Day: May 22, 2024

Leaders and representatives of various guilds and associations in the Nigerian film industry have pledged their support for the campaign against smoking and consumption of harmful substances in Nollywood films.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the thespians made the commitment during a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu on Tuesday.

The event was organised by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).

Representatives of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Directors, Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and the Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN), were among those who attended the event.

Others included foremost Nollywood filmmakers Fred Amata, Teco Benson, Zeb Ejiro and representatives of the Nigerian Film Corporation(NFC), among other stakeholders.

In his opening address, Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director of NFVCB, said the
sensitisation programme was to educate stakeholders on the danger inherent in smoking in Nigerian movies.

According to him, besides the health implications, glamourisation of smoking in films poses negative influence on teens and young adults who constitute the largest segment of Nigeria movie viewers.

‘As you all know, the film industry occupies a central position in the entertainment and creative sector and it is imperative that we continue to place the highest premium on the progress of the film industry.

‘The NFVCB supports smoke-free movies and supports smoke-free Nollywood, and we, therefore, seek your collaboration to develop creative content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages.

‘In spite of the obvious fact that our culture and heritage are part of our existence, we tend to pay less than optimal attention to the movies that are produced.

‘This continued until recently when CAPPA decided to reach out to the developers and regulators of the film industry to put an end to
the menace of smoking in movies.

‘The NFVCB is well prepared to take leadership in this regard and has planned and began implementing innovative ways to achieve its mandate.

‘The measure is particularly important at this crucial time when the National Assembly is insisting that there is ‘Need to Curb the rising spate of cultism, trafficking, consumption of Illicit drugs and other substances among youths in Nigeria,’ he said.

At the end of proceedings in the sensitisation workshop, participants, including delegates of the various guilds present, unanimously pledged their support for a smoke-free Nollywood.

They assured members of the public that moving forward, they would ensure that smoking and other vices are not glamourised, especially in films meant for children and young adults.

Blessing Ebigieson, AMP National President said: ‘Filmmaking starts as an idea and story writing before you can assemble cast and crew, and that is our work as producers.

‘So, our members shall ensure that stories, especiall
y the ones for films for children, do not have smoking scenes.’

Mr Victor Okhai, National President of DGN said: ‘It is our children we are talking about here; we shall ensure that they are protected from smoking by ensuring they are not exposed to such films.’

owever, Salisu Muazu, Secretary General of MOPPAN, emphasised the need for intensive education on the menace of smoking in films and offered to produce a Public Service Announcement (PSA).

Mr Patrick Lee, who represented the Cinemas Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), said members would ensure that PSAs against smoking in films are exhibited.

Earlier in his presentation, Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, said there was need to reverse how movies and music videos presented smoking and tobacco use as a ‘cool way of life’.

‘Tobacco is a killer and it currently kills over eight million people annually, with over 75 per cent of this from developing countries, where unfortunately Nigeria belongs.

‘Today, smoking still remains ve
ry prevalent in our movies, in contravention of the NTC Act and the Tobacco Control Regulations 2019, which explicitly prohibits tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorships in movies and entertainment.

‘As we tell the Nigerian story, shape our future and build a society that is genuinely productive, we strongly believe that Nollywood has a role to play in stopping non-communicable diseases in Nigeria,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Wednesday, decried the continued infrastructural decay, poor funding and proliferation of universities in Nigeria.

Prof. Monday Igbafen, Zonal Coordinator, Benin Zone of ASUU, expressed the union’s stand at a news conference organised over the unresolved issues between ASUU and government held at Delta State University, Abraka.

Igbafen said the Zone comprises, University of Benin; Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma; Adekunle Ajasin University; Akungba Akoko and Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa

According to him, others are Delta State University, Abraka; Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun and University of Delta, Agbor.

He said that the briefing had become necessary to alert critical stakeholders and the general public to yet another avoidable impending paralysis in Nigeria’s public universities due to actions and inactions of the government.

He said that the proliferation of universities was one
of the issues that precipitated the 2022 prolonged industrial action by the union.

Igbafen noted that in 2020, the ASUU-FGN Memorandum of Action stressed the need to review the Nigeria University Commission (NUC) Act to empower it to arrest he reckless proliferation of universities by Federal and States governments without adequate budgetary provision to fund them.

According to him, the reckless establishment of universities by politicians, most of which are seen as constituency projects, has put much pressure on the intervention funds provided by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFund).

He said that certain state universities were established without serious consideration for their adequate funding.

He urged the governments to halt the proliferation of universities and fund the existing ones to enable them compete with Ivory Towers in other parts of the world.

According to Igbafen, the debilitating and suffocating impact of neo-liberal policies of government at both the Federal and State levels had u
ndoubtedly undermined public good and other good things of life in the country;

‘These include the welfare of academics. As a result, not only is education in the doldrums, academics in Nigeria have become the endangered species in Nigeria existential space.

‘Recall that our union has been confronting the Federal Government on a number of issues which include stalled renegotiation of 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement, the absence of governing councils in federal and states universities.

‘Also, the Earned Academic Allowance, the withheld salaries and promotion arrears and third party deductions, illegal recruitment, proliferation of public universities, abuse of the universities’ rules and processes and TSA/ News IPPIs.’

Igbafen noted that the issues highlighted had had been on for a decade, adding that the failure of government to address the myriad challenges and worsening living and working conditions in Nigeria public universities is a direct invitation to crisis.

‘The crisis is eminent if this and other unreso
lved Sundry issues are not urgently and reasonably addressed by government,’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dr Paul Opone of Department of History and International Studies was elected Chairman, Delta State University, Abraka Chapter of ASUU to led the union for the next two years.

Opone took over from Prof. Godwin Demaki of Department of Business Administration of the university in a keenly but peaceful contested elections.

In his acceptance speech, Opone pledged to pursue all issues that were inherited from the previous administration to ensure the attainment of members welfare.

According to him, issues of over N150 million promotion arrears owed its members will be pursued to a logical conclusion among others.(NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng).

Tagged ASUU decries infrastructural decay, poor funding, proliferation of universities in Nigeria

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government has approved the extension of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC)’s Regulatory Reform Accelerator Action Plan by 30 days.

Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC and Investment, made the announcement on Tuesday in a statement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a 90-Day Regulatory Reform Accelerator Action Plan, which began on Feb. 20, had successfully been completed.

Oduwole said the PEBEC Secretariat worked with 38 priority Ministry, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to deliver impactful reforms on eight key indicators, resulting in measurable institutionalisation of reforms.

‘So far, the most progress has been recorded on Transparency Reforms, Port Operations, and AgroExport Reforms.

‘Other indicators include Review and Update on Service Level Agreements, Efficiency Reforms, Entry and Exit (Airport) Reforms, and Manufacturing for Export Reforms,’ she said.

The PEBEC boss said that based on the increased performance of MD
As over the last two weeks, the Vice-President, Kassim Shettima, the PEBEC Chair, has granted a 30-day extension of the accelerator.

She said this would culminate in a PEBEC Townhall meeting with all relevant MDAs to be hosted by the vice-president.

Oduwole said: ‘There is the need for more urgency by the MDAs to deliver outstanding reforms within the extension period.

‘Thus, further impacting productivity and competitiveness, and supporting the economic goals of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

‘The PEBEC mandate is a top priority of president Tinubu’s, Eight-point Renewed Hope Agenda.’

The third cohort of the council was inaugurated on Nov. 16, 2023, with members from all arms and levels of government.

NAN reports that the PEBEC was established in July 2016 by the Federal Government to oversee Nigeria’s business environment intervention and is a top priority of President Bola Tinubu, in line with the eight-point renewed hope agenda.

The 3rd cohort of the Council was inaugurated on Nov. 16 2023
with 24 members from all arms and levels of government, and is chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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These are just some examples of the unsolicited text messages inundating Nigerians mobile phone spaces daily.

Many Nigerians continue to voice the excruciating pain and frustration associated with repayment plans for loans obtained from microfinance banks (MFBs) or institutes (MFIs) and sometimes, from faceless groups now popularly known as loan sharks.

Loans sharks because of the aggressive manner they execute their d
ebt recovery processes.

Such loan subscribers, mainly petty traders, civil servants and local artisans, the primary borrowers, often endure significant stress as they struggle to meet their weekly installment payments.

The fear of defaulting leads to palpitations and anxiety among borrowers, who face harsh consequences if they fail to make payments on time.

Defaulters are frequently subjected to humiliating punishments, such as being confined in toilets or publicly paraded to beg for alms, further exacerbating their plight.

But why this surge lately?

Industry experts say several factors contribute to the rise in unsolicited loan offers via text messages.

First, the accessibility of mobile technology has facilitated direct outlet by financial institutions and lenders to potential borrowers.

Additionally, they say that the growing demand for quick cash and credit, especially during economic uncertainty and hardship, provides fertile ground for such offers.

Another factor is the cumbersome nature of proc
essing loans in conventional banks coupled with their astronomically high interest rates, which sometimes hovers between 23 to 27 percent inclusive of ‘hidden charges’.

Moreover, the lack of robust regulatory frameworks in some regions may embolden lenders to employ aggressive marketing tactics.

Financial experts say though mouthwatering, unsolicited loan offers require thorough consideration before entering into debt agreements.

They advise Nigerians to approach debt clickbaits critically and verify information before making financial decisions.

Nigeria, like many countries, has a diverse range of perspectives on debt, influenced by culture, economic, and individual factors.

According to the World Bank, financial inclusion refers to ensuring that individuals and businesses have access to affordable financial products and services tailored to their needs.

These includes transactions, payments, savings, credit, and insurance, in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Financial inclusion is recognised as
a catalyst for achieving seven of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The G20, a group of 19 countries and EU as well as African Union, has pledged to promote financial inclusion globally and has reiterated its dedication to implementing the G20 High-Level Principles for Digital Financial Inclusion.

The World Bank Group views financial inclusion as a critical driver in reducing extreme poverty and fostering shared prosperity.

The proliferation of fintech startups across Africa has expanded access to financial services, but has also exacerbated the issue of predatory lending, trapping borrowers in cycles of debt.

Some fintech companies lure potential borrowers through unsolicited text messages and calls, offering loans with steep interest rates.

In spite of the modest loan amounts, borrowers can swiftly accumulate substantial debt through mobile loans, often facing late fees, harassment from lenders, and escalating interest rates.

When borrowers struggle to repay, creditors often resort to intrusive me
asures, such as contacting the borrower’s family and friends to coerce repayment.

Exposure to loan sharks also exposes the beneficiary to financial security hazards such as identity theft such as BVN.

In recent times, Nigeria is abuzz with conversations surrounding the alarming increase in fraudsters exploiting the Bank Verification Number (BVN) for loan frauds.

Initially introduced to identify individuals in the banking sector, the BVN has now become available across various financial and non-financial institutions, serving as a crucial tool for identity verification.

However, alongside its utility, the BVN has also become a target for cybercriminals seeking to perpetrate fraudulent activities.

In response to this growing threat, a recent webinar titled ‘Fighting BVN and Loan Fraud’ gathered industry experts to discuss strategies for protecting individuals’ financial security and combating the pandemic of BVN-related fraud.

Leading the discussions were Ayomide Oso, co-founder of Dojah, Gbenga Omolokun,
Managing Director of VFD Microfinance Bank, and Razaq Ahmed, CEO of Cowrywise.

Omolokun shed light on the various methods fraudsters employ to obtain BVNs through registration agents creating ‘ghost BVNs,’ devoid of any biometric data, making them untraceable.

According to him, this can be done by exploitation of less privileged individuals in villages and IDP camps, where fraudsters input their own phone numbers during BVN registration for those unaware of the significance of safeguarding their BVNs.

He said it could even be done through the utilisation of stolen or lost SIM cards to dial the 5650# USSD code and retrieve BVNs attached to those phone numbers.

‘Once in possession of legitimate BVNs, bad actors exploit them for various fraudulent schemes, with loan fraud being particularly prevalent.

‘In this type of fraud, perpetrators use victims’ identities to secure loans and default on payments, leaving victims to bear the financial burden’.

Mr Razaq Ahmed, CEO of Cowrywise, recommends several strate
gies that fintech providers can adopt to prevent BVN fraud by ensuring data privacy and security to safeguard customers’ data.

From a user perspective, Ahmed offered practical fraud prevention strategies to include the need to exercise caution when sharing BVN and personal details with applications.

He said there was the need to conduct thorough research to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate businesses.

He added that contacting financial institutions directly to confirm the authenticity of any strange or urgent requests is crucial.

It is worth mentioning that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has announced plans to block loan apps that harass customers.

Acting Chairman of FCCPC, Adamu Abdullahi, stated in a recent interview that these loan platforms, often known as loan sharks, will soon be history in the country.

According to Abdullahi, these loan apps provide quick money to Nigerians for urgent needs but resort to sending unpleasant messages and pictures t
o all contacts of those who fail to repay on time.

This harassment has caused significant issues in Nigeria, including job losses due to embarrassment and disgrace.

While the FCCPC does not directly handle these harassment issues, they do not condone such practices.

To tackle the problem, the FCCPC has involved the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Human Rights Commission to form a committee.

‘Given that these loan companies operate online without physical offices or managing directors, the FCCPC has approached Google and Apple to remove their apps from their stores.

‘Additionally, the FCCPC has coordinated with the CBN to block all accounts associated with these loan companies’.

Experts say the surge in BVN exploitation underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders and individuals to combat fraud effectively.

They say by implementing robust sec
urity measures and fostering greater awareness among users, Nigeria can mitigate the risks associated with BVN-related fraud and safeguard the integrity of its financial ecosystem.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Malam Mohammed Isa, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, has lauded the translation of the Disability Laws into Sign and local languages.

Isa gave the commendation on Tuesday in Abuja at the unveiling of Simplified Version of The Discrimination against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in Sign Language and Audio version in Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the launch of the law was put together by The Leprosy Mission (TLM), Nigeria in collaboration with National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD).

‘Today further demonstrates the passion, dedication and commitment of this administration to support every initiative and intervention that promote inclusion and participation of Persons With Disabilities and Special Needs.

‘President Tinubu believes that nobody should be left behind in the scheme of things, regardless of individual abilities.

‘The launch is a crucial step in enhancing awareness an
d understanding of this landmark legislation within our rural communities.

‘I extend my deepest gratitude to TLM for its unwavering commitment and tireless efforts toward making this vision a reality.

‘The initiative to translate the Disability Act into Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, and to produce these translations in audio format for our visually impaired brothers and sisters, as well as into sign language for our deaf community, is both commendable and transformative,’ Isa said.

NAN reports that Isa was represented by the Director of Media and Publicity in his office, Mr Lanre Oloyede.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Mr James Lalu, commended TLM and the CEO of Qualitative Magazine, Mr Chris Agbo, for their efforts in making the translated disability law a reality.

According to him, the initiative is to enable relevant stakeholders within the disability community understand the relevant provisions of the law and defend their rights as citizens of Nigeria.

‘I am a beneficiary of this law in
sign language: producing this version into sign language is one of the important steps toward bringing the content of the law to the deaf community.

‘One of the gaps we realise is the necessary awareness creation for the disability community to understand their own rights and dignity as contained in the law.

‘It is when you understand your right that you can demand for it.

‘I want to appreciate President Tinubu for his support at ensuring that the NCPWD delivers on its mandate.

‘We’re empowered by Section 38 of the disability Law and, on that, we are committed to protecting the rights of PWDs as we work with security and other relevant agencies,’ Lalu said.

Similarly, the National Coordinator of LMN, Dr Samuel Udoh, represented by the Head of Programmes, Mr Pius Sunday, said the mission would continue to ensure that no one is left behind.

‘This unveiling is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of his or her abilities, has access to justice, equality and dignity.

‘By
translating this law into our local languages, we are making it accessible to all Nigerians. This inclusivity ensures that everyone, regardless of literacy level or language spoken, can

understand his or her rights asand enshrined in the law.

‘It challenges stereotypes and breaks down the societal barriers that have long exclude people with disabilities from achieving their full potentials.

‘We must remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring that the rights enshrined in this law are realised in every corner of our nation,’ Udoh said.

Meanwhile, the consultant and CEO of Qualitative Magazine, Chris Agbo, who drove the process, has said that the aim was to make the law accessible to enable PWDs seek for their rights.

‘I want to believe that the NCPWD will take it upon itself to spread and distribute these version. I also call on the Orientation Agency to play its role here.

‘I urge the media to create awareness for PWDs so that there will be space for them in the scheme of affairs in the country,’ Agbo sai
d.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has advised the All Progressive Congress (APC) Women in leadership positions not to misuse the mantle of power against their sisters.

Tinubu said this during a symbolic presentation of textile materials in commercial quantities to support businesses of women in politics on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gesture is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) on Social Investment Programme.

Tinubu, represented by the Wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, said that it was imperative not to misuse the mantle of leadership against fellow women.

‘I want to encourage us all to be resilient. For those that are in the mantle of leadership, they must not misuse it.

‘What I mean is that let us be our sisters’ keeper, let’s embrace one another. Let us not just put the blames on one.

‘No matter what, let us appreciate one another, it is easier to destroy than to build for sure, we all know it takes a long time,’she said.

On the pre
sentation of the fabrics, she urged the women to accept the little package with an open heart, adding that by the grace of God there would be more of such programmes.

She, however, called for support and understanding for the office of the First Lady.

‘Her Excellency is compassionate and in this one year of this administration, she has travelled across the federation due to her pet projects.

‘She is someone who is truly committed and wants to put a smile on the faces of the downtrodden,’ she said.

Tinubu, while commending Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the party, said that he was gender friendly.

According to her, Ganduje has given a lot of opportunities to the women in the country, and urged them not to misuse such opportunities.

Earlier, Ganduje said that there waa no doubt that the RHI project was also part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.

‘We are not surprised to see the First Lady coming up with this important programme to support the Mr President agenda,’he said.

Ganduje
commended women for their unwavering support to national development.

He said that there was a need to increase women participation in politics, adding that as a party they were already discussing it with the chief executive of the states.

‘This is by starting with the grassroots politics, women participation in the local government administration, is the first step for them to be interested and are accepted as well.

‘So, this programme which is financial inclusiveness for women has to be promoted,’ he said.

He urged the beneficiaries to be honest, transparent, committed and be nationalistic for the good of the country.

Also, Mrs Mary Alile, APC National Women Leader commended the First Lady for her commitment and unwavering support for the welfare of women in Nigeria.

Alile described the gesture as remarkable and true inspiration to all women in the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has continued to put in place measures aimed at reshaping the economy of the country since assuming office in May 2023.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja, on the anniversary of the administrations in office.

Ngelale said that the measures taken so far are legendary because they are what past governments refused to take and one that would ensure continuity and outlast the administration.

”Nigerians understand that this president, in his first days in office, dealt with the reform of the fuel subsidy regime, dealt with the reform of the financial markets, particularly with respect to the unification of the foreign exchange rates.

”He put an end to the type of incessant and really ravaging, round tripping we were seeing within the sphere of the Central bank of Nigeria. But then again, of course, sometimes when you stop the bleeding, it’s not seen as an achievement.

”But there
‘s a reason many others refused to do what this president has now done. This is why the president has been roundly commended, not just locally but internationally for the reforms he has put in place,” he said.

The presidential adviser said Tinubu was not unaware of the impact of the reforms on the lives of the citizens and has embarked on a broad scope of economic intervention to alleviate the plight of the citizens.

He said one of such measures was the Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSME) interventions and capitalisation including the N200 billion for all segments of the business population operating in the country.

”Specifically, N50 billion in grants. These are not loans. This is not money our people will pay back, but N50 billion in grants being paid to over one million Nano businesses equitably distributed across all local government areas of the federation.

”Approximately 1,290 Nano businesses have been given N50,000 grant through that scheme per local government. In addition to that, you
have the N150 billion in the form of single digit interest rate loans being provided to hundreds of thousands of MSMEs across all states.

”Again, equitably distributed N75 billion being given in loans of up to N1 million, whereas another N75 billion is being given to large scale manufacturers. These are industries that are employing up to 1,000 Nigerians per industry.

”We are giving them loans, single digit interest rate, with a moratorium of about five years at about N1 billion each. So the interventions of business have been very important,” he said.

The presidential spokesman said Tinubu did not also leave out the development of infrastructure across the country in various sectors.

He said that these investments were aimed at having a ripple effect among people that operate along the value chain segments of such infrastructures.

Ngelale explained that the past one year has also seen significant interventions in the area of accelerating power performance especially with the Siemens Energy agreement
and others in the provision of off grid power.

He said that Siemens was into the end to end modernisation of the nation’s power transmission grid to ensure enhanced quality and quantity of power supply to corporate and individual consumers.

”A situation in which disadvantaged Nigerians are losing their appliances, microwaves, television sets, refrigerators, freezers, because of this kind of equivocating power current. You recognize that this thing is actually costly to Nigerian families, and it has to be resolved.

”So sometimes you would even find that when you have this kind of equivocating power supply with the damage that it does to appliances and the like, and obviously the pocket of our people, what you end up finding is that they actually just want to turn the lights off.

”So the Siemens deal with the issue of quality of supply, ensuring that when Nigerians receive their light, whether it’s 6 hours, 12 hours or 24 hours, that whatever they’re receiving is quality electricity supply,” he said.

N
gelale added that the president has dedicated one billion dollars for the off grid power through capital formation and mobilisation from multilateral institutions dealing with the supply of off grid solar home systems.

He said that this would be allocated to primary health facilities, rural communities, and rural farms in order to cut about 50 per cent of post-harvest loss in the country because the produce could not reach the markets.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Prince Adeyinka Adewole says 200 schools have registered for the forthcoming National Schools’ Team Chess Championship.

Adewole disclosed this in a statement by Austen Osokpor, Head, Corporate Affairs Department of the Ecobank Nigeria Plc, on Tuesday in Lagos.

The competition is organised by the bank in collaboration with NCF.

He appealed for mass attendance to the National Schools’ Team Chess Championship billed to begin on May 24 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Victoria, Lagos.

Adewole said the event was open to students from primary to tertiary education level with prizes of over N15 million to be won.

The vice president said that he was impressed with the excitement and enthusiasm the competition generated among the target population.

‘We are impressed with the level of interest schools are showing towards the competition judging by the registration so far.

‘As we speak, over 200 schools which cut across primary, secondary, and terti
ary schools from all over the country have registered for the competition.

‘It’s going to be an exciting time. All arrangements are in place to make the competition exciting and fulfilling for the competitors and indeed all stakeholders.

‘We encourage Nigerians from all walks of life, especially sports enthusiasts to attend the event and support teams of their choice as a way of encouraging young people to aim for the best,’ he said.

According to him, Chess is more than just a game but an educational tool that enhances critical thinking, concentration, and problem solving skills.

Adewole also paid tribute to popular chess master, Tunde Onakoya, who recently broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in New York’s Times Square, United States.

He added that Onakoya’s global feat was a further proof that Chess was ‘not a pastime sport but a tool for social inclusion and development’.

He advised interested institutions that had not registered to do so by sending an email to: nationalscho
olsteamchess@gmail.com.

‘Registration is absolutely free. Take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the prestigious event.

‘It will provide an enriching experience for participating students, apart from the prizes to be won, there is also an opportunity to represent Nigeria at the world chess competition,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday inaugurated the 6th National Stakeholders Working Group also known as the Governing Board of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

Inaugurating the 15-member committee, Tinubu said he was proud of the board with the members carefully selected based on their diverse competencies, skills, knowledge, integrity and track record of service in their previous assignments.

Represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who also chairs the new NEITI Board, Tinubu said prudent management of Nigeria’s resources was central to his administration’s economic agenda and anti corruption policies.

The president reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the implementation of the principle and standards of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in Nigeria.

‘The present administration is passionate and remains fully committed to the global EITI, the work of NEITI and the visible impacts which the EITI proce
ss has achieved so far in Nigeria.

‘Nigeria is therefore, irrevocably committed to the implementation of EITI in the oil, gas, and mining industries,’ he said.

He said NEITI had demonstrated a high degree of competence, integrity and commitment to the values that the country required to achieve economic growth and development in the sector.

The president added that the effort was through availability of reliable information and data required for national planning and reforms.

‘As members of this board, your job is clearly and specifically evolving strategic policy direction and oversight that supports NEITI Management and the Secretariat to continue to implement its activities smoothly without any distractions or interference.

‘It is also very important that the board supports NEITI to preserve its corporate values, remain focused and committed to its values of transparency and accountability for the benefit of all of us present here today and our future generations,’ he said.

Addressing the Board shor
tly after inauguration, Akume said his appointment demonstrated the Federal Government’s prompt response to recent EITI assessment of Nigeria’s implementation of the initiative which stressed urgent need to reconstitute NEITI’s Board to avoid sanctions.

He said the new NEITI Board would take steps to address outstanding issues raised by the EITI validation report which the NEITI Secretariat has already prepared a detailed corrective action plan for the Board to consider.

‘This Board has the responsibility to understand the issues and provide policy support to the Secretariat to successfully implement the plan. Nigeria scored 72 points in that global Assessment.

‘And it is my hope that Nigeria will score 100 points at the next validation due in January 2026 under this Board and my chairmanship.

‘We must support the ongoing independent audits of the industry, reforms in the oil and gas sector being driven by the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the reforms in the solid minerals sector and the proposed amendment
s of the NEITI Act,” he said.

Earlier, Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, NEITI, while expressing gratitude to the president over his approval for the inauguration, said global EITI was also delighted over the decision for Nigeria to get a new board.

The 15-Man NEITI Board also include the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), representing the Government, while the Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) is representing the National Oil and Gas Company.

The Board also has a representative of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), Lagos Chamber of Commerce and the President of Miners Association of Nigeria, representing Extractive Companies (Oil, gas and mining companies), among others.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Operatives of the Gombe Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a young woman, Janty Emmanuel, for allegedly abusing the Naira.

EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said that the woman was arrested on Monday following intelligence that spotted her spraying Naira notes at a social event.

‘Upon arrest, the suspect was shown the video where she was dancing at G-Connect, Tumfure, Gombe State, and spraying N1,000 denomination of the Naira notes,’ he said.

‘She admitted committing the crime and shall be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria