Day: June 18, 2023

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has called for peaceful coexistence among the different ethnic groups in the state.

Sule made the call at a reception in honour of Rep. Jeremiah Umaru, representing Nasarawa Eggon/Akwanga/Wamba Federal Constituency of the state, on Saturday in Wamba

Represented by his Deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, the governor said that elections were over and called on the people to shelve their differences and give room good governance.

“Nasarawa belongs to all of us and elections are over; it is now time for governance and so we must put our differences behind us and collectively forge ahead.

“This is because anybody who wants to run a race and continues to look back will definitely stumble and fall; we don’t want to stumble.

“Nasarawa State cannot afford to stumble; so, we must therefore come together as one people to support our leaders to succeed.” Sule called

The governor described the lawmaker as a committed and resourceful youth that the state is proud of at all times.

“We are very proud of this young man because he is a man who spring surprises when you least expect.

”Nobody gave him the chance of winning, but God did.

“Nasarawa state is proud that indeed we now have an ambassador in the National Assembly,” he said.

In his remarks, Umaru, thanked his constituents for electing him to represent them.

He promised to initiate and support bills that would have direct bearing in the lives of his constituents.

“I will initiate bills that will better the lives of the youth, women and the elderly.

“We will take our oversight functions very seriously to ensure that the right thing is done, particularly for the benefit of our people.

”I will also assist President Bola Tinubu and the governor Sule, to achieve their mandates,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some members of the House of Representatives who graced the event included Rep. Ishaya Lalu, representing Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency of Plateau.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Dr Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director, Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), says the bank has provided long-term finance to over 60 Primary Financial Institutions (PFIs) since its inception.

This is to address challenges confronting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

Okpanachi disclosed this to newsmen in Lagos while presenting the progress and achievements of the bank in the past five years, especially on its operation as a wholesale development finance institution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PFIs are commericial banks and microfinance banks that get long-term facilities from DBN to provide financing to MSME operators as end-borrowers.

DBN, as a Development Finance Institution (DFI), was conceived by the Federal Government in collaboration with global development partners to address the major financing challenges facing Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.

The managing director said that the bank as at December 2022 had provided N631 billion as financing support to the PFIs, while over 313,000 MSMEs had benefited from the support which led to the creation of more than 900,000 jobs.

Also, on women empowerment and gender equality, he said that women-owned MSMEs accounted for 69 per cent of all businesses financed by the end of the 2022 financial year.

He noted that the bank continued to catalyse growth across key and various sectors, changing the dynamics of development in the country.

“The trade and commerce sector in Nigeria, for instance, accounts for the highest number of micro-businesses and informal enterprises within the country.

“According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), more than 80 per cent of the entire population of Nigeria, which is more than 160 million Nigerians, depends on the informal economy.

“This means that the trade and cmmerce sector is the hope of daily survival and livelihood for most Nigerian families and entrepreneurs,” the bank chief said.

He noted that management of DBN recognised this critical need and thereby channelled N230 billion to support small businesses in the trade and commerce sector over the past five years, leading up to December 2022.

Okpanachi said that the manufacturing sector contributed between 12 per cent to 17 per cent to the national economy over the past three to five years and it remained one of the highest labour-intensive sectors.

The managing director said that the bank had also supported MSME players in the manufacturing sector with more than N69 billion in financing.

According to him, the bank has also been supporting small businesses in the agriculture sector which is crucial for improving food security in Nigeria.

“The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) recognises the significance of agriculture in the country’s economy and has allocated substantial funding to agro-MSMEs.

Okpanachi said the bank had provided N27 billion to Agro-MSMEs which played a vital role in supporting agricultural activities, empowering farmers, and promoting agro-entrepreneurship.

“The financial support provided by DBN has helped agro-MSMEs to enhance their operations, invest in modern farming techniques, acquire machinery and equipment, expand their production capacity, and access new markets,” he noted.

The managing director also said that apart from agriculture, financing support was extented to various other sectors, recognising their importance in the overall development and prosperity of the Nigerian economy.

According to him, those other sectors are Hospitality and Tourism, education, Health and Technology with N13 billion, N12 billion, N11.5 billion, and N11 billion respectively.

Okpanachi disclosed that the bank plans to raise additional funds through the issuance of bonds, saying the process has reached an advanced stage and will come up soon.

He said, “As we celebrate these achievements, we remain resolute in our commitment to even greater heights. While acknowledging the hurdles that lie ahead, we embrace them as gateways to transformation, innovation, and a greater sphere of influence.

“We will continue to leverage our strengths, build viable partnerships, and explore new opportunities for impact, ensuring that the Development Bank of Nigeria remains a catalyst for sustainable development.”

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has expressed disappointment over the alleged refusal of some states to allocate slots to Hajj Saving Scheme (HSS) contributors.

The commission’s Deputy Director of Information and Publication, Malam Mousa Ubandawaki, stated this in a statement on Sunday in Makka, Saudi Arabia.

Ubandawaki said those who enrolled through the scheme are facing inconveniences in Kaduna, Gombe, Jigawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“These states have attributed their actions to NAHCON and Jaiz Bank’s purported failure to timely remit the funds to the respective state boards.

“We categorically state that such excuses are baseless and unfounded.

“It is pertinent to clarify that Jaiz Bank promptly remitted the HSS fares to the states well in advance of this year’s hajj.

“This was even before many state pilgrim boards remitted their payment.”

He added that NAHCON and States Pilgrims agencies had earlier resolved that the allocation of seats be in the ratio of 60/40 percent to pilgrims under State Boards and the Hajj Savings Scheme subscribers.

Ubandawaki particularly berated Kaduna State pilgrims agency for trying to blame NAHCON for its lapses.

He said that the pilgrims welfare board ought to have reserved 40 per cent of the seats allocated to it, which was 2,000, for the HSS.

“Even at this, only 108 of the 2,000 expected enrolled via the scheme in Kaduna state out of the 6,255 allocated to them.

“What is playing out lately is that some states have been doing everything to consistently undermine the Commission and the scheme in many ways.

“While the commission has continued to show patience and understanding with them, obviously because of the fact that a new scheme or policy takes time before it bears positive fruits.

“Unfortunately, this is not the case with some states who have continuously strove to defame and blackmail the Commission in their contempt for the board and some of its policies,” he said.

Ubandawaki emphasised that the information disseminated by the Kaduna State Pilgrims Board and others was not only false but also malicious intended to vilify and blackmail the commission and damage its integrity.

“We therefore want to first thank the numerous subscribers on the HSS for their faith and trust in the scheme.

“And appeal to those who have been unjustly denied the opportunity by the various pilgrims boards to remain calm and abide by the law,” he said.

He assured that the commission was working to deal appropriately with the issue and bring to book those bent on undermining the policy or denying the subscribers the right to participate in the Hajj.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The UK charity, IA-Foundation, is to establish skills acquisition centres in each of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria, to empower millions of out-of-school children in the country.

The initiative is the latest effort by the foundation to add value to the lives of some 20. 2 million Nigerian kids who are currently out-of-school in Africa’s most populous nation.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of IA-Foundation, Mrs Ibironke Adeagbo, made the disclosure in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

She said the plan to build the entrepreneurial centres was part of the outcome of her working visit to the newly-elected Mayor of the London Borough of Southwark, Mr Michael Situ.

Adeagbo said that she discussed the global issue of out-of-school children, especially in Nigeria with the mayor, expressing her optimism that time had come for the international community to step into the out-of-school crisis worldwide.

India, Nigeria and Pakistan are the countries with the highest number of out-of-school children, according to records by the UN agency, UNESCO.

Adeagbo said that her visit to Situ was to persuade the mayor to stimulate the consciousness of the British political and business establishments, to get involved in the effort to tackle the out-of-school menace frontally.

According to her, the foundation has also slated to host a summit in Lagos, Nigeria in October, to discuss Nigeria’s out-of-school issues among an international audience.

Adeagbo restated her call on the Nigerian government to establish an agency to tackle the out-of-school crisis, to save the future of children in the expansive West African country.

She said that all eyes were on President Bola Tinubu to make the difference in Nigeria’s education sector, to assure a better future for the country.

A report released late last year by a research company, SBM Intelligence, listed Kebbi, Zamfara and Bauchi States as having the highest numbers of out-of-school children in Nigeria’s 36 states.

NAN reports that the high number of out-of-school children in the three northern states may not be unconnected with some cultural mores that appear to discourage education, especially among the girl-child.

Analysts also posit that the problem is exacerbated by an endemic insurgency by the deadly Boko Haram group which has forced millions of children out of classrooms.

Boko Haram has waged a relentless war in Nigeria since 2009 in a bid to discourage western education in the country, which is also Africa’s most populous nation.

Bayelsa, a state in the oil-rich Niger Delta, is also cited as having the highest number of out-of-school children among states in Southern Nigeria.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Ms Adedoyin Fabikun, Managing Partner, Vertiline Synergy Ltd., a hospitality consulting company, says Nigeria can compete favourably with other countries globally when industry operators engage in knowledge-sharing activities.

Fabikun made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

She said the organisation would be organising a summit which will bring together industry leaders, experts and professionals to dialogue on trending issues in the sector.

The summit has its theme as “Making Hospitality Great Again”.

Nigeria was expected to be the fastest-growing hospitality market with a projected 12 per cent compound annual increase from 2019 to 2023, according to a PwC projection.

Fabikun added that the two-day summit taking place on July 13 and July 14 at the Landmark Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos, aims to provide platform for meaningful discussions as regards the hospitality industry.

“This two-day summit aims to provide a platform for meaningful discussions, engaging panel sessions, and informative activities, focused on exploring the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities within the hospitality sector.

“Attendees can expect a wealth of knowledge and insights from renowned speakers and experts, as well as networking opportunities with like-minded professionals.

“Day 1 of the summit will be dedicated to enlightening discussions, interactive panel sessions, and knowledge-sharing activities.

“Participants will have the opportunity to delve into a wide range of topics, including industry innovations, customer experience, workforce management, sustainability, and the future of hospitality,” she said.

According to her, notable highlights of the summit will include the launch of three groundbreaking initiatives by the company.

“Vertiline Synergy Training School (VSTS): A cutting-edge hospitality training school designed to equip aspiring professionals with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the industry.

“VSTS will provide comprehensive training programs, workshops, and certifications to nurture the next generation of hospitality talent.

“Hospitality Recruitment and Placement (HRAP): A revolutionary platform that connects job seekers with career opportunities in the hospitality industry.

“HRAP aims to streamline the recruitment process and bridge the gap between qualified candidates and employers, ensuring a seamless hiring experience for both parties.

“VSL Checks: A specialised hospitality security checks company, dedicated to conducting thorough background checks and security drills for staff within the industry.

“VSL Checks will enhance safety and security measures in the hospitality sector, ensuring peace of mind for employers and guests alike,” Fabikun said.

She noted that the summit would culminate in a Gala Night on Day 2 , where attendees could unwind, network, and celebrate the achievements and prospects of the hospitality industry.

She said Vertiline Synergy Ltd. was honoured to have secured sponsorship from esteemed organisations that share its commitment to excellence and innovation.

She further appreciated the sponsors, adding that their support has been instrumental in making the event a reality.

“This hospitality business and hospitality summit is a must-attend for hospitality professionals, business owners, industry enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about the future of hospitality.

“Be prepared for insightful discussions, exciting product launches, and exceptional networking opportunities,” she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The President, Yoruba Council Worldwide, Aare Oladotun Hassan, has called on members of the 10th Senate to support the emergence of Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti) as the next Senate Leader.

He made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Sunday.

Hassan said that Bamidele, if appointed would be a round peg in a round hole; assuring that he is a very committed nationalist.

“He has enormous experience having served as a commissioner in Lagos State, having served as an House of Representatives member and now a second-term senator.

“Bamidele has a lot of grounded experience in legislative development and national values. This makes him fits more into the vision of President Bola Tinubu’s agenda of Renewed Hope.

“As an organisation, we are throwing our full weight behind Bamidele. Not just because he is a yoruba man from Ekiti, he is a man of high integrity and high cerebral intellectualism. We believe he can deliver as a senate leader,” he said.

Hassan further said that, “Bamidele can ensure working closely with the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio. We believe that both Akpabio and Bamidele will drive positive legislative agenda that is geared towards national development.

“We believe the 10th assembly will provide the Nigerian nation a new people’s constitution with the two men in leadership positions.

“The Yoruba Council Worldwide believes the 10th Senate will provide a reviewed structure of the exclusive listing, the concurrent listing. This will go a long way when we look at what Tinubu stands for.

“These are times for us to play less partisan politics and put the country first,” he added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Abiola Owoaje, the Capoon, National Association of Seadogs (NAS) also known as Pyrates Confraternity have called on influential Nigerians to use their wealth to serve humanity by lifting the less-privileged.

Owoaje made the call at the Annual Feast of Barracuda/ Public Lecture, tagged: “Entrenching Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria” held in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo, on Sunday.

Owoaje stressed the need for Nigerians to be humane in delivering services for the development of the society.

According to him, service to humanity is service to oneself, insisting that the society would be better if wealthy and influential Nigerians consider it pertinent to serve and lift the less-privileged people in the society.

“What has been happening is that with the feast of Barracuda is something that has been established for many decades.

“And we use it to interact with the community and what we do is also to use the opportunity to let the community know our organisation itself and the advocacy work we do and their services to humanity,” he said.

The NAS capoon commended the Edo North Branch of the organisation for rendering services to humanity and urged members to continue to cater for the needy in their various communities.

“The branch has been doing tremendously well, the members here have shown real example of what we do as an organisation.

“The way we give back to the communities and with the orphanage we visited today shows the selflessness we have as an organisation,

“The branches are doing well to establish their own what we call anchor point wish is the club house, they have already got the land and ready to develop it wish is a good achievement.

“That is what most of the branches are doing and our own headquarters which is in Abuja, we are developing as well.

“So the key thing here is that whatever we do when we find ourselves as a National Association of Seadogs, we always try to look at the communities around us to see what we can do to uplift the community which is part of what we have done today at the orphanage,” he said.

In their remarks, the Benbow Capoon, Benin Metropolis, Dr Chris Ekiyor and San Tytanik Edo Central Deck, Dr Jude Obasanmi said believing in humanity is believing in God.

They urged the rich and privileged persons in the society to support the indigents and provide care to the disadvantaged communities.

Earlier, Dirisu Odion, the Capoon Hybrid Deck, (Edo North), said the Feast of Barracuda is an annual event celebrated across the flagship of the Pyrates Confraternity with a view to interacting and feasting with families and non-members.

“The Pyrates Confraternity as you are all aware was founded in 1952 by Prof. Wole Soyinka and six others (The original seven) with the primary aim of upholding human dignity and the promotion of a just and egalitarian society where no one is a victim of colour, sex race, beliefs and tribe.

“The Feast of Barracuda Lecture is an annual series designed to identify and discuss some of the contemporary social-political or economic issues militating against the attainment of a just and egalitarian society with a view to proffering practicable solutions” he said.

Odion also said the organisation is committed to fight against injustice in the society.

“Seadogs aka Pyrates Confraternity is an international charitable and humanitarian organisation comprising of like minded, disciplined and intellectual men who are committed to fighting ills in our society,”he said.

The Edo North Capoon, who described Barracuda as a predatory marine with an elongated body and a projecting lower jaw with fangl-ike teeth, said the fish strike with its sharp teeth and it is a terror to all fisherman and seafarers.

“The fish wrecks havoc on anything that crosses its path and would not hesitate to spill blood.

“It is a thing of great joy whenever fishermen and seafarers succeed in killing the Barracuda fish.

“In the symbolic language Pyrates Confraternity, the Barracuda is metaphorical of all the constraints, challenges and ills in the society, the seadogs El-Dorado, the treasure island,” Odion said.

Highpoint of the event was the feasting of the Barracuda fish by members and non-members.

The organisation earlier visited the Itsoghena Orphanage Home where food items, educational and clothing materials were donated to the children.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The police in Lagos State said it arrested a security man who allegedly conspired with another one to carry out robbery attack against his boss in Ikoyi area.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Lagos Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

Hundeyin said that the Ikoyi Police Division got a distress call on Friday at about 1.00 a.m., from the command’s control room alerting it about the robbery incident taking place in an apartment at Parkview Estate.

He said a team of detectives moved immediately to the scene and surrounded the area.

“After serious search, one of the suspects, simply identified as Tony was arrested with his loots.

“Items recovered from him include: four Samsung phones, five Wrist Watches, one camera, one flasks and some Jewelries, all in a bag while trying to escape with them.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of the second suspect, simply identified as Pius, who is the security man of the victim,” he said.

Hundeyin also said that no weapon was recovered from the suspects.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria