Day: June 19, 2024

Dr Olushola Odusanya, Director-General, National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM) has affirmed the centre’s commitment to revamp interest in vocational education in the country.

Odusanya disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that the move was crucial, considering that 70 per cent of job opportunities abound in vocational training and need to be tapped.

He explained that a reliable way of infusing knowledge into the informal sector was to focus on vocational training.

He, however, said that revamping interest in vocational education called for right investments and issuance of quality certificates as well as quality accreditation.

He disclosed that NACETEM, a Certiport training and certification centre, had structured training in which certificates were offered.

‘These certification schemes are now for vocationally trained people and their numbers are also very large, probably larger than other trainees.

‘These are people required i
n the economy and we feel this would be of particular interest to politicians because they need to empower their voting population,’ Odusanya said.

The NACETEM boss explained that the Academy which was formed in partnership with a private firm was a huge Learning Management System, which provided for the training, thereby allowing several people to come on board.

He restated that acquisition of vocational skills was quite important, especially to people who were not necessarily educated but required some form of skills.

He reiterated that vocational training encompassed all of these.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Nigerian government and the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) from Delaware, USA, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to send the first Nigerian to space.

Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said on Wednesday at the signing of the MoU in Abuja, that human spaceflight was a major aspiration of Nigeria.

‘Human spaceflight is not just a random aspiration of our country but a major objective of the Nigeria Space Policy and Programme which was approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2001.

‘Reviving and implementing all abandoned national plans is a cardinal point of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

‘This partnership provides a way of achieving our long-time aspiration as a nation,’ he said.

The minister said the slot could be available from now till December, or in 2025, as SERA would still be test-running the platform.

Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director- General of NASRDA, said the cost of sending a Nigerian to space
had been fully sponsored by SERA.

Adepoju said the event marked the commencement of the agency’s efforts to implement part of its roadmap of having a human spaceflight.

He also said the event was worth celebrating at a time that Nigeria was marking the 25 years of its space programme.

‘The Human Spaceflight programme is one of the cardinal objectives of National Space Policy and Programme.

‘It was with this in mind that we established the Department of Physical and Life Sciences about three years ago to forge this mandate.

‘This is also coming as one of our deep space explorations because there are many spinoffs that will come from the collaboration and opportunities opened for Nigerians,” he said.

Mr Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder of SERA, said that 80 per cent of astronauts, globally, had exclusively emanated from three countries.

Skurla said that Nigeria had a rich history of scientific, technological innovation, thus, SERA was excited to partner with NASRDA to extend the legacy into space and create n
ew opportunities for Nigerian space explorers.

Mr Sam Hutchison, Founder of SERA, said that the application to be in space was open to any Nigerian older than 18 years, in spite of their discipline.

‘The Nigerian people will choose the citizen to go to space, the process of application will be open to anybody who is over 18 years, and there are no other qualifications required.

‘You will be able to sign up and then encourage others to vote for you; as part of democratic process, the Nigerian people will select four potential astronaut candidates before a final selection process.

‘The important thing to understand is that anybody can apply, you don’t have to be a Scientist, Mathematician or Engineer.

‘This is about opening up access to ordinary Nigerians and giving them the opportunity of being the first Nigerian in space,’ he said.

He added that they chose Nigeria because the country had already indicated serious intent towards space exploration through its obvious space programmes and initiatives.

Hut
chison further said that they paid attention to the country knowing that it is a country of Scientists, Engineers and most importantly entrepreneurs.

‘We hope to raise the awareness of young Nigerians that by choosing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, they can go to space.’

Hutchison noted that the selection process would be through SERA’s platform, and that it would be open and transparent.

Dr Anne Agi, President, Learnspace Foundation, who was instrumental to executing the partnership, advocated for Nigeria to be chosen for the mission.

Agi who expressed optimism that the mission would serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Nigerian youths noted that space had the power to inspire future generations.

‘It will show that even in challenging times, with global collaboration, great achievements are possible.

‘We are therefore thrilled to have played a part in this groundbreaking partnership and we encourage Nigerians to key in.’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports
that under the partnership, SERA will reserve a seat for a Nigerian citizen, on an upcoming Blue Origin New Shepard suborbital spaceflight.

This is part of a broader SERA-led initiative, in partnership with Blue Origin, to send six individuals from nations historically underrepresented in space exploration.

SERA, is a company from Delaware, U.S., and was founded to build a global community dedicated to space exploration, research and democratising space exploration and exploitation for all nations of the world.

The SERA-NASRDA collaboration builds upon SERA’s previous success in sending Victor Hespanha, a 28-year-old Brazilian Civil Engineer, to space in 2022, which demonstrates the transformative power of an inclusive and accessible space ecosystem.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has charged commanders to be proactive and to intensify efforts in actulising a safe and secure nation.

Abubakar gave the charge at the opening of the meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding and Directors as well as the entire senior leadership cadre of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Wednesday in Abuja.

He reiterated the commitment of the NAF alongside sister services to reinvigorating the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other security threats facing the nation.

‘All these threats have global and regional perspectives and attendant impacts on Nigeria’s national security,’ he said.

He added that the implications of the broader strategic external security outlook must never be overlooked.

The CAS said that key global and regional challenges like the Russian-Ukraine war, upsurge in coups in West Africa and withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), had ne
gative impacts on collective regional security architecture.

He also said that the withdrawals of UN troops from MINUSMA, 2000 Chadian troops from Mali as well as Niger Republic troops from the Multi-National Joint Task Force could aggravate the security challenges in the Sahel Region.

He noted that this could cause the influx of more weapons and terrorists into Nigeria.

‘Invariably, this situation militates against our counterinsurgency efforts. Consequently, we would likely witness a continued growth in the pattern of threats I have previously highlighted.

‘Hence, it is no gainsaying that we must be proactive and intensify our efforts to meet the Federal Government and Nigerian citizens’ expectations for an expeditious actualisation of a peaceful, safe and secure nation for prosperity to thrive.

‘In the past 12 months, to enhance our gains against these threats of terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities, we have re-strategised and adopted new air power measures in line with my com
mand philosophy,’ he said.

Abubakar further said the NAF had so far, achieved modest, yet significant progress in fighting insurgency, terrorism, banditry, oil theft and other criminal activities in the country.

He commended the top officers and commanders for their efforts and support over the last 12 months, adding that there was still so much more to do.

According to him, the harsh economic realities such as high rate of youth unemployment, increasing inflation and high multi-dimensional poverty have further aggravated the security situation in the country.

He explained that the leadership meeting was crucial, as it would holistically review their performances and actions in the past 12 months in transforming the NAF to effectively meet the air power demands of Nigeria’s security.

He added that the purpose of the meeting was to look back at the set objectives in line with his command philosophy and key enablers, discuss performances and achievements as well as the militating challenges.

According to
him, the meeting will also allow us to directly interact and exchange ideas towards achieving more in the coming year, going forward.

‘I assure you of my commitment to continuous improvement at all levels in the NAF,’ he added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Niger Delta Young Professionals (NDYP) says it will organise a Summit/Bootcamp for over 1000 young professionals across the Niger Delta region to cross-fertilise ideas on business development.

Mr Moses Siasia said on Wednesday that the summit would be specially designed to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers, on June 27, to bring together a cross-section of economists, policymakers and business development experts.

Siasia said that the theme of the summit ‘Building a Culture of Entrepreneurship and Self-reliance Beyond Oil’, was designed to help entrepreneurs know the best way to wriggle out of the current economic challenges faced in the country.

He said the experts would examine the critical role of MSME in the overall development of the economy.

Siasia said this year’s event is strategic, as it coincides with the 2024 United Nations World MSME Day.

‘The World MSME Day is specially marked to create a platform to discuss and exchange ideas.

‘The ideas are on how key stakeholders, including policy makers,
large companies, financial institutions, and the international community can support micro, small and medium-sized businesses to advance the 2030 Agenda.

‘It also contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty eradication and decent work for all.

‘The Niger Delta MSME Summit/Bootcamp is a sustained initiative that has been creating enormous opportunities and growth for young MSME owners in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region,’ Siasia said.

According to him, the event will enable a cross-section of economists, policymakers and business development experts to examine the critical role of MSME in the overall development of the economy.

He noted that in spite of lack of support from the governments in the region, poor management of MSMEs, high-interest loans from banks, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure, the initiative had pulled through with sustainable impacts over the years.

Siasia said that Mr Summy Francis, the President of Africa’s Young Ent
repreneurs (A.Y.E.) would be speaking at the event.

‘Other speakers include Mr Temitope Runsewe, the CEO of Dutum Company Limited; Mrs Esther Adebayo, President of the Women Agro Processors, Agricgen and Exporters Initiative (WAPAGEIN).

‘Mr Otuya Okecha, CEO Firbesol Nigeria Limited; Dr Martins Fregene, Director of Agriculture, African Development Bank, among others, will also be speaking at the event.

‘The summit is expected to ‘ignite the next generation through expanding entrepreneurial culture in the Niger Delta region.

‘Participants for the summit will be drawn from the nine states of the Niger Delta region, as past editions produced positive results which are indication of secured future of entrepreneurs in the oil-rich region.

‘This year’s event would feature product exhibitions, grants, bootcamp, main-stage keynotes, panel discussions, interactive master sessions, style breakout.

‘There will also be a business-to-business meetings, mentoring sessions, networking opportunities featuring outstandi
ng line-up of successful entrepreneurs, innovators, strategists and business leaders from top brands.’

Siasia noted that the beneficiaries of past editions, many of whom have received grants to grow their businesses, have been able to grow a huge business capital and create employment opportunities for other prospective MSMEs.

‘The inaugural edition of the summit held in 2021 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State had over 400 Niger Deltans benefitting from the NIRSAL Intervention Loan for small business owners in the area of Agriculture, Creative Industry and ICT.

‘In the second edition held in Asaba, Delta State in 2022, and the third edition in 2023 in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, the NDYP gave out grants to innovative businesses,’ Siasia added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has commended his community, Bako Ward of Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa, for the ongoing construction of an Islamic Centre Complex.

Ribadu gave the commendation in Yola on Wednesday, after inspecting the ongoing project, which consists of a mosque, Islamic learning centre and other facilities.

He commended members of the community and other philanthropists who worked for the realisation of the project.

He called for more efforts and financial support to enable completion of the complex, ‘which is currently at 80 per cent completion.’

The NSA advised members of the community, particularly the youths, to use the complex, when completed, as a rallying point and to advance learning for their educational growth and development.

‘We complain a lot about eroding values. A lot of it is because we have abandoned proper learning and inculcating morals in our young ones.

‘I hope this place will help address that,’ he said.

He pledged to suppor
t the project to meet the aspiration of the community.

Alhaji Ahmadu Baminda, a community leader and member of the Mosque Project Committee, explained that Ribadu was invited to the project site to see the community’s efforts and to seek his support.

The goal, according to him, is to galvanise more support to ensure the completion of the project.

‘We appreciate all you are doing as an illustrious member of this community.

‘We hope that you will help us so that the dream of our community to have a befitting Islamic centre is realised,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Sao Tome and Principe Forum said on Wednesday the country would work toward deepening relations with Nigeria by exploring business opportunities that would mobilise private sector players for national development.

The President of the forum, Dr Mike Ozumba, stated this in Abuja, when he led members of the forum on a visit to the Ambassador of Sao Tome and Principe to Nigeria, Gjazaide Aguar.

Ozumba added that the purpose of the meeting was to deepen engagement with Nigerian investors and entrepreneurs and to encourage them to take advantage of the off-shore economic opportunities in Sao Tome and Principe.

He said that the visit would provide the forum with the chance to discuss mutually beneficial opportunities on offer at the Sao Tome and Principe Investment Summit to be held in February 2025.

He spoke of the forum’s commitment to providing access to critical information on trade and investment for decision-makers through the relationship with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

‘This
partnership and development-centered relationship between Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe is that it stands as a gateway to mutual economic and investment opportunities in the light of the AfCFTA possibilities.

‘AfCFTA is an ambitious trade pact to form the world’s largest free trade area by creating a single market for goods and services across Africa and deepening efforts toward the economic integration of Africa,’ the president of the forum said.

Speaking, Mr Chinedu Amadi, Director of the forum, said the visit demonstrated the readiness of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in both countries to leverage the possibilities offered by AfCFTA.

This move, he explained, will lead to sustainable economic development in Africa, attract foreign investors, and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

‘The beginning of trading under AfCFTA has put Africa on the global map as the largest integrated trading area in the world by allowing liberalisation of trade in goods, services, an
d talent without tariffs.

‘This has laid bare fresh opportunities and possibilities with greater promises to fast-track industrialisation and value addition,” he said.

Responding, the Sao Tome and Principe ambassador in Nigeria praised the forum for the initiative and visit.

He described São Tomé and Principe as a choice destination for quality investment.

Aguar added that the partnership and efforts of the forum would go a long way in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting trade and investment between the two countries.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria