Progressive Women honor Gov Abdulrazaq with award at maiden conference

Progressive Women honor Gov Abdulrazaq with award at maiden conference

The Progressive Women conference, aimed at converging progressive women from the 36 states of the federation and FCT, would be presenting an award of excellence, to Governor Abdulrazaq, in respect of his allegiant support and contribution towards women political inclusivity in Nigeria.

The conference which is aimed at charting a way forward on the role of women in the All Progressives Congress, APC, in governance and process, would have in attendance, the Governor of Kwara state, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, as Special Guest of honor, at its maiden conference.

These was contained in a statement signed by Hon Stella Erhuvwu Okotete, member, Caretaker Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee, CECPC (Women Representative).

The conference according to the statement would have in attendance, His Excellency, President Mohammad Buhari and Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, will be the official launching of the ‘ Progressive Women Academy.

PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS SUPER EAGLES’ INSPIRING START AT AFCON

PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS SUPER EAGLES’ INSPIRING START AT AFCON

President Muhammadu Buhari commends the Super Eagles of Nigeria for an impressive start at the ongoing 33rd Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon, defeating a formidable opponent, Egypt 1-0, in their group stage encounter.

The President strongly believes, like millions of football-loving Nigerians, that the spectacular outing in Garoua, Cameroon is a foretaste of what to expect from the dedicated team as they square up against other opponents in the tournament.

The President urges the Augustine Eguavoen-led team and the coaching staff to keep their eyes on the ball, remain good ambassadors on and off the field, and give loyal fans and all Nigerians more exciting moments to celebrate.

President Buhari assures the team of his unflinching support as they soar like an eagle to write another chapter in the annals of Nigeria’s rich football history.

Minister Seeks Implementation of MoUs With Namibia on Culture, Tourism

Minister Seeks Implementation of MoUs With Namibia on Culture, Tourism

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has called for the implementation of the various MoUs between Nigeria and Namibia, especially in the areas of culture and tourism, to ensure that they translate into economic benefits for the two countries.

The Minister made the call in Abuja on Thursday when he received the Namibian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Humphrey Geiseb, on a courtesy visit.He observed that the bilateral cooperation between the two nations, which dates back to 1992 on the platform of the 1st Nigeria-Namibia Joint Commission, expired without implementation, and expressed the hope that the MoUs will be revived for implementation this time around.

“Because the agreement on tourism cooperation between both countries suffered from lack of follow-up, a separate MOU on tourism cooperation was decided upon during the 3rd session of the Joint Commission in 2008, and signed six years later, in 2014.

“Unfortunately, the MOU, which had a lifespan of five years, has expired and, until then, nothing was done by our two countries. I am aware that efforts are on to renew the MoU for another five years.
Hopefully, this time, we will act to implement the MoU,” Alhaji Mohammed said.

He promised to encourage a working relationship between Nollywood and the Namibian Film Industry, against the background of the interest expressed by a talented Namibian actress to feature in Nollywood movies as a way of further honing her professional skills.

The Minister, who welcomed the support offered by Namibia to help improve Elephant conservation in Nigeria, stressed that with global warming and poaching, African wildlife is in danger of extinction.
He thanked the Namibian Government for supporting Nigeria with 279 wildlife animals in line with the signed MoU on Cooperation in the area of wildlife with the Government of Bauchi State.

“The animals, which comprised of 10 Giraffes, 53 Burchell’s Zebras, 14 Elands, 23 Blue Wildebeests, 21 Red Hartebeests, 24 Oryx, 26 Kudus, 52 Springboks and 56 Common Impalas, were placed at the Sumu Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. We remain grateful to the Government and people of Namibia for this,” Alhaji Mohammed said.

In his remarks, the High Commissioner went down memory lane to recount the support which Namibia received from Nigeria in its struggle for independence, and said the Namibia-Nigeria Joint Commission, which last met in 2010, will meet next month to consider all the various areas of cooperation between the two countries.

He listed additional areas of cooperation to include creative industries, beef infrastructure, animal conservation, tourism and oil and gas sector.

…As Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Buni join President in condolence visit

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday visited the Lagos residence of the Head of the Interim National Government during the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief Ernest Shonekan, to commiserate with the deceased family.

President Buhari was accompanied to the Lugard Avenue, Ikoyi’s residence of the late Shonekan by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Ogun and Yobe State counterparts, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Mai Mala Buni.

President Buhari and his entourage, who arrived at Shonekan’s house around 4:40pm were received by members of the late Shonekan family.

Buhari, who was on a one-day presidential visit to Ogun State to commission some projects by Governor Dapo Abiodun administration, stopped in Lagos on his way to Abuja and spent some time to commiserate with the late Shonekan’s family.

He sympathised with the family over the demise of the former Head of the Interim National Government, who died in Lagos on Tuesday at the age of 85.

Shonekan was at the helm of affairs in Nigeria between August 26 and November 17, 1993 after General Babangida stepped aside as military president.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the late Shonekan, as a renowned technocrat, seasoned administrator and passionate leader who served his country meritoriously as a public servant during his short tenure as Number One Citizen in Nigeria.

He said the late elder statesman did his best for the country in contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria.

The Governor also praised Shonekan’s contribution to the economy of Nigeria as boardroom guru and employer of labour, especially during his tenure as the Chairman and Managing Director of the United Africa Company.

NITDA UNVEILS NDPR COMPLIANT VISITORS’ BOOKLET

NITDA UNVEILS NDPR COMPLIANT VISITORS’ BOOKLET

The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, is leading by example for being the first agency of government in Nigeria to implement a major aspect of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) by launching the NDPR complaint visitors’ book today in Abuja.

The launching of the booklet was performed by the Director General of the Agency, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, shortly after the agency’s first staff meeting of the year 2022 with all staff in attendance physically and virtually, especially for those outside the headquarters on official assignments, zonal offices or on leave.

According to Inuwa; “It is NITDA’s mandate as enshrined in NITDA Act of 2007 to inter alia; develop regulations for electronic governance and monitor the use of electronic data interchange and other forms of electronic communication transactions as an alternative to paper-based methods in government, commerce, education, the private and public sectors, labour and other fields, where the use of electronic communication may improve the exchange of data and information”.

He said, “Recognizing that many public and private bodies have migrated their respective businesses and other information systems online, information solutions with both the private and public sectors now drive service delivery in the country through digital systems. These information systems have thus become critical information infrastructure that must be safeguarded, regulated, and protected against atrocious breaches”.

“Data protection applies to all transactions intended for the processing of Personal Data, notwithstanding how the data processing is being conducted or intended to be conducted in respect of natural persons in Nigeria’’, he said.

The DG stated that organisations in Nigeria were caught scrambling to comply with the NDPR when it was launched in 2019. “Most organisations especially Small and Medium Businesses (SMB) are finding it difficult to comply with some of the basic requirements of the regulation due to financial constraints,” he added.

Inuwa disclosed that a recent study has revealed that many Nigeria Public Institutions and small business owners are still confused by the rules around data protection and privacy regulations.

“Disturbingly, out of 30 surveyed, 100% confirmed their paper visitors’ books are not confidential and do not protect the visitors’ personal data. Another 98% admitted they do not dispose of paper visitor books securely and confidentially – leaving the personal data of millions of employees and customers at risk,’’ he lamented.

He explained that when putting NDPR procedures in place, it’s very likely that many organisations did so with one big misconception that the new law only affects data collected online. The NDPR is technology-agnostic. It applies to all acts of personal data collection and processing, no matter how and where it takes place, visitor data, employee personal data, etc.

Inuwa submitted that the Data Services Protection Limited (DSPL) patented visitor’s book was selected amongst the most innovative NDPR product at 2021 Privacy Week organised by NITDA. The visitor’s book pages are duplicates and works by making personal details on the visitor’s book invisible on the first page while capturing the data on the duplicate page. This basic but ingenious visitor’s book is cheap in comparison with the expensive digital visitor’s management solutions.

He, however, noted that the visitors’ book is an addition to the processes of computing the visitors’ data electronically.

Among the highlights of the staff meeting was the presentation of a plaque of recognition to the staff of the quarter Mr. Peter Chucks Emakpor, a staff of the e-Government Training Center, Kubwa, Abuja, by the Director-General.

NCC Boss, Danbatta, to Deliver Fountain University’s Convocation Lecture

NCC Boss, Danbatta, to Deliver Fountain University’s Convocation Lecture

Apparently spurred by the vision, objectives and successes of policies, programmes and projects instituted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to bridge the digital divide and encourage the youth to harness derivable benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the authority of the Fountain University, Osogbo (FUO), Osun State, has picked the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, to deliver 10th and 11th Convocation Lecture of the university.

The combined Convocation Lecture, titled: “Empowering the Nigeria Youth Through Information and Communication Technology” will take place on January 13, 2022 at NASFAT Eti-Osa Lecture Theatre in the university. Eminent personalities from government, industry and the academia are expected at the event scheduled at the heart of the week-long convocation ceremony.

Since his appointment in 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari as the EVC/Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Prof. Danbatta has worked with the Board, Management and staff of the Commission to sustain and improve on accomplishing Commission’s mandates and associated vision focused on digital literacy and enhancing the capacity of young people, students, their teachers and institutions to be active players in the emergent digital economy.

One way in which this vision has been given concrete expression is in the diligent execution of the NCC’s School Support Programmes, which include Digital Access Programme (DAP), Advanced Digital Appreciation Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI), Wireless Cloud and Computer-Based Test projects.  All these are infrastructural projects that involve construction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory, supply of computers, connectivity project and construction of special computer-based test centres to enhance capacity of examination bodies to organise computer-based examinations with ease.

While these projects and programmes have benefited students, teachers and lecturers in arming them with modern techniques of knowledge acquisition and enabling the use of web-based resources to improve learning and teaching, other infrastructure projects and capacity-enabling programmes such as University Campus Connectivity (UniCC) project, Base Transceiver Station project, Backbone Transmission Infrastructure (BTRAIN), Digital Nigeria Centre, E-Accessibility, among others, are also being implemented by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), an arm of the Commission.

The NCC, through Prof. Danbatta leadership, has continued to sponsor young innovative Nigerians to participate in ICT-focused competitions both nationally and globally, sponsor tech-startups to develop applications that address specific national concerns in the areas of health and security.

The Commission also collaborates with the academia to facilitate concrete linkage in research and development, innovation, technological incubation for national development with particular focus on harnessing the creative energy of the young people in the country, as evident in the annual national essay competition targeting young people who receive prizes annually.

Over the years, Danbatta has delivered high-profile academic and non-academic lectures at different tertiary institutions, national institutes and for professional bodies at the national and international levels, the imports of which have continued to reshape thinking on how best digital infrastructure can be maximally deployed and harnessed for overall development of the nation’s economy.

The Fountain University’s Convocation Lecture provides another opportunity for Danbatta to share his thoughts in this regard by intellectualising the discourse on how the foregoing and future plans of the Commission can help to situate the Nigerian youths to a point where they would play greater role in the emerging competitive global economy, relying on ICT resources.

Danbatta, a professor of Telecommunication Engineering, has taught in the university for over three decades, serving concurrently as an administrator and researcher. In those years, he had supervised over 60 students in bachelor, master and doctoral levels. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), Nigerian Academy of Engineering (FAEng.), Renewable and Alternative Energy Society (FRAES) and Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (FNIEEE).

He has published several articles in journals, conference proceedings and technical reports. He is the author of a book on Elements of Static Engineering Electromagnetics.

MY TAKE ON NIGERIA – GENE NONSO MOJEKWU

MY TAKE ON NIGERIA – GENE NONSO MOJEKWU

I have received many requests to summarize my recent experience in Nigeria. In order to avoid an unnecessary expansion of this post, my experience can be summarized as being 98% good to great. The remaining 2% are flaws. Yes, Nigeria, like all other places, has flaws. However, our flaws don’t have flaws, making them easily addressable. This post is about the people of Nigeria (I may address other specific issues in subsequent posts).

There isn’t very much I would change about the people of Nigeria who are easily the most resilient, kindest, and happiest people on earth. Two of a few things I would tweak:

  1. EXCESSIVE REVERENCE: I know that our culture demands respect for our seniors (which is a great thing), but we have recently expanded it to include excessive reverence for the rich and powerful. Some of us cower too much in the presence of such people, thinking that prostrating and showering them with titles and praises will get us ahead. Breaking news: trashing your dignity (no matter how impoverished you are) gets you no where. The easiest way to get in the circle of such people is by displaying confidence, being conversant with a wide range of subject matters, and not seeking direct material favours. Just like a bank will more likely lend you money when you don’t need it, a rich person will more likely take your phone call, if they believe you don’t need them. They don’t like to be pestered with constant requests for material favours, and will most likely invite you to cookouts and other events, if you don’t appear too needy. Such events are where you could possibly be exposed to profitable ideas, not to mention the possibility of expanding your network and possibly getting life changing referrals. You simply can’t get rich by selling your dignity and expecting unfettered access to a rich person’s vault.

Excessive reverence is also one of the reasons we don’t adequately hold our elected officials accountable….a post for another day.

  1. “WE THANK GOD”: Is a phrase we overuse and abuse in addressing all manner of questions and comments. Comment: I am so proud of you; your business is doing so well (response: we thank God). Question: you look so fit; how do you do it? (response: we thank God), etc. Thanking God is a given, and is something we should do all the time, but that phrase alone usually isn’t sufficient enough answer. You will probably teach and/or encourage someone to do better by expanding that standard response a little bit. Slight modifications that can be impactful: “we thank God, but my business is successful because I wake up early every morning to work hard at it”; “we thank God, but I try to stay fit by exercising three days a week,” etc. It’s a wonderful thing when we all learn from each other.

If you are wondering why I’m awake at 4 a.m. Chicago time, blame it on jet lag 😃.

GENE NONSO MOJEKWU
A Nigerian based in the USA recounts his experience when he came back for Christmas holidays

Lolo Clara Nenze Eboe-Osuji Goes Home in A Grand Style

Lolo Clara Nenze Eboe-Osuji Goes Home in A Grand Style

A popular cliché that goes like this “death is part of life” has always been around. At a point in life, there is a time when death will transcend from mourning to celebration of life, this is when the deceased or the departed has made tremendous strides in the life of people and the society. In line with this narrative, Lolo Ugodie, the Matriarch of Eboe Osuji family of Anara, Imo State is laid to rest in a carnival like atmosphere considering her tremendous contribution to the society. Lolo Clara Nenze Eboe-Osuji (Lolo Ugodie) was returned to mother earth in a grand style.

In line with the igbo tradition, Lolo was laid to rest in grand style, being a staunch catholic, the catholic community from Lagos, St Ferdinand Catholic Church, Ipaja and the catholic diocese of Okigwe was fully represented and participated in the Burial of a woman that has impacted so much in the catholic community.

Añara, Isiala-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State on Thursday, December 30, 2021, was agog with dignitaries and others that came to commiserate and condole with Eboe – Osuji family.

The spectacular funeral began with a requiem celebrated by His Lordship, the Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Most Rev. Solomon Amatu, at St. John City Parish, Anara. The interment and reception followed at the compound of her late husband, Chief M. V. Eboe-Osuji.

Lolo Ugodie died at 86 years old. She was blessed with distinguished sons and daughters, including the immediate past President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji. She was a devout christian and a philanthropist who touched many lives in her lifetime.

Speaking on the demise of her mum, Chika Xavier Eboe Osuji, one of the daughters said “Mummy has been a wonderful woman and we would miss her presence and her admonishment. As a strict woman, she raised us all in line with the Catholic and Christian way of life. She is a type of woman that calls a spade what it is”

Amidst sobs, she added “we have come to terms the demise of our mum and it is imperative that at this time of her departure, we have to give her a grand farewell and we strongly believe that wherever she is, she will be at peace and happy. She has sacrificed a lot for us and ensured that we get to this point in our various lives as children. Since the demise of our dad, she has multi-tasked playing the role of a father, mother and a role model. We do miss her so much. “

Lolo Ugodie raised many intellectuals in the family, having children that are doing fantastic in their various careers ranging from business, international jurisprudence, legal profession and human resources and capacity building.

Apart from Chika, Lolo has many other children such as Atlanta-based Barr. Okey Eboe-Osuji (KSJI) Ohio-based Chief Iyke Eboe-Osuji; the immediate past President of International Criminal Court, Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji; Atlanta-based Barr. Okey Eboe-Osuji (KSJI); etc.

Chile Eboe-Osuji who was a judge of the International Criminal Court, The Hague and was elected as President on 11 March 2018. His election into the Presidency of the International Criminal Court is for a three-year term.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Pantami, Aregbesola set to Commission Digital Nigeria Project in Osun

Pantami, Aregbesola set to Commission Digital Nigeria Project in Osun

Pantami, Aregbesola set to Commission Digital Nigeria Project in Osun

In order to give concrete expression to the underlining principles and fundamental philosophy of the emergent digital culture in Nigeria, particularly Item No. 2 of the eight pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami and his counterpart in the Ministry of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, will commission a Digital Nigeria Centre (DNC) project in Osun State on January 14, 2022.

The Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, is also expected at the event as a Special Guest of Honour.

The DNC, hitherto known as School Knowledge Centre (SNC), targets students and youths for skills acquisition in order to increase Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literacy among school teachers and students; provide a platform for accessing online educational resources; equip students with ICT skills; facilitate ICT adoption in teaching and learning; and increase pass rate in mathematics, English language and other science subjects.

This project, the first to be commissioned in Osun State since the modification of the project as DNC, is located at the Ijesa Muslim Grammar School, Ilesa.

The four components of the DNC include ICT Tool component (made up of 40 desktop computers with embedded operating systems, server, printer, remote-controlled projector, high resolution scanner, and e-learning software). Another component is the Power structure, consisting of an inverter that comes with its charger, solar panels, batteries and automatic changeover.

There is also a Connectivity component, made up of routers, switches, firewall for network protection, modem, fibre/microwave radio or VSAT and bandwidth for internet connectivity. Finally, there is a non-ICT component constitutive of the furniture, cabinet, cooling systems, and allied appliances.

The DNC is a project of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), an arm of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), established under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 with the overarching objective to carry out the Commission’s statutory mandate of expanding the frontiers of universal access and universal service by ensuring service provision to unserved and under-served areas of the Nigerian economy.

Therefore, as mandated by NCA 2003, the USPF promotes the widespread availability and usage of network and application services throughout Nigeria by encouraging the installation of network facilities and the provision of network services and applications services to institutions, particularly in unserved and underserved areas and for underserved groups within the community.

Since inception in 2006, the USPF under NCC supervision and directive of the Honourable Minister, has implemented series of programmes and projects that promote ICT inclusion and adoption to mainstream accessibility to communication services for citizens and position Nigeria for global competitiveness in the emergent digital culture.

SANWO-OLU COMMISSIONS ELDERLY CARE CENTRE IN EPE

SANWO-OLU COMMISSIONS ELDERLY CARE CENTRE IN EPE

… Lauds Thani-Oladunjoye Family over Centre

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commissioned the Thani-Oladunjoye Old People Care Centre in Oke-Owode, Epe, built by the Thani-Oladunjoye family, just as he reiterated the need to cater for the vulnerable and the elderly in society.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the facility is a modern architectural edifice and the first of its kind in Lagos State, expressing his delight for being part of the epoch-making event for the people of the ancient town of Epe.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, said the majority of Lagosians have refused to come to the reality that some of these elderly people had contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of the society during their prime.
He stressed that the onus is on the people to care for the elderly by focusing on issues affecting them, adding that every individual will age and require the support of the younger generation at some point in life.

In his words: “This is a bold step in re-writing our history as a people and changing the undesirable narrative of our lack of desire to adequately take care of our elderly population”.

“Those of you that are very familiar with me can attest to the fact that at every opportunity, especially at events like this, I’ve always canvassed that nowhere in the world can government alone meet the needs of the people or its citizens. Hence, the need to encourage partnership with high networth individuals, corporate organisations and non-governmental agencies to ensure the welfare of the citizens”, he asserted.

Governor Sanwo-Olu further appreciated the promoter of the Thani-Oladunjoye Old People Centre, stating that such a laudable gesture would go a long way in complementing the efforts of the Lagos State Government in the area of social welfare development in the State.

He reaffirmed that his government would not rest on its oars in making sure the pain of the less privileged, especially the elderly population in Lagos State, is ameliorated, urging the good people of Lagos State with financial capabilities to establish social infrastructure like the Thani-Oladunjoye family by instituting such projects in their communities across the State.

Present at the event were the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, who was represented by Obafuwaji, Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom; HRM Oba Sefiu Adewale and his wife, Olori Aribike Adewale; Alara of Ilara Kingdom and Oba, Dr. Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo.

Others include Honourable Member, Epe Constituency I, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Abiodun Tobun; Epe Local Government Chairman, Princess Surah Animashaun; APC Stalwart, Alhaji Shakirudeen Anifowose (Dengel); Alhaji Fariu Arebi; Mr. Peter Nwosu, Greenlife Pharmaceuticals Chairman, represented by Mr Derrick; Epe LG MOH, Dr. Ayeola Nureni; Epe LG Vice Chairman, Alhaji Owolomoshe and Aremo of Epe, Otunba TJ Abass, amongst others.

The Thani-Oladunjoye Old People Care Centre was established in memory of Late Pa Muhammed Nurudeen Alao Thani-Oladunjoye and Mama Sidikat Thani by the Thani-Oladunjoye family.