A community of innovators in Akwa Ibom State under the umbrella of Ibom Innovative Network, (IIN) have identified technology and rapid innovation as a panacea to the current economic and environmental crises bedevilling Nigeria.
During a press conference in Uyo, over the weekend, the chairman of the group of innovators, Amanda Etuk said although it was almost unbearable for businesses to survive given the operating landscape in the country; with technology, research and industry; businesses would not only pull through but become resilient.
According to her, “Technology, startup enterprise and rapid innovation will pull Nigeria out of the current economic slope she has found herself. The tech landscape in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, is poised to transform a nascent ecosystem into a resilient, thriving and innovative powerhouse for what is now known as “Africa’s New Tech Destination.
“We note that the operating landscape in the country and the region is almost unbearable for businesses to survive. However, as innovators, we are consistently finding better ways of getting things done with technology, research and industry. While we note the tough economic climate, we are also celebrating the remarkable achievements that Ibom Innovation Network has recorded through Akwa Ibom Tech Week and her other ecosystem-wide programmes and interventions.”
The president of IIN, Hanson Johnson in his speech said Akwa Ibom has emerged as a hub for tech enthusiasts and professionals, with a developer ecosystem growing at 29.7% month-on-month since March 2023 stressing that the growth rate rivals that of Lagos.
Johnson called for government support through investment in infrastructure, education, and research, along with tax incentives, grants, and regulatory frameworks to encourage startups and attract investors to foster a resilient innovation ecosystem in the state.
He also called on innovators to focus on sustainable solutions, diversify revenue streams, networking and knowledge-sharing within the community to foster resilience.
“Innovators should focus on sustainable solutions, diversify revenue streams, and embrace agility. Networking and knowledge-sharing within the community foster resilience,” Johnson emphasized.
Nigeria needs tech, innovations for resilient economy – Experts
Nigeria needs tech, innovations for resilient economy – Experts
UNESCO earmarks N32bn to tackle drug abuse, bullying in schools
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has announced an allocation of N32bn to enhance and develop the skills of 8,888 teachers across the country.
It said the project is to ensure that teachers have the necessary skills and resources to effectively train children, positively influence them, and develop life skills which will in turn stop drug abuse and bullying in schools.
The Head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Abuja office, Abdourahamane Diallo, made the announcement at a stakeholders engagement in preparation for a national training for schools in Nigeria to combat bullying and drug abuse, a statement on Saturday read.
Three months ago, the video of a bullying incident at Lead British International School, Abuja, went viral, which eventually drew the attention of the authorities and the shutting down of the school for a few days. In the video, the victim, identified as Maryam Hassan, was seen being hit repeatedly by another female student for no reason.
School bullying refers to aggressive behaviour that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power or strength, occurring repeatedly over time. A 2023 study in Edo state by Ighaede-Edwards et al found that 51.9 per cent of students experienced bullying, with 27.9 per cent admitting to bullying others.
The UNESCO head, proffering solutions, stated that teachers will be dispatched to various states across Nigeria to raise awareness among adolescents and children to curb bullying among students and drug abuse prevalent among youths.
Diallo represented by National Project Officer Education for Health and Well-being, Oladeji Adeyemi said, “The case of drug abuse is prevalent in Nigeria. So, what we do is to train teachers, and investigate and disseminate information related to drug abuse and bullying in society. We only build capacities but, don’t implement them. We provide finances and other materials to combat bullying and drug abuse.”
He added that drug abuse engenders violence and bullying which has caused a lot of problems and led many out of school, and stated that school-related gender-based violence is critical.
He also advised that schools should provide safe spaces to enable students to speak out when they are being bullied.
“We currently have an N32bn project focused on capacity building to train free teachers to carry out the task in some states in Nigeria. These teachers will visit different schools and organize programs to disseminate information and inculcate knowledge to lecturers and other teachers, as well as, help train students in skills acquisition programs.
“We have supported the government of Nigeria to help build a Code of Conduct in schools which focuses on drug abuse and bullying in schools. We are working with the Ministry of Education/SUBEB against the menace of drug abuse and bullying ravaging our educational system. We urge the government to team up with other agencies in the fight against drug abuse and bullying”, Diallo said.
On her part, the Founder, Future Focus Foundation, Chevonne Jibromah, posited that stakeholders must come together to combat bullying and drug abuse before it eats deep into the lives of young persons in the country.
“To me, bullying is not emphasised enough as a problem and it’s a problem. A vibrant child, all of a sudden, becomes dull and uninterested in going to school. It affects them mentally and if not checked on time, it will eat deep into our schools.
“That is why we need to sit up early to bring preventive measures. With this, we can save some who are already victims and those on the verge of being victims”, she stated.
She explained that the teachers’ training is a viable solution to significantly reduce the menace.
“We are hoping for agencies and organisations like NDLEA, UNESCO, and UNICEF to sit together and create robust materials that will be passed to all these states for training.
“We’ll train a few and get them to go back and train their communities for knowledge to be passed to others. With this, we believe that drug abuse and bullying in our schools in Nigeria will be eradicated”, she added.
Police arrest two for vandalism in Lagos
Men of the Lagos State Police Command, Ilupeju division, have arrested two suspects, Kelvin Louis (23) and Onyedikachi Paul (29), for vandalising railway perimeter iron fence along Oshodi-Agege Motor Road.
This was made known by the Police command on X.com on Saturday.
According to the report, the police received a tip-off from a concerned citizen, leading them to the scene where they apprehended the duo.
The statement said, “Officers of Ilupeju division after receiving information from a concerned citizen, arrested the duo of Kelvin Louis ‘m’ aged 23 and Onyedikachi Paul ‘m’ aged 29, in the act of vandalizing railway perimeter iron fence at Oshodi-Agege Motor Road. Investigation is ongoing.”
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Nigeria tightens security at borders ahead of #EndBadGovernance protests
The Federal Government has tightened security at the nation’s borders ahead of the planned nationwide protests slated for August 1.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, stated this in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, on Saturday in Abuja.
She directed the immigration’s Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers, and Divisional Immigration Officers across the country to be extra vigilant and intensify surveillance because of the planned protests.
The CG stressed that the directive was to ensure that foreign elements do not participate in the protests.
A group of Nigerians had called a nationwide protest tagged: “EndBadGovernance to express their displeasure over the economic hardship and other problems plaguing the land.
Nandap said: “In keeping with the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s gateways placed on the shoulders of the Service, officers especially Heads of Border Commands, are tasked to rise to the occasion.
“This is by ensuring that no foreign element can take advantage of the protest to destabilize the country.”
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Ifeanyi Ubah: ‘It’s sunset at noon’ – Governor Mbah
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed sadness and shock over the death of the federal lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, describing it as sunset at noon.
Mbah recalled the late Senator’s legislative brilliance in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, regretting his death at a time his ideas and humanitarian services to his constituents were most needed, describing it as a huge loss to the nation as a whole, and Ndigbo in particular.
“A young and ebullient leader, he had a sprawling and promising future ahead of him, which has now been cut short by the cold hands of death.
“Senator Ubah was committed to the Igbo cause and passionate about his service to the nation as a lawmaker. He was courageous at the floor of the Senate, intensive in his legislative advocacies, and sponsored quite a number of brilliant bills and motions that impacted the nation and its economy very positively.
“He was a true representative of his people, and very committed to addressing issues affecting them both in his official and personal capacities. He will be remembered for his philanthropy and various audacious efforts to better the welfare of his people
“My heart goes out to his family, the Government and people of Anambra State, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ndigbo, and the nation in general,” the governor stated.
Mbah prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased.
TVN reported that Ubah died in London on Saturday.
Ifeanyi Ubah: ‘It’s sunset at noon’ – Governor Mbah
OSOPADEC seeks Ondo communities’ cooperation to prevent flooding
The Ondo State Oil-Producing Area Development Commission has called on the residents of riverine communities in the state to assist the government in preventing floods.
The state is among those predicted to experience flooding this year.
Speaking with journalists in Akure on Saturday, the Secretary of OSOPADEC, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, said the commission had begun clearing and removing invasive water hyacinths from the waterways in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas as part of efforts to prevent blockages and flooding.
According to her, residents of the coastal communities and stakeholders need to cooperate with the clearing team to ensure a seamless and successful operation. She noted that the clearing had started last Monday.
“This initiative aims to enhance economic activities and ensure the safety of life and property in these areas. We are mindful that this is the rainy season and the season for water hyacinths on the waterways. This exercise aims to remove aquatic vegetation, debris, and other obstacles hindering the free flow of water, thereby preventing flooding, improving navigation, and enhancing the overall ecosystem in Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
“This effort is to mitigate the occasional damage to boat engines caused by this stubborn aquatic weed and to eliminate delays in travel time while promoting the use of water transport as a viable alternative that is safe, fast, and secure. We urge the residents of the coastal communities and stakeholders to cooperate with the clearing team to ensure a seamless and successful operation,” she said.
Bayo-Ilawole also noted that the water hyacinths had blocked waterways, affecting the economic productivity of rural dwellers. Hence, the clearing exercise aimed to remove aquatic vegetation, debris, and other obstacles to prevent flooding, improve navigation, and enhance the overall ecosystem in Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
In his remarks, a youth leader, Prince Taye Akinbuwa, assured OSOPADEC of massive cooperation from the youths to ensure the water hyacinths are removed from the waterways. He promised that the youths would fully support the commission’s team in ensuring a successful operation.
He also called for more support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration to foster growth, prosperity, and environmental sustainability in the mandate areas.
Be patient with Tinubu, Ondo monarch begs Nigerians
The Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, on Saturday, urged Nigerians to exercise patience and have faith in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The first-class monarch explained that Tinubu, who has been in office for just one year, needs more time to address and alleviate the nation’s economic hardship.
Ogunlade made this statement on Saturday after a meeting with the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in Abeokuta.
The royal father, who expressed confidence in the current administration, maintained that Nigerians would call for a second term for President Tinubu after witnessing his first-term achievements.
He said, “When this President took over the governorship of Lagos State in 1999, the economy of the state was in a similar state. He asked people to be patient, and he turned everything around. He is similarly appealing to the whole nation now, assuring that things will soon get better for all.
“This is just one year; the economy was a mess before he took over. Let the people exercise patience. Let them wait a bit longer for the President to work more on revamping the economy. I know that before he finishes his first term, the people will be calling for a second term because of what he will have achieved.”
The Akure monarch, who was in town for the funeral ceremony of Pa Titus Odedina, father of the former Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Samson Odedina, described the deceased as a man who lived a good life.
He added, “Pa Odedina lived a good life, and he had good children. One of them is Dr Odedina, whom I have known for a long time. He is an adopted son of Akure, and we love him very much. That is why the whole of Akure came here on Friday to celebrate with him. We pray that Pa Odedina continues to rest in the bosom of the Lord, and we know that his children will follow in his footsteps.
“Dr Odedina is a marvellous human being. When he was the Provost of the School of Agriculture, Akure, he performed excellently, and when he was the Commissioner for Agriculture in Ogun State, everyone spoke highly of him. We love and appreciate him, and we pray that others will be diligent like him in our efforts to achieve the Nigeria of our dreams.”
Economy has not been kind to Nigerians
The lawmaker representing Delta Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Ede Dafinone, has said “the economy has not been kind to Nigerians, especially those at the lower rung of the ladder”.
Senator Dafinone stated this on Friday as he distributed palliative items including grinding machines, generators, sewing machines, make-up kits, food items and other empowerment tools to members of his constituency.
“We are aware of the hunger in the land and have deemed it necessary to support the less privileged,” he said.
No fewer than 2,500 constituents benefitted from the gesture held at Dafinone’s company premises in Amukpe, Delta State.
The palliative items distributed on the occasion comprised 65 grinding machines, 30 sewing machines (Butterfly – Manual), 40 vulcanizing machines (DS 200 Tiger), 40 welding machines (Maxmech), 60 industrial gas burners (Local), 20 water pumping machines (SUMEC), 40 car washing machines (power sprayer).
Also were 60 local industrial oven (Local), 60 three-legged pots and fryers, 40 generator – (Shineray Generator 2.5KVA), eight freezers – Hisence 142 litres chests, 32 makeup box sets with ring light (14 inches ring lights with USB cables and Tripod), 24 hair washing basin (plastic) – fibre washing hair basin, 24 hair dryers, 1,200 Big Bull – 25kg bags of rice and 1,200 kegs of palm oil.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Dafinine urged Nigerians to exercise patience, assuring them that the government was cognisant of the prevailing economic challenges.
Dafinone who acknowledged the biting economic conditions, particularly as affecting the vulnerable, however, justified the government policies amidst criticisms saying “The increase in fuel prices, dollar exchange rates and food costs are outcomes of policies designed to strengthen the economy.”
“It’s like taking a bitter pill; it’s unpleasant now, but it’s for the long-term benefit,” he stated.
According to the lawmaker, “the government is committed to ameliorating the pains associated with these measures.”
He further said, “We are taking steps to alleviate these challenges. This empowerment programme is a testament to our commitment.
“The APC government is responsive to people. The increase is designed to strengthen the economy and things will get better. The decision of the President is for us to adjust for the economy to take off.
“This is the first phase of our own empowerment initiative. We plan to reach more people in subsequent programmes. We understand that there might be some disparities in the distribution process, but we assure you that we are working to ensure that the most deserving benefit.”
Dafinone commended President Tinubu for his “bold decisions”, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he described as a long-overdue step.
He said, “The President is aware of the people’s suffering and is implementing palliatives to cushion the effects.”
The woman leader of the Dafinone Foundation and Dafinone Cooperative, Mrs. Obakpolor Vic, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the empowerment programme saying “Working with Senator Dafinone has been a seamless experience.”
A beneficiary, Innocent Ededegba from Ughelli South, also lauded Dafinone for the initiative, noting that “this gesture is a huge relief to our people, especially in these challenging times.”
Chief of Staff to Senator Dafinone, Olorogun Adelabu, urged beneficiaries to make optimal use of the items which, according to him, “are meant to empower you financially.”
“We expect you to utilise them wisely,” he stated.
Ondo police demand details of hunger protest
The Ondo State Police Command has asked organisers planning to protest on August 1, to submit the details of their activities to the command to prevent the protest from being hijacked by hoodlums.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Abayomi Oladipupo, gave the directive on Saturday following the earlier order from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
This was contained in a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami. The statement was titled ‘Nationwide Protest: organizers to furnish police command with locations of protest before d day for security arrangement.’
The statement read, ” Ahead of the planned protest slated for 1st – 10th of August, 2024 tagged ‘End Bad Governance’. and in compliance with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM that all organizers of protest to give details of their activity to their Police command for security arrangement before the date of commencement.
“The command also recognizes the fundamental rights of citizens to protest with a view to ventilate their frustration and also note that no responsible government will allow violent protests that will breach the rights and freedom of other citizens who may not want to participate.
“In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police CP Abayomi Peter Oladipo has directed that organizers of the protest, if any, within Ondo State are to submit details of their activity with the office of the command PPRO indicating the venue of convergence for the command to make arrangement on the required security in identified areas of the protest.
” The CP Abayomi urged both the organizers and protesters to partner with the Police during this time to be able to wade off criminal elements who may want to hijack the protest or use it as a means to carry out their dastardly act as the command will provide adequate security for the Protesters and the state at large.”
The command appealed to all participants in the protest to maintain the sanctity of public gatherings and lawful assembly while avoiding acts that could lead to the breakdown of law and order in the state. He also assured citizens transiting through the state of police protection, peaceful and violence-free protest.
Senate confirms Ifeanyi Ubah’s death
The Senate has confirmed the death of the Senator representing Anambra South, Ifeanyi Ubah.
The Senate Spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed Ubah’s death in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
The lawmaker died in a United Kingdom hospital earlier on Saturday.
Adaramodu said: “It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that the Senate announces the passing of our esteemed colleague, Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, who, until his passing, represented Anambra South Senatorial District.
“Ubah was an exemplary leader, a committed public servant, and an indefatigable advocate for his constituents.
“His untimely departure represents a significant loss to the Senate, his community, and the nation at large.”
He added that Ubah had distinguished himself as a prominent businessman and a philanthropist.
The spokesman said the deceased as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited made substantial contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector and created job opportunities.
“Through the Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s philanthropic endeavours provided scholarships, healthcare, and vital support to the less privileged and impacted countless lives.
“Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Ubah demonstrated unwavering dedication to the progress and development of Anambra South and Nigeria as a whole.
“He was a beacon of hope, a champion of economic empowerment, and a steadfast supporter of legislative reforms aimed at improving the lives of all Nigerians, he stated.
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