Author Archives: daudupress

The African Centre for Youth Sports and Development (ACYSD) has revealed that about 10000 girls from across the Federal Capital Territory and its environs are expected to participate at the All Girls Colour Run event which is meant to mark this year’s edition of the International Day of the Girl Child.

The Organisers noted that the All Girl Colour Run will be preceded by a Conference on the 11th and 12th of October where influential figures, advocates, and champions of girls’ rights would brainstorm on strategies for empowering girls through sports.

This was contained in a statement made available to the media by the founder and Executive Director of ACYSD, Yinka Suleiman. She noted that the events would be held in partnership with other local and international organisations.

Speaking more on both events, Yinka said, “The conference will address challenges faced by girls in sports and explore ways to increase their participation. Distinguished members from the international community, sports advocates, top athletes, and notable women will grace the occasion.

“And for the (All Girls Colour Run), which is a vibrant 5km fun run celebrating girls’ participation in sports and wellness is aimed at promoting physical activity, self-expression, and camaraderie among girls.

ACYSD believes in the transformative power of sports to empower girls and address the unique challenges they face. By organizing these events, we seek to create a platform for dialogue, inspiration, and practical solutions” she stressed.

ACYSD CEO explained further that the events will provide a space to champion the rights of girls and encourage their active participation in sports. She also noted that the Advancing Girls Conference will feature thought-provoking discussions on strategies to overcome barriers hindering girls in sports.

ACYSD invites all stakeholders, including government representatives, educators, parents, students, and the public, to participate and contribute to this impactful celebration.

Yinka Suleiman expressed immense enthusiasm, stating, “These events represent a pivotal moment in our ongoing commitment to promoting the rights and empowerment of girls. We believe in the transformative power of sports, and these gatherings are a testament to the positive impact it can have on girls’ lives.” She concluded.

Maryam Aminu

Petroleum Marketers in Nigeria under the aegis of the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NAGOSA) have appealed to the federal government of Nigeria for speedy intervention to save its industry from total collapse

The National President Mr. Bennet Korie, made this plight at the National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of NOGASA on Thursday 5th October, 2023 in Abuja.

The NOGASA boss  lamented that their businesses are about to crash due to the outstanding debts that were incurred before the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

According to him, “We are suffering too much. We are losing our
businesses

“If you check most of the filing stations you will notice they are not selling because there is no money to buy PMS because we are short of money”

The President expressed worry that the worst hit in the business are the filling station owners who find it difficult to secure funds to procure products for their retail outlets and both the Independent and Major Marketers.

He stressed that “filling stations are shutting down in great numbers on a daily basis and dealers are going out of business with many more on the verge of bankruptcy because of their inability to secure funds to facilitate orders for their stations as banks are not willing to guarantee the release of funds to stakeholders

“Government must therefore urgently come to the aid of the Industry as quickly as possible to save it from an impending colossal collapse which will, in turn, result in a more devastating blow to the economy at large”, he added

“Lastly, to Nigerians, the state of our roads continues to make a very strong statement against the Government’s responsibility for infrastructural provision and maintenance. Petroleum product distribution is, and has been severely hampered by unmotorable roads.

“Therefore road networks and maintenance need to be positively impactful. This development is already a
waiting threat to the laudable CNG-driven transportation innovation of Mr. President and this time, conscious and practical solutions are therefore suggested to engage the local workforce
to speedily refurbish and or resuscitate bad roads across the country.”

Korie expressed with enthusiasm that the only realistic option out of this dire situation, for now, is for the government to urgently consider expediting the provision of ‘Emergency Palliative Measures for marketers such that fuels can be imported at the rate of at least N600 per dollar for the next three months while waiting for the promised reactivation of our refineries

The Association noted that the move will go a long way in cushioning the harsh effect of the high cost of importation and equally bring about reasonable relief to businesses and the cost of living generally.

They further tasked the government to remove bottlenecks in the areas of importation as well as clearing in NIMASA, NPA, DPR, and other Agencies that are involved with Dollar transactions for Marketers.

Speaking earlier, th Vice President of, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) John Keke Ocha disclosed that there is low-quality petrol in the market. Adding that the reason is because marketers are buying from different refineries

Proffering solutions, Keke Ocha noted that domestic refining and adherence to the country’s specifications is a sure way to ending the supply of low-quality fuel

In a thought-provoking Graduation Lecture held today 3 October, 2023 at the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has advocated for  pivotal roles for citizens in safeguarding critical national assets. He made the clarion call at a lecture, organized to mark the graduation of participants of Army War College Nigeria Course 7/23.  Elucidating further, the Army Chief stated, “The People are the first protectors of critical national assets.” His statement underscores the indispensable role of the citizenry in ensuring the security and preservation of the nation’s essential resources and national wealth.

According to Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu,
Director Army Public Relations, 3 October 2023, the COAS then emphasized the crucial need for a robust response mechanism to safeguard Nigeria’s vital national assets and infrastructure. He stressed that the government should increase resources to fortify the capability of security forces in protecting these assets effectively.
“Protection of critical national assets demands a well-equipped and responsive security apparatus,”  the COAS enunciated. He added that the nation must invest in combat enablers to enhance troops’ capability to swiftly and effectively respond to threats.

The lecture which attracted personalities from  the security, public and private sectors, featured former Minister of Interior and former Chief of Army Staff  Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd) as the Guest Speaker, who delivered a lecture titled “Coordinating Mechanism for Effective Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in Nigeria.” Gen Dambazau gave insight into the significance of well-organized strategies for preserving vital national assets. He harped on the importance of a well-coordinated approach to ensuring the protection of these assets, considering their immense significance to the nation’s security, stability and progress.

In his remarks, the Commandant AWCN, Major General Ishaya Maina disclosed that the objective of the lecture is to motivate the AWCN participants to engage in research efforts that will proffer enduring solutions to threats against key national assets.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to the development of a weather smart nation. This affirmation was made during the on-going 18th Abuja International Trade Fair holding at the Abuja Trade and Convention Center, Abuja.

The Director General/CEO of NiMet, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu, represented by the General Manager Investment, Abdulatif Yusuf, emphasized the Agency’s commitment to creating and harnessing every opportunity for public awareness and fostering resilience in the face of changing weather and climate patterns, adding that events as this International trade fair provides the opportunity to showcase all NiMet tailor-made products and services, engage with other organizations as well as gather feedback to enhance the quality of its products and services.

The DG/CEO further disclosed that NiMet’s mission goes beyond weather forecasting, as NiMet is also actively working to empower citizens with weather awareness and knowledge to adapt and thrive in our ever evolving climate landscape. This goal involves improved data accessibility, fostering public- private partnerships, and disseminating tailor-made services such as the Agro-Met Bulletins, Climate and Health Bulletins, Seasonal Climate Predictions, weekly weather forecasts amongst others. These resources play a pivotal role in helping individuals plan for weather events in their communities and enable the government to prepare for potential weather related disasters and policy formulation, he said.

Prof. Matazu stressed that NiMet’s dedication to building a weather-smart nation aligns with the global efforts to address climate change and mitigate its wide ranging consequences adding that with NiMet at the forefront of these endeavours, Nigeria is well positioned to navigate challenges posed by shifting climate and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.

Concluding his remarks, the DG expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment for the opportunity to participate in this significant initiative and acknowledged the effort of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in hosting the event, Prof. Matazu then encouraged all citizens to engage with NiMet and its suite of services while advocating for a climate smart nation.

The Bureau of Public Service Reforms ( BPSR) in th goe Presidency has honoured the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) with the prestigious Nigeria GovTech Award in the category of BEST FEDERAL MDA IN DATA MANAGEMENT AND ANALYTICS.

In the same vein, the Director General / CEO of the NiMet, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu has also been nominated to receive  the Distinguished  GovTech TRAILBLAZER’S Award for the exemplary leadership Prof. Matazu has demonstrated in advancing GovTech initiatives and digital governance within NiMet in line with the Federal Government  digital transformation  in the Public sector.

This was conveyed in a letter dated 19th September, 2023 and signed by the Director General of BPSR,  Mr. Arabi Ibrahim Dasuki.and addressed to the Director General of the NiMet.

“We are pleased to inform you that  your organization will be honoured with the prestigious Nigeria GovTech Award in the category of  BEST FEDERAL MDA IN DATA MANAGEMENT AND ANALYTICS “, it reads.

The award, which was conducted through a  nationwide  nomination and online voting initiated on radio, television and newspaper publications, would be presented at an Award dinner  in honour of the recipients on the 12th -13th of October, 2023 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation  will from next month start payment of twenty five thousand Naira grants to the benefiting  members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners captured in the expanded National  Social Register of the  Conditional Cash Transfer,(CCT) Scheme.

According to Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, (ANIPR) Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Honourable Minister, in a press release he signed on Thursday, disclosed that the Minister For Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, announced  this Wednesday when she met with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress,NLC led by its President,Joe Ajaero at Labour House,  Abuja.

The Minister explained that the decision to include vulnerable pensioners in the CCT scheme was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to labour leaders which he will deliver on.

Edu told the NLC that “the President mentioned very clearly that vunurable pensioners should be immediately captured on the National social Register and benefit from the Conditional Cash Transfer, as part of the national social safety net expansion and this was made clear in his speech on Independence Day where he committed 25000 Naira for 15million household for three months”

She appealed to the NLC to help fast-track the process of collating Data of would-be vulnerable pensioners beneficiaries so that they can start receiving CCT.

“I want us to fast-track this.  If we can get this data and information within two weeks, we are sure that you will be beneficiaries immediately and  you can  start earning from next month which is November, that’s the main reason why I’m here”,  Dr.  Edu said.

She commended Ajaero for being a team player, saying the task of moving Nigeria forward was a collective one and urged him to continue to have faith in the federal government under President Tinubu.

Responding,  Ajaero expressed delight at the various poverty alleviation schemes rolled out by the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Ministry and the passion and commitment the minister has for the job!

He was however of the view that getting to the root cause of poverty would go a long way in addressing the problem.

“Let’s look at not only how to solve this problem, but the cause of it, if we continue to treat the effects of poverty the problem will persist. Let us look other social welfare interventions and job creation that will go a long way to support families.

The NLC boss urged the federal government to create more jobs by creating a productive economy where factories are functioning and employing workers.

He thanked the Minister for being the first member of the federal executive council to visit the labour house in President Tinubu’s Administration,saying “for finding time to visit the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, we will work with you to achieve success in this process and your impact will be felt.

President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Godwin Abumisi,thanked President Tinubu and the Minister for finding the retirees worthy of the federal government benefits.

He said Pensioners recieved as low as  between five and ten thousand Naira a month,saying twenty five thousand is a big money to them. He thanked the Minister for the Exceptional performance so far urging her to keep up the speed.

By Emmanuel Daudu

A female activist and youth leader, Comr. Shamsiya Adamu has bagged a LEADERSHIP ICON award in Jigawa state during the opening ceremony of a 100 training of teachers on mathematics, ICT, and Research Techniques on Tuesday organized by the Youth & Civil Society Coalition for Development in Dutse, Jigawa State.

Comr. Shamsiya Adamu who spoke with the media immediately after the event thanked the organization for finding her worthy of the award, pointing out that it is only a way to spur her up to do more.

While speaking further, she charged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously and ensure that the knowledge is transferred to the generation to come.
” I would like to advise the government to improve and add more value to this organization and to organize such kind of programs for school teachers, such as English teachers, and agricultural teachers,” she added.

During the event, the Coordinator of Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Muhammad Idi Song lauded the training in a goodwill message while declaring the training open.

According to him, the youth organization is absolutely doing a great job by finding it necessary to contribute to enhancing the education sector in Jigawa state.
“We are proud of this organization and we will always be there for them to make such programs a huge success.

“I want to thank the organizers for the effort in getting resource persons and well-qualified experts to anchor the training.

“I also urge the participants to remain determined to learn and make the knowledge a transferable one to the younger generation”, he added.

The intensive training scheduled from 26-30th of September, 2023 was organized by the Youth & Civil Society Coalition for Development under the Presidency of Comr. Aminu Aminu.

Also speaking, the commissioner, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahad stated that the training is in line with the agenda of the Executive governor of Jigawa State, H.E Umar Namadi which is aimed at training at least 500 teachers across the state annually.
“Helping teachers to meet up to the global standard through training and restraining is a very good development. This would help the state to breed students of modern knowledge which would transit to generations to come.

“I urge stakeholders to continue the collaboration in staging this program periodically and I am pledging my support to this project and as a matter of fact, the female gender should be a priority during selections for the training subsequently.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Ado Yakubu Zandam, who is the Chairman House Committee on Education, Jigawa State House of Assembly while giving his goodwill message charged the participants to take the training seriously pointing out that the essence of the training is to make them improve in their places of primary assignment.

Earlier, declaring the event open, the President of the Youth & Civil Society Coalition for Development, YCSCD, Comr. Aminu Aminu speaking on the significance of training teachers, has this to say, “Training teachers is a critical aspect of education because it helps to improve the quality of education and the overall teaching experience for students. Here are several reasons why training teachers is important:

“Improves teaching skills and knowledge: Teacher training programs equip teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver effective instruction, manage their classrooms, and assess student learning.

“Enhances student learning: Well-trained teachers have the ability to create a positive and engaging learning environment, which can lead to an increase in student learning outcomes.

“Keeps teachers up-to-date with new teaching methodologies and technologies: Teachers should continuously improve their skills and knowledge of new teaching methodologies and technologies, and training programs provide an effective means to do so.

“Helps teachers manage diverse classrooms: Effective teacher training can equip teachers with strategies to manage a diverse range of learners in their classroom, including those with special needs, various cultural backgrounds, and different learning styles.

“Fosters professional development: Teacher training can encourage ongoing professional development, leading to improved teacher retention rates and job satisfaction.

“In conclusion, teacher training is a fundamental aspect of education that can lead to better teaching, improved student outcomes, and a more satisfying teaching experience for both students and teachers”, Aminu added.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMet), has alerted the public on the possibility of deterioration in visibility in some northern states as a result of observed dust haze propagated into the country from the source region.

According to a release from the Agency, signed by Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim
GM/ PR, “Stations in the source region from  Chad (Faya-Largeau, Bol-Berim, Mongo, Abeche and Ndjamena) have been reporting horizontal visibility between 800m and 4000m. Other sources from Niger that share border with northern Nigeria (Diffa, Maine-Soroa, Goure, Bila, Maradi, zinder and Birni-n- Konni) have been reporting dust haze in poor visibility between 1000m and 3000 m since the last 24 hours”.

Explaining  further the statement revealed that due to strong winds, the dust in suspension is expected to propagate  to some states in the northern part of the country, which will further reduce horizontal visibility.

The release further disclosed that there are prospects of DUST HAZE (in moderate to poor horizontal visibility) over the northern parts of the country , especially over Katsina , Kano, , Nguru, Jigawa Potiskum and Maiduguri in the next 24 hours, the statement reads.

NiMet therefore advise members of the public to take necessary precautions due to dust particles presently in suspension over the atmosphere. Individuals with respiratory ailments are advised to protect themselves as the current weather condition is not good for their health.

Airline operators are also advised to avail themselves of weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

NiMet will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary.