𝗪𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗡𝗘𝗨𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗕𝗨𝗧 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗠 𝗪𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 – 𝗞𝗢𝗚𝗜 𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗖𝗢

December 19, 2021

The Chairman of State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) Kogi Chapter, 𝗛𝗮𝗷𝗶𝘆𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘁 𝗢𝘇𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻, has charged stakeholders in the Mining Sector to maintain neutrality in the discharge of their duties in the sector, to ensure sustainable development.

The remark was made in a meeting between MIREMCO, Representatives of Ogbagebe, Ika District, Ankpa LGA, Sybstec Nigeria Ltd and representatives of Zuma 828 Coal Ltd, domiciled in Kogi State.

The meeting held at the instance of the Federal Mines Officer in Charge of Kogi State to curtail lingering issues between Sybstec Nigeria Ltd and Zuma 828 Coal Ltd where the latter complained of encroachment into their legal Title Area.

In attendance were the commander in charge of mining of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Muhammad Sambo and officers from the Department of State Security Services, among others.

Hajiya Suleiman in her statement urged the representatives of the community to forster peace and welcome every investor into their land for the purpose of growth and development. She also admonished them to allow government officials to carry out their duties, as empowered by prevailing law. She went further to say that preventing officials from carrying out their legal duties might attract sanctions from the appropriate channels.

In a related development, the Committee rejoiced with 𝗔𝗹𝗵𝗮𝗷𝗶 𝗔𝗹𝗵𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻 who until retirement, was a director in the Federal Ministry of Environment and a statutory member of the Committee. A brief ceremony was held in his honour where a meritorious service award was presented to him

Lokoja. Friday, 17th December, 2021.

By 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗵 𝗭𝘂𝗯𝗮𝗶𝗿.

NCPC BOSS RECIEVES AWARD OF ICON OF PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE IN NIGERIA

Social Plus Africa

December 16, 2021

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam was among the eminently qualified Nigerians who were honored with the prestigious awards in their different capacities and callings by the Nigerian News, an Online Magazine which celebrated its fifth year anniversary in Abuja on 16th December, 2021.

In his goodwill message at the event, the NCPC boss thanked the Online Media Platform for their consistency in promoting the activities of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission and also for using their medium to promote peace in the country through their reportage.

Rev. Pam affirmed that the problem of Nigeria could only be solved by the people of Nigeria. He added, ‘Nigeria is the best country to be’. He further reiterated that Nigeria would rise above her current challenges, stating that the “unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable”.

Presenting the award to the NCPC Boss, the Royal father of the day, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lafia, Hon.Justice Sidi Bage 1, acknowledged the fact that the event was special because of the calibre of awardees like Rev. Pam whom he said had consistently preached and continued to preach for the peaceful co-existence of Nigeria.

The retired Justice of the Supreme Court further urged him to keep on the good work and continue to make this country united.

The award which was presented to the NCPC Boss reads in part “an ICON OF PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE IN NIGERIA for committing resources and energy into peace building across religious faith to ease ethnic and religious tension across the country towards a united and stable Nigeria for all citizens’.

Earlier, the Publisher/CEO of the Nigerian News, Chief Philip Agbese said in his welcome address that he conceived the idea of an Online Media five years ago.

He described the 2021 awardees as eminently distinguished personalities who had contributed in no small measure in the growth and development of the country.

Responding on behalf of other awardees, the former Senate President, President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Distinguished Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON stated that the Nigerian News deserves to be encouraged for their developmental Journalism.

He further affirmed that there was need for the convocation of intellectual resources in Nigeria with a new dream, “we are now operating like a nation without dream”.

Distinguished Sen. Anyim, described his fellow awardees as “men and women of honor”. He further stated, “I am proud of all my colleagues who have benefitted from this award”.

He congratulated the Nigerian News for their five years anniversary celebration.

Some of the recipients of the Nigeria News Award 2021 includes: the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who was represented by his deputy Dr. Edward Onoja, Executive Governor of Nassarawa State, Executive Governor of Bauchi State, inter-alia

Signed

Celestine Toruka

Head, Media and Public Relations

16th December, 2021.

Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project dear to my heart because anything that facilitate Girl-Child education is dear to me – Tallen.

Social Plus Africa

December 13, 2021

Federal Ministry of Women Affairs
Press Release.
13th December, 2021

The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, OFR, KSG has disclosed that she has not missed any National Council on Education Meeting for the reason of her love for the education of Girl-child being dear to her stating that “that is the meeting for initiating the policies for ensuring that the education of Nigeria’s children – girl-children and boys as well as that of young women.” “Education”, the Honourable Minister stated “empowers the girl-children and women” and “when you educate a woman, you empower her, because an educated woman will ensure that her children are educated and by so doing, are empowered”, Dame Tallen declared.

Dame Tallen was speaking while meeting the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project Team which comprised of Aisha Garba, the Team Leader; Tunde Adekola, Senior Education Specialist from the World Bank on the Team, Martin Simone, and Education Specialist of the World Bank also on the AGILE Team and Mrs. Leo-Agwoko Nnnena, the National Project Coordinator of AGILE, Mr. John Ellah, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of AGILE Project and the others are Dije Musa Umar and Asabe Musa Sadauki, the representative of Federal Ministry of Women Affairs on the AGILE Project.

AGILE Project is a World Bank Project with the help of international entities created with $500 Billion to increase women’s secondary education. It aims to help about 6 Million boys and girls with the money by funding 5,500 new junior secondary schools and 3,300 new senior secondary classrooms. As a result of AGILE intervention, 3,400 women will be educated on a host of issues, ranging from climate change to “safety and gender violence awareness.” It hopes to provide 500,000 of the lowest income women full scholarships to go to school and empower them to further advocate for s change in social norms.

The AGILE Project is presently piloting with 7 States of Borno, Plateau, Ekiti, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna and Kebbi but with the expected launch and full implementation, a review is to be scaled up to accommodate more States.

The Honourable Minister at the meeting with the AGILE Project Team asked that for her to take leadership of the Project, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, FNSE should immediately direct relevant Departments of her Ministry to come up with detail work plans for her review and possible adoption by the joint teams of Federal Ministry of Women Affairs with other relevant Ministries like Federal Ministries of Finance, Education, Sports & Youths Development and Health and the World Bank.

Dame Tallen asked that the reviewed and proposed work plan should consider the States where there is high prevalence of Early/Girl-child marriage, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, violation of Child Rights Act and violation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.

The women affairs Minister further disclosed that the strategy to be adopted by her Ministry going forward will be to include advocacy for the AGILE Project with those of VAPP and Child Rights Act while stating the need for community involvement of persons who have to adopt a poor family, child or school in their communities for empowerment.

The Minister also asked that the reviewed work plan of the AGILE Project for the stakeholders and world bank implementation needs to incorporate capacity development for staff of her Ministry who will help in the implementation.

Signed.
Olujimi Oyetomi, Director, Press & Public Relations.

My Ministry fully committed to supporting the Nigerian Legion to cater for widows and children of fallen soldiers – Tallen.

Social Plus Africa

December 13, 2021

Federal Ministry of Women Affairs

Press Release.
13th December, 2021

The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen OFR, KSG has reiterated her commitment and that of her Ministry to the care and welfare of families of fallen military men. “My Ministry fully committed to supporting the Nigerian Legion to cater for widows and children of fallen military men”, she said.

Tallen was speaking when Nigeria Legion Emblem Committee towards the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, 2022 came to decorate her and other principal officers of her Ministry with the emblem of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, coming up on the 15th of January, 2022.

The decoration took place at the Honourable Minister, the Permanent Secretary and Directors took place today, 13th December, 2021 at the 5th Floor Conference Room of the Honourable Minister at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.

In his earlier remarks, the Secretary General of the Nigerian Legion, retired Group Captain Kayode Abe expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister for her generous support for the Legion over the years.

According to the Legionnaire, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR had directed all Ministries, Department and Agencies of Government and private organizations to show respect for the demised officers and men of the armed forces and support their widows and families because their supreme sacrifice was to keep Nigeria together as a country.

The Women Affairs Minister disclosed that Nigeria Legion is very dear to her heart as she fully appreciates they sacrifices being made to take care of the dependants of the fallen heroes. She declared further: “I don’t joke with issues of widows either.” She pledged to always have the widows of the fallen soldiers in mind in all the palliatives being given by her Ministry” including the upcoming one this December.”

The Minister reminded her audience to note that part of the mandate of her Ministry is to cater for widows and children.

By Ewaoche Ameh (Senior Information Officer)

Signed.
Olujimi Oyetomi, Director, Press & Public Relations.

PROFESSOR PANTAMI WELCOMES PRESIDENT ALASSANE QUATTARA TO THE 60TH EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF ECOWAS AUTHORITY HEADS OF STATE.

Social Plus Africa

December 11, 2021

PRESS STATEMENT

On behalf of the President Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency MuhammaduBuhari GCFR, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Nigeria, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) FNCS, FBCS, FIIM, MCPN is pleased to welcome the President of the Republic of CoteD’Ivoire, His Excellency AlassaneQuattara to the 60th extraordinary session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority Heads of State, holding in the nation’s capital Abuja.

As Nigeria stands tall and proud to play host to leaders in the sub region, it is with utmost sense of duty that the Honourable Minister chaperones His Excellency at this epoch-making session of ECOWAS on behalf of the Federal Government as assigned by the President.

In the same vein, the Honourable Minister on behalf of the President and the entire people of Nigeria, extends our sincere congratulations to the President and people of CoteD’Ivoire on the historic building of its new Chancellery in Nigeria’s capital. This will in no small measure, strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries and the sub- region at large.

In discharging this national assignment as His Excellency’s official chaperone, Professor Pantami will be supported by the Honourable Minister of Power EngrAbubakarAliyu, and accompanied by the

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy Mr BitrusBakoNabasu, mni and the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency. (NITDA) Malam KashifuInuwaAbdullahi, CCIE

The Honourable Minister, on behalf of Mr President, and indeed, all Nigerians, wishes His Excellency a most successful session.

Uwa Suleiman (Mrs)

Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister

11th December 2021

NCPC HOLDS MEETING OF STATE CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE LEADERS TO CHART A NEW COURSE FOR 2021 GENERAL PILGRIMAGE EXERCISE TO ISRAEL, JORDAN AND ROME.

Social Plus Africa

December 5, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission NCPC, Rev. Yakubu Pam met with the State Pilgrimage Leaders and Managers, comprising the State Chairmen and Secretaries of State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards and FCT recently in Abuja, to chart a new course for the 2021 general pilgrimage to Israel, Jordan and Rome.
The Executive Secretary who recently visited the State of Israel met with Israeli Minister of Tourism as well as the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria. He informed the State Pilgrimage Stakeholders that the meeting was very fruitful as it centered on the forth coming 2021 pilgrimage exercise to Israel and the issue of COVID 19 protocols.

The NCPC helmsman said the Israeli Minister of Tourism was very eager to receive the Nigerian Pilgrims as soon as possible but with a caveat that the intending pilgrims from Nigeria would have to receive the first and second dozes of the COVID 19 vaccine. He added that Nigerian Pilgrims would also be subjected to 5-6 hour isolation until the result of the PCR test is released.
He explained that the Israeli authority had agreed to look into the possibility of procuring a 3 months group visa for Nigeria Pilgrims that would cover the pilgrimage period as against the 2 weeks visa policy.
Rev. Yakubu Pam also stressed that Nigerians visiting Israel for pilgrimage should be treated with respect and dignity like other countries.
The NCPC Chief Executive also informed the Pilgrimage Leaders that the Israeli authorities were favorably disposed to commence direct flight from Nigeria to Tel-Aviv during pilgrimage, promising that the activation of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the State of Israel was discussed.
He hinted that Israel as a nation is taking the fight against the spread of COVID 19 seriously, hence it had shut its doors on 29th November, 2021 to prevent entry into Israel by foreigners, the ban according to him, “Is to prevent the spread of COVID 19 Omicron virus discovered in South Africa recently.

The NCPC boss further informed that the Commission would embark on the State of Readiness visit to Israel and Jordan from 10th -17th January, 2022 to ascertain the level of preparedness by the host country and also to inspect facilities at the Holy Sites and Hotels.
The Executive Secretary expressed his desire to commence full sensitization visit to State Governors in order to canvass for support and sponsorship of intending Pilgrims for 2021 pilgrimage exercise.
It was unanimously agreed by the NCPC and the State Pilgrimage Leaders that the 2021 General Pilgrimage to Israel, Jordan and Rome would commence in February, 2022.
Most of the pilgrimage Leaders who spoke during the meeting commended the Executive Secretary of the positive outcome of his meeting with the Israeli authorities and promised to go back and commence strong advocacy and sensitization on the need for intending pilgrims to be fully vaccinated with the COVID 19 Vaccine.
It is instructive to state that the meeting was held with strict compliance to the COVID 19 protocols and members who could not attend participated and contributed virtually.

NCPC MEDIA & PUBLIC RELATIONS.

Gender-based violence, major barrier to children development, growth, survival and access to education – Tallen

Social Plus Africa

November 29, 2021

Federal Ministry of Women Affairs,
Press Release

Monday, 29th November, 2021

The Honourable Minister of Women Development, Dame Pauline Tallen, OFR, KSG has decried gender-based-violence describing the phenomenon as “a major barrier to children development, growth, survival and access to education” stating that it “has negative effects on the growth and development of children physically, socially, emotionally, and psychologically”.

The Minister made this observation during an interactive programme with children which is part of activities for the 2021 edition of 16 Days of Activism on Ending Violence Against Women and Children, especially girls. The is a global campaign against gender-based violence that runs from 25th November to 10th December every year.

The 16-Days Activism is used as a strategy by individuals, institutions and organizations around the world to call for action towards the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls as well as amplify the voices of survivors of violence who are clamoring for their rights and fighting for justice.

The 2021 edition has a theme: “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women now!” which emphasizes the need to end violence against women and girls urgently.

The theme focuses on stopping gender-based violence and believing there will be survivors, when the nation and persons adopt comprehensive strategies to address the root causes, change harmful practices and social norms, and empower women and girls. “Girls”, Dame Tallen observed, “are vulnerable to child marriage, female genital mutilation and other forms of abuse and maltreatment”, and urging that “there is the urgent need for stakeholders to prioritize ending child marriage and promote Girl Child Education.”

The interaction with children took place today, Monday, 29th November, 2021 at the Ministry’s Headquarter’ premises where selected school children in the Federal Capital Territory were brought in to amplify the messages urging action against gender-based-violence.

“It is on the premise that GBV affects the growth and development of children physically, socially, emotionally, and psychologically that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs is creating awareness on gender-based violence towards addressing the impact on children and supporting the girl child development, empowerment while ensuring to make their voices heard as drivers for change.”

Many eminent persons spoke at the event to buttress the points emphasized by the Honourable Minister at the occasion with calls for ensuring faster judicial process of rape cases and lots of advice for the children on how best to preserve their chastity and protect themselves when they are confronted with challenges of GBV.

Dame Tallen disclosed telephone contacts to be used when issues of GBV arise: toll-free line for reporting cases of violence against women and children including gender-based violence via tel. no 08031230651 and that of Ceceyara Foundation is 0800-800-8001. “I call on you all to utilize these services in reporting cases.”

Additional to the toll-free line for reporting GBV, Tallen also asked her audience to embrace the hand gesture of “I NEED HELP” which she demonstrated by folding the thumb underneath a straightened and then made to a sign of beckoning urging that “I will like you all to learn this hand gesture from the video as it could save lives. I implore you all be brave and speak up.”

Signed.
Olujimi Oyetomi,
Director, Press & Public Relations.

NCPC BOSS COMMENDED FOR STAFF CAPACITY TRAINING PROGRAMME

Social Plus Africa

November 28, 2021

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam has been commended for approving staff capacity training programme for all staff of the Commission across board.
The Director , Special Duties of the Commission, Sir Peter Okhuleigbe gave the commendation on 25th November,2021 in Lagos in his welcome remarks at the ongoing 2021 NCPC General Staff Training, in Maryland, Lagos .
His words,” you are all welcome, we give God Almighty all the glory for making it possible for us to be part of this noble course””.
He further stated , ” we thank our dear Executive Secretary, Rev Yakubu Pam for approving this all important and encompassing training”
Sir Okhuleigbe admonished the participants not to take the opportunity provided by the Executive Secretary for the training for granted.
He urged them to take maximum benefit and advantage of the training to enhance their various job roles in their various Departments and Units.
He was sanguined that at the end of the training programme, staff would be better equipped than they were before, while stressing the need for value for money.
The Director further enjoined the staff to ensure that the vision and mission of NCPC were achieved through commitment and quality service delivery.
It would be recalled that since the assumption of office of the current Executive Secretary in July last year, he had ensured that the welfare of staff are not compromised .
This year,s training programme for all the staff of the Commission is the second in the series of staff training under his watch as the third substantive Chief Executive of the Commission.
The 2021 General staff training programme has as its theme, “Corporate Leadership And People Management Skills Training”.
The training programme commenced on 8th November, 2021 and would run through 10th December.
NCPC Media and Public Relations.

CHRISTMAS CAROL UNITES AND BUILDS CHRISTIAN FAITH, NCPC BOSS

Social Plus Africa

November 26, 2021

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam has said that, Christmas Carol unites and build Christian Faith . He made this known while playing host to the Organizing Committee of the 2021 Service of Nine Lessons & Christmas Carol in his office in Abuja on 25th November,2021.
Rev.Pam said “beyond the crisis faced in the country,there can be unity amongst Christians.”
He commended his guests for promoting the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord. In his words, “I commend the Service of Nine lessons for promoting the spirit of the new born baby Jesus Christ our Saviour”.

The NCPC Boss intimated that the Service of Nine lessons & Christmas Carlos is not only building our faith as Christians but also uniting the country. He further opined that, “this is the time to unite the country and he affirmed that he is 100% interested in whatever unites the country”.
He assured that the Commission would strive to ensure the success of the programme as NCPC stands for uniting the body of Christ through pilgrimage.
The NCPC Helmsman disclosed that NCPC is the only Christian faith based agency under the Presidency that is saddled with the responsibility of conducting and regulating pilgrimage activities in the country.
He informed that the Commission had commenced preparation for the 2021 pilgrimage exercise to Israel and the kingdom of Jordan.
Earlier, the Executive Director News Voice of Nigeria, Ahaziah Suleiman who led the delegation thanked the Executive Secretary for receiving them. In his words , “we are happy to be here”.
Mr.Suleiman informed that the Service of Nine Lessons and Christmas carols is an annual activity by three federal government owned organizations, Radio Nigeria, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Voice of Nigeria (VON) who organize and bring Christians together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
He explained that Christmas Carol is for the spiritual upliftment of Christian faithful in the country,he added that , through song ministration many souls would be won for Christ.
NCPC MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT CRITICAL FOR REGULATORY AGENCIES -DG NITDA

Social Plus Africa

November 24, 2021

To further underscore the role of data of various kind as the ‘new oil’ in our emerging digital economy, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA) Mallam Kashifu Inuwa has said; “It has become imperative for stakeholders and regulatory agencies to engage in effective management of environmental data and information management due to the rapid increase of environmental impact assessment that has made data become more valuable during decision making”.

Mallam Inuwa, who was represented at the 15^th National Stakeholder Forum of the National Environment Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency NESREA, by Barrister Emmanuel Edet, NITDA’s Head of Legal Unit, made this assertion while delivering the goodwill message on his behalf on the theme “Environmental Data and Information Management: A key to Environmental Governance in Nigeria.

Mallam Inuwa noted that by looking at levels of pollutants, emissions, and other wastes that are being discharged, government and relevant stakeholders in the environmental protection sector can evaluate how to remain environmentally compliant, become more efficient, and save money, resources and manpower by making informed decisions through the use data.

While commending the convening of stakeholders’ forum at this period as very apt and timely, the NITDA boss expressed that adequate consideration to the importance of environmental data and effective information management in providing solutions to environmental challenges would encourage and promote data accuracy.

“The availability, ease, and speed of collecting environmental data have significantly accelerated in this information age due to the widespread use of digital technologies that has enhanced easy access to direct observation of various environmental data, which is now increasing within consumers’ reach,” Inuwa said.

He disclosed that robust environmental governance requires the participation of stakeholders, provision of fair legal frameworks, and transparency in decision-making processes, as well as the enforcement of policies following due rules and regulations. He also appreciated the management of NESREA for its consistency in involving stakeholders in making decisions that concerns the nation.

In his welcome remarks, the NESREA’s Director General, Prof. Aliyu Jauro, noted that the Agency had initiated the gradual implementation of its data and information management through the recent automation of its processes namely; the Compliance Monitoring Information Systems, (NECMIS), which is dedicated to ensuring that compliance records generated over the years are organised to produce useful environmental governance and the NESREA Permit, Audit and Management, (NESPAM), which is intended to aid the generation, collation, analysis, storage and retrieval of data for compliance monitoring and enforcement programs.

He urged all the participants to synergize their efforts towards achieving the expected outcomes of this year’s forum. The event witnessed various environmental enthusiasts and stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, (MDAs) of Government, consultants, corporate organisations, the academia and civil society groups.

The Hon. Minister of State Environment, Hon. Sharon O. Ikeazor Esq presented the keynote address while the opening remark was delivered by the former Minister of State for Environment and Emir of Nasarawa, HRH Alh Ibrahim Usman Jibril, who was the special guest of honour at the event.

1...585960...71 Page 59 of 71