Month: June 2024

The University of Abuja and the Gemological Institute of Nigeria (GIN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the mining sector.

The GIN President, and 1st Deputy President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, during the signing, said the MoU would leverage on the expertise of both parties.

Adesugba said: ‘the agreement aims to leverage the combined expertise and resources of both institutions to foster innovation, research and skills development in the fields of geology, gemology and mining.

‘The partnership endeavours to establish a formal collaboration between GIN and the Department of Gemology and Mining at the University of Abuja.

‘By integrating the strengths, the two institutions aspire to create a unified platform for geoscience education, gemology and mining research in Nigeria.

‘This initiative underscores a broader vision to diversify Nigeria’s economy and position the country as a frontrunner in the mining sector,’ he said.

According
to Adesugba, GIN, a pioneering gemology institution in the country, will collaborate closely with the university’s Geology and Mining Department to enrich the academic curriculum with gemology and jewellery-making aspects.

He said the integration would not only enhance academic programmes, but also foster entrepreneurship in the jewellery sector.

Adesugba reiterated that Nigeria had rich diversity of Gemstones and Minerals, but decried the untapped potential of these resources.

He said, ‘the rationale behind the partnership is to create a centralised institution dedicated to geology, gemology and jewellery making.

‘It aims to serve as a hub for knowledge, research and skill development in the mining sector.

‘The partnership’s objectives include; establishing Nigeria’s leading School of Mines, developing a robust mines business line in the private sector and strengthening the solid minerals sector through academic and practical training.’

According to him, the initiative, also aimed at boosting Nigeria’
s economic diversification agenda, by promoting sustainable mining practices, and tapping into the global market for Indigenous gemstones and jewellery designs.

He restated the commitment of both institutions to uphold the highest quality assurance and confidentiality, throughout the partnership.

He further said any disputes arising from the agreement, would be resolved through mutual negotiation with arbitration as a final recourse.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, expressed appreciation on behalf of the School for the privilege of being the pioneer of the university in the field of Gemology in Nigeria.

While pledging his support to the centre, Na’Allah reaffirmed the commitment of the Institution to enhancing training capacity for the students.

‘With a duration of five years, the MoU sets the stage for a transformative collaboration between GIN and our university, with the potential to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in Nigeria’s mining sector
,’ he said

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ACCI 2nd Deputy President, Dr Aliyu Hong, and the ACCI Director-General, Mr Agabaidu Jideani were also present at the signing.

The Director of ACCI BEST Centre, Dr Tinuke Temitope, ACCI General Counsel, Hajia Hauwa Usman, and Dr Aminu Isyaku, Head of Department of Geology of the university, among others, were also at the event.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), says it will begin payment of insured sum to 2.3 million depositors of Heritage Bank in-liquidation within the week.

The Managing Director of NDIC, Mr Bello Hassan, said this while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.

The managing director said the move was to engender confidence among depositors to promote financial stability.

He said that 99.9 per cent of depositors of the defunct bank had a deposit balance of less than five million naira while only 4,000 of the depositors had more than five million naira deposit.

Hassan said the bank had deposits worth N650 billion and loans of about N700 billion.

He said the deposits and the loans could be more, adding that the final amount would be known at the end of the liquidation processes.

According to him, customers with Bank Verification Number (BVN) will be paid without verification with the Corporation while those without BVN will visit the nearest NDIC office or website for their verification.

The man
aging director said that there was no need for depositors to panic as the Corporation would settle all insured deposits.

‘NDIC has assumed charge of the Heritage Bank.

‘The bank has 116 branches and regional offices and we have deployed close to 400 staff of NDIC to take charge of the assets.

‘If you have N100, we will pay you, if you have N5 million, we will pay you, if you have N10 million, we will pay N5 million for now because that is the insured sum.

‘Depositors do not need to panic, you will get your monies back.

‘We will start payment of the insured sums by this week but it will be difficult for me to give the time frame for the payment of the uninsured deposits,” he said.

On challenges of banks’ liquidation, he said the Corporation had experienced difficulties in loans recoveries.

Hassan, however, assured that the Corporation would immediately commence the process to avoid delays.

On litigations, he said the Corporation was ready for any litigation that would emanate from the handover of the
bank.

Hassan said the Corporation would rely on support from the judiciary for expedited hearings on any debt recovery case brought by the Corporation.

‘When cases are delayed in debt recovery, it is depositors that suffer.

‘We believe that the judiciary will give the cases accelerated hearing,” he said.

The managing director assured bank customers that the system was safe and sound, saying that they should continue their banking businesses without fear.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Italian Embassy in Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba through a collage of artworks with the theme – `human and spiritual wealth of Yorubas’.

The celebration involved a solo exhibition of artworks of prominent Italian artist, Mr Luigi Ballarin.

The Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stefano De Leo speaking at the solo art exhibition, said art collection was a tribute to the over 40 million Yoruba-speaking people in West Africa.

De Leo said that Ballarin’s artworks had captivated audiences around the world.

‘Today, it was a privilege to have his exhibition celebrating the Yoruba culture of Nigeria.

‘His passion for exploring the intricacies of different cultures is evident in his work, reflecting a deep respect for tradition and a profound understanding of the human experience.

‘In doing that, Ballarin has taken profound inspiration from the rich tapestry of traditions and artistry that define this vibrant community.

‘Through his art, he has sought to c
apture the essence of the Yoruba people, their history, and their enduring legacy of creativity and spirituality.

‘With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the world around him, Ballarin invites us to join him on a journey of discovery and enlightenment, ”he said.

Mr Luigi Ballerina, Italian artist and solo exhibitor on Yoruba heritage.

Also speaking, Ballarin said that the Yoruba people were one of the largest in West Africa, adding that, over the centuries they had developed a refined culture.

‘This is why the title of the exhibition is called the human and spiritual wealth of the Yoruba people.

‘One of the most characteristically masks and headdresses, together with ritual costumes.

‘Within each Yoruba community, art occupies a prominent place and a distinct artist tradition that remains vital and influential even in the current era.

‘I think immersing myself in such a different and complex culture is incredibly constructive, fascinating, and stimulating, ‘ he said.

Ac
cording to the artist, preparing for this exhibition, I felt pushed into a dreamlike dimension because Nigeria is full of prodigious stories.

He also referred to a recent book titled; ‘African Venice in Italy’, adding that it was the first guide that spoke about the African presence in the Venetian city of yesterday and today.

‘There are about 20 essays, poems, and reflections that enrich the narratives of the African past and present of Venice.

‘Therefore, art and writing can act as a bridge which unites people and continents.

‘How do you explain Africa to those who judge it without ever having to caress this red and dusty land with their own hands? He queried.

Some of the artwork in the exhibition ‘Human and Spiritual Wealth of Yorubas’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Yoruba language is spoken in the Western African countries of Nigeria, Benin Republic, parts of Togo, and Sierra Leone.

It, therefore, constitutes one of the largest single languages in sub-Sahara Africa.

NAN recalls
that Ballarin did a similar art exhibition in July 2023 titled ‘ Colours of Noble Cultures” of the Northern part of Nigeria, precisely depicting the Kano Durbar.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Save the Children International (SCI), an NGO, alongside other stakeholders in the environmental sector, says there is need to imbibe the culture of tree planting to mitigate the effects of climate change.

They stakeholders made the call at the Climate and Sensitisation Activity and Tree planting exercise to celebrate the World Environment Day on Tuesday in Abuja.

The programme was organised by SCI Nigeria under its Children’s Generation Hope Campaign, in partnership with Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), at Junior Secondary School ,Piwoyi Community, FCT.

According to Mr Ifedilichukwu Innocent, Advocacy Campaign Policy Manager, SCI, the effect of climate change is on the rise and children bear the brunt of it most.

Innocent said that as a child-centred organisation, SCI designed its programmes around health, nutrition, livelihood, climate change and others and works towards protecting children.

‘We are happy as an organisation to be part of this year’s tree planting working with government an
d other stakeholders.

‘We are using this opportunity to also encourage school children to also be part of the tree planting.

‘What that is doing is helping them to know is that they have to work hard to safeguard the environment.

‘So we are happy that the children are adding their voices and participating in planting these trees,’ he said.

Innocent said that there were lots of benefits associated with tree planting ranging from health to economic, among others.

He added that the action informed children about their environment and helped them to work towards safeguarding it.

Innocent encouraged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of tree planting to promote green environment and tackle climate change.

Ms Rebecca Mamven, Deputy Director Environmental Management Department, AEPB, said the theme for 2024 World Environment Day was ‘Land Restoration, Rehabilitation and Drought Resilience.’

Mamven explained that AEPB’s purpose was to sensitise communities to seeks ways to restore the land back from degradation
and stop desertification.

She added that the board was also working to promote drought resilience with planting of different types of trees and plants.

‘In the north especially, we experience drought a lot; so, we are here to celebrate this day with our children and to teach them how to address these things,’ she said.

Mrs Pauline Nwagugu, Deputy Director, Education and Principal, Junior Secondary school Piwoyi, commended the stakeholders for bringing the tree planting project to the school.

Nwagugu said she was a lover of green environment and had been plating tress in the school since she was transferred there.

She, however, expressed gratitude that the students were being carried along to promote green environment and assured the group of the school’s commitment to sustaining the project.

The Chief of Piwoyi, Tanko Bahago, said the idea of planting trees in communities and schools was a welcome development.

Tanko said that the community had plans to plant trees around but was waiting for the rainy s
eason to do that.

‘By planting trees on this day, we actively contribute to the preservation of our environment and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,” he said.

He thanked the stakeholders for the initiative and for remembering his community for such a laudable project.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) Academy, Abuja, has graduated five high school students (senior secondary school students) and three middle school students (Junior secondary) for the 2024 session.

Addressing the gradaunds at the Class of 2024 graduation celebration in Abuja, Wife of the Olu of Warri, Olori Ivie Atuwatse III, urged relevant stakeholders to prioritise education.

According to her, it is the duty of the stakeholders to prioritise education for sustainable growth and development of the nation.

‘Nigeria’s education system is plagued with many challenges and I will liken it to an elephant; you cannot eat a whole elephant at once.

‘The many challenges resemble the body of an elephant; the first thing that we must do as a nation is to take education seriously.

‘Once you take education seriously, then we can begin to take necessary steps to ensuring that we build our education system to one that can compete globally.

‘The first step we must do is to be committed to eating the elephant
, be committed to education, be committed to ensuring that you are making an impact and make education a priority,’ she said.

She added that prioritising education would translate to addressing out-of-school children, teacher training, infrastructure and curriculum issues.

She urged the graduands to be intentional in shining their light noting that their abilities to shine would build resilient in them and as well lead them to their destinies.

The Head of School, CTL Academy, Dr Agodi Alagbe, said that the academy had always striven for excellence.

Alagbe affirmed that the achievements of the academy stood as testimony to the quality of education imparted to students and unwavering commitment to staff members.

She said that over the years, the academy had nurtured and shaped young minds, instilling in them the values of knowledge, integrity and perseverance.

‘We are very child-centred; we don’t believe that any two children are the same and so we do what we call differentiated instruction.

‘This means
you could have few kids in the same class and grade level but we really get to know the children as individuals and create learning opportunities that are specific to their needs.

‘So they can grow, flourish and maximise their potential; we have given them all it will take them to succeed; we are waiting to see what they will become,’ she said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy, Mr Robert Gabor, commended the school for investing in the future of Nigerians, charging the graduands to also invest in their abilities and communities.

Gabor also called on the graduands to learn new skills as that was the only way to contribute to the growth and development of their immediate community and country at large.

Some of the graduating students, who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged their allegiance to Nigeria and to contribute their knowledge towards developing the country.

Alex-Xerina Idusuyi, one of the students, who had secured an admission to study international business at the W
ichita State University, U.S., pledged to return after her programme to build the nation.

Also, the school’s best graduating student, Lotachi Alagbe, attributed her academic feat to the support and encouragement from her family and friends.

Alagbe, who had also secured an admission at the Preston University, U.S., vowed to return and contribute her quota toward the development of the country.

NAN reports that the school, which has the nursery, primary and secondary sections, offered the American curriculum for both local and international students.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has distributed food items to no fewer than 1,200 vulnerable, internally displaced and people living with disabilities in Nasarawa State.

Tinubu inaugurated the symbolic distribution of the Food Outreach Scheme for Persons with Disabilities and the vulnerable groups on Tuesday in Lafia.

Represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, Wife of the Vice President, the first lady said that the gesture was part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach Scheme, as part of the Social Investment Programme.

According to her, the food outreach scheme is specially designed to provide support to the under-privileged in line with the resolve of President Bola Tinubu to leave no one behind.

‘This is also to ensure food security and sufficiency in the country.

‘Under this scheme, a trailer load of assorted food items is donated to the state government for onward distribution to identified groups,’she said.

She added that the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna and now Nasarawa s
tates have benefited from the scheme under the special programme of RHI.

She, however, said that Benue would be next while other states would also benefit in due course.

The first lady also noted that in addition to the Social Investment Programme, the RHI also has other programmes that focus on health, agriculture, education and economic empowerment to better the lives of people in the country.

She said that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with RHI had concluded plans to donate a truck load of fertilisers and bags of rice to each state of the federation.

She added that Nasarawa State would be first to benefit from the collaboration.

‘The Renewed Hope Initiative has also graciously approved a grant of N50,000 to 1,000 women in each state as part of our women economic empowerment programme, ‘she said.

To the beneficiaries, she assured them of continued support and encouraged them to be steadfast, especially those in vulnerable communities.

She, therefore, commended the state governm
ent for their support for the Renewed Hope Initiatives.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) expressed gratitude for the support.

Blessing David, a beneficiary from Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, commended the federal government for seeing reasons to extend helping hand to the poor masses.

‘Now we have gotten what will sustain us for some time and we appreciate them greatly. May God bless them to do more.

Also, Halima Musa, from Doma Local Government Area, appreciated the federal government for the items.

‘I do not have hands, I cannot work, so it has not been easy. I am so happy to be part of those that benefited from these food items.

‘I am very happy, God should bless them more for them to remember more people like us,’she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria