Category: General

The Federal Government has taken significant steps toward rejuvenating the nation’s steel sector through comprehensive insurance coverage for ongoing steel projects in the country.

The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, stated this during a crucial meeting with key agencies under the ministry.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the projects are the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, the National Iron-Ore Mining Company, Itakpe, the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency; Metalurgical Training Institute and National Metallurgical Development Center, Jos.

Audu said that the deliberate policy of the present administration to introduce insurance cover for steel projects was a critical step to mitigate the risks and uncertainties inherent in large-scale developmental endeavors.

“By providing this insurance coverage, the government aims to foster an environment that is conducive to attracting investments into the steel sector.

“It will also help in securing financing and fast tracking the successful completion of various steel related initiatives across the country.

“It will ensure a structured successful implementation of this policy and the ministry will outline a comprehensive two-year activation plan.

“The strategic plan is designed to catalyse the revival of all steel associated interventions which underscored a steadfast commitment to achieving tangible progress within stipulated time frame,” he said.

Audu said the journey towards revitalising the steel sector was beyond insurance coverage, adding that the government has devised a comprehensive overhauling strategy to tackle the multi-faceted challenges impeding the sector’s growth.

According to him, central to this strategy is the optimisation of skilled labour and enhancing security measures to ensure safe and productive working atmosphere.

The minister said that other indices for solutions to enhance the sector was to effectively rehabilitate rail infrastructure connecting the Itakpe and Ajaokuta Steel Complexes.

He said that a functional rail network for transportation of raw materials and finished products was necessary, adding that the potentials to significantly boost the operational efficiency of these complexes, would positively influence the entire street value chain.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria (AWAMN) has appealed to the State and Federal Governments to create special fund for effective waste management.

The President of AWAMN, Mr Olugbenga Adebola, made the appeal on Tuesday in Ikeja, during the Inauguration of the executive committee of the association.

Adebola described waste management as an essential sector of the economy which needed special funds within a single digit interest loan facility, to ensure environmental sustainability.

He said that the waste managers were going to collaborate with government at all levels to transform waste management in the country.

According to him, low interest rate loans will enable waste managers to invest more for sustainable environment.

”We are going with our demands to create a special fund for the environment family, especially for waste management.

”We shall work with the State and the Federal Government of Nigeria to explore access to single-digit loan facilities to our members.

”Our members are essential service providers, supporting environmental sustainability, health and well-being and nationwide aesthetics of the people and country.

“Low-interest-rate will enable our members to enjoy dedicated funding plans like the farmers, aviation industry, healthcare industry, among others.

”It will help our people to invest more, because waste management is highly capital intensive, and you also need to have access to single-digit credit facility like Anchor Borrowers’ Programme for farmers.

”The Federal Government is doing it for health sector, aviation industry and for all critical industries. We are also a critical industry, operating within the space of environmental sustainability,” he said.

The president described effective waste management as pre-health services, that would reduce Lassa fever, mosquitoes, and ensure better environment.

He appealed to the government to sponsor its members to local and international conferences, trainings and study tours, as these would expand their capabilities for better performance.

According to him, it will equally help waste managers to take advantage of newer technological advancements and innovations, which will enhance operational efficiency, reduce leakages and improve their income.

He said it would also help them to remain connected to the global trends within the industry.

”We need to work with researchers and develop even our members, that is why my administration is going to emphasise more on capacity development of our members.

”If you don’t train them, you don’t blame them, and one of our cardinal objectives is to train our members for effective and efficient service delivery,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The certificate issued to Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma, Edo, to produce Glucozil herbal capsules for the control of diabetes has expired, NAFDAC declared in Abuja on Tuesday.

Its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, stated that NAFDAC did not give approval of the drug, but only listed it on Nov. 10, 2020.

She explained that the drug was listed for the management of high blood sugar as stated on the approved label and listing certificate issued to the university.

The certificate, she added, expired on Nov. 9, 2022.

“Treatment, curative and preventive claims for diabetes, benign prostatic hyperplasia and detoxification were never approved for Glucozil as claimed by the university and should be disregarded by the public.

“As specified in the Herbal Medicine and Related Products Labelling Regulations (2021), the listing was subject to the inclusion of the mandatory disclaimer.

“This is the regular disclaimer that is used and required for other listed herbal products which have not undergone clinical trials that NAFDAC deem satisfactory.

“The claims on the product’s label have not been evaluated by NAFDAC,’’ Adeyeye stated.

She added that the attention of NAFDAC had been drawn to a news publication of Aug. 24 that NAFDAC had approved AAU’s Glucozil herbal medicine for diabetes.

She noted that the media publication claimed that Glucozil had been scientifically tested with safety established in both humans and animals.

Adeyeye stated that the university ought to have verified the status of the herbal medicine certificate and the approved claim.

She stressed that manufacturing, distribution or marketing of the product was not allowed until the renewal application had been submitted and approved by NAFDAC.

“From our records, Ambrose Alli University was neither the manufacturer nor the applicant for approval of the said product,’’ Adeyeye stressed.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) says cinema-goers across Nigeria would enjoy discounted tickets on Saturday, Sept. 2, in commemoration of the International Cinema Day.

The National Chairman, CEAN, Mr Opeyemi Ajayi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Ajayi said that the discount was targeted at rewarding cinema-goers, bringing back old customers and encouraging Nigerians to cultivate the habit of going to the cinemas.

“Nigeria’s cinemas join cinemas in the United Kingdom and United States of America to announce “The National Cinema Day” which takes place on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023.

“The Cinema Exhibitor’s Association of Nigeria welcomes moviegoers to celebrate a day at the movies with discounted tickets of N1,000 to kick-off the first National Cinema Day, on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023.

“This one-day event will be held at more than 50 Cinema locations across the Federation, with over 100 screens.

“We believe this will bring together audiences of all ages to enjoy a day at the movies and see any movie of their choice at a discounted ticket price of N1,000.

“We are doing this to say thank you to movie-goers and promote the cinema-going culture as well as to remind audiences about the magic of cinema,” the CEAN chairman said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

TEXEM, the UK leadership development organisation, has described the appointment of an architect, Musa Dangiwa, as Minister of Housing and Urban Development by President Tinubu as putting a round peg in a round hole.

In a statement on TEXEM’s website (www.texem.co.uk), Caroline Lucas, TEXEM’s Director of Special Projects, says Dangiwa is also a worthy alumnus of TEXEM, having participated in one of its past programmes, “Leading with Personal Impact During Slow Growth, ” held in March 2020.

Lucas recalls Dangiwa’s journey from an accomplished architect and academic to the former CEO/MD of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and now as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development.

She asserted that the accomplishments are proof of the new Minister’s dynamic ability to shape the course of urbanisation in Nigeria.

“Dangiwa’s tenure at the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is a hallmark of his visionary leadership.

“His mobilisation of an additional N279 billion in contribution to the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme speaks volumes about his dedication to fostering sustainable housing solutions.

“Taking the helm when only N232 billion had accrued over 25 years, he mobilised an astounding N279 billion in additional contributions, averaging N55.8 billion per annum,” Lucas said.

She said Dangiwa’s monumental achievement is a testament to his strategic acumen and ability to galvanise resources towards a greater cause.

Lucas said the new Minister’s accomplishments extend beyond financial milestones, as he initiated and championed the N40 billion FMBN Cities Project, aiming to revolutionise urban living and enhance community well-being.

She added that Dangiwa’s advocacy for the ordinary Nigerian led to innovative measures, including developing the Diaspora mortgage loan and empowering overseas Nigerians to own homes without fear of exploitation.

“Under his guidance, FMBN achieved a record disbursement of N175 billion for affordable housing loans and construction finance.

“Providing NHF mortgage loans to nearly 6,000 beneficiaries and offering home renovation loans to over 77,000 individuals showcase his commitment to enhancing the lives of Nigerians through accessible and affordable housing solutions.

“The provision of affordable housing units nationwide has made a significant impact in addressing the housing deficit in the country,” Lucas said.

The TEXEM Director says Dangiwa’s accomplishments have been acknowledged and celebrated nationally and internationally.

“From being named “Real Estate Personality of the Year” in 2021 to receiving the “Mortgage Banker of the Year” award and Presidential Award for Vocational Service 2021.

“His accolades are a testament to his unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to housing and urban development.

“His awards range from recognition for his transformative impact to his advocacy for empowerment and disability inclusion, showcasing a well-rounded dedication to community welfare,” Lucas stated.

Furthermore, Caroline Lucas said that “Dangiwa’s appointment should serve as a clarion call to TEXEM and its community of executives.

“First, this appointment is a testament that the organisation is living its values- Insights that inspire and actions that change the world.

“Secondly, it is a reminder of the impact TEXEM alumni can have on the nation and the world when they apply the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired through TEXEM’s programmes”.

Saying the achievement is not just a personal milestone for Dangiwa she added that it represents the calibre of individuals TEXEM nurtures and their transformative impact in their respective fields.

“Thus, it’s a personal victory and a collective success story underscoring the importance of continuous learning, networking, and leadership development,” Lucas said.

Also, in the statement, the British-Nigerian founder of TEXEM, Dr Alim Abubakre, said Dangiwa is a reputable alumnus of TEXEM.

Abubakre recalled that while participating in the leadership development programme of TEXEM in 2020, the new Minister demonstrated impressive humility, a commendable commitment to lifelong learning and a remarkable willingness to collaborate with others.

“Congratulations, Architect Ahmed Dangiwa, on your well-deserved appointment as a Federal Minister!

“Your compelling strategic leadership, lofty achievements and journey as an alumnus have brought you here, and we trust you’ll use this role to create a brighter future for society and consolidate your impact. Keep reaching for new heights!” he said.

Abubakre said that Dangiwa’s appointment as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development is a source of pride not only for him but for TEXEM and the entire nation of Nigeria.

“It underscores the transformative power of education and the immense potential within each TEXEM alumnus.

“Let us celebrate this achievement and look forward to the positive changes and innovative solutions that will emerge under Dangiwa’s leadership.

“TEXEM believes that it is part of its good corporate citizenship to inspire leaders like Ahmed Musa Dangiwa and trusts this appointment inspires others to aspire to excellence, leadership development, good governance, nation building and the pursuit of lifelong learning,” Abubakre said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A former presidential candidate of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu has commended the Federal Government’s momentum towards curbing crude oil theft in the southern part of the country.

Kachikwu said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said this while reacting to the alleged statement by Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who called for sharing of pipeline security contract.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fubara allegedly said that the “security of pipeline should not be given to one man or one person”.

“I am astonished that Gov. Fubara made such an ignorant statement. He is the governor of a state that is one of the leading states in crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.

“One would have expected that the gains the Federal Government and the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) are making through the partnership with Tantita and other security agencies would be applauded by him like all well-meaning Nigerians are doing.

“But there he was talking about contract being awarded to one man. Did the government award the pipeline contract to a man or a company?

“This approach of ‘let us share contracts for the boys’ must stop.

“If the governor is so interested in contracts being awarded to former militants, he can create and award contracts to those of them in his domain,” he said.

Kachikwu said that the Tinubu-led administration was serious about fighting crude oil theft and should be supported by all.

According to him, what is now clear to all Nigerians is that the government means business in its war against crude oil theft, and they are only working with trusted partners who they know won’t compromise.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria