Day: May 23, 2024

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says air power has emerged as the means of choice in addressing threats of violent extremism, terrorism, and insurgency in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Abubakar said this at the opening of the 3rd African Air Forces Forum, organised as part of activities to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF@60) on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, it is widely acknowledged that Sub-Saharan Africa faces a multitude of national security challenges, including violent extremism, terrorism, and insurgency.

‘In addressing these threats, air power has emerged as the means of choice due to its unique characteristics of speed, lethality, and ubiquity.

‘Therefore, this gathering of African Air Chiefs could not have come at a better time than now when the yearning for collaboration towards peace and stability on the continent is at its peak.

‘Accordingly, the all-important issue of partnership in aerospace innovation to sustain our air power capabilities, to
protect and advance our Defence and Security interests would form the crux of our discussions in this forum,’ he said.

The CAS said the forum was a regional platform for advancing air force capabilities and building pillars of bilateral and multilateral partnerships among the air forces of African countries.

He said the forum would offer a unique opportunity for air forces to showcase their technological innovations that contribute to enhance Africa’s aerial defence and security capabilities.

According to him, the theme, ‘Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security’ was carefully coined to reflect a critical aspect of their collective efforts in securing their respective countries and by extension, the continent.

Abubakar said the symposium would facilitate the cross-fertilisation of ideas and the introduction of the latest aerospace and defence systems and technologies in the efforts to provide enduring solutions to Africa’s security challenges.

He expressed apprecia
tion to President Bola Tinubu, for his unflinching support, adding that his visionary leadership had inspired transformative advancements not only in the NAF and all aspects of the national development.

He added that the presence and willingness of the participating air chiefs to share their insights and perspectives had significantly strengthened their collective security.

This gathering, according to him, would undoubtedly deepen our friendships across Africa and around the globe.

Lt.-Gen. Jia Zhigang, Deputy Commander of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Air Force, said that 60 was a magic number in China and a complete cycle symbolising a perfect ending as well as a fresh beginning.

Zhigang wished NAF continuous growth and flourishing with constant development and endless glories.

He said that similarities in history had drawn China and African countries closer in a fight against imperialism, colonialism and racism, adding that the China-Africa relations were on the fast lane.

According to
him, people with conscience call for peace and countries with foresight join hands to cope with intertwined turbulence and uncertainties.

‘This forum is themed as ‘Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security’, answers the call of time and presents the responsibilities of airpower that has far reaching significance.

‘PLA Air Force highly appreciates this forum for its contribution to regional peace.

‘We look forward to working with our counterparts across the world to exchange security concepts, strengthen military to military cooperation, and contribute to world peace with concerted efforts in recent years,’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that more than 20 Air Chiefs and other top officers from about 35 Air Forces from Africa, Europe, Asia and America, were in attendance.

There were also more than 40 exhibitors in military technologies and innovations at the event.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), on Wednesday trained stakeholders in the e-commerce ecosystem, to fully harness the potential of the National E-Commerce Strategy (NeCS).

The Permanent Secretary, FMITI, Mr Nura Rimi, at the one-day National Sensitisation Workshop in Lagos, said the NeCS would better position Nigeria across market networks.

Rimi, represented by the Director, Commodities and Export Department, Mr Kaura Irimiya, said the NeCS would help Nigeria to create and ensure sustainable market access, for the nation’s non-oil commodities and services to the largest network of markets.

He stated that the implementation of the strategy would serve as a backbone for actualising President Tinubu’s vision, acting as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and socio-economic empowerment.

He noted that the benefits of nurturing a robust e-commerce ecosystem, extended far beyond commercial realms.

According to him, by nurturing entrepreneurship and fostering i
nnovation, e-commerce empowers individuals to unleash their creative prowess, and seize the myriad opportunities presented by the digital economy.

Rimi said in an era where technological advancements dismantled traditional trade barriers, e-commerce was the way for Nigerian businesses to expand their horizon, penetrate new markets, and bolster global competitiveness.

‘By embracing digital platforms and innovative technologies, Nigerian entrepreneurs and enterprises can transcend geographical constraints and unlock untold avenues of prosperity.

‘Available data has shown that the current market opportunity for electronic commerce in Nigeria is over N255 billion annually, growing at a rapid rate of 25 percent per year and has attracted over $200 million in foreign investment.

‘Also, experts in the Nigerian financial service sector have estimated that Nigeria’s e-commerce market was currently worth about $13 billion (about N4.01trillion) in 2017 and projected to $50 billion (N15.45trillion) over the next deca
de.

‘This, therefore, calls for an enabling environment to rapidly evolve, to drive the growth of the sector, and contribute significantly to economic growth,’ he said.

Lagos Commissioner for Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said the event was a useful public-private engagement mechanism, to grow the economy through e-commerce.

Ambrose-Medebem stated that the

unprecedented impact of e-commerce, as a catalyst in enhancing sustainable growth and economic development, offered a level playing ground for large businesses, as well as small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), to operate in the global market place.

She noted that as the world kept evolving, innovation had become the cornerstone for driving the economic growth and development of nations, with e-commerce as a key component of the contemporary e-world.

‘E-commerce has come to stay as a veritable tool for sustainable economic growth and development but this veritable tool as a medium for acces
s to market in Nigeria, is yet to be fully tapped into.

‘In spite of the paradigm shift in the mode of commercial transaction, occasioned by the advent of the internet, making it possible for transitions to take place virtually from anywhere and anytime, a vast majority of Nigerians are yet to embrace this revolution.

‘This veritable tool must be perfected for our dear state and nation in general, to take advantage of the potentialities in Africa Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA) market.

‘To bridge the gap between the producers of goods and services in our nation, across to all other countries in the continent,’ she said.

Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, represented by Chief Superintendent Christopher Abah, urged Nigerians to tap into the enormous potentialities in e-commerce.

This, he said, was important because trading had shifted gear and the customs service was committed to playing a pivotal role in ensuring seamless trade in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Preside
nt Bola Tinubu.

Mr Emmanuel Kwaya, Acting Director- General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council, said the proper implementation of the NeCS would help increase market access for many SMEs .

Kwaya, represented by Mr Oluwashola Marinho, Deputy Director, Lagos Directorate, added that it would also increase the penetration of e-transactions in the country, as well as enhance the ease of doing business.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Toastmaster International, a non profit organisation, has reiterated the importance of effective leadership in springing growth in Africa.

Mrs Titi Ojo, the Chairman of District 94 Conference 2024 Abuja, said this during the Four-Day conference on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the theme of the conference is ‘Building Bridges with Words’.

Ojo said, ‘Africa’s rising rests on the shoulders of leaders who will build bridges with words that inspire, heal, educate, encourage, empower and foster transformational leadership on the continent.

‘This conference has brought together over 500 local and international delegates from academia, industry, development, private and public sectors for four days of value-added activities.

‘The rich speeches, learning sessions, speech contests, gala, award nights, and other side events have all been planned with you in mind.

‘Enjoy every bit of this four-day journey with a deliberate resolve to benefit from every part and have fun while at it,’ Ojo said.

T
he chairman commended the participants and all the various stakeholders who made the event a success.

She added, ‘in Toastmasters, leadership skills are honed through practice.

‘Through this planning process, the conference planning team members have honed their leadership skills in diverse ways and indeed, we cannot remain the same.’

Similarly, the District 94 Director, Mrs Nadine Mbikina, said the conference was a historic moment for the district as it prepared to cross a crucial milestone.

‘Through the leadership and dedication of our successive leaders, our strong and prosperous District 94 will give birth to two new districts.

‘Each carries the legacy of our past and the promise of an even brighter future.

‘We are deeply grateful to each of our members, whose invaluable contribution has made this achievement possible.

‘Together, we will continue to build bridges with words, break down barriers, and build a future where dialogue and mutual understanding thrive,’ she said.

The director urged its m
embers not to relent in its commitment and dedication to excellence and leadership, saying it is a sure way to success.

Dr Abayomi Aiyesimoju, a former District Director, said Toastmasters International’s main focus was developing members’ leadership and communication skills.

He said the organisation enabled members to progress at the workplace, express themselves better, voluntarily take leadership positions, and become better people.

Also, Mr Inam Wilson, one of the founding members of District 94 and a former director, expressed delight at the organisation’s achievements.

Wilson, who said the gathering was for Toastmasters within the ECOWAS region, said it was an opportunity for members to meet and network.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, expressed his commitment to support the organisation in every way possible.

Jibrin said:’ I am confident you are well on the part of leadership training.

‘I shall as much as possible identify with this group of young and talented youth wheneve
r the occasion demands it.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says inauguration of commercial operations of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit system will now hold on May 29 and not May 27 as earlier announced.

Mr Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press, Office of the FCT Minister, announced the change in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

Ogunleye said the inauguration, would be performed by President Bola Tinubu by 1:00 p.m., as part of activities to celebrate his one year in office.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration will build 10,000 low-income houses for the poor in the territory.

Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, during the Ministerial Sectoral Update on the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the last one year.

He said that the project would be captured in the 2025 budget, under President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Cities’ project.

He explained that FCTA would provide the needed infrastructure to build the houses and allocate them to people who could not afford to build, stressing that they were not for the big men.

The minister described land allocation as one of the most difficult problems in the FCT land administration, adding that the department was infested with corruption.

‘As I speak to you as a minister, it is one area that I have been battling with. But, I will defeat them.

‘Even to make land affordable for people to build houses, which is what we are supposed to do, is a problem,’ h
e said.

Wike frowned at the situation where developers ask for 300 hectares of land to build 20,000 houses and after getting the allocation, they would not build the houses but allocate the land to people to make money.

He said: ‘We cannot allow this. It is fraud and then the person brings politics and religion to the issue.

‘But we are equal to the task. Just be convinced that we have the political will to implement and do what is right.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike says with improved security, residents of the territory ‘can now sleep with their two eyes closed’.

Wike gave the assurance in Abuja on Thursday, during the Ministerial Sectoral Update on the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the last one year.

He said the Tinubu-led administration had provided security agencies with all the logistics they required to equip them to do their job.

He added that the FCT Administration had equally provided specialised motorcycles to enable security agencies to navigate difficult terrain in rural communities to improve security.

Wike said that it used to take up to two weeks for security agencies to access the funds they needed to carry out security operations.

‘But now, it is different. The money they need for their operations is readily made available. We have provided logistics, vehicles, name them, for the security agencies.

‘We cannot say we have gotten it 100 per cent right, beca
use no society is free of crime.

‘But are there differences? Certainly yes, and you can attest to the fact that, it is no longer what it used to be.

‘This government is doing everything humanly possible, to see that we reduce the level of insecurity in FCT,’ he said.

Wike added that the FCT Administration had equally concluded plans to construct three taxi and bus terminals.

He said that the project, which would be concluded in the next eight months, would reduce kidnapping and the operation of ‘once chance’ syndicates within the city.

‘In Abuja, you don’t know which one is a taxi; you don’t know which one is a commercial bus.

‘With the terminals, if you want to board a bus or a taxi, you will know a particular place to go and you will be free from these criminal elements,’ he said

Wike stressed that the terminals would reduce incidences of kidnapping and ‘one chance’ in the FCT.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria