneously.

     

    “He should also motivate the Community Watch through timely payment of their monthly stipends, reward for excellent performance, welfare packages and the provision of more sophisticated working tools.”

     

    Commending the governor for recruiting 7,300 teachers, Abdullahi said in spite of that, schools were still facing challenges in running costs required to function well.

     

    He added that the governor needed to see that schools were given adequate running costs and in good time.

     

    Abdullahi added, “From our findings, schools have not been paid their running costs for the 2nd term and we are now in the 7th week of the 3rd term without the funds again.

     

    “This forces the heads of the schools to incessantly borrow to run their schools affairs.

    ”On this, we call on the governor to look into this issue and ensure that schools are paid their running costs in good time.”

     

    According to him, to address street begging, hawking, rape and other child-related vices, there is the need for the full implementation of the ‘Child Protection Law’ in the state.

     

    “The performance of Katsina State in the social sector budget for the year 2023 calls for more releases of funds for the sector.

     

    “This will promote social protection and take development down to the doorsteps of the poor,” according to the state Chairman of the CSOs,” Abdullahi said.

     

    According to him, the governor should also be commended for endorsing and establishing a ‘Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Redress Centre’, establishment of an ‘Anti-Corruption Commission and Fiscal Responsibility Commission’.

     

    Malam Kasimu Kabir, a tea vendor, said that the administration was doing well in the area of education, agriculture and insecurity, among others.

    He urged, ”But it should also consider the provision of potable drinking water.”

    According to another trader, Malam Bilyaminu Sani, in spite of the economic challenges, the government should focus on the well-being of the people, especially through enforcing a ban on grains hoarding.

     

    NAN recalls that Gov. Dikko Radda had recently said that his administration had reduced banditry to about 70 per cent in the last one year.

    This, he said,  was sequel to the robust synergy between the local security outfits and the conventional security agencies across the state.

     

    He said, ”It is high time to have state Police included in the fight against insecurity in the country. We have reduced the rate of banditry to about 60 to 70 per cent.

     

    “What we are witnessing now is the crazy approach by the bandits going to hard-to-reach villages close to forests, burning houses and killing people. This is our major challenge at the moment.”

     

    Radda also said that his administration was doing its best towards improving agriculture, education and health among other sectors in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AABS/BRM

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

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Otedola joins Kendall Jenner, Viola Davis as L’Oréal Paris ambassador

    Otedola joins Kendall Jenner,Viola Davis as L’Oréal’s ambassado

    Temi Otedola, the African Digital Brand Ambassador for L’Oréal Paris Makeup

     

     

     

     

    Ambassador

    By Aderonke Ojediran

     

    Lagos, June 9, 2024 (NAN) One of the leading cosmetic brands in the world, L’Oréal Paris, has unveiled Nigerian actress, Temi Otedola, as its new ‘African Digital Brand Ambassador’.

     

    This was disclosed in a statement signed by Issima Oniangue, the General Manager for Makeup in the Sub-Saharan Africa Zone at L’Oréal, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.

     

     

    “Temi’s unique style, confidence, and passion for beauty perfectly embodies the L’Oréal Paris ethos of empowerment and sophistication.

     

     

    “This partnership marks a new era of glamour and innovation in beauty for the region as we continue to celebrate and cater to the diverse beauty of African women.

     

    “We are excited to inspire and bring the best of beauty to every corner of the continent as the number one beauty brand worldwide, L’Oréal Paris has empowered women for more than 110 years with our state-of-the-art products backed by scientific advances,” she said

     

     

    She further stated that their partnerships and initiatives are dedicated to promoting equal rights and self-esteem.

     

    “Because I’m Worth It”,  the L’Oréal Paris slogan coined in 1971, is no less relevant today,” she said.

     

    “For many years, it has honoured extraordinary women who volunteer their time to serve their communities. Temi Otedola’s journey with L’Oréal Paris Makeup promises to celebrate beauty, empowerment, and communities.

     

     

    “Temi’s journey with L’Oréal Paris Makeup promises to celebrate beauty, empowerment, and cultural richness, resonating with audiences across Sub Saharan Africa and beyond.

     

     

     

    “This is a historic partnership as Otedola will serve as the new digital ambassador for Africa and the first ever Nigerian to represent the iconic brand.

     

     

    “Standing alongside fellow ambassadors including Kendall Jenner and Viola Davis, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in celebrating beauty in all its forms across the African continent.

     

     

    “As the face of L’Oréal Paris Makeup, Temi will headline the latest Infallible Makeup Range campaigns, showcasing her unique style and celebrating the diverse beauty of Africa,” she said.

     

     

    In her response, Otedola expressed excitement and honour as she promised to be a great ambassador.

     

     

    “Words cannot describe how honoured I am to partner with L’Oréal Paris Makeup. L’Oréal Paris was amongst the first beauty products I was introduced to as a young girl playing with my mother’s makeup. I have grown up loving their products and deeply respecting the company’s values and vision.

     

     

    “The L’Oréal Paris woman is someone I deeply resonate with, confident, unapologetic, and always striving to make a difference in the world.

     

     

    “I’m so excited to begin this beautiful journey with a brand that truly has proven its excellence for years,” Otedola said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OAF/FAA
    ========
    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

     

     

  • Seme border skills acquisition centre kicks off July – Customs

    Customs to establish skills acquisition centre at Seme border
    Customs Area Controller, Seme Command, Timi Bomodi,

    Empowerment
    By Aisha Cole/ Raji Rasak
    Seme (Lagos State), June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Skills Acquisition Centre for Seme Border and neighboring communities will be fully operational in July.

    The Customs Area Controller, Seme Border Command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Seme.

    The centre which is part of the NCS Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was established for youths at Seme to enable border community residents embrace legitimate business rather than smuggling.

    According to the controller, the centre will be completed before the end of June for the full take-off of the scheme in July.

    “The establishment of the skills acquisition centre is to create opportunity for the people around the border community to earn a living without smuggling.

    “This will give them opportunity to develop skills that they can easily learn and monetise when they deploy those skills.

    “The skills are not complicated. They are going to learn how to make shoes, clothes, hairdressing, computer training, furniture, car repairs etc.

    “We are building a big complex. We are at the advanced stages of getting all the facilities together.

    “We know that if we can attract just 10 per cent of border community dwellers, that 10 per cent will significantly impact on the way these people think and how they go about trying to earn a living.

    “Customs have told them that once they engage in legitimate trade, they will be engaging in something that has potential for domestic growth,” Bomodi said.

    He said that once people knew that they could get a certain product at Seme Border area, they would attract attention and domestic growth from anywhere in the world.

    Bomodi said that it would be difficult to keep smugglers away from their illegal activities if there were no alternative means of livelihood for them.

    The Seme border customs boss said the skills acquisition centre would be inaugurated by the Comptroller-General of Customs.

    He urged youths at the border area to take advantage of the scheme by deploying skills after learning than engaging in illegal activities.

    Bomodi said the Seme skills acquisition facility was a pilot project to be replicated in other borders across the country.

    He said that engaging border youths on skills acquisition would have very positive impact on the nation’s economy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AIC/ROR/CHOM/AJA
    =================
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Adeleye Ajayi

    .