Day: May 3, 2024

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, says press freedom is not a license for practitioners to spread fake news, misinformation and disinformation.

Idris stated this on Friday in Abuja while responding to questions from Journalists at the joint Ministerial Press Briefing in celebration of the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD).

Idris explained that the safety of Journalists is a global challenge and not peculiar to Nigeria.

He stressed that the press in Nigeria was largely free.

‘The fact that the press briefing is holding in an amicable atmosphere is a testimony to that fact.

‘I can tell you that there is no Journalist in the life of this administration that has been killed, jailed or sent on exile.

‘You may want to refer to some incidences that happened in the past, not in this administration, but we have also worked to address them in a way that is also responsible.

‘There is no way you can take away responsibility in journalism. Your freedom to express yourself e
nds where another person’s freedom begins.

‘If you spread falsehood, misinformation, disinformation and fake news, there is no way it can be called press freedom. Press freedom is not the same thing as spreading falsehood and misinformation.

‘I had earlier talked about patriotism, responsible journalism and love for nation. It is our responsibility to ensure that this country is safe, united and peaceful.

‘Always have it at the back of your mind that you are reporting so that the society can learn. So, responsible journalism not only enables you to report factually, honestly and transparently, but also challenges you to maintain the integrity and sanctity of your own country,’ Idris said.

The minister explained that a journalist should not tear his country apart ‘just because he wants to talk about press freedom’.

He said the administration of Tinubu had consistently advocated for direct foreign investments into the country.

‘You cannot have your newspapers and radio stations flashing insecurity all the
time. You cannot be flashing unpalatable things about your country and expect other people to come and invest in same country.

‘I can tell you that once you report factually, honestly and transparently, nobody will invite you to come amd answer questions.

‘In Nigeria, the press is largely free, but that freedom would further be consolidated if honesty and transparency is upheld in the manner that we report,’ Idris declared.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Alumni Association (FVMUNNAA), says it is positioned to lead technological revolution in agriculture across the country.

Prof. Lawrence Okonkwo, National President of the association, communicated this at the maiden National Symposium and Annual General Meeting of FVMUNNAA in Abuja.

The theme of the symposium is ‘Adopting Technological Innovations in Veterinary Practice, Livestock Production and General Agricultural Practices for food security, Economic Growth, Poverty Alleviation, Youth Empowerment and National Security.’

Okonkwo said the association would collaborate with researchers, policymakers and leaders of industries to create scalable agricultural systems that respected the planet’s limits while feeding its inhabitants.

‘Our education has equipped us with tools to innovate, challenge the status quo and drive the required change.

‘We are committed to promoting the new culture by providing the necessary public education, partnering
with government agencies and departments and more specifically encouraging our members and the public.

‘The commitment is geared toward investment in technologically driven veterinary practice, livestock production and general agriculture by all and sundry.

‘Collaboration of the alumni with researchers and others can help shape a future where technology and agriculture coexist in harmony, ensuring food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability for generations to come.”

The president said the pathway to economic growth and national security was through farming and scientific innovations.

Okonkwo, however, urged all stakeholders to commit to supporting the agricultural sector with the needed technology in order for the sector to thrive.

‘Together we can create a future where everyone has access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food and where our nation stands strong, self-sufficient and secure,” he said.

He called on all tiers of government to prioritise innovative and technologically
driven agricultural practices by procuring modern agricultural equipment and as well set out effective and efficient modalities for easy access by farmers.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) says Nigeria is the first country in Africa to acquire a cosmic ray muon detector to aid climate change and atmospheric research.

Prof. Babatunde Rabiu, Director, UN- African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English (UN-ARCSSTEE), a research and development centre of NASRDA, disclosed this at a symposium in Abuja on Thursday.

The symposium on Cosmic Rays and Space Weather was organised by UN-ARCSSTEE in collaboration with Georgia State University (GSU), USA.

The muon detector for monitoring cosmic rays and space weather was built and designed by the Physics and Astronomy Department of Georgia State University (GSU), USA.

Rabiu explained that a cosmic ray is a natural radiation that is not ionized in the atmosphere.

According to him, cosmic rays vary in location, latitude, and altitude of location and can be modified when certain anthropogenic activities occur.

‘More than ever, scientists are curious about predictin
g weather, and studying space weather, especially now that climate change is becoming obvious, which is the condition in outer space.

‘Cosmic rays are everywhere and it has to do with the earth, and it is useful in studying the climate but is yet to be fully impacted because it is ongoing research.

‘That is why we hope that with the measurements, we are taking with the muon detector, we will be able to have effective predictability of our climate system,” he said.

Rabiu, while speaking on space weather activities in Africa, said it dated back to 2004 with the distribution of manometers across Africa by donor agencies.

He said that although few countries in Africa had their Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, the continent needed more monitoring systems for space weather.

Prof. He Xiaochun, Director of Physics, at GSU, USA, said the project was targeted at exploring living in space, understanding it, and its adaptation, and providing information for stakeholders to protect and make infor
med decisions.

Xiaochun explained that cosmic ray radiation, mostly proton particles, is produced far in deep space and gets into the solar system and produces cosmic ray showers in the earth’s upper atmosphere.

‘We measure the shower particles at the surface of the earth and decode the state of the space and earth weather.

‘One needs a network IP address to be able to share data and reconfigure the detector with remote access,’ he said.

Dr Bonaventure Okere, Director of the Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy, said that the facility would aid astronomy studies and enhance research and development in that area.

The symposium highlighted cosmic radiations, how it interacts with the atmosphere, and environments, the impact of climate change, and how such radiations could be studied and analysed using the cosmic rays muon detector.

The meeting also discussed the need for stakeholders to make informed decisions on the reduction of gas emissions and having clean air for sustainable human development
.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has called for stronger collaboration between the military and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) towards addressing the prevailing security challenges confronting the nation.

Musa made the call on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Director General of NIA, Amb. Ahmed Rufai at the NIA Headquarters in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Thursday in Abuja.

He emphasised the need to continue to bolster collaboration within the country’s security apparatus in addressing the national security challenges.

The CDS commended the NIA boss for his exemplary leadership and commitment to national service.

He said the agency had continued to provide invaluable support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and called for the adoption of cutting-edge technology to effectively combat insecurity.

Musa reiterated the readiness of the armed forces to collaborate closely for the grea
ter good of the nation.

He stressed the imperative of addressing security challenges with determination, emphasising the role of fairness, good governance, and related factors in safeguarding national security.

In his response, the Director-General of NIA, Amb. Rufai, underscored the importance of teamwork and cooperation in advancing the nation’s interests.

He reiterated the agency’s mandate to safeguard the country’s interests and emphasized the necessity of collaboration among security agencies.

He also acknowledged the challenges facing security agencies but urged them not to waver in their commitment to their duties.

Rufai lauded the defence chief for his dedication to duty and highlighted the mutually beneficial relationship between NIA and AFN, particularly in staff training initiatives.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Wema Bank on Thursday marked a joint celebration of its 79th anniversary and seventh year of its fully digital bank, ALAT.

Its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Moruf Oseni, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos.

Oseni said the significant celebration commemorated nearly eight decades of service and innovation in the Nigerian banking sector and the bank’s seven years of digital excellence with ALAT.

He said that since inception in 1945, Wema Bank had been at the forefront of financial innovation, constantly adapting to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

According to Oseni, the bank’s evolution from being Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank to being at the forefront of innovation, pioneering Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has been a true story of resilience and transformation.

‘At 79, Wema Bank stand stronger than ever, and this achievement would not have been possible without the support of our customers and employees.

‘We thank them for believing in the Wema vision, for entr
usting their financial security to us, and for allowing us to contribute to their personal and professional aspirations.

‘Their faith in us is deeply cherished, and we are honoured to serve them.

‘As we mark our 79th year today, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering lives through innovation, and exceeding our customers expectations with unparalleled banking experiences tailored to their needs.

‘Our pledge is to stand by our customers through every stage of life, offering enabling platforms to accelerate their growth and propel them to extraordinary heights,’ he said.

He said that the bank’s 79 years had been remarkable and it anticipated more inspiring decades of progress with the support of customers and employees towards setting new standards in financial services to redefine the future.

‘As part of the anniversary celebrations, Wema Bank and ALAT are rolling out a series of customer-focused activities designed to reward loyalty and enhance the customer experience.

‘Throughout the anniversary month
, customers will enjoy various promotions, including discounts on transactions, cash prizes, special loan offers and much more.

‘This anniversary is more than a celebration; it’s a reaffirmation of Wema Bank’s resilience and ongoing commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in a competitive industry.

‘Both Wema Bank and ALAT are poised for further growth, with strategic initiatives designed to enhance customer-centric services and expand the reach and capability of digital banking solutions,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Residents of Brukum Trawa, a rural community near Sekesua in the Upper Manya Krobo District of the Eastern Region, have threatened to boycott the 2024 general election due to a lack of social amenities.

The community members shared their grievances with the Ghana News Agency during an interview, stating that they had been deprived of essential services.

Nene George Sangmortey, the Chief of Brukum Trawa, expressed frustration over the years of neglect by the state in terms of community roads, electricity, and telecommunications networks, which were negatively impacting their lives and farming businesses.

He said vehicles were unable to transport farm produce, forcing the residents to find alternative but difficult methods to move their produce to the market centres.

‘We feel we’re not a part of Ghana, as we have been neglected by successive governments,’ Nene Sangmortey said.

‘Vehicles are unable to ply the road to transport farm produce; when we harvest them, we will have to do everything possible to ma
ke the stuck vehicle move, a situation that is destroying our livelihoods.’

Despite nearby villages being connected to the national power grid and having access to telecommunications, the residents of Brukum Trawa had not experienced any such improvements, the Chief said.

Ms Sarah Awatey, a resident, said the poor road conditions had persisted for years without any signs of improvement, and though residents had attempted to organise communal labour to fix the road, erosion during rainy seasons continued to erode their gains.

She said the community had reached out to the District Assembly for assistance, but to no avail.

‘We have been organising ourselves to construct the road through communal labour, but during rainy seasons, erosion has been affecting the road, and we have called on the district assembly to help us, but to no avail,’ she said.

Pregnant women had had their share of complications when being transported to seek antenatal care, Ms Awatey said, citing instances where some in labour gave birt
h on the road while being conveyed on motorcycles.

Ms Dora Awatey, a trader, said the lack of electricity had led to increased snake bites, forcing people to leave their homes.

‘Due to the absence of telecom reception, it is difficult for companies to contact their customers here,’ she said.

‘And market women who also have to travel from Kumasi, Accra, and other regions to buy farm produce from us will wait for our calls before proceeding and so the network has become a bane to our business.’

Mr John Tetteh, another resident, said they would not support any political party in the upcoming elections if their issues remained unresolved.

‘We have informed the chief that we will not attend meetings if political figures invite us,’ he said.

‘Since we are in an election year, they should provide us with electricity, rehabilitate our road to aid transportation of our farm produce, and fix telecommunications networks, otherwise we will not entertain any campaign here.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has organised the ‘Feast Ghana’ to commemorate this year’s May Day celebration in Accra.

The event, which was to give Ghanaian workers a treat of authentic Ghanaian food and entertainment, was organised in partnership with the Public Service Workers Union (PSWU) of the Trade Union Congress, the Queen Mothers Foundation and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Feast Ghana, part of Ghana Cares Obaatanpa project, aimed at promoting Ghana’s local food and showcasing Ghana’s cultural diversity, and resuscitating the tourism and hospitality sector.

It was on the theme: ‘Flavours of Ghana, Celebrating Ghana’s Cultural Diversity through Food.’

Mr Akwasi Agyemang, Chief Executive Officer, GTA said ‘Feast Ghana’ was to display indigenous Ghanaian dishes and elevate Ghana’s special culinary, culture and tradition.

The initiative, he said, would help tourists appreciate Ghana’s cultural dimension by virtue of food, adding that it was also aligned to the ‘May day’ celebration in reco
gnition of the hard work of all sector players.

Mr Agyemang appealed to Ghanaians to embrace and support the ‘Feast Ghana’ campaign to promote Ghana’s locally made food, cultural heritage and tradition.

Mr Jones Aruna Nelson, Director, Corporate Affairs, GTA, indicated that ‘Feast Ghana’ was a unique opportunity to promote Ghanaian foods, traditional dressing, dance and language.

He said the event plays a significant role in educating Ghanaians to patronise locally made foods.

‘We will continue to elevate ‘Feast Ghana’ to promote culinary diversity for Ghanaians to understand the health benefits of eating locally made foods because it contains good nutrients for the body,’ he added.

The event showcased Ghana’s local foods, emphasising unity, diversity and the vibrant spirit of Ghanaians.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Keta Presbytery of the Global Evangelical Church (GEC) has called on President Akufo-Addo to ignore any lawsuit and assent to recently passed anti-LGBTQ Bill into law to reflect Ghana’s values.

The President had in a letter to the Clerk to Parliament on March 18, 2024, indicated that he would refrain from giving his assent, attributing his decision to court cases against the bill.

The bill, Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill which was unanimously passed by Parliament on February 28, 2024, after years of deliberation, proposes a three-to-five-year jail term for individuals who promote or sponsor LGBTQ activities, while those caught in the act are to be sentenced to a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of three years.

But leadership of the Keta Presbytery of GEC said despite the pending lawsuits seeking to restrain the President from assenting to the bill, his assent was important and must be immediate.

This was in a communiqué the Presbytery issued at its just-ended Presbytery Represen
tatives Conference held at GEC, Gloryland Chapel, Anloga with delegates drawn from twenty districts and parishes, including ministries and groups, made available to Ghana News Agency.

‘We are calling on the President of the Republic to assent the Anti-LGBTQIA+ Bill passed recently by the Parliament of Ghana into law with immediate effect. The voices of the masses cannot be underestimated all in the name of lawsuits against the bill.

Ghana is bigger than any individual and so the need of the country must be of utmost priority. Our moral values, societal laws, Christian and other religious beliefs and values are all against the movement and lifestyle of LGBTQIA+.’

It craved the indulgence of all victims and practitioners of LGBTQ+ to seek counseling and rehabilitation to maintain the ‘right human sexual standards for themselves and for the good of society.’

Touching on other national issues, it thanked God for His continued leadership, protection and preservation of the lives of citizens while commending th
e government for keeping its promise to protect the lives of the citizenry by fighting against extremism and terrorism saying, more needed to be done to safeguard the country’s peace.

‘While we commend the Government for its efforts at securing our borders as a country, we wish to urge the Government to pay attention to the needs of the citizenry.

The grievances of the citizens, including teachers, and other workers must be given the needed attention to arrest all forms of apprehension against the Government that would disturb the peace.’

The communiqué called on government to direct its efforts at reviewing the Free SHS Policy, focusing on providing infrastructure and other needs of schools, while urging the Electoral Commission to deliver on its mandate without compromise in the upcoming elections with a call on all political parties to demonstrate the spirit of patriotism in handling matters.

The Conference was also concerned about the protection and preservation of the destiny of the youth and asked c
hiefs and community leaders to take steps to arrest societal ills, charged citizens to plant more trees to help reverse the rapid change in climatic conditions, and called on Christian leaders to lead exemplary lives to benefit humanity.

Source: Ghana News Agency

CAMFED Ghana, a non-governmental organisation, is set to recruit and train 160 women under its ‘Agriculture Guide Programme’ to promote climate-smart agriculture.

The initiative aims to help women establish and run sustainable agribusinesses and also seeks to ‘build community resilience and ensure food security in the face of climate change.’

Under the programme, each of the trainees known as ‘Agriculture Guides’ will train 10 more women on ‘Climate-Smart Agriculture’ (CSA) practices, especially in rural communities.

The CSA is ‘a set of agricultural practices and technologies which simultaneously boost productivity, enhance resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.’

It includes the adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties, agriculture conservation techniques, agroforestry, water management, and improved livestock management.

Speaking at the launch in Accra, Ms Fairuza Safian, National Director, CAMFED Ghana, said the programme was part of CAMFED’s contribution to solving the challenge of cli
mate change in the agriculture sector.

She described the plan as an opportunity for beneficiaries to ‘develop sound climate practices, make connections, and access equipment needed for agriculture success.’

Ms Safian said ‘a technical working group’ was constituted to design the curriculum to guide beneficiaries and sensitise them on climate-smart agriculture.

‘…While contributing to addressing the climate challenge, the programme will also contribute to food security and position a core of young women to take up dignified and fulfilling careers in agriculture, agribusiness and agro-processing,’ she stated.

The National Director said CAMFED would always support the government to achieve its policy goals in various sectors, as it worked to ensure that ‘children are provided resources for their education.’

In a speech read on his behalf, the Assistant Director of Crop Services, Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), stressed the importance of adopting solutions that ‘protect and build resilience’ in the
sector.

He said the Agriculture Guide Programme by CAMFED was in line with the Ministry’s vision of tackling the effects of climate change in the sector, and highlighted some government initiatives meant to ensure agriculture productivity.

Mr George Yaw Adorshie, Head of Communication and Strategic Partnership, CAMFED, explained the organisation’s new strategic plan from 2024 to 2029, which included providing support for five million girls to access and progress through secondary schools in the five African countries in which CAMFED operates.

He said the organisation intended to enhance its achievements and expand operations to four other regions in Ghana.

Ms Paulina Addy, Director of Women in Agricultural Development (WIAD), at MoFa, highlighted the effects of climate on Agriculture and urged various partners to ensure the success of the Agriculture Guide Programme.

The technical committee for the development of the Agriculture Guide included representatives of universities, research institutions, and e
ntrepreneurs supported by CAMFED the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the National Service Scheme.

Mr Christain Zico Agbebo, Programmes Manager, CAMFED, said apart from the first batch of 160 trainees, the programme would recruit National Service persons and other females interested in agriculture.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Residents of Oti Region have urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to complete work on the Oti Regional Coordinating Council administration block to be use for the intended purpose.

Works on the Oti RCC administration block stalled after President Akufo-Addo inspected progress on the building prior to the 2020 elections.

It was designed to have spaces for departments of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council and other Institutions to ensure effective and efficient administration of the region when completed.

The new Oti RCC administration block is among six new administration structures constructed for the six newly created Regions.

A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to the site to assess progress of work revealed the weedy nature of the place with no construction ongoing after the 2020 general elections

Mr Philemon Acquah, a resident, urged the government to take steps to resume work on the project.

He said it is their expectation that the government would complete and commission the administ
ration block, including the staff bungalows.

Another female resident, Madam Sarah Yaa Amponsah, said the delay in completing the project was seriously impeding effective administration at the local level.

Source: Ghana News Agency