Blog

Security: FAAN deploys armed special force to 5 airports

Security
By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, on Monday inaugurated 120 officers of the Aviation Security ( AVSEC) Special Force that would bear arms.
Kuku said this was part of her mission to beef up security across airports in the country.
While inaugurating 30 of the personnel at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Kuku said it was a constructive step to get Nigeria’s aviation security team kitted in line with global standards.
She said: “This is for them to help us in terms of securing our assets as well as the people within the aviation environment, specifically at the airports.
“It is remarkable for us, we are happy that we spent a significant amount of time in terms of training them and identifying the sort of individuals that are part of this squad.
“They are quite professional as you can see, and they will continue to engage as well as work closely with other security agencies.”
Kuku allayed the fear of the security team using excessive force in the course of its duty.
She advised passengers and other airports users to go about their businesses in an orderly manner.

According to her, the arms show that the team is an elite squad.
“What is critical is that we want to make sure that we can deter people. We hope that we do not have to use force. In the event that they need to, they will coordinate with all of the other security agencies.
“The focus is to make sure that they are helping us in terms of executing all of our desires, specifically around making sure that there are no illegal activities that go on.
“We are starting with the five international airports, that is Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu. There is a similar exercise going on.
“We do have about 120 people who have been trained. In Lagos, we have about 30 of them.
“You can see them, they are gallant, they are well kitted, ready to protect, and are ready to serve,” she said.
Kuku expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the support FAAN received from his office, the Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), and the national security adviser.
“We did have some challenges starting off initially but with their support, we have been able to get this rolling.
“We are also collaborating very closely with all of the security agencies across the airports.
“I was with the chief of air staff last week in Abuja, and he is working very closely with us,” she said.
On the next phase, the FAAN managing director said that campaigns against corruption at airports needed coordination, expressing hope that the inauguration was a step in the right direction. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ITM/CHOM/IGO
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

June 24, 2024
FG to train 5m artisans, warns against quack training centres

Training
By Vivian Emoni
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has expressed commitment to empowering no fewer than five million artisans yearly.
It also warned against quack training centres across the country.
Dr Afiz Ogun, Director-General of Industrial Training Fund (ITF), said this at the inaugural meeting on Implementation of Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme for Executives of Enlisted Skills training Centers (ESTCs).
Ogun said the training was to upskill the talent of artisans in their various fields of profession.
He said the training would have its phase of selection, adding that about 100 thousand artisans would be taken in each of the phases.
He said the first phase would commence before the end of June, adding that the training would transform the skills acquisition space in Nigeria.
“The training will be phase by phase and bit by bit; we will be selecting about 100,000 artisans for the training.
“When we are through with the number, we select another phase, we must make sure we cover the five million artisans every year, just as the presidency directed us.
“The names and various centres where the trainings will commence will be published in various national daily newspapers and training starts immediately.
“The criteria for the training is that the person must be a Nigerian, all artisans are our candidates. Those who registered first will start the first phase.
“The registration portal opened from January till March 15, 2024, we went out to all senatorial districts to out screen so that we can move ahead,” he said.
The director-general said the aim of the programme was to work with relevant stakeholders, and that ITF would be onboarding to become the best skills training centers of international standards in Nigeria.
“We will guarantee a steady stream of trainees for whom ITF will be financially responsible but side by side we will implement rigorous facility and process inspections to ensure that our standards are met.
” ITF is currently working out partnerships with the most reputable international awarding bodies so that certifications issued after our training programme will give graduands a variety of options in terms of work opportunities and employability both locally and globally.
“The era of training just for the sake of it, or issuance of Certificate of Attendance/Competence is gone and gone for good.
” Every skills training undertaken by ITF must lead to reputable international certification which in turn, guarantees measurable improved livelihood of graduands,” he said.
Ogun condemned the act of organising training centres by some people without requisite approval from the ITF.
“Another point I must address is mushrooming of Skills Training Centers in Nigeria without requisite approval by ITF.
“It is troubling to note that all over the country, persons undertake so-called trainings in both technical and vocational trainings without prior approval of their training curriculum, manual and programme by ITF.
“As a result, there is no way to ascertain the quality of learning being passed on to graduands who pay exorbitant prices for these trainings.
” This has created a circle of entrenched quackery which ITF is set up to put an end to.
“We now have an avalanche of foreign training institutions offering some kind of technical or vocational training without due approval of the programmes and processes.
” Even where such foreign set ups have the competence to undertake these trainings, their unregulated presence represents a loss of revenue by local players.
“ITF will be issuing the necessary regulations on these subject matters very soon and our enforcement efforts will also commence in earnest.
“Today signposts a new dawn at ITF and in the skills training space in Nigeria and we need all hands on deck to turn the tide and change the narratives,” he said.
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, Coordinator, Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Practitioners (NARAP), also lauded the organisers of the training.
“Particularly in the area of my own craft, which is refrigeration and air-conditioning, in the area of ozone depletion, if this training is centered toward handling of refrigerants and professionalism in refrigeration and air-conditioning, it will help”.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
VOE/CHOM/VIV
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vivian Ihechu

June 24, 2024
SGBV: NGO trains 60 persons on Psychological First Aid in Zamfara
Training
By Ishaq Zaki
Gusau, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The International Alert, an NGO, has commenced a two-day training on Psychological First Aid (PFA) for Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) first responders in Zamfara.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NGO is implementing a project tagged “Promoting Stability, Access to Justice and Accountability in North West region of the country”, implemented in Kaduna and Zamfara.
No fewer than 60 participants of the training were drowned from four communities in Tsafe and Birnin-Magaji local government areas of the state.
The communities are Tsafe, Bilbis, Birnin-Magaji and Nasarawa-Godel.
The Country Director of the NGO, Mr Paul Nyulaku, said the training is aimed at equipping participants with essential skills to effectively address SGBV cases in their various communities.
Nyulaku, who was represented by the Programme Manager of the NGO, Mr Sunday Jimoh, emphasised the importance of fostering stability and accountability, especially in handling SGBV cases.
He said “this training specifically targets female participants from the four communities.
“The training is expected to empower responders to deliver psychological first aid to SGBV victims, while ensuring they receive the necessary support and justice.”
He urged participants to give proper attention to the training to enhance their capacity for critical psychological support.
Dr Nafisa Maradun, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, commended International Alert for supporting the fight against SGBV in the state.
Maradun, Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Habibu Yelwa, stressed the need for collaborative effort by stakeholders to provide care and protection to SGBV survivors.
The commissioner expressed the state government’s commitment toward supporting the NGO and other partners for enhanced justice, peace and stability.
She said the state government under Gov. Dauda Lawal, would continue to collaborate with partners in developing the state.
Earlier, the Executive Director of Zamfara-based Civil Society Organisation, Musa Umar, expressed delight over the success of various programmes conducted by the organisation with support from International Alert.
Umar appealed to the state government to collaborate with more partners to address challenges on health, education and human development. (NAN)(www.nan.news.ng)
IZ/MAM/HA
Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
June 24, 2024
FCMB-TLG Private Debt Fund Series 1 opens, to raise N10bn
Fund
By Rukayat Adeyemi
Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) FCMB Asset Management Ltd. (FCMBAM) has opened the FCMB-TLG Private Debt Fund’s Series 1 Offer for subscription, to raise N10 billion of its N100 billion programme size.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that fund is opened for subscription to Qualified Institutional Investors (QIIs) and High Networth Individuals (HNIs), effective Monday, June 24 to July 31.
Mr James Ilori, the company’s Chief Executive Officer(CEO), said this in a statement made available on Monday in Lagos.
Ilori stated that the fund, which is Nigeria’s first Naira-denominated private debt fund, had been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC) following the fulfilment of all regulatory requirements.
He explained that the fund is sponsored and managed by FCMBAM as the fund manager, with technical support from TLG Capital Investments Ltd.(TLG Capital) in the United Kingdom.
“The FCMB-TLG Private Debt Fund will focus on investing in commercially viable and impact-oriented activities in sectors of the Nigerian economy aligned with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
“While providing investors with an opportunity to earn a competitive risk-adjusted return on investment.
“It will invest in the debt components of the capital structure of organisations and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in sectors crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
“This includes Agriculture, Healthcare, Education, Clean Energy, Transportation/Logistics, and IT/Technology.
According to him, the FCMB-TLG Private Debt Fund opens a new avenue for professional investors to participate in the growth of key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Ilori noted that it also provides essential capital to organisations driving sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria.
He stated that the Fund is structured as a Closed-Ended Unit Trust Scheme with Series 1 tenor of 10 years.
According to the CEO, the Fund is also expected to provide investors with periodic streams of income through regular payment of distribution, while prioritising the preservation of invested capital.
FCMBAM is the asset management arm of FCMB Group Plc, incorporated in 1997, to provide portfolio management and investment advisory services to individual and institutional clients globally.
It has over N322 billion in assets under management. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
RUKY/AWA
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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
June 24, 2024
NCDC reports 1,598 suspected cholera cases across 107 LGAs
Cholera
By Abujah Racheal
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 1,598 suspected cases of cholera across 107 local government areas.
The cholera outbreak is characterised by a case fatality rate of 3.5 per cent, significantly higher than the national expected average of one per cent, underscoring severity of the situation.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while providing an update on the cholera epidemiological situation in Nigeria and ongoing prevention and response efforts at the national and subnational levels.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that cholera is a severe diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
The disease remains a significant health challenge, especially in regions with inadequate sanitation and clean water access.
Understanding the transmission mechanism of cholera is crucial in curbing its spread and implementing effective prevention measures.
Idris, therefore, said “government is deeply concerned about the rapid spread and higher-than-expected mortality rate, indicating a more lethal outbreak.”
He emphasised that the fatalities represented significant personal losses, including family members, spouses, parents and healthcare workers.
“This situation can be compounded as the rainy season intensifies,” he added.
He disclosed that Lagos State accounted for the highest number of deaths with 29, followed by Rivers with eight, Abia and Delta with four each, Katsina with three, Bayelsa with two and Kano, Nasarawa and Cross River with one each.
He added that “”this alarming trend highlights the urgent need for coordinated response to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
“Sixteen states accounted for 90 per cent of the confirmed cases, with Lagos being the epicentre of the outbreak.
“Lagos State, having the highest number of cases, has received significant focus, with ongoing support and resources directed to manage the outbreak effectively.”
He added that the outbreak also affected Bayelsa, Abia, Zamfara, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Rivers, Katsina, Delta, Imo, Nasarawa, Ondo, Kano, Niger, Osun, Sokoto, and Kwara.
He expressed regret that the country is facing another public health emergency, just after dealing with Lassa Fever and Meningitis outbreaks.
He explained that experts had conducted a dynamic risk assessment last week on the cholera outbreak situation, “in response to the rapidly increasing cases.”
He expressed the agency’s deepest sympathy to those affected by the outbreak and reaffirmed commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.
He disclosed that an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) had been activated to coordinate national efforts to combat the disease.
He said the EOC would coordinate the national response, particularly across affected states, to interrupt disease transmission and reduce its impact and socioeconomic complications.
“The EOC’s key actions and goals are to serve as hub for coordination and response, ensuring a unified approach across the country.
“It will provide critical support to affected states and local governments, facilitating rapid communication and resource mobilisation, strengthen surveillance and improve data analysis capabilities.”
He added that the EOC would coordinate the mobilisation and distribution of medical supplies, logistics and other resources, among others, to stem spread.
The NCDC boss disclosed that an incident manager had been appointed to oversee the day-to-day operations of the EOC, coordinating efforts across several pillars, including surveillance, case management, use of oral cholera vaccines, infection prevention and control, logistics support and research.
Prior to the activation, he said, NCDC and the National Cholera Protection Agency had already undertaken several preventive measures, including distribution of medical supplies, provision of on-site support to states and daily reporting on progress made.
Other measures are the training of laboratory scientists and community mobilisers, he said.
He explained that the NCDC, through the National Cholera Technical Working Group, carried out prevention and response efforts, including prepositioning and distribution of medical supplies for case management, infection prevention and control, and laboratory diagnosis, in 36 states and the FCT.
He acknowledged efforts of stakeholders, including ministries, departments, agencies, state and local governments, local and international partners, healthcare workers, community leaders and individuals who worked hard in responding to the outbreak.
He also urged state governors to increase support and resources to manage the outbreak in their states.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AIR/CHOM/HA
Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

June 24, 2024
Abiodun emerges chairman Southern Governors’ Forum

* Members of the Southern Governors’ Forum,
after their meeting on Monday in Abeokuta.
Governors
By Yetunde Fatungase
Abeokuta, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun on Monday became the Chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum, emerging by consensus among the 16 governors present at their meeting in Abeokuta.
Announcing the resolution of the governors after the meeting, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos said the forum’s decision was unanimous.
“It is in line with our conviction on the leadership acumen of Gov. Abiodun to successfully lead the forum,” he said.
In his reaction, Abiodun expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him to take the mantle of leadership of the forum.
He promised to lead with inclusiveness and efficiency, adding that he would work with commitment alongside his deputy, Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra, to proactively address fundamental issues of regional interests.
“This is indeed a significant honour bestowed on me by my esteemed colleagues, and I deeply appreciate their confidence in my leadership.
“Together, we will strive to ensure quality governance across our states and collectively engender exceptional regional development throughout Southern Nigeria.
“I also extend my congratulations to my colleague, Prof. Charles Soludo, who has been elected as the Vice-Chairman,” Gov. Abiodun said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State led the forum until his demise in 2023.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
YAF/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)
June 24, 2024
FG, EU train journalists on climate change reporting
Workshop
By Mercy Omoike
Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Environment in partnership with the European Union (EU) has commenced a three-day training for 36 media professionals on climate change reportage.
The training under the auspices of the Department of Climate Change (DCC) and the Nigeria Climate Response Programme 2020-2024 (NCCRP) kicked off on Monday in Lagos.
The media professionals were selected from the 36 states of the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EU funded NCCRP intends to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions pledge of 47 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases emissions by 2030 in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 13.
The workshop, the second in the series, would strengthen the capacity of media professionals in climate change reporting.
In her opening remarks, Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, the DCC Director of the Federal Ministry of Environment, urged journalists to responsibly and ethically report climate change issues.
“This workshop is organised to enhance the capacity of media professionals in the reportage of climate change.
“As professionals in this space, journalists have a unique opportunity and responsibility to report effectively the realities of climate change.
“We urge you to approach this workshop with willingness to learn and commitment to excellence.
“The knowledge you gain here will not only benefit you but will also help professionally in addressing climate change issues in your reports.
“As media professionals, you can shape the narrative on climate action responsibly, ethically and courageously tell your stories on climate change,” Abiola-Awe said.
Also speaking, Dr Todd Ngara, NCCRP Team Lead, said the training was organised to enhance the dissemination of climate change knowledge among media professionals.
“You are welcome to today’s training session, it shows the importance you as journalists place on climate change.
“You could be covering stories that will earn you money but you chose to learn about updates on climate change, this shows the importance the media attach to climate change.
“The NCCRP climate change programme has three tasks, which are monitoring, reporting and verification; as well as dissemination of climate change knowledge (where this training falls under).
“One of our goals is the dissemination of knowledge on climate change. Our aim also is to introduce a new curriculum on climate change starting from the primary schools to the secondary schools.
“We hope that apart from the knowledge journalists will get from this training, we hope their reportage will here after bring about more visibility for climate change effects,” Ngara said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
DMO/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
June 24, 2024
Tinubu appoints new CEO for consumer protection commission
Tinubu appoints new CEO for consumer protection commission
Appointment
By Salif Atojoko
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr Olatunji Bello as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), pending confirmation by the Senate.
The appointment was announced in a statement on Monday by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bello is a lawyer, administrator, journalist and former secretary to the Lagos State government.
He holds a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos; he studied Law at the same university and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002.
“Mr Bello began his career in journalism at the Concord Newspapers in 1985 and held the positions of Group Political Editor; Sunday Concord Editor, and Editor, National Concord.
“He is a winner of the US Alfred Friendly Press Fellowship and was appointed the Chairman, Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspapers in 2001.
“He also served as Commissioner for Environment under various administrations in Lagos State,” said the statement.
According to the statement, the President expects the new Chief Executive Officer to ensure the realisation of the Commission’s mandate of protecting and promoting the interest and welfare of Nigerian consumers.
He also expects the agency to ensure the adoption of measures to guarantee the safety and quality of goods and services. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SA/IKU
Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

June 24, 2024
FG mulls relocation of old Keffi Medium Correctional Centre
FG mulls relocation of old Keffi Medium Correctional Centre
Relocation
By Yahaya Isah
Keffi (Nasarawa State), June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says the Federal Government is considering the relocation of the old Keffi Medium Correctional Centre to the new place for efficiency.
Tunji-Ojo, who stated this during an inspection tour of the facility in Keffi, Nasarawa State on Monday, said that urbanisation had already caught up with it which would inform the relocation.
He recalled that the centre was established in 1820, which was well over 200 years ago and that at the moment the facility was even sharing fences with civilian buildings.
The minister said that the two correctional centres had over 1,500 inmates which was a huge number considering there size, especially the old one, adding that the development was not sustainable and not good enough for a correctional centre.
“The old centre now finds itself within the civilian buildings. To me, it is a serious security risk, especially for the people around the facility.
“Perhaps, we will be putting everything in motion so that we can relocate it and move it to the new correctional centre and use the facility for other purposes.
“May be as a muster institution for younger generations. So, overall we are trying to make our correctional centres not as business as usual,” he added.
Tunji-Ojo, who also inspected the ongoing construction of 3,000 capacity correctional centre at Karshi in Abuja, expressed satisfactions with the level of work done so far, urging the contractors to speed up for timely delivery.
He expressed optimism that by the time the project becomes functional, no doubt it would go a long way to address the problem of overcrowding and other problems experienced in other smaller facilities.
“This is the era of paradigm shift in ideology, from a place of incarceration to a place of transformation, from a place of reformation to a place of correction.
“Mind you, the 3,000 capacity is to be built across the six geopolitical zones in the country with the aim of decongesting the nation’s correctional centres and with a more fortified security measures,” he said.
He said this would address the external attacks on some nation’s correctional centres experienced in recent times by criminals. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
YI/OJI/IKU
Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Tayo Ikujuni
June 24, 2024
Cattle breeders association advocates modern rearing techniques
Cattle breeders association advocates modern rearing techniques
Cattle
By Ahmed Kaigama
Bauchi, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has urged pastoralists to adopt modern rearing techniques to boost livestock production.
The President of the association, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, said this during the inauguration of the elected executives of the association, on Monday in Bauchi.
He tasked cattle breeders to embrace good livestock management practices such as improved breeding, healthcare and feeding methods.
Othman-Ngelzarma said the association was geared towards effective modernisation to encourage productivity, improve animal health and check conflict triggered by traditional grazing practices
The chairman enjoined the herdsmen to sensitise their wards to the importance of practicing sustainable agriculture, and stressed the need for sound programmess to equip them with livestock management and entrepreneurial skills.
This, he said, would create opportunities for self-sufficiency and reduce attraction of alternative livelihoods that might lead to conflicts and insecurity.
Othman-Ngelzarma said the association was working towards improving veterinary services and education standard, disease prevention and enhance access to quality clean water and feeds.
He tasked the inaugurated officials to foster unity and work towar6d ensuring proper upbringing of the younger ones.
Also speaking, Mohammed Kabir, the inaugurated chairman of the association, promised to provide quality leadership to promote unity among its members. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MAK/BEKl/RSA
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Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Rabiu Sani-Ali
June 24, 2024