Off-cycle Elelctions: INEC Chairman Seeks Air Force Support and Collaboration
Further to preparations towards a successful conduct of forthcoming off-cycle electuons nationwide, the Chairman of Independent National Elec5oral Commission, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu has solicited support of the Nigeria Airforce. The INEC Chairman disclosed that the Commission is set to conduct bye-elections and re-run elections in 26 states, covering various levels of representation. Speaking during a visit to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal H.B. Abubakar, Prof. Yakubu expressed gratitude for the warm reception and congratulated the Air Chief on his appointment. He also commended the Air Force for cooperating with election management body regarding election security and logistics, highlighting their professionalism and neutrality. With elections scheduled in nine states to fill vacancies in the national and state assemblies, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu emphasized the need for collaboration with national assets, including the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). Addressing the upcoming electoral tasks, the Chairman outlined the extensive scale of the elections, involving 80 local government areas, 575 registration areas/wards, and 8,934 polling units. A total of 4,904,627 registered voters are expected to participate, with 4,613,291 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) already collected. Recognizing the enormity of the assignment, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stressed that the Commission cannot accomplish it alone. Referring to Section 27(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, he highlighted the legal provision empowering the Commission to seek support from security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies for the efficient delivery of materials and protection of election officials. In preparation for the elections, the Chairman sought the support of the NAF in expeditiously delivering materials to specific locations in the North East, South East, and South West geopolitical zones. The Commission, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, is handling the evacuation of materials from focal airports to states where elections will occur. Prof. Mahmood Yakubu assured transparency in the inspection and movement of materials, involving all stakeholders, including political parties’ agents, observers, and the media. In conclusion, the Chairman expressed gratitude to the Chief of the Air Staff for the audience and support, anticipating yet another seamless collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force. In his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal H.B. Abubakar expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, for fostering democracy and strengthening collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and INEC, emphasizing their shared commitment to good governance, stability, and the rule of law across Nigeria. He noted that there is an alternative aircraft for transporting sensitive materials, urging timely planning due to capacity limitations. Additionally, he reminded Prof. Yakubu of outstanding bills, emphasizing their settlement for enhanced service delivery. In closing, the CAS expressed gratitude for the visit, foreseeing increased cooperation and synergy between NAF and INEC as he anticipated positive impacts on Nigeria’s democratic processes, affirming their collective commitment to maintaining the country’s status as the giant of Africa.
FG, Microsoft To Partner On Nigerian Video Games, Fashion -Minister
Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, has said that plans are underway to reposition the video game animation industry in Nigeria. Musawa disclosed this during the third quarter edition of the Xbox Developer Hangout, organised by Microsoft, in Lagos. According to her, this will be done in such a way that Nigerian movies, music, fashion and culture will feature in every locally produced video game. She said the industry holds lots of employment potential for the youth, adding that consultations with Microsoft would help in actualisation of her vision in that respect. She said that a working document had already been developed to actualise the mission but needed input from Microsoft. “We want to look at the kind of innovation we can achieve through gaming, with the huge talent we have in the sector. I want the gaming space transformed and I know with collaborations we can achieve a lot. “I promise to support in whatever capacity to actualise this and this is the reason I will continually remain grateful for President Bola Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy. “I perceive Nigerians as the most creative beings who will transform the gaming industry, the billion-dollar industry, with help and support from government. “We want to see a situation where our indigenous movies, peculiar fashion sense, music and elements of our culture will serve as contents of our locally produced video games,” she said. Earlier, Olatomiwa Williams, Country Manager, Microsoft, noted that the organisation was committed to empowering everyone with the needed tools to grow in the industry. Williams said it was important to leverage all opportunities to achieve President Tinubu’s agenda for economic diversification. “Partnering with the Federal Government is a thing of delight for us, young Nigerians deserve every right to thrive, we are creating an inclusive industry also for women to thrive. “Microsoft has been in existence for over 20 years and I can say that Nigerians have been contributing to our solution areas,” she said. Also, Oluseye Soyode-Johnson, Founder, NuConti, said, “the videogame industry is larger than the Nollywood and the global music industry, it is a billion-dollar industry which should be taken seriously.” Speaking on the needed tools for video games, Matthew Isikhuemen of Unreal Engine, said they included epic mega grants, epic game education, epic unreal fellowship, unreal market place, epic games store, twin motion among others. Winston Ohunyon, Creative Director, Dimension II Games noted that infusing culture into video games could be achieved through storytelling which entailed description and expanding beyond traditional elements. “The tools for this description can be seen in the plot, setting, theme, characterisation, composition, dialogue, story and all. “We must be careful about how the stories are relayed to protect our identity as a nation or a continent,” he said. Also, Dooshima Anger, Founder of Dooshimagames, noted that to fully support inclusivity in video game industry in Nigeria, more collaborations and awareness must created.
Counter-Terrorism: Nigeria To Deepen Collaboration With UNODC
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has commended the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on their Counter- Terrorism Project work with Nigerian Armed Forces. The Minister made the commendation when he received the Representative of the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Mr. Oliver Stolpe, in his office at Ship House, Abuja. Badaru stated that Nigeria welcomes any effort that would help in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria. “Thank you for doing a good job in Maiduguri. We will give you maximum cooperation needed to sustain the fight against Boko Haram and other forms of criminalities in Nigeria. On the rehabilitation of the repentant Boko Haram members, the Minister said in addition to what they have done, there was the need for Tracking Mechanism to ensure that the released Boko Haram members are fully integrated back to the society. Badaru expressed gratitude for UNODC’s continuous support in enhancing Nigeria’s capabilities to combat terrorism. In his remark, Mr. Stolpe pointed out that the UNODC is collaborating with Nigerian Armed Forces in area of counter- terrorism and Maritime security. He said UNODC in partnership with Joint Investigation Centre (JIC) in Maiduguri, Borno State has successfully reviewed over 2,900 case files leading to 2,400 prisoners released.
Nigeria, France Sign Pact To Support Young Entrepreneurs, Boost Employment
The Federal Government on Friday signed an agreement with France on the Digital and Creative Enterprise (I-DISE) programme aimed at promoting employment opportunities in Nigeria. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of France, Catherine Colonnade signed the bilateral agreement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on behalf of both countries. The agreement was also witnessed by Bosun Tijani the Minister of Communications who represented the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima. Tuggar said the I-DICE programme is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President and aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital technology and creative industry sectors. According to the minister, with a focus on job creation, the programme is set to significantly impact young Nigerians, by assisting them to create sustainable employment opportunities, develop high value-added industries and contribute to the development of the Nigerian economy. He said the programme would train two million young people, whilst encouraging them to structure their own ecosystem, through access to financing for the creation of innovative businesses and start-ups. Tuggar said the programme is being financed by the French Development Agency (AFD), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) & the Bank of Industry (BOI). He said of the 600 million dollar value of I-DICE, the AFD is contributing 100 million euros (equivalent to $116 million). He added that the programme would also receive funding and support from the private sector and institutional investors adding that the Bank of Industry, as the Implementing Agency, will coordinate the day-to-day activities of the project. Colonnade thanked all the partners and co-financers including the l’Agence Française de Développement, bien sûr. She said the purpose of this ambitious programme is to support young entrepreneurs and innovators. She added that the programme will promote the employability of Nigerian youth, enable Nigeria to boost the capacities of its very promising digital technology and creative industries and help thousands of young Nigerian entrepreneurs to unleash their talents. “Those digital technology and creative industries have indeed enormous potential to create jobs and spur economic growth in Nigeria. “We are very pleased that the French Agency for Development is stepping into these sectors, enabling us to scale up significantly our actions through the I-DICE programme,’’ she said. According to her, the programme is expected to include nearly two million youth in the training sessions of which 40 per cent would be women. “The programme will create more than 65,000 start-ups, 150,000 direct jobs in the technology and creative industries sectors and approximately 1.3 million indirect jobs.’’ Speaking on behalf of the vice president, Tijani said Shettima champions youth development and the Nigerian government’s efforts to boost the employability of young people by focusing on promising careers in the digital, cultural and creative industries. “As part of our efforts to stimulate the growth of the Nigerian economy and mainstream the application of technology in critical sectors, we welcome the support of the French government as they collaborate with us to leapfrog technological advancements for the benefit of our startup ecosystem. “This funding from the AFD for the I-DICE programme is a testament to France’s historical commitment to the growth of startups which is evidenced by its position as a leading startup destination in Europe”.
ActionAid Tasks African Leaders On Collaboration To Tackle Debt Crisis
ActionAid has called on African governments to coordinate collectively for a resolution to debt crises, based on radical renegotiation or debt cancellation, including through advancing this case in climate negotiations; and to pursue alternative economic paths that place quality public services, social and economic justice at the heart of building sustainable and truly sovereign states. The resolution was made by AA Country Directors at the just concluded IMF/ World Bank Annual Meetings in Marrakech, Morocco. They further called on the two Institutions to move away from the failed neoliberal economic model, to stop imposing austerity policies and constraints to public sector wage bills, and instead to support debt cancellation and ambitious and progressive tax reforms nationally and internationally. “The IMF and World Bank have imposed a neo-colonial model of economic development based on exploitation and extraction from the Global South which has given rise to regular debt and economic crises. “These crises have then been used to justify the imposition of harsh loan conditions and coercive policy advice on African governments, perpetuating dependency and stripping away the capacity of States through cuts to public spending. “Although some of the rhetoric has changed in recent years, in practice the IMF and World Bank are still attached to this cult of austerity, undermining progress on health, education and other public services and blocking Africa’s ability to respond and adapt to the climate crisis. “ActionAid’s research has shown in particular that IMF enforced cuts and freezes to public sector wage bills have consistently blocked the recruitment of urgently needed teachers, nurses, midwives and other public sector workers. “We have documented the gendered impact of these cuts, with women being the first to lose access to services, the first to lose opportunities for decent work and the first to absorb the rising tide of unpaid care and domestic work. “Without access to low-cost financing, many African governments now find themselves facing a deeper debt crisis than ever before – with UNCTAD recently finding that the amount spent on interest payments is often higher than spending on either education or health,” they said.
UBA’s Fraud Awareness Week: Stakeholders Seek Collaboration To Combat Menace
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, one of Africa’s premier financial institutions, recently hosted a significant event during its Fraud Awareness Week, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating financial fraud. This initiative aims to empower customers with the knowledge and tools needed to protect themselves from fraud and financial malpractices within the banking and financial sector. Running from Monday, October 16th to Friday, October 20th, 2023, the week-long event garnered substantial participation from key stakeholders across the financial sector. These participants shared their concerns regarding the escalating cases of fraud and discussed strategies to combat this critical issue. One of the event’s highlights was a Stakeholders’ Round-Table panel session held on Thursday. Distinguished guest speakers included Mr. Abbah Sambo Usman, Head of Cybercrime Investigation at the Advance Free Fraud Economic & Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Lagos State Command; Barrister Akin Adesomoju, Managing Partner at Akin Adesomoju & Co; and the Chief Risk & Compliance Officer, among others. These experts brought their invaluable insights and perspectives to the table. During the panel session, all participants reached a unanimous consensus on the necessity of collaborative efforts among all stakeholders, including banks, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies. The goal of such collaboration is to provide essential information, data, and intelligence to detect gaps in the fight against fraud and to prevent future occurrences. The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, who was represented by the Group Internal Auditor, Gboyega Sodiq, emphasized the pivotal role of the Stakeholders’ Round-Table session. He highlighted that this session is a central component of UBA’s commitment to combating fraud and safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s financial systems. Alawuba stated, “In a rapidly evolving world of finance, where technology and innovation are transforming the landscape of financial services, the need for robust fraud prevention measures is more crucial than ever before. This year’s campaign is encapsulated in two simple yet powerful slogans: ‘UBA won’t ask; so don’t share’ and ‘Stay Secure, Stay Alert, Stop the Fraud.’ These slogans serve as a reminder that as a bank, we will never request sensitive information such as PINs, passwords, OTPs/token responses, or personal details via email, phone calls, or any other digital channels. They stress the fundamental rule that must be adhered to rigorously to maintain account security and combat fraud actively.” In summary, UBA’s Fraud Awareness Week proved to be a vital platform for uniting stakeholders and industry regulators to address the pressing issue of financial fraud through inter-agency collaborations and customer empowerment initiatives.
NASS Commends FG, Labour Unions For Averting Nationwide Strike
The National Assembly has commended the Federal Government and the leadership of the organised labour for reaching a compromise to avert the planned nationwide strike. The President of Senate, Sen. Godswil Akpabio said this at plenary on Tuesday. “The entirety of the Senate appreciates the Nigerian labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of their understanding of the precarious situation that we are in. “We also want to commend the Federal Government for the proactive steps taken to avert the strike action that was earlier proposed by NLC and TUC. “Yes, indeed the understanding will help stablish the economy and help us attract foreign direct investment, because no government can actually do well in an era of strife. “I commend the union, I also commend the Federal Government team and I commend the Senate Committee on Labour for their efforts and hard work done to bring amicable solution to the matter,” he said. Earlier, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Labour Sen. Diket Plang (APC-Plateau) said the senate leadership via its committee with other stakeholders had met with various groups on the planned strike. “I think colleagues need to appreciate the situation, yesterday, the NLC and TUC signed a memorandum of understanding with the government and agreed on 15 items of resolution which led to suspension of the strike for another 30 days. “We need to congratulate the two teams for the clear understanding that played out among them,” he said.
NNPCL, NCDMB Sign Cost Reduction, Efficiency Pact With IOCs
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with major oil companies to reduce cost, drive efficiency in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The agreement, which was signed on Monday, would enable the implementation of the industry framework which was developed by the IJC to achieve an optimal contracting cycle of not more than 180 working days. Key benefits of the framework in the MoU include a reduction of the contracting cycle for open competitive tender, selective tender, and single sourcing tender to 180, 178, and 128 working days respectively compared with the current best effort performance of 327, 333, and 185 working days respectively. The framework is in line with the Nigerian Upstream Cost Optimization Program (NUCOP) and in consonance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for NNPC Ltd and NCDMB to engage the industry with the objective of improving the performance of the petroleum industry. An optimized contracting cycle is expected to improve the ease of doing business, reduce cost, and drive efficiency which will eventually translate to production growth, increased revenues, and ultimately improved profitability. The MOU is one of the many collaborative solutions between the major industry players that will contribute significantly to the double-digit economic growth rate agenda of the Government and generate tremendous value for all the stakeholders including the investors, the companies, the community, and the country at large. The move is in line with one of the key mandates of NNPC Ltd as the National Energy Company in article 53 (7) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to conduct its affairs on a commercial basis in a profitable and efficient manner. The mandate for efficiency requires that NNPC Ltd is committed to working with its partners in ensuring key processes, procedures, and timelines that drive major business activities such as contracting are structured in a manner that engenders efficiency and drives profitability. NNPC Vice President, Upstream, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, signed on behalf of the National Oil Company while the Executive Secretary NCDMB, Simbi Wabote signed on behalf of the Board.
UN Commits To Deepening Partnership With Gombe Across Key Sectors
The United Nations (UN) has pledged its commitment to support and collaborate with the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State in various critical sectors, including health, education, and more to foster socio-economic development. The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Hajiya Amina Mohammed gave this indication during a meeting with the Governor on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York. She commended the giant strides and progress achieved under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya in Gombe State, noting that the Governor has set a precedent in subnational governance. Hajiya Amina Mohammed offered words of encouragement to Governor Inuwa Yahaya, lauding the discernible improvements in the quality of life of the people of Gombe State. She assured the Governor that the UN would stand shoulder to shoulder with him and his administration throughout his stewardship to deliver meaningful development to Gombe State. The DSG assured Governor Inuwa of her willingness to engage with international development partners such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Susan Buffet Foundation, and the African Peace Corp to garner support for Gombe State in the realm of healthcare and human resource development. She also offered to facilitate UN’s technical support to bolster the Secretariat of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, a crucial platform for regional development, as soon as a formal request is made. In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya commended the Hajiya Amina Mohammed for her remarkable contributions to the UN’s global mission, describing her as a worthy daughter of Gombe and proud global ambassador of the state and Nigeria. During the meeting, he presented an overview of the multifaceted development initiatives that his administration is currently implementing, with a particular focus on healthcare and education. The Governor appealed for support in leveraging Hajiya Amina’s international networks to enhance Gombe state’s healthcare system, particularly at the primary and secondary levels. This includes attracting skilled manpower to fortify the operations of the three General hospitals that have either been constructed or rehabilitated across the three senatorial zones of Gombe State. He emphasized his administration’s unwavering commitment to providing counterpart funding where necessary to facilitate this vital endeavor. In his capacity as the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Governor Inuwa Yahaya also sought the UN’s assistance in strengthening the Forum’s Secretariat through the provision of technical experts. These experts would work in tandem with the Forum to drive its overarching development objectives.
FG to extend social register to fallen soldiers’ families -Minister
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to broaden the national social register and include the families of wounded and deceased soldiers in its poverty alleviation programs. Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, revealed this during a meeting with Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, in Abuja. Edu emphasized the importance of supporting military families and stated, “We want to expand our social register to accommodate military personnel who have been wounded or impacted by war, including soldiers who have left their families behind. We need this data from the military so that we can include them in the social register.” The minister’s visit to the defense headquarters aimed to seek the Nigerian military’s cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises nationwide. She emphasized that alleviating humanitarian crises and poverty was a top priority for President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “Our goal is to discuss humanitarian crises across the nation and the need to collaborate with the military to prevent more individuals from falling into the humanitarian bracket. We also aim to effectively reach those affected by humanitarian crises wherever they are, with the military’s support,” Edu explained. In response, Gen. Musa assured the minister of the Nigerian military’s commitment to supporting her in achieving the ministry’s mandate. He acknowledged the direct link between military operations and humanitarian aid, highlighting that successful organizations directly benefit military efforts. Gen. Musa expressed gratitude to the humanitarian ministry for considering the military community’s needs and expressed optimism that the collaboration would yield positive results. The engagement aimed to establish a strong alliance between humanitarian efforts and the military to swiftly address the growing crisis and provide immediate assistance to those affected.