Month: June 2024

_: Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa and Minister of States for Police Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim at the Renewed Hope Police Agenda townhall engagement in Lafia, Wednesday.

Policing

By Olukayode Babalola

The Federal Government has restated commitment to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Police Agenda, a policing strategy based on local peculiarities and considerations with communities and stakeholders participation.

The Minister of States for Police Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the government’s position known at a citizens townhall engagement in Lafia with the theme ‘Community Policing: Building a Safer Nigeria Together.’

She pointed out that the engagement would catalyse grassroots understanding of security dynamics and foster community-specific solutions.

The minister said ‘security is inherently local, and people’s approach must reflect an appreciation for each community’s distinct characteristics, challenges, and strength.

‘Security is local, and must acknowledge and
embrace the unique dynamics of each community in our pursuit for a safer nation.

‘Today’s townhall is a reflection of the significant shift in our approach to policing. As you may be aware, Section 14(2)(b) of The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 puts the security and welfare of our people as government’s priority.’

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that President Bola Tinubu placed security at the centre of the administration’s eight priorities, commenced the implementation of the Renewed Hope Police Agenda ‘to ensure the police force is strategically positioned to fulfill its mandate.’

She lauded Nasarawa State for its uniqueness in terms of diversity and for demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, especially security challenges.

She noted that the substantial mining deposits in Nasarawa State attracted both local and international attention, and its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with the attendant socio-economic opportunities increased the security burden on the s
tate.

She said the Renewed Hope Police Agenda for Nasarawa State, therefore, seeks to build on local efforts while supporting existing collaborations that have made the state a shining example of effective security measures within the North Central region.

She outlined the six pillars that serve as strategic frameworks to redefine and strengthen the Nigeria Police Force, which include Technical and Operational Excellence, Infrastructure Advancement, Welfare Enhancement, Policy Framework Development and Re-branding, Strategic Communication, and Public Trust Management.

Alhaji Mogaji Olaniyan, the National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), represented by the National Vice Chairman, Don Kenneth Otuonunyo, said police were the main focus in policing and that security revolved around them.

He noted a wide gap between Nigeria Police Force and the society, making policing difficult in the country.

He maintained that the community must be ready to collaborate with the police by availin
g them with information that would enhance their performance in the country.

‘Police work 24 hours every day without a break and they need support and encouragement to succeed,’ he said.

In his remarks, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, lauded the minster of state for police affairs ‘for her dedication and leadership in driving the critical reform aimed at transforming policing in Nigeria.’

He said that the townhall would provide the state government with a crucial platform to explore new ideas, gather valuable insights and strengthen the state’s collective approach to ensuring the safety and security of the state.

‘We are confident that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and his renewed policing strategy, we will see enhanced collaboration, innovative solutions and stronger commitment to addressing our security challenges,’ he said.

He urged the private sector and relevant stakeholders to support the Renewed Hope Police Agenda to achieve its objectives.

In his welcome remarks, the Inspector-G
eneral of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetokun, revealed that in conjunction with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the police approved Crime Data Analysis and mapping survey in all the local government areas of the country.

Represented by the Deputy Inspector General, Intelligence, DIG Dasuki Galadachi, Egbetokun said the data analysis would determine the strategy to be deployed to tackle security challenges in each local government area.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

he AYuTe Africa Challenge in Nigeria, an enterprise programme, has awarded 40,000 dollars in grants to three young agric-tech innovators to use technology in improving farming methods and food production in Nigeria.

Dr Lekan Tobe, Country Director, Heifer International, made this known at the grand finale of the 2024 AYuTe Africa Challenge Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

Tobe said that the initiative would encourage innovators to leverage technology to achieve transformation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

‘Leveraging youth and technology presents an opportunity for the transformation of agriculture, ensuring food security, youth employment, and economic development.

‘It is technology that is helping us to close the yield gap, and create sustainable value chains, reduce post-harvest loss, and increase fertiliser, water and soil use efficiency.

‘It also helps smallholder farmers to be better organised and to build improved strength to engage with the market,’ he said.

According to him, the competition se
rves as a springboard for identifying and supporting outstanding young agritech innovators for visibility, growth and increased productivity for smallholder farmers.

He added that through a regional competition, Heifer International awarded 1.5 million dollars annually to leading agritech innovators across Africa.

Prof. Akeem Oyerinde, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, emphasised the role of youths in leveraging technology to transform the agriculture system in the country.

‘We all need to rejuvenate agriculture to where it belongs.

‘Each and every one of you can key into any agricultural products and business by using various technologies.

‘A technology like the mobile phone can be used to promote productivity and address some of the challenges affecting smallholder farmers in Nigeria,’ he said.

Also, Daniel Bature, Director, Technical Services, Nasarawa State Agricultural Development, urged youths to utilise technology and create innovations that would develop Nigeria’s agriculture se
ctor.

Femi Oluwagbemi, Special Adviser to the Minister of Labour and Employment, said that with agriculture, young people could easily get into the process of job creation, self employment and organise themselves into cooperatives.

‘By doing so, they will have the chance to access funding from programmes such as this,’ he said.

Manir Umar, Special Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security on Youth and Agric. Business, said that collaboration with stakeholders would ensure the implementation of policies in Nigeria.

‘The government can create policies, but cannot be the implementers. So, we try to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure efforts like this are being strengthened.

‘Youths are the drivers of the agricultural revolution. So, the ministry is giving a lot of focus to the Renewed Hope Agenda,’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries include: Ruth Ede of Scratop Nigeria Ltd., who was awarded 20,000 dollars grants for her innovation in converting bio
waste into nutrients-rich bio fertilisers.

Akpem Shadrach of Vet Konect, a digital animal health company, secured 12,000 dollars for his innovation in providing comprehensive care for livestock farmers across Africa via mobile devices using AI tools to boost productivity.

Also, Chinasu Stephanie -Meltus of Scarecrow Green Eden’s 4th industrial revolution, got 8,000 dollars for using technology in combating climate change effects and increasing farming efficiency for smallholder farmers.

Ede, the highest beneficiary, told NAN she would use the grant to improve access to nutrients-rich bio-fertiliser for farmers to boost their production.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

_: According to economic data released by the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong’s economy grew by 2.7% in the first quarter of 2024, which is much higher than expected. The consumption is the biggest source of power behind the gradual recovery of the economy. The private consumption in Hong Kong has increased by 1% in the first quarter of 2024, and has maintained growth for six consecutive quarters, accounting for more than 70% of the entire economy. In the first four months of 2024, the number of visitors to Hong Kong reached 14.62 million, which has formed a double year-on-year increase, and the average occupancy rate of hotels was about 80%. Every 1.5 million tourists will bring 0.1 percentage point of economic growth according to the calculations made by Hong Kong SAR Government, so the prosperity of cultural tourism is undoubtedly the core of Hong Kong’s economy.

In addition to consumption, Hong Kong’s foreign trade is also restoring its growth. Hong Kong’s total imports and exports
of goods increased by 9.9% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2024 as demand from the mainland and the international market picked up. As of the end of March 2024, Hong Kong’s banking deposits totaled HK $16.2 trillion, which was an increase of 4.4% year-on-year. The HKSAR Government has introduced two new batches of 49 industry-leading enterprises up to now, and the joint venture investment will exceed HK $40 billion, creating more than 13,000 vacancies. By the end of April this year, Hong Kong’s various talent plans had received 290,000 applications and about 180,000 approvals, and 120,000 talents had arrived in Hong Kong.

The vibrant Hong Kong remains the same, and the world will witness a pearl of the orient full of opportunities.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Inhabitants of the Omatako Constituency in the Otjozondjupa Region on Wednesday suggested to the Fifth Boundaries Delimitation and Demarcation Commission that their constituency’s name be changed to Ovitoto Constituency.

The remarks were made in a consultative meeting with the commission at Otjiwarongo chaired by Judge Epafroditus Unengu, who said the aim of the meeting was to solicit oral submissions from residents on any possible changes they would like to see to the regional and constituency boundaries.

Shortly after Unengu’s presentation, the inhabitants of Omatako Constituency in a letter to the commission which they submitted through their constituency councillor Israel Hukura, stated that the name Omatako is derived from the Omatako mountains situated along the B1 road near Otjiwarongo, which is far from their area.

‘Therefore, we want it changed to Ovitoto Constituency as this was the name our ancestors named our area which is north-east of Okahandja,’ they stated.

The community members further su
ggested that their constituency be removed from the Otjozondjupa Region and attached to the Khomas Region, saying their settlement is situated about 60 kilometres from Windhoek, closer than Otjiwarongo which is situated about 270 kilometres away.

Other commissioners who attended along with Unengu are Penias Topnaar, Gerhardt Gurirab, Phanuel Kaapama and Prisca Anyolo.

Attendees were mostly government officials, traditional leaders and local authority councillors from different localities in the region.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

he Federal Government has announced partnership with development partners to chart a climate-resilient path for the country’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that experts at a three-day national workshop gathered to develop the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan for the sector on Wednesday in Abuja.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasised the sector’s role in promoting dignified lives and sustainable development amid climate change challenges.

Utsev, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, said climate change presents a significant threat to humanity, impacting WASH services globally.

He noted that the hazards of climate change exacerbate vulnerabilities in WASH facilities, leading to social and economic risks.

He added that ‘in Nigeria, only 10 per cent of households have access to basic WASH services, while 23 per cent lack basic water supply, according to the 2021 W
ASHNORM report.

‘These include increased household medical expenses, reduced agricultural productivity and higher incidences of civil unrest.’

These figures, he added, underscored the urgency to address climate-related risks in the sector.

He said that the recent cholera outbreaks was a stark reminder of the critical need for robust WASH services in the country.

According to him, the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan aims to tackle the challenges head-on, providing comprehensive framework for assessing climate impacts across geopolitical zones.

Utsev urged participants to prioritise behavioural change, capacity building, innovative technology and community engagement for climate-resilient WASH services.

‘This plan is about long-term solutions to ensure climate resilience in WASH infrastructure and practices to benefit future generations.

‘Education on climate-resilient practices is essential for both children and adults to foster sustainable habits,’ he said.

While calling on stakeholders to play
active roles in the initiative, the minister assured the ministry’s resolve to continue to allocate resources and create an enabling environment for climate-resilient WASH.

Earlier, Mr Mukaila Babarinde, the Director of Hydrology in the ministry, highlighted the critical impact of flooding in Nigeria, affecting 34 out of 36 states.

He explained that ‘as of November 2022, the situation had a devastating impact on 3.2 million people, resulting in 600 deaths and displacing 1.1 million individuals.

‘Erratic rainfall patterns and rising sea levels are increasingly challenging the maintenance of Nigeria’s fragile WASH infrastructure, particularly during floods and droughts.

‘Flooding causes severe damage to homes, farms and infrastructure, and it can also harm water and sanitation facilities.

‘This pollution of water sources and damage to sanitation systems increase the risk of waterborne and vector-borne illnesses.

‘Drought, on the other hand, reduces the availability of safe drinking water for households.

‘This scarcity makes it difficult to maintain proper sanitation and hygiene practices during climate crises.’

Babarinde emphasised that the situation not only poses immediate health risks to families but has far-reaching impacts on education and the economy.

He noted that the Climate Risk Analysis and Action Plan assesses Nigeria’s current climate conditions across geopolitical zones and proposes innovative solutions to enhance WASH services.

On his part, UNICEF WASH Manager, Chiranjibi Tirawi, said climate change poses the most significant threat to humanity today, impacting every sector, including water services.

He explained that majority of hhouseholds in the country already face challenges with limited access to quality water services, underscoring the timeliness of collaborative efforts to change the narrative.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of WaterAid, state water agencies and the Ministerial Advisory Council, urging collective action to protect those most affected, particula
rly at the grassroots.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The City of Ekurhuleni has reminded residents of the planned maintenance work by Rand Water that will affect their areas over the weekend.

The maintenance is planned to start from 6pm on Friday, 28 June to 6pm on Sunday, 30 June 2024. It will affect residents in Germiston, Alberton, Vosloorus, and Katlehong 2.

To mitigate the effect of the outage, the City said water tankers will be provided to the affected areas in Germiston, including Corner Walton and Whitford Roads in Denlee; Stone Arch Estate in Castleview; 29 De Beer Road in Union; Hawaii Street in Gosforth Park; Dinwiddie Sports Club, Corner Cheam Cres and Ingleton Road.

Two water tankers will rove around Roodekop.

‘In Alberton, one water tank will be located at Corner Collin and Marle streets. In Katlehong 2 / Palm Ridge, two water takers will rove around the affected areas. Residents and businesses in the affected areas may contact the depots in their area should they have any queries about the water tanks,’ the City’s spokesperson Zweli Dlamini
said.

For any queries, residents in Dawn Park, Vosloorus, Villa Liza, Mapleton, Palm Ridge, Zonkeziswe, parts of Katlehong and Vosloorus can contact 011 999 5487/5625/5959; those in Alberton, Thokoza, parts of Katlehong, Eden Park can contact 011 999 2651/2646/2638; while Germiston and parts of Boksburg can call 011 999 2514/0515/1583.

Source: South African Government News Agency