NIGERIA NEWS

October 14, 2024

By Oyenike

NIGERIA PARTNERS WITH HUAWEI TO TRAIN 100 DIRECTORS IN ICT

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with Huawei Technologies Company Nigeria Limited, has successfully conducted training for 100 federal civil servants at the directorate level in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) through the ICT for Change program. This initiative is designed to enhance the digital capabilities of civil servants to improve their effectiveness in service delivery.

During the closing ceremony of the fourth phase of the program, George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, expressed his gratitude to Huawei for its role in training over 3,000 civil servants from various ministries, departments, and agencies since the partnership began. Represented by Dr. Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Akume underscored that this training is in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu-led administration and encouraged the expansion of the partnership into additional critical sectors.

Stephen Zou, Deputy Managing Director of Huawei Technologies, emphasized the company’s commitment to ongoing training efforts, having trained more than 3,000 civil servants thus far. He characterized the recent achievement as merely the beginning of Huawei’s mission to further develop the ICT skills of civil servants.

Francis Wasa, Director of ICT, expressed his appreciation to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for its support of Huawei’s training initiatives. He also congratulated the awardees on their exemplary performance throughout the training, recognising its substantial impact on their ICT proficiency, which is anticipated to enhance their service delivery capabilities.

On behalf of the awardees, Adebayo Adeyemi, Director of ICT in the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, conveyed his gratitude to both the Federal Government and Huawei Technologies for their collaborative efforts.

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NIGERIA TO ORGANISE WORKSHOP ON BLUE ECONOMY STRATEGY IN ABUJA

The final validation workshop for Nigeria’s draft national blue economy strategy is scheduled to occur in Abuja from October 14 to 16, 2024. Funded by the Kingdom of Norway, this event aims to convene key stakeholders to review and endorse the strategy, thereby promoting sustainable growth and development through the utilisation of Nigeria’s abundant maritime resources.

The workshop will explore a range of topics, including sustainable energy, governance, blue tourism, fisheries, and shipping. Opening remarks will be presented by Georges Asseko from the African Union, followed by contributions from Obinna Anozie and Nigeria’s Minister of Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola. These discussions will highlight the critical importance of the blue economy for Nigeria.

On the second day, participants will continue to evaluate the implementation plan, concentrating on sustainable ecosystems, innovative funding, and effective governance. Open dialogue will be encouraged, with rapporteurs from each group sharing their findings. This collaborative effort aims to ensure comprehensive stakeholder input and cross-sectoral cooperation.

The workshop will culminate in the presentation of the National Blue Economy Strategy, along with its implementation plan and governance coordination mechanism, by the Director or Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The event will conclude with the adoption of a communiqué, strategy validation, and final discussions, laying a solid foundation for the future of Nigeria’s blue economy.

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FEDERAL AND STATE LEADERS UNITE TO ENHANCE SECURITY WITH NEW NAF BASE IN SOKOTO

In a decisive demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national security, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, Honourable Minister of State for Defence, along with His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, inspected the ongoing development of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 119 Composite Group (CG) provisional layout in Sokoto State.

During this visit, Dr. Matawalle commended the dedication and professionalism displayed by NAF personnel. He highlighted the essential role of the Nigerian Air Force in safeguarding the nation and assured personnel that the Federal Government would allocate necessary resources to enhance their operational efficiency, particularly in addressing security threats in the North-West region.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto praised the cooperative efforts between the Federal and State Governments in addressing security challenges, reaffirming Sokoto State’s unwavering support for the Armed Forces. He committed to providing all necessary assistance to promote peace and stability for the citizens of Sokoto, emphasising the need for sustained collaboration to improve security in Sokoto and the surrounding areas.

The Governor also acknowledged Minister Bello Matawalle’s contributions, commending his resolve and commitment to tackling security challenges in the North-West. He pointed out the Minister’s bravery in addressing issues in previously unsafe areas, highlighting the progress achieved in regions that had been abandoned by residents.

In conclusion, Governor Sokoto recognised the Minister’s resilience in overcoming challenges in areas once deemed ‘no-go zones.’ His efforts have facilitated the reopening of these regions, enabling the community to begin the process of rebuilding and restoring normalcy.

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GOVERNOR’S WARNING TO END SIT-AT-HOME FAILS IN ANAMBRA

On Monday, business and financial activities were significantly disrupted across major markets in the commercial hubs of Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, and Ekwulobia in Anambra State, Nigeria. Observations by journalists indicated a noticeable decrease in trader turnout, with many shops in prominent markets, including Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Market, Nkpor Motor Parts Market, Electrical Market, and Mgbuka Market, remaining closed.

As is customary on Mondays, various establishments—including motor parks, banks, petrol stations, schools, offices, and law courts—were also shuttered, resulting in a significant reduction in the usual hustle and bustle on the streets. Typically vibrant areas were unusually quiet, underscoring the situation’s impact on daily life in the region.

Despite the presence of personnel from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who were actively patrolling the markets and surrounding areas to conduct “anti-sit-at-home operations,” the atmosphere remained tense. Officers were seen encouraging traders and residents to open their businesses, but their efforts did little to alleviate the prevailing fears.

Some traders who made it to the markets opted not to open their shops, instead lingering around the market premises. Many voiced their concerns regarding their safety and that of their property if they conducted business as usual.

In light of the situation, Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo issued a warning during his recent visit to Onitsha Main Market, stating that any shops that remained closed could face closure by authorities. This warning reflects the government’s determination to restore normalcy and encourage economic activity, yet ongoing security concerns continue to impede traders from fully engaging in market operations.

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POLICE SEARCH FOR CULT MEMBERS INVOLVED IN MURDER OF OGUN COUNCILORSHIP CANDIDATE

The Ogun State Police Command has announced that it is actively pursuing those responsible for the murder of Adeleke Adeyinka, a councillorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress. Adeyinka was contesting for the councillorship position in Ward 15 of the Abeokuta South Local Government Area, in advance of the upcoming local government elections scheduled for November 16. Tragically, he was shot dead by suspected cult members in the early hours of Saturday.

Reports indicate that the assailants arrived in an unmarked vehicle and shot Adeyinka at close range. Following the initial gunfire, they brutally struck him on the head with stones to ensure he was deceased. At the time of his death, Adeyinka, aged 40, was known to be a transport union worker in the Panseke area of Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.

Omolola Odutola, spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation into the murder has been initiated. She assured the public that efforts are being made to apprehend the suspects, who have since fled the scene. The police are treating this case with urgency, given the violent nature of the attack.

Odutola also confirmed that the deceased’s body has been released to his family for burial. The police’s acknowledgment of suspected cultists’ involvement in this tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenge of cult-related violence in the region. The community is left in mourning as they reflect on the loss of a local candidate actively engaged in the democratic process.

This tragic event underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures as local government elections approach. The Ogun State Police Command faces significant pressure to ensure the safety of candidates and voters in the lead-up to the elections, as such violence poses a substantial threat to the electoral process and public safety in the area.

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