The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has unveiled its new website which the agency’s Director General, Chief Executive Officer, and the permanent representative of Nigeria with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Professor Charles Anosike says is; “More functional, interactive, dynamic and compares with websites of Met Offices in other parts of the world. The new website which can be accessed through our nimet.gov.ng domain has been meticulously designed by our internal ICT staff from the ground up, with a primary focus of establishing a sustainable and scalable portal for the agency”.
Continuing, Prof Anosike said that the unveiling of the new NiMet website, “is part of ongoing efforts by the new management of the agency to reposition the agency for improved and effective service delivery. This is in addition to other initiatives which are in line with the Aviation sector roadmap of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development “.
Cyprian Okpalaku, Special Adviser on Information Communication Technology (ICT) to DG/CEO of NiMet, said that with the new website; “members of the public can effortlessly request data and monitor the progress of their requests directly through the portal. Also, the weather forecast widget has been revamped to enable partner agencies or organizations to easily integrate it into their own websites”.
Okpalaku listed other features of the website to include; per section view homepage design making it easy for visitors to concentrate on one content section at a time thus enhancing user experience, improved responsiveness ensuring optimal viewing and functionality across all devices, secured back-office security matrix, highlighted enhanced features such as former Directors General sections, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) display, archive and documents section, NiMet Chat Box – an intelligent chat box which acts as a NiMet agent, responding to client inquiries with precision, weather alert section, activity sub-domains for agency departments, and an integrated news section.
Concluding, Okpalaku said that the new NiMet website; “serves as a cornerstone for the modern portal structure, contributing to NiMet SmartNet, a system facilitating back-office and smart office operations management across the agency and its branches nationwide”.
Following recent undersea cable cuts that challenged connectivity in many countries in the West African region, Nigeria has called for a coordinated and multilateral approach by the region to protect shared telecommunications infrastructure, and diversify connectivity to ensure uninterruptible connections.
The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, made the submission at the 21st West Africa Telecommunications Regulatory Assembly (WATRA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, between March 19th and 22nd 2024.
Dr. Maida, whose message was represented at the forum by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the Commission, Nnenna Ukoha, stated that the recent submarine cable cuts that resulted in nationwide outages on multiple networks in 12 African countries has raised the urgent need for the sub-region to establish a mechanism to protect itself from damage to submarine infrastructure and its attendant impact on the sub-region.
Maida in a statement by the Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka on Sunday, disclosed that the recent submarine cable cuts that resulted in nationwide outages on multiple networks in 12 African countries raised the urgent need for the subregion to establish a mechanism to protect itself from damage to submarine infrastructure and its attendant impact on the subregion
The Executive Vice Chairman referred to a report by Cloudflare, an IT service management firm, which indicates that about six countries, including four West African countries, still suffers outages caused by the submarine cable cuts.
“Securing telecom infrastructure is paramount for fostering Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and enhancing investor confidence in the West African sub-region.The reliability and resilience of telecommunications networks are crucial factors that investors consider when evaluating regional opportunities.” He added
“By ensuring the security of these vital assets, we can attract more investment, spur economic growth, and enhance our competitiveness on the global stage
He noted that a secured telecom infrastructure not only facilitates efficient communication and connectivity but also signals a commitment to safeguarding critical assets essential for business operations
The EVC recommended that the WATRA Working Group on infrastructure should expand it’s mandate to superhead the development of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard the subregion’s telecommunications networks and associated infrastructure thereby proactively bolstering resilience through improved disaster response protocols to better insulate ourselves from future disruptions
In a significant stride towards youth empowerment, the Federal Government has called for the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement the strategic plans of the Ministry of youth development.
The strategic plans are aimed at providing young Nigerians with the necessary skills, mentorship, conducive environment and access to resources that will empower them to become active contributors to the country’s economy.
Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, the Minister of Youth Development, made this call during a pivotal meeting with the Resident Representative of the UNDP, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, which took place at the Honourable Minister’s conference room in Abuja.
While shedding light on the strategic areas of the ministry’s agenda. Dr. Bio-Ibrahim said, “Our strategic ambition is to transform and reposition the Nigerian youth as catalysts for economic development. Young people must be an integral part of this process. We have other sub-ambitions, the first being a reduction in the youth unemployment rate, followed by an increase in youth possessing skills that are in line with global demand, and an increase in youth participation in social and economic development”
Dr Bio- Ibrahim expressed that the core tactical initiatives are focused on four pillars: Governance, Jobs and Skills Innovation, Culture and Behavioral Change, and Human Capital Development.
“These pillars aim to guide policy advocacy and development, improve coordination across stakeholders, and provide multi-agency youth programs and resources” she added
The Minister emphasized the determination of her ministry to establish communication governance frameworks, implement youth-embedded public and private sector mentorship programs, create multi-sector job off-taker platforms for youth employment, enhance NYSC reforms and establish youth villages and innovation centers.
She also disclosed plans to revitalize the national youth investment fund, launch the Young Leaders Institute, implement social, behavioral, and cultural change programs aimed at tackling youth-related issues such as climate change, gender, mental health, drug, and substance abuse.
The Minister further explained that the initiative includes provision of access to business literacy, financial management, and entrepreneurship training to meet the global market demand.
As part of efforts to actualise these initiatives, she disclosed plans to create more professional departments in the ministry
“We are currently seeking approval to create additional professional departments. However, the one that is particularly important to us is the Youth Well-being Department. It is crucial to create such a department because when young people have good mental health, they are more likely to be productive. Therefore, our goal is to prioritize the well-being of our youth”, she said.
She further said, “We are seeking approval to restart the Nigeria Investment Fund. If approved, it will enable us to employ the cluster approach with a view to enhancing youth development and empowerment. This, in turn, will lead to tangible sustainable impact on a great scale, and benefit our economy”.
Dr. Bio-Ibrahim maintained that one of the Ministry’s main goals is to increase the representation of young people in politics and governance at all levels by seeking the Council’s approval for 30 percent youth quota.
In his welcome remark, Dr. Donuma Umar Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, expressed his sincere appreciation for the meeting with UNDP Resident Representative.
He posited that the meeting was aimed to bring about positive change in the lives of young people in Nigeria.
He urged the participants to be proactive in their contribution.
Speaking also, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, the Resident Representative of UNDP, gave the assurance that her organisation would provide support for the initiatives.
Attafuah lamented that the African continent is facing a daunting challenge as young people continue to struggle to find jobs, leading to frustration and the growing trend of going abroad to seek jobs.
She pointed out that it was high time to delve deeper into the root causes of the problem and take a more realistic approach towards youth empowerment and job creation.
“We must create more opportunities and find jobs for our people, as merely providing them with starter packs or training won’t solve it. We need to identify the obstacles that hold us back and tackle them head-on. Let’s work together to eradicate this problem and create a brighter future for our youth and our continent.” She said.
“In the four pillars, we will encourage everyone to think outside the box and explore innovative practices that align with the ever-changing world,” she added.
Ms. Attafuah expressed her eagerness to collaborate with the Ministry in the priority areas outlined by the Minister.
She stressed the importance of ensuring that the design, implementation, and operationalization are done properly
L-R, Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Hon. Minister of Youth Development and Ms. Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative, UNDP, during the courtesy call on the Minister in her office.
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has commended the Federal Government and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on the initiation of a 90-day window for the regularisation of import duties on specific categories of vehicles, effective from 4th March 2024 to 5th July 2024.
The commendation was made on behalf of the Civil Society Council by the Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, in the wake of a Press Release issued by the Nigeria Customs Service signed by Abdullahi Maiwada, a Chief Superintendent of Customs and National Public Relations Officer for Comptroller General of Customs, dated 22 March 2024.
NCS under the directives of the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, took this step to ease economic hardship and encourage compliance, by approving the suspension of the 25% penalty previously imposed in addition to import duty on improperly imported vehicles.
Stakeholders, including vehicle owners, importers, and agents, are encouraged to seize this opportunity to regularise import duty payments within the designated 90-day timeframe.
“This is another highly commendable gesture by the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, through the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the Nigeria Customs Service to cushion the hardship on Nigerians as a result of the global economic down-turn.
The Nigeria Customs Service under the new Comptroller General, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has given unprecedented human face to the Service, of which the Civil Society Council deeply appreciates as the conscience of the citizenry and voice of the masses”. Akinlosotu posited.
“This waiver and removal of penalty charges will go a very long way in boosting individual and organisational business economies, while having a positive ripple out effect on families. With more of such strategic interventions coming from the Minister of Finance and the NCS, our Council believes the present nationwide hardship would be remarkably ameliorated in no distant time”. The Executive Director continued.
“The Civil Society Council hereby specially thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, appreciate the Honourable Minister of Finance, Wale Edun and commend the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for this development, while we call on the citizenry to exercise more patience, being rest assured that the current economic hardship shall drastically reduce, considering the numerous interventions being roled out by the Federal Government, especially by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigeria Custom Service”. Akinlosotu concluded.
The First Lady of Kwara State, Her Excellency Prof. Amb. Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, and Matron of the 5Stars Football Academy, has pledged unwavering support for the upcoming maiden FCT Football Academy League, an initiative spearheaded by 5Stars Football and Consultancy. This groundbreaking league will witness schools vying against each other, aiming to clinch the prestigious championship title.
Recognizing the pivotal role of sports in the holistic development of children, Her Excellency emphasizes her commitment to endorsing sporting events that foster the growth and well-being of youngsters.
Scheduled to commence from April 30th to May 11th, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria, the Academy League adopts a compelling two-legged home and away structure, promising exhilarating football encounters. Highlights of matchdays will be broadcasted on leading television networks, amplifying the league’s reach and impact.
With the participation of eight confirmed teams, including Pacesetter’s College, Divine Mercy School, Stella Maris School, Mervyn School Academy, Aduvie International School, Premier International School, and Royal Family Academy, anticipation for the league’s kickoff is palpable. Furthermore, additional schools are expected to join the fray, bolstering competition and camaraderie among young athletes.
The league not only aims for athletic excellence but also champions the Champion’s Mindset, nurturing resilience, teamwork, and leadership among participants.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 10 of Reduced Inequality, a donation drive for gift items and playable toys has been tailored to support children, particularly those with autism, who may face challenges in participating. The goal is to gather a minimum of one thousand toys, symbolizing solidarity and inclusivity.
To herald the commencement of this landmark competition, a press conference will be held at the Bon Hotel Maitama on Saturday, April 13th, 2024, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey of sportsmanship and community engagement.
It would be recalled that , on 7 March 2024, troops received information that terrorists had invaded LEA School Kuriga in Chikun LG of Kaduna State.
During the incident unconfirmed number of pupils were abducted. Following the incident, the military committed to leaving no stone unturned until all the hostages were rescued.
The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba in a press release signed on Sunday, 24 March 2024 , the military working with local authorities and government agencies across the country, in a coordinated search and rescue operation rescued the hostages. “The hostages are same persons that were abducted from the school at Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.
“The rescued hostages totalling 137 comprise of 76 females and 61 male. They were rescued in Zamfara State and would be conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further action.
“Relatedly, it would be recalled that on 21 Mar 24, troops equally rescued 16 pupils (Almajiris) with a woman taken hostage in Gada LGA of Sokoto State. These hostages were handed over to the Sokoto State Govemment. These efforts demonstrate the armed forces resolve to finding other innocent hostages and wack down the terrorists that perpetrated these crimes.
“These efforts would continue until other hostages are found and the terrorists arrested, tried, and brought to justice by Nigerian law. Troops are employing similar effort to trackdown the culprits responsible for the killings of 18 soldiers in Okuama Community in Delta State. Justice await the culprits, as they can not go unpunished”.
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has disclosed that the budget 2024 of the Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) will ensure effective operation in support of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
According to Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr FCAi Fsca Fcpe Director ( Information and Public Relations) in a press he signed recently, the Minister stated this during the 34th meeting of the Board of Directors of the organization at Ship House.
Addressing the Board members, Dr. Matawalle said that the estimated budget has demonstrated once again President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’ s Renewed Hope Agenda in making welfare matters of the Nigerian Military a top priority. He therefore charged them to be prudent and effective in the management of the resources in fulfillment of DHML’s mandate.
He added that the Board’s endorsement for the payment of a severance allowance equivalent to 40% of the staff basic salary was another demonstration that the welfare of staff of the organization is of top priority as well.
The Minister said that the Defence Health Maintenance Limited is living up to expectation in providing healthcare services to the Veterans. He further promised that government would continue to prioritize provision of quality healthcare services to Veterans and citizens at large.
In attendance were members of the Board which included, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher G. Musa OFR, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Toreeb Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar,.
Others are , the Managing Director of Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML), Surgeon Rear Admiral AB Afolayan (Rtd), Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) to the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Brigadier General MN Inuwa; and other senior officials from DHML.
The Minister has directed a technical committee to be set up to look into some of the challenges of the organization and on how best to address these challenges for effective operation.
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has described the appointment of Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode as the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency by Mr. President as a well deserved one owing to his high level of dedication and commitment to duty.
In a press release signed by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr FCAi Fsca Fcpe Director ( Information and Public Relations), the minister describing Rear Admiral Ayo as a seasoned and experienced Hydrographer with a demonstrated history of working with the Military Industry and defence diplomacy said that he is expected to bring his professionalism and dedication of duty to bear in his new appointment in the interest of the Nigerian Navy and the nation at large.
He said: “On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, I say congratulations for a well deserved appointment and I strongly believe you will move the Agency forward for the betterment of the Navy and in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This appointment is with effect from 3rd, July 2023 when he started overseeing the Office.
…Says their efforts to secure the nation is heroic
The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Muhammad Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has commended the sacrifice and patriotism of the Nigerian Armed Forces adding that their relentless efforts to secure the nation from banditry , insurgency and other criminal acts is heroic.
According to Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr FCAi Fsca Fcpe Director ( Information and Public Relations) in a press release signed on the 22nd of March, 2023, The Minister made the commendation when he addressed the Officers and Men of the 1st Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna.
He charged them not to relent on their resolve to free Nigeria from insecurity. He said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is fully aware of the sacrifice, patriotism and combat readiness of the gallant troops to deal decisively with security threats militating against the peace, unity and progress of the country.”
Commenting on the unfortunate incident that happened at Okuoma community in Delta State, the Minister condemned the act in its totality and sympathised with the bereaved families and relatives of the brave Soldiers of 181 Amphibious Battalion in Delta State who paid the Supreme price while on peace mission to Okuoma community in Delta State.
Also speaking on the recent Kuriga School Children Kidnapping in Kaduna State, he said that the Military and other security Agencies are closely coordinating efforts to see that the school children kidnapped are rescued.
Furthermore ,Badaru said that the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is working tirelessly to see that the nation is secured and at peace. “The efforts of Mr. President in the security of this great nation is yielding positive results and very soon Nigerians will see the benefits of these efforts,” he assured.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, H. E. Muhammed Badaru Abubabar, CON, mni toured some Military formation facilities in Kano State over the weekend.
Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr FCAi Fsca Fcpe, Director (Information and Public Relations) disclosed that Among the places visited included: the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Bukavo Baracks Kano, Nigeran Air force 455 Base Kano and Nigerian Navy Logistics Colleges, Dawakin tofa all in Kano State.
At 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Commander of Brigade, Brigadier General M A Sadiq took the Minister round some facilities in the Brigade.
Thereafter, the Minister toured the Nigerian Air force 455 Base Kano where the Commander of the base Group Captain M. Suleimán briefed him about the general situation of the facilities in the base.
Furthermore, the Minister toured the Nigerian Navy Logistics Colleges, Dawakin tofa and the Commander of the Institution, Commodore JK Adedaji presented the academic activities of college as well as showing him the existing infrastructures.
Speaking on his assessment after the tour, the Minister said that the aim of the tour was to get a brief about what is going on at various Military Formations and their operations as well as to encourage Officers to do more to secure the nation from both internal and external security threat.
He therefore urged the Military personnel to be vigilant and proactive in blocking areas tagged as soft targets for the bandits and other terrorists pointing out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has accommodated all the necessary requirements of all cadres in the Military to ensure productivity in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda of supporting the Military in discharging their professional responsibilities.
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