Children’s Day Celebration: Photo News

FG confers 385 citizenship to foreigners on naturalization, registration

The Federal Government has conferred 385 Nigeria citizenship on foreign nationals from different continents across the world. The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made this known at the 1st 2023 Conferment ceremony of Nigeria Citizenship by Naturalisation and Registration on Saturday in Abuja. The minister said one of the objectives of the present administration was to lay a solid socio-economic and political foundation that would elevate Nigeria into one of the 20 great economies of the world.  He said to achieve this vision, the federal government was determined to encourage and attract foreigners, investors, resourceful individuals, and people with rare talents and unbounded energy into the country. “Today’s conferment ceremony will be granted to 385 foreigners who have gone through diligent checks by the relevant agencies of state as stipulated by the constitution and have fulfilled all statutory and administrative requirements. “I need to state that the acquisition of Nigerian citizenship is a great privilege and not everyone that applies becomes successful. “However, that we have a high number of foreigners willing to become Nigerians is an indication that the ongoing efforts to make Nigeria a destination for investment and peaceful coexistence is beginning to yield good fruits. “As we continue to welcome foreigners to do business here who, after interacting with us, are now desirous of becoming one of us.” The minister said that it was under the present administration that the largest number of foreigners had been naturalised. “Between 2011 and 2013, a total of 266 foreigners became Nigerians. In 2017, 335 people took up Nigerian citizenship. “But last year, 286 foreigners and today at this ceremony, 385, making a total of 671 have acquired Nigerian citizenship. “I am still not pleased with this figure. In Europe and America, thousands of foreigners are inducted into citizenship every year. “They do this to attract youths and people in their prime who would like to contribute to the development of their countries. “The bane of the smooth pathway to Nigerian citizenship however is the constitutional requirement of continuous residency in Nigeria for 15 years.”  This, he said, was a huge disincentive, considering that in the U.S. and most European countries, it is five years. Aregbesola added that some of these countries have made a habit of snatching young and resourceful brains, who after four years of schooling and working for just one year, through easy pathways, to obtain migration to their countries. He, therefore, urged the relevant institutions of state to reconsider this in the next effort at amending the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “We ought to have easier pathways to citizenship for foreigners than currently obtains. “Also, while the foreign wives of Nigerian men can automatically become citizens through registration, this same privilege is not available to foreign husbands of Nigerian women. “This discrimination has robbed us of the gains we could have gotten from this category of foreigners, if there is a pathway for them through registration, as obtains for their opposite sex.” According to him, the Interior Ministry has sought and got the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to execute new pathways to permanent residency for eligible foreign nationals. Aregbesola added that the ministry had been invested with the power to grant permanent residence to foreign nationals who had demonstrated exceptional talents, knowledge, and skills in rare fields of Science, Technology, and Medicine, among others. He expressed optimism that such privilege would no doubt attract more people of talent and resources to the nation and give them the confidence and assurance to stay permanently in Nigeria. The minister, however, congratulated the new Nigerians who have scaled the hurdle to proudly become Nigerians, adding that Nigerians are among the greatest people on the earth and well-revered across the globe. He assured them that they would not regret the decision they have made to become Nigerians, reminding them, however, that every privilege goes with responsibility. “You will be required to make the best contribution ever to Nigeria’s development in every area, including the defence of its territorial integrity if need be and promotion of the welfare of the people.” He, however, welcomed them all to Nigerian citizenship. However, President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, while confering the citizenship on them, urged them to be good ambassadors of Nigeria. 

May 27: Children deserve the best education, others – NAPTIP

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says that every child in the country deserved to get better of education. The Director General (DG) of the Agency, Mrs Fatima Waziri-Azi, made the remarks during activities to commemorate the 2023 Children’s Day celebration in Abakaliki. The day is celebrated every May 27 annually, to improve on children’s welfare. The theme for the celebration is “Investing in our future means investing in our children”. Waziri-Azi, who was represented by Mrs Bertha Offor, the Head, NAPTIP, Ebonyi Liason Office, maintained that education was the right of every children and the responsibility of parents and government to provide . The Director General stated that the event was to create the needed awareness on children on issues of human trafficking and violence against persons. She added that the purpose was to expose and enlightened children on the agency’s mandate and activities in the state. “You are our better tomorrow. It is the responsibility of parents and government to provide quality education for children in the urban and rural areas. The Attorney General, Ministry of Justice in the state, Mr Cletus Ofoke, commended the agency for the enlightenment to enrich children’s knowledge against trafficking. Ofoke, representated by Mrs Faithvin Nwanchor, Coordinator, Gender-Based Violence Taskforce in the state, said that the event would expose children more on their rights. “As we mark the children’s day celebration with you, we want to enlighten you more on your rights. “We also want you to learn and identify the ills perpetrators commit against children,” Ofoke said. The DG, National Human Rights Commission, Mr Anthony Ojukwu, said the celebration was also a way to brighten up children and expand their knowledge as well. Ojukwu, represented by Mr Ejimnkeonye Oduenyi, Assistant Chief Legal Officer of the commission, said it was an opportunity to highlight any plights young Nigerians face. Declan Nwaji and Matter Abah, students from Government Technical College and Presco Secondary Schools, promised to instill same on fellow students and peer groups to forestall possible attacks on children. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured pupils and students from primary and secondary schools in the state

FG reaffirms commitment to protect Nigerian children

President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing a protective environment for children to grow and attain their full potentials. The president made the commitment at the Children’s Day Parade in Abuja on Saturday. Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Pauline Tallen, said government had embarked on various projects to protect Nigerian children. He said part of government’s intervention in that regard was the School Feeding Programme, adding that it had assisted in increasing children enrolment in schools. He said, “government is providing one nutritious meal to increase enrolment and it is gaining success.” The president said the 2023 Children’s Day celebration was a special one as it coincided with the Inaugural Lecture and the beginning of a new government. He further said, “children are the greatest resources that any nation has and the foundation and building block upon which the future of any country is built. “It is in line with this that we set aside this day to celebrate the protection and promotion of the rights of our children.” Speaking on the theme of the day, “Investing in our Future means Investing in our Children”, the president said it was apt. According to him, the theme is strategically chosen to enable stakeholders discuss the problems faced by children in the country. Buhari, who, said the problems faced by children ranged from physical to psychological, added that the 2023 theme was chosen to proffer solutions. He said the theme would help with discussion around how parents could instill values in children. He further said good parenting “promotes physical, emotional and psychological development of a child up to adulthood. “Parents must therefore be concious of their responsibility towards children as good character begins from home.” The president said there was an urgent need for parents and relevant stakeholders to instill values that would regenerate society for better tomorrow. “All organisations, the media, private sector, teachers and parents should renew commitment to shaping the lives of children to inculcate the right values,” he said. On implementation of laws like the Child Rights Act, Buhari said it was gladdening that 35 states had adopted the Act. He expressed optimism that Bauchi State, which had yet to adopt the Act would do so soon. The president said, “all states are implementing the Child Rights Act and I am proud to say 35 states including the FCT have domesticated the Act.” On Violence against Persons Prohibition(VAPP) Act, he said it had been fully domesticated by the 36 states. He said parents, teachers, religious leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders deserved commendation for helping to raise children that would make Nigeria proud. Buhari urged children to respect their parents and teachers and other older persons in society as they continued to work for actualisation of their dreams.

Federal Govt declares May 29 Public Holiday

The Federal Government has declared Monday, May 29, 2023 as work-free day for all workers in the country to commemorate the inauguration 16th elected President of Nigeria. The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in Abuja on Friday on behalf of the Federal Government. A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Shuaib Belgore, said the Minister felicitated with all Nigerians on the momentous occasion, commending them for their faith in democracy as expressed in the nationwide election that produced the President-elect and his Deputy being inaugurated and indeed in all elections across the nation. He enjoined them to continue to support and promote democracy through adherence to the rule of law and uphold all democratic institutions. “Democracy anywhere is an unfinished business and the only way it can keep developing and serve its end of being the vehicle to good governance and the welfare of all the people is by adhering to its tenets of rule of law, support for democratic institutions, promotion of free and responsible press and advancement of the frontiers of freedom for all the people,” the Minister said. Ogbeni Aregbesola urged Nigerian also to continue to promote ideals of peaceful coexistence and love for our neighbours, noting that we can only practice democracy and enjoy its dividends in a peaceful environment.The Minister commends all Nigerians for their strident efforts at achieving an unbroken civilian rule and successful change of governments since 1999.

Buhari congratulates Abdulrazaq on emergence as NGF Chairman

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on his emergence as the new Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). Buhari, in a congratulatory message issued by his Spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, on Friday in Abuja, urged the governor to give his best in providing leadership for the forum. He commended the governors for their maturity and stability of the NGF over the years, especially in electing new leaders. The president also acknowledged the significant role which the forum has been playing in stimulating discussions on development, promoting democracy and counseling political leaders on service to the nation. He was optimistic that the new NGF Chairman would further improve relations, tighten policy issues and provide more opportunities for growth among states and the Federal Government, considering his antecedents in business and government. The president wished AbdulRazaq the very best in the new assignment. 

Zungeru hydroelectric power injects 700MW to grid-Minister

The Minister of Power, Mr Abubakar Aliyu has said that the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant in Niger State has injected 700 Mega Watts (MW) into the National Grid to boost electricity. Aliyu stated this during a farewell party for him and the Minister of State, Mr Goddy Jedy-Agba by the Ministry of Power on Friday in Abuja. He said “Today the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant has become a reality; we have as at today joined the grid with 700MW.  Testing started Wednesday night. “Information has reached us with the pictorial view of the meters showing us that the 700MW has gone on the grid,” he said. The minister said that the Kashimbila Hydroelectric Power Project, a joint project with the Ministry of Water Resources had been completed. He said phase one of the project which is the line taking electricity to Yandev in Benue over 240 kilometers, had been completed and inaugurated last week. On the Siemens project, Aliyu said that the ministry had installed transformers in Abuja, Ajah, Lagos, adding that 10 massive mobile substations had been cleared. “We have 10 of them at the port and the first one is in Ajah sub-station and some are also on the sea coming, ‘’ he said. Aliyu also said that the ministry of power on Wednesday presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC), a contract for over 13, 000kilometers distribution line. He said that the contract was approved for the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI). “One thing we should have in our minds is that these things don’t happen just at once, it is a process. These bring about delays of some of the projects,” he said. The minister urged all players in the industry to continue to work together in synergy to be able to achieve the desired results. According to him, electricity is a value chain from generation to distribution, urging players to work in synergy. Aliyu commended members of staff of the ministry and stakeholders in the sector, for the cordial working relationship. He said that the ministers would not have achieved what they achieved without the support of the staff of the ministry. Also speaking, the Minister of State for Power, Jedy-Agba also thanked the staff for the working relationship that existed between them. “It is a long journey but I enjoyed working with you all as you took directives from us and you implemented them,” he said. 

FG upgrades vocational skills centres in Anambra

The Federal Government has commissioned four upgraded vocational skills training centres in some rural communities in Anambra. Outing Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige said this on Thursday during the formal commissioning of the centres in Alor, Anambra. He said the centres are located in Alor, Idemili South LGA, Ifite-dunu in Dunukofia LGA, Akweze and Enugu-Adazi, both in Anaocha LGA of the State. Ngige said the ministry, in collaboration with other stakeholders, worked tirelessly towards this goal, recognizing the critical role of skills acquisition in shaping the future of Anambra. Ngige described the four digitalised skill centres as the pinnacle of collective efforts in advancing apprenticeship and traineeship development in Anambra State and our Nation. He said the centres represent more than just physical structures, symbolise the commitment of the government to mass production of a skilled workforce, capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly changing economy, based on advances in technology. “We are now in an era defined by digital changes. It is imperative that we equip our citizens with the necessary competencies to thrive in a competitive job market worldwide. “That explains why the syllabi include re-skilling and upgrading knowledge in different trades. The launch of these centres is proof of our vision of inclusive growth and empowerment. “We are cognizant of the fact that skill acquisition should be accessible to all, irrespective of gender, social background, or physical ability and location. “That explains why those centres are not sited in Awka, the state capital, but in the rural areas where people live mostly,” he said. Ngige also said that the centres would be vital in providing equal opportunities to every individual, to ensure that all talents are tapped, leaving none behind. The minister while expressing satisfaction with the broad nature of the training courses, noted that they took into consideration the evolving needs of industries and designed a programme that aligned with market demands. According to him, from technical skills to soft skills, these centres will provide a holistic learning experience that will equip individuals with the versatility and flexibility required to succeed in the workplace. “Furthermore, these skill centres will serve as a stimulus of entrepreneurship and job creation. “We believe that the true nature of success lies not only in providing training but also in the provision of opportunities for self-employment and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit,”he said. Ngige said by nurturing and supporting aspiring enterprenuers, they aim to create a vibrant ecosystem that encourages innovation, productivity, and sustainable economic growth. He noted that all the skills acquisition centres, are linked to the ministry’s National Electronic Labour Exchange (NELEX) platform where every Nigerian could stay and access job openings anywhere in the world. Ngige said that the success of these skill centres depends on cooperative efforts. He added that a synergy between the government, private sector, education institutions and civil society is essential to realise the full potential of their skill development initiatives. Earlier, Dr Tiza Shaakaa, Director of Skills Development and Certification Department in the state commended the minister for the uncommon and laudable projects. Shaakaa said that Ngige had shown tremendous interest in apprenticeship development in Nigeria in his eight years as the Minister of Labour and Employment. He said that there was an increase in the number of specialist skills training centres in the country, owned and ran by his ministry, from eight to 28. He noted that this was beside the ones owned and operated by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), a parastatal of the ministry. He urged indigenes of Anambra State and every other person residing in the state to make good use of this rare opportunity by registering in any of these skill centres to be trained and re-trained. He added that this is in order to upgrade or learn new skills in their trades of practice or upscale their present knowledge. He also noted that for the trainees and trainers who would not be accommodated in the hostels, the Federal Government has procured buses and vans to convey them to and from the centres.

Revitalise industries, manufacturers task incoming administration

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has outlined the sector’s expectations for the incoming administration within the first 100 days in office to revitalise industrialisation. Its President, Otunba Francis Meshioye, said this at the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) Agenda Setting for the Incoming Federal Government Administration on Thursday in Lagos. Meshioye, represented by Mr Ambrose Oruche, Head of Corporate Affairs, MAN, said that a change in administration was usually greeted with expectations, in view of promises made during electioneering campaigns. He said the expectations would also assist to increase the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said though MAN was an advocacy group and apolitical, the association had expectations from the incoming government. According him, the association looks forward to working with the incoming government to accelerate the Nigerian economic development, especially the manufacturing sector. “The assumption is that the new government will move swiftly to fulfill those promises they made and thereby justify the confidence reposed by the electorate. “This is the essence of the social contract and in a democratic society, the government is expected to be accountable to the people and deliver on the promises made. “I am convinced that this momentous gathering symbolises not only the ceremony marking the power transition in the country but also a mission to rebuild the future of our country. “This is by setting a reasonably transformative policy agenda to guide the policy decisions and actions of the new leadership,” he said.  Meshioye noted that the magnitude of the responsibility awaiting the administration was enormous, demanding high senses of determination, and resourcefulness. He said that almost all parts of the economy was presently in shambles, and in crisis. According to him, the crisis ranges from political and social rascality to arrays of economic imbalances. He said the economic imbalances were in terms of multiple taxes, fees, and levies imposed by all tiers of government. Others, he said, include foreign exchange scarcity, bourgeoning borrowing interest rate, energy insecurity, and an infrastructural deficit in a highly inflationary environment. According to him, all these have negative impacts on the real sector with graver implications on manufacturing, which has been battling poor performance and now on the verge of collapse. “Emphatically, while the government believes in tax increments to rake in more revenue, the action is highly counter-productive. Thus is because a high tax burden on manufacturing and small and medium-scale businesses will squeeze their profit margins, which will have an adverse effect on their tax-paying ability. “As a matter of fact, multiple taxes on the manufacturing sector cannot enhance government revenue. “Rather, it will only erode the operational capability, effectiveness, and competitiveness of the industry, with huge negative spillover effects on government earnings, job creation, and the economy at large,” he said. He urged the incoming administration to reverse the 2023 fiscal policy measure that raises taxes on beverages and tobacco and address the issue of multiple taxes in within its first 100 days. He added that the productive sector should be given maximum priority for the general good of all, in terms of wealth and job creation for the nation. Meshioye insisted that government must promote the use of local content by mandating the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products by all government parastatals, agencies, and ministries as enshrined in Executive Orders 003 and 004. “Let us not forget that the manufacturing sector is also not doing well due in part to inadequate support for local content development in the sector by government parastatals, agencies, and ministries. “For instance, there is significant potential in the textile industry to produce high-quality military and paramilitary wear and apparel for the government that cannot be compromised and it is unfortunate that these are still being imported into the country. “Other critical issues of consideration include insufficient raw materials for the manufacturing sector, counterfeiting, smuggling, and importation of substandard products, inadequate and hard-to-get long-term funds, and the negative impact of the overlapping roles of some government agencies. “Together, we must build a resilient manufacturing industry that will withstand the test of time and safeguard the wealth of our nation,” he said. Meshioye also urged government to identify and break the power broker militating against the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex to make available raw materials for our steel and automobile industries.

May 29: Police announce traffic diversions in Abuja

The police in the Federal Capital (FCT) on Friday announced traffic diversions in Abuja ahead of the May 29 Presidential inauguration ceremony slated to hold at Eagle Square. The diversion is contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, on Friday in Abuja. She said the diversion points are Goodluck Jonathan Expressway by Court of Appeal, Deeper Life Junction, Bond/Total Filling Station, POWA/FCDA Junction, Finance Junction by ECOWAS/Women Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Other diversion points are Eagle Square (Phase 1 & Phase 11), Kur Muhammad Way / National Mosque, Abia House, NITEL Junction by Ademola Adetokunbo and Gana Junction/Transcorp. “Traffic will also be diverted at Bayelsa House by Federal High Court, Aso Drive, Ceddi Plaza, NNPC Twin Tower and NNPC/NBS,” she said. She said the Command had also deployed human and material resources across the nooks and crannies of the FCT to ensure a safe and peaceful Inauguration. Adeh said the deployment consists of all Intelligence and tactical assets at the disposal of the command, solidified with inter-agency collaboration. She said the idea was to ensure a peaceful atmosphere during the inauguration and to avert any form of threat on the nation’s democratic process Adeh said the operational deployment was characterised by visibility policing across the territory, stop and search duty, intelligence-led raids on black spots, surveillance and vehicular/foot patrol. “The command equally wishes to notify the public of proposed fireworks scheduled to take place on the eve of the inauguration, midnight of May 28 at the City Gate and the Millennium Tower, to usher in the new administration. “The fireworks will be carried out by Messrs Innate Arts and Media,” she said.