Category: General

For the past 20 years, the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Ltd. has piloted practical scientific approach to solving Nigeria's problems through sponsorship of the Nigeria Prize for Science. The prize celebrates excellence in scientific breakthroughs and honours scientists who help to find solutions to Nigeria's problems. The annual award is aimed at stimulating advancement and application of science and technology in Nigeria. The prize is administered on behalf of NLNG by the Advisory Board for Science. It is expected that the quest for the prestigious prize will improve application of science and technology in Nigeria, resolve issues that are germane to development of the country and help to improve standard of living. Winners have been emerging in the annual competition, taking home whopping sum of $100,000 dollars, which can be won as an individual or a team. Analysts have adjudged the competition transparent, consistent and successful so far. Recently, a total of 153 entries was handed over to the Advisory Boar d for Science in Lagos, after the April 30 deadline for submission of entries for the 2024 edition. The award is open to scientists and innovators worldwide (Nigerians and non-Nigerians) involved in the application of science to proffer innovation and technologies for reducing the effects of climate change. The theme is ' Innovations and Technologies for Reducing the Effects of Climate Change'. According to Mr Andy Odey, the NLNG General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, a total of 153 entries for the Nigeria Prize of Science 2024 was submitted. He says the entries have been handed over to the Advisory Board for Science. The 153 entries show 53 per cent increase over those of 2023. 'This is the highest number of submissions in the life of the Nigeria Prize for Science. 'It shows that scientists' interests in the prize have doubled,' he says. Odey emphasises that any winning entry must have a solution to a problem in Nigeria. 'No matter who or where the entry is coming from - an individual or a team within or outside the country - the entry must have a solution,' he says. Odey believes that the theme of the 2024 edition underscores the critical importance of combating climate change, not only for Nigeria's future, but also for the survival of humanity. 'It will be of unquantifiable value as climate change arising from green gas emission remains a major setback to the development of humans,' he says. The Chairman of the Advisory Board for Science, Prof. Barth Nnaji, who received the entries for the 2024 competition, says they will be handed over to judges who have been carefully selected to do justice. He also emphasises that the winning entry must demonstrate capacity to solve Nigeria's problem. 'The transparency in handling the prize has given scientists, worldwide, the zeal to submit their works,' he says. Nnaji says the winning entry is not expected to be a good research project. 'A good research project? No. It is an innovation that has already demonstrated impact. 'Sc ientist(s) would have shown in the public, how the product or process or innovation has been able to work in the lives of people,' he says. Dr Nike Akande, Nigeria's former Minister of Industries, is convinced that through the competition NLNG has been touching lives in various ways. According to Akande, the winning prize relates with the business world through Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to ensure that there is mass production for it to get to the areas it is needed most. 'The 2023 winning prize, a small-sized incubator for babies, is aiding babies' survival in hospitals, especially in teaching hospitals,' she notes. A Professor of Medical Engineering and Technology, Hippolite Amadi, emerged the winner of the 2023 edition with his scientific work on low-cost respiratory technologies that keep neonates alive. The innovation comprises a non-invasive neonatal ventilator, an oxygen delivery blender system, and an oxygen splitter system, all powered by solar energy. In 2022, two scientific works won the prize. Two most outstanding works on 'Gains in Grain Yield of Released Maize (Zea Mays L.) Cultivars under Drought and Well-Watered Conditions' by Muhydideen Oyekunle and Shehu Ado; and 'Development of Process Plant for Plantain Flour' by Sesan Ayodeji and Emmanuel Olatomilola won the $100,000 prize money. The 2020 and 2021 cycles ended without winners. In 2019, Prof. Mehong and Dr Matthew Aneke, emerged winners with their entry: 'Carbon Capture, Carbon Utilisation, and Biomass Gasification and Energy Storage for Power Generation'. In 2018, Peter Ngene emerged the winner with his entry: 'Nanostructured Metal Hydrides for the Storage of Electrical Power from Renewable Energy Sources and for Explosion Prevention in High Voltage Power Transformers'. According to Prof. Yusuf Abubakar, also a member of the Advisory Board of Nigeria Prize for Science, through the competition, NLNG is rewarding research ef forts and innovativeness. 'The bane of research institutes in Nigeria is to market their inventions. 'NLNG is linking research with the industry. 'It is left for government to fund research and innovations adequately,' Abubakar, a former Executive Secretary of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, says. He strongly believes that the focus of the 2024 competition on climate change is commendable. Abubakar is a professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics and the Coordinator of Agricultural Group, R and D Standing Committee, Tertiary Education Trust Fund. It is expected that in September, when the winning entry for the 2024 edition will be announced, Nigerians will be presented with an innovation that is clearly aiding in reducing effects of climate change. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has advised wives of officers and airmen of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to prioritise their mental health while discharging their domestic responsibilities. Tinubu gave the advice on Saturday at the Mental Health Awareness Walk and TalK in commemoration of NAF@60 celebration 2024, organised by the Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) in Abuja. She was represented by the wife of the Minister of State for Defence, Hajiya Aisha Matawalle. The first lady said that as wives of officers, there were unique demands placed on their shoulders between supporting their families, managing households and navigating the uncertainties of their husband's careers. 'It is easy to let our well-beings fall by the wayside. So, we have to be very deliberate about our health and mental well beings. 'Therefore, the theme: 'Step by step Embracing Mental Wellness Through Movement', is timely. 'Regular exercise does not just tone our muscles and boost energy levels. It is a t ool for mental well being. 'By prioritising our well being, we become not just healthier individuals but better wives, mothers and role models. 'We can handle challenges of life with greater resilience and radiate poor positive energy that uplifts those around us. 'Taking care of ourselves is not selfish, it is essential to our general well-being,' she said. Tinubu congratulated NAF on attaining 60 years of service and dedication to protecting the nation's skies and ensuring national security. She also described the wives of NAF personnel and NAFOWA as the true heroes behind the scenes, serving as pillars of strength for their families and championing the well being of their spouses and wider community. The President of NAFOWA and Wife of Air Chief, Mrs Rakiya Abubakar, said the event was organised to raise awareness on mental health as well as embrace and promote conversation around the issue. Abubakar said the theme was coined to buttress the pertinence of mental health and advocate for mental wellne ss through fitness. She said the event was to also commemorate the 60? Anniversary of NAF. She added that the association deemed it necessary to remind them that mental health and wellness remained a critical part of living a healthy and fulfilling life. She said that it impacts on their relationship, work and daily activities, ad ding that 'it remains one of the most under-discussed and undervalued aspects of our lives. 'Our walk and the talk we are about to have is an amazing opportunity to change the narratives and start important conversations about mental health. 'We hope this event provides the avenue to de-stigmatise mental health concerns and to rally together in support of those who may be struggling with their mental health,' she said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlights of the event include free medical test, health walk and talks by medical professionals. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has inducted nine scientists as Fellows to propagate science knowledge across the country. NAS President, Prof. Ekanem Braide, said this in Abuja on Thursday at the Induction of Fellows and Public Lecture titled 'Kicking Sexual Harassment out of Higher Education Institutions: Options and Challenges.' The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Prof. Babatunde Rabiu, a scientist with the Research and Development Centre of NASRDA, was among the inductees. Braide told the new inductees that their induction into the academy was a call to join in addressing several national and international issues, according to the NAS Strategic Plan 2024-2028. 'You will be required to increase visibility, impact of science, conduct strategic advocacy at the highest level, strenthen the academy's advisory function, strengthen strategic partnerships. 'Your induction today is a call to service at a higher level and not a signal for rest, you will be required to implement tasks assigned to NAS by government, industry and other stakeholders and promote the visibility of our academy,' Braide said. The president urged the new inductees to uphold the tenets of the academy, adding that NAS was a respectable institution. According to her, NAS has engaged in several initiatives targeted at advancing science and technology. The Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Halilu Shaba, said the induction of a scientist from NASRDA, was an indication that the academy still upheld its standards, adding that the agency made a good choice by choosing Rabiu. 'Anywhere you go, Prof. Rabiu is a world class scientist and it is an honour to the agency and we are so proud and happy.' The director-general said that the inducted scientists had bridged the gap in unpopular areas of science, hence the need for them to be celebrated. Prof. Pius Okeke, a renowned Asyronomy Physicist and mentor to Rabiu, said he wasn't surprised at Rabiu's achievements. 'I am happy for his achievements and I pray he achieves even greater t hings.' Okeke called on the government to invest in space, science and technology, saying that the sector required huge funding. 'The individual scientists are doing well, but the government should help and increase the science budget as obtainable in other climes.' Prof. Grace Kyomuhendo, President, Ugandan National Academy of Science (UNAS), while delivering a lecture on the theme, called on scientists to fight against sexual harassment in their different institutions. Kyomuhendo pointed out that sexual harassment could be addressed but must be fully institutionalised within structures and policies in the universities. 'Gender norms that define, prescribe behaviour, positions and entitlements must be addressed and sexual harassment is a whole university approach,' she said. Rabiu, who is also the Executive Director, UN African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education-English(UN-ARCSSTEE), felt elated on his induction He said his induction would encourage and energise to do more for the country and for mankind, while calling on other scientists not to despair. 'I feel fulfilled in my country, because this is the highest scientific academic body in the country. 'Scientists should continue to be diligent and we should not allow some predicaments to hold us down. 'Our delivery should not depend on the resources that are freely available, we should put in our best, sacrifice, strive to make global footprints. 'While you are working for the system, you are also working for yourself because your productivity speaks for you at the end of the day, so strive to be more productive, diligent, focused and not to be demoralised,' he said. Prof. Olapeju Aiyelaagbe, another inductee and only female, said young female students should strive to do more, adding that science was not as difficult as portrayed. It would be recalled that the scientists were nominated, voted for by colleagues and inducted following their feats they recorded in their different areas of specialisation. These included spac e physics, organic chemistry, neurology, medicine, among others. Other inductees were Prof. Temidayo Ogundiran, Prof. James Olopade, Prof. Rufus Akinyemi, Prof. Fabian Ezema, Prof. Nnabuk Eddy, Prof. Etinosa Igbinosa and Prof. Zubairu Iliyasu. (NAN)www.nannews.ng Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has approved May 27 to June 6 as Federal Capital Territory Week for the inauguration of various projects executed under his administration. The Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, stated this in Abuja on Friday, while inspecting some of the projects in preparation for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu's one year in office. 'By the approval of Mr President, we believe that from May 27, we shall begin the inauguration of various projects and will end on June 6. 'Particularly on May 27, President Tinubu will inaugurate commercial operations of the Abuja Light Rail also known as Abuja Metro Line, and we will carry out the final inspection of the project on May 20. 'From what we have seen, I think we are good to go,' he said. Wike also expressed confidence that the Vice-President's residence, located along Aso Drive, would be completed and may be inaugurated on June 6. He explained that the 9-day inauguration activities would demonstrate to the world the Tinubu-led administration's determi nation to renew the hope of Nigerians. He added: 'We have a lot of projects being executed that will be inaugurated. So many projects that I cannot begin to list them. 'We are happy; the contractors are meeting up, and all the promises made they have fulfilled. 'We have also fulfilled our own part, by making sure that we make the needed cash available and none of the contractors is complaining in terms of cash.' The minister added that other projects like the construction of bus terminals and the FCT Court of Appeal Division and other projects would be inaugurated within the period. On the non-functionality of some of the streetlights in parts of the city, Wike explained that some of the streetlights were being worked on, while others were being tested. He assured the residents that the streetlights would come on once the contractors finished working on them, 'As I speak to you, most of the streetlights are being worked on and with the project we are executing, you don't expect the light to be on. 'Th e contractors are test running them, so most of the ones that are not working are those that are being worked on. 'We believe that before the inauguration you will see that most of the streetlights will be on,' the minister said. When asked whether he was being distracted by the development in Rivers, Wike simply said: 'I am not distracted. If I am distracted you won't see this performance. 'I focus on my work. So, I am not interested. I am the Minister of FCT, and work is going on, why will I be distracted? I don't even think about it at all.' (NAN) Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Members of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 26 Short Service Course (SSC) Association, have donated food items, toiletries and other consumables to Abuja Children Home, Karu. The General Secretary of the association, retired Brig.-Gen. Bassey Etuk, in a statement on Friday, said the gesture was part of their humanitarian activities to give back to the society. Etuk said the visit and donation to the orphanage was part of activities to mark the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association codenamed, SSC 26 Nigerian Army (NA) Biz. He said the association had in 2023, introduced humanitarian activity into its AGM where spouses of members visit orphanages. Etuk said the 2024 AGM was the 12th in the series, adding that their spouses visited the Abuja Children Home (ACH) in Karu where various items were donated. According to him, the items include bags of various types of grains, cartons of biscuits and Indomie noodles, sanitary tissues and used clothing items. 'The Forum was formed to enhance espirit-d e-corps, foster bond of friendship, promote cordial relationship and look into the welfare of retired members and their families. 'The Association's next AGM will be its 13th and also the 40th Anniversary of members of NDA 26 SSC since they were commissioned as officers into the Armed Forces of Nigeria,' he said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, FCT Administration has trained agricultural field officers to provide efficient services to farmers, towards achieving bumper harvest in the territory. The Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Mr Lawan Geidam, said at the training in Abuja on Friday, that the training was designed to improve the capacity of the officers to provide technical support to farmers. Geidam, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Grace Adayilo, said that the training tagged, 'Prevention, Identification, Diagnosis, and Management of Common Crop Diseases,' would equally cut post-harvest losses. He explained that a significant number of famers recorded huge losses due to ignorance of good agricultural practices in mitigating crop diseases, pest infestation and poor storage management techniques. He urged the field officer to build the needed knowledge and capacity to be able to teach farmers how to combat crop diseases that impede productivity. The mandate secretary reassured farmers of FCT Administration's commitment to support farmers with a view to boost agricultural production. 'The Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud are taking proactive steps towards achieving the collective aspiration for food and nutrition security for all residents of FCT,' he said. The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the importance of integrating traditional methods with modern agricultural practices to get the best of the planting season. Adayilo said that the integration was necessary considering the difficulties small-scale farmers face in accessing advanced agricultural technologies. She assured the farmers of the full support of the Agriculture Development Project, adding that the project was a grassroots initiative to ensure that government programmes achieved the desired impact. Mr Ofili Beneath, acting Director, Department of Agricultural Services, said that the department would continue to engage farmers across the 62 wards of th e FCT and provide them with critical information. Ofili expressed confidence that the training would strengthen knowledge-based agricultural practices and bring prosperity to the FCT farmers. (NAN) Source: News Agency of Nigeria