Africa Security Investigation News

By Emmanuel Daudu

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is calling on investors to collaborate with the Agency in local production and domestication of Lithium batteries among other renewable energy solutions.

According to a press release signed by Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, Director Information & Protocol on Monday, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI Dr, Bashir Gwandu speaking  in Abuja said the Agency was ready to partner with international companies that are willing to set up their industries in Nigeria and start local production of renewable energy solutions, electric vehicles parts and other capital goods that could create jobs and reduce Nigeria dependence on foreign goods that exert pressure on our foreign exchange for the country.

Dr. Gwandu who disclosed this while receiving a business delegation from LEMI Technology Shenzhen, China at NASENI headquarters said that “NASENI is already doing a lot in the area of Solar Panel Production”.

He says very soon NASENI will attract solar cell manufacturing to improve synergy with its existing work on solar panel assembly.  He said the Agency has held meetings with other companies from around the world with a view to seeking partnership on local production of lithium-based end-products in Nigeria as against the normal practice of foreign companies exporting the raw materials outside the country for processing.

According to him, taking some of the visions of NASENI forward, which is domestication of technologies, capital goods production and commercialization in Nigeria, NASENI would help bridge the technological gaps between Nigeria and other countries, help stop importation of these technologies and encourage local production.

He also said NASENI will be working with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to encourage development and production of electric vehicles and even conversion of existing vehicles to electric-vehicles as against producing from scratch. In that same regard, NASENI is also in discussion with various stakeholders on promotion of the installation of electric vehicle charging stations on major roads across the country.

“So, we are inviting friends of Nigeria to come here and establish here. We are encouraging those who can come and produce locally. We will give them support and ensure that the investment environment is encouraging,” he said.

The NASENI EVC hoped that this call is an opportunity to partners who want to produce in Nigeria to do so. The Federal Government, he disclosed, “would welcome any company who gets to us first”, adding that on the production of Lithium batteries, the Agency was ready to go into partnership with companies that are willing to establish their factories in Nigeria.

Dr. Gwandu suggested that NASENI and LEMI Technology should work out the areas of possible collaborations in the production of the lithium battery and ensure that all the safety and environment regulations are followed.

While emphasizing NASENI’s priority area to be the production of lithium battery and inverters, Dr Gwandu expressed delight in working out a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LEMI Technology with a view to ensuring safest means of producing the lithium-based batteries, taking into cognizance Nigeria environmental peculiarities. 

The founder of LEMI Technology, Ms. Joyce Chen in her speech said the company is ready to partner with NASENI and invest in the country, promising that they look forward to a rewarding relationship with NASENI and the Nigerian government. Other members of the delegation include the Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Rocky Hu; Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Biju Yao; Oversea Business Director, Ms. Monica Liang and Engineer Mr. Lucia Peng.

Giving details of the visit, the Chief Executive Officer of LEMI Technology Mr. Xie Feng expressed his company’s willingness to partner with NASENI through MoU on renewable energy with particular reference to products like solar and television panels, inverters and battery production.

He said Nigeria and China have a brotherhood that spans many years, adding that Nigeria with its teeming population, it is critical for investment opportunities. Mr. Feng added that LEMI Technology has been operating in the Nigerian market since 2018 and had provided job opportunities to Nigerians and have sold renewable energy products to over 200,000 Nigerian households.

NASENI is the Nigerian only purpose-built Agency with specific mandate in the area of capital goods research, production, and reverse engineering in the following broad areas: Engineering Materials, Industrial and Analytical Chemical Materials, Scientific Equipment and components, Engineering Equipment, Engineering Designs and Standardization, and Power Equipment.

On resumption of duty, one of the projects embarked upon by the EVC of NASENI amongst many others was to summon some of the key exporters of Lithium from within Nigeria and advised them to start thinking of inviting their offtakers in different parts of the world who manufacture lithium batteries to start planning to come and invest in the end-product production in Nigeria.

He encouraged them to take advantage of the discussion and harness the first mover-advantage because those who come to invest will be assisted by NASENI through promotion of government policy to limit export of all types of lithium except what Nigeria cannot process to an end-product.

He emphasized that Nigeria cannot continue to export raw lithium if other countries such as Zimbabwe have gone to the extent of lithium processing. He stated that Nigeria should be at the fore-front of battery production since it has all the relevant raw materials including Phosphate.

He stated that in any area where NASENI can attract manufacturers be it in renewables or other areas such as aerospace industries, any company that can come to Nigeria and process the raw elements into end-product will be supported by NASENI. Companies invited for earlier discussion on the Lithium included suppliers to CATL and LEMI of China.

Today the EVC received the first delegation from LEMI of China to start conversation on the local production of various types of lithium batteries and other products in the photovoltaics value chain.

As part of efforts towards encouraging hard work, patriotism, and community services through consistent contributions to societal growth and development; Nationally and internationally, Dr. Raymond Edoh, United Nations Habitat Ambassador has been honored as “Most Notable & Top Distinguished Ambassador of The 21st Century”.

The media learned this on Saturday, July 15, 2023, in a press statement personally signed by World Grand President, International Chartered World Learned Society, ICWLS, which was made available to some group of Journalists in Asaba, Delta State capital by Prof Aremu’s Executive Assistance On Media, Publicity & Communication Matters, Comrade Sir Bieni Victor Emenike as UNESCO Laureate Commends diplomat Raymond Edoh on contributions to society; nationally and internationally.

The private secretary to UNESCO Laureate, Prof Sir S.R. Boselin Prabhu in the endorsement document, Dr. Raymond Edoh by ICWLS said, “The World Board of Directors of ICWLS has therefore elected to commend upon your approval of the nomination as “Salute The Notable And Top Distinguished Ambassador of The 21st Century. Your name has been recommended to me for this particular Golden Award by UNESCO Laureate”.

International Chartered World Learned Society is a worldwide independent organization, self-governing, pan- discipline educational charity group that provides expert scholarly advice on research, professional, and public issues related to economic, cultural, sciences, engineering, health sciences, arts humanities, and social sciences made up highly distinguished scholars and Professionals all over the world.

International Chartered World Learned Society, ICWLS whose headquarters are located in America, Africa, Asia, Europe & Oceania has been chartered from the ancient law that has existed for more than four centuries from the ancient city of Dover in the first State of America (State of Delaware). Most of these recommendations are made in confidence. It will be dated and sealed, finally numbered to emphasize your uniqueness.”

Dr. Raymond Edoh, United Nations Ambassador while reacting to the ICWLS Global Golden Awards honored as “Most Notable & Top Distinguished Ambassador of The 21st Century”, has commended the institution’s World Grand Board of Directors, the leadership of ICWLS led by its World Grand President and UNESCO Laureate, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu for such global honor, to had recognized his immense contributions to the society.

According to ICWLS leadership, “Dr. Raymond Edoh’s avocation, enthusiasm and reputation are responsible for this magnificent Global Golden Awards as he had inspired to lead by the standard he had attained as no ordinary accomplishment, he deserved the “Most Notable & Top Distinguished Ambassador of The 21st Century”.

UNESCO Laureate and Vice-Chancellor, Crown University, USA, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu while reacting to the great feats as achieved by Dr. Raymond Edoh Congratulated the United Nations Ambassador on his ICWLS’s Global Golden Awards as the “Most Notable & Top Distinguished Ambassador of The 21st Century”.

UNESCO Laureate and His Royal Highness, HRH Duke of the Kingdom of Atlantis in Singapore, also noted that “ICWLS Society had added another feather to him as Life Fellow Member of ICWLS in the field of International Relations. Also, Dr. Raymond Edoh was awarded Executive Order Certificate that gives him the power to nominate people for the same awards and to have a position in the International Chartered World Learned Society”.

As part of efforts towards encouraging and giving due recognition to globally acclaimed distinguished Universities research Professors, Scholars, world educators, intellectuals, Professionals, green academia who has distinguished themselves in creative global achievement National & International Education or academia, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu, H.R.H Duke of Kingdom of Atlantis in Singapore & UNESCO Laureate and Vice-Chancellor, Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc., USA, has been awarded Global Outstanding Professor Award of Recognition by top European International Accreditation Body, International Education Quality Accreditation Body (IEQAB) Achievements Award-2023 as group hailed his global accomplishments, contributions to the growth and development of International Education.

The media learnt this on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from CUICI VC, World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor Sir Bashiru Aremu in a press statement signed and made available to some group of Journalists in Asaba, Delta State capital by his Executive Assistant on Media, Publicity and Communication Matters, Comrade Sir Bieni Victor Emenike as UNESCO Laureate Commends the management, IEQAB Committee to had conferred UNESCO Laureate IEQAB’s, group’s Global 2023 Awards of recognition As “Global Outstanding Professor of the year 2023” for his creative Achievements in international Education.

IEQAB’S document and announcement by the Award Committee had stated thus: “This IEQAB’s Five Stars, Global Outstanding Professor Award 2023″ is presented to H.E, UNESCO Laureate, H.R.H Duke of the Kingdom of Atlantis in Singapore, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu, President & Vice-Chancellor, Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc., USA for his Outstanding, creativity and exploits in International Education and as the Vice-Chancellor of Crown University, USA. His work has been recognized at various levels for his outstanding achievements .”

‘ IEQAB- International Education Quality Accreditation Body whose objective is to promote International Quality Assurance in Higher Education. Also committed to enhancing the audit and control mechanism of international higher education standards, IEQAB 2023 Global Award Committee hereby announces, Presents this Global Award to Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu, World Outstanding Intellectual of the 21st Century, experienced world educator specialist in Computer Science, Information Communication Technology as “Global Outstanding Professor Award of Recognition”, with all rights, privileges and honor thereunto appertaining. In testimony whereof, we have affixed our awards signature in this cértificate on the 14th of July, 2023″.

IEQAB is a global watchdog organization devoted to the International Education establishment such as the Accreditation of Universities, Colleges, and Professional Training Institutions. IEQAB is a private International Accreditation Organization or Agency that Co-ordinates Accreditation activities across the globe. IEQAB has partnerships with other global Accreditation Bodies, Agencies in different countries, and continents of the world such as WAC, EIEAS, ITQSM, BQS, QAHE, and QA Agency in Education Certified. The Committee had stated: Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu has been awarded the ‘Global Outstanding Professorship Award of Recognition’ rated with ‘5 Stars’ in the category.

Prof Aremu in a statement thanked the IEQAB’s management, and committee members as the VC CUICI, USA noted that, “CUICI USA is a globally recognized private University that offers vocational training and higher education. Crown University International Chartered Incorporated is licensed and has global accreditation with International Accreditation Agencies, Joint National Accreditation Bodies to serve as an autonomous globally recognized University, offering education and practical skill in the courses taught at its official partners’ constituent campuses at government-regulated universities worldwide and online operation.

According to the VC, Crown University International Chartered is an entity duly Incorporated under the International Laws of 1704, 1776, and 1787 of the United States of America with chartered file number: 7594662 as a worldwide recognized teaching and research University logo with International trademark number receipt number:668383, customer number: 270163, United States of America”.

The VC, CUICI, USA is Most Academy Excellent World Acclaimed Distinguished Professor Emeritus (On merit, honored and ranked) ratified by UNESCO Center Central and South America with Reg. Number: Arg 22/Lt-19 and published with ISBN978-1571-7412 Top up by UNN Nigeria, CSER Malaysia, MPRH Institute, Iran, WCU, USA, CIDVU, NIU, Canada and USA, UN ECOSOC, Geneva, Switzerland, ICERE, Argentina, South America and others worldwide. UNESCO Laureate is a recipient of different global awards and certificates of Recognition. Also, a Fellow of different International Organizations. He has Post-Doctoral E-business, Grand Ph.D., Post-Doc, D.Sc, Ph.D., B.Sc, B.Tech, IBD, FIBTMN, FATIIC, MACM, MCSTA, MSTAN, Snr. MIACSIT, FIASR,C.itp, MCPN, MNDKOJC, CEMA, FBCS, England, KOJ, KOGC, KOGAL, FCIEMA, FIICEP, LFCWIEB, and others to mention but a few.

CUICI VC, H.RH Duke of the Kingdom of Atlantis in Singapore, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu is the World Grand President of, the International Chartered World Learned Society (ICWLS), he is the World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor and Editorial Board Member, Cambridge Publishing, United Kingdom. He is known as World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor of Computer Science, Information Communication Technology at different global and Nigerian Universities such as Novena University, Ogume, Delta State, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Imo State University, Imo State, Kaduna State University, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State.

UNESCO Laureate is the Pioneer Member Board of Trustees of Minaret International University, Ikurun, Osun State, Nigeria to mention but a few. And other Global Universities such as West Coast University of Science, Technology & Arts, Bharat University, India. CUICI VC, is also a World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor at Pradesh, Mandsaur, Mother Theresa Women University, India, World Congress of Arts, Sciences & Communication, as had served as Deputy Director-General for Africa And Research Professor at International Biographical Centre. Prof Aremu is cited in the World recognized publications by Famous Marquis Who’s is Who in the World.

CUICI VC, Professor Emeritus Sir Bashiru Aremu reacted further to his IEQAB’s Award, Global Recognition as “Global Outstanding Professor”, and UNESCO Laureate’s global recognition for his creativity and exploits in International Education”.

While giving commendations he thanked the management and Committee members of IEQAB for such honor and global recognition.

……CEPROD Says, Group Committed To Helping Individuals’, Organizations’ Productivity, Efficiency & Performance

……..As Da Vinci Int’l Chartered University Says, Institution Is Excited About The Significant Milestone

As part of efforts towards the promotion of productivity, efficiency, and performance of individuals and organizations through international education and research, The Chairman Board of Trustees & Pro-chancellor, Da Vinci University Int’l Chartred Inc., USA, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu has commended the recent partnership between the management of Centre For Public Service Productivity And Development and top American University, Da Vinci Int’l Chartered University Inc., USA.

The media learned this from UNESCO Laureate on Friday, July 14, 2023, in a press statement personally signed by His Royal Highness HRH Duke Of The Kingdom Of Atlantis in Singapore, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu, which was made to some group of Journalists in Asaba, Delta State capital by UNESCO Laureate’s Executive Assistant on Media, Publicity and Communication Matters, Comrade Sir Bieni Victor Emenike as Prof Aremu hails partnership between CEPROD and Da Vinci University.

You could recall that recently CEPROD partnered with Da Vinci University, USA on Accreditation/Research as approved by the Board of Trustees. The approval documents read in parts: “We are pleased to announce that the Centre for Public Service Productivity &
Development (Ceprod) has been granted accreditation as a Program Partner from
Nigeria as approved by the esteemed Da Vinci University Board of Trustees. This prestigious approval follows Ceprod’s comprehensive application and written presentation, showcasing the quality and relevance of its programs”.

Prof Aremu noted that, Chartered Intl. Da Vinci University is a private globally recognized research International accredited and chartered university registered in the State of Delaware, United States of America with official partner constituents campuses at government regulated Universities worldwide and online operation,
The University aims to be an institution with the best traditions in the production of self-reliant, ethics-conscious, globally competitive graduates imbued with requisite skills, competencies, and ability to be key players in the nation’s quest for socio-economic and technological development. The University’s learning environment comprises state-of-the-art structures and infrastructural facilities, as well as teaching equipment that ranks at par with those in educational institutions in developed countries.

Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu who is Global Icon and Global Philanthropist, The Emeritus Professor added that learning at Da Vinci University is student-centered in the University, and conducted with international best practices. Accommodation, dining, leisure, sports, mentorship, and moderated socialization are therefore guaranteed in Da Vinci University’s affiliates campuses.

According to World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor The UNESCO Laureate stated further that, Centre For Public Service Productivity & Development (CEPROD) is a leading productivity membership and training organization dedicated to helping individuals and organizations enhance their productivity, efficiency, and performance.

He said: “CEPROD services are designed to help you improve your time management skills, set clear goals, and develop a strong personal and professional development plan. CEPROD offers training programs that cover a range of topics, including skills training, leadership development, team productivity, workplace productivity, and organizational development”.

CEPROD has said that its organization is committed to helping individuals, and organizations achieve the goals of productivity, efficiency, and performance through training, entrepreneurship development, leadership skills, and global partnership through international education and research.

UNESCO Laureate then used the medium to call on students all over the world to explore the virtual studies opportunities avail to them by Da Vinci University Int’l Chartered for admission into various degree and Post-graduate programs of the Institution stated that Da Vinci University is committed to its core values such as Integrity, Honesty, Diligence, Excellence Pragmatism to produce students who pride themselves to offer the best in human development, entrepreneurship, discipline, and leadership.

By Raychel Omaga

…A REJOINDER TO THE SPURIOUS AND MALICIOUS ALLEGATION BY ONE MR ON THE PETROLEUM TANKER DRIVERS (PTD) JUST TO MALIGN THE UNION.

The National Executive Committee of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, lPMAN, led by Alhaji Debo Ahmed has reacted to refute the very malicious and demeaning allegations made by one Mr Bashir Tahr against the Petroleum Tanker Drivers bordering on extortion.

According to a press release signed and made available to journalists on Saturday by National secretary, IPMAN, Chief John kekeocha, stated that lPMAN’s North West Zonal Chairman is Alhaji Sanusi Tenten, pointing out that It is embarrassing to the association when Mr. Bashir Tahr from the blues started to malign and disparage the activities of the PTD.
“Over time the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria ( lPMAN) has always been in a harmonious and symbiotic relationship with the PTD/NUPENG and therefore will not keep quiet to this scandalous impressions marketed by Mr Bashir Tahr. We have always been partners in the distribution of petroleum products in the downstream and as such we condemn in eloquent and strong terms this disturbing and laughable impression Mr. Bashir Tahr seems to portray.
It’s even more laughable when one says he pays PTD a huge some of N200,000.

“IPMAN under the watchful eyes of the president, Alhaji Debo Ahmed has always frowned at Sharp practices and illegalities. This is why over time the issue of petroleum products diversion is but a thing of the past. This is not to say that there are not still some bad eggs.

“However, we are surely aware of the statutory monies given to drivers as dispatches where loading expenses are done and which is mutual and has not raised eyebrows in our relationship with the PTD.
We are pained with the false allegations and therefore chose to come out to debunk it comprehensively”, he added.

Major General Valentine Okoro has yesterday 13 July 2023 taken over command of 2 Division Nigerian Army as the 44th General Officer Commanding (GOC).

According to Lieutenant Colonel Charles Ekeocha
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 2 Division in a press release said, the New GOC expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj Gen TA Lagbaja for finding him worthy to command one of the oldest Division’s in the Nigerian Army and promised to work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed on him. While commending his predecessor for his accomplishments in command of the Division, Maj Gen Okoro promised to propel the division to greater heights soliciting the supports of stakeholders and other security agencies in accomplishing the COAS mandate of ensuring a safe and secure environment for law abiding citizens in the Division’s Area of Responsibility. He charged the troops to brace for relentless offensives against criminals in areas under command expressing confidence in their ability to rid the south west of armed violence and criminality.

In his farewell remarks to the troops, the outgone General Officer Commanding Maj Gen Mohammed Usman thanked the troops for their support throughout his brief stay in 2 Division and solicited same level of support to his successor, whom he described as his course mate and friend. He admonished the troops not to relent in providing the enabling environment for law abiding citizens to do their business. He equally assured them that the new GOC will build on his legacies. He thanked the Chief of Army Staff for believing in him once more and giving him the opportunity to command 81 Division.

The highlights of the ceremony includes Signing of Handing and Taking over notes, Handing over of the Command Flag to the new GOC, Decoration with 2 Division badge, Lowering and Hoisting of the Command Flags, and group photograph.

To further deepen the federal government’s policy of accessibility to public records and information, the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NiMet, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice organized a one-day sensitization seminar on The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011 for Deputy and Assistant General Managers of the Agency.

According to the Director-General/CEO of the Agency who was represented by the Director of Human Resources Management and Administration, Alhaji Saleh Tukur Yusuf, implementation of the FOI Act will undoubtedly bring openness, accountability and good goverance which would in turn greatly minimize corruption in public service.

“One of the key ingredients that portrays an institution as being responsive and adhering to the FOIA, is the operation of an open government policy. Under my watch, NiMet has been observing the provisions of the FOIA, by organizing monthly press briefing, where journalists ask questions on the operations and general administration of the agency”, he highlighted.

Again in a paper presentation, the head of the FOI unit in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Godwin Garuba, who reeled out the implications and punitive actions to be meted to federal government organizations for refusal to release requested information, commended the DG NiMet and the FOIA Desk officer in NiMet, Mrs. Theresa Ushie, Deputy General Manager, Public Relations for adhering to the FOI Act by proactively disclosing information through press releases, regular updates on social media amongst other strategies employed by the organization.

The Freedom of Information Act, 2011 sensitization seminar held by NiMet is the second batch as the first event organized last year was for top management staff of the organization. This event would be further cascaded to other categories of staff in the Agency