Why Nigeria must be part of World Wide Web celebration – CECAD

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Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development (CECAD), promoter and organizer of this year’s World Wide Web celebration in Nigeria, which is scheduled for August 5th has adduced reasons why Nigeria as a country and corporate organisations should participate in the global celebration.

According to CECAD, Nigeria has made commendable impact in the growth of broadband and internet-based innovations. Thus, the country with over 154.3 million basic Internet users cannot be left out of such a global celebration.

“The growth of the Internet has led to the development of digital technologies helping to transform the economy of the country in several ways, such as reducing information and transaction costs, creating new collaborative models to increase the efficiency of workers, promoting innovation, and improving education and developing societies.

Dr. Bayero Agabi, National Coordinator of CECAD, at an interactive session with selected Journalists in Lagos. He argued that the internet and its related technologies played a major role in the growth and performance of the digital economy, which took the country out of recession in the fourth quarter of 2020, with a contribution of 12.45% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The digital economy sector, powered by the Internet grew by 17.64 percent in Q4 2020 from 17.36 percent in Q3 2020 and 10.26 percent in Q4 2019. Additionally, investment also grew from about $38 billion in 2015 to over $70 billion currently.

Meanwhile, broadband penetration moved from 6 per cent in 2015 to 45.02 percent at December 2020, indicating that 85.9 million Nigerians are now connected on 3G and 4G networks which provide enhanced high-speed Internet that has continued to boost efficiency and increase productivity across the economic spectrum.

Recent statistics also indicate that between 2015 and December 2020, active voice subscriptions have increased from 151 million to 204.6 million, with teledensity standing at 107.18 percent with basic active internet subscriptions growing from 90 million to 154.3 million during the period.

The World Wide Web Day is a global celebration dedicated to web browsing, online activity that brings a wealth of knowledge to your fingertips. It is a chance to celebrate the way the internet has created an environment for collaboration and business growth while also taking a deeper look into its evolution over the past three decades since its invention by Sir Tim Berners-Lee.

The Nigeria event celebration will chronicle the impact of the internet, best ways to use the internet for good and economic development, its impact in the media, business, governance, youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.

The event is put together by CECAD and Cyber Africa magazine is in commemoration with support from organisations such Medallion Communications, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, PFS, the Nigerian Communications Commission, WEMA Bank,NIRA, ITPulse, CKN News , Digivation Network on AIT, and National daily newspaper.

The conference is a celebration of the impact of the internet, gathering of stakeholders to discuss the opportunities of emerging technologies for business, raising additional awareness and exploring the strategies of safety on the web for individuals and businesses, infrastructure companies, innovators.

The event will also look at policies to grow the space and the Nigeria information society through creating a sustainable digital economy. The event, scheduled to hold at De Renaissance Hotel, G.R.A, Lagos provides a platform for Sharing organizational vision and strategic plan to drive the National ICT revolution and the digital space.

NAPAAS CALLS FOR SUPPORT FOR THE VULNERABLE

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The Managing Director National Personal Asset Acquisition Scheme, NAPAAS, Mr Wali Aminu-Bello, has urged well meaning Nigerians to key into the project of NAPAAS by investing to ease the affairs of the vulnerable in the society.

Mr. Bello who stated this during the ex-service men, wives and families day said it is important to empower our fallen heroes families to make them independent.

He said if the family and children of the fallen heroes are well taken care of, it will add value to the nation’s economy.

The ex-service men, wives and families day is to create awareness and call on benevolent Nigerians to contribute their quota to the development of the vulnerable and families of the fallen heroes in the country.

According to him, over two thousand people have so far benefited from the project.

In a good will message, the president ex service men Welfare Association, retired Warrant Officer, Anthony Agbas expressed gratitude to the administration of president Muhammadu Buhari and the management of NAPAAS for the initiative adding that his association will never default in the payment modalities.

National coordinator women auxiliary Nig region, Dr. Mrs Charity Ogbole commended the effects of NAPAAS for easing the affairs of the vulnerable in the society.

She encouraged the beneficiaries to use the opportunity to learn and train their family while also calling on the wealthy in the society to key into the project.

The NAPAAS week was a three day event that wrapped up with a visit to orphanage homes in some areas in the FCT, Press conference and Gala Night.

NAPAAS TRAINED WIDOWS OF THE FALLEN HEROES IN ABUJA

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The Managing Director National Personal Asset Acquisition Scheme, NAPAAS, Mr Wali Aminu-Bello, says it is necessary to train Wives of the Fallen Heroes who lost their husbands in the cause of serving the nation.

Mr. Bello who stated this during an official opening of NAPAAS Assembling plant and Skill Acquisition, training and workshop Centre in Abuja, commended President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Defence, Retired Major General Bashiru Magashi, members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the National Assembly for the endorsement of the Public Private Partnership Initiative. 

According to him, the service centre will help to achieve the goal of President Muhammadu Buhari in building a strong nation, stressing that the family and children of the fallen heroes, if properly trained in different skills would be able to add value to the nation’s economy.

In his remarks, the National Cordinator, NAPAAS, Mr Eze Nnadi at the event, said they have trained fifty widows before and presently training another set of seventy for job creation.

The training consultant, Mrs. Hadiza Kuta said the essence of the training is to equip the widows to be self reliant.

Also speaking, the President Ex-servicemen Welfare Association, retired Warrant Officer, Anthony Agbas thanked NAPAAS for its selfless and tireless effort of taking care of them in every aspect of life.

At the workshop named Muhammadu Buhari Skill Acquisition Training Centre, NAPAAS called for special prayer nationwide for God’s intervention in the security, economic and pandemic challenges facing the country.

NCC, Wema Bank partners CECAD for World Wide Web Day celebration

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Africas leading telecoms regulator, The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC and a first generation leading financial institution in Nigeria Wema Bank Plc are partnering the Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development (CECAD) to celebrate the 2021 World Wide Web Day in Nigeria.

The World Wide Web Day is a global celebration dedicated to web browsing, online activity that brings wealth of knowledge to your fingertips. It is a chance to celebrate the way the internet has created an environment for collaboration and business growth while also taking a deeper look into its evolution over the past three decades since its invention by Sir Tim Berners-Lee.

The Nigeria event celebration will chronicle the impact of the internet, best ways to use the internet for good and economic development, its impact in the media, business, governance, youth empowerment and entreprenueralship.

The event is put together by CECAD and Cyber Africa magazine is in commemoration of this day as the world celebrates the internet impact since its evolution. The conference is a celebration of the impact of the internet, gathering of stakeholders to discuss the opportunities of emerging technologies for business, raising additional awareness and exploring the strategies of safety on the web for individuals and businesses, infrastructure companies, innovators. The event will also look at policies to grow the space and the Nigeria information society through creating a sustainable digital economy. The event will at De Renaissance Hotel, G.R.A, Lagos.

The date is August 5th, 2021 at 10:00am. It’s a platform for Sharing organizational vision and strategic plan to drive the National ICT revolution and the digital space.

NCPC BOSS RECIEVES AWARD FROM NORTHERN YOUTHS AMBASSADOR (NYA)

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The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam has received an Award from the Northern Youths Ambassador (NYA) today 25th May, 2021 at his office in the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission.
Rev. Pam while receiving the award from the delegation of Northern Youth Ambassador explained that Nigerian youths are the people who can make a difference in the country because our youths are visionary and objective. He added that the only solution to the issues in Nigeria is dedicated visionary youths.
He lauded the Northern Youth Ambassador for rising against criminality and violence and embracing the gospel of peace by showing support to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in various states in the North.


The NCPC Boss admonished the youths to be more involved in the Politics of Nigeria in order to change the narrative in the country. In his words, ‘Hopefully the Messiah will be amongst the youths here’.
The Apostle of Peace assured them of his support in their projects, especially their activities with the IDP camps , stating that he would join hands with them in reaching out to the Internally displaced persons.
Earlier, the Leader of the Northern Youth Ambassadors, Amb. kalamu Sani in his speech explained that the organisation is the apex umbrella body of youths cut across the 19 Northern States and FCT which is distinctively propagating, advocating and preaching the gospel of peace, religious tolerance, good neighborliness, and governance as the basis for peaceful and desired development in the Northern region and the nation at large.
He described the Executive Secretary as not just a father, a mentor, and a role model, but a personality with integrity and unique hallmark, which for a very long time portrays him as ‘a light at the end of the tunnel’.


He further described the NCPC boss as Icon of National and International repute, who is also seen as the ultimate symbol of a true Nigerian.
The Executive Secretary was formally presented with ‘Sir Ahmadu Bello Platinum Leadership Award: Award of Honor as Icon of Hope in recognition of his contribution to humanity, nation building and peaceful coexistence’.
Ambassador Sani said that the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria calls for support in all ramifications, He solicited support from the Commission to the IDP camps in North -Eastern Nigeria and further appealed that the Commission should join hands in their advocacy campaign against Anti- social vices such as rape, child abuse, prostitution, thuggery and vandalism.
NCPC MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS

Minister Harps On Rights Of The Nigerian child, Importance Of Menstrual Hygiene

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The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen has called for renewed commitment to ensure children are given suitable opportunities and enabling environment to realize their potentials.

The Minister stated this at a joint press conference by the federal ministry of women affairs and the federal capital territory administration held at the Ministry’s headquarters, Abuja to kick start activities to the commemoration of the 2021 national children’s day on May 27th and world menstrual day celebration on May 28th, 2021.

She said the day is set aside by the federal government to raise awareness on the plight and needs of children, promote and protect their rights as well as ensure that issues and concerns relating to the wellbeing of children are constantly brought to the front burner of national attention and actions.

According to Dame Pauline the theme of this year’s edition “Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Total Wellbeing of the Child: The Way Forward.” was chosen to highlight the effects of Covid-19 on the wellbeing of the child, proffer solution as well as an assured future for them.

“The theme finds significance as it highlights the effects of COVID-19 on the wellbeing of the child, while seeking to proffer lasting solutions for the betterment and development of the Nigerian Children. It has often been said that Children are the leaders of tomorrow and the main foundation/pillar on which the sustainable development of every nation can be built. This informs the urgent need to adequately invest in their wellbeing and development to achieve the kind of future we visualise for the nation” She said.

” The pandemic has truly exposed children to increased risks of different levels of violence; including physical and emotional abuse, sexual and gender-based violence, online sexual exploitation. The economic vulnerability which led to closure of schools and disrupted economic activities no doubt increased the threat of child labour, child marriage, kidnapping for ransom, abduction and child trafficking, as well as increased Gender-Based Violence across the country.” The Minister added.

The Minister assured that they will continue to echo the fact that every child and young person in Nigeria is entitled to enjoy his/her fundamental human rights, as provided for in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dame Pauline further stated that some activities have been earmarked towards breaking the silence on Menstrual Hygiene issues, providing space for free expression of concerns and demands for supportive and protective environment for the effective and hygienic management of menstruation as well as educate the public, especially adolescent girls and women of reproductive age on appropriate means of managing their menstruation.

She said the theme for this year is “It’s time for Action” to ensure girls and women do not feel limited by their periods through increased education on Menstrual Hygiene.”

“We will also use this opportunity to highlight to the appropriate authorities, the danger the proposed National Diaper and Sanitary Pads Policy, which increases the import tariff on Diapers and Sanitary pads from 20% to 55% pose on Menstrual Hygiene Management. This Policy will no doubt affect the availability, affordability and acceptability of sanitary pads in the country”The Minister noted.

The Minister however appealed to perpetrators of kidnapping to listen to the cry of innocent Mothers and desist from the illicit act while she called on mothers to join in the crusade to bring about sanity in Nigeria’s polity.

Women’s Participation In Leadership, Gender Equality Yet To Be Achieved – Pauline

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The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen has called for the full representation of women in the Nigeria constitution by first and foremost recognizing the use of gender neutral and sensitive language in the constitution.

The Minister who stated this at a joint press conference ahead of the Zonal public hearing on the Proposed Alternative to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, says masculine languages are gender-biased and undermine women and girls’ political participation, which further hinders inclusive governance in Nigeria.

Recall that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs working with a cross section of CSOs had earlier submitted a Memorandum in response to the call for submission made by the 9th National Assembly on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in September, 2020. .

However much has not been achieved to improve women’s participation and gender equality in leadership and decision-making positions despite a formal support for it through the National Gender Policy (2006) which recommends a benchmark of 35 percent in all sectors.

“To ensure equitable women representation in Government, it is important the Constitution is reviewed to provide for at least 35% women representation in appointive offices at the Federal and State levels. This will begin with an amendment of section 14 subsection (3) that prohibits predominance of persons from a few States, ethnic or sectional groups in the composition of the Government and its agencies to also introduce a prohibition of the predominance of any sex in the composition of the government and its agencies. Also, Section 14 (4) introduces the equitable representation of both sexes in the composition of government at a state, Local Government Councils, or any of its agencies. Other sections for reference include sections 147(3), 171(5), 192(2), 208 (4)”. The Minister noted.

Dame Pauline further added that most of the International and Regional Human Rights instruments specifically enacted for the promotion and protection of women’s rights which include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa are yet to be domesticated in Nigeria.

The Minister also followed up the strategic media engagement with an advocacy visit to the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

She however called on the 9th National Assembly headed by the Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawal, and the Rt Honorable Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, to act now in support of the course.

Dame Pauline also appealed to First Ladies in the States and the Honourable Commissioners of Women Affairs to work with CSOs to mobilize all women groups to participate at the Public Hearing in the 12 Centres; including making presentations, lobbying and advocating for inclusion of women’s position.

CAN COMMISERATES WITH PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, NIGERIAN MILITARY AND THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WHO DIED IN THE MOST RECENT MILITARY PLANE CRASH

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CAN Press Statement

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) commiserates with President Muhammadu Buhari, (GCFR), the military high command, the security chiefs, and the immediate and extended families of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru and other officers who were killed while on board of the ill-fated military King Air 350 aircraft that crashed on Friday, May 21, 2021 near Kaduna Airport.

While our hearts are filled with sorrow for the supreme price they paid, we acknowledge with sense of gratitude to them, their selfless services to all of us in the nation. They laid down their lives in order to keep our nation safe and secure from the aggression of terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements in our nation. We pray for Your Excellency and all the families affected by their painful exit, fortitude and comfort of the Holy Spirit to bear the loss. We pray that this type of national tragedy will never occur again.

According to reports, Nigeria had four King Air 350 named NAF 201, NAF 202, NAF 203 and NAF 204. Sometimes in February this year, NAF 201 crashed in Abuja and killed all the eight Air Force crew men on board. We also reliably learnt that this was the third military air disaster in the space of three months.
If these reports are true, then it is high time thorough investigations are carried out with a view to ascertaining the immediate and remote causes of these recurrent disasters and address the causes decisively and squarely. We cannot continue to lose our finest military and security officers to air disasters without treating the situation as a national emergency.
CAN is genuinely concerned and suggests that while the nation still awaits the report of the cause or causes of this latest crash, adequate measures should be taken so as to avert this kind of tragedy both in our military and civil aviation in the future. We must ascertain that all military aircrafts are fit to fly and that the training of the flight officers is excellent. We further plead that adequate care should be taken of the dependants of the deceased so that they might be proud eternally of the nation the deceased served.
We once again call on the international community to come to the aid of our country to end the menace of insecurity occasioned by criminals manifesting as kidnappers, bandits and terrorists before they take over the country or turn it into a battle ground.

We call on all Nigerians to join us in CAN on May 28-30 to pray to God in the attitude of mourning and soberness for the unprecedented shedding of innocent blood in our nation and to pray to God for his quick intervention in our situation so that normalcy might return. We pray that evil will not overcome us in Nigeria and that Nigeria shall overcome all her challenges in Jesus’ name.
Thank You.

Signed
Daramola Bade Joseph, Esq.
CAN National Secretary.
23 May, 2021.

NCPC BOSS STRESSES THE NEED FOR THE MEDIA TO PROMOTE PEACE IN THEIR REPORTAGE

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The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission NCPC, Rev Yakubu Pam has stressed the need for the Media to promote Peace in their reportage.
He disclosed this on Sunday, 23rd June ,2021 in Jos during a Thanksgiving Service organised by the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Plateau State chapter, held at the Church of Christ In Nations, COCIN, Wholshe, Jos.
The NCPC Chief Executive who was the guest preacher at the thanksgiving service affirmed that the country was facing different threats to peace such as insecurity, kidnapping and all form of criminalities.He added that the issue of agitations by various ethnic nationalities, sensational headlines by the media, hate speeches and unguided reports in the social Media are all threats to the peace of the nation.
The Executive Secretary preached on ” the role of the Media and peace building: the Biblical perspective”
The guest speaker likened the role of a preacher of the gospel with that of a Journalist as both are enjoined to preach peace in their service to God and humanity.
The NCPC boss took his Biblical references from Isaiah Chapter 52 verse7, Psalm 68 verse11, Songs of Solomon, Chapter 2 verse 8, Mark Chapter 13 verse10, Romans chapter 10 verse 15 and Ephesians Chapter 6 verse16. The Lord spoke variously on the importance of publishing and preaching peace through what we say as preachers and what we write as Journalists.
He frowned at the way and manner the social media operates which goes against the ethics of Journalism practice.
Rev Pam commended the Media in Plateau State for their professionalism and balanced analytical reportage. He gave them a thump up for doing well .
He admonished the Journalists to be careful of what they report and the religious leaders too should be careful of what they preach.
He cautioned that we are in a perilous time and should be circumspect not to use our callings to disrupt peace in the society .
In his charge,the COCIN President, Rev. Dr.Dachollom Datiri, represented by the Deputy General Secretary of COCIN, Rev. Dauda Jimra said journalism is a sure weapon to change the world. He enjoined them not to be silent at a time like this .
According to him,” Be the Esther of our time and use your profession to change the world”.He further stated, ” be strong and be courageous even at the point of death” .
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Correspondent Chapel, NUJ Plateau State, Mr Gyang Bere, thanked God for his mercies and faithfulness in the lives of the members of the Chapel.
He explained that they had to thank God for the lives of nine of their late colleagues who died in auto crash in 2005 in the line of duty and the lives of their colleagues who survived the fatal accident.
He said the Chapel under his leadership was inaugurated in July last year, but has been able to make an indelible mark within one year of service.
The highlight of the thanksgiving service was the dedication of a brand new car for the Correspondents’ Chapel which the NCPC boss , Rev Yakubu Pam prayed for the car .
It would be recalled that the Correspondent Chapel officially commenced their Programme on 20th May in Jos with a maiden training workshop for their members titled,” the role of ICT in promoting peace Journalism in Nigeria”.
The workshop was chaired by the Hon Commissioner for local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Plateau State, Mr Sylvanus Tapgun.

NCPC MEDIA and Public Relations

NCPC BOSS ASSURES STAKEHOLDERS OF A HITCH FREE 2020 PILGRIMAGE EXERCISE

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The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC Rev Yakubu Pam has assured the states Pilgrimage Leaders and Managers of a hitch free 2020 Pilgrimage exercise to Jordan.
He made this known recently in Abuja during a meeting with the Conference of States, comprising states Chairmen and Secretaries of the states Pilgrims Welfare Boards, and FCT.
According to the NCPC Chief Executive,” the Commission was working round the clock to ensure a smooth airlift of intending Pilgrims to Jordan “
He explained that the official commencement of the Pilgrimage exercise was earlier scheduled for 29th May in Jos, but he said that the date would no longer be feasible due to operational reasons. However, he was optimistic that the flag off would take place in early June.
He urged them to join forces with the Commission to ensure that the planned Pilgrimage to Jordan is realised. He further admonished them to shun anything that would jeopardise the chances of executing the Pilgrimage programme to Jordan.
In his remarks at the meeting, the NCPC Director of Operations, Rev Amos Yohanna, hinted that each intending Pilgrim was expected to undergo three levels of COVID 19 tests forty eight hours before departure. He further explained that two of the tests would be done in Nigeria and one on arrival at the Amman International Airport, Jordan.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Conference of States, Rev Isaiah Magaji, said they were prepared for the journey to the Kingdom of Jordan.He assured Rev Yakubu Pam of their unalloyed support and cooperation.

NCPC MEDIA and Public Relations