NAN-H-99
Partnership

By Donald Ugwu
Abuja, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has assured that the public sector is ready to collaborate with the private sector to advance ICT toward economic diversification.
Osinbajo gave the assurance in his address to the e-Nigeria Summit 2016 with the theme: `Leveraging ICT Innovation for Economic Diversification’’.

He noted that collaboration is the key to economic and social advancement of the country and cannot not be ignored in the country’s  ICT agenda.

Cue in audio

“Collaboration is the key; today there is nowhere in the world where technology is developing without collaboration.

“Collaboration between the private and the public sector; even between the private sector, everyone is working in collaboration.

“Developing incredible technology today means that several people from across the world are working together, online, being able to ensure that they share ideas and share innovation.

“But we need that kind of collaboration also between the private and the public sector.

“The public sector today is willing to collaborate with the private sector.

“That willingness is evidenced in practically everything that we are doing and the investments that we are making in technology.

“I think that this is a great moment for technology in our country.

“I think that we have everything that is required to make things happen.’’

Cue out audio

Osinbajo remarked that three months ago, the country demonstrated its resolve to support technology innovation by hosting the maiden annual Aso Villa Demo Day for young innovators.

He said the start-ups demonstrated by the youth showed clearly the direction the country was going, adding that with enabling environment and determination the youth were ready for world class achievements in technology.

Accordingly, he said, the government would provide the policy and incentives that would enable ICT to advance and unleash the talent and the hard work of young people.

The Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, said e-Nigeria had become a means of setting goals, targets and timelines for domestication of best practices and repositioning Nigeria as a key player in the global knowledge-driven economy.

Shittu noted that ICT had contributed in a short time more than 12.62 per cent to total nominal GDP and 12.68 per cent to total real GDP in the second quarter of 2016.

He said the ICT revolution offered an opportunity for national adjustment to fast changing and knowledge-driven economy, transform Nigeria to open, smart and very inclusive economy.

He also said it offered new tools and platforms to address such challenges in areas as governance, employment, demand for public services, export diversification, structural transformation and global competitiveness.

According to him ICT is the enabler of every other human endevour, whether economic, governmental or industrial.

Shittu said the federal government had evolved a national roadmap for ICT sector by identifying key projects that would have positive impacts on the national economy.

He identified the objectives of the 2016 to 2019 roadmap as establishing multi campus ICT University to provide skills for industry players as well as creation of innovation hubs nationwide and establishing of global telecommunications village.

He added that it focused on the establishment of ICT departments in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies that were yet to have such.

Shittu said the ministry would encourage the deployment of internet broadband to enable the youth to have unlimited access to the internet.

In an address of welcome, the DG of NITDA, Dr Isa Ibrahim, said that Nigeria lost about $2.8 billion annually from the importation of ICT goods and services, including $1 billion spent on software imports.
He said locally manufactured or assembled computers represented less than eight per cent of all the computers used in the country.

Ibrahim added that the country could spend about $143.8 billion on ICT by 2019, an amount that would be seven times the value of the 2016 national budget.

He pleaded with international manufacturers to domesticate their products in order to achieve a win-win relationship while pledging the development of local content in the industry.

The D-G said the theme of the 2016 edition of e-Nigeria, the ninth in the series, was deliberately chosen to align with the Federal Government’s drive to diversify the economy.

Prof. Abubakar Sambo, the Keynote Speaker, and former Vice Chancellor of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, said that the world had been driven by a large scale amalgamation of global markets and dramatic growth in ICT.

Sambo said time had come to adopt ICT in Nigeria as a catalyst for national development especially in agriculture and commerce. (NAN)
DCU/YEE

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim
=====================

Qsinbajo’s audio on ICT

NAN-H-102
Extension
By Ayodeji Alabi
Akure, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Ondo State House of Assmebly on Tuesday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the Nov. 26 governorship election as a matter of urgent public importance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the assembly presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Fatai Olotu, unanimously voted in favour of the extension of the election date.

Olotu said the extension would not have any adverse effect or offend any electoral law.

“It’s necessary that all the pending matters in court concerning all political parties participating in the election be resolved.

“The outstanding court cases have generated a lot of security threats to the extent that tension is now palpable in the city.

“Elections are meant to be free and fair, and conducted in an atmosphere devoid of tension,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Olusiji Akindiose representing Ondo East moved the motion on the need to extend the date for the governorship election in Ondo State.

He said that INEC and the highest authorities had to listen and see the danger in the fact that the election shouldn’t be rushed.

“It must be done with feelings that people are safe and the assurance that votes will count.

“Out of 28 political parties participating in the election, 20 are agitating for an extension, which I don’t think is too much,” he said.

The Deputy Majority Leader and member representing Ese-Odo constituency, Mr Vincent Obadiah, seconded the motion.

Similarly, the assembly confirmed and ratified three persons as members of the Ondo State House of Assembly Service Commission.

They are Messrs Yekini Olanipekun, Henry Akinsuroju and Afolabi Akinsiku.

The three persons were former members of the assemby.

Earlier, Bode Adeyelu read the message from Gov. Olusegun Mimiko requesting for the confirmation of the appointments.

Obadiah, who is the chairman of the assembly committee on selection, submitted the report of the screening and said the three persons were qualified for the post.

Responding on behalf of other members, Olanipekun promised to justify the confidence reposed in the members to perform their jobs diligently. (NAN)
AYO/ASS/MVO
(Edited by Mbadiwe Okwor)

NAN-H-104

Youth

By Elusogbon Dorcas

Ile-Ife (Osun), Nov 22, 2016 (NAN) The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Tuesday  unveiled a uniquely designed Moremi Statue of Liberty,  with a charge on governments to  meaningfully engage the youths.

A statement signed by Mr Moses Olafare, the Director of Media and Public Affairs in the palace in Ile-Ife, Osun, said that the Ooni dedicated the statue to the economic liberation of the African youth.

Olafare said that historic unveiling event was  witnessed by over 5,000 youths, adding that the Ooni extolled the virtues of “Moremi” Ajasoro, a celebrated historical heroine in Yoruba culture.

He said that the Ooni also described youths as the greatest accessories for the development of any nation, who must be given utmost attention by the various African governments.

According to him, the monarch decried the redundancy of youths, blaming it on patronage of foreign goods and services.

“These Nigerian and African youths are naturally endowed, and with the level of their education or training,  they are the materials needed to develop this country and the continent of Africa.

“It surprises me that our governments across Africa still encourage capital flight by always giving the jobs to foreigners at the expense of our youths, several of whom are more qualified and competent to do the jobs.

“I am proud to say that this project is the first of its kind; 100 per cent indigenous; involving about 200 youths and all the materials used were sourced locally  from the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

“I want to stress that Nigeria has manpower that can create, construct, and build standard and original goods.

“I, therefore, appeal to African governments to empower youths and give them the chance to display their capacities,” Ooni Ogunwusi was quoted as saying. (NAN)
EDA/DO/NKO

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Edited by David Onilede/Nkechi Okoronkwo

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

NAN-HG-15
IVF
By Vivian Ihechu
Lagos, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Assisted Fertility Centre (AFC) at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, on Tuesday celebrated the birth of its first In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) baby born through assisted reproductive technology.

Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie, the Co-ordinator of the centre, made this known during a verification visit by a team from the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Abuja, to the institution in Lagos.

He said, “We are officially announcing the birth of a baby through our efforts in this centre.

“The baby boy, whose parents want to remain anonymous, was born on Nov. 5.

“We are very glad, especially as our effort is working; we want to increase the number of our successes, as such, we call on the government for more support and funding.’’

Osagie said of all the 45 IVF clinics in Nigeria, only five were government-owned, adding that they were located in Abuja, Ilorin, Benin, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja and LUTH in Lagos.

“The National Hospital, Abuja, is the first public IVF Centre; there are only five of such public health IVF centres in Nigeria.

“We need more centres to help more people; we can help other centres to stand, especially as we have the expertise and nurses who are available to train others.

“We also need more public sector involvement in the funding of IVF Centres,’’ Osagie said.

Also, Alhaji Moshood Tijani, the Head, Monitoring and Evaluation of FRC, commended the efforts of the centre.

According to him, the feat has shown that much can still be achieved in Nigeria with adequate funding and support.

He called for support to enable more government-owned hospitals to set up IVF centres.

In her remarks, Mrs Kuburat Lemomu, the Matron of the AFC, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the event that the treatment for the mother of the baby commenced in January.

“We started the process in January and the recovery was in February.

“The treatment cycle took six to seven weeks and she was tested positive for pregnancy in March.

“The mother of our baby started her ante-natal care with us, after which she left for Canada, and that is where she was delivered of the baby,’’ Lemomu said.

She encouraged couples who needed assistance with conception to avail themselves of the services of the centre. (NAN)
VIV/GOK
Edited by Olagoke Olatoye

NAN-ELS-4
Troupe
By Collins Yakubu-hammer
Abuja, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Government has urged the National Troupe to come up with outstanding performances within and outside the country in order to generate revenue.

Mr Seyi Womiloju, the Director of Cultural Industries and Heritage, Ministry of Information and Culture made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

“The National Troupe needs to buckle up, there should be performances every day in the states, and they should tour the nation.
“Let people feel that there is a National Troupe in Nigeria and that will awaken the spirit of the youth.

“Look at music, it is doing very well, the film industry is doing well, why can’t drama do well,’’ he queried.

Womiloju said that there would always be the challenge of inadequate funding, adding that if funding from the government was not enough, there were many avenues of generating revenue.

He said government parastatals or agencies, especially the National Troupe could partner with communication giants and network providers to carry out activities and make money.

Womoloju, however, added that by the time they begin to make money, they would also be saving some of the money.
“The National Troupe can be divided into two; send half of them abroad for tour and performances in other to make foreign exchange and bring it home.

“Meanwhile, the ones at home will be touring the states and performing to make money; after six months, those abroad should come back and those at home go abroad.

“Such strategy will make things work out for the troupe that they will not have to depend so much on government funds to operate,’’ he said.

According to the director, there will never be adequate funds from the government as it can only give out funds that it can afford.

“The National Troupe should be more creative and aggressive in generating revenue; government has too many things begging for attention and the resources are not enough.’’
On festival calendar, Womiloju said that the ministry had the vision, but it was a policy formulating body.

He said there were parastatals that should do calendar for cultural festivals and implement it every year.

“When the Minister assumed duty, the first thing he said was for the National Council for Arts and Culture to get him a coordinated and comprehensive festival calendar to approve.

“He said there should be some form of cultural activities going on every month within the country that would attract tourists and foreigners.

“In China, there are celebrations in every district, it may not be International; there is celebration of the Moon, Sun, Serpent, Scorpion etc; there must be one form of celebration or the other.’’
Womiloju said that the ministry would have loved to engage wealthy persons in the country to assist in funding some of its ideas.

“But some of these persons may have gotten their wealth from dubious means like financial corruption and self-aggrandisements; this could embarrass the government.

“If we allow that, people will now say that stolen funds are being used to fund government ideas; so we always avoid that,’’ Womiloju said. (NAN)
CMY/EEE
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Edited by Ese E. Ekama

NAN-HG-11

Projects

By Vivian Ihechu

Lagos, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) on Tuesday inspected some capital projects in some health institutions in Lagos.

The Head of Monitoring and Evaluation of the commission, Alhaji Moshood Tijani, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the inspection was to ascertain the extent of work done carried out on the projects.

The verification team comprised some people drawn from various departments in the commission, including Mr Aminu Idris, who represented the Federal Ministry of Health.

The team accessed projects at the National Orthopedic Hospital (NOHI), Igbobi, Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Meta and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital at Idi-Araba.

According to Tijani, the inspection is also aim at assessing challenges as identified by the institutions and making recommendations to the appropriate agencies of government.

“The main function of the FRC is to ensure the good management of national resources such that in managing the resources accruing to the various government agencies, there is transparency and accountability.

“We are here today for the physical verification of selected projects in 2014 and aspects of revenue remittance in these institutions.

“This is in accordance with our vision to create an enduring framework for effective and transparent financial management in Nigeria.

“So, it is our hope that this visit will bring to light, the need before these hospitals to be well funded, so that critical projects can be concluded.

Tijani stated: “we have a template that they should give us a template on when the project started, how much has been given and what is required to complete the project’’.

At the NOHI, the administration block, accident and emergency building, general out-patient building and the theater were inspected by the team.

“The administration block is about the only project out of the four that we came to inspect that is completed and ready for use.

“We have looked at the projects, the building looks fine outside but the finishing on the floor tiles needs to be improved upon.

“The contractor did not do a good job, probably due to poor supervision.

“At the theatre complex, from our inspection, it is about 90 per cent completed and the quality of job there is quite good.

“ It is the kind of project that will be of benefit to the generality of the people who are unfortunate to have cause to make use of this hospital.

“Work at the out-patient department is more or else on hold. We are of the view that the management of the hospital should do everything possible to get the contractors back on site.

“If the contractor is not the performing type, they should take appropriate steps to get the ministry involved to determine the next line of action.

“We feel that particular attention should be paid on the theatre building, which is almost complete, because it is of more importance for public use than the admin block,’’ Tijani said.

At the FMC, some facilities, including digital equipment, radio diagnostic instruments and neo-natal screening machines, among others were inspected.

The Acting Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Olubukola Aseru, told the visitors that the management of the FMC had been able to manage resources allocated to the hospital.

“We do not have outstanding projects, especially as our space does not allow for sprawling projects.

“We categorise our medical and diagnostic equipment, buy incrementally and replace when the need arises.

“We also try to increase the services that we provide by having one or two more equipment better than what we have had before.

“However, we have some acres of land at Badagry, given to us by the Lagos State Government that we have been trying to develop.

“Right now, we have a functional small primary health care facility and we need funding to get the site to standard,’’ he said. NAN)

VIV/SN

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Edited by Silas Nwoha

Philippines and U.S. agree on “continued and robust” military relation

NAN-F-9
Agreement
Manila (dpa/NAN) U.S. and  Philippine defence relations enjoyed a moment of stability Tuesday when officials from both sides promised a “continued and robust” defence relationship, after weeks of threats by Manila to sever ties.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has earlier threatened to stop joint military exercises with the U.S., saying the major war games conducted in September would be the last under his term.

Duterte has said he wants to redefine relations with the US and move closer to China and Russia. This comes after worries have been raised by many Western powers about the Philippines’ new war on drugs under Duterte, which some say has led to extrajudicial killings of innocents.

The U.S. and the Philippines have enjoyed a strong defence relationship for decades. The two signed a mutual defence treaty in 1951.

Tuesday’s meeting was of the Mutual Defence Board of the Philippines and the United States.

“The successful completion of the MDB-SEB (Mutual Defence Board-Security Engagement Board ensures continued, robust relations between the U.S. and Philippine militaries,” a joint statement released after the meeting said.

“This highlights the enduring commitment of both countries to the U.S.-Philippine alliance. We look forward to continued close cooperation in areas central to both our national and security interests including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security,” the statement added.

The meeting was led by Philippine military chief General Ricardo Visaya and U.S. Pacific Commander head Admiral Harry Harris Jr.

Philippine military Spokesman Brig-Gen. Restituto Padilla said details of the meeting are not yet available.

Philippines Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said early this month that, while Duterte agreed to retain a security alliance with the U.S., the joint military activities will be scaled back.

He said the joint naval exercises will be stopped. (dpa/NAN)

(Edited by Julius Enehikhuere)

NAN-H-100
Digital
By Constance Athekame
Abuja, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Government has approved the establishment of a Digital Literacy Programme to boost Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) development in the country.

The Minister of Communication, Mr Adebayo Shittu said this in Abuja at the 2016 AFRITEX Strategic Conference and Information Technology Exhibition on Tuesday in Abuja.

“In line with the Nigeria ICT Roadmap, I have approved the establishment of a Digital Literacy Programme and a council to oversee its implementation.

“This initiative is targeted at ensuring that Nigerian citizens become ICT literate in order to afford them the opportunity to actively participate in the digital world and the new economy thereby accelerating their socioeconomic development.

Shittu observed that one of the major challenges to growing the country’s ICT sector had been apathy for indigenous products and services.

According to him, this challenge has bedevilled the business of local information technology players in the country from hardware to software and to services and it had been the same story.

He said that the sector rigorously needed to pursue innovative avenues for funding ICT initiatives through public private partnerships.

Shittu said that further innovative ways were emerging for funding ICT development, adding that the broad mechanisms being considered now included but not limited to the following – Global Internet subsidy, privacy issuance, shared knowledge duty, attention levy.

The minister said that the theme of the conference, which is “Smart Unlimited: A key to Promoting a Digital Economy’’ could not have been more relevant.

“Especially at such a time when countries are seeking home-grown solutions to explore and exploit the potential of the Internet and ICTs to diversify their economy from natural resources.

“We all know that every economy today requires ubiquitous broadband for growth and prosperity.

“Certainly, this conference will provide an opportunity for us to reflect and contemplate how we can pursue national and continental growth by leveraging on ICTs and showcasing the level of deployment,’’ he said. (NAN)
COA/OIF/GY
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Grace Yussuf

NAN-HG-15
Rape
Dutse, Nov. 22, 2016 (NAN) A Jigawa-based NGO, Voices for Justice (V4J), has advised parents of rape victims to report such incidents to the Police in their respective communities.

The Chairlady of the organisation, Barr. Aisha Jahun, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse on Tuesday.

“We always tell parents of rape victims that the first point of report should be the Police.

“This is because the Police are the institution responsible for taking up and processing  justice on behalf of such victims by arresting, investigating and taking the perpetrator to court for trial,’’ she said.

According to Jahun, it is unfortunate for most parents or guardians of such victims to think that by keeping the matter quiet they are protecting the victims.

“Such parents, who keep mute thinking that they are protecting the rape victims from stigmatisation, should understand that they are not helping them.

“They are, instead, depriving them of their right to justice.

“They are also convincing the rapists that what they did was right since no action was taken against them, and they will continue to rape people,’’ she explained.

She said the organisation would continue to sensitise parents through the use of stickers, jingles and other materials to the need for them to open up and report such cases to the Police for appropriate action.

Jahun further warned parents not to wash the genitalia of their raped girls until the matter was reported to the Police.

She stated that it would enable health workers to confirm the truth or falsity of the situation when Police take the victim to the hospital.

She also advised parents, particularly mothers, to protect their female children by always monitoring their movement. (NAN)

MNB/CEO/YEE

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim
=====================

Swiss defend title of world’s richest people

NAN-F-8

Richest
Vienna, Nov. 22, 2016 (dpa/NAN) The Swiss are the richest people in the world, with an average wealth of 561,900 dollars per adult, Credit Suisse said in its annual global wealth report on Tuesday.

This confirms Switzerland’s top ranking for the 16th year in a row.

People in the United States trailed with assets worth 344,700 dollars, followed by the British average net worth of 288,800 dollars, the major Swiss bank said in Zurich.

The depreciation of the pound that followed Britain’s vote to leave the EU has wiped out a total 1.5 trillion dollars of the country’s total privately held assets, Credit Suisse noted.

For the first time since the global financial crisis of 2008, the global average wealth per adult stagnated in 2016, at 52,800 dollars.

The report also showed that the share of people’s non-financial assets as part of their household wealth has increased for the first time this year since 2008.

Rising real estate prices have added to private wealth in several countries including Germany, according to the report.

The group of super-rich people, who own at least 50 million dollars, rose by 4,100 individuals to a total of 140,900 over the past year, driven by increases in Asian countries. (dpa/NAN)

(Edited by Julius Enehikhuere)