Month: August 2023

The Co-founder of Afrelib Academy, Abuja, Joseph Ajuwon, has said without qualified and motivated teachers, children stand very little chances of realising their potential.

Ajuwon said this in Abuja on Saturday on the sidelines of the Afrelib Academy’s 2023 Annual Teachers’ Conference with the theme: “From the classroom to the world: Redefining teaching for the 21st century.”

He said for teachers to stay motivated to impact knowledge on students, governments at all levels must join hands to empower teachers adequately.

According to him, the training was organised to train educators because of their primary contact with the students.

He said, “There are lots of talks about children being the future of tomorrow and that is all based on giving them all the learning they need to know to survive for the future.

“None of that would be possible, no matter how many programmes are run per session, without the teachers who are central to all the learning that happens in the classroom.

“The teachers influence so much about these children. Today’s session is for us to focus on the teachers themselves, on how we can get them to the point where they’re no longer demoralised, disillusioned, disappointed or discouraged about the vocation.”

Also, the academy’s Head of Operations/Programme, Joyce Gomina, said the conference was organised to remind teachers of their call and how much they could contribute to nation building.

“Every nation is as great as the quality of their teachers. We want to remind them to give their best so that at the end, we’ll raise people who will be proud of their experience at school having acquired a lot of skills.

” This is because they came in contact with teachers that are very mindful of making intentional influence and impact on the children they work with,” she said.

An Educational Administrator, Dr Emmanuel Aina, while delivering his keynote address, recommended a review of curriculum for teachers’ education with special attention to technology.

Aina also called for realistic remuneration packages for teachers in order to attract the best to the profession.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference brought together over 80 teachers from different schools across the FCT.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu reaffirms the commitment of his administration to creating meaningful opportunities for Nigerian youths

This is contained in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Saturday in Abuja.

The president stated this on the occasion of the 2023 International Youth Day (IYD).

Tinubu said that job creation, education and skills development to digital innovation, financial technology, and youth participation in governance were key factors in national growth.

Tinubu emphasised that youth empowerment was a fundamental pillar of all reform actions being implemented across sectors.

He added that these create an environment where Nigerian youths can thrive and contribute to the growth and development of the nation.

The president acknowledged the growing interest and impact of many young Nigerians in technology-related fields the world over.

He pledged to honour his campaign commitment of generating one million new jobs in the digital economy for youths and national economic development.

He said he strongly believes in the principle of “to whom much is given, much is expected,” and remained undeterred in his focus on delivery.

As agents of change, President Tinubu urges the youth to champion national progress, unity and collective prosperity for all citizens.

In tandem with the theme of this year’s event: “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” the president urged young Nigerians to spearhead efforts aimed at achieving the highest quality of sustainable development.

He said this would shape the future of the planet in conformity with his agenda of expanding green job opportunities and advocating for renewable energy solutions as an integral part of Nigeria’s current and future energy mix.

On this International Youth Day celebration, the president assures the younger generation that his administration would engage them with a view to implementing their important and forward-looking feedbacks.

Highlighting his commitment to active listening and engagement, Tinubu noted that the enactment of the Student Loan Act and the provision of buses to the Student Bodies of tertiary institutions nationwide stand out as tangible examples of his administration’s responsiveness.

The president heartily extends his best wishes to all Nigerian Youth on this joyous International Youth Day Celebration.(NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, said his administration would make adequate provision for the enhancement of the operational capabilities of security and law enforcement agencies.

Tinubu, represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, gave the assurance at the Passing Out Parade of the 5th Regular Course of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano.

Mr Olusola Abiola, Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, made this known in a statement on Saturday.

The Nigerian leader also assured of the commitment of his administration towards improving welfare of personnel in its renewed drive to address security and related concerns across the country.

“This administration is committed to implementing effective measures to combat security challenges in Nigeria and our synergy is the surest ticket to that destiny. We are implementing a comprehensive approach that focuses on key areas.

“First, we are investing in our law enforcement agencies to enhance their capabilities and effectiveness. We are offering extra resources, training, and equipment to bolster our Police Force and Security Agencies.

“Simultaneously, we are enhancing our intelligence systems and information sharing at both the national and international levels.”

Tinubu said government acknowledges that addressing security challenges necessitates cooperative endeavours with other countries.

“Hence, we are establishing alliances to adeptly tackle transnational threats. Furthermore, we are executing all encompassing social programmes and economic development projects aimed at fostering inclusiveness, social unity, and economic prospects for everyone,” the President added.

While commending the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their efforts, the President said “our moral duty now is to support the Nigeria Police Force and other security organizations in intensifying their bids to improve public safety.

“We must do the best within our capacity to ensure there is an improvement in the security of lives, properties, and investments of our people and foreign investors.”

President Tinubu urged members of the Force to always hold fast to the core virtues of our Police Force; integrity, honesty, and compassion.

“We must treat all citizens fairly and uphold their human rights, regardless of background. Our actions must exemplify the highest ethical standards as we safeguard the rule of law. Together, we embody the principles that define a trusted and responsible Police Force.”

He expressed confidence in the ability of the graduands to fit into the agenda of the present administration.

He noted that “with the quality of training that you have received over the five years in the Academy, I believe you are adequately prepared to serve this country.

“May you all embark on this journey with courage and determination, knowing that the nation needs your patriotic services. Stay vigilant, stay united, and stay focused to the ideals that make our Police Force an example of honour and integrity.”

Earlier, the Commandant of the Academy, AIG Sadiq Abubakar, thanked the Federal Government for its unwavering support to the institution.

He noted that the successful graduation of the 169 cadets was a testament to the present administration’s commitment to infrastructure and manpower development in the Force.

The high point of the event was the presentation of a sword and prizes to the best graduating cadets, the symbolic piping and commissioning of the cadets by the President who was the Special Guest of Honour.

Dignitaries present at the event include Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State; Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin, some members of the National Assembly; Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr Solomon Arase; Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, among others.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Six of the nine members of the ‘host’ gang are fighting to be released on bail in the Keetmanshoop Magistrate Court.

The accused persons appeared before Magistrate Erich Dandu on Friday, who postponed their case to 15 August for continuation of the bail application.

The accused persons who are seeking bail are 23-year-old Ronald Kaffer, Zane Mathys,20, Denzel Wolming,25, Michael Hendriks,19, Elton Kooper,26 and 26-year-old Jonathan Mathys.

At the start of the bail hearing last week, all accused persons indicated to the court that they are not flight risks as they intent to stand their trial, while some indicated that they are bread winners for their families.

The group was arrested in April this year and faces 18 charges ranging from theft, assault by threat, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, trespassing, robbery, malicious damage to property, impersonating a member of the police and contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

State representative, Lewis Chigunwe, at the start of the bail hearing said the State opposed the granting of bail because the State believes it has a strong case against the accused persons and it is not in the interest of the justice system for bail to be granted.

‘The State fears the accused persons will interfere with witnesses, I am told some escape the police cells to intimidated witnesses. If accused person are released on bail, they will definitely commit further offences and there is also a clear indication that they will not stand trial,’ stressed Chigunwe.

Other accused persons in the case are 23-year-old Brandon Dreyer, who remains in custody, and two minors who were released in the care of their guardians.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency