Day: June 14, 2024

The Chairman of Silicon Valley Nigeria Economic Developments, Chief Amina Labinjo-Ajayi, has called on the Federal Government to leverage diaspora investment and entrepreneurship for national development.

Labinjo-Ajayi, who is also a U.S.-based humanitarian expert, made the call during an online meeting with journalists to mark Nigeria`s 25th Democracy Anniversary.

She said that it was high time the Nigerian government shifted attention from petroleum to other sectors, such as Compressed Natural Gas, entrepreneurship development, youths’ empowerment among others to develop the country.

‘Nigeria is richly blessed in natural and human resources, we need to channel our focus and invest more in other sectors.

‘Nobody talks about petrol again these days; attention is being shifted from it because of the effects of climate change.

‘The plan B now is compressed natural gas and as one of the CEOs of Silicon Valley, I can tell this for a fact.

‘Let us capitalise on our natural and human resources, we have smart
youths and first class brains that can drive this process,’ she said.

Labinjo-Ajayi said that she had brokered over 19 billion dollars investment to Nigeria and had also signed partnership with some companies on compressed natural gas, mechanised farming among others as part of efforts to contribute to the nation`s development.

Labinjo-Ajayi said she had also approached the management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), to work with corps members on some of the projects in Nigeria.

She, however, used the medium to call on the government to create a market and promote entrepreneurship spirit among Nigerians, youths in particular to compete favourably with their counterparts in the global markets.

‘I am currently working with the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, the Federal Housing Authority and the Federal Mortgage Bank to leverage diaspora investment for housing delivery. ‘

Labinjo-Ajayi called on Nigerians all over the world to give support to the nation`s democracy, so
as to achieve a better future Nigeria desired.

‘Democracy is about the people, so citizens should continue to exercise their power through active participation and engagement.

‘On this 25th anniversary of democracy; I urge you to have hope and be resilient as we are making progress in spite of the challenges. So let us continue to work together towards a brighter future.

‘Democracy is a collective effort, it is a shared responsibility, so let us embrace active citizenship and hold leaders accountable,’ she said.

Labinjo-Ajayi also stressed the need for inclusive growth and development across the country, adding that Nigeria is a country where everyone should have access to opportunities regardless of background or location. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The French Embassy in Nigeria, through its Cooperation and Cultural Department, has launched a plastic waste management project to be executed in 13 Nigerian universities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Sebastien Bede, Science and Higher Education Attache, stated this at a news conference on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, the project, under the French Embassy Fund(FEF), is worth pound 753,000 and is focused on developing innovative and adaptive ideas for reducing plastic waste and enhancing campus sustainable practices.

He said a steering committee has been set up involving , participating universities, representatives of the National Universities Commission, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, and the Ministry of Environment.

Bede said the benefiting universities include the Alex Ekwueme Federal University; Bayero University, Kano, Nile University of Nigeria, Covenant University; Babcock University and the University of Jos.

Others he said
, include Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, University of Calabar, University of Nigeria Nsukka and the University of Delta.

‘Plastic waste is a pressing global issue and through this project, we aim to reduce the plastic footprint on Nigerian campuses.

‘It will also inspire a new generation of environmental stewards who can champion the cause for a plastic-free world starting with their immediate communities.

‘I also see the opportunity that we organise a study tour in Nigerian universities, French universities, business schools, and engineering schools, to discuss cooperation.

‘Whether it is for plastic recycling or any other areas of cooperation, we are willing to open the cooperation to more universities in Nigeria.

‘A key component of this project is sustainability and that is why I said that we have also co-designed a business model for these microplants, and total amount for this project is pound 753,000,’ he said.

Bede added that t
he components of the project for deployment within the next 18 months include delivering two micro plants co-designed by and for two universities, research initiatives in innovative solutions for sustainable development.

He added that circular economy, qualitative value chain, gender inclusivity, and entrepreneurship to support the research projects, and an exchange programme between Nigerian and French researchers were also parts of the project’s components.

In her remark, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, said the project is not just about money but about value delivery, especially through students.

‘I think it is with the young ones we can find that and we have to ask them, we have to test whatever hypothesis we have, and that you can only do on the campus in the university, so it’s a lot of work.

‘We have already started it at the University of Lagos and we do know that students will do it, but not every student is doing it.

‘Right now, with what we already do, we ma
ke about a million from waste but it is ploughed back, and we still have a lot of waste to get rid of.

‘So working with the French government and the other French universities, we will be able to up our game, improve the technology, and we’re looking at technology that’s robust that we can use .

‘We looking forward to the micro plans because it is going to make what we do more efficient, we already have things to help with sorting but it is not enough,’ she said.

Also, Prof Dilli Dogo, Vice Chancellor,Nile University of Nigeria, said about 70 per cent of the component of waste generated in Nigeria is food waste or recyclable organic waste.

Dogo, who was represented by Prof Abdulhameed Mambo, Dean Faculty of Environmental Science, said recyclable waste comprises vapour, metals, as well as plastic which is about 30 per cent.

‘If you look at that 30 per cent again, around 10 per cent is made of plastic, and this is what you see outside campuses.

‘But studies carried out in Nigeria found close to 60 per cen
t of the waste component on campus, while the food component and the other components are quite low,’ he said.

The FEF-funded project is an initiative of the French government as part of the global dynamic to fight against plastic pollution(nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative for Africa (ASR Africa), in commemoration of the 2024 International Widows’ Day, donated N10 million grant to the International Women’s Society (IWS) on Tuesday in Lagos.

ASR Africa is a brainchild of African industrialist, philanthropist, and Chairman of BUA Group, Mr Abdul Samad Rabiu.

The initiative, established in 2021, aims to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting health, education, and social development within Africa.

Dr Ubon Udoh, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ASR Africa, announced the donation at the Widows Feast and Empowerment Programme organised by IWS in Lagos.

According to Udoh, the grant is part of ASR Africa’s ongoing efforts to invest in social development, one of its primary focus areas.

He noted that the grant also reflected the commitment of the chairman of ASR Africa and BUA Group to improving the livelihoods and welfare of Nigerians.

He said that the grant, distributed to w
idows in partnership with IWS, aimed to bring relief to the beneficiaries while ensuring its relevance and sustainability.

Udoh appreciated the significant work done by IWS since its establishment in 1957.

Commenting on the donation, Mrs Adeola Adebanke, the Chairperson of the Widows’ Trust Fund of IWS, expressed joy and satisfaction.

She stated that not less than 250 widows benefited from the empowerment programme.

Adebanke explained that the programme, organised yearly through the IWS WTF, is held to feast with and empower the widows.

She further explained that the IWS WTF plays a vital role in supporting widows by providing them with the resources, skills, and connections needed to build a bright future.

Adebanke prayed that the ASR Africa/BUA Group chairman continues to make significant strides and break new boundaries.

The widows unanimously expressed their gratitude to ASR Africa and BUA Foods Plc for the timely palliative care packs received.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 250 wi
dows received palliative care packs from BUA Foods Plc, which comprised rice, pasta, edible oil, and semolina

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A Consultant Haematologist, Prof. Adedoye Dosunmu, has canvased the need for more Nigerians to cultivate the habit of voluntary blood donation to save lives and enhance access to readily available safe blood.

Dosunmu made the call at a lecture organised by the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to commemorate ‘2024 World Blood Donor Day’ on Friday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Blood Donor Day is celebrated annually on June 14, to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products to save lives.

The programme has the theme: Celebrating 20 Years of Giving: Thank You Blood Donors.

Dosunmu, a Guest Speaker at the event, spoke on the significance of the day, calling for more advocacy in Nigeria as most people doid not understand the need for regular blood donation.

According to him, there is an urgent need to orientate Nigerians on the importance of blood donation, especially as voluntary givers, as it s
aves more lives if blood can easily be accessed by the health institution and patients when needed.

Highlighting the benefits of voluntary blood donation, Dosunmu said that it reduced the risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke, depression and elongates life.

The haematologist explained that regular blood donors had the opportunity of having regular medical checkup, which predisposed the individual to a healthier lifestyle.

He said that an individual could donate blood in three months intervals, which translated to donating blood up to three or four times per year.

‘The World Health Organisation explains that blood is an important resource, both for planned treatment and urgent interventions.

‘Blood can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer and with a higher quality of life and supports complex medical and surgical procedures.

‘It is also vital for treating the wounded during emergencies of all kinds (natural disasters, accidents, armed conflicts, etc.) and h
as an essential, life-saving role in maternal and perinatal care.

‘Hence, the need for more people to voluntarily donate blood to not only save lives but also help to enhance access to safe and readily available blood,’ he said.

Prof. Titi Adeyemo, a Consultant Haematologist from the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, LUTH, said that regular blood donors stood the chance of living five years extra than people who were not regular blood donor.

Adeyemo explained that blood donation kept the bone marrow active, which in turn kept the individual younger.

She decried that Nigeria still heavily relied on family replacement donor, where relatives were forced to donate blood.

Adeyemo, therefore, urged people not to wait for an emergency before they start donating blood.

‘So, what we have decided to do this year is to also invite secondary school students so that we start identifying and building them young to be regular future blood donors.

‘As soon as they are 18 years of age, let them register
with any nearby blood transfusion service and start maintaining healthy lifestyles, be committed to regular blood donation and be saving lives.

‘It is very safe for people between 18 and 65 years of age to donate blood three or four times a year.

‘Blood donation keeps the bone marrow active and once the bone marrow is active, it keeps the individual younger.

‘And some evidence have shown that regular blood donors live five years extra than people who were not regular blood donor; because their bone marrow is continually renewed,’ she said.

The Chief Medical Director, LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, said the day aimed to sensitise people on the importance of having safe blood and blood products in the blood bank to assist health institutions save lives.

Represented by the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, LUTH, Dr Babawale Bello, Adeyemo said the hospital partnered with a lot of organisations, communities and the society at large to encourage voluntary blood donation.

According to him, for every bl
ood donated, a life would have been saved and blood donation creates room for an individual to be tested for physical fitness.

A regular Blood Donor, Mr Olumide Omoge, said it gave him joy to save lives through blood donation.

According to him, donating blood keeps me fit and my body becomes rejuvenated.

NAN reports that secondary school students from different schools across Lagos State were present at the lecture.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of Youths Development, Dr Jamila Ibrahim says artificial intelligence is pivotal to electoral development of youths.

Ibrahim said this at the unveiling of Naija Elections, a generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, developed by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) with the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in Abuja on Thursday.

According to her, the naija electoral AI tool herald a new era in which every Nigerians can participate meaningfully in our electoral process.

‘In an era where technology and information are pivotal to ensuring our young people have the tools and knowledge to engage in the democratic process actively is essential.

‘This platform will empower our youths by giving them easy access to accurate real time electoral information enabling them to make informed decisions and participate actively in electoral processes.

‘This could not have come at a more appropriate time than when we are celebrating 25 years uninterrupted democracy in
Nigeria.

‘As we inaugurate this platform today, I wish to emphasis the government’s determination to deploy technology that will enhance our democratic processes,’ Ibrahim said.

Speaking also at the launch, Mr Bukola Idowu, Executive Director, KDI, said the tool would facilitate easy access to the Nigerian election ecosystem by youths.

‘The tool is going to combat misinformation and disinformation, enhance voter education and electoral knowledge.

‘Every information on Niaja elections is from the official sources that is, the Constitution and INEC.

‘What we have done is that we give you information that you can rely on and you can actually use the platform without signing in you just log on to the address and it does not store an individual’s data.’

Speaking more on the features he said it had the three major Nigerian languages- Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba.

He was optimistic that it would have up to 150 languages before the next election in 2027.

In her remarks, Cynthia Rowe, Development Director, FCDO said
‘for a country that is as large and diverse as Nigeria a well informed electorate is pivotal.’

According to her, an educated voter is better equipped to make informed political choices and engage in the democratic process in a way that is meaningful.

According to her, technology is bridging digital gaps in business, education , security that ensures much better efficiency.

‘As we celebrate this launch it’s important that we look at the broader context, democracy around the world is all facing exceptional challenges of misinformation and disinformation, which encourages scepticism.

‘And, it is important we know that our collective efforts in putting forward correct information using platforms like this, we are also strengthening democracy in Nigeria and contributing to global efforts on democratic values.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the App is developed by Nigerians and built to supply any kind of electoral information that concerns Nigeria and can be accessed by logging on to www.naijae
lections.ng.

KDI is an independent non-profit and Non-governmental Organisation that inspires citizens-led-democratic development anchored on principles of participation, data -driven, advocacy, strong institutions, gender equality and public policies.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The 30th General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) would converge on Abuja to advance the cause of standardisation across the continent.

Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), said this at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos to give details of the forthcoming ARSO trade exhibition.

Okeke said that manufacturers, producers and vendors across the commanding heights of the economy across the continent would go through the rudiments of standardisation excellence.

The SON director-general said that the exhibition and general assembly would catalyse transformation, propelling Nigeria and the entire Africa toward a future of sustainable growth and prosperity.

He said that the trade exhibition would strategically present innovations to a diverse audience of industry experts, policymakers and potential investors by highlighting the quality, diversity and competitiveness of Nigerian goods and services.

According to him, top tier manufacturers,
including the Dangote Group, Innoson Motors, AIG Rite Foods Ltd., Nasco Foods, Ajinomoto and others in the fast-moving consumer goods segments, allied sectors, and small businesses, have keyed into the programme.

He said that the events would take place from June 17 to June 22, at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

‘Besides, it will offer a firsthand experience of the vibrant Nigerian market, with an array of local manufacturers and producers slated to participate.

‘The exhibition promises to be a catalyst for economic growth, both for domestic stakeholders and international visitors.

‘From traditional crafts to cutting-edge technologies, the exhibition will showcase the breadth and depth of Nigeria’s economic landscape, providing valuable insights into emerging trends and investment opportunities.

‘Of course, it offers a chance to gain exposure to international markets, as the general assembly attracts delegates from across Africa and beyond, opening doors for export opportunities.

‘By showcasing the best of
Nigerian innovations and enterprises, the exhibition will underscore the importance of standardisation in driving economic development and fostering regional integration,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria