Day: May 3, 2024

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, says press freedom is not a license for practitioners to spread fake news, misinformation and disinformation.

Idris stated this on Friday in Abuja while responding to questions from Journalists at the joint Ministerial Press Briefing in celebration of the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD).

Idris explained that the safety of Journalists is a global challenge and not peculiar to Nigeria.

He stressed that the press in Nigeria was largely free.

‘The fact that the press briefing is holding in an amicable atmosphere is a testimony to that fact.

‘I can tell you that there is no Journalist in the life of this administration that has been killed, jailed or sent on exile.

‘You may want to refer to some incidences that happened in the past, not in this administration, but we have also worked to address them in a way that is also responsible.

‘There is no way you can take away responsibility in journalism. Your freedom to express yourself e
nds where another person’s freedom begins.

‘If you spread falsehood, misinformation, disinformation and fake news, there is no way it can be called press freedom. Press freedom is not the same thing as spreading falsehood and misinformation.

‘I had earlier talked about patriotism, responsible journalism and love for nation. It is our responsibility to ensure that this country is safe, united and peaceful.

‘Always have it at the back of your mind that you are reporting so that the society can learn. So, responsible journalism not only enables you to report factually, honestly and transparently, but also challenges you to maintain the integrity and sanctity of your own country,’ Idris said.

The minister explained that a journalist should not tear his country apart ‘just because he wants to talk about press freedom’.

He said the administration of Tinubu had consistently advocated for direct foreign investments into the country.

‘You cannot have your newspapers and radio stations flashing insecurity all the
time. You cannot be flashing unpalatable things about your country and expect other people to come and invest in same country.

‘I can tell you that once you report factually, honestly and transparently, nobody will invite you to come amd answer questions.

‘In Nigeria, the press is largely free, but that freedom would further be consolidated if honesty and transparency is upheld in the manner that we report,’ Idris declared.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Alumni Association (FVMUNNAA), says it is positioned to lead technological revolution in agriculture across the country.

Prof. Lawrence Okonkwo, National President of the association, communicated this at the maiden National Symposium and Annual General Meeting of FVMUNNAA in Abuja.

The theme of the symposium is ‘Adopting Technological Innovations in Veterinary Practice, Livestock Production and General Agricultural Practices for food security, Economic Growth, Poverty Alleviation, Youth Empowerment and National Security.’

Okonkwo said the association would collaborate with researchers, policymakers and leaders of industries to create scalable agricultural systems that respected the planet’s limits while feeding its inhabitants.

‘Our education has equipped us with tools to innovate, challenge the status quo and drive the required change.

‘We are committed to promoting the new culture by providing the necessary public education, partnering
with government agencies and departments and more specifically encouraging our members and the public.

‘The commitment is geared toward investment in technologically driven veterinary practice, livestock production and general agriculture by all and sundry.

‘Collaboration of the alumni with researchers and others can help shape a future where technology and agriculture coexist in harmony, ensuring food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability for generations to come.”

The president said the pathway to economic growth and national security was through farming and scientific innovations.

Okonkwo, however, urged all stakeholders to commit to supporting the agricultural sector with the needed technology in order for the sector to thrive.

‘Together we can create a future where everyone has access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food and where our nation stands strong, self-sufficient and secure,” he said.

He called on all tiers of government to prioritise innovative and technologically
driven agricultural practices by procuring modern agricultural equipment and as well set out effective and efficient modalities for easy access by farmers.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) says Nigeria is the first country in Africa to acquire a cosmic ray muon detector to aid climate change and atmospheric research.

Prof. Babatunde Rabiu, Director, UN- African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English (UN-ARCSSTEE), a research and development centre of NASRDA, disclosed this at a symposium in Abuja on Thursday.

The symposium on Cosmic Rays and Space Weather was organised by UN-ARCSSTEE in collaboration with Georgia State University (GSU), USA.

The muon detector for monitoring cosmic rays and space weather was built and designed by the Physics and Astronomy Department of Georgia State University (GSU), USA.

Rabiu explained that a cosmic ray is a natural radiation that is not ionized in the atmosphere.

According to him, cosmic rays vary in location, latitude, and altitude of location and can be modified when certain anthropogenic activities occur.

‘More than ever, scientists are curious about predictin
g weather, and studying space weather, especially now that climate change is becoming obvious, which is the condition in outer space.

‘Cosmic rays are everywhere and it has to do with the earth, and it is useful in studying the climate but is yet to be fully impacted because it is ongoing research.

‘That is why we hope that with the measurements, we are taking with the muon detector, we will be able to have effective predictability of our climate system,” he said.

Rabiu, while speaking on space weather activities in Africa, said it dated back to 2004 with the distribution of manometers across Africa by donor agencies.

He said that although few countries in Africa had their Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, the continent needed more monitoring systems for space weather.

Prof. He Xiaochun, Director of Physics, at GSU, USA, said the project was targeted at exploring living in space, understanding it, and its adaptation, and providing information for stakeholders to protect and make infor
med decisions.

Xiaochun explained that cosmic ray radiation, mostly proton particles, is produced far in deep space and gets into the solar system and produces cosmic ray showers in the earth’s upper atmosphere.

‘We measure the shower particles at the surface of the earth and decode the state of the space and earth weather.

‘One needs a network IP address to be able to share data and reconfigure the detector with remote access,’ he said.

Dr Bonaventure Okere, Director of the Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy, said that the facility would aid astronomy studies and enhance research and development in that area.

The symposium highlighted cosmic radiations, how it interacts with the atmosphere, and environments, the impact of climate change, and how such radiations could be studied and analysed using the cosmic rays muon detector.

The meeting also discussed the need for stakeholders to make informed decisions on the reduction of gas emissions and having clean air for sustainable human development
.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has called for stronger collaboration between the military and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) towards addressing the prevailing security challenges confronting the nation.

Musa made the call on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Director General of NIA, Amb. Ahmed Rufai at the NIA Headquarters in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Thursday in Abuja.

He emphasised the need to continue to bolster collaboration within the country’s security apparatus in addressing the national security challenges.

The CDS commended the NIA boss for his exemplary leadership and commitment to national service.

He said the agency had continued to provide invaluable support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and called for the adoption of cutting-edge technology to effectively combat insecurity.

Musa reiterated the readiness of the armed forces to collaborate closely for the grea
ter good of the nation.

He stressed the imperative of addressing security challenges with determination, emphasising the role of fairness, good governance, and related factors in safeguarding national security.

In his response, the Director-General of NIA, Amb. Rufai, underscored the importance of teamwork and cooperation in advancing the nation’s interests.

He reiterated the agency’s mandate to safeguard the country’s interests and emphasized the necessity of collaboration among security agencies.

He also acknowledged the challenges facing security agencies but urged them not to waver in their commitment to their duties.

Rufai lauded the defence chief for his dedication to duty and highlighted the mutually beneficial relationship between NIA and AFN, particularly in staff training initiatives.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Wema Bank on Thursday marked a joint celebration of its 79th anniversary and seventh year of its fully digital bank, ALAT.

Its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Moruf Oseni, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos.

Oseni said the significant celebration commemorated nearly eight decades of service and innovation in the Nigerian banking sector and the bank’s seven years of digital excellence with ALAT.

He said that since inception in 1945, Wema Bank had been at the forefront of financial innovation, constantly adapting to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

According to Oseni, the bank’s evolution from being Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank to being at the forefront of innovation, pioneering Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has been a true story of resilience and transformation.

‘At 79, Wema Bank stand stronger than ever, and this achievement would not have been possible without the support of our customers and employees.

‘We thank them for believing in the Wema vision, for entr
usting their financial security to us, and for allowing us to contribute to their personal and professional aspirations.

‘Their faith in us is deeply cherished, and we are honoured to serve them.

‘As we mark our 79th year today, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering lives through innovation, and exceeding our customers expectations with unparalleled banking experiences tailored to their needs.

‘Our pledge is to stand by our customers through every stage of life, offering enabling platforms to accelerate their growth and propel them to extraordinary heights,’ he said.

He said that the bank’s 79 years had been remarkable and it anticipated more inspiring decades of progress with the support of customers and employees towards setting new standards in financial services to redefine the future.

‘As part of the anniversary celebrations, Wema Bank and ALAT are rolling out a series of customer-focused activities designed to reward loyalty and enhance the customer experience.

‘Throughout the anniversary month
, customers will enjoy various promotions, including discounts on transactions, cash prizes, special loan offers and much more.

‘This anniversary is more than a celebration; it’s a reaffirmation of Wema Bank’s resilience and ongoing commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in a competitive industry.

‘Both Wema Bank and ALAT are poised for further growth, with strategic initiatives designed to enhance customer-centric services and expand the reach and capability of digital banking solutions,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Ekiti Government has directed the kingmakers of Osi-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of the state to ratify the selection of Prince Stephen Alabi as the valid nominee for Olosi stool.

The Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, gave the directive on Thursday, at a meeting with stakeholders, including the kingmakers and representatives of Arubiojo Ruling House in her office in Ado-Ekiti.

Afuye said Prince Alabi’s ratification became expedient, having been validly nominated by Arubiojo Ruling House of Osi-Ekiti for the exalted seat as the sole candidate, with name forwarded to the kingmakers in line with tradition.

She said that after the stool became vacant, following the demise of Oba Oladiran Agunbiade on Aug. 5, 2021, the Arubiojo Ruling House was contacted by the government to fill the vacant stool.

She gave the kingmakers up till Monday, May 6, to write an appointment letter to the nominee and forward same to government for approval.

The deputy governor, however, expressed displeased with the way
the kingmakers were allegedly manipulating and foot dragging on the process, saying it might erode the confidence the people had in their personalities.

Particularly, she berated the process leading to the forwarding of the name of one Prince Femi Adewumi as the validly selected nominee to the Local Government for approval.

‘Even when he was neither voted for nor nominated by the ruling house.

‘The ruling house had done the due diligence by nominating someone. If they want only one nominee, nobody should force them to add more, since the process was transparent from the beginning.

‘Gov. Biodun Oyebanji places respect for traditional institution and traditional rulers are benefiting from this government because of the partnership between them and the government.

‘We don’t want your town to lag behind, hence appealing to other aspirants to join hands with the stakeholders in moving the town forward.

‘They should cooperate with the nominee in the task of building a new Osi-Ekiti that will benefit all and S
undry,’the deputy governor said.

Ekiti Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, sitting on the meeting held in her office in Ado-Ekiti

In his submission, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Sunday Bamise, said four judgements have been delivered on the Olosi selection matter and the state government won in all the cases instituted.

Bamise clarified that the kingmakers have no relevance in nomination of candidate according to the law, saying the only valid nomination was the one done on the Nov. 21, 2021, which favoured Prince Stephen Alabi.

‘What we expect the kingmakers to do in the eyes of the law is to validate the nomination of Prince Stephen Alabi and issue him a letter of appointment to begin the process.

‘But if they fail to continue, then the government will revert to the second option, which I may not disclose here,’he said.

The Odofin of Osi-Ekiti and head of the kingmakers, Chief Olaiya Faturoti and other colleagues consented to the government’s position, promising that they would co
mply accordingly.

Counsel to the nominee, Chief Tony Adeniyi (SAN), applauded government for standing on the truth and point of law on the matter, saying it would ensure expeditious installation of a new traditional ruler in the town.

According to Prince Adebayo Ajayi, the head of the Arubiojo dynasty, Prince Alabi polled a total of 26 votes to defeat other contestants in a traditional shadow poll, conducted by the ruling house and monitored by local government officials.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria