NITDA COLLABORATES WITH THE FEDERAL COMPETITION AND CONSUMER COMMISSION (FCCPC) TO TACKLE DATA ABUSE BY MONEY LENDING OPERATIONS

By
Social Plus Africa
-
0

PRESS RELEASE

11TH NOVEMBER  2021

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in continuation of its efforts to address the alarming rates of data privacy abuse by money lending operators, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

Section 17(a) of the FCCPA, 2019 empowers the Commission to administer and enforce provisions of every Nigerian law with respect to competition and protection of consumers. NITDA has therefore found the FCCPC as a key stakeholder in its efforts to rein in the activities of some micro-money lenders who have formed a penchant for abuse of personal data of Nigerians. These operators execute this by abusing their personal data, breaching their privacy and sharing it with others who are not part of the initial contract.

The Agency has received over 40 petitions from members of the public on the personal data abuse of some lending companies. Our investigation led to the imposition of Ten million naira (N10,000,000) fine and other administrative sanctions on Soko Lending Company.

As an Agency focused on using its mandate to empower Nigerians and make them active players in the digital economy, NITDA is very concerned about the worrisome effect the nefarious activities of the money lending companies is having on families, friends, and the society at large. Some of the complainants had contemplated suicide, indicating that government needed to do more to protect vulnerable Nigerians.

The partnership with FCCPC will lead to a more robust and concerted regulatory approach which we believe would ensure that Nigerians get necessary reprieve from the illegal use of their personal data for money lending operations. The partnership would entail joint investigations, enforcement and possible prosecution.

We therefore use this medium to inform all money lending operators and other data controllers and processors that NITDA is set to enforce the privacy right of Nigerians in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR)2019. Controllers and Processors who seek guidance on Compliance with the NDPR should contact NITDA licensed Data Protection Compliance Organizations (DPCO).

Mrs. Hadiza Umar, mcipr, m.apra, mcipr

Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations,

NITDA

DIGITAL ECONOMY: COLLABORATION AMONGST STAKEHOLDERS ACCOUNTS FOR UNPRECEDENTED ACHIEVEMENTS-DG NITDA

By
Social Plus Africa
-
0

The existence of shared vision, partnership and collaboration amongst the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, its parastatals and the sector’s stakeholders have been identified as one of the reasons for the unprecedented 17.09 percent contribution of the digital economy sector to the Gross Domestic product of the second quarter of 2021.

The Director General, National Information technology Development Agency, MallamKashifuInuwa, CCIE disclosed this in a paper titled “The Nigerian Digital Architecture: The Journey So Far.” The paper was presented at the World Fintech Festival, 2021. An event jointly hosted by Nigeria and Singapore.

Inuwa who was represented at the event by the Agency’s Director of e-Government Development and Regulations, Dr Vincent Olatunji, stated that the way forward for Nigeria in attaining vintage position in the global digital economy remains in the country’s resolve to public private partnership initiatives, funding, human capital, advocacy and continuity. 

He said, “The digital economy, from Nigeria’s perspectives revolves around the utilization of digital transformation, knowledge and technology to deliver goods and services, economy that drives on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, (4IR), convergence of all sets of digital innovation that drives social economic development and economic output created from digital technologies and innovations.”

According to the DG, the redesignation of the Federal Ministry to Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and the launch of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, (NDEPS) were responsible for the paradigm shift in Nigeria’s digital economy adding that NDEPS was developed to reposition the Nigerian Economy in order to take advantage of the many opportunities that digital technologies provide.

He said that the eight pillars of NDEPS align well with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the Federal Government and address the three key focus areas of Mr. President, namely economic development, anti-corruption and security noting that the various policies and strategies put in place by the ministry and being executed by its parastatals laid the foundation for the success recorded so far.

While listing Nigeria’s achievementsthrough the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, he said the Nigeria DataProtection Regulation initiative has impacted the Ease of Doing Business, cross border data flow, creation of over 3000 jobs, international recognition, creation of a new sector worth N5.2 billion and protection of Nigerian against digital colonialism.

On IT project clearance, he said the initiative has saved the country over N30 billion and reduction in IT project failurein the country while under the Digital Literacy and Skillprogramme, over 20,000 Nigerians have been trained and 250,000 enrolled in both NITDA Academy and Digital Nigeria dot gov dot ng platform.

He concluded that “digital economy continues to play an important role in our developmental agenda as we move into the age of artificial intelligence.”

FG HANDS OVER 195,000 UTENSILS TO NASARAWA STATE

By
Social Plus Africa
-
0

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development have handed over feeding utensils to the Nasarawa State Government to enable them carry on with the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP).

The National Home Grown School Feeding Program is one of the four key interventions of the Federal Government, under the National Social Investment Program which is aimed at boosting school enrolment, nutrition and local economic activities across communities in Nigeria. It is also aimed at impacting the lives and livelihood of individuals, groups, communities and addressing issues of malnutrition and poverty.

The School Feeding Program is a collaboration between the Federal and State Government  where the FG is responsible for the release of funds, guidelines, policies and monitoring while the State carry out the day to day implementation which includes procurement of food items, selection of cooks and vendors who prepare and serve the meals to pupils.

According to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadia Umar Farouk, over nine million pupils are currently benefiting from the program with over 100,000 cooks tasked with the responsibility of preparing this meals for them. She adds that the Federal Government is working on adding 5 million pupils to the program.

She further stated that the ministry is working tirelessly to ensure that quality of meal is improved, capacity Development of all actors In the value chain, Development of Evidence Based Policy Frameworks to guide implementation, build strategic partnerships, support School Health Nutrrition, Data Upgrade and Management as well as Improved Monitoring and Evaluation Systems.

The Minister added that Extensive layered and technology supported monitoring system that will give real time information of how the program is been implemented and areas that need urgent intervention and correction have been deployed . She however assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to continue to improve Service delivery on all its Social Interventions programs.

On his part, the Executive Governor of Nassarawa State,  Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule who was represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Hon Murtala Lamus thanked the Federal Government for her support to the State’s School Feeding Program.

He  said, the school feeding program started in Nasarawa State in the year 2019 with a total number of 1,200 cooks  and 86,329 pupils, the number have now increased to  2,768 cooks  and 194,649 pupils currently benefitting from the program.

 He says the State is committed towards ensuring continuous sensitization of individuals and communities through the various structures on the importance of the program and the need to safeguard it from all forms of corrupt practices by those who have been entrusted the responsibility of preparing the meals, supply the food items  and coordinate the activities.

The Governor therefore commends efforts of the Minister of Humanitarin Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development for her efforts in rebranding and face lifting the NSIP to a world class mode of social security.

It is the hope of all that the Nasarawa State Government will utilize all that have been provided by the Federal Government for the right reasons.

A LOT OF PASTORS LISTEN TO US BECAUSE OF THE CREDIBILITY OF OUR PLATFORM – NCPC BOSS

By
Social Plus Africa
-
0

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Yakubu Pam has said that a lot of pastors listen and wish to partner with the Commission because of the credibility of NCPC as a veritable platform for uniting the church in Nigeria.
The NCPC helmsman made this disclosure recently in Abuja while playing host to the President of California Congressional Black Caucus Delegation, United States of America, Amb.Dr. Zyra McCloud in his office .


Rev Pam intimated his guests that the Commission is saddled with the sole responsibility of organising and coordinating Christian Pilgrimage activities to the Holy Land of Israel, Jordan, Greece and Rome. He added that NCPC is the only apex Christian faith based Agency that has direct link with the Presidency and also interfaces strongly with the church.
He stated that because of his peace building initiatives in Plateau State over the years, Mr President gave him additional responsibility of peace building to his job description as the Executive Secretary of NCPC.


Rev Pam reiterated that his peace interventions in some part Nigeria such as the Southern Kaduna, Plateau State, Taraba state,Benue State amongst others had yielded positive results.
He described Ambassador McCloud as a woman with one vision which had endured for about three decades. He stressed that vision is the root of everything. He further added,”we are grateful that you have been consistent all these years”. In his words,” we welcome this kind of vision to work with because we have a platform”. He further stressed,” you will be part of those whom history will be remembered in the recovering process of Nigeria”.
The NCPC boss described the project of the International Association of the African American Ambassadors to the Continent of Africa and the Middle East as one that would impact on the lives of Nigerians. He assured them that the Commission would collaborate with them to bring their vision to fruition in Nigeria.


Earlier, the head of delegation and President of the California Congressional Black Caucus Delegation, USA, Amb.Dr Zyra McCloud thanked the NCPC boss for receiving them at short notice.She described Rev Pam as a man of peace who is committed to humanity.
She informed his host that her organisation would sponsor thousands of indigent school pupils in all Public schools in Nigeria, starting with the FCT.


She explained that aside the sponsorship of indigent school pupils, her organisation would collaborate with NCPC in the area of women empowerment and self sustainability programme.
The high powered delegation was made up of Californian Americans, as well as Nigerian partners.
NCPC PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

NCPC THANK GOD FOR A SUCCESSFUL PILGRIMAGE TO JORDAN.

By
Social Plus Africa
-
0

It is customary for the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC to go for thanksgiving at the end of every year after a successful pilgrimage to the Holy Land to return all glory to God and thank Him for His mercies and guidance.

The thanksgiving service is usually rotated among different Christian denominations.

For this year, the thanksgiving service was held at Living Faith Church, Goshen, Nassarawa State and the event was graced by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, staff of the NCPC, cleric from different denominations and other members of the public gathered to sing and dance to the glory of God.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam, the thanksgiving service as a source of strength for members of the commission to  become more efficient and renewed to carry on the duties of working towards giving pilgrims a quality and memorable experience.

He then thanked God for a successful pilgrimage to the Holy City of Jordan. He appreciated and congratulated technical crew and all those from his commission that took part in the planning and ensuring that the 2021 Pilgrimage to Jordan was a huge success. He also charged Christians to remain steadfast in their service to God adding that, the pilgrimage is an important aspect of Christian life as it helps in strengthening ones Christian faith.

NSIP: FG, stakeholders review feasibility of N70 per child school feeding program

By
Social Plus Africa
-
0

In view of the rising cost of living, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has organised a two-day workshop with stakeholders and industry experts to review cost of feeding per child in the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP).

The workshop, held in Abuja Wednesday, was aimed at reflecting the current economic realities in the country, which has reportedly affected the implementation of the NHGSFP in states across the nation.

The stakeholders, drawn from across the country, were tasked to deliberate on the present N70 cost of meal per pupil, make appropriate recommendations on the possible cost of meal per child then suggest possible alternative sources for funding.

Addressing journalists at the workshop, Head of Catering, Federal Ministry of Education, Katrina Adamu, said that the workshop is aimed at sustaining the gains of the school feeding programme and improving on lapses observed in the implementation.

She said: “We are still on it. We’ve not finished, but as I have seen, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We have not really gotten it right. We are still working to actualize the dream for the indigent children in this country to enjoy.

“The food shared in the school feeding programme attracts children to school and encourages high school attendance. As there is food waiting for the children whenever they come to school, they will always be excited to go there. What we are doing now is to try to see if they get the right food and the right temperature to help the children nutritionally in growing up and take them off the street.

“The program is aimed at helping the parents too at home, who cannot afford feeding the children. So, it is a kind of relief. If the facilitators take our suggestions, they will get there. They need to involve the right people in the right places, so that this programme can stand the test of time.”

Other measures initiated by the ministry to scale up the NHGSFP is training of focal persons on recommended dietary requirements for creating menu, engagement of quality control officers to supervise and train cooks, revision of menu to reflect local availability, optimisation of food procurement budget against prices and value of all available food items, among others.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES THE COMMENCENT OF N-KNOWLEDGE PROGRAMME IN THE SIX GEO-POLITCAL ZONES

By
Social Plus Africa
-
0

 PRESS STATEMENT

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has announced the commencement of the N-Power, N-Knowledge programme in the six (6) geo-political including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

 She made the announcement through a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Bashir Nura Alkali . He said,” N-Knowledge is a component of the N-Power Programme focused on equipping young Nigerians with relevant skills and certification to become competent workers, innovators and entrepreneurs prepared for both the domestic and global digital job market. N-Power (N-Knowledge) programme will upskill 20,000 young Nigerians on the global radar as exporters of world- class services and content in the creative and information technology sectors”.

 The Permanent Secretary noted that the training component is targeted at developing competencies of the youth in software development and Hardware training which will be catalyzed to make Nigeria compete in the outsourcing market for software development.

According to him,“it will develop the skills and capacities along the skills set in the value chain of mobile apps and website development while boosting the talent development effort for the growth of information technology industry in Nigeria”.

“The programme consists of centralized in-camp training for 3 months with a 6-month apprenticeship across the 6 geo-political zones. A total of 20,000 beneficiaries will participate in the programme”.

 He added that at the end of the programme, qualified trainees would be awarded their certificates and attestations. The trainees will be introduced to different schedules that will definitely make them more informed and ready for the global competitions in the global market. This is significant because the trainees will be introduced to Life-Skills and attitude re-orientation, work ethics while rules of engagement are also exposed to them.

Bashir Nura Alkali, FCA,FCT I

Permanent Secretary

November 3, 2021

𝗚𝗬𝗕 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗡 𝗞𝗢𝗚𝗜 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘.

By
Social Plus Africa
-
0

𝘈𝘯𝘬𝘱𝘢, 28𝘵𝘩 𝘖𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘳, 2021

Kogi State’s 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗮𝗵𝗮𝘆𝗮 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼 has called for more mining partnerships and ventures in the state, declaring Kogi open for business.

The charge was made today at the ribbon cutting ceremony and commissioning of a block of classrooms constructed by Zuma 828 Coal Ltd, a coal mining company with sites in Okobo/Enjema communities, Ankpa LGA. The building was erected in partial fulfilment of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) duly signed by the company and its host communities.

In attendance were the Governor who was represented by the Chairman, Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), 𝗛𝗮𝗷𝗶𝘆𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘁 𝗢𝘇𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻, His Royal Highness, The Ejeh of Dekina, representatives of the State and Federal Ministries of Mines and Steel Development, as well as Education, respectively. Representatives of the company and the community also attended the event.

In her remarks, Hajiya Suleiman lauded the socially responsible company for fulfiling its binding contract with its host community. She recounted her committee’s initial encounter with both parties through a petition detailing the displeasure of the community over negligence by the company, and the eventual signing of a comprehensive CDA at the MIREMCO secretariat almost four years ago.

The Chairman expressed gladness at the peaceful relations that has existed between both parties since then, and the efforts by the company to fulfil its obligation as stipulated in the CDA. She also commended the community for their forthright manner in seeking redress through the appropriate channels rather than take matters in their own hands.

Hajiya Suleiman then charged other mining operators and their communities to emulate both parties. While calling for more operators to invest in the sector, she stated that the Government has created a safe, enabling environment for business to thrive, for the good of the companies and the state as a whole.

FG CHARGES NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS/CSO TO BUILD PARTNERSHIP TO ACHIEVE IT’S GOALS.

By
Social Plus Africa
-
0

The Federal Government has charged Civil Societies and Non – Governmental Òrganisations to build strong partnership and capacity to achieve their desired results in the protection of the rights of the vulnerable groups in the society.
The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq made this known during a one- day forum titled “Strengthening Civil Societies / Non- Governmental Organisations in the COVID-19 PANDEMIC”.
Represented by the Acting Director for Social Development Mansur Kulliya, she said that “issues concerning COVID-19 Pandemic cuts across the globe and are reflected in all socio-economic pursuit hence the need for strong partnerships and capacity building to achieve desired result in the protection of the Rights of the vulnerable groups in the Society. It is in realization of the above, that the FMHADMSD is strengthening alliance and Networks among NGOs and CSOs at all levels of Government.
According to her, ” NGOs has been playing vital role from the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the area of building Community resilience, supporting vulnerable Communities through food park distributions, supplying of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), among others. It is also a well-known fact that NGOs/CSOs have been playing a vital role in poverty eradication through collaboration and partnership with various MDAs and other development partners.
“The Ministry, in line with our mandate has developed various programmes aimed at improving socio- economic well-being of the vulnerable groups in Nigeria. According to Mr. President’s directive on National Social Investment Programme (N-SIP) which aimed at achieving macro-economic stability, it may interest you to know that the Ministry has been implementing many programmes on N-SIP which are also replicated at the National level. These programmes includes: National Home -Grown School feeding programme (NHGSFP) whose objective is to improve the enrolment of primary School Children and to stimulate local agricultural production and boost the Farmer income”.

“Therefore, there is need to ensure that these programmes, really touch the lives of people, particularly those at the grass-roots and Community levels. It is a common knowledge that Non-Governmental organizations when properly organized and coordinated are catalyst for contributing towards the achievement of the Ministry’s mandate. It is in recognition of the vital roles played by NGOs that the Ministry attached much importance on the need to build /strengthening their capacities for effective service delivery”.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Nwodo reiterated the need for participants to collaborate despite the challenges of hijackers of programme initiatives. She recommended that NGO’s should be sincere in their commitment to providing assistance to vulnerable members of the community.
She advised aspiring Non Governmental Organisations to look for consultants for training and writing proposals.
The second presenter Dr. Mai jama’a recommended that NGO’S, Community Based Organisations (CBOs) should work with people at the grassroots.
He recommended an organised reporting format for NGO’s at the grassroots.He added that they should be coordinated by an umbrella NGO at the National level via focal NGO, down the line.

Grace Osuji
Principal Information Officer
For: DD( Information)
20th October 2021

Nigeria should emulate Jordan on Christians, Muslims’ peaceful co-existence – Yabo    

By
Social Plus Africa
-
0

‘Jordan has many historical Holy Sites for Christians, Muslims’

Honourable Farouk Malami Yabo is the Nigerian Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In this interview with ADOYI M. ABA in Amman, the Jordanian capital, he speaks on the choice of Jordan for the 2020 Christian pilgrimage; efforts being made by the embassy to control Nigerians living in or coming into Jordan; success stories of Nigerians resident in the country, and how Nigeria can emulate the peaceful co-existence of Jordanians in solving security challenges, among other issues.
 
 
 
Choice of Jordan for pilgrimage
 
 
We all know the challenges that Covid-19 has posed all over the world since early 2020. The role of the embassy and our mission outside Nigeria is to facilitate collaborations, operations on a reciprocal or symbiotic basis. So, the Nigeria Christian Pilgrimage Commission (NCPC) contacted the mission in Jordan sometime in April, a few weeks before I arrived in the country, confirming that they were unable to do any operations in Israel last year due to the Covid-19 restrictions and this year was also going to be the same. So, they asked the embassy to contact the authorities in Jordan. The authorities in Jordan received their request and actually obliged a lot of support. Over 60 NCPC officials, including chairmen and secretaries from various chapters, visited Jordan to verify things and confirmed that Jordan has historical Holy Sites for Christians and Muslims. It was a resolution that the board and their state chapters reached after visiting Jordan.
 
The next thing on the part of the embassy was to make sure that the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Tourism of Jordan granted approval. So, we followed up and that approval was granted. Another exciting thing that took place was the first flight. All officials of the Jordan tourism ministry were at the airport for support and it was incredibly great and we collectively considered it a major milestone. This is the first leg of the major religious stories of coming to Jordan and I will actually commend the pragmatic and forward thinking leadership of Rev. Yakubu Pam, the executive secretary of NCPC. He has been consistent. I am sure he has a lot of challenges, but I am also sure that with what has happened and what is happening, he has comprehensively been vindicated. 
 
Again, what encourages us is that Jordan has opened their doors wholeheartedly and has been supporting pilgrims from the first flight to the fifth flight, where we are right now. We are very proud of the way our fellow citizens have conducted themselves. We have not recorded any case of abscondment, which is highly remarkable. Also, Nigerians coming to Jordan usually undertake Covid-19 test at the airport. We have confirmed to Jordan that Nigeria is a country that follows rules and regulations. People travelling in and out of Nigeria must observe full Covid-19 protocols. I think that is why the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that Nigeria is ranked No. 4 in terms of managing Covid-19, which is good for our nation. We did similar effort during the Ebola outbreak years back. We have always assured Jordan that our relationship has come a long way and this pilgrimage has fostered that even further. 
 
 
Assistance for NCPC
 
With the state-of-readiness visit conducted by NCPC officials, we got actively involved to make sure they were facilitated to visit all the Holy Sites for Christians and Muslims. The Baptism Site is here like so many other Sites; so, it is an excellent relationship. Before now, Jordan and Nigeria had always maintained a strong relationship. Our president visited in 2017 and 2019 and we have a strong cooperation on counter-terrorism through the Agabor Process. We also have the members of the National Institute for Policy for Strategic Studies (NIPSS) that visited and explored what Jordan is doing. Their theme for this year is Getting Things Done. They are quite pleased with what they have seen in Jordan. We also have senior military and Air Force officers, who also visited two weeks ago to forge further collaboration with Jordan. We are receiving a lot of Nigerians and we are very proud of the way Nigerians are conducting themselves and the way Jordan has been treating Nigerians are also quite commendable. 
 
Advice to pilgrims
 
It has been clearly mentioned by the board and the executive secretary of the NCPC that Jordan is not a replacement for Israel, but with what they have seen, with the Holy Sites they have discovered and with the peaceful coexistence and support we are all getting from the Jordanian authorities, we will make sure that even when Israel re-opens, Jordan will be imbedded in one of the options that will be explored.
 
 
On peaceful coexistence in Jordan
 
Muslims have the overwhelming majority here, up to 90 per cent, but they have existed peacefully with Christians for thousands of years. This is something we can borrow from Jordan. Another spectacular characteristic of Jordan is that they have been able to maintain peace and security despite the challenges of the neighbourhood where they live. They are surrounded by states with a penchant for hostilities. At one end, you have Syria, Iran, Palestine, and Lebanon, but they have been very receptive to refugees and the influx of refugees has been huge. They have been taking care of them and also maintaining their own internal security and that is the aspect that I mentioned about cooperation that Jordan and Nigeria have in the area of counter-terrorism. An excellent example is peaceful coexistence and tolerance, something that we have to deeply take further. 
 
This pilgrimage and the citizen diplomacy it has brought with it to a good number of Nigerians coming to Jordan, I think, will help the embassy to propagate how peaceful coexistence can be achieved even when you have a huge number of Muslims and a few number of Christians living together and they have exhibited this for centuries and that is what Nigeria is strictly lacking right now.
 
 
Admonition for service chiefs
 
Make no mistake about it; I have mentioned that there has been a very strong military cooperation between Nigeria and Jordan. I came here in April and did my presentation to His Majesty, King Abdullah II on the 9th of June. In one of the discussions we had, he harped on the strong military cooperation between Nigeria and Jordan. I think if we can deploy some of the strategies that Jordan has used in combating the threats of terrorism, which the federal government is doing very well, we should be able to surmount the current security challenges Nigeria is facing. However, we have to be excellent ambassadors of our country.
 
I always say that we over-amplify our internal issues unnecessarily to the glare of external attention. The nation and media should imbibe the spirit of promoting of positivity of their nations. That is why you are supposed to be active partners in the promotion of peace and development. Sometimes, I read newspapers here in Jordan and most of the negative stories are culled from the internet or local Nigerian papers or media houses. So, we have to find a way in re-defining our approach to our national image. It is very important. Every country has its challenges and nations with their media and the press always articulate what is good for their country. The good news is that Nigeria is an active democracy in the sense that we have freedom and that freedom has not been obstructed in any way as we still say whatever we like. However, in communicating with the rest of the world, we have to deploy some degree of responsibility in the way we sell our country. 
 
 
Nigerians in Jordan
 
We have a very good quality representation of Nigerians in Jordan. We have Nigerians working with international organisations at the top level here. We have someone who is the regional manager of UNICEF, head of risk management of the whole Middle East and North Africa. We have someone working with the International Red Cross, UNHR and so many of them. We have two pastors running their own churches. We also have an Imam of Nigerian descent who is a Jordanian and has been here in the last 75 years. He was actually born in Jerusalem in 1945, and has been in constant touch with the Nigerian embassy. We also have Jordanian investors who have major investments in Nigeria. We have a student community and Nigerians who are doing legitimate businesses in Jordan. We have less consular issues, to be honest. Our population is less than 500, and we have only four or five cases and the Embassy has been there to make sure that these people, regardless of being guilty or not, are given fair hearing. You can imagine other countries in other cities and the amount of consular cases.
So, we are really delighted with what we are seeing in Jordan. As a mission, we are here to make sure that Nigerians living in or coming to Jordan are treated with care, respect, and dignity. Part of the strategies I deployed when I arrived in April was to invite all the Nigerian communities that are living in Amman and outside Amman and met with them and through that we have been able to organise them. They have an interim leadership and Pastor Sam is the current interim leader of the Nigerian community. Dr. Ahmad is the interim leadership of the student community. In order to connect with Nigerians living here or coming here, I have been able to launch a mobile app for Nigerian embassy Jordan application on the day I did my presentation to His Majesty.  So, this mobile app can be accessed by those coming to Jordan or anybody who has anything to do with Jordan. 
 
In this mobile app, we have links to Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, all that Nigeria has to offer to the rest of the world. In addition to that, we also have a distress call button which enables Nigeria to reach us at any time. The embassy has deployed a desk officer who is saddled with the responsibility of handling some of these queries as they come. We also have navigation features attached to the mobile app. So, wherever you are in Jordan, it will navigate you to where the embassy is. We have also been receiving Nigerians; I hosted dinner for the residents. The president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. Samson Ayokunle, was on the first flight with senior special leaders from the Christian faith and they confirmed that Jordan has been very receptive to them. We believe that any nation that is receptive to people and pilgrims will continue to be blessed. We have to use the significance of this spiritual journey to collectively pray for our nation and its leaders. We have to pray for our nation so that we can collectively overcome our challenges. Nigeria will always be here; we have had worse challenges in the past, but I am positive that our nation and good leaders will take us to where we ought to be.
 

1...697071...81Page 70 of 81
© Copyrights 2023 Social Plus Africa. ISSN: 2992-3611. All Rights Reserved - Powered by SPACOM GROUP