Home Blog Page 1578

Google opens new cybersecurity hub in Japan

admin
-
0
Google opens new cybersecurity hub in Japan

Google on Thursday launched a new cybersecurity hub in Japan, aimed at helping to upgrade defences in the Asia-Pacific.

The region faces a growing cyber threat from a range of actors, including criminal gangs looking for big payouts and state-backed actors pursuing intelligence or sabotage, according to governments and security firms.

These attackers have targeted not only governments and militaries but also critical infrastructure such as ports and businesses of all sizes.

“We are officially launching the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Japan, aiming to connect leading security specialists, researchers, and partners,” Google said in a statement.

The centre will conduct research on cybersecurity in collaboration with universities and governments in Japan and elsewhere in the region.

The tech giant will also help boost cybersecurity at 300,000 small to mid-sized businesses, non-profits and other social organisations in the region, said Google’s Kazuya Okubo.

Google had warned in October that the region “is the target of more cyberattacks than any other”.

Governments, including Japan, have echoed those concerns.

In addition to large-scale fraud and ransomware activity by criminal groups, the United States and its allies in the region including Australia have blamed China and Beijing-linked groups for cyberattacks.

In September last year, Japan’s National Police Agency joined its American counterparts, including the FBI, in warning of widespread malware attacks by China-linked cyber actors known as BlackTech.

BlackTech has “targeted government, industrial, technology, media, electronics, and telecommunication sectors, including entities that support the militaries of the US and Japan,” the NPA said in a joint statement.

Washington has alleged that China represents “the broadest, most active, and persistent cyber espionage threat” to its government and private sector.

Beijing, for its part, accuses the United States of being the “world’s biggest hacking empire”, citing its well-documented forays into cyberwarfare, online surveillance and hacking.

AFP

LP hails A’Court judgment as Apapa faction heads to S’Court

admin
-
0
LP hails A’Court judgment as Apapa faction heads to S’Court

The leadership of the Labour Party has welcomed Wednesday’s judgment of the Appeal Court that vacated the order restraining Julius Abure and three others from parading themselves as national officers of the party.

The judgment comes barely one year after the presiding judge, Hamza Muazu, ruled on an ex parte application that suspended Abure, Farouk Ibrahim, Clement Ojukwu, and Oluchi Opara.

On May 12, 2023, Muazu also dismissed the preliminary objection raised by Abure challenging his removal as chairman of the LP.

The suit which was filed by Martins John, Lucky Shaibu, Isah Zekeri, Omogbai Frank, Abokhaiu Aliu, Ayohkaire Lateef, John Elomah, and Abayomi Arabambi accused Abure and others of forging several documents of the FCT high court to carry out unlawful substitutions in the last elections.

The defendants through their lawyer, Alex Ejesieme, contended that an allegation of forgery against his clients cannot be brought before the court by way of an originating summon.

But delivering the lead judgment on Wednesday, Justice Hamma Barka held that the high court was wrong to have assumed jurisdiction over the matter.

Barka also held that the lower court was wrong to have interfered in the internal affairs of the political party.

Applauding the judgment, National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, said they have always known that the court will do justice to the issue of leadership tussle rocking the party.

He said, “We thank God that everything has come to an end. We are also using this opportunity to call on them to collaborate with us if they have an interest in this country and the dream of a new Nigeria at heart.

“Nigerians are suffering under this government. Under this government, things are getting harder. I think we are starting on the right note now to position the party to wrest power from this incumbent government.”

Reacting, the Spokesman of the Lamidi Apapa faction, Abayomi Arabambi, rejected Wednesday’s judgment, saying the court has no jurisdiction over the matter.

Arabambi also told The According that they will be heading to the Supreme Court for redress.

“That judgment is wrong and we reject it in its entirety. In any case, we will be heading for the Supreme Court to demand justice,” he stated.

NSCDC warns officers against accidental discharge

admin
-
0
NSCDC warns officers against accidental discharge

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory Command, Olusola Odumosu, on Thursday warned 532 personnel of the corps against accidental discharge.

Odumosu gave the warning at the passing out parade of the 532 officers 2023 recruits after six months of training in Abuja.

Last Thursday, the Commandant General, NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, unveiled three newly acquired gun trucks by the NSCDC FCT Command and unveiled the Special Tactical Squad of the command.

Audi charged operatives to use gun trucks only on criminals.

Meanwhile, the commandant also charged the 532 personnel to be diligent in their duty and be professional in arms handling.

“Today is another epoch making occasion in the history of the NSCDC FCT Command, the passing out parade of 532 officers, 2023 recruits after six months of rigorous training.

“You have been trained in weapons handling. This is one aspect of your job that you have to tread with utmost caution.

“In NSCDC, there is nothing like accidental discharge. Once you find yourself holding a weapon, rules of engagement must continually sound in your head. Your rifle is as safe as you want it to be.

“Note also that, you are also expected to maintain a high level of discipline, professionalism and competence in the discharge of your duties. Your uniform and weapon must not be used to intimidate or harass any citizens,” the commandant warned.

The commandant said they would be deployed to Departments, Units, Area Command, Divisions and Outposts.

He also warned, “It is an offence to lobby for deployment. Wherever you find yourself, give it your best.

“Be warned that this is a regimented organization with zero tolerance for any acts of indiscipline. Here there is no unionism, no activism, and no aluta continua. Respect for and regard for seniority is mandatory irrespective of age and size.

“Let me quickly let you know that your being confirmed as staff of NSCDC does not imply that you have arrived. You must shun bribery and other forms of corrupt practices.”

Reps want security education in primary, secondary schools

admin
-
0
Reps want security education in primary, secondary schools

The House of Representatives has called for the introduction of security education in primary and secondary schools nationwide.

This is just as the House said the move will equip young Nigerians with the knowledge required to identify threats to their safety and environments early in life.

Leading the debate on the motion titled, ‘Need to incorporate security education as a core subject in Nigeria’s primary and secondary school curricula,’ Omirin Olusanyo (Atakunmosa East/Atakunmosa West/Ilesa West Federal Constituency, Osun State) argued, “Security education prepares students for contemporary challenges in security ranging from economic, political, social and environmental threats.”

The lawmaker noted that in 2018, the United Nations Children’s Fund reported over 30 schools were attacked, “resulting in at least 2,295 teacher deaths and over 1.000 child abductions.”

He continued, “The House is worried that the recurrent attacks and threats against Nigerian educational institutions, teachers, and pupils are causing a negative impact on educational quality, teacher turnover and perpetuating a culture of impunity.

“The House is aware that due to the escalating insecurity in the country, it has become imperative for children to learn defence mechanisms, master first aid principles, and emergency handling skills.”

He further noted that in an increasingly volatile society like Nigeria, “investing in security education is essential to safeguard students, knowledge, skills and awareness in security education empowers them to take preventive action.”

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure that security education is incorporated as a core subject in the primary and secondary school curricula.

It also mandated the Committee on Basic Education and Services to ensure its implementation.

South-West pensioners decry scrapping of PTAD

admin
-
0
South-West pensioners decry scrapping of PTAD

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, South-West, has urged President Bola Tinubu not to scrap the Pension Transitional Arrangements Directorate.

The Pensioners said that scrapping PTAD will return them to what they described as “better forgotten dark days in Egypt where payment of their pensions and gratuities will be at the whims and caprices of larcenous civil servants”.

The spokesman for the union, Dr Olusegun Abatan, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists after the zonal meeting of the pensioners held at the secretariat of the union in Leme, Abeokuta.

Abatan explained that the reported move to scrap PTAD, which had since given the pensioners a new lease of life, is being attributed to the recommendation of Orosanye’s report, whereas the pensioners said nothing of such is in the said Oronsaye’s report.

Highlighting the benefits of PTAD, Abatan said aside from the seamless payment of pensions and gratuities, it has also eliminated long queues of pensioners and even death during verification exercises, among other dehumanising treatments the pensioners were subjected to in the past.

The pensioners urged President Tinubu to avoid being ill-informed by some self-serving civil servants over the scrapping of PTAD, saying that if at all PTAD will be scrapped, it is a creation of law and must be repealed through the same process by the National Assembly.

Abatan said, “Section 49 states that PTAD will cease to exist after the death of the last pensioner. We still have over a hundred thousand living Pensioners. PTAD already has a supervising ministry, the Ministry of Finance, it is also being coordinated by PENCOM, so why do they want it scrapped if not for self-serving purposes by unconscionable civil servants?

“PTAD is the baby of the law birthed by the National Assembly on June 25, 2004. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should avoid being misinformed by rapacious civil servants.

“To scrap it must go back to the National Assembly, any step taken to unilaterally scrap the PTAD without the imprimatur of the National Assembly is a violation of the law of the land and to that effect null and void and of no effect.”

The union also expressed its displeasure that the federal government has refused to pay pensioners the N25,000 it promised them in the MOU signed with the labour union in October 2023 as part of moves to ease the pains of fuel subsidy removal.

As a way out of the food scarcity crisis, the pensioners suggested to the federal government to create Food Production Zones in each geopolitical zone of the country and embark on massive importations of agricultural machinery, equipment and agrochemicals while also opening up rural roads for agriculture, among others.

EFCC accuses Obiano of evading court process

admin
-
0
EFCC accuses Obiano of evading court process

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has accused a former governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, of evading the service of court process.

The counsel for the commission, Sylvanus Tahir, disclosed this to the court on Thursday during proceedings.

On January 24, the EFCC arraigned the former governor on nine charges bordering on alleged money laundering to the tune of N4bn.

In the charges, the EFCC accused Obiano of diverting Anambra State’s security votes to the tune of N4,008,573,350 while he was governor between 2014 and 2022.

The counsel for the prosecution said efforts to serve the defendant’s reply to his motion have been futile.

He said, “In compliance with the order of the court made on Monday, we filed a counter affidavit to oppose the bid by Obiano to challenge the territorial jurisdiction of the court to prosecute him but our efforts have been to no avail.”

Tahir said his team was on Wednesday at the Chamber of Obaino’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) but that the gate to the office was locked.

He said he phoned two of the defendant’s lawyers but he was told they were at a Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal.

He said as a result, he was only able to serve the counter affidavit on the defendant inside the courtroom on Thursday.

He asked the court to proceed to hear the motion of the former governor challenging the territorial jurisdiction of the court along with the counter affidavit.

However, Patrick Ikweto (SAN), who represented Obiano at Thursday’s proceedings told the court he was served the counter affidavit in the courtroom.

He pleaded for an adjournment to enable him to respond to the EFCC’s counter affidavit.

Justice Inyang Ekwo subsequently adjourned the matter till March 13 for a hearing of Obiano’s motion.

However, in the motion on notice by the former governor’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) dated March 3, he informed the court of an appeal by the Anambra State Government challenging the EFCC’s authority to investigate the funds.

Ikpeazu said, “The subject matter of the charge bothers on accountability for security votes funds;
The honourable court lacks the requisite jurisdiction to entertain issues on accountability for security votes funds;

“There is an appeal filed by the Anambra State Government challenging the powers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate the security vote of the Anambra State Government

“The preferment of the entire charge is in bad faith.”

Ikepazu stated that there was no testimony from any witness indicating that he issued directives for the disbursement of security votes and other funds belonging to the Anambra state government

He said, “No evidence exists from any witness showing that Defendant/Applicant passed down directives on the disbursements of security votes and other funds belonging to Anambra State Government,

“The defendant/applicant cannot be made answerable for any purported unlawful actions of officials of Anambra State Government, as there is no vicarious liability in our criminal jurisprudence;

“The thinking and conclusion of the prosecution on the counts arose from speculation and suspicion.

“This honourable court has inherent judicial powers to grant all the reliefs sought above.”

Nigeria, others must harness power of research for growth- Minister

admin
-
0
Nigeria, others must harness power of research for growth- Minister

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, on Thursday, said Nigeria and other African countries must harness the power of research for growth and development.

Tahir, who reiterated the common notion of education being the bedrock of development in any society, stated that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu has set in place a roadmap to stabilise the education sector in the country.

While affirming the importance of research and education in driving sustainable development, the minister who spoke at the 2024 West and Central African Research and Education Network conference currently holding in Abuja said Nigeria is taking bold steps to support all levels of the education sector in a bid to nurture critical thinking as well as to establish skills and innovation hubs across the country.

He said, “In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Education under my leadership has developed a roadmap for the education sector to transform the educational system of Nigeria. We are also taking bold steps to support all levels of our educational system to nurture critical thinking and also establish skills and innovation hubs across the country.

“We must harness the power of research and education to propel the African continent forward. Whether it is in the fields of healthcare, technology, agriculture or governance. The solutions to our most pressing issues lie in the scholarly minds of our researchers and educators.”

Also speaking at the conference, the acting Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Chris Maiyaki encouraged participants to embrace digital transformation, foster collaboration, and cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students and faculty.

Maiyaki’s remarks highlighted the importance of preparing higher education and research communities for the challenges and opportunities ahead, calling for engagement in thought-provoking discussions, sharing best practices, and exploring innovative solutions to common challenges.

 

Lack of adequate resources affecting deaf education — PWDS

admin
-
0
Lack of adequate resources affecting deaf education — PWDS

Persons with Disabilities have lamented that deaf education has been plagued by systemic challenges thereby hindering their development within the educational landscape.

The PWDs noted that the lack of adequate resources, qualified educators, and accessibility to inclusive learning environments has impeded the holistic development of deaf learners.

The National Vice President, Nigeria National Association of the Deaf, Haruna Tsafe, and the Chief Executive Officer, The All-Rights Foundation Africa, Jake Epelle, made this known at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Epelle said, “Deaf education in Nigeria has long grappled with systemic challenges, hindering the full integration and development of deaf individuals within the educational landscape.

“The lack of adequate resources, qualified educators, and accessibility to inclusive learning environments has impeded the holistic development of deaf learners.”

Also speaking, Tsafe said despite tremendous advancements, challenges with deaf education in Nigeria still exist.

“Many deaf students struggle to study and rug to the classroom home they do not have access to skills with are flate in Nigerian Sign Language.

“Furthermore, deaf learners are further marginalised by the lack of educational resources available in Nigerian Sign Language, and societal misconceptions about deafness contribute to the existing hurriers.

“NNAD recognises the urgency of addressing these Issues to create an inclusive educational environment that empowers deaf learners to reach their full potential,” Tsafe said.

To address the challenges, the community would hold a two-day day summit with the theme ‘Empowering Deaf Learners: Advancing Quality Education through Nigerian Sign Language’ scheduled for March 14-15 2024 in Abuja.

The upcoming summit would serve as a vital platform for stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, advocates, and the wider community, to come together and delve into the core issues surrounding deaf education.

UNICEF seeks more investment in women, adolescents

admin
-
0
UNICEF seeks more investment in women, adolescents

The Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Tushar Rane, on Thursday called for more investment in women and adolescent girls to promote community health and secure a better future for the society.

Rane advocated this while delivering a remark at the opening of the Media Dialogue on Investing in Women, as part of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day in Gombe.

The UNICEF Chief noted that adolescent girls’ rights worldwide were under threat, with progress on key issues either stagnating or regressing on a global scale.

“In the face of challenges such as the ongoing global economic crisis, political turmoil, and humanitarian emergencies, adolescent girls are often overlooked, exploited, or placed in precarious situations.

“Shockingly, one in seven girls in developing countries is married before reaching the age of 15. Moreover, adolescent girls continue to face elevated risks of sexual violence.

“If the present trajectories persist, the number of girls and women living in extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to increase by 2030. Today, nearly half of the adolescent girls in UNICEF programme countries suffer from anemia and lack access to essential health and nutrition services in the event of pregnancy,” he said.

Rane called for aggressive empowerment of girls which he said can play a crucial role in tackling some of the most pressing global challenges against adolescent girls and safeguard a brighter and sustainable future for generations to come.

This is even as he implores journalists to use their wide-reaching media platforms to set the public and political agenda for the well-being of women and adolescent girls.

The media dialogue draws journalists from Bauchi, Taraba, Plateau and Gombe states.

Futsal AFCON 2024 draw holds in Morocco

admin
-
0
Futsal AFCON 2024 draw holds in Morocco

The official draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Futsal AFCON 2024 is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 7, at the Mohamed VI Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco.

According to CAF Online, on its website, the event is set to commence at 17:00 local time (15:00 GMT) and will be conducted by CAF.

The upcoming draw heralds the return of the fast-paced TotalEnergies CAF Futsal AFCON, celebrating its 7th edition.

The competition is scheduled to unfold in Morocco from April 11 to 21, 2024, hosted at the Moulay Prince Abdallah and IBN Yassine Halls.

Futsal AFCON 2024 draw

As defending champions and hosts, Morocco secures the A1 seeding, with Egypt, Angola, Mauritania, Namibia, Ghana, Zambia, and Libya completing the lineup.

However, the draw will determine the composition of the two groups, each comprising four teams.

Egypt currently holds the record as the most successful nation in TotalEnergies CAF Futsal AFCON, boasting three titles.

Defending champions Morocco follow closely with two titles, while Libya clinched one gold medal as hosts in 2008.

Notably, the 10-day tournament will adopt a round-robin format, featuring two groups (A & B).

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.

FIFA Futsal World Cup

Additionally, the TotalEnergies CAF Futsal AFCON will serve as a qualifier for the FIFA Futsal World Cup, with the top three finishers earning spots in this year’s global event.

The FIFA Futsal World Cup is scheduled to take place in Uzbekistan from September 14 to October 6, 2024.

According Online reports that Futsal is a variant of association football (soccer) played on a smaller, hard court, and mainly indoors.

The name “futsal” is derived from the Spanish or Portuguese words for “indoor football” (fútbol sala and futebol de salão, respectively).

Futsal

Meanwhile, the tournament provides a platform for showcasing the skill, speed, and creativity of futsal.

It has gained popularity as a unique and exciting form of football.

The Futsal World Cup, like its African edition, Futsal AFCON is held every four years, similar to the FIFA World Cup for outdoor football.

In addition, it serves as a major event for futsal enthusiasts and provides a stage for the best futsal players from around the world to compete at the highest level.

1...1,5771,5781,579...2,849Page 1,578 of 2,849
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv