Month: June 2024

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa on Thursday in Johannesburg, underscored the need for a stronger partnership between Nigeria and his country.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Thursday, that Ramaphosa stated this during a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Johannesburg.

He said that Ramaphosa thanked Tinubu for honouring the invitation to attend his inauguration for a second term in office.

‘Thank you so much for coming for the inauguration. I was very happy to see my brother at the ceremony,’ the South African President said.

President Tinubu said that Ramaphosa’s inaugural speech captured most of the challenges faced by African countries, and the need for more collaboration among leaders and citizens to provide solutions.

‘I really enjoyed your speech at the ceremony. I was delighted to listen to you. We have lots of issues in common, and we need to work more closely together. It was a good celebration,’ Tinubu said

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ramaphosa was re-elected for a second term on June 14, following an agreement for a Government of National Unity between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), said the recent physical verification exercise by her.office, exposed workers living abroad but still earning salaries from the service.

Yemi-Esan revealed this during a chat with media executives on Wednesday in Abuja, being part of activities to mark 2024 Civil Service Week.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the theme for 2024 celebration is ‘Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality and Relevant Learning in Africa’.

The HOCSF said many of the civil servants, who were caught up in their games, had to resign their appointments, following their failure to carry out the physical verification exercise.

According to her, the verification exercise was one of the measures by her office, to check corrupt practices, run a smooth civil service and reposition the sector.

‘Recently, there was a circular that went out to all Ministries, Depar
tments and Agencies (MDAs) that, they should do a physical headcount in their MDAs.

‘That means, everybody on the nominal roll, that is receiving salaries, should appear physically and the names of those who did not show up for the exercise should be forwarded.

‘In the circular, I cautioned that Permanent Secretaries and CEOs that give wrong information will be held liable if anything is discovered outside of the information that was given,’ she said.

The HOCSF added that the decision by the government was that, after the exercise, they would stop the salaries of those, in one way or the other, had left the service without proper documentation, but still earning remuneration.

‘From what I saw, the number of people that have gone out of the country and are still earning salaries, is more in the parastatals than in the core ministries.

‘I actually called one of the heads of the agencies and queried why there is such a number of people earning salaries and are not on their desks.

‘I asked how the agency c
ome about such a huge number of the purported workers,’ she said

Yemi-Esan said the reply she got was that some of the civil servants even returned from the UK for the verification exercise.

Yemi-Esan said: ‘The Head of that agency told me that he discovered that, a week after the verification exercise, some of them rushed from the UK to the country, with the intention to do their own verification

‘He said they came to him saying, aah! Oga, we are around; we heard they did verification.

‘The agency head, asked them to come back in two weeks time for their verification; knowing fully well that nobody working in the UK, will be able to have such luxury of time,’ she said.

The HOCSF said from the incident narrated to her, most of the affected workers had to resign their appointments because they knew that the game was over.

She decried the situation, where civil servants who did not have official permission to be out of their office, would travel out of the country for years, and still earning salaries.

Y
emi-Esan added that such development was unacceptable, when there were millions of Nigerians waiting to be employed.

She also used the opportunity of the event, to appreciate media partners whom she described as ‘backbone for the successful reforms carried out’ by her office since her assumption of duty.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Ali Muhammad Ali, the Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has urged journalists to jealously guard the journalism profession and ensure the elimination of quackery.

Ali said this on Thursday in Abuja during the Diamond Anniversary Special Induction of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

The NAN MD said that media quacks needed to get the right training in order to function better in the society, as Public Relations (PR) was all about professionalism.

According to him, quacks need better training to be able to get their acts together.

‘In public communication, the tone of the PR man is different, especially when you engage a professional; the tone is that of reconciliation and persuasion, and not combating.

‘But when you see a quack serving as a spokesman, they are always combative.

‘When you become a media manager, naturally, their language and diction should be that of reconciliation, persuasion, peace and not combative nor aggression.

‘My advice to all quacks is to get
the right training by joining the institute; get the right education, knowledge, and the right attitude,’ Ali said.

He said that quackery had not only heated-up public communication in the country but had also heightened tension.

Ali, therefore underscored the agency’s commitment to maintaining credibility and authenticity in its reporting, in spite of the prevalence of fake news in today’s digital age.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Ethiopian coffee has been rapidly gaining traction in the Chinese market in recent years, with sales growing at a staggering rate of 27 percent annually.

This rapid growth has been significantly boosted by platforms such as the China International Import Expo and cross-border e-commerce, which serve as effective gateways for overseas brands to enter China and present numerous opportunities for Ethiopian businesses.

One standout success story is the Ethiopian coffee brand Gera, which showcased roasted coffee beans at the third CIIE. During the expo, the brand’s Yirgacheffe and Sidamo coffees were signed up to a prominent cross-border e-commerce platform, immediately available for consumers.

During the fifth CIIE, Ethiopian highland coffee with vibrant orange packaging was drawing eyes. After being showcased in an e-commerce livestream during the expo, 17,000 boxes were sold in just one evening. Online sales of Ethiopian coffee surged 300 percent during the sixth CIIE.

Traditionally, Ethiopian coffee grower
s and processors only accounted for less than 10 percent of profits in the export trade, with the majority of profits lying in distribution and sales. Leveraging the CIIE for cross-border e-commerce sales has effectively reduced trade costs, benefiting Ethiopian coffee farmers and allowing Chinese consumers to enjoy premium coffee beans at more affordable prices.

Witnessing the growing popularity of Ethiopian coffee among Chinese consumers, Tefera Derbew Yimam, Ethiopian ambassador to China, expressed great delight. He noted that China has become one of the primary importers of Ethiopian coffee. Ethiopian coffees have received rave reviews at the CIIE over the years, prompting many businesses to showcase their products at the event. ‘The embassy will continue to facilitate Ethiopian business participation in the expo,’ Yimam said.

Coffee trade is just one aspect of the trade relationship between China and Ethiopia. Products like sesame seeds and green beans from Ethiopia have also made their way to supermar
kets, stores, and retail markets in China.

At the sixth edition of the expo, Ethiopian sesame trader Duka Engineering and Trading Plc reached a preliminary cooperation agreement with Shandong’s Ruifu Sesame Oil Co Ltd, which would purchase 6,000 metric tons of sesame seeds.

In October 2023, Ethiopia and China upgraded their bilateral relationship to an all-weather strategic partnership. In a joint statement, China expressed its desire to continue encouraging and supporting Ethiopian exports to China, including agricultural and food products.

With the Chinese market serving as a key driver of Ethiopian exports, Ethiopia’s distinctive offerings are expected to make a splash at this year’s expo, presenting vast business opportunities for its enterprises.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has formally inducted 605 new members into the profession, emphasising the importance of professionalism and an end to quackery in Public Relations (PR) profession.

This was the focus at the Diamond Anniversary Special Induction of the institute in Abuja on Thursday.

The President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, said that eliminating quackery in the PR profession was to ensure that only qualified and properly trained individuals speak for their organisations, whether government or private.

This, he said would enhance the credibility and effectiveness of the practice.

Neliaku noted that relationship was the hallmark of public relations, hence the need for the new inductees to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity.

He emphasised that members should avoid practices or behaviors that could harm the reputation of the Institute or the PR profession.

Neliaku stressed the importance of adhering to the highest standards of accuracy and tru
th in all professional activities.

He urged members to respect core values and uphold the ethical principles that underpin the profession.

The NIPR boss highlighted the critical role of maintaining public trust and credibility, reminding members that their actions reflected not only on themselves but also on the entire profession.

Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, Vice-Chairman, NIPR Governing Board, underscored the importance of the event, noting its adaptation to contemporary needs and its alignment with the institute’s diamond anniversary celebrations.

Dandaura highlighted several key aspects of 2024 Hybrid Induction Format which for the first time allowed greater participation, while reflecting modern event-hosting practices.

According to him, the Diamond Anniversary of NIPR held special significance as it coincided with the 60th anniversary of the institute which added historical weight to the proceedings.

‘A total of 605 new members were inducted, with 353 joining online and 198 attending in person. This r
eflects the institute’s significant growth and expanded reach.

‘Highlights of our anniversary celebration is a seminar on Public Relations, Value Orientation, and Economic Transformation, aimed at professional development.

‘We will also be hosting a Dinner and Recognition; an evening event chaired by General Yakubu Gowon, honoring distinguished icons in the field,’ Dandaura said.

He also said that the activities were designed to celebrate the NIPR’s contributions to national development over the past 60 years, while also fostering professional growth and public engagement in the field of public relations.

Mr Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), expressed delight at participating in the event and celebrating the 60th anniversary of the institute.

Ali described the occasion as a milestone and emphasised the importance of celebrating 60 years of the institute’s impactful existence.

He commended the institute for its growth and influence over the past six decades, noting
its substantial contributions to shaping public communication narratives.

Ali commended everyone involved in making the celebration a success, emphasising NAN’s alignment with the NIPR in upholding factual reporting as a cornerstone of their mission.

The NAN MD underscored the agency’s commitment to maintaining credibility and authenticity in its reporting, amidst the prevalence of fake news in today’s digital age.

Alhaji Mohammed Malagi, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, noted the dual responsibility of the newly inducted members of the NIPR.

Malagi who was represented by Mr Baba Ndace, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), stressed the importance of speaking positively and forcefully about the country.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigeria, as recognised by the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Tinubu but highlighted ongoing efforts to address the challenges.

Malagi urged the inductees not to contribute to negative narratives about the nation, asserting tha
t while no country was perfect, Nigeria’s beauty and potential should be the focal points.

He underscored the critical role of the new NIPR members in collaborating with the Ministry of Information to restore trust in public discourse.

He mentioned that one of the ministry’s primary goals has been to rebuild public confidence in communication, fostering trust in institutions and media outlets.

Malagi called on the inductees to take pride in their nation and contribute to its positive image, stating that the NIPR is a platform for mentorship and professional growth.

Goodwill messages were given by representatives of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, President, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Mr Chris Isiguzo, Chairman, House Committee on Public Affairs, Rep. Rotimi Akintunde.

Others are the Nigerian Television Authority, Africa Independent Television among others.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), has commended Kogi Government on the recruitment of 1,050 young men and women to join its fold to boost security in the state.

The Commandant-General of NHFSS, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, gave the commendation on Thursday in Abuja.

Osatimehin said the recruitment would go a long way in helping the government’s resolve to deal with the challenges of terror attacks, banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other related criminal activities in the state.

He said that Ododo had through the action, demonstrated that he meant business when he recently gave quit notice to all criminal elements to leave the state.

According to him, the recruitment of 1.050 indigene of the state into the NHFSS will ensure that criminal elements operating within the forested regions of the state will henceforth be flushed out.

Also speaking on the development, the Deputy Commander General of NHFSS, Technical Services, Amb. John Metchie, commended the speaker and members of the Ko
gi State House of Assembly for the promptness with which they approved the governor’s bill.

Metchie described them as true representatives of the people who were committed to the security, peace and overall wellbeing of the state and its people.

He also used the opportunity to urge other state governments to emulate Kogi, Ondo, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Borno and others that are currently working with the NHFSS.

According to him, their synergy with the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, NSCDC, DSS and others, especially in the areas of intelligence gathering and sharing, has been a major contributing factor to the relative peace in the states.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Kogi State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, approved the recruitment, with a view to strengthening the security architecture of the state.

Gov. Usman Ododo had earlier forwarded a letter to the assembly requesting for approval of the recruitment of 50 people from each for the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

After reading
the letter, the Speaker, Aliyu Yusuf, said it was previously resolved by the lawmakers that there was need for the recruitment hunters into the NHFSS, given the security challenges in the state and the shortage of manpower.

In a voice vote, the lawmakers unanimously approved the recruitment of 1050 hunters, adding that the payment of their salaries would be paid by the respective Local Government.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria