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  • Weekly Report: Selloffs in blue-chips decline NGX market indices by 0.08% 

    Market
    By Rukayat Adeyemi
    Lagos, June 8, 2024 (NAN) During the week, selloffs in Seplat, Fidelity Bank, Transnational Corporation, among 34 other declined equities drove the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.(NGX) broader index down by 0.08 per cent week-on-week.
    Notably, the NGX All-Share Index and market Capitalisation depreciated by 0.08 per cent to close the week at 99,221.14 and N56.128 trillion respectively, as against 99,300.38 and N56.172 trillion respectively posted last week.
    As a result, stock market investors lost N44 billion week-on-week.
    Similarly, all other indices finished lower with the exception of NGX Main Board, NGX Insurance and NGX Consumer Goods which appreciated by 0.08 per cent, 0.84 per cent and 0.33 per cent respectively.
    However, the NGX ASeM, NGX Industrial Goods and NGX Sovereign Bond indices
    closed flat.
    Meanwhile, 35 equities appreciated in price during the week lower than 45 equities in the previous week.
    37 equities depreciated in price higher than 25 in the previous week, while 82 equities remained unchanged, lower than 84 recorded in the previous week.
    Specifically, Unity Bank led the losers’ table by 21.57 per cent to close at N1.20, Sovereign Trust Insurance followed by 13.64 per cent to close at 38k per share.
    Transnational Corporation lost 11.21 per cent to close at N10.30, Sunu Assurances shed 10.85 per cent to close at N1.15, while Prestige Assurance dropped 10.71 per cent to close at 50k per share.
    On the gainers’ table, RT Briscoe led by 25 per cent to close at 60k, Oando Plc trailed by 23.73 per cent to close at N14.60, Eterna Plc gained 22.45 per cent to close at N15 per share.
    Deap Capital Management and Trust Plc rose by 20 per cent to close at 48k and Red Star Express Plc added 15.73 per cent to close at N3.90 per share.
    Meanwhile, a total turnover of 1.703 billion shares worth N30.495 billion in 37,765 deals was traded this week by investors on the Exchange, in contrast to 2.189 billion shares valued at N31.303 billion that exchanged hands last week in 39,362 deals.
    The Financial Services Industry, measured by volume, led the activity chart with 1.222 billion
    shares valued at N15.876 billion traded in 18,782 deals.
    This contributed 71.77 per cent and 52.06 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.
    The Oil and Gas Industry followed with 171.174 million shares worth N3.549 billion in 3,699 deals.
    The third place was the Consumer Goods Industry, with a turnover of 116.145 million shares worth N4.434 billion in 4,163 deals.
    Trading in the top three equities namely: Fidelity Bank Plc, Access Holdings Plc and Veritas
    Kapital Assurance Plc measured by volume accounted for 583.809 million shares worth
    N5.740 billion in 4,733 deals.
    This  contributed 34.28 per cent and 18.82 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.
    According to analysts a Cowry Asset Management Ltd., looking ahead to the next week, a mixed trend is expected.
    The analysts predicted that this would be driven by profit-taking activities, the publication of third-quarter earnings forecasts by corporates, and portfolio rebalancing.
    They noted that market pullbacks are anticipated to enhance the index’s upward potential, supported by the ongoing dividend earnings season.
    “Investors and traders are expected to also position themselves for expected macroeconomic data, such as the Consumer Price Index for May.
    “However, investors are advised to trade in stocks of companies with sound fundamentals,” the analysts added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RUKY/AWA
    ===========
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Niger mine collapse: Association wants more manpower for regulatory bodies

    Mining

    By Martha Agas

    Abuja, June 8, 2024(NAN) The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) says there is need to beef up manpower for regulatory bodies deployed to mining sites to ensure compliance to safety standards.

    The National President of the association, Mr Dele Ayanleke, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja, in reaction to a collapsed mining site in Niger.

    NAN reports that a mining site in Galadima-Kogo village of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger, operated by African Minerals and Logistics Ltd, collapsed on Monday, killing one person and trapping several others.

    NAN further reports that the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, had announced on Tuesday that seven persons had been rescued so far from the collapsed pit.

    The MAN national president urged the government to invest more in improving the human and logistic capacities of the regulatory bodies.

    “We counsel mine owners to adhere to the principles of mining best practices in their operations and avoid the temptation to hurriedly get to the levels of the ores without observing minimum operational standards and procedures.

    “It is also imperative for the Federal Government to listen to our passionate appeals on the need to invest more to improve the human and logistic capacities of the regulatory bodies.

    “In a situation where you have one federal mines officer in a state like Niger which is equal in size to about five others, with almost zero facilities and field staff for site inspection that would have nipped impending disasters in the bud, what do we expect?

    “It is also important that Nigeria small scale mining lease holders need affordable and purposely structured funding interventions to upscale their games.’’

    According to the president, with the magnitude of the operations in the affected mine site, such an intervention will have enabled the mine owner to hire necessary professional hands.

    He added that the funding intervention would help miners acquire equipment to make their operations compliant with minimum operational standards to avoid disasters.

    Ayanleke described mine collapse as one of the major risks in the mining fields even in advanced mining jurisdictions.

    He, however, said that strategic measures could be put in place to stem the tide of such occurrences to safeguard lives and assets.

    He commiserated with the families of the victims of the disaster, the Government and the people of Niger.

    “May the Lord grant repose to the souls of the departed; heal the wounded and help rescue those who might still be trapped.

    “We also sympathise with our colleague, the mine owner, for the collateral human and material losses arising from the unfortunate incident,” he said.

    NAN reports that the minister of solid minerals development visited some of the victims rescued from the pit on Friday in Niger.

    He said that insurance policies for miners would be enforced across the country to ensure their safety and facilitate prompt relief for them and their families in similar incidents.

    The minister also emphasised the Federal Government’s stance–that remediation plans must accompany mining license applications.

    He said that irresponsible mining operations posing threats to the environment and communities would no longer be tolerated.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MAA/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Anglican Church seeks NAN’s support to halt GBV in Ebonyi

    GBV
    By Chukwuemeka Opara
    Abakalikii, June 8, 2024(NAN) The Health and Community Development Initiative of The Anglican Diocese of Abakaliki, has sought the collaboration of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in its efforts to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV), in Ebonyi.
    The Group’s Project Coordinator, Rev. Chukwunonye Umeokafor, sought the collaboration when he led a delegation on an advocacy visit to the NAN office in Abakalikii.
    Umeokafor said the group intends to contribute to the fight to prevent GBV which is a major factor responsible for instability in many homes, workplaces, schools, among others.
    “Several men and women engage in GBV knowingly and unknowingly which affects the children raised in such homes.
    “Our advocacy is unique because we correct the notion that only men perpetrate GBV as women are also involved.
    “We are here to seek the collaboration of NAN to disseminate messages of our activities being a critical stakeholder in news dissemination in the country,” he said.
    The team leader said that the group had formed youth clubs in schools, engaged stakeholders through participatory meetings, knowledge and capacity building outreaches, among other channels.
    “We carry out Archdeaconry and Parish outreaches and my team is drawn from various Parishes and Archdeaconries under the Anglican Diocese of Abakaliki.
    “The members step down our messages to various Parishes and Archdeaconries to ensure that the congregations say no to GBV,” he said.
    He said that the group was working in collaboration with various governmental and non-governmental agencies in propagating preventive messages on GBV.
    “We are in touch with the pet project of the Ebonyi governor’s wife, and the state ministries of women affairs and justice. We are also working with relevant security agencies, among others.
    “We need more peaceful homes and workplaces and this can be achieved when people’s rights and privileges are duly respected,” he said.
    The State Correspondent of NAN in Ebonyi, Chukwuemeka Opara, thanked the group for the visit and assured the delegation that the agency would collaborate with it toward achieving set goals.
    “We shall work together to identify roles NAN can play in disseminating life uplifting messages.
    “We find this task mportant being the flagship of news dissemination in the country.
    “The agency is poised to play leading roles in reshaping the country through accurate and objective news dissemination,” he said.
    He added that the NAN office would continue to collaborate with individuals and groups interested in uplifting the welfare of the masses.
    NAN reports that members of the group also spoke on its activities toward preventing GBV in the state and country. (NAN) (NAN news.ng)
    UVU/RCO/ETS
    ============

  • NGO queries unveiling of African Vaccine Manufacturing initiative in Paris

     

    Vaccine

    By Abujah Racheal

    Abuja, June 8, 2024 (NAN) Hosting the inauguration of African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) and Gavi’s Investment Opportunity on African soil would have been be a powerful symbol of the continent’s ownership in the initiative, says Dr Githinji Gitahi.

    Gitahi , Group CEO of Amref Health Africa, raised the concerns in a statement on Saturday.

    He spoke as the world eagerly anticipates the launch of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) and Gavi’s Investment Opportunity for 2026-2030 in June.

    He questioned why an initiative focused on Africa’s vaccine manufacturing was being launched in Paris rather than on the African continent.

    NAN reports that the Gavi Board approved the Vaccine Alliance’s strategy for the five-year period running from 2026 to 2030.

    African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator and Day Zero Financing Facility parameters were also approved, along with expansion of Gavi’s portfolio to include tuberculosis, dengue fever, group B streptococcus, hepatitis-E, and mpox.

    The impact of Gavi’s next strategic period, along with the funding needs to achieve its objectives, will be announced in Paris on 20th June at the “Protecting Our Future: The Global Forum for Vaccine Sovereignty and Innovation”, co-hosted by the African Union, Government of France, and Gavi

    Gitahi said that while France’s co-hosting alongside the African Union and Gavi was well-intentioned, the decision to hold the unveiling in Paris represented a significant missed opportunity to localise this vital initiative within Africa.

    “Africa is striving to enhance its vaccine manufacturing capabilities, and hosting the launch on African soil would be a powerful symbol of the continent’s ownership and leadership in the initiative.

    “It would promote localisation and underscore its commitment and proactive stance, resonating globally and sending a clear message that Africa is not merely a beneficiary but a leader in its health future,” he said.

    He underscored the importance of community engagement, stating, “We have to realise that the community is where the power is based.

    “To serve the communities better, we must shift our mindset and give up our power. That is the challenge of localisation: surrendering power makes us feel vulnerable and uncomfortable.”

    According to him, inaugurating the AVMA in Africa would facilitate greater local engagement from stakeholders across the continent, including governments, health officials, manufacturers, scientists, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

    He said that by  being more accessible, it would encourage robust discussions and collaborations directly relevant to Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities.

    “Such discussions would be driven by stronger local media coverage, raising awareness, generating greater public interest within the continent, and building momentum and public support for the initiative.

    “This would transform the narrative towards African innovation and capability in addressing public health challenges, promoting social accountability and inspiring pride among African communities,” he said.

    Additionally, he said that the unveiling would be an excellent opportunity to further mobilise African nations to support the Africa Medicines Agency (AMA).

    AMA plays a pivotal role in creating an enabling environment for vaccine manufacturing by providing regulatory oversight, facilitating capacity building, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

    “Africa’s vaccine manufacturing capability is rapidly advancing, marked by significant milestones and robust initiatives.

    “South Africa’s Biovac Institute partners with global pharmaceutical companies to produce and distribute vaccines, while the Institut Pasteur in Dakar, Senegal, is renowned for its yellow fever vaccine production.

    “Egypt’s Vacsera is also expanding its facilities to increase vaccine production capacity,” he said.

    He said that these local initiatives exemplified Africa’s commitment to build a resilient, self-sufficient vaccine supply chain, ensuring better health outcomes and fostering economic growth across the continent.

    “An African venue for the launch would provide an ideal platform to showcase these existing hubs and potential local manufacturing capacities, building confidence among international partners and investors in Africa’s ability to scale up vaccine production.

    “Highlighting local facilities and innovations would demonstrate that Africa is ready and capable of handling such a critical initiative, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment,” he said.

    He, however, said that while logistical and diplomatic considerations may drive the decision to launch the AVMA in Paris, it misses a crucial opportunity to strengthen localization.

    “By hosting the launch in Africa, organisers would reinforce the continent’s ownership, facilitate greater local engagement, showcase capacity, and foster trust and collaboration.

    “This alignment with the AVMA’s objectives would ensure its impact is deeply rooted in the context it aims to serve,” he stressed. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    AIR/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Nigeria’ll see changes with women in power – UniCal VC

    Nigeria’ll see changes with women in power – UniCal VC

    Women
    By Christian Njoku
    Calabar, June 8, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Florence Obi, the Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar (UniCal), says Nigeria will see more positive changes if women are given leadership positions.

    Obi said this on Saturday in Calabar at the First National Conference and Roundtable of the Association of Female Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day conference, which started on Friday, has the theme: “Female Leadership in Higher Education Governance: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges”.

    She said that as the nation elects two or three female governors, everyone would see the difference, adding that women are good managers of human and material resources.

    The Vice Chancellor said that she was not referring to women that lacked capacity, but those who merited the opportunity but discriminated against because of their gender.

    According to her, the conference becomes necessary for them to mentor young women in education governance and also encourage them to aspire to any position they desire in academics, politics and other spheres.

    “Higher education governance has been in the hands of men since the days of University College, Ibadan, and as at today only about 40 women have been given the opportunity to lead institutions of learning, since the inception of university education in Nigeria.

    “From inception, we have had close to 500 or more men head such institutions. So, now that for the first time we are having 24 women serving as vice chancellors, we taught it wise to mentor other women to aspire for greatness,” she said.

    Obi said that being a female leader in a Nigerian university came with peculiar challenges, as some men did not believe that a woman should be on top.

    Obi said that they would also use the opportunity to network among themselves, which would open up more opportunities for the women.

    On her part, Prof. Lilian Salami, the Chairperson of the conference, said that women are dogged and gradually many organisations were picking women to head.

    Salami, who is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin (UniBen), said the conference would also serve as a ground where women in academics get encouraged.

    She said that sharing experience was a significant method in mentoring more women to aspire to get to the peak of their educational pursuit.

    “We will share experiences to help other women surmount their challenges in their institutions.

    “The communique of this conference will not just end on the shelves, but would be used for the development of the nation’s universities,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CBN/FON/IS
    ===========
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Climate change the unseen fuel for malaria transmission

    Climate change the unseen fuel for malaria transmission

    By Abujah Racheal, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

    As the sweltering sun dips below the horizon Gajiri village on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger transforms into a battleground against an invisible foe.

    Mosquitoes, the silent carriers of malaria, emerge in droves, marking the onset of another perilous night.

    But amid this ominous setting, 27-year old Mrs Amina Jubril, a petty trader and mother of three, stands at the forefront of her community’s struggle.

    Every evening, she gathers her children around a flickering kerosene lamp, recounting stories of her own battles with the disease.

    Her youngest son, Ibrahim, had succumbed to malaria at the tender age of two, a loss that still haunted her every moment.

    Yet, it was not just her personal tragedy that gripped the village; it was the stark reality that her story mirrored countless others across the country.

    Unveiling the nexus between climate change and malaria transmission in Nigeria is not just about statistics and scientific jargon; it is about the toll it exacts on individuals like her, and on communities like Gajiri.

    Mr Stephen Adamu, a 43-year old farmer, lives in his modest home in the Ushafa community in the Bwari Area of Abuja.

    Each dawn, Adamu rises before the sun to tend to tend to his crops, his weathered hands a testament to years of toiling under the scorching sun.

    For him and his community, climate change is not just a distant threat; it is a harsh reality that has reshaped their lives in profound ways.

    He vividly recalled the days when malaria was merely a seasonal inconvenience, easily managed with herbal remedies passed down through generations.

    However, as temperatures have soared and rainfall patterns become increasingly erratic, the once-predictable cycle of malaria outbreaks has spiraled into a relentless onslaught.

    “Mosquitoes used to come with the rains, but now they are here year-round. We cannot escape them, no matter how hard we try,” he said, swatting at persistent insect buzzing around him.

    Adamu’s story exemplifies the resilience of countless individuals and communities grappling with the intersecting challenges of climate change and malaria transmission in Nigeria.

    Though their struggles may be invisible, their spirit and determination serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of environmental degradation.

    In spite of the increase in malaria control and elimination efforts, weather patterns and ecological factors continue to serve as major drivers of malaria transmission dynamics.

    In Nigeria, where malaria remains a significant public health concern, a new threat looms large: climate change

    A 2020 study on the effects of weather factors on malaria occurrence in Abuja, Nigeria, by a team of scholars led by Oguntade Emmanuel Segun revealed the link between malaria incidence and climatic predictors.

    The study identified relative humidity as the primary driver of the malaria epidemic at lag 0, while the most substantial influence of temperature was observed at a 4-month lag.

    Additionally, the influence of rainfall and humidity on malaria epidemics decreased with increasing lag months.

    It sheds light on the intricate relationship between rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and the proliferation of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, particularly the female Anopheles species.

    As global temperatures continue to rise, the implications for Nigeria’s battle against malaria are profound.

    In 2023, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reported an estimated 55 million cases of malaria and nearly 90,000 malaria deaths each year in the country.

    The economic burden of malaria in Nigeria was estimated at N687 billion in 2022 and may increase to about N2 trillion in 2030.

    According to experts; the link between climate change and malaria transmission is undeniable.

    Changes in temperature, humidity, and rainfall create favourable e conditions for the survival and reproduction of Anopheles mosquitoes, extending their range and increasing their numbers.

    These vectors, they say, thrive in warmer, wetter environments, leading to an expansion of malaria transmission zones across Nigeria.

    Ms Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (AlMA), said that one of the most significant impacts of climate change on malaria transmission is the alteration of mosquito behaviour.

    Phumaphi said that as temperatures rise, mosquitoes become more active, with longer breeding seasons and increased biting rates.

    “This heightened activity not only escalates the risk of malaria transmission but also challenges existing control measures.

    “Furthermore, changes in rainfall patterns disrupt the ecological balance, creating stagnant water pools ideal for mosquito breeding.

    “Floodings, exacerbated by climate change, provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to sudden spikes in malaria cases in affected regions.

    “Conversely, droughts can also fuel transmission as stagnant water sources become scarce, forcing humans and mosquitoes into closer proximity,” she said.

    The implications of climate change on malaria go beyond public health.

    The economic burden of the disease, already substantial in Nigeria as explained above, is expected to escalate as transmission rates increase.

    Losses in productivity, healthcare costs, and decreased tourism revenue all contribute to the socioeconomic impact of malaria, exacerbating existing inequalities and hindering development efforts.

    Dr Gbenga Jokodola, the 2024 World Malaria Day planning committee chairman, said that addressing the nexus between climate change and malaria in Nigeria required a multifaceted approach.

    “Strengthening mosquito control measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying, remains crucial,” he said.

    Jokodola emphasised that adaptation strategies must also be prioritised

    He suggested the development of early warning systems for malaria outbreaks and the implementation of climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure.

    He noted that mitigating climate change itself was paramount in reducing the long-term risk of malaria transmission.

    “Nigeria, as a signatory to international climate agreements, must take proactive steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest in sustainable development practices,” he said.

    In the face of this threat, collaboration between government agencies, research institutions and local communities is essential.

    In Nigeria, the intertwined challenges of climate change and malaria transmission have prompted a robust response from local communities and a diverse array of stakeholders.

    This multifaceted approach highlights the critical role of community-led initiatives, grassroots organisations, and government interventions in mitigating the dual threats.

    Some local communities have taken proactive measures to address the impacts of climate change on malaria transmission.

    One notable initiative is the establishment of community health committees in several rural areas.

    These committees, comprised local volunteers and health workers, focus on educating residents about the correlation between climate change and malaria.

    The Malaria Prevention and Climate Action Network (MPCAN) engages communities in advocacy, education, and hands-on projects aimed at reducing malaria incidence.

    Its programmes include training community health workers in climate-resilient practices and advocating for the integration of climate change adaptation into local health policies.

    The Federal Government has acknowledged the need for a coordinated response to the challenges posed by climate change and malaria.

    The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with its environment counterpart established the Climate and Health Initiative, aimed at developing and implementing climate-resilient health systems.

    Key components include enhancing the capacity of health facilities to manage climate-related health risks, improving surveillance systems to track malaria trends in the context of changing weather patterns, and promoting research on innovative solutions.

    Collaboration and solidarity are central to the success of these efforts.

    Partnerships between local communities, NGOs, government agencies, and international organisations have fostered a comprehensive response.

    The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria has provided substantial funding and technical support for community-led malaria prevention projects in Nigeria, strengthening local capacities to adapt to climate change.

    Donor partners have also collaborated with academic institutions to conduct research on climate change and malaria transmission dynamics.

    This researches have informed policy-making and led to the development of targeted interventions.

    Community solidarity is also evident in the way residents mobilise during outbreaks, with people coming together to support affected families and share resources.

    Several success stories illustrate the effectiveness of these collaborative efforts as experienced at Chika-Aleita community in the Federal Capital Territory.

    A pilot project implemented by Roll Back Malaria and the government successfully reduced malaria incidence by 30 per cent over two years.

    The project combined traditional malaria control measures with climate adaptation strategies, such as planting trees to reduce heat islands and improve local climate resilience.

    The intersection of climate change and malaria transmission presents a significant challenge for Nigeria. However, there are actionable steps that individuals can take to contribute to positive change.

    Knowledge is power, and sharing information can spur collective action. Adopting energy-efficient practices and reducing waste can help mitigate climate change with ripple effects on the fight against malaria. (NANFeatures)

    **If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

  • Lawyers urge govt to deploy technology for speedy justice delivery

    Justice
    By Chinyere Omeire
    Lagos, June 8, 2024 (NAN) Some lawyers in Lagos on Saturday urged government to deploy technology into the justice system to enable speedy dispensation of justice.
    The lawyers made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), while reacting to the recent increment in the salaries of judicial officers.
    They commended government for the recent 300 per cent increment in the salaries of judicial officials, but recommended that technology be deployed to ease the work of judicial officers, especially judges.
    According to Mr Ademola Owolabi, Principal Partner, Owolabi chambers, Lagos, the increment in the salary of judges is a step in the right direction.
    “But, it is not enough. Judges are a very small fraction in judicial administration. If you pay judges that much, how much are you paying the registrars and other court officials?” he queried.
    Owolabi said that judges would not work effectively except court officials were equally motivated.
    He suggested an across the board review of the renumeration.
    Owolabi advised that the justice system should embrace the use of technology for speedy justice delivery.
    He expressed displeasure on how judges spend long hours writing court proceedings on paper.
    “Judges spend much time writing when we can deploy technology robust enough to do verbatim reporting in all High Courts, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court,” Owolabi said.
    Mr Julius Ayoola, Principal Partner, Ayoola chambers, expressed pleasure over government’s effort to adhere to global practices where judicial officers were paid well.
     He said that good salaries would make corruption unattractive.
    “Security of emoluments would mean that no amount of money can be offered to any judicial official because he is well remunerated.
    “Judicial officials, especially judges, are not spirits, they like good things just like everyone.
    “They should be able to afford good homes, good cars, affordable education for their children with their  normal income,” Ayoola said.
    He, however, urged government to look towards deploying technology to the courts to ease the work of judges.
    Mr Chris Ayiyi, the Principal Partner of Ayiyi chambers, Apapa, in his opinion, commended government for a work well done.
    He added that government should complement their efforts by employing more judges to reduce judges’ dockets.
    He said that judicial officers work long hours due to long list of cases in their dockets.
    “I will also advise government to deploy the use of technology so that judges will reduce the use of writing proceedings manually,” he said. (NAN)
    OCC/ETS
    ========

  • Kano farmers laud FG, partners for providing climate-resilient crops

     

    Crops

    By Muhammad Nur Tijani

    Kano, June 8, 2024(NAN)Some farmers in Kano State have commended the National Centre For Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Crop Trust and German Development Bank(KfW) for providing them with climate-resilient crops varieties.

    The farmers gave the commendation on Saturday during NACGRAB’s seed dissemination exercise to Germplasm User Group on Saturday in Bagauda near Kano.

    Jummai Gadzama, a female farmer from Bagauda, commended the agency and its partners for their impressive gesture.

    Gadzama said that she recorded a bountiful harvest after cultivating the improved white sorghum.

    “The seeds I used before yielded small harvests but the seeds I got from NACGRAB and crop trust yielded much bigger and nutritious harvests,” she said.

    She also appealed to Federal Government to provide subsidised fertilizer and other farm implements.

    Another farmer from Minjibir local government, Salisu Kunya, who lauded the Federal Government’s agency for the gesture, said that he would like to obtain another batch of improved seeds from NACGRAB.

    He disclosed that he had, nonetheless, saved part of the seeds for this planting season.

    Kunya added the red variety of sorghum he planted for two seasons was very nutritious and early maturity.

    “The red variety I got from the agency was very good, matures very early and because of its nutritional value we make baby food with it.

    “This variety also is resilient to drought and we like this to be made available on a large scale,” he added.

    Mairo Uba, from Tiga, said that she adopted the variety of copwpea as a result of its quality, traits, early maturity, high yields, among others.

    “We have also multiplied the seeds we selected in year 2023 and as well disseminated it to other farmers,” Uba explained.

    Yahaya Wada, a farmer from Tiga, also explained that the variety of sorghum they harvested in 2022 and 2023 was very productive; good for both human consumption and animal feeding.

    “The varieties of sorghum are better compared to our local varieties, because it is resilience to drought,” he said.

    Wada also called on the Federal Government to provide subsidised fertiliser for them.

    Earlier, Dr Abisoye Ojo, Deputy Director, NACGRAB, said that the programme was a component of user engagement activities within the framework Seed for Resilience (S4R) project which was being implemented in three states in Nigeria namely Oyo, Niger and Kano.

    According to her, 150 samples of both indigenous and unique accessions of sorghum and cowpea were planted in order to mitigate the effects of climate change in the country.

    Speaking also, the Chief Scientific Officer, NACGRAB, Dr Muyiwa Olubiyi, stressed the importance of crop conservation, saying that it would enable researchers to access the different indigenous crop samples in the gene bank for breeding, particularly in view of climate change.

    Olubiyi said that the project had exposed the diversity of sorghum, cowpea and other crops to farmers and other users in Nigeria in order to mitigate the effects of climate change and boost farmers’ productivity and ensure food and nutrition security in Nigeria.

    He said that the project was successful based on feedback from farmers and other users.

    Olubiyi said that the response showed that the good quality seeds planted yielded well in multiples, compared to the previous years.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    MNT/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • NCS’ bold steps to ease trade operations in Nigeria

    NCS’ bold steps to ease trade operations in Nigeria

    By Martha Agas, News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)

    With its poverty rate hitting 38.9 per cent in 2023, Nigeria has continued to battle several social and economic problems, throwing up an avalanche of concerns for both the leaders and the populace.

    The populous African nation has continued to battle food shortages, poor infrastructure, unemployment, while striving to make quality health care and education affordable.

    It is also confronted with security challenges ranging from banditry, militancy, separatist agitations, among others.

    With these challenges getting more serious by the day, experts say that the prospects of overcoming them may not be so bright with the nation’s monolithic economy that depends substantially on oil.

    They say that short and long term measures must be initiated if the nation is to be salvaged from its many woes.

    One recurrent suggestion has been the need to diversify the economy, especially with the global upsurge in energy transition, which is expected to reduce the demand for oil.

    Relying on the oil sector, in spite of the transition, will diminish the nation’s revenue base, the experts have always pointed out, while emphasising the need to build resilience to navigate the situation by leveraging opportunities in other sectors.

    Sectors that provide such revenue options include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, among others.

    In line with this, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has continued to focus on reforming the economy to deliver sustained growth that would have multiplier effects on all aspects of life.

    To this effect, government has continued to develop and implement policies and initiatives designed to generate revenue from the non-oil sector.

    One of such policies focuses on trade reforms.

    The idea is encapsulated in the Trade Policy Of Nigeria(TPN) 2023 to 2027, designed to promote trade as a tool for economic growth and development. It aims at using trade as a catalyst to develop a diversified and competitive economy.

    While it hinges on government’s commitment to an open and transparent trade policy, one of its key objectives is to address constraints limiting Nigeria’s potential to participate effectively in international trade.

    As part of efforts to address these constraints, the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), in 2022 embarked on a journey to reposition and ease trade operations in the country through its Trade Modernisation Project(TMP), which has three phases.

    The project is a 20-year concession agreement signed on May 27, 2023 between the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by the NCS Board, and the Trade Modernisation Project Ltd.

    The TMP is the automation of the business processes of the NCS. It seeks to simplify and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain.

    It is aimed at making it easy to obtain export and import clearances. It will also ease the payment of duties and the release of goods.

    Shortly put, it is a long term rescue plan aimed at ensuring predictable and transparent processes and procedures for imports, exports and transit trade.

    According to the General Manager of the Concessionaire, Mr Ahmed Ogunshola, the project creates the basis for improving NCS’ services which include improving revenue generation, facilitating trade development and minimising corruption in trade facilitation.

    The project is aimed at automating trade operation processes using a software described as the Unified Customs Management System(UCMS), to be deployed by NCS, which would soon be inaugurated by the Federal Government.

    The UCMS is the core of the operational activities and underpins the decision chain and command of goods clearance for release, in line with the requisite taxes and waivers of the Federal Government.

    The automation aims to address leakages in the revenue collection of customs duties and includes Electronic Cargo Tracking System.

    This system gives traders access through the UCM to comprehensively monitor their transactions from the beginning of the process until the delivery of their goods, and act appropriate where they experience hiccups.

    The system also facilitates Electronic Port System, Logistics Monitoring System, Mobile Enforcement System and Intelligent Gate System.

    In addition to providing further ease of cross border trading, its major advantage is the significant long-term impact it would have on the social and economic development of the country.

    At the end of the 20 year period, the project is expected to generate in excess, 250 billion dollars as revenue for Nigeria.

    This is because automating the process helps to increase revenue collection due to improved trading experiences, which would increase trading frequency and, therefore, revenue from chargeable duties.

    While Nigeria gets to use the revenue to fund its infrastructure development, create jobs, address its security challenges, it would also develop other non-oil sectors to ensure sustainable development.

    On the current stage of the development of software to be deployed to drive the modernisation process, the Head of the  Business Section of the Project, Usman Abba, a Chief Supritendent of Customs, said that all internal sytems had been completed, and final touches were being made on stakeholders’ integration.

    While this is the first phase of the process spanning year one to six, with two more phases to go, it is expected that at a stage, all systems must be deployed to hardware, software and technology services.

    The reform, through the project, is expected to streamline customs processes, reduce delays and cut down on corruption. As a result, businesses can operate more efficiently, and government can collect more accurate and timely revenues from trade activities.

    Additionally, aligning trade policies with international standards can attract more global partners and increase Nigeria’s share of global trade.

    As the implementation of this project gets to its peak, excited analysts say that Nigeria can look forward to a more dynamic, efficient and profitable trade sector, driving sustainable economic growth and prosperity.(NANFeatures)

    **If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)

  • Quality music therapeutic, useful in treating illnesses – NGO

     

    Music

    By Chiazo Ogbolu

    Lagos, June 8, 2024 (NAN) A Non-Governmental Organisation, Temidayo Ogan Consulting and Support Services (TOCSS), has described quality music as therapeutic and very useful in the treatment of many illnesses.

    Rev. Temidayo Ogan, Founder and President, TOCSS Foundation International and TOCSS Foundation Nigeria, said this at the Temidayo Ogan Music Medicine Project, on Saturday in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Music Medicine project seeks to promote mental health support, public health and safety around the world.

    According to Ogan, music is medicinal and being used as a form of treatment in the field of medicine around the world, and dates back to the Bible days.

    “Music is art and it is very spiritual when it is quality music.

    “Music done right and performed right has a great potential to relax the mind and body and, by extension, improve mental health and general well-being,” she said.

    Ogan described the Temidayo Ogan Music Medicine as an advocacy tool and a quality of life treatment tool that helps with total Gross Domestic Product, a healthy society, healthy citizenry and a wealthy nation.

    Also, Mrs Olabisi Sonusi, Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) Lagos Public Education Officer, noted that driving takes 100 per cent of one’s mental health and so, one needs to be sound in mind at all times.

    “We should take our mental health serious to help stop crashes and abuses of drugs.

    “This programme is coming at the right time as June is declared as a Men’s Mental Health Month and we are happy to support the Temidayo Ogan foundation on this,” she said.

    Mr Abraham Dunkwu, Lead Administrative Team, TOCSS Foundation Nigeria, said the music they were pushing out was different, as it aimed at relaxing and providing mental health support to the public.

    According to Dunkwu, a lot of time and resources were put together to produce the team to achieve its aim.

    “Music, if done properly is therapeutic and, like they say, what you see, hear,and eat has access to the entry gate of a person.

    “Music is one of those gates through which the thought, mindset, mentality and actions are formed .

    “So, we are trying to see how good music can be used as a tool to aid mental support and to promote public health and safety.

    “There is a lot of music out there but this is different and the kind the general public needs for their mental health and our target is everyone that loves music,” he said.

    NAN reports that guests present at the exhibition and live music event included Kunle Coker and Tope Tedela, representing the creative art and music industry in Nigeria.

    Coker was named the recipient of the prestigious 2023 TOCSS Entrepreneurial Support Project Honours. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CAN/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu