Author Archives: daudupress

FG To Collaborate With MasterCard Fund To Create Job Opportunities For Nigerian Youth

Maryam Aminu

The Federal Government has disclosed its intention to collaborate with the Mastercard Foundation Fund for Resilience and Prosperity to create job opportunities for the Nigerian youths focusing on men, women, people living with disabilities, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim made the disclosure when she received the Grants, Finance, and Risk management officer of Mastercard Foundation Fund, Abraham Jeff Ndambuki, who paid her a visit in her office in Abuja.

The Minister said the Ministry is focusing on priority sectors of the Federal Government which are Agriculture, Climate Adaption, Digital Economy, Blue-economy, Mining, and Renewable Energy so as to establish young people in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

She expressed the preparedness of the Ministry to partner with the Mastercard foundation and advised that participants for the programme should be selected in clusters so that each participant can leverage on the advantage of the others within the same cluster.

She posited that the approach would provide greater opportunities for more young entrepreneurs to benefit from the fund.

The Minister promised to provide the foundation with a database of young people who will be beneficiaries and will ensure that the businesses are sustainable and successful.

The Minister further said, “We are also in the process of designing a framework for the Youth Development Bank. The Youth Investment Fund is in the review process. We want to improve and expand on this programme. We will operationalize the fund. We are well open to ideas on how we can work together and collaborate on those Government priority sectors.”

In his presentation, the Manager Grants, Finance and Risk for the Mastercard Foundation Funds for Prosperity and Resilient, Mr. Ndambuki revealed that the programme had been implemented in 20 African countries, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria is one of them.

“We have engaged 35 different stakeholders including government officials and the private sector, the programme is in its second phase, the first phase was completed last year, and it lasted for ten years. It was valued at 50 million dollars, and we succeeded in disbursing the entire 50 million dollars across 8 countries.” He said

Ndambuki further said, “The foundation has come with a second phase and increased the amount to 126 million dollars, which is equivalent to approximately 194 billion naira in today’s rate. The organisation said it would last for the next seven years.
“so we are now in the first year which is the preliminary stage, that is why we are performing the visibility market research to identify and understand the Nigeria markets.” He added

Ndambuki stated that Nigeria is the organisation’s central focus, adding that their presence in the country is to try to identify the key stakeholders they need to partner and engage with as they start the programme in April.

L-R, Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Hon. Minister of Youth Develooment, Abraham Jeff Ndambuki, Grant, Finance and Risk Management, the Mastercard Foundation fund for Resillience and prosperity and Olugbenga Momoh, Director Enterprise Development and Promotion, Federal Ministry of Youth Development during the Foundation ‘s courtesy call on the Minister .

Security of Our Environment is the responsibility of all

By Emmanuel Daudu

Environmental security awareness involves understanding and acknowledging the interconnectedness between environmental issues and national security. It recognizes that environmental threats such as climate change, natural disasters, and resource scarcity can have significant impacts on human health, economies, and political stability.

It is important to be aware of these threats and take appropriate action to mitigate risks and build resilience. This can involve implementing policies and practices that promote sustainability, investing in clean energy technologies, and supporting international cooperation to address global environmental challenges.

Individuals can also contribute to environmental security by being mindful of their own impact on the environment, reducing their carbon footprint, and advocating for policies that protect natural resources and ecosystems.

Overall, environmental security awareness is essential for safeguarding the well-being of both present and future generations, as well as ensuring a stable and secure world for all.

Environmental security awareness is important because it helps individuals and communities understand the interconnectedness of their well-being with the health and balance of the environment. It means recognizing that environmental issues such as pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, and resource depletion can have profound impacts on human societies, economies, and overall quality of life.

Protection of ecosystems: Increased environmental security awareness leads to a greater understanding of the importance of preserving and protecting the various ecosystems that provide essential services to humans, such as clean air and water, fertile soils, and biodiversity.

Mitigation of climate change impacts: Environmental security awareness involves recognizing the links between human activities and climate change. By understanding the causes and consequences of climate change, individuals and communities can take steps to reduce their carbon footprint, adopt sustainable practices, and adapt to the changing climate.

Conservation of natural resources: Awareness about the finite nature of natural resources such as water, fossil fuels, and minerals is crucial for their sustainable use. By recognizing the need to conserve these resources, individuals can make informed decisions about their consumption patterns, leading to reduced waste and increased efficiency.

Preservation of biodiversity: Environmental security awareness emphasizes the importance of biodiversity for the stability and resilience of ecosystems. By understanding the value of diverse species and their interdependencies, individuals and communities can support conservation efforts and reduce activities that contribute to habitat destruction and species loss.

Health and well-being: Increased environmental security awareness helps individuals understand the potential health impacts of environmental degradation, such as air and water pollution, exposure to toxic substances, and the spread of vector-borne diseases. This awareness encourages individuals to take measures to protect themselves and their communities from these risks, such as advocating for clean energy sources and supporting public health initiatives.

Overall, environmental security awareness means recognizing the importance of a healthy environment for sustainable development, human well-being, and the protection of future generations. It leads to informed and responsible actions to address environmental challenges, ensuring a more secure and sustainable future for all.

END

Project sponsored by Zenith Global Media Services & Consultancy

Environmental awareness: The need for a Safe environment

By Emmanuel Daudu

The world we live in today is facing numerous threats to our safety and well-being, from the effects of climate change to the increasing prevalence of natural disasters. It is crucial that we take action now to ensure that we are creating a safe and sustainable environment for ourselves and those who come after us.

One of the first steps we can take towards creating a safe environment is to address the issue of climate change, which is caused primarily by human activities such as greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. The consequences of climate change are already being felt around the world, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and more severe. We must all do our part to reduce our carbon footprint and switch to more sustainable energy sources in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Another key aspect of creating a safe environment is to ensure that our communities are resilient in the face of natural disasters. By investing in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events and establishing effective emergency response strategies, we can better protect ourselves and our communities from the impacts of natural disasters. It is also important that we work together to address the root causes of natural disasters, such as deforestation and urbanization, in order to prevent future catastrophes.

Furthermore, creating a safe environment means ensuring that everyone has access to clean air and water, nutritious food, and safe living conditions. It is unacceptable that millions of people around the world are living in poverty and facing environmental pollution and degradation on a daily basis. We must work together to address these issues and create a more equitable and just society for all.

Morealso, creating a safe environment is not just a moral imperative – it is a necessity if we want to ensure the well-being of ourselves and future generations. We must all do our part to address the threats to our environment and work towards a more sustainable and resilient future. Let us come together as a global community to create a safe environment for all.

Why safe environment crucial for several reasons:

Physical safety: A safe environment ensures the physical well-being of individuals. It reduces the risk of accidents, injuries, and illnesses. This is especially important in places like schools, workplaces, and public spaces where large numbers of people gather.

Emotional well-being: A safe environment provides emotional security and stability. It reduces stress, anxiety, and fear, allowing individuals to focus on their tasks and enjoy their interactions with others. Feeling safe promotes mental well-being and improves overall quality of life.

Productivity and performance: When people feel safe, they are more likely to be motivated, engaged, and productive. In a safe work environment, employees are more willing to take risks, share ideas, and express their opinions. This leads to increased productivity, creativity, and innovation.

Learning and development: Safety is essential in educational settings. Students need a safe environment to learn effectively and explore new ideas without fear of judgment or harm. In a safe environment, students are more willing to participate, ask questions, and take intellectual risks, leading to enhanced learning outcomes and personal growth.

Trust and relationships: Safety promotes trust and positive relationships among individuals. When people feel safe, they are more likely to trust others, build meaningful connections, and collaborate effectively. A safe environment fosters a sense of community and belonging, allowing individuals to support and rely on each other.

Health and well-being: A safe environment plays a crucial role in maintaining good health and well-being. It includes aspects such as clean air, safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and access to healthcare services. A safe environment protects individuals from health hazards and reduces the risk of infectious diseases.

Legal and ethical considerations: Providing a safe environment is not only a moral responsibility but also a legal requirement for organizations. They have a duty to ensure safety standards are met to prevent harm to employees, customers, and the public. Failure to provide a safe environment can result in legal and financial consequences.

In summary, a safe environment is fundamental for the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of individuals. It fosters productivity, promotes learning and development, builds trust and relationships, and ensures legal compliance. Creating and maintaining a safe environment is beneficial for individuals, organizations, and society as a whole.

END

Sponsored By Zenith Global Media Services & Consulatncy, World Sustainable Development Goals Organization

NCC Celebrates 2024 World Consumer Day, says Consumers Are The Most Important Part Of Any Business,

NCC Celebrates 2024 World Consumer Day, says Consumers Are The Most Important Part Of Any Business,

Maryam Aminu

World Consumer Rights Day is a global event celebrated every March 15, to raise awareness regarding the rights of consumers. It is also a day to create awareness of injustice and various market cases of abuse across the world.

In light of the above, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), hosted a commemorative forum and road show to celebrate the 2024 World Consumer Rights Day.

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission Dr. Aminu Maida said consumers are the most important part of any business, and their protection is of utmost importance.

Maida recalled that the history of World Consumer Rights Day dated back to 1962 with the introduction of four basic consumer rights by President John F. Kennedy in his speech to the US Congress.
“These rights included the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, the right to be heard.” He said

The EVC observed that Artificial Intelligence AI has become a strong force that is shaping our future in profound ways.

The Commission in alignment with the global trend adopted the theme for this years’ edition of World Consumer Rights Day as “Fair and Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Consumer”

Dr. Aminu Maida said that as AI technologies continue to advance there is need to foster innovation while safeguarding fundamental rights, values, and dignity of consumers.

With the Commission’s special interest and commitment to Consumer Protection, Dr. Aminu Maida said that the Commission have proactively put in place consumer-centric initiatives to deal with first level complaints by the telecom consumer

He implored that there is need for AI Developers to be transparent about the data, algorithms, and models used in AI systems.
“This ensures that decisions made by AI can seebe explained and mistakes can be fixed to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their background. This helps prevent biased decisions or discrimination thereby promoting inclusivity and equality.

Speaking also, the Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mr. Clem Omife affirmed that the consumers will continue to occupy a special position in the Commission’s activities as they recognize that without the consumers, there will be no telecommunication industry.

Quoting the phrase of John Wanamaker, “customer is King”, Omife said “at the NCC, Telecom consumers are Kings because they provide the major drive and essence of our activities”

“Consumer Education also form a major tool for promoting consumer rights and therefore the Commission continues to engage with consumers and consumer issues using it various outreach programmes such the Telecom Consumer Parliament, Telecom Consumer Conversations: Market Conversation, Village Square Dialogue, Campus Conversation, NYSC Camp Sensitization Town Hall on Radio.

“We have also published the Telecom Consumer Handbook and transcribed into Braille for the Visually impaired.

“Also, the Commission- is in the final process of deploying the Automated Consumer Complaints Management system, which will further expand the complaints channels and improve complaints resolutions even at First level with Service Providers.”

Maryam Aminu

World Consumer Rights Day is a global event celebrated every March 15, to raise awareness regarding the rights of consumers. It is also a day to create awareness of injustice and various market cases of abuse across the world.

In light of the above, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), hosted a commemorative forum and road show to celebrate the 2024 World Consumer Rights Day.

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission Dr. Aminu Maida said consumers are the most important part of any business, and their protection is of utmost importance.

Maida recalled that the history of World Consumer Rights Day dated back to 1962 with the introduction of four basic consumer rights by President John F. Kennedy in his speech to the US Congress.
“These rights included the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, the right to be heard.” He said

The EVC observed that Artificial Intelligence AI has become a strong force that is shaping our future in profound ways.

The Commission in alignment with the global trend adopted the theme for this years’ edition of World Consumer Rights Day as “Fair and Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Consumer”

Dr. Aminu Maida said that as AI technologies continue to advance there is need to foster innovation while safeguarding fundamental rights, values, and dignity of consumers.

With the Commission’s special interest and commitment to Consumer Protection, Dr. Aminu Maida said that the Commission have proactively put in place consumer-centric initiatives to deal with first level complaints by the telecom consumer

He implored that there is need for AI Developers to be transparent about the data, algorithms, and models used in AI systems.
“This ensures that decisions made by AI can seebe explained and mistakes can be fixed to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their background. This helps prevent biased decisions or discrimination thereby promoting inclusivity and equality.

Speaking also, the Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mr. Clem Omife affirmed that the consumers will continue to occupy a special position in the Commission’s activities as they recognize that without the consumers, there will be no telecommunication industry.

Quoting the phrase of John Wanamaker, “customer is King”, Omife said “at the NCC, Telecom consumers are Kings because they provide the major drive and essence of our activities”

“Consumer Education also form a major tool for promoting consumer rights and therefore the Commission continues to engage with consumers and consumer issues using it various outreach programmes such the Telecom Consumer Parliament, Telecom Consumer Conversations: Market Conversation, Village Square Dialogue, Campus Conversation, NYSC Camp Sensitization Town Hall on Radio.

“We have also published the Telecom Consumer Handbook and transcribed into Braille for the Visually impaired.

“Also, the Commission- is in the final process of deploying the Automated Consumer Complaints Management system, which will further expand the complaints channels and improve complaints resolutions even at First level with Service Providers.”

NIMC, NCC Unveil Collaborative Efforts to Enhance NIN-SIM Linkage Processes

Maryam Aminu

The National Identity Management Commission and the Nigerian Communications Commission have collaborated to enhance the National Identification Number-SIM linkage processes

This was contained in a joint statement signed and made available to journalists on Sunday in Abuja by the Technical Adviser, Media, and Communications to the DG/CEO of NIMC, Ayodele Babalola, and the Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Reuben Muoka

The statement expressed that in recent times, the NIN-SIM linkage exercise has become subject of national discourse, reflecting the critical importance of aligning SIM registrations with individuals’ unique national identification numbers.

Recognising the significance of this initiative in enhancing security and improving service delivery, the duo commissions reiterated commitment to improving processes and enhancing efficiency.

“By pooling our resources and expertise, we aim to overcome the challenges associated with the NIN-SIM linkage exercise and ensure its continued successful implementation,” the duo commissions stated.

Under this collaboration, NIMC and NCC will work closely to streamline the NIN-SIM Linkage Process as they will collaborate to ensure a seamless experience for Nigerian telecommunication subscribers.
“This includes exploring innovative approaches to facilitate the swift verification and authentication of NINs during SIM registration and activation processes

They will also be a capacity building and public awareness
“Both agencies will collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing public awareness and understanding of the NIN-SIM linkage requirements. This includes educational campaigns, training sessions for stakeholders, and the dissemination of accurate information to the public to encourage compliance with the linkage directives.” They added.

They further expressed that their partnership will explore data Verification and Validation
“NIMC will continue to extend its support to NCC by providing assistance in verifying National Identification Numbers (NINs) associated with SIM registrations. Leveraging NIMC’s robust database and authentication infrastructure, telecommunication operators will validate submitted NINs while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of subscriber data.”

On exploring synergies and leveraging on each other’s expertise and resources, NIMC and NCC will collaborate on aligning policies and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the seamless integration of NIN-SIM linkage processes within the telecommunications ecosystem. This includes harmonising data protection and privacy regulations to safeguard the confidentiality and security of subscriber information.

Undersea Cable Cuts Disrupts Data, Voice Services Along African West Coast-NCC

Maryam Aminu

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given reasons in respect to disruption noticed lately in the usage of data, voice Services, bank codes and apps

The Commission disclosed this in a statement signed and made available to journalists on Thursday by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka.

According to the statement,
combination of cable cuts, resulting in equipment faults on the major undersea cables along the West African Coast have negatively impacted on data and fixed telecom services in several countries of West Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire among others

He noted that the West African Cable System (WACS) and African Coast to Europe (ACE) have experienced faults on the West Coast route from Europe, while SAT3 and MainOne have downtime.

He stated further that undersea cables providing traffic from Europe to the East Coast of Africa, like Seacom, Europe India Gateway (EIG), Asia-Africa-Europe 1 (AAE1), have been cut at some point around the Red Sea, resulting in degradation of services across these routes.

“In Nigeria and other West African countries, Internet access and speed have experienced disruptions in the networks of service providers in the affected countries.” He added

While disclosing that operators of these cables have commenced repairs already, and services are gradually being restored, he added that the cable operators have also promised to work round the clock to ensure that services are restored to the affected countries within the shortest possible time.

The Commission urged Consumers, both corporate and individual to be aware of these service disruptions

Wike appoints Hon. Chidi Amadi as Chief of staff

To enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Administration of the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has appointed Hon. Chidi Amadi as his Chief of Staff.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director Press, office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye and made available to the media on Friday.

Hon Amadi has vast experience in public service and has held several strategic political positions including PDP Chairman of Obio /Akpor Local Government Area and Chief of Staff to the Governor of Rivers State.

As Chief of Staff, Hon Amadi will play a pivotal role in supporting the FCT Minister in the formulation and execution of policies and programs aimed at advancing the development agenda of the Federal Capital Territory and will provide strategic guidance as well as ensuring the smooth functioning of the Minister’s office.

He will be sworn into office on Monday 18th of March, 2024.

Brace up for the best organized sporting event, organizers of Premiumtrust Abuja marathon urges residents

Organizers of the Premium Trust bank Abuja City international half marathon, Nilayo Sports Management company has urged resident of the Federal Capital Territory to brace up for the best organized sporting event in the country.

Making this declaration recently in Abuja while speaking with a section of the journalist in Abuja, the company project manager, Oluwaseyi Johnson noted that their organization has developed the reputation of organizing some of the best marathon events in the country.

Seyi stated that having deliver first class marathon events in Lagos, Kaduna and some other states of the country it’s now the turn of the Federal Capital Territory to experience first class marathon events totally different from whatever they must have experienced in the past.

The sports Agency project manager further stressed that been the best sports agency in Nigeria and Africa at large they poses the necessary expertise to deliver a half marathon event that Abuja residents would be so proud of.

“We are here for Premium Trust Abuja half International City marathon. We are here to give people what it means for a city like Abuja the real race to be celebrated. We are here to change the notion of it cannot be done properly. That’s why we are here. And we appreciate you.

“We are here to make it even better than what you have known before. I don’t want to talk about the race you experienced last time,”

On their part, the FCT sports Director, Lucas Istifanus assured the organizers of the territory total support in delivery a first class event. He assured that the readiness of his office to provide them with all that is necessary and within their power to ensure that the event is delivered.

“We have heard meetings here in this office discussing this marathon. All our effort is to ensure that it comes out to be the best. The Premium Trust bank marathon organizers happens to be one of the most friendly marathon executor planner to this office which is why all of us in this office are proud to be associated with it.

“FCT as you all know, that we are struggling to make FCT a sporting arena. FCT is more or less a civil service settlement. So, with this kind of programs we are giving the Abuja youths the awareness that outside football, handball, tennis, there is a game that is also calles marathon which is even empowering the youths more than the once that they know. So, in this case we are giving the necessary support and we are praying and hopeful that it is going to be the best,” he concluded.

The marathon event is scheduled to hold on the 20th of April this year.

MTN Partners NiMet On Weather Information Dissemination To Farmers

Leading telecommunications services provider, MTN, says it will partner the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in disseminating weather and climate information to farmers and other users across Nigeria.

The partnership is coming on the heels of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in February 2024, between NiMet and Tomorrow.io, a leading weather intelligence company based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, with footprints across Africa and the Middle East. The two organizations are collaborating on a whole range of areas including commercializing weather data, improving accuracy of weather and climate forecasts, and application of artificial intelligence (Ai) in weather and climate intelligence.

Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer of MTN Nigeria Communications Limited said of the MTN and NiMet partnership; “As the leading provider of communications services in Nigeria, with over 77 million people on our network, we are committed to supporting national initiatives that enhance the quality of life of Nigerians. Therefore, we are open to supporting NiMet’s partnership with Tomorrow.io to make this service available to farmers across Nigeria.
We appreciate the opportunity to work together to improve the nation’s food security and anticipate a fruitful working relationship”.

On his part, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike said; “NiMet is the federal government of Nigeria agency responsible for observing, collating, collecting, processing and disseminating all meteorological data and information. The weather and climate data that we generate are useful planning tools for all Nigerians, farmers and other sectoral operators in aviation, marine, oil and gas, construction, academia etc. We are delighted to be partnering MTN Nigeria to support the critical task of disseminating weather and climate information to farmers to boost food security which is a a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”.

Dana Air Re-introduces ”Early Bird” Initiative for Customers

One of Nigeria’s leading airlines Dana Air, has reaffirmed its commitment to providing affordable and convenient travel options for Nigerians with the relaunch of its “Early Bird” initiative.

According to the Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air, Ememobong Ettete, this fare initiative is also in response to the growing challenges faced by air travelers locally and Dana Air has taken a proactive step to ensure that flying remains the smartest way to travel.

The “Early Bird” initiative encourages passengers to plan ahead and book their tickets on our user-friendly website, http://www.flydanaair.com to access exclusive discounts and enjoy a seamless booking experience.

“We understand the financial constraints faced by our valued passengers and at Dana Air, we understand the importance of providing our passengers with affordable travel options without compromising on quality or service. ”

”The Early Bird fare initiative reaffirms our commitment to offering innovative solutions that cater to the diverse needs of Nigerian travelers, allowing them to fly smarter without breaking the bank while enjoying unmatched value and convenience,” Emem added.

Dana Air one of Nigeria’s leading airlines with daily flights to major cities and a varied fleet of aircraft is dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable air travel. With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Dana Air continues to set the standard for excellence in the Nigerian aviation industry.