Day: August 27, 2023

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has inducted 1,212 graduated banking professionals, urging them to continuously learn and adapt to new changes.

The President/Chairman, CIBN, Dr Ken Opara, gave the advice at the 2023 CIBN graduates induction and prize award on Saturday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony has its theme as: “The Dynamics of Work and Current Realities: The Way Forward for Financial Service Professionals.”

Opara said that the theme resonated deeply with the rapid changes that had continued to shape the landscape in the financial services sector.

“We live in a world of unceasing transformation, fuelled by the convergence of technological breakthroughs, shifting market dynamics, and changing customer expectations.

“According to a report by the World Economic Forum in ‘Future of Jobs Report 2022’; it was noted that by 2025, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and data analytics are expected to drive significant shifts in labour markets, necessitating new skills and adaptability from professionals across all industries.

“Statistics from the same report underline the urgency of embracing change: approximately 40 per cent of the core skills required to perform existing roles in financial services sector are expected to change by 2025.

“This underscores the importance of aligning our skill sets with the emerging demands of the industry, enabling us to navigate the disruptions and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

“It is imperative to state that as an institute, we are in tune with the dynamics shaping the financial services landscape and recognise the profound impact of technological innovations, which have orchestrated a significant transformation within our industry,” he said.

The CIBN president pledged the institute’s commitment to executing strategic capacity-building initiatives that would bridge skill gaps and empower professionals.

According to him, this will help them to remain at the forefront of industry advancements while also ensuring their sustained competence in an ever-evolving landscape.

Opara, who celebrated the inductees, said that they represented the future of the industry.

He said, “We are confident that your knowledge, skills, and ethical values will contribute significantly to the continued growth and development of the financial services landscape in Nigeria and beyond.”

The CIBN president, later announced that going forward, the induction ceremony of the institute would hold twice a year, beginning from February 2024.

This, he said, was a strategic move by the institute to ensure it turned out graduands more rapidly and enable them use the ACIB/MCIB designations almost as soon as they completed their programme.

The institute inducted a total of 1,212 graduates, comprising 27 from the CBMBA route, 29 from the MSc/ACIB route, 354 with the ACIB designation, and 804 as Microfinance Certified Bankers.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Some media experts have urged journalists to embrace data journalism to enhance citizens access to the right information.

The experts gave the task at a day workshop organised for journalists on “Data Journalism and Media Standards,” on Saturday in Lokoja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by Stallion Times Media Services with support from the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, and funded by MacArthur Foundation.

Mr Charles Mbah, a journalisr and Data Analyst, who is a Facilitator at the workshop, said data journalism would help to reduce the skill of misinformation and disinformation.

He added that data journalism, which represented facts, would help citizens to get the right information that they could use to hold government accountable.

Mbah enjoined journalists to be intentional about using data journalism to drive their profession whether in broadcast or investigative journalism, among others.

“Journalists should be intentional about data journalism; though it could be time consuming.

“They should make it a gradual process, because it is very important as we are in the age of misinformation and disinformation,” Mbah said.

On his part, Mr Isiyaku Ahmed, the Project Coordinator of Get Involved, Dialogue and Improve Project (GDRIP), said data journalism present information in a visual form, making it easier for people to understand.

Ahmed, who doubles as the Editor-In-Chief of Stallion Times, stressed the need for journalists to maintain “Media Standards” in carrying out their duties.

“The workshop is just to remind ourselves of what are those standards that we practice as professional media that make us to stand out as journalists.

“The media standards are enshrined in the Press Freedom and Code of Ethics for any practicing journalist,” he said.

Ahmed therefore enjoined journalists not to restrict themselves only to the Code of Ethics in journalism, but they should also make use of the instrument of press freedom.

According to him, journalists should know the roles their organisations want them to play as well as seeing the obligation they have for the community, and put them side by side their constitutional role, which is holding government accountable.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Association of Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers (AWTR) and the coalition of NGOs promoting the right of the indigenous people of FCT, have commiserated with victims and families of the recent building collapse in the FCT.

The group said this in a statement signed by Hajia Hannatu Usman-Nga, wife of the Sa’Peyi of Garki, on Sunday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a two-storey building located at Lagos street, Garki village, collapsed on Wednesday, leaving two persons dead and 37 others injured.

Usman-Nga who described the incident as unfortunate, stressed the need for a stricter building codes as well as enlightenment on the dangers of substandard construction materials.

“We call on the authorities to investigate the cause of the collapse and to take steps to ensure that such tragedy does not happen again.

“We also call on the indigenous women of FCT to come together in support of the families and friends of those who are injured and those who lost their businesses.

“We must stand together in solidarity during this difficult time,” she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Nigeria Peace Advocates (NPA), a non-partisan group, says the intensity of military onslaught against bandits and insurgents in the North East and North West is making them to become desperate.

This is contained in a statement by the Secretary of the group, Mr Bernard Udu, on Sunday in Abuja.

Udu called on Nigerians to continue to support and pray for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

According to him, the military under the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, had demonstrated capacity to defend the country against the enemies of peace.

He said bandits and terrorists in the two geo political zones were already feeling the heat of intensified military operations across the country, hence their desperation.

He described the recent death of some troops who paid the supreme price while responding to terrorists’ attacks in Niger as very painful, adding that the military had demonstrated unwavering commitment to duty.

“No matter the level of their desperation, Nigerians are solidly behind the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of Gen. Musa.

“We must stand behind our troops who continue to make sacrifices for the peace and stability of our country. We must not give in to those whose actions are inimical to peace and development.

“NPA, once more send our heartfelt condolences to the CDS, the AFN and families of the deceased personnel.

“Nigerians are behind you and we stand in hope that very soon, there will be light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Revival School, in collaboration with Unclesele and Nitche Entertainment, has launched ‘The Little Miss Rainbow’ platform to build the girl-child’s confidence and self-discovery.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which held on Saturday in Lagos, with the theme, ‘Embracing the Essence of Womanhood,’ was aimed at redressing the stereotyping of women and consequent loss of their identity.

According to the convener of the ‘Little Miss Rainbow’ pageant, Mrs Preere Opuofoni, the platform aims to change the narrative of negative description and stereotyping of the girl-child.

“Little Miss Rainbow is a pageant that would help solidify your daughter’s identity by giving her a platform to safely express herself.

“It will also help build confidence and give the girl-child an opportunity to be a voice for her generation,” said Opuofoni.

She explained that the rainbow symbolised fascination, hope, and calm after the storm; a pot of gold and good fortune.

“A woman personifies ageless beauty, selfless love, purity, grace and dignity. She symbolises virtue, great inner strength, tremendous patience, resilience and fortitude.

“She is the pillar of strength not only to her family but also to the society and the country as a whole; women are the backbone of a nation’s economy,”Opuofoni said.

In addition she noted that, “A true woman should naturally embrace her femininity, regardless of status or circumstance in life.

“Little Miss Rainbow derives its essence from the mission of ‘The Revival School’ which was established in 2022 as an all-volunteer school to build a community of believers/commissioned kingdom citizens.

“Its goal is centred at helping others experience a deeper level of intimacy and trust in God by hosting the presence of the Holy Spirit.”

After a keenly contested exercise, Ms Vanessa Edet emerged as the Little Miss Rainbow 2023.

The organisers intend to make the Little Miss Rainbow pageant an annual event to foster the girl-child’s confidence.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A former member of the House of Representatives, Robinson Uwak, on Sunday, commended President Bola Tinubu on his move to resolve Nigeria’s dispute with the United Arab Emirate (UAE)’s Airline and its visa issuance.

Uwak, in a statement, said President Tinubu’s move would reopen that corridor for Nigerians, who usually visit UAE for business and leisure and deepen the cooperation between both nations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Emirates Airline had, in October 2022, suspended its operations in Nigeria over allegations that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) failed to approve for the repatriation of backlog of funds accruing to its operations in the country.

Tinubu had, on Aug. 25, while receiving the ambassador of the UAE, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi in Abuja, promised to personally intervene in the dispute and amicably resolve it.

Uwak said the two countries ought to sustain their cooperation with reference to the reports that Nigerians spend an estimated N3.3 billion weekly ($381m per year) on flights to the UAE with Emirates Airlines, the UAE flag carrier, having the lion’s share of that amount.

“Nigeria as a leading market in Africa should have equal access to the other big markets in the globe for trade and investment and leisure activities,” he said.

NAN reports that President Tinubu, while receiving Al-Shamsi, had said: “We must work together. We need to agree on core aviation and immigration issues,” in a statement signed by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale.

Al-Shamsi was also quoted in the same statement to have said: “We are getting somewhere. These are small issues, all within a family, and they will be resolved.”

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

An oil theft situation assessment delegation deployed in the Niger Delta by President Bola Tinubu discovered an illegal oil connection on Saturday.

From the illegal connection discovered at Owaza in Abia, Nigeria loses an average of 7.2 million dollars monthly, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) stated on Sunday.

It added that clandestine refineries, illegal bunkering operations and environmental devastation the team saw in communities visited, collectively translated into severe economic losses for the nation.

The delegation, led by the Minister of Defence, Malam Muhammed Badaru, has service chiefs, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri as members.

Other members are the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperipe Ekpo, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., Malam Mele Kyari.

Also in the team are Commander of “Operation Delta Safe”, Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira, operatives of security agencies and chief executive officers of regulatory agencies in the oil and gas sector.

The team visited the Trans-Niger Pipeline Right of Way in Owaza, Abia, where an array of dismantled illegal connections were observed.

The delegation also visited Bille, Azuzuama, Ahoada, Rumuekepe Ebocha, Abacheke, Egbema, Ohaji, and Koko communities in five states of Abia, Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo and Delta States.

“We are ready to do whatever it takes for a peaceful Niger-Delta. Cease and desist from crude oil theft and economic sabotage,” Malam Badaru advised at the site.

In his remarks, Kyari said while oil theft in vessels could be tracked, oil-bearing communities must play a vital role in curbing oil theft within their communities.

“Oil theft is one of the reasons why Nigeria cannot meet her OPEC daily production quota,’’ he said.

Also speaking at the site, Chief Security Officer of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd., Mr Patrick Godwin, said some arrests had been made and culprits arraigned.

In his comments, Ribadu applauded security agencies, community security contractors, and NNPC Ltd. for stepping up the fight against oil theft and economic sabotage.

“The environment and livelihoods are being destroyed while the federation is deprived of revenue capable of shoring up the economy and strengthening the Naira,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has promised to embark on comprehensive reforms in key sectors under his ministry to enhance their operational capabilities.

In a video broadcast on Sunday monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed his commitment to executing the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu, a transformative plan aimed at revamping sectors.

The four sectors include the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOs), the Federal Fire Service (FFS) as well as the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Acknowledging the leadership of Tinubu, Tunji-Ojo expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve and promised to uphold the responsibilities entrusted to him.

He emphasised that his focus would be on ensuring that the government’s promises translate into meaningful action, making a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.

The minister promised to do all he could within his capacity not to disappoint the president in terms of the implementation of the “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

In addressing challenges relating to NIS, the minister highlighted his determination to enhance the experience of Nigerians seeking to register and obtain passports for various purposes.

“I assure Nigerians of our desire to proceed with reforms in our NIS, such that Nigerians can be treated with respect, and that we get to unbuckle all bottlenecks of passport collections.

“We will also ensure that other issues associated with the service in general are under control,” he stressed.

Besides, Tunji-Ojo said he would ensure the decongestion in NCoS custodial centres as well as providing inmates with the opportunity for rehabilitation and re-integration into the society.

“Of course, with beaming life, and hope we’d groom inmates and help inmates to ensure proper re-integration into the society.”

The minister further said that on the proposed reforms for the FFS, he would ensure that response times to emergencies was enhanced.

“We will do everything within our power as a ministry to ensure that there are key reforms in the nation’s fire service centres and turn around the response time to say 15 minutes.

“The commitment further reflects the administration’s recognition of the critical role played by the service in safeguarding citizens and infrastructure.”

Tunji-Ojo further pledged to prioritise the protection of national assets and facilities, as well as to ensure the effective protection of national infrastructure by the NSCDC.

The minister added that his commitments to reform all the services under his ministry reflect the administration’s vision for a more secure, efficient and prosperous Nigeria.

“We will ensure that in terms of protection of national assets, it’s expected of the NSCDC to respond to ensuring that our national asset are well protected.

“I assure Nigerians that under my leadership as the Minister of Interior, I will not rest on my promise of taking a clue from the zeal, determination and commitment of the President.

“I also assure that the Renewed Hope finds its footings in the Interior Ministry, and Nigerians will be proud of this administration,” he added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

State visit to Angola by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva continues to grab headlines in the Angolan and international Media.

The Brazilian Statesman made a three-day working visit, as part of the reinforcement of cooperation and existing friendship ties between the two countries.

Media houses in Angola continue to focus on different speeches delivered by the Brazilian Head of State during his visit to the country.

In Portugal, the United States, France, Germany and Brazil, with media outlets such as RTP, VOA, LUSA, RFI, DW, Folha UOL and G1 highlighted the moment of cooperation between Angola and Brazil.

RTP, for example, publishes on its website an article titled “Brazilian President visits Angola with 170 businessmen”.

The news also refers to the holding of the Economic Forum that ended on Friday, with the presence of 500 businessmen, including 170 from Brazil.

VOA, from the United States, has the title “The largest Brazilian presidential delegation ever present in Luanda” and highlights the development project of the Cunene Valley, among others analysed during the visit.

The Portuguese LUSA underlines “Lula da Silva gives a score of 10 to the state visit to Angola” and quotes the Brazilian president: “I think it was the best visit I made to Angola (…) I also want to thank the affection that President João Lourenço had with my delegation”.

On the online page of DW (Germany), it can be read that the presence of the Brazilian Head of State in Angola focused on economic cooperation and refers to the agreements signed in the sectors of agriculture, tourism and transport.

The publication adds that the visit symbolises “Brazil’s return to Africa” and adds President Lula da Silva’s words that “relations between Angola and Brazil are a state policy”.

In Brazil, Folha UOL mentions “Lula signs agreements in Angola and criticizes Bolsonaro’s indifference towards Africa”.

Agência Brasil publishes “Lula announces that the country will invest again in Africa” and stresses that Angola is a good payer.

The Brazil G1 online page points out that Lula’s trip to Angola represents a closer relationship between Brazil and the African continent.

It recalled that in the Angolan Parliament, the President of Brazil honored “Mãe Bernadete”, one of the most important Quilombola leaders assassinated last week, for having defended the struggle for gender equality and for the distribution of wealth and food.

During the visit, Angola and Brazil strengthen their cooperation with seven new bilateral cooperation agreements.

The two states formalised their cooperation in 1977, two years after Angola declared independence on November 11, 1975

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

Namibia commemorated its 33rd Heroes’ Day on Saturday, with the President of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, being the guest of honour.

President Hage Geingob, in his address, stated that Namibia and Cuba share a longstanding bond of friendship, forged through the sacrifice of fallen heroes and engraved in the battlegrounds of Namibia’s fight for freedom and independence.

‘Even the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean that separates our nations cannot sever this enduring connection. Truly, our sons and daughters traversed numerous rivers of blood, aided by our allies, the courageous Cuban internationalist fighters who stood shoulder to shoulder with our combatants from the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), in order to ultimately overcome the scourge of apartheid ideology in Southern Africa,’ Geingob remarked.

He emphasised that the Cuban fighters sought no recompense for their valiant deeds.

‘They were solely propelled by the very principles that propelled their own revolution. Their blood sacrifices, coupled with those of Namibia’s own offspring, marked the turning point in our armed struggle and will forever be etched in the pages of history,’ Geingob concluded.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency