Day: November 1, 2023

The Federal Government has assured the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) of its support toward the successful hosting of the maiden Commonwealth High Commissioners’ Banquet in Nigeria.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar said this in Abuja at a news conference held in Abuja on Wednesday by the society.

The news conference was organised by the society to announce the plan to host the banquet on Dec. 12 in Abuja.

The minister, who was represented by Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, the Director of the Economy, Trade, and Investment Department in the ministry, underscored the importance of the meeting, saying it would engender economic diplomacy and trade facilitation among members of the Commonwealth.

He added that the banquet will be based on the theme of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Kigali in 2022 under the theme: ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that delegates at the heads of government meeting in Kigali held from June 20 to June 25, 2022, embraced unity and collaboration to tackle issues that are at the heart of the Commonwealth’s values.

The issues ranged from gender equality, youth empowerment, sustainable economic development, and climate action.

The minister said that the time to render support to the society was now, especially in view and furtherance of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Addressing journalists earlier, the Country Director of RCS, Mr Blackson Bayewumi, said that the banquet which “will be the first of its kind to be hosted in Africa, is designed to enhance trade facilitation and investment promotion between Nigeria and the major Commonwealth countries.

According to him, the objective is to ensure economic development in line with the Nigeria Economic Diplomacy Initiative of the Federal Government, job creation, investment promotion, and economic development.

“Royal Commonwealth Society is a network of individuals and organisations committed to improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens across the world.

“Through youth empowerment, education, and high-level advocacy, the society champions the importance of literacy equality, inclusion, the environment, and connected communities across the 56-member Commonwealth.

“RCS’ unique position within the Commonwealth family allows it to play a pivotal role in convening and connecting the Commonwealth’s political and diplomatic representatives, civil society, business, and youth leaders on a wide range of issues as well as to deliver highlights of the Commonwealth calendar,’’ he said

The country director said that it was no longer news that problems existed everywhere in the world.

He said in view of that, Nigeria is not an exception.

“We should not think that Nigeria is the only country in the world that has problems. We know that there are security issues, for instance. But it is not by shouting and fighting ourselves that solutions will come.

“It is by positive engagements and we can come up with initiatives and ideas like what we are doing.

“We are going to use our platforms to look for solutions to our problems.

“For instance, if through this banquet we are going to host we are able to raise 2 billion dollars’ worth of investment in Nigeria, many people will get employed and Nigerians will benefit from it,’’ he added.

Bayewumi said the banquet will showcase opportunities for trade and investment in Nigeria with the High Commissioners of the Commonwealth member states and other foreign guests.

He added that among other things, the meeting will discuss potential support for the new administration and government in Nigeria, strengthen cordial relationships and friendship among Commonwealth members, and promote peace and interaction within the bloc.

Also speaking during the news conference, Alhaji Babangida Nguroje, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), said the banquet to be hosted in December “is timely in view of the challenges facing the economy’’.

According to him, Nigeria is desirous of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to buoy the economy.

He expressed the belief that the event will mobilise Commonwealth member states for sustained, balanced investment.

NAN further reports that high-powered interaction among Commonwealth High Commissioners, the Presidency, senior government officials, state government officials, business leaders, and the organised private sector will feature during the banquet.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has warned against any attempt to tamper with the political structure in Rivers.

Wike gave the warning after a closed-door meeting with members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, led by its Chairman, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mohammed was accompanied by the Governors of Adamawa, Ahmadu Fintiri, Mr Caleb Muftwang, of Plateau and Mr Agbu Kefas of Taraba.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a crisis had erupted in Rivers on Monday, after an attempt by the Rivers Assembly to impeach the incumbent Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara.

Wike told the visiting governors that he would not be intimidated by any one for his influence in Rivers or his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as FCT minister.

He explained that the impeachment move was not a military coup, but in line with the provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He dismissed the rumours going round that the fracas was born out of his interest in the finances of the state, which he dismissed as “absolute rubbish.”

“No body can take away the political structure in Rivers; nobody can intimidate me. If I want to do something, I will do it.

“The impeachment is not a military coup; it is provided under the constitution. Also, I am not interested in all the rumours, money, this, and that. Rubbish. Absolute rubbish.

“I just left the office, how many months ago? And I am FCT Minister, so which money? But nobody can take away our political structure. No one.

“You cannot work, and people will begin to bring enemies; those who fought you when you were struggling for the person to be in office. Nobody does that.

“I am not a political ingrate, but don’t touch the political structure of the state. I will not shut my eyes,” Wike said.

The minister thanked the forum for the visit and further thanked President Tinubu for finding him worthy to serve in his cabinet, stressing that he was still a member of the PDP working for Tinubu and not APC.

“Forget about the Obidients and the Atikus who have lost and felt that I did not support them, and those that I revoked their Certificate of Occupancy.

“Oh! Wike did this; Wike did that because I didn’t support Obi, and didn’t support their own Presidential candidate, and all of you just teamed up ‘Wike! Wike! Wike!’.

“I am not disturbed; I will do what is right; and my conscience is clear. I am not the person you think that you will now go to social media and say all kinds of things.

“You must be careful, I have the capacity to fight back”, he warned.

Earlier, Mohammed thanked Wike for the willingness to resolve crises, noting that the forum had waded into the matter because of the importance of Rivers to the party.

He also commended the Tinubu for appointing one of their own to serve in his government, noting that Wike’s antecedents spoke volumes about his ability to lead.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has introduced e-booking and e-ticketing of vehicles in the Federal Capital City, Abuja, to block revenue leakages.

Dr Abdulateef Bello, Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), FCTA, made this known during a training of operational staff of the directorate on e-booking and e-billing systems in Abuja on Wednesday.

Bello explained that the move was to curb revenue leakages, promote transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in the FCT traffic management system.

He said that the implementation of the e-ticketing system would begin in the city centre due to the heavy traffic before it would be extended to the suburbs in days to come.

The director explained that the system would allow offenders to appeal or protest unsatisfactory bookings to ensure justice and address discrepancies.

“This evolution will empower DRTS officers to serve the public better by delivering services that are not only seamless but efficient and transparent.

“The new paperless system exemplifies our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to serve our community with unparalleled efficiency and integrity.

“This will equally eliminate the challenges associated with manual systems. It will also help us to manage fines and ticketing systems while minimizing revenue leakages,” he said.

Bello said that with the e-platforms in place, the directorate would be able to have a comprehensive record of all transactions.

This, he said, would ensure that every money due to the government goes to the government and accounted for.

He added that the systems offer seamless payment options for offenders and would enhance their overall experience while interacting with the officials of the directorates.

“It provides easy access to penalty records from various endpoints, audit trail history and other related data analytics.

“This will ensure accountability and informed decision-making,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was attended by all operational staff from the 22 commands of the directorates.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. These birth defects are commonly known as “Orofacial Clefts”.

Cleft is caused by a combination of genes and other environmental factors that an expectant the mother comes in contact with, including what she eats or drinks, or certain medications she uses during pregnancy.

Other factors may include diseases like diabetes, obesity, and excessive consumption of cigarettes or alcohol, as well as poor mother’s nutrition level.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that globally, one in every 700 children is born with the condition.

WHO added that one in 1,200 children estimated cleft incidences, are of African descent. 19,000 cleft children are born every year in Africa, out of which 12,000 are in West Africa and 6,000 in Nigeria.

Dr Akintunde Akintayo, a Consultant Surgeon with the Plastic and Reconstruction Unit, Department of Surgery, Jos University Teaching (JUTH), had told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in an interview that cleft often occurred when certain body parts and structures did not properly fuse together during fetal development.

According to Akintayo, cleft lip is a congenital opening on the lip, while the palate is an opening in the throat.

“As a baby develops during pregnancy, body tissue and special cells from each side of the head grow towards the center of the face, and join together to make the face.

“A cleft lip happens if the tissue that makes up the lip does not join completely before birth and this results in an opening in the upper lip.

“The opening in the lip can be a small slit or it can be a large opening that goes through the lip into the nose.

“A cleft lip can be on one or both sides of the lip, or in the middle of the lip, which occurs very rarely. Children with cleft lip also can have cleft palate,’’

Akintayo, who said that the abnormality could be hereditary, added that the mother’s lifestyle during pregnancy could increase her chances of having a child with cleft.

He, however, assured that cleft was treatable.

The surgeon explained that anyone born with cleft might likely have other abnormalities, and therefore, advised mothers to be wary of their lifestyles during pregnancy.

“Cleft is hereditary; it can be transferred from parents to children. But it is a treatable condition.

“It is not possible to have a society that’s totally free of cleft because it is genetic, and it is difficult to correct genes, but the cases can be reduced.

“When both parents have cleft, it increases the chances of their children coming up with the condition.

“But specifically, mothers must take good care of themselves and avoid indiscriminate consumption of medicines during pregnancy.

“We also advice intending couples, who both have cleft, against getting married; this will automatically reduce the number of cleft victims in our society,”

How enlightened are people about this condition? But how can access to treatment be increased for victims of cleft? Whose responsibility is it to ensure such access? What is the government’s role in tackling the menace? These and more are the questions that readily come to mind in a bid to understand the condition and curb it.

In the light of the above, and worried by the situation, Smile Train, a non-profit organisation, founded in 1999, with its headquarters in New York City, has been providing corrective surgery for children with clefts.

Currently, it provides free corrective cleft surgery in 87 countries, training local doctors and providing hospital funding for the procedures, with the sole aim of supporting 100 per cent free cleft repair surgery and comprehensive cleft care for children globally.

In Nigeria for instance, Smile Train has sponsored more than 25,000 free cleft treatments since 2002.

Beyond the surgeries, its sustainable model empowers local medical professionals to provide other cleft care in their own communities such as orthodontics, speech therapy and nutritional support.

Commending smile train for providing free treatment for cleft victims, Akintayo said that the organisation had sponsored more than 300 free surgeries in JUTH since 2007.

According to him, the free treatment introduced by Smile Train and other similar organisations has increased access to treatment for victims.

“But we need to do more in creating awareness, particularly in rural communities.

“Smile Train is doing well in this regard, but a lot of victims are still not aware of the existing free treatment.

“In JUTH, surgery for cleft costs between N75,000 to N100,000. These figures may look small, but it is big for a family with a lean income.

“Inhabitants of urban cities like Jos may not know how and where to access free cleft treatment, but the people in rural communities must be adequately sensitised in this regard.”

Prof. Emmanuel Ameh, of the Department of Paediatrics Surgery, National Hospital, Abuja, who also threw more light on the condition, called on federal and state governments to commit more funds towards improving surgical treatment and care for cleft victims.

According to Ameh, the spate of deaths due to unavailability of surgical procedures for those with medical conditions such as cleft, keep going higher, and that the policymakers, who should consider the issue as critical, usually view surgical care as too expensive.

He noted that the government often placed more emphasis on treating infectious diseases over other health conditions.

“Over the years, policymakers believe surgical care is very expensive and tend to neglect that aspect of medicine.

“Government at all levels lay more emphasis on infectious diseases over other medical conditions and one classical example is the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

“Currently, nine out of 10 people in Low-Income Countries such as Nigeria lack access to basic surgical care.

“So, there is a need for the government to invest more funds into surgical and anaesthetic care.”

He further advised the government to expand surgical care to cover 75 per cent of the population and 50 per cent of children less than 15 years of age.

The surgeon further called on the government to ensure that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), removed restrictions on the treatment of surgical conditions.

Ameh also called on the government to train more experts in providing surgical care, particularly in the aspect of life support.

Rhoda Ajiji, a beneficiary of the free treatment offered by smile train, narrated her ordeal before she could access treatment.

Ajiji, a resident of Maijuju community, in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau, said that some people from her community did everything to prevent her from getting treated.

“In 2009, I heard of the free treatment offered in JUTH by Smile Train. It was at the village market that someone told me about it.

“But when people in my community, including members of my family, heard of it, they refused me going for the treatment.

“They warned those with motorcycles or cars not to pick me, so, I had to trek for two days to go to JUTH for treatment,”

Dismissing the claim in some quarters that cleft could be a spiritual attack on the victims, Rev. Ayuba Asheshe, the Secretary General of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), agreed with Akintayo that it was a genetic condition.

According to Asheshe, the Church does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of their health condition, but supports people, irrespective of religious background, to seek medical help when in need of one.

“Most Churches today have established hospitals and these facilities cater for the health needs of not just its members, but the general public, irrespective of religious or cultural affiliations.

“So, the Church does not discriminate on basis of health condition, but we support our members to seek medical attention alongside prayers when passing through any health challenge,”

Asheshe promised to create awareness on the availability of free treatment for people with cleft lip and palate.

Da Samuel Jok, the District Head of Riyom, promised to support the efforts of Smile Train, and other relevant agencies in providing succor to all cleft victims in rural communities.

Therefore with concerted efforts by critical stakeholders in the health sector, it is believed that cases of cleft in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities, would drastically reduce, as those who are currently suffering from the condition would access the free treatment courtesy of Smile Train.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero has commended Air Peace Airline’s Tuesday’s maiden commercial flight to Jeddah.

The airline’s spokesman, Mr Stanley Olisa, stated in Ikeja on Wednesday that the emir commended Air Peace for expanding its Asian footprints with Tuesday’s flight.

Air Peace operated its maiden commercial flight from Kano to Jeddah on Tuesday on a B777s jet carrying 231 passengers.

The airline had in the past been operating chartered flights to Saudi Arabia on Hajj operations.

The emir noted that with the launch of the scheduled nonstop flights to Jeddah, Air Peace would further deepen bilateral ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, boost economies of both countries and advance mutual development.

Ado-Bayero also commended the Chairman of Air Peace Airlines, Dr Allen Onyema for the impact he was creating in the country through the airline.

He thanked the Saudi Arabian authorities, travel partners and the Nigerian government for making the launch possible.

Reacting, Onyema described Air Peace’s entry into Jeddah as a milestone, stating that Jeddah was the airline’s sixth international destination in nine years of launch of commercial operations.

“This is huge, not just for Air Peace, but for Nigeria.

“We are undoubtedly exemplifying our ambition of connecting Nigeria to the world with world-class flight services.

“Air Peace is on a mission to easing the air travel burdens of Nigerians and plugging the connectivity gaps that had hitherto existed.

“We are happy to be serving as a means of solidifying socio-economic ties between Nigeria and other countries of the world,’’ Onyeama said.

He noted that Nigeria and Saudi Arabia had always cooperated smoothly with religious tourism being a key driver of the relationship.

He said that in line with its route expansion drive, Air Peace would launch flight operations into London soon.

Onyeama expressed gratitude to the emir of Kano who felicitated with the airline during its recent ninth anniversary, describing the emir as a bridge-builder.

He also applauded Ado-Bayero for his contributions to nation-building, adding that the nation needed more of such traditional rulers.

He said Air Peace was modernising and increasing its fleet as it already signed an order for five new E175 aircraft in addition to existing orders for 15 Boeing MAX aircraft.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has assured genuine businesses intending to invest in Nigeria that his government was determined to create the conducive atmosphere for genuine businesses to thrive.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, said this in Abuja at the opening of the 2nd edition of the Africa Natural Resources and Energy Summit (AFNIS).

He warmed that the government would no longer tolerate criminal adventures and their criminal collaborators.

According to him, the government will do everything possible to lower the risks of investment by overcoming the temptation to interfere in the legitimate business operation of duly licenced miners.

“Dear investors, we are determined to create the conducive conditions for genuine businessmen.

“We welcome you and shall do everything possible to assist law-abiding businesses to operate in our country.

“However, we shall no longer tolerate criminal adventures and their local collaborators who exploit our socio-economic – environment to sabotage our nation, in the guise of bringing business.

“Those caught will face the full wrath of our laws, ‘” he said.

The president said that the said that the AFNIS event was also an opportunity to discuss new ideas and display new technologies.

” Our country does not Intend to “re-invent the wheel”.

“We hope to leverage on the advancement of technology so that our solid minerals can catch up with the world,” he said.

He called on geologists, , and all other professionals in the field, to put on their thinking caps, and establish Nigeria as an intellectual, professional and industrial hub in solid mineral exploitation, manufacture and export in Africa.

Also speaking, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake said that Nigeria has witnessed the transformative potential of the solid minerals sector.

Alake expressed government’s renewed commitment to effectively harness the resources for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“In Nigeria, we have witnessed the transformative potential of our solid minerals sector and the vast opportunities that lie within it.

“We are committed to harnessing these resources effectively, efficiently and sustainably to drive economic growth and create prosperity for our citizens.

” Our efforts in this direction have already yielded positive results, with increased exploration, investment, and responsible mining practices taking center stage,” Alake said.

According to him, the global energy landscape is also undergoing a profound transformation.

He said that the imperative of combating climate change was steering us towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources driving our industrial activities towards less carbon footprints.

“We must embrace this transition, seizing the opportunities it presents for innovation, job creation, and a healthier planet.

“Nigeria, with its vast energy potential, is poised to play a pivotal role in this journey.

“We must work collaboratively to diversify our energy sources, promote renewable energy, and implement energy efficiency measures,”

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Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, says the Federal Government will enforce the processing of industrial raw materials locally to boost foreign exchange inflow and enhance job creation.

Addressing the 2nd edition of the Africa Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit on Tuesday in Abuja, Audu said some pathways had been suggested that transition metals could be produced locally with requisite value addition.

He said such pathways included enforcing the processing of raw materials locally.

“Government will provide an environment conducive to investments in minerals processing plants across the country.

“This will ensure FOREX proliferation and creation of jobs for skilled and unskilled workers in the mining sector.

“We must improve promotional activities for specific minerals; we must build on several on-going initiatives to grow Nigeria’s mining sector.

“Local and global promotion needs to be intensified on lithium, gold, limestone, among others to attract investments into the sector,’’ he said.

The minister said the government would also invest in exploration of bankable data for mining.

“Government will encourage investments in the determination of large volumes and deposits of transition metals.

“We need to secure the mining environment; ensuring a secure environment through enhanced security initiatives remains one of the matters that require urgent attention.

“We need to establish host communities mineral development fund.

“This will address the challenges investors usually encounter with local communities on ownership of mineral deposits,’’ he said.

Audu noted that Nigeria’s journey in the mining sector had been both transformative and evolutionary.

According to him, as Nigeria stands at the cusp of a new era, the pursuit of value addition becomes paramount, particularly in the realm of transition metals.

“The demand for these metals, crucial in the development of green technologies, has surged globally.

“Africa’s potential to meet this demand is vast, yet largely untapped.

“The key lies not only in extracting these metals, but in harnessing our capabilities to produce and refine them locally.

“Doing so is an opportunity to foster economic growth, create jobs, and also maintain control over our resource value chain.

“By investing in domestic refining and production capabilities, we are adding value and also paving the way for sustainable development,’’’ the minister stressed.

He said collaboration between the Federal Government and sub-national governments, industry stakeholders, and investors was necessary to build a robust infrastructure, promote innovation, and instigate supportive policies that encouraged local value addition.

“Furthermore, it calls for a commitment to sustainability, incorporating responsible mining practices, and embracing environmentally-friendly production techniques to mitigate any adverse impact on the ecosystem.

“As the minister of steel development, I stand committed to supporting initiatives that foster the local production of transition metals.

“We are committed to a sustainable future that demands innovation and transformation in steel production, ensuring that our advancements align with global environmental standards,’’ Audu said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria