Day: May 23, 2024

Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) has urged stakeholders in the power sector to address the issue of unreliable power supply to enhance research and development in Nigeria.

Prof. Paul Onyenekwe, Director-General of SHESTCO, made this call on Thursday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Onyenekwe emphasised the critical need for consistent electricity to support research institutes and manufacturing industries, which rely heavily on stable power to operate their equipment effectively.

He pointed out that the current erratic power supply severely hampers the activities of these institutions, forcing them to depend on generators, which are unsuitable for sensitive equipment.

He also noted that solar power, while an alternative, is not viable for long-term research activities, especially during the rainy season.

‘Power supply is the central point of all activities whether in research institutes or industries.

Without power, one will have to use generator but we c
annot be using generator as there are some sensitive equipment that you are not supposed to switch off.

‘The solar source of power as an alternative energy cannot be used effectively for research activities as it cannot go for longer hours especially during rainy season,’ he said

Onyenekwe commended the Federal Government for appointing Chief Uche Nnaji as the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, acknowledging his efforts to drive growth in the sector.

He highlighted SHESTCO’s recent advancements in innovative technology, particularly in the areas of agro machinery and the production of a diagnostic machine for detecting malaria parasites.

Onyenekwe also called on the National Assembly to revisit the National Research and Innovation Fund Bill, arguing that its passage into law would significantly address funding challenges within the science, technology, and innovation sectors.

‘The major problem in the Science, Technology and Innovation sector is the funding. The National Research and Innova
tion Fund which had been passed by the National Assembly severally was never assented to.

‘The bill, when passed into law, would go a long way to address problems of the research institutes in the country.

‘As TETFUND is presently addressing funding challenges in the universities, National Research and Innovation Fund will address funding and also take care of innovators,’ Onyenekwe said.

He compared its potential impact to that of TETFUND for universities, emphasising that the fund would support research institutes and innovators across the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, on Thursday sensitised students of Ikeja junior and senior high schools about zero tolerance for sexual and other forms of abuse.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day outreach is aimed to enlighten the students on how to get lawyers’ representation whenever child abuse occurs.

The outreach with the theme: ‘Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse: Speak Out’, featured presentations on basic children’s rights.

The Chairman of the branch’s Human Rights Committee, Mrs Tracy Amadigwe-Dike, said that children were important to every society and should have their rights adequately protected.

Amadigwe-Dike, also the Vice-Chairman of the branch, told the students that their rights as contained in the Child Rights Law of Lagos State, were meant to protect them from physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

According to her, even harsh words affect children’s reasonings and mindsets.

She regretted that parents, sometimes, spoke harshly to their children.

‘
We have received various cases of sexual abuse, and that has become worrisome to us.

‘We are urging you not to be afraid to report sexual abuse when it occurs around you or to you, even if it is your parents that abused you.

‘The law does not allow it,’ she said.

The vice-chairman advised the students to speak up and report to the association’s legal clinic, if any teacher would touch them inappropriately.

‘As a student, if a teacher touches you or makes unwanted advances, you have to report it to us at the legal clinic, which holds every Thursday morning.

‘We promise to help you to get representation in court,’ she said.

Other members of the committee addressed the students also on human rights matters.

Mrs Linda Idiwe spoke on children’s right against discrimination and their right to equal access to education.

Mrs Chinenye Ude spoke on the right of children not to be exposed to the use of narcotics and psychotropic substances.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI), has expressed dissatisfaction with the recent standard conditions of contract and directives by the Federal Ministry of Works on road construction.

FOCI is the umbrella body for organised companies and stakeholders in the construction industry in Nigeria, responsible for the regulation of industrial harmony in the construction Industry.

The President of FOCI, Mr Vincent Barrah, stated this at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja, to address the issues between its members and the Ministry of Works .

Barrah said that the FOCI, as the largest employer of labour in Nigeria after the Government, was also worried about the slow pace of work by members within the last one year.

He said that this had resulted in significant loss of employment across the country, thereby increasing the unemployment rate in the country.

He said that the situation if left unchecked would cause disruption in the country’s socio-economic challenges and insecurity.

‘We are aware of th
e recent directives by the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

‘A new onerous contract conditions that invalidates the already agreed Standard Conditions of Contract (SCC), are being unilaterally introduced on new and existing projects without due consultation with concerned parties.

‘The action of any Ministry or parastatal changing the Standard Conditions of Contract after receiving the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Certificate of No Objection with a different Standard of Conditions of Contract is not in accordance with due process and international best practices.

‘If it becomes necessary to change the Standard Conditions of Contract, a collaboration of the relevant Stakeholders is needed.’

Barrah said the stakeholders should include the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Nigerian Society of Engineers, (NSE) among others.

According to him, this is in order to formulate new standard conditions of contract as has always been the practice.

H
e, however, said that the Ministry has unilaterally decided to treat augmentation of contracts for existing projects as new contracts and insisted that contractors should sign new agreements.

Barah said that the new agreements contained extremely onerous terms developed by the Ministry that if not adhered to would terminate the contracts.

He said that this contravened the prescribed bidding process under the Public Procurement Act, the Certificate of No Objection issued by BPP and the Federal Executive Council’s approval obtained for augmentation of such existing projects.

He said that the determination of contract prices is a function of many factors and every project is unique, so either in augmentation or review of rates, the consideration should be based on its uniqueness and reflect the current realities for it to be effectively implemented.

Barrah said that termination of contract by the Ministry due to inability to fund projects contradicted the provisions of Clause 68 of the Ministry’s Standard Co
nditions of Contract (SCC) .

He explained that the imposition of at least 15 years road durability warranty obligation on contractors was a deviation completely from the 12 months warranty period agreed for all projects.

He,therefore, said this imposed a huge financial risk and exposure for contractors because it was not in the initial contract signed.

Barrah said that FOCI members had constructed asphalt road projects that have lasted for more than 30 years which were built according to design like road networks in Abuja.

He said that the group was glad that the Ministry was awarding new contracts. However, the continuation of existing contracts should be given the desired attention and urgency it deserves.

The president said that the FOCI had approached the Minister of Works, David Umahi to create an opportunity for a forum to resolve these issues in order to move the construction industry forward.

He, however, said they were yet to receive feedback from the Ministry.

He said that FOCI is patriotic a
nd desires the best for the country and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present Administration and called on all stakeholders to intervene urgently in the current situation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalls that the Minister of Works, David Umahi earlier this year revealed new parameters for road construction to include, design of the project to be in line with the Ministry’s specification.

Others included agreement on reasonable construction period, there shall be no variation on the project, 100 per cent of one carriage way must be completed before tolling by concessionaires.

‘Effective design of road infrastructure anchored on a detailed report of environmental site conditions and geotechnical report among others,’he said, ‘

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Following another successful edition that saw a record number of participants and deals, the China International Import Expo (CIIE), which is hailed as an ideal place for global companies looking to enter the Chinese market, is poised to make an even bigger splash in 2024.

Past CIIEs saw active participation of global brands

‘Thanks to the CIIE, we have improved our grasp of the potential of the Chinese market and developed stronger relationships with Chinese manufacturers, suppliers and customers,’ said Daryl Lean, former vice president of sales and service exports at German truck manufacturer KION Group.

Over the years, companies from 173 countries and regions have made appearances at the CIIE and carried out tentative transactions worth over $420 billion. Nearly 2,500 new products, technologies and services have debuted.

As a six-time CIIE exhibitor, INAC-Instituto Nacional de Carnes has over the years showcased a variety of natural and quality Uruguayan meat products at the annual expo. At CIIE 2023,
visitors sampled Uruguayan premium rib-eye steak, tenderloin, and beef fillet brought by INAC.

‘There are many importers and distributors at the annual trade fair, with which we can communicate face-to-face and enhance trade cooperation,’ said Josefina Valenti, marketing manager of INAC.

In addition to the Business Exhibition, 72 countries and international organizations wowed visitors with their scientific and technological achievements, culture and art at the Country Exhibition of the sixth CIIE in 2023.

‘The CIIE is an excellent platform for foreign investors to learn about China, and vice versa,’ said Huseyin Emre Engin, consul general of Trkiye in Shanghai. As an important participant of the annual expo, Trkiye has showcased its unique industries and cultural and tourism attractions through the Country Exhibition, further increasing its global presence.

Hongqiao Forum spotlights global issues

As a crucial part of the annual CIIE, the sixth Hongqiao Forum in 2023 saw a record attendance of more than
8,000 people and featured 22 subforums on a range of subjects, including financial reform and innovation, digital governance, South-South cooperation, and green investment.

To make the forum more impactful, organizers have held a series of symposiums and salons over the last several months and invited important figures, including UN representatives, government officials, scholars, and member companies, to contribute to this year’s themes and topics.

In early May, a briefing on promoting South-South cooperation and sustainable development was launched at the UN headquarters in New York City. Over the years, the CIIE and Hongqiao Forum have been committed to enhancing South-South trade and investment, and more insights into this cause will be presented at this year’s expo. Please stay tuned!

Greater participation is encouraged at CIIE 2024

The seventh CIIE will launch another series of global roadshows in Trkiye, Uruguay, Peru, Spain, Sweden and Germany from late May to early June to promote the grand event
to companies with an interest in exporting to China and highlight the CIIE’s supporting policies.

‘Over 280,000 square meters of the exhibition area for CIIE 2024 has already been booked,’ said Sun Chenghai, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau. ‘We expect more global brands to join us this year and reap strong returns.’

With so many showing interest in the trade fair, be sure to secure your spot now at:

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have qualified for the semi-finals of the ongoing WAFU Zone B Under-17 Championship after defeating Togo 3-0 in Accra, Ghana.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eaglets were second in group B of the WAFU B U-17 Championship going into their final game of the round.

NAN recalls that the game was initially scheduled for Wednesday evening, but was postponed to Thursday morning due to a heavy downpour which got the pitch soaked.

NAN reports that Abdulmuiz Adeleke opened the scoring after an impressive attack, with Abdulmuiz Oladimeji supplying the assist.

The Golden Eaglets after scoring the goal, kept on with their pressure to increase the tally.

Fortunately for the Eaglets again, in the 35th minute, Rapha Adams scored the second goal through a header after a cross from Simon Cletus.

The Eaglets netted their third goal in the 57th minute of the match, the through Adeleke.

Adeleke, however, missed an opportunity of increasing the tally to four in the 68th minute afte
r they won a penalty following a handball in Togo’s area.

With the outcome of today’s match, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets will now play in the semi-finals of the Championship, where they will meet Ivory Coast who played a goalless draw against Burkina Faso.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says there has been an upward trend in the life expectancy of both males and females from year 2020 to 2022.

This is according to the NBS Statistical Report on Women and Men in Nigeria 2022 released in Abuja on Wednesday.

The NBS said the statistical report analysed the status of women and men across Nigeria from 2020 to 2022 using statistics from agencies at the Federal and state levels.

The report covered six key economic policy domains: Population, Health, Education, Employment, Power and Decision-Making in Governance, and Violence Against Women and Crime.

The report said the life expectancy of females in 2020 was 56.6 years, it increased to 56.9 years in 2021 and 57.2 years in 2022.

It said the life expectancy for males in 2020 was 54.6 years, it increased to 54.8 years in 2021, and 55.1 in 2022.

The NBS said according to the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS)/National Immunisation Coverage Survey (NICS) report, Nigeria recorded 75 live births per 1
,000 women among adolescents.

‘Under-five mortality rate stood at 102 per 1,000 live births, the adolescent fertility rate was 75 live births per 1,000 women and the crude birth rate was 31.7 live births per 1,000 women.’

‘In addition, the neonatal mortality rate in Nigeria was 34 per 1,000 live births, while the infant mortality rate stood at 63 per 1,000 live births.’

Also, the 2021 MICS/NICS report showed that the percentage of pregnant women who attended antenatal care and were seen at least once by skilled health personnel was 69.60 per cent.

The report said the percentage of females aged 15 to 49 with knowledge of HIV in 2022 was 74.01 per cent and 70.70 per cent for males.

‘The percentage of females with access to anti-retroviral treatment was 66.46 per cent in 2020, which decreased to 64.99 per cent in 2021, and 64.00 per cent in 2022.’

The report showed that there were more male medical doctors compared to female doctors in Nigeria.

‘The percentage of female doctors in 2020 was 36.03 per cent,
which increased to 37.16 per cent in 2021 and declined to 35.42 per cent in 2022.

The report said that the percentage of female dentists in Nigeria was below 50 per cent across the period under review.

It said since independence, no woman has been appointed as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The report also showed there were more male judges in the Federal Courts in 2020, 2021, and 2022 with 168, 184, and 191 compared to the female judges with 79, 92, and 92, respectively.

The NBS said 67.31 per cent of females and 77.35 per cent of males were employed in Q4 of 2022 in Nigeria.

The report said the underemployment rate of females in Q4 2022 stood at 16.70 per cent, compared to males at 11.00 per cent.

It said the percentage of unemployed females in Q4 2022 stood at 6.60 per cent, while the percentage of unemployed males was 4.00 per cent.

The report said according to the National Directorate of Employment data, the percentage of females who benefited from the Enterprise Development Pr
ogramme was 59.81 per cent in 2020.

‘It declined to 11.14 per cent in 2021 and increased to 55.00 per cent in 2022.’

The report said females were the highest beneficiaries in the National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (NOAS) in 2020, 2021, and 2022 with 54.94 per cent, 57.86 per cent, and 61.93 per cent, respectively.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria