Day: April 26, 2024

The Advocacy for Positive Behavioral Patterns Initiative (APBPI) has launched a campaign to cultivate positive behaviors among secondary school students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Mr Bamidele Mann, the APBPI Campaign Team Director, announced this on Thursday during the campaign kick-off at Government Secondary School, Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Abuja. Mann stated that the campaign aims to promote character development to foster positive change among Nigerian students and society at large. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign was organized by APBPI in collaboration with the FCT Secondary Education Board. The theme of the campaign is titled, 'Dialogue on Violence and Conflict Resolution for FCT Secondary School Students.' In his remarks, Mr Sani Ladan, the Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, mentioned that part of the board's mandate is to nurture good students. Ladan, represented by Dr Ajayi Olatunde, emphasised that the board has counselors tasked with helping s tudents shape their behavior positively. He highlighted the challenge of students coming from diverse homes with different backgrounds. The board's secretary recalled that in 2023, the board developed, published, and distributed an anti-bullying manual to schools to tackle the issue of violence in the FCT education system. He commended APBPI for partnering with the board to make a difference in FCT schools. Mrs. Akerele Irene, the Principal of Government Secondary School, Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Abuja, stressed the importance of fostering positive behavior patterns to protect children and ensure a conducive environment. Irene, represented by the Vice Principal Academy, Hajia Bilkisu Ibrahim, lauded the NGO for its initiative. Ms. Rinsola Abiola, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, encouraged students to embrace education as it adds value to their lives. She described education as the cornerstone of social development that students must prioritise. Abiola also disc ussed the transition from childhood to adulthood, noting the various changes that impact behavior during this period. She advised students to prioritise conflict resolution skills in whatever situations they encounter. 'The tendency to escalate conflicts during adolescence can be attributed to several factors, including behavioral changes as teens transition into adulthood,' she said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohammed Ndarani, says Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)'s dedication to the welfare of Nigerians remains integral to achieving sustainable progress. Ndarani disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja. He said that Wike's exemplary leadership and vision would ensure the progress and prosperity of all as the nation continues to navigate its development trajectory. The senior lawyer noted that the residents of Abuja were seeing the firsthand results of his endeavours every day, with new projects constantly being launched. He underscored the significance of Wike's contributions to the enhancement of infrastructure and quality of life in the FCT. 'His proactive approach and unwavering commitment to progress has earned him widespread acclamation and admiration. 'He has been connecting the FCT with bridges and solar panel lighting, and has rehabilitated roads and bridges in the FCT totaling 135 roads mainly in the Garki, Wuse, Gwarimpa, and Maitama districts. ' He is also in the process of renovating the Vice President's home, building the outer southern motorway from the Villa roundabout to Ring Road I, putting other road and rail infrastructure projects in progress, and seeing to the formation of the FCT Civil Service Commission, which included the appointment of nine permanent secretaries''. Ndarani said that Wike was a valuable asset at President Ahmed Tinubu's disposal because of his extraordinary skill and commitment as the minister of the FCT. 'Remember that in February, Wike topped the list of President Tinubu administration's 12 performing ministers in the list of identified ministers in the Economic Confidential report released. 'The publication, after reviewing the actions of the current Federal Executive Council (FEC) members, highlighted their efforts and achievements since assumption of office. 'Wike was in the list for establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission to guarantee ca reer progression, ordering contractors to complete ongoing road, rail and township projects, and for prioritising security measures, revenue generation, as well as restoring the original Abuja master plan'. NAN recalls that after the swearing-in, Tinubu announced that Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) would be deployed to assess the impact of ministers and their ministries. Following the review of the current Federal Executive Council (FEC) members, the publication in February, highlighted the achievements and efforts of the ministers since their resumption of office. The report said that some ministers have shown competence in their respective duties. The report stated that beyond pragmatic initiatives and impactful programmes, the performing ministers also deployed effective media relations and strategic stakeholder engagements. (NAN) Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) with support of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, renovated and donated learning materials to China-Assisted Model Primary School Nyanya, Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the distribution of the learning materials was done at the inauguration of the upgraded primary school in Abuja. Mr Zhou Hao, Managing Director, CRBC Nigeria, whole handing over the materials to the school, said that the items would promote and strengthen education in Nigeria. Hao emphasised the need for a better learning environment for teachers and students as education was important. He added that among peoples of different continents, there was a common ground that transcends ethnicity and nationality which is children, who fill the world with hope and brightness. ' Children represent the future's expectations and aspirations, and they rightfully deserve a better life. ' We believe that improving children's educational conditions and environments is a shared goal among people from all sectors both China and Nigeria. ' Thus, as a Chinese company operating in Nigeria, we are very eager and honored to contribute our part to the educational efforts in Nigeria,' he said. He noted that looking at the developmental needs of the Nigerian government and people; CRBC was committed to serving the socio-economic development and improved the livelihood of Nigerians. ' With nearly 10 projects being implemented in Nigeria, covering areas such as roads, railways, flood control, terminals, and chemical industries, ' We will fully utilise our own resources to continuously promote the development of infrastructure and boost economic in Nigeria through our actions,' he said. Earlier, Mr Zhang Yi, Chargé d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria said that CRBC among others are actively fulfilling their social responsibilities by giving back to the local people. Zhang said the company does this while carrying out production and operation activities in Nigeria. 'After learning about the aging of some of the school's office desks and chairs, classroom, blackboards and bathroom facilities, CRBC took the initiative to ask the Chinese Embassy for instructions. ' They expressed their willingness to undertake the repairs of the school and provide learning materials for students so as to provide a better learning environment for all,'' he said. Also, Dr Alhassan Sule, Executive Chairman, Education Bureau of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) commended Chinese Government for their continuous support towards improving the quality of education in the country. He reiterated Nigeria's commitment towards strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. On his part, Mrs Dada Galadima, the acting Headmistress of the school expressed gratitude to CRBC and the embassy for their unrelenting efforts to contribute to the growth and development of students. NAN reports that the learning materials includes notebooks, pencils, erasers, rulers, sports equipment, desks, chairs among others. Sourc e: News Agency of Nigeria

The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has taken steps to improve facilities at informal markets in the territory. The coordinator of the council, Mr Felix Obuah, stated this on Friday, during a fact-finding visits to informal markets in Area 7, Area 10 and GSM Village in Abuja. Obuah explained that the visit was to see the current state of the facilities in the markets to be able to determine the needed interventions to improve them. He described informal markets as critical to the development of every city or community, assuring that the FCTA, through the council, would develop plans to improve the facilities. The coordinator added that the visit was also to know some of the facilities owned by FCTA but were taken over by illegal occupants, and find ways to address the challenge. Obuah added that AMMC would partner with the market officials and relevant stakeholders to redesign the markets and beautify them for better commercial activit ies. According to him, the goal is to improve revenue generation for the FCT Administration. Obuah who observed the presence of touts at the GSM Village, along Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Wuse Zone 1, directed the officials of the market to do something about it. 'I came to the GSM Village to see what is happening and we discovered that most of the revenue meant for the FCTA are not being taped. 'So, we want to see how we can review the tax rates and make sure that everybody is comfortable and paying the taxes due to the administration. 'We cannot sit in our offices every time. We have to go round to see what we can do to add value to the city,' he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obuah was accompanied to the fact-finding visits by the Director of Urban Affairs, Mr Dan Sani and other Directors in the council. (NAN) Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator, Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), says Mangroves are best sequesters of carbon which mitigate climate change. Zabbey spoke with newsmen on Friday in Abuja while showcasing HYPREP's efforts in combating climate change in the country. According to him, mangrove system is crucial in addressing climate change. 'Our mangrove restoration project is the world's largest in an oil degraded environment; we have environment vanguards provided with catalytic funds to plant mangrove seedlings.'' He said that the mangrove system of restoring spillage areas was the best globally and five times better than tropical rainforest. 'HYPREP is committed to enhancing the capacity of the local people; we build the capacity of the local people which we refer to as environment vanguards.' Zabbey said that the cleaning up of Ogoni land comprised 2000 hectares of both the medium risk site and a complex high risk site oil degraded area. He said there was a pilot proj ect of 560 hectares in which the community people was fully involved in planting more mangroves. 'As part of our broad livelihood programme at the moment, we have also trained no fewer than 5,000 youth and women because we want to create a sustainable livelihood for them. 'We are at the same time, restoring the environment in order to resuscitate the traditional livelihoods of the people which is basically fishing and farming,' he said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Duale, Ovia and Alex-Adedipe (DOA), a law firm in Lagos, says it is dedicated to driving growth within the Nigerian technology sector. DOA's Managing Partner, Mr Adeleke Alex-Adedipe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that the firm aimed to achieve that through the forthcoming TMT Business Law Breakfast Series. Alex-Adedipe said that emphasis would be laid on fundamental drivers of growth, state policies, investment opportunities and global trade. The event, slated for May 2, is with the theme: 'Nigerian Tech Ecosystem: Policies, Investments, and Global Trade'. According to him, the event will target government officials, policymakers; venture capitalists; investors; financial institutions; tech entrepreneurs; startups; innovators; corporate entities; industry leaders and tech enthusiasts. 'We will have knowledgeable stakeholders to assess the current state of the Nigerian tech ecosystem, deliberate on pertinent policies, reforms, and global trade dynamics influencing its trajectory. ' It will discuss the fundamental drivers of growth, including state policies, investment opportunities and global trade. 'Strategies that will further substantiate the ecosystem's growth will be given priority as the event will showcase exemplary practices, success narratives; innovations; and regulatory frameworks shaping fundraising within the Nigerian tech space,' he said. (NAN) Source: News Agency of Nigeria