Day: August 30, 2023

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to rigorously review its exchange rate to come up with more acceptable fare for future Hajj exercises.

Shettima made the call when he received briefing from the management of NAHCON led by its Chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shettima spoke against the backdrop of the problem of the volatility of the exchange rate on the commission’s finances which was caused by the unification of the different forex windows.

He also advised the management of NAHCON to make adequate arrangements to take care of the pilgrims.

Shettima said that though hajj was a spiritual exercise, the commission must not neglect the well-being of the pilgrims throughout their stay in the holy land.

He added: ” The welfare of the pilgrims is at the core of the pilgrimage and as such the commission must give it the priority it deserves.

” The management must be proactive as it prepares for the future. You have to rigorously review your exchange rate and come up with a much more acceptable figure.

” It is absolutely essential that we review this mechanism and make it practical and effective to give us maximum success in managing the hajj operations from year to year.”

Similarly, Shettima emphasised the need for NAHCON to develop a robust mechanism to curtail the challenges faced by the people.

He further advised them on the need to educate the pilgrims on their rights in the holy land by making use of the social media platforms and other traditional media to enhance its visibility.

Shettima commended the commission on the various initiatives to further enhance its activities especially the launching of the Hajj Savings’ Scheme.

The vice president said: ” And the Hajj Institute of Nigeria and Public Private Partnership Arrangements for Kano, Lagos, Maiduguri and Ilorin Projects.”

Shettima also lauded NAHCON for a successful 2023 hajj operations in spite of many challenges it faced.

He added: ” We have to offer praises to Allah for the successful conduct of 2023 hajj, in spite of harsh conditions faced by people in Saudi Arabia occasioned by the climate change and other factors.

” The temperature rose to unimaginable level, though Nigeria was not the only country affected by the effect of the climate change.”

Shettima commiserated with the families of the 29 pilgrims who died during the 2023 hajj exercise.

He urged the commission “to learn lessons from the last hajj operations and gird our loins and make efforts to address all the shortcomings in the upcoming hajj operations.”

Earlier, Hassan disclosed that the recently concluded 2023 Hajj was successful largely due to the prompt transportation of the pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He also said that the provision of accommodation to the pilgrims, feeding and efficient medical services at all the phases of hajj was successful.

Shettima said: ” We are here to brief His Excellency, the Vice President about National Hajj commission, our mandates, our scorecard and our challenges.

” As you are aware, the Vice President is in charge of supervising our activities so we have a duty from time to time to report to him about our challenges, and about our plans as well.

” The National Hajj commission is actually well prepared for the take off of Hajj 2024.

“As you know, there are a number of issues that have to be settled particularly this issue of the exchange rate.

” And as you are aware, over 90 per cent of Hajj fare is in US dollars in the sense of the flight, the cost of the flight, the hotels, all the services being provided in the kingdom.”

According to Hassan, all these are still being worked out.

He revealed that, already, the commission had gotten the approval of Shettima to start in earnest in preparation for 2024 Hajj in a matter of weeks.

Hassan said: ” We will inform Nigerians, exactly how we intend to key into the roadmap of Saudi Arabia. So that our planning will be in time .

“So that when you plan early enough it will also lead to smooth success of the operation.”

NAN recalls that President Bola Tinubu had recently returned the supervision of NAHCON under the office of the vice president.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Dr Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, said on Wednesday that 23,000 people have been reported missing in less than a decade due to the insurgency in some parts of the country.

Edu said this in Abuja at a stakeholders engagement with the theme “Where are you now”, to mark the International Day of the Disappeared.

She said that the figure represented half the number of missing people in the whole of Africa.

Edu said that the report of the missing people released by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) was as a result of the insurgency in some parts of the country.

“Today, over 23,000 persons are still missing.

“However, it is likely that this is just a tip of the iceberg as a more efficient mechanism is needed to improve the reporting and forensically trace cases of missing persons,” She said.

The minister said the issue of missing people had become one of the most critical and long-lasting humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts, and as such called for sober reflections.

Edu said that the present administration was committed to curbing the issue, hence the need to facilitate and strengthen the legal frameworks that would substantially address the incidences of disappearance.

Mr Yann Bonzon, Head of Delegation, ICRC, said that more than 23,000 people, registered by the Family Links Network in Nigeria, never returned home, and remained missing until date.

Bonzon said that the number did not convey the true extent of the issue.

“The actual number of missing persons is likely to be much higher, with Nigeria having more missing people than any other country on the continent.

“Until a national mechanism is created, immediate steps must be taken by the Nigerian government to prevent disappearances, to prevent the disruption of family links and maintaining links between separated family members.

“It will also help to address proper management of the dead,” he said.

Bonzon said that ICRC would continue to work closely with the government and relevant stakeholders to prevent disappearances to encourage and promote the adoption of international best practices.

He said that the ICRC would also support the Nigerian authorities to build sustainable capacities and resources to establish a national mechanism for the missing and their families.

“Let us collectively remind ourselves that while people might be gone, they will never be forgotten, and their families will never stop searching for them,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group walked from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to the National Human Rights Commission, to create awareness.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Young Leaders from 18 countries representing all sectors of society have been selected to participate in the 2023 Youth for Road Safety and the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety (YOURS) Leadership Retreat in Spain.

The Executive Director of YOURS, Raquel Barrios said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Barrios said the 23 young leaders were selected from 18 countries including Argentina, Cameroon, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, India and Indonesia.

He said that the countries also includedJordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, Spain, Tajikistan, Uganda, the United States, and Zimbabwe.

According to Barrios, all young leaders are active community leaders leading road safety actions, interventions and advocacy.

He said that most have significant experience in presenting road safety in national and international arenas.

Barrios said the retreat was the first of its kind and was an excellent occasion for the youth to enhance their skills, build networks.

He said that ot would also help in charting ways to contribute meaningfully to the decision-making process of road management.

According to him, the 23 exceptional leaders have been selected to participate in the retreat to build their qualities and increase their ability to Influence their local community on road safety.

“We are excited to bring together 23 talented young leaders dedicated to changing the road safety reality they have inherited and that is affecting their lives.

“At YOURS, we assert that meaningful youth participation is essential and we want to address the global road safety crisis and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); therefore, we are investing in young leaders.

“So they can continue acquiring new skills, expanding their networks, and creating stronger connections that will enable them to lead with renewed vigour and passion.

“The retreat not only aims to be a transformative experience for the participants but will also be a key contribution to their understanding, dedication, and passion for creating safer roads and sustainable communities globally.

“The legacy of this retreat will be seen through the initiatives, projects, and innovations that these young leaders will lead long after the retreat is over,” he said.

Barrios said that the training which is focused on building new skills in tackling the biggest killer of young people globally was scheduled to hold for four days in Madrid in Spain beginning from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1.

He said that the retreat was supported by Spain’s Fundacion MAPFRE, which would host the training at its Madrid headquarters, with the support of TotalEnergies Foundation and MICHELIN Corporate Foundation.

The group’s executive director also said that the 4-day intensive training experience would help the youth maximise their leadership and practical advocacy skills to demand and deliver road safety and sustainable mobility globally and locally.

“The Global Youth Coalition, which consists over 1,700 young leaders from around the world, was set up in 2020 by YOURS to unify a global youth movement for road safety.

“It takes a unique approach to place young leaders at the centre of organisational decision-making.

“Via various youth leadership structures they will undergo a specially-curated learning curriculum using the multi-award-winning YOURS Capacity Development approach,” he said.

On his part, Mr Patrick Obi, the Youth Leader and Leadership Board member for the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety lauded the initiative to train the youth across board on toad safety.

He expressed delight to have been selected as one of the representatives from the Africa region to participate in this global leadership training facilitated by YOURS.

“I am hopeful that this training will re-energise and empower me to further advance the cause of youth road safety and sustainable mobility.

“I believe that the leadership training holds the promise of not only equipping me with valuable skills and knowledge, but its positive influence will also permeate our broader road safety endeavors at GreenLight Initiative in Nigeria and Africa,” he said.

YOURS’ mission is to amplify the collective voice of young people to lead and deliver road safety and meaningful participation.

The retreat is supported by esteemed stakeholders such as TotalEnergies Foundation, Michelin Corporate Foundation, the World Health Organisation, MAPFRE Foundation, and other notable global and local organisations.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and renowned singer, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, have been listed among the ‘100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that they were named among other Africans in the list released by the organiser on its website on Wednesday.

Other Nigerians who made the list included former SGF, Boss Mustapha, Tony Elumelu, Mohammed Abdullahi, Alhaji Imaan Ibrahim, Femi Otedola, Dr Stephen Akintayo, Farouk Khailann and Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Renowned clergy, Pastor Jerry Eze, Dr Daniel Moses, Mohammed Dewji, Mesfin Tasew Bekele, AIGP Aishatu Baju, Gabriel Aduda, Tein Jack-Rich, Tosin Eniolorunda, Dr Oluwatosin Olatujoye and Nollywood star, Rita Dominic also made the list.

Amb. Kinsley Amafibe, Project Director, Africa, for the 100 Most Notable Peace Icons in Africa, congratulated all Nigerians who made the list.

According to him, the peace icons are Africans drawn from different backgrounds, who have used their talents, positions and resources to build and promote peace across the continent.

He said the list was not exhaustive as there were other Africans who have contributed to peace building across the continent that would be identified and honoured in subsequent editions of the peace-building roll call.

“The 100 most notable peace icons in Africa come from diverse backgrounds and have different life experiences, but they all share a deep commitment to peace and non-violence.

“They have shown us that peace is achievable, and that each person can make a difference in building a better world.

“Through their leadership, activism, and humanitarian work, they have inspired millions of people around the world to join their movement and work towards a more just and peaceful future.

“Over the last three decades, our society has been tethering at the brink of global conflict and the pursuit of peace has given rise to some of the most remarkable individuals of our time,” he said.

He added that those who made the list were people who have dedicated their lives to promoting peace and justice in their communities, countries, and the world at large.

“As we honour these remarkable individuals, we are reminded of the importance of their work and the impact it has had on the world.

“We hope that their example will continue to inspire individuals and organisations around the world to work towards a more peaceful and just world for all,” he said.

He further said that the peace icons included Political Leaders who work tirelessly to resolve conflicts and promote diplomacy as well as activists who use their influence and resources to fight against injustice and inequality.

“We also have humanitarians who provide aid and relief to those in need especially during unrest, as well as artistes who use their craft to promote peace and unity in the world.

“There are real estate stakeholders who work with the humanitarians to provide safe space for homeless individuals and agricultural experts who sacrifice in ensuring Africa, is self-sustaining in food production.

“Also included are media personalities who are dedicated in ensuring that accurate information is passed and financial experts who use their financial strength to contribute to the growth of Peace among others,” he said.

NAN reports that other recipients across the continent included human right activist and African Affairs commentator P.L.O. Lumumba, Rwanda President, Paul Kagame; Seyi Vodi, Hajiya Salamatu Muktah, Josephine Nwaeze, Ayo Animashaun and Prof. Stevens Azaiki.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT) have signed Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) to further strengthen counter terrorism efforts in the country.

The Head, Strategic Communications, ONSA, Mr Zakari Mijinyawa, in a statement, said the MoUs were signed on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Mijinyawa, the documents are in furtherance of Nigeria’s joint efforts with the international community in combating the global menace of terrorism which still remains one of the most complex challenges to the peace, security, and stability of nations around the world.

He said the parties also pledged continued collaboration to identify, collect, and disseminate good practices and lessons learned as well as explore new opportunities by promoting dialogue and partnership through the development of capacity building activities.

The statement quoted the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as saying that the two MoUs signalled a momentous milestone in cementing Nigeria’s partnership with UNOCT towards enhanced collective counter-terrorism efforts.

Ribadu was represented by the National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), retired Rear Adm. Yaminu Musa.

It also quoted Mr Vladimir Voronkov, UN Under-Secretary-General, Office of Counter-Terrorism, as saying that the MoUs envisaged further cooperation in various areas including countering terrorist travel, financing of terrorism, border and maritime security, and delivery of counter terrorism training in Nigeria.

Heads of key implementing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) also attended the signing ceremony.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Angolan head of State João Lourenço Wednesday recommended the Foreign Intelligence Service (SIE) staff to keep an eye on everything going on in the world, mainly in terms of stability and security.

In his speech, made at the swearing ceremony of the new deputy director of the Foreign Intelligence Services Teresa Manuel Bento da Silva, the Statesman recalled that today’s world is increasingly troubled and marked by conflicts of all kinds.

“Just this morning we were taken aback by the reports on the instability in Gabon, a neighbouring country,” said the Angolan President.

A group of senior Gabonese military officers on Wednesday announced that they had taken power and detained President Ali Bongo, minutes after the state election body declared the winner of Saturday’s general election.

Appearing on state-run television channel Gabon 24, the officers said they represented all security and defence forces in the Central African nation.

They said the election results were cancelled, all borders closed until further notice and state institutions dissolved.

Angola’s Foreign Intelligence Service is tasked with producing information and analyses with a view to carrying out intelligence and state security measures and actions

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

The Kavango–Zambezi Trans-frontier Conservation Area (KAZATFCA) Consultative Research Collaboration Forum is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting in October to endorse the recommendations put forth by the recently concluded forum.

The approval process will be initiated subsequent to the sharing of recommendations with the current Chair state of KAZATFCA, Zambia.

The idea was proposed by University of Namibia (Unam) Vice Chancellor Professor Kenneth Matengu during the forum’s closing session at Katima Mulilo on Wednesday.

Matengu recommended that a small working group be established to consolidate the recommended draft and formulate a final research framework. He also recommended that Unam take on the role of secretariat in the process.

The consultative collaboration forum discussed how tertiary institutions within KAZA can contribute collectively to KAZA’s goals and foster research collaborations.

Among the nine themes of recommendations from the consultative meeting were research topics related to community-based management, land use, natural resources, wildlife and human conflict and health.

Professor Martha Nickanor, a member of the drafting committee and Unam’s Executive Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Engineering and Natural Science, said the theme of health as research topic has become essential as wildlife like elephants and fish can carry diseases across regions.

She stressed the importance of creating a strategy to address such risks and highlighted the potential for resource sharing by member states.

KAZATFCA’s vision is to establish a world-class trans-frontier conservation area and tourism destination in the Okavango and Zambezi River basin regions within the context of sustainable development.

It is the second-largest nature and landscape conservation area in the world, spanning the international borders of five southern African countries.

Source: NAMPA