Month: April 2024

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has said that the Federal Government is utilising a dual-pronged approach to combat illegal mining in the country.

Alake stated this while declaring open a two-day ministerial stepdown retreat, organised for the staff of the ministry and its parastatals on Friday in Abuja.

The theme of the retreat is ‘Delivering on the Eight Presidential Priorities.’

The retreat is geared towards ensuring that the workers performed their duties diligently in line with the eight presidential priorities of the Tinubu’s administration, particularly in unlocking energy and natural resources for sustainable development.

Alake said that the dual approach comprised both coercive and persuasive measures, being concurrently to get the desired result.

He explained that the persuasive method involved formalising artisanal and illegal miners into cooperatives, where they could attract adequate funding and be easily identified for incentives and other interventions.

‘Their b
usiness will become enhanced and they can attract funding from financial institutions.

‘They can increase their profits then government can identify with them and obtain the necessary royalties, taxes and revenue that have been lost before,’ he said.

According to the minister, within three months of the policy, no fewer than 70 cooperatives have been established.

He said that part of the coercive approach was the establishment of the Mining Marshal Corp who were recently deployed to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to secure the mining environment.

The Minister said that Africa possessed more than 60 per cent of the worlds natural resources and should take advantage of the resources to develop its economy by demanding value addition for its mineral resources.

He reiterated that approval for licences would only be given to mining companies that would comply with value addition to mineral resources.

Alake pointed out that Nigeria has the critical minerals needed for the global energy transi
tion in commercial quantities but required the cooperation of its workforce to assist in marketing the products and sanitising the sector.

He said that the government was marketing its solid minerals to attract foreign direct investment, create jobs, support small and medium-sized companies, and foster sustainable economic development.

The Minister said that the retreat was a period for the workers to reflect on their performance and make necessary adjustments, as productivity was key to achieving the presidential priorities areas.

He added that it was an opportunity for the workers to engage in fruitful discussions, especially towards the ministry’s seven-point agenda, shared best practices, and identifying innovative strategies to actualise the presidential priorities.

‘The importance of delivering on this priority area (energy and natural resources) cannot be over emphasised.

‘The Nigerian economy is in dire need of rapid economic growth through the solid mineral sector, given the limitless value this
sector can provide.

‘I believe with the efforts of everyone in this room, the Nigerian Economy can be positively catalysed,’ he said.

The Minister maintained that good character and the right mental capacity were required to achieve the ministry’s seven-point agenda.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The share price of FBN Holdings Plc, parent company of the First Bank of Nigeria Ltd., which opened on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.(NGX) on Friday at N18.50, gained N1.85 to close at N20.35, following investors’ renewed interest.

Specifically, FBN Holdings led 17 other gainers by 10 per cent and sold a total of 7.74 million shares valued at N156.31 million to close the week.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported on Monday that investors reacted to a sudden change in the leadership of a major subsidiary of the Group, First Bank Nigeria, over the weekend.

First Bank, on Sunday appointed an acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu, with immediate effect and subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The appointment followed the resignation of the bank’s former Managing Director, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, on Friday.

Reacting, Mr David Adonri, Vice Chairman, Highcap Securities Ltd., said FBN Holdings, is a stock that is widely held, and as a result,
any change in its value has far reaching effect on the equities market.

Adonri stated that the volatility of FBN Holdings stock recently was a source of anxiety for retail investors especially.

Meanwhile, shareholders of FBN Holdings on Tuesday commended the proactiveness of the Group’s Board of Directors in appointing an acting Managing Director for First Bank Nigeria, emphasising the importance of continuity in the bank’s operations.

The shareholders expressed confidence in Alebiosu’s capabilities, citing his extensive experience within the bank and the broader financial sector.

Mr Boniface Okezie, National Coordinator, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), expressed optimism that the resignation of the former managing director will not affect the growth trajectory or stability of the bank.

Okezie stated that this is because the new acting managing director is also a strong hand within the bank’s system.

Also, Mr Sunny Nwosu, former National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Asso
ciation of Nigeria (ISAN) expressed assurance that the acting CEO would excel in his new capacity, having been within the bank’s system with an impressive pedigree.

Nwosu said that Alebiosu would also excel with the support of the board Chairman, Mr Femi Otedola, who is also highly experienced and influential.

Alebiosu, until this appointment, was the Executive Director, Chief Risk Officer and Executive Compliance Officer of the bank since January 2022.

He has core competence also in oil and gas, project financing, agriculture, shipping and aviation.

Alebiosu completed his Bachelors in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management at the University of Lagos in 1990, after which he obtained a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the institution in 1997.

The new CEO started as a graduate at the defunct Oceanic Bank in 1991.

From 2006 to 2011, he served as the Group Head of Credit Policy and Product Programmes at the United Bank for Africa.

He later filled the role of Chief Credit Risk Officer
at the Continental Development Finance Institution, African Development Bank, in 2011.

At Coronation Merchant Bank Ltd., where he served until 2015, he similarly led the company’s risk management unit.

An alumnus of Harvard Kennedy School of Governance, Alebiosu also holds a Master of Science degree in Development Studies from the London School of Economics.

He has been a chartered accountant for over two decades and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

He is an associate of the Nigeria Institute of Management, a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and a member of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has cleared the Asaba Specialist Hospital (ASH) to serve as Teaching Hospital for Novena University.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of ASH, Dr Peace Ighosewe, who disclosed this on Saturday, said the clearance was given following Wednesday’s inspection and advisory for accreditation of the Faculty of Medical Sciences for Novena University, Ogume, Delta.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Novena University, a foremost private university in Delta, was recently awarded accreditation for Medicine (MBBS).

The institution in its bid to accommodate the yearnings and aspirations of youth who are unable to get education opportunities has proposed to use the Asaba Specialist Hospital as its teaching hospital.

Ighosewe, while commending Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori and the immediate past Governor, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for their support in making the dream come through, said that the hospital had continued to enjoy tremendous support from the Ministry of
Health.

‘The Council’s visit to the specialist hospital was to ascertain the hospital’s preparedness for the commencement of medical studies for the medical students of Novena University.

‘The inspection and verification process was carried out as a vital stage of accreditation to uphold the quality of medical education and training which will ultimately benefit both the students and patients that they will serve,’ Ighosewe said.

According to him, the hospital is very much interested and ready to move to the next level of practising at the level of a befitting teaching hospital after being duly certified by MDCN.

‘The management of the hospital is positive about meeting up with their side of the agreement in providing a safe and conducive learning environment for medical students.

‘The Council at different times visited the hospital for accreditations and they have always been satisfied with the level of manpower and medical equipment situated in the hospital.

‘MDCN has been to ASH several times for oth
er accreditations and we have never failed any. In the past, the hospital has been involved in the training of residents of several faculties and also intern doctors, nurses and Pharmacists.

‘I am hopeful that we will keep living up to expectations and do better as we go along,’ she said.

Dr Isoje Daniel, Chairman, Clinical Services and Training and Medical Advisory Committee, stated that the new development of accreditation was a great feat for the members of the ASH community.

‘The visionary leadership of the CMD who has always strived for new grounds

‘This is a dream come true as it has always been her desire to take the hospital from being a specialist hospital to a teaching hospital.’

He added that before now, the hospital had been accredited for postgraduate training in paediatrics, family medicine and obstetrics/gynaecology.

Daniel also said that they were looking at getting accreditation for medical laboratory scientists and the radiology department.

‘The collaboration with Novena University to
train medical students is not an easy task and it is setting the foundation for future medical practitioners which comes with a lot of expectations and responsibilities.’

The Vice Chancellor of Novena University, Prof. Godwin Nduka, stated that the Asaba Specialist Hospital was chosen due to its accomplishments.

Nduka expressed satisfaction with the accreditation of ASH for use as a teaching hospital for the medical students of Novena University.

He noted that the hospital was strategically located to serve the medical needs of people in Delta and other neighbouring states.

‘We are satisfied with our partnership with the hospital because we have seen that they are ready to work,’ he added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has commended contractors handling different projects in Abuja for keeping to their promises to deliver the projects before May 29.

Wike gave the commendation after inspecting some of the ongoing projects across the capital territory on Saturday.

The minister recalled that he had promised the residents of Abuja that President Bola Tinubu would inaugurate a lot of projects to celebrate his one year in office.

‘I am fully satisfied. This is a promise made and a promise kept.

‘We went to the Southern Parkway, from Christian Centre to Ring Road I, being executed by Setraco. The project is almost 98 per cent completed.

‘We have been to the Outer Southern Expressway from Villa Roundabout to Ring Road I, being executed CGC.

‘You can agree with me that it is just the beauty. The landscape is wonderful, and the project is also 98 per cent completed.

‘We went to the Vice President’s residence being executed by Julius Berger and the company has
assured us that all the furniture and other facilities are ready, and that they are doing finishing touches,’ he said.

From the VP residence, the minister inspected the B6 and B12 road on Independence Avenue, also being executed by Julius Berger and the company officials assured the minister that it would be ready for inauguration in May.

He equally inspected the N-20 Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway in Jahi District, being executed by Gilmor.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the project, which he said was almost 99 per cent ready.

He equally expressed confidence that the overhead bridge projects at Wuye and the road projects at Guzape would also be ready for commissioning.

‘I want to thank all the companies for keeping to their words. They promised us that all these projects will be commissioned by May.

‘I am very impressed. This is money spent well. The renewed hope agenda is alive,’ the minister said.

He attributed the successes being recorded in less than a year to the full sup
port of President Bola Tinubu.

He added, ‘We are doing all we can to complement Tinubu’s efforts for giving us all that we require to do our job. We are making sure that all the support is not in vain.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Veterinary doctors in Nigeria have urged all tiers of government to accord them equal recognition with medical doctors for overall well-being of the populace.

The veterinarians made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja in commemoration of the 2024 World Veterinary Day.

NAN reports that World Veterinary Day is commemorated annually on every last Saturday of April; the theme for 2024 celebration, which falls on April 27, is ‘Veterinarians are essential health workers.’

Prof. Lawrence Okonkwo, President, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria Alumni Association said that most advances in medicine were either made by veterinarians and or in collaboration with human medical doctors.

Okonkwo said that the application of veterinary science contributed not only to animal health and wellbeing but also to human’s physical, mental and social wellbeing.

‘Therefore, the advocacy for one’s health requires equal recognition of the roles of veterinarians and medic
al doctors,” he said.

Dr Ifeanyi Ogbu, Director of Finance of the alumni association and also the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), FCT Chapter, identified the 2024 theme as timely.

Ogbu said humans needed adequate protein for proper growth and body functions as majority of the proteins consumed daily by human were from meat and milk.

He specifically said that over 70 per cent of all infectious disease emanated from animals either through the consumption of infected meat, milk or by contact with an infected animal or animal products.

‘Therefore, if there is no veterinarian on the globe, man should be in a chronic battle with over 70 per cent of the diseases that human hospitals cannot prevent.

‘Diseases that have formed world pandemic over time were only nipped in the bud by the veterinarians. Such diseases are Coronavirus, Ebola virus, rabies virus, Lhasa virus, tuberculosis, avian influenzas and monkey pox virus.

‘Others are brucellosis that causes miscarr
iage in women, fibroid in women, e-coli bacteria, typhoid bacteria, trichinellosis, anthrax bacteria, fungi infections, hepatitis among others.

‘Veterinarians are trained on how to vaccinate live animals against these infectious disease, how to treat an infected animals and how to screen, examine, quarantine and condemn infected animal meat,’ he said.

The veterinarian, however, encouraged government at all levels to engage the services of veterinary doctors in abattoirs in all local government areas across the country.

According to him, such services will provide access to wholesome meat and milk products by people in remote and rural communities.

NAN reports that the World Veterinary Day was initiated by the World Veterinary Association (WVA) in 2000 as an annual celebration of veterinary profession.

The commemoration is to highlight and promote the lifesaving work performed by veterinarians across the globe.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The South Africa we embrace today, where individuals are allowed to move freely, speak without fear and associate with whomever they want, would not be possible without the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom. This year, as we commemorate 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy on the 27th of April, we will reflect on our journey thus far and our progress in advancing our democracy.

Our struggle to be free was brought about by many unsung heroes and heroines who were instrumental in the fight against apartheid and its unjust pass laws and discriminatory systems, such as Bantu education. Many in the liberation struggle were imprisoned, and some even lost their lives whilst in the pursuit of a nation that would be free from the shackles of oppression.

Today we have broken the barriers that once divided us and celebrate living in a nation where we are indeed free and have the freedom to choose, participate, be heard and be counted as citizens in a democracy. Our freedom holds even greater significance as
we prepare to cast our votes for our nation’s seventh democratic elections.

Freedom Day serves as a reminder of our country’s very first democratic elections held on 27 April 1994. The historic first free and fair election of 1994 resulted in Nelson Mandela becoming the first black president and he declared that ‘to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others’.

The democratic values of equality, freedom and human dignity is the foundation upon which the South African constitution has been built and this year we commemorate the 28th anniversary of the enactment of the constitution as the supreme law of our country.

The South African constitution has not only been instrumental in protecting our constitutional rights but has also played a vital role in forging a new national identity that protects our rich cultural heritage and diversity. It has also been influential in allowing for the redress of past imbalances.

Transformation throug
h laws, such as Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, Affirmative Action, Preferential Procurement, and plans such as the Reconstruction and Development Plan, were government’s initial attempts to reduce socio-economic disparities.

Over the years, there have been significant improvements to citizens’ lives as much work has been done to advance basic services.

From 1994 to date, approximately 12 million households have electricity, which is seven million more households than in 1994. Approximately 93 percent of South Africans now have access to potable water compared to 62 percent in 1994. Eighty percent of households now have access to decent sanitation compared to 50 percent in 1994.

The number of citizens in employment have increased substantially from eight million in 1994 to over 16.7 million in 2024. We have also prioritised providing social assistance through grants that support over 18 million poor and vulnerable South Africans.

Our social assistance programme is at the heart of government’s pove
rty alleviation programme and central to restoring the dignity of our people. Through it, we continue to improve the living conditions of poor, vulnerable and underprivileged South Africans.

However, despite these achievements much work still remains in ensuring that we eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030 as envisioned through the National Development Plan.

It is now up to every one of us to continue the journey started in 1994. Together we can inspire hope for a better tomorrow and build a better nation for everyone.

*Nomonde Mnukwa is Acting Director-General of the GCIS

Source: South African Government News Agency