Month: June 2024

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has begun upgrading surveillance infrastructure in airports and other remote installations to enhance safety and security of the nation’s airspace.

Its Managing Director, Mr Ahmed Farouk, made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Farouk also said that President Bola Tinubu had approved an onsite visit to Spain by critical staff of the agency to inspect some facilities and engage technology solution providers.

He said that NAMA received a team from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to discuss salient issues on safety and security of the nation’s airspace.

According to Farouk, the collaboration between NAMA and NAF is critical to the sustenance of Nigeria’s airspace safety and security.

‘NAMA handles civil operations, while the air force oversees security. Our close collaboration is vital for maintaining a safe and secure airspace,’ he said.

He quoted the leader of the NAF delegation, AVM Abubakar Abdulkadir, as saying that NAF recently deployed ne
w platforms designed for national air defence.

Farouk also quoted Abdulkadir as saying that NAF had completed day training and was about to finish night training which would enable rapid interception of any intrusion in the airspace.

Source: South News Agency of Nigeria

Dr Temitope Ilori, the Director-General of National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), said that Nigeria recorded 75,000 new infected HIV cases and 45,000 HIV-related deaths in 2023.

She made this known at a two-day National Prevention Technical Working Group (NPTWG) meeting organised by NACA in Abuja on Wednesday.

She said although there is gradual reduction in new HIV infections, there is need to implement the recommendations made at the 2024 Nigeria HIV Prevention conference and ongoing meeting to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030.

She added that, ‘it is disheartening to know that in 2023, we had as much as 75,000 new infections and 45,000 HIV-related deaths.

‘This is a cause for concern. And we also know that even in our Mother-To-Child Transmission, we are just about 35 to 40 per cent as against the 75 per cent target. So, we know we have a lot of work to do.’

Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, therefore, urged stakeholders to discuss progress on actions and st
rategies toward preventing HIV transmission.

Pate, who was represented by Dr Bashorun Adebobola, the National Coordinator, National AIDS/STI Control Programme (NASCP), said: ‘We should strengthen our communication strategies in such a way that we can pass the right message.

‘Even though we have made impressive gains, it does not mean that we are still not at risk or threat of a rebound of the infection and this is where communication needs to be strengthened so that we can achieve that overall goal before 2030.’

Dr Leo Zekeng, UNAIDS Country Director and Representative in Nigeria, noted that Nigeria, and many countries, are not on track to meeting the 2025 prevention target.

He said that, ‘ in spite of remarkable progress, prevention of new HIV infections is still a challenge, as many countries, including Nigeria are not on track to meeting the 2025 prevention target.

‘We are here as UNAIDS and UN system in support and solidarity to government’s efforts to address HIV prevention and appreciate the renewe
d and continued leadership of NACA on HIV prevention.

‘From the 2023 estimates, 45,000 deaths and 75,000 new infections is huge. We still have a lot to do’.

Zekeng suggested that the roadmap to be developed should include quarterly performance framework for accountability and progress monitoring.

On his part, Mr Abdulkadir Ibrahim, the National Coordinator, Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), stressed the need for HIV treatment as best option for prevention.

He said, ‘once someone is living with HIV, he/she must adhere to medications, then definitely the chances of transmitting HIV to another person is zero’.

Evans Emerson, Deputy Country Coordinator, U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), emphasised the inclusion of youths, key populations and others to eliminate HIV as a public threat.

Emerson reiterated the commitment of the U.S. to support with funding to implement innovative strategies and approaches to HIV prevention and treatment in Nigeria.

The Ne
ws Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NACA director-general also unveiled the 2024 HIV Prevention Conference Technical Report and Communique.

Source: South News Agency of Nigeria

The Debt Management Office says the rise in Nigeria’s public debt stock from N97.34 trillion in December 2023 to N121.67 trillion in March 2024, is partly due to exchange rate fluctuations.

The Director-General of DMO, Patience Oniha, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

She was clarifying misconceptions about the recently released update of the country’s total debt profile.

She said that the securitisation of N4.90 trillion as part of the securitisation of the N7.3 trillion Ways and Means Advances approved by the National Assembly was also responsible for the N24.33 trillion increase in the debt stock.

According to her, there is also the interest rate, as well as new borrowing of N2.81 trillion as part of the N6.06 trillion provided in the 2024 budget.

She, however, emphasised that the debt stock included the domestic and external debt stock of the thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

‘The total public debt as at March 31, showed tha
t the total public debt in Naira terms stood at N121.67 trillion compared to N97.34 trillion as at December 31, 2023.

‘While detailed information was provided on the data such as the split between external and domestic debt as well as the fact that the debt stock includes the domestic and external debt stock of the 36 states and the FCT, it has become imperative to provide some explanations.

‘It is important to recognise the fact that Nigeria has undergone some major reforms which have impacted economic indices such as the dollar/Naira exchange rate and interest rates.

‘These two, in particular affect the debt stock and debt service,’ she said.

Oniha said that the increase in Naira Terms of N24.33 trillion between the fourth quarter of 2023, and first quarter of 2024, did not strictly represent new borrowing.

She said that the total external debt stock was relatively flat at 42.50 billion dollars and 42.12 billion dollars in the fourth quarter of 2023, and first quarter of 2024 respectively.

‘The Naira
values were significantly different at N38.22 trillion and N56.02 trillion respectively, representing a difference of N17.8 trillion.

‘This explains the perceived sharp increase of N24.33 trillion in the total debt stock in the first quarter of 2024.

‘The difference in the exchange rate for the two periods also explains why in dollar terms, the total debt stock actually declined in the first quarter of 2024 to 91.46 billion dollars,’ Oniha said.

She said that the debt report was an improvement from the past, before President Bola Tinubu government.

According to her, if you discount FX impact, the debt is moderate and within normal limit.

She urged the Federal Government to prioritise fiscal retrenchment, while assuring that the various measures to attract foreign exchange inflows would increase external reserves and support the Naira exchange rate.

Source: South News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to creating a conducive environment for journalists and the media profession in the country.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja at a book presentation titled: ‘Writing for Media and Monetising it’ by Azu Ishiekwene.

‘As we celebrate this milestone, it is also important to reaffirm the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to a free and responsible journalism.

‘We understand that a society can only flourish when its media organs are free to report the truth without fear of retribution and to equally hold those in authority accountable.

‘The Tinubu’s administration is therefore, dedicated to creating an environment where journalists can work freely, without intimidation, and with the assurance that their rights will be acknowledged and protected,” Idris said.

The Minister, however, stressed that, freedom comes with responsibility.

He noted that as the governm
ent championed the cause of a free press, it is incumbent on the media to exercise the freedom with a sense of duty, ethics and patriotism.

According to him, it is crucial that the information disseminated to the public is accurate, balanced, and devoid of sensationalism.

‘We must all strive to ensure that this role is played with the utmost responsibility while we work closely to advance the course of good governance in our country.

‘We must be wary of fake news, misinformation and disinformation and indeed, new cankerworms that destroy individual and corporate reputation, and above all, destabilise the society,” Idris said.

Speaking on the book, the Minister said the author had done a huge favour of distilling his great skill, talents and experience into the 280 pages of valuable works.

‘I am very glad about the enthusiastic reception that the book is getting from a wide range of quarters as well as stellar reviews and comments, from some of our most respected media practitioners.

‘This initiative re
presents a meaningful way for the author to give back to the media industry by offering valuable guidance and support to the next generation of journalists.

‘Indeed, the way Azu has creatively deployed the Internet for this new book is a testament to how well he has kept up with changing times and technologies,’ he said.

Speaking, the Chairman, Leadership Newspaper Group, Mrs Zainab Nda-Isaiah said the author has been honing his craft, writing articles that educate, inform and entertain on various and diverse topics.

‘This book is not just a collection of tips and tricks, but a comprehensive guide that covers the entire process of writing for media from idea generation, to publication.

‘However, this book is in a class of its own, because beyond what I just mentioned as its focus, the book also focuses on monetizing the craft of great writing,” Nda-Isaiah said

Meanwhile, Mr Ahmed Shekarau, owner of Trust TV and Daily Trust Newspaper encouraged the media to focus on human angle reporting that would creat
e traffic in the media space,

Similarly, Ms Kadaria Ahmed, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Radio Now 95.3fm, stressed the need to educate citizens on the significance of what they are doing.

Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi of Mass Communication Department, School of Postgraduates Studies, Baze University, emphasised on the need for the media to be creative and adapt new trends in media profession.

Source: South News Agency of Nigeria

Former Inspector-General of Police (I-G) Mike Okiro has called on the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force to work in harmony for national security.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Police had alleged irregularities and corruption in the recruitment of Constables by the PSC during the 2022/23 batch.

Okiro, in a statement in Abuja, said that the fight against insecurity would remain a mirage, unless the commission and the police worked in harmony.

According to him, what Nigerians desire now is how the country will exit the ravaging insecurity pervading the land.

‘I implore both parties to eschew whatever be their perceived bitterness and embrace the fact that their jobs go hand in hand.

‘Their focus should be how to meet the overwhelming yearnings of the Nigerian people. That can only happen when mutual respect exists between both parties.

‘I am very concerned that a minute issue that can be resolved through robust dialogue was allowed to fester to the level of wa
shing dirty linens in public,’ he said.

He said that the lingering problem had done collateral damage to their public image, and ridiculed the international standing of Nigeria.

Okiro said that the powers of recruitment, discipline and promotion of police personnel other than the I-G, was vested in the PSC.

‘It is not right for any police personnel to contemplate engaging in any misconduct in the course of performing assumed official duties,’ he said.

Okiro, who is a former chairman of the PSC, urged the commission to avoid over-flogging certain issues in the public domain.

‘To move forward, it is imperative to work quickly and assiduously to address the real challenges facing Nigerians; else, the goodwill enjoyed by both parties will soon dissipate.

‘This will further erode the fabric of confidence of Nigerians in our democratic process, which will spell doom for our economy too,’ he said.

He urged the leadership of the commission and police to meet and resolve their differences, and give peace and n
ational security a chance.

Okiro appealed to both parties to put the matter behind and rekindle the much needed cordial relationship for the successful candidates to start training on time.

Source: South News Agency of Nigeria

The United Kingdom based leadership development organisation TEXEM UK has urged Nigerian executives to be resilient in their leadership responsibilities to achieve best goals in volatile economic environments.

In a statement on its website, TEXEM’s Director, Special Projects, Caroline Lucas expressed the need for the leaders to revitalise their organisations so as to inspire sustainable growth in a recovering economy like Nigeria.

Lucas said in an era of unprecedented volatility, senior executives grapple with a myriad of challenges that necessitate innovative strategies and resilient leadership.

She said that the TEXEM programme in Lagos, scheduled for July 17 and July 18, presents a transformative opportunity to invigorate Nigerian organisations and foster sustainable growth in the country’s economy.

The programme is titled ‘Revitalise Your Organisation: Inspire Sustainable Growth In A Recovering Economy’.

‘In today’s interconnected and unpredictable world, resilience extends far beyond mere operationa
l continuity during crises.

‘True resilience embodies a company’s capacity to absorb stress, recover critical functionality, and thrive in new circumstances.

‘This holistic view of resilience, as a strategic advantage, enables companies to capitalize on opportunities when competitors are least prepared,’ the director said.

Lucas said the TEXEM programme underscores the importance of embedding resilience into all organisational functions, from finance, IT to customer service.

‘Through case studies and role-playing exercises, executives will acquire practical tools to operationalise resilience and drive long-term performance.

‘While resilience is essential, regeneration propels business strategy further.

‘Regeneration entails making bold, proactive moves that reconnect companies with their strategic foundations,’ Lucas said.

She added that this approach transcends mere survival, fostering long-term value and enduring competitive advantage.

‘Executives will explore how to develop business models that gen
erate greater long-term value, support a culture of continuous learning and development, and leverage technology to unlock new opportunities.

‘This programme will equip leaders with the skills to drive sustainable growth and adaptability in an ever-changing world.

‘The future of work, characterised by rapid technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and evolving consumer demands, requires adaptable leadership,’ she said.

Lucas urged leaders to leverage emerging technologies and navigate complex stakeholder landscapes with a ‘learn-it-all’ mindset.

‘The TEXEM programme will delve into the Learning Executives Framework, helping participants develop a vision, deliver values, and master the art of persuasion.

‘By fostering an environment that encourages innovation and flexibility, executives will be better prepared to win in turbulent times.

‘The programme’s methodology, including group discussions, self-reflection, and peer-to-peer learning, will enhance participants’ ability to lead through uncertai
nty and drive their organisations toward future success,’ she said.

Lucas asserted that by participating in this programme, executives will enhance their strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

‘The immersive learning experience, guided by Prof. Paul Griffith and other distinguished faculty, will challenge assumptions and stimulate innovative thinking.

‘Interactive activities such as case studies, assessments, and role-playing will deepen understanding and enable the application of new concepts in real-world scenarios.

‘The ultimate goal of the TEXEM programme is to equip leaders with the knowledge and skills to inspire sustainable growth and long-term prosperity,’ she said.

Lucas added that by fostering adaptability, amplifying purpose, and balancing short-term efficiency with long-term resilience, participants would drive their organisations toward enduring success.

Source: South News Agency of Nigeria