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Yusuf mourns second republic senator, Ali Newsdiaryonline

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Yusuf mourns second republic senator, Ali Newsdiaryonline

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has condoled with the family of late Sen. Sidi Ali who died Thursday evening at the age of 86.

This is contained in a statement issued by his Director-General, Media and Publicity, Malam Sanusi Dawakin Tofa, in Kano on Friday.

Yusuf described late Ali as a trusted public officer who worked hard to ensure the free flow of true stories during the Nigeria civil war.

He said the positive contributions of the deceased as a senator during the second republic in shaping the senate and the overall development of democracy in the country.

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On behalf of the government and people of Kano state Yusuf extendd condolences to his family, prayed for the repose of his soul.

“May Aljannah be his final resting place and my Allah give the family the courage and the fortitude to bear the loss,” Yusuf prayed. ( NAN) 

By Aminu Garko

FG moves to finalise National Intellectual Property Policy

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FG moves to finalise National Intellectual Property Policy

Dr John Asein, the Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), says the Federal Government is taking steps to finalise its National Intellectual Property (IP) Policy and Strategy for the country.

Asein disclosed this on Friday while commemorating the 2024 World Intellectual Property Day with the theme “IP and the SDGs: Building Our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity’’ in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Day is observed every April 26 to celebrate the importance of intellectual property (IP) rights to encourage innovation and creativity.

The director-general was represented by the Director of Legal, Mr Emeka Ogbonna.

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NCC boss said the policy would serve as a blueprint for a more efficient modern and responsive legal and administrative framework for the country to leverage on its creative and innovative potential.

He said that the day underscored the power of innovation and creativity in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for humanity.

According to him, the SDGs represent a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by the year 2030.

“IP rights play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, creativity, and technological advancements. They provide the framework that encourages men and women to develop new solutions that address global challenges.

“It is the lynchpin for incentivising the use of creative and innovative ideas to solve many of the challenges that confront humanity.

“This year’s World IP Day reminds us that intellectual property can be a powerful tool for social, economic, and environmental development.

“It encourages individuals, businesses, and governments to leverage IP rights to drive innovation, create jobs, and build resilient communities.

“By aligning our intellectual property policies and strategies with the objectives of the SDGs, we can accelerate their achievement,’’ NCC boss said.

He said in the spirit of the“Renewed Hope Agenda’’ of the present administration, government had also shown appreciable commitment to the creative industry as a major sector of the economy.

“As one of the agencies responsible for the wholesome development of the creative sector, the Nigerian Copyright Commission will continue to provide the needed institutional, legal and administrative support for the protection, promotion, regulation and enforcement of copyright.

“The commission will pay particular attention to using the copyright system to advance Goal 1 (No poverty); Goal 4 (Quality education); Goal 5 (Gender equality).

“And Goal 8 (Decent and economic growth); Goal 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure) and Goal 17 (Partnerships to achieve the goals).

“We are aware that the goals would have to be adapted to fit the peculiar needs of intellectual property which is an intangible asset.’’he added.

The director-general, who said that the commission focused on the 17 SDGs to address emerging challenges, called on authors, innovators, users, IP experts and other stakeholders to reflect on the vulnerability of the nation’s fragile knowledge and creative ecosystem. (NAN)

By  Priscilla Osaje

NAN’s Okoye emerges FCT SWAN Vice Chairman

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NAN’s Okoye emerges FCT SWAN Vice Chairman

Mr Victor Okoye, a member of staff of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday emerged as the Vice Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) FCT Chapter.

NAN reports that Okoye was returned unopposed at the SWAN FCT Electoral Congress going on at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

He received a voice affirmation following a “Yes or Nay” session conducted by Patrick Ngwaogu, the Chairman of the SWAN Electoral Committee (SWANECO).

An elated Okoye told NAN that the people had spoken, adding that he was pleased and humbled by the massive support and affirmation by members of the association.

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“As the saying goes, `the voice of the people is the voice of God` and so I humbly accept the mandate to serve and deploy all resources at my disposal to the service of this great association.

“I come as a breath of fresh air with a blend of youthful and positive energy. I am people-oriented and justice and equity are my watchwords“, he said.

He said he would work closely and assiduously with the incoming chairman of the association to uphold its constitution.

“We will ensure that our great association takes its rightful place in the comity of professional bodies in FCT.

“My intention is to hit the ground running from day one with a chairman who has a vision for our noble profession and one who is void of any form of prejudice, bias, sentiments or divisive tendencies.

“We will close ranks and mend fences with all stakeholders and to work towards achieving our set goals and achieve the SWAN of our dreams,” he said.

Other contestants who emerged unopposed also on Friday were; Sam Ahmadu (secretary) and Niyi Busari (financial secretary).

Election into other offices namely, chairman, assistant secretary, treasurer and welfare officer will hold in the course of the congress. (NAN)

NCS visits deceased’s family in Lagos

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NCS visits deceased’s family in Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Friday again visited the family of one of those who died in the stampede which occurred during the distribution of palliative rice in Lagos in February.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCS delegation was led by Hammi Swomen, an Assistant Controller-General of Customs.

Commiserating with the deceased’s family at Empire Area of Lagos, Swomen expressed the condolences of the Customs Comptroller General, Mr Wale Adeniyi, to the family.

“We came to pay a condolence visit to one of victims of government rice palliative distribution and this is the second time we are checking on their welfare.

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“You remember the unfortunate incident that happened when customs got approval of President Bola Tinubu to support Nigerians by selling 25kg par boiled rice at a reduced price of N10,000.

“Unfortunately, we had a stampede outside our premises after the exercise and that led to the incident; right now, we have confirmed four family are affected.

“We are here on behalf of the Comptroller-General, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, to continuously show our support to this family.

” We have been here before, this is our second time of coming and the deceased family has visited our office too,” Swomen said.

He said that the service was not unmindful of the effect of this loss, adding that customs had pledged to support the four deceased families continuously.

Swomen said they decided to continuously check on the family to ease the trauma they were going through.

He assured that the Customs management would continue to engage in concrete terms with the families of the victims.

Michael Odulaja, the husband to the deceased, commended both financial and moral support given by the customs management.

Odulaja,  in tears, recounted the vacuum his wife, late Susan Odulaja, had left for the family.

“She left five children. It is not easy to loose a caring and understanding wife.

” Since she had died, I have never been myself.

“My wife was too helpful because I don’t know how much a man can give a woman, woman is still the owner of the house.

” Since her death, we could not get ourselves because she had been there for her family, ” Odulaja said.

” I thank God and I also thank the Customs Service for their continuous support,” Odulaja said.

He promised to use the financial support given to them by customs to pursue the education of his children.

NAN reports that The Nigeria Customs Service suspended its rice disposal initiative following a stampede that claimed seven lives on Feb. 23.

The incident was during the distribution of 25kg bags of rice at its Zonal Headquarters, Yaba, Lagos State.

(NAN).

By Aisha Cole

We are open to public scrutiny – NELFUND

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We are open to public scrutiny – NELFUND

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has assured the public and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to feel free to scrutinise its activities whenever the need arises.

The Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr gave the assurance during a visit to Transparency International (TI) office.

A statement on the visit, signed by NELFUND Media and Public Relations Lead, Nasir Ayitogo was made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

According to the statement, Sawyerr said at the meeting that NELFUND, under his watch, would not deviate from its sole mandate of  giving as many loans as possible to Nigerians in need of it.

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He assured that not a single kobo meant for students would go into private pockets.

“The ultimate objective of the government is to reduce frustration from our society, and remove bad behaviour in all its ramifications resulting from forced idleness amongst the youths.

“We want to enable people, through the loan, to get opportunities to have a chance in life which only a few currently have.

“For all these to become a success, we have to keep our books open and make sure no money gets missing.

“Too make this happens, we call on Nigerians and particularly the CSOs to checkmate our activities.

“We want to make sure we call those who can check our activities to prevent greed to please do so in the best interest of Nigerians,” he said

In a remark, the Executive Director Operations, NELFUND, Mr Mustapha Iyal, called for robust synergy between NELFUND and Transparency International, especially, in terms of the loans repayment.

He said only when the loans were repaid that more students would benefit in future.

Also, the Executive Director in charge of Finance and Administration, Dr Fredrick Akinfala, disclosed that NELFUND would be signing an MoU with Transparency International.

The Head of Transparency International in Nigeria, Auwal Rafsanjani said the students loan would help in eliminating all forms of criminalities in the country.

He applauded President Bola Tinubu for coming up with such initiative, while urging the National Assembly to give the Fund, maximum legislative support.

Rafsanjani who is also the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), also lauded Tinubu for the choice of the management for NELFUND.

He expressed the confidence that the right thing would be done by the Fund. (NAN)

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

NEMA confirms 3 dead, 2 injured in Kano building collapse 

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NEMA confirms 3 dead, 2 injured in Kano building collapse 

 The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed three persons dead and two injured in a three-storey building collapse incident at Kuntau Quarters, Gwale Local Government Area of Kano.

Dr Nuradeen Abdullahi, NEMA Kano Territorial Coordinator, confirmed the incident and casualty figures to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Kano.

“We received a distressed call today at about 9:20 a.m from a good Samaritan that a three- storey building under construction collapsed at Kuntau quarters.

“On receiving the information, we quickly sent our rescue team to the scene.

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“So far, five persons were rescued and taken to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, out of which three were confirmed dead, while two victims sustained injury and are receiving treatment” Abdullahi said

He noted that the search and rescue operation was still ongoing to rescue those trapped.

“NEMA rescue team, Kano State Fire Service, Police, red Cross, NSCDC and SEMA among others are still at the site of the incident to ensure removal of other trapped victims,” Abdullahi said (NAN)

By Ramatu Garba

Tinubu appoints Jim Ovia as Chair Nigerian Education Loan Fund

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Tinubu appoints Jim Ovia as Chair Nigerian Education Loan Fund

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Jim Ovia, a renowned banker and businessman, as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President(Media & Publicity) disclosed this in a statement Friday.
 
Mr. Ovia is the founder of one of Nigeria’s leading banks (Zenith Bank) and a respected business leader, with a surfeit of efforts and benefaction towards nurturing and empowering young Nigerians.

He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana. 

The National Student Loan Programme is a pivotal intervention that seeks to guarantee sustainable higher education and functional skill development for all Nigerian students and youths.

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the implementing institution of this innovation, demands excellence and Nigerians of the finest professional ilk to guide and manage.

The President believes Mr. Ovia will bring his immense wealth of experience and professional stature to this role to advance the all-important vision of ensuring that no Nigerian student suffers a capricious end to their pursuit of higher education over a lack of funds and of ensuring that Nigerian youths, irrespective of who they are, have access to higher education and skills that will make them productive members of society and core contributors to the knowledge-based global economy of this century.

Defence Ministers meet with African Union Peace and Security Council

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Defence Ministers meet with African Union Peace and Security Council

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to regional security cooperation in Africa.

Abubakar stated this during a meeting with the Ambassadors from the African Union Peace and Security Council in led by the Ambassador of Gambia to the African Union and H.E Jainaba Jagne ,the Chairperson of AU Peace and Security Council for the month of April, 2024 at Ship House, Abuja.

He assured that Nigeria would contribute to the proposed African Standby Force, adding that the country is open to all possible collaborations with the African Union to ensure the security of Africa

The Minister reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to regional security cooperation, stating that: “Nigeria will contribute to the proposed African Standby Force and that we are open to all possible collaborations with the African Union to ensure the security of Africa.”

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Speaking on the just concluded Counter-terrorism Summit, Badaru said that Nigeria will abide with the resolution reached that would enhance the regional fight against terrorism and other criminalities.

He said:”Though it is still on paper, but I believe all council members are enthusiastic about the deliberation and on our part, we will work hard to contribute our best to see that our partnership on conflict resolution works.”

On her part, Her Excellency Jainaba Jagne commended the Nigerian Government for the hospitality and commitment to advancing the goals of the African Union.

She said: “Today’s meeting underscores the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing the common threats facing our continent. Nigeria’s leadership in this regard is commendable, and we look forward to continued collaboration towards a safer and more secure Africa.”

The meeting witnessed robust discussions on conflict resolution aimed at fostering closer collaboration among African nations in the fight against terrorism.

The discussions are expected to inform future initiatives aimed at strengthening regional security mechanisms and enhancing the effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts across Africa.

By Chimezie Godfrey

Tinubu appoints CEOs of NESREA, NDRBDA

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Tinubu appoints CEOs of NESREA, NDRBDA

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Innocent Bariate Barikor as the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

The President has also approved the appointment of Prince Ebitimi Amgbare as the Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority (NDRBDA).

Dr. Barikor is an academic and politician. He was a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 2011 to 2015, while Prince Amgbare is a retired naval officer and former commissioner in Bayelsa State.

Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President(Media & Publicity) who disclosed the appointments in a statement added: the President expects that the new heads of these important agencies will discharge their duties with utmost fidelity to the nation and unfailing adherence to the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and excellent service to the people of Nigeria.

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                        Why Julius Berger is preferred contractor – LASG                    
                


                

                    

                    

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                            Why Julius Berger is preferred contractor – LASG
                        
                    

                
                

                    




Lagos State Commisioner for Health, Prof  Akin Abayomi has explained why leading  engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is preffered contractor for relevant jobs in the state.


Speaking during the kick off of the rehabilitation of the 10-storey Lagos General Hospital recently, the commissioner said the company has for long being tried and tested and found worthy to handle the rehabilitation work saying, this project is important to Lagos state government especially considering the unfortunate fatal incident that occured at the facility of late. But having given due consideration to a lot of companies, Julius Berger is the preffered contractor deemed fit to diver the works due to their records in allied projects in the construction industry in Nigeria.


Prof Akin Abayomi went on to ask Julius Berger to come up with a suitable work plan for the project bearing in mind that the safety of the resident doctors are of utmost priority as the hospital is a busy place with lots of patients and doctors going in and out of the facility.


The Commissioner further advised the Resident Doctors to comply with the safety rules given in order to ensure a smooth operation in the facility as work commences. He cautioned that a construction site is a dangerous place so the Resident Doctors should all please adhere to all rules and cooperate with the workers on site.


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Responding for JBN, Engr Adegbenga Osunlana said lot of measures will be put in place to safeguard the safety of the residents at the facility and that a crack the Julius Berger HSE team has been deployed to the site. And for work to commence immediately, the residents Doctors have on the 7th – 10th floors of the building were asked to vacate in order for work to commence immediately at the location.


Engr Osunlana assured the commissioner that a lot of measures have been put in place for the safety of all at the facilty. These he added include: means of transporting within the facility, equipment and storage areas, protection against dust hazard and noise pollution from heavy machines, unauthorised entry and electrical hazard.


He further said that the well being of the residents of the facilities is also very important to Julius Berger and that is the reason they are called the giant engineering construction company of Africa.


One of the Project Coordinators, Mr Bolaji Johnson reiterated that Julius Berger  would love to appeal to the resident doctors that the contractor has mapped out some areas that will be cordoned off as work progresses and that it should be known however, that such places will not be cordoned off forever; He stressed that as a result, it is likely to cause discomfort and inconvenience, but that it is paramount for the resident doctors to be safety conscious and strictly abide by the rules and signages in place. 


In his reaction, the Doctors‘ Representative, Dr Akinsanmi said the resident doctors have complied with the notification, save for a few doctors that are yet to vacate due to one reason or other. He pledged to the contractors that everything will be done to enable Julius Berger start their work in earnest.


During a tour of the facility, the Lagos State Commisioner of Health also stated that a forensic analysis of the collapsed elevator was done and submitted to the Ministry of Justice and  investigation is still ungoing, so he urged the people that will be working on site not to go anywere close to that area.


The team comprised the Project Coordinators, Engr Adegbenga Osunlana and Bolaji Johnson alonsgide other members including  Assistant Project Manager LFW, Engr. Mrs. Amina Dottie.


The team had a brief meeting with the Lagos State Comissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, Director of Projects, State ministry of Health, Dr. Oduwole and the Medical Director of the  General Hospital, Dr. Mrs. Abiola Aduke Mafe. Others present were Managing Director, Kresta Laurel Ltd (The Lift Contractors) Engr Dideolu Falobi and the Resident Doctors Representatives, Dr Akinsanmi and Dr Okwu Victor, among others.


By Chimezie Godfrey



                

            


        

    
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