The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Diaspora support for Tinubu

    Diaspora support for Tinubu

    Representatives of Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora have said Nigerians,  home and abroad, should support Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in February 25 presidential election.

    They spoke at a meeting in  Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

    Throwing the floor open, the moderator, Mr Femi Odere, noted that there has not been a time as this with a call for participations by Nigerians in Diaspora.

    “This gathering is to enable Nigerians in Diaspora air their views on why they are supporting All Progressive Congress (APC), presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and to tell the world what they are bringing to the table,” he said.

    Convener of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Movement (ABAT), Akogun Banji Ojo, who is based in Holland said most members  have arrived the country ready for grassroots mobilisation.

     George Ogunjimi, a lawyer from the United Kingdom and the Bamofin of Ojo in Lagos, stressed some critical areas Asiwaju Tinubu will touch in his 100 days in office, if voted as president.

    He noted that Asiwaju will tackle security challenges and put the judiciary system and others in proper shape.

     ‘’Asiwaju is a builder who knows how to locate the right talent and put a round peg in a round hole. I can assure you in his first 100 days in office if voted in,  he will surprise Nigerians.”

    Prof Kayode Familoni, from United States, hoped if voted in, Asiwaju Tinubu would right all wrongs in the country.

    He said efforts would be in top gear in the first 100 days for a constitution review conference.

    Princess Omolabake Kosoko-King described the movement for actualasation of a Tinubu Presidency as beyond party affiliations.

    She revealed that she was a former core people’s democratic Party PDP chieftain untill Asiwaju clinched the ticket as the flagbearer for the ruling APC and since then she had not waiver in her campaign for Asiwaju. 

    Other speakers at the meeting stressed the need for an earnest door to door campaign and mobilisation for the actualasation of a Tinubu Presidency.

    In attendance at the interactive meeting are, Prince Yomi Adedo, Otunba Femi Soluade, princess fadekemi Fadojutimi, princess omolabake Kosoko, Prof Kayode familoni to mention but few.

  • Stakeholders seek play-based learning for children

    Stakeholders seek play-based learning for children

    Stakeholders in education have called for implementation of play-based learning for children to increase learning outcomes.

    They stressed that play-based learning in early childhood care and development (ECCD) is a teaching method that develops children’s social, cognitive and emotional skills and ability to develop relationships with their peers.

    Speaking in Abuja at a dialogue organised by Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), under Ford Foundation Build Programme, Executive Director of dRPC, Dr. Judith-Ann Walker, said: “At national and sub-national level, are we giving enough attention to play for children?

    ‘’In practical terms, we know children play at home, and many of us are satisfied with that. But we also know the school environment is one we want the children to engage in because play is a mechanism for learning, development and psycho-social exploration and creativity.

    “Our research show that academic materials and research reports do not give attention to ECCD on education. If you do a search, it will be difficult to find studies and articles on ECCD. We also did analysis of 2021, 2022 and 2023 budget to bring up the component of funding allocated to ECCD…”

    Director of Basic Education at Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Folake Olatunji-David, said: “… the ministry has supported and encouraged teachers capacity building by development of facilitators guide and participants manual with focus on Reggio Emilia and other child centred approaches, improved curriculum, mentoring and support programmes.”

    “The ministry is working with states and local governments to ensure increased efficiency and equity in the use of State Universal Basic Education Board funds to cater for proactive teacher training programmes, implement ‘Every Child Counts’ STEAM Curriculum and update minimum standards for education outcomes.”

  • Vote competent leaders, says body

    Vote competent leaders, says body

    National Vice President of Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), Florence Agogo, has urged youths to vote competent and visionary leaders.

    Agogo spoke during a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) outreach, organised for young people.

    She said the project would promote participation in electoral process and nation building.

    The student leader noted that the PVC is the major weapon with which the people can fight the crumbling system by voting and ushering in good governance.

    She called on young people to build on their strength, population, and wit to decide the future of the country, stressing that this can only become a reality when they get their cards and vote.

    She said their vote is their power and right to have a say in governance.

  • ABU, 9mobile rekindle partnership

    ABU, 9mobile rekindle partnership

    Nigeria’s telecoms service provider, 9mobile, has announced the renewal of its strategic partnership with the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

    This announcement was made during a recent visit of 9mobile’s leadership team to the institution.

    This partnership, established 10 years ago, has been revitalised to bring new and exciting opportunities to the institution and the learning community.

    The renewed partnership will leverage the strengths of the firm to provide the institution with world-class virtual learning tools and products, internships for students of the Master’s programme instituted in 2013, and sabbatical leave opportunities for lecturers, among other initiatives. The telco will also upgrade the existing Telecoms Engineering laboratory it previously installed to offer students and lecturers the highest level of support and improve the capacity of the department to deliver quality teaching.

    Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile, Juergen Peschel who led the team, said: “We are excited at rekindling our partnership with this great institution of learning. This partnership, which was established a decade ago, is part of our corporate social responsibility which is aimed at bridging the shortage of highly skilled local manpower in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry following identified knowledge gaps. We are eager to work with the leadership of ABU once again, and we believe this renewed partnership will bring exciting new opportunities for the institution.’’

    The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Ahmed Ibrahim, said: “We appreciate the collaboration and partnership with 9mobile over the years because it has strengthened the capacity of the Telecommunications Engineering department of the institution to manage the fast-changing technology age. The teleco laboratory established by 9mobile in 2013 serves internal stakeholders and enables external institutions to carry out industry research. We believe this renewed partnership will create more opportunities for our students and 9mobile”.

    The company funded four ABU lecturers to obtain their Ph.D in Communication Engineering from the Plymouth University, United Kingdom and more than 30 Master’s students.

  • 200 UNIPORT students get scholarships

    200 UNIPORT students get scholarships

    No fewer than 200 students of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) have received four-year scholarship to enable them to accomplish their academic goals.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewil, urged them to make the best use of the opportunity.

    The scholarship was courtesy of the Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Gardens Limited, Dr Richard Nyong.

    At the scholarship presentation,  Prof. Georgewil said: “On behalf of the Senate, management, academic and non-academic staff, parents, and entire students of UNIPORT, I would like to express our profound appreciation to Dr Nyong, our illustrious alumnus, whom we are very proud of, for this gesture of full four-year scholarship award to 200 students to empower them to accomplish their academic goals.”

    The VC called on other well-meaning alumni to emulate Nyong in giving back to their alma mater.

    Nyong said the scholarship was in line with his philosophy that everyone has a role to play in building society and deserves a chance to have access to education to the university level.

    He explained that he announced the scholarship two years ago as part of activities marking his 40th birthday, but that the implementation was stalled by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and the long ASUU strike.

    He applauded the beneficiaries for working so hard to earn the scholarships and urged them to be law-abiding and continue to work harder as good ambassadors of the great citadel of learning. 

    Nyong disclosed that he was also a beneficiary of a scholarship grant by Mobil Nigeria Limited during his time as a UNIPORT student, adding that his academic pursuit would not have been easy without the scholarship.

    “It is because I have walked the path that you are walking that I can confidently but with profound humility state that I know where the shoe pinches.

    “I dare say that without the Mobil Scholarship, it would have been nearly impossible to complete my education at the university because that scholarship made a difference for me. Some people at the time had to drop out due to lack of financial  support,” he said.

  • Nigeria must focus on security, agric, says Akinyemi

    Nigeria must focus on security, agric, says Akinyemi

    By Emmanuel Ochayi LASU

    A former foreign affairs minister, Prof.  Bolaji Akinyemi, has  said the country needs to focus on the security and the agricultural sector to be able to overcome the global crisis caused by the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war.

    Akinyemi stated  this while delivering a lecture entitled:  “Competing narratives on the Russian-Ukraine war” at the Second Distinguished Lecture Series, organised by the Department of History and International Studies, Lagos State University(LASU) in Ojo.

    The former minister noted that  the Russian-Ukraine war was  a threat to the world and it  was imperative to focus on security and agriculture to be able to withstand the wave.

    He said: “The first thing Nigeria needs to start doing actually is re-evaluating her  strong domestic preparedness. We have got to focus on  security because the combatants are leaving Europe and they are coming to Africa. This is part of why we are having this mobilisation in the Sahel. So you have to  secure the entire country.

     Secondly, is agricultural production; Nigeria needs to increase agricultural products and warehouse them, because, a hungry nation is an angry nation.”

    Akinyemi, who stressed the need to adequately fund security agencies, urged youths to fight for what they want in the forthcoming election.

    He said the incoming president should be prepared to work hard upon assumption of office.

  • Of unfulfilled promises, 2023 polls

    Of unfulfilled promises, 2023 polls

    By Emmanuel Ohore

    Rewind to 2015, do you still remember the billboard along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway with the picture of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the inscription “N5,000 for every unemployed youth”?

    What about the one at Ore-Benin Road (“One meal per day”). These and more were the promises we got then.

    Can we ever forget when this government was raining promises like Manna from heaven? Promises to provide security, but what we have seen and experienced is that thousands of students have been kidnapped in broad daylight in schools year in and year out with no solution.

    Do you still remember  that if Nigerians elected Buhari, N1  would be equal to $1?

    Seven years later, we are still where we were. Flash back to 2014 at the Moshood Abiola Hostel in Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, where one spaghetti costs N100, but today it costs N600. I wonder who we offended; we clamoured for “change,” but this change has gone awry. Everything has possibly gone wrong. The only people who see nothing wrong with this administration are those in Aso-Rock, those whose children have not been kidnapped in schools.

    How everyday you wake up in the north ready to be kidnapped or killed while in the southeast, it’s best you go around with your ransom in case you meet the ‘bigger boys’. How can we explain terrorists attacking military bases and even prisons?

    How the National Association of Nigerian Students became slaves to its slave masters is still a misery.

    An association that has derailed from fighting for the interests of Nigerian students and is now running after rich politicians. Another opportunity is around the corner, and according to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),  the 2023 general election will have 93,469,008 voters, out of which students constitute the largest category with 26,027,481 (27.8 per cent), which is an indication that the student community will have a  say in this coming election.

    When you go cast your vote on   February 25, 2023, remember that 133 million people in Nigeria live in poverty. Remember that there are close to 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria. Remember that in the last seven years, the number of kidnapped students has become worrisome. Never forget the number of months that were spent at home due to the ASUU strike. Never forget that they promised students loans, but all we have seen is a continuous hike in tuition fees.Never forget the total number of Nigerian students leaving to study abroad, all because of poor  education system.

    Our N77trillion debt and the number of people in the IDP camps, who have become refugees in their own land after being displaced by bandits, have become worrisome.  It is disheartening that  unemployment  jumped from 14.4 per cent in 2015 to 33 per cent in 2022. We don’t need any prophet to tell us where we are headed while they keep on borrowing to fund our national budget. Could you imagine the heavy money spent on political campaigns across the country?

    The time bomb we are playing with knows no religion or tribe and it will consume all of us if we don’t vote wisely this time around.

    Students and youths must know that the  country comes before any party and we  must get it right now.We must not sell our votes, we must stand by it and defend it.

    • Ohore writes from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

  • Wanted: More action on pupils’ safety in schools

    Wanted: More action on pupils’ safety in schools

    Despite the implementation of Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Programme in schools, there is a need for more action to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils. DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports.

    With the dust yet to settle on the death of 12-year-old Whitney Adeniran, there are growing concerns on how schools can strengthen safety and security measures while ensuring the well-being of wards in their custody.

    The case of Chidera Eze, a five-year-old pupil of the Redeemers Nursery and Primary School, Ogba, Lagos State, who drowned last year during a swimming lesson organised by the school in Ikeja, attracted public outcry.Therefore, private schools have been urged by stakeholders to address their laxity on safety of pupils whether in school environment or not.

    Whitney’s death and controversy

    Adeniran had died during the school’s inter-house sports at Agege Stadium, Lagos State, last Thursday.  In reaction, her father, Michael Adeniran, took to the social media on Saturday night calling for a probe into the death of his daughter. He also demanded justice from the Lagos State government and the police.

    He sought an explanation from the school on what actually happened. Adeniran stated that his daughter had no health issue  when the school bus picked her up for the event.

    However, the school noted that the slain pupil slumped in “public view and not under any hidden circumstances”. Thus, she was taken to “the nearest medical facility) where the doctor on duty administered oxygen and every aid possible on her”.

    “… On January 20, 2023, it is in our records that she had complained about a not-too-buoyant health and we immediately contacted her parents.

    “Her father came to the school to take her home. We emphasised to her parents to take a critical look at her,” it said in a statement.

    While the school said Adeniran “slumped in public view”, her father alleged that she was electrocuted.

    He told BBC Pidgin on Sunday that he learnt from her classmates at Chrisland School that his daughter was electrocuted.

    The deceased’s father alleged that his daughter “died from naked wire from one cotton candy vendor machine after she touched it and she was electrocuted immediately she leaned on it”.

    “I have documented evidence that my child died from electrocution and it was not cardiac arrest.

    “She was hale and hearty; she was not sick. And let me state it clearly, by the time I saw her corpse, her lips and tongue had already turned black,” he said.

    School closure and coroner inquest

    Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government had ordered temporary closure of the school pending the outcome of a full investigation into the incident. It also ordered a coroner’s inquest to ascertain the cause of her death, adding that findings of the investigation will be made public in due time and those found culpable would seriously be sanctioned.

    Effective child protection programme in schools crucial

    But beyond the raging controversy, stakeholders want schools, especially private schools to stop paying lip service to the well-being of their wards and ensure effective implementation of the Safeguarding and Child Protection Programme in schools.

    Last year, the Lagos State Government, under the auspices of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency and the Office of Education Quality Assurance, began the implementation of the Safeguarding and Child Protection Programme in schools.

    The sensitisation programme was intended to educate principals, heads of schools and school administrators on the Safeguarding and Child Protection policy of the state government.

    The Executive Secretary of Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, stressed the need for child-centred institutions to adopt and ensure full implementation of the Safeguarding and Child Protection policy.

    For the Director-General, Education Quality Assurance, Mrs. Abiola Seriki-Ayeni, it is imperative for schools to recognise the role they play in ensuring the wellbeing and safety of children, since they are in school for longer periods of the day.

    She urged participants to take advantage of the free online course: “Introduction of Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy”.

    The Executive Order on Safeguarding and Child Protection programme underscores measures schools should take in ensuring the safety of their wards – some of which include safer recruitment procedures, adopting a safeguarding policy, having a designated safeguarding officer and establishing reporting, recording and feedback mechanisms.

    CPN, CSA, NAPTAN seek more action on pupils’ safety

    Coordinator, Child Protection Network, Lagos State Chapter, Mrs. Ronke Oyelakin, has called on Lagos State Ministry of Education and other relevant stakeholders to review sporting activities in schools.

    She also called for a ban on inter-house sports until the review is done.

    The CPN coordinator said the purpose of this review is to provide up to date information for health professionals on how to proceed in an emergency situation associated with the sudden cardiac arrest of children athletes.

    Oyelakin, who condoled with the deceased’s family, sought the intervention of the Lagos State Government as well as security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure justice is served.

    She said: “Meanwhile, sports participation is not without risks, and consequently, the development of safe conditions for our children should be a major task for every school participating in inter-house sports.

    “The primary responsibility for safeguarding children and young people rests with their parents and carers. So, if the child is in school, the sole responsibility is the schools and must be accountable if anything goes wrong. Every institution must have a clear and duly followed safety management systems, which include a safety plan, training and induction, monitoring, supervision and reporting.

    “Here is a call to the Lagos State Ministry of Education and other relevant stakeholders to review sporting activities in schools. The purpose of this review is to provide for health professionals and people with updated information, based on  guidelines, of how to proceed in an emergency situation associated with the sudden Cardiac Arrest (CA) of children athletes. Child safety is highly important for any career or institution.

    “This should be investigated as well that Chrisland School held such an event without a fully equipped ambulance, paramedics, medical personnel or safety corps, except a school nurse.”

    Coordinator, Commonwealth Students Association, Miss Precious Ebere, said: “Any educational institution’s primary concern should be to ensure the safety and security of every child, and it is critical that the school takes prompt action to avoid similar tragedies from occurring again.

    “There are actionable steps both public and private schools can take to improve their wards’safety and security, and advance the Sustainable Development Goal 4. Private schools should conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and risks to pupils, staff, and visitors. This will help the school to put in place appropriate measures to mitigate these risks. Schools should have a system in place for monitoring the health of their pupils, including regular check-ups and screening for any underlying medical conditions.

    “They should provide training to staff on emergency response procedures, including first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and evacuation procedures. This will ensure that staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency.

    “The schools should develop and implement safety policies that cover all aspects of their operations, including transportation, sports and recreational activities, and school trips. These policies should be communicated clearly to staff, pupils, and parents to ensure that everyone is aware of the school’s safety procedures.

    “They should foster a culture of safety by promoting awareness of safety issues and encouraging pupils to report any safety concerns to staff. This will help to create an environment where safety is taken seriously, and everyone works together to ensure that pupils are safe and secure.

    “Parents should be involved in the safety and security of their pupils. This could include regular communication about safety measures, as well as opportunities for parents to provide feedback and suggestions.

    “By implementing these measures, private schools can deepen the safety and security of their wards and provide a safe and nurturing environment for pupils to learn and grow.

    “In my capacity, I would work with private schools to promote best practices for safety and security, including regular training for staff and the development and implementation of comprehensive safety policies.”

    Deputy National President of Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Chief Adeolu Ogunbanjo said: “What happened in Chrisland is condemnable, and we should never tolerate such carelessness. It is good that Lagos has closed the school pending the conclusion of investigation. The state should ensure that if this recurs, any erring school should be permanently shut down and licence withdrawn.The state government should ensure there are supervisors anytime a school wants to organise activities. Justice should be served to the parents of the deceased.Then there should be adequate supervision of pupils when they are outside school for various activities.”

  • Buhari’s broadcast contempt of court, says SAN

    Buhari’s broadcast contempt of court, says SAN

    President President Muhammadu Buhari is in contempt of the Supreme Court following his national broadcast Thursday morning on the new naira notes design policy, activist-lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, has said.

    Adegboruwa said by purporting to vary the apex court’s order that all the old notes should continue to be legal tender, the President committed “executive rascality.”

    The Senior Advocate of Nigeria slammed Buhari for attempting to “overrule the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

    Last Wednesday, the Supreme Court, in a case filed by Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states, barred the Federal Government, acting through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or any other agent, from enforcing the February 10 deadline for the use of old naira notes.

    In a unanimous ruling by a seven-member panel, led by Justice John Okoro, it held that the “interim injunction” will subsist “pending the hearing and determination of the plaintiffs/applicants’ motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.”

    On Wednesday, the court said its February 8 order barring the Federal Government and its agencies from enforcing the February 10 deadline for the use of old 200, 500 and 1000 naira notes subsists.

    But, despite touting his administration’s “respect” for the rule of law and admitting in his speech that “the subject matter is before the courts and some pronouncements have been made”, the President still disregarded the apex court’s order in part.

    He said: “To further ease the supply pressures particularly to our citizens, I have given approval to the CBN that the old N200 bank notes be released back into circulation and that it should also be allowed to circulate as legal tender with the new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes for 60 days from February 10, 2023 to April 10 2023 when the old N200 notes ceases to be legal tender.”

    Faulting him, Adegboruwa said: “The President cannot overrule the Supreme Court of Nigeria. There is separation of powers in a democracy.

    “Under section 235 of the 1999 Constitution, the Supreme Court is the final authority in legal pronouncements in Nigeria.

    “Under section 287(1) of the Constitution, the President is statutorily obliged to obey, enforce and give effect to the decision of the Supreme Court.”

    Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution reads: “(1) The decisions of the Supreme court shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by courts with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the supreme Court.”

    The senior lawyer said the President’s broadcast “is sad for our democracy. Since he already admitted that the matter is subjudice, the President should not have proceeded to vary the order of the Supreme Court.

    “The President and indeed the executive should not give the impression that citizens can brazenly disregard lawful orders of any court, as that will only encourage anarchy and lawlessness.

    “It amounts to executive rascality and brazen disregard and contempt of the Supreme Court, for the President to separate the denomination of the old notes for legality. It is not open to the President to choose which portion of the order of the Supreme Court that will be obeyed.”

    Adegboruwa advised him to retrace his steps.

    “The President should reverse his directive and add the N500 and N1000 old notes, failing which the Supreme Court should overrule the directive of the President on February 22 when the case comes up,” he added

  • Vanuatu appoints first trade commissioner to Nigeria

    Vanuatu appoints first trade commissioner to Nigeria

    The Republic of Vanuatu has appointed Rita Oyoku as its first trade commissioner to Nigeria.

    The trade commissioner is responsible for the development and promotion of trade and investment opportunities between Vanuatu and Nigeria.

    The trade commissioner will further explore opportunities for establishing a strong bilateral economic relationship between the two countries.

    Oyoku is an entrepreneur who is committed to using her wealth of experience to grow businesses through several investment portfolios.

    She is enthusiastic towards encouraging new investment options.

    “It’s a great honour to be appointed the trade commissioner to represent the Vanuatu government in Nigeria.

    “I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to foster economic and trade relations between Nigeria and Vanuatu. I am prepared to represent the Republic of Vanuatu for the promotion of trade and investment between the two countries.

    “As the trade commissioner, I am committed to building a solid trade relationship between Vanuatu and Nigeria,” she said.