The Nation Newspaper

Category: autopost

  • Renewing the hope of Nigerians

    Renewing the hope of Nigerians

    By Goodluck F.T. Uguoji

    SIR: Nigerians have not always been like this. They were once vibrant people given to conviviality. They were too trusting. If you promised them heaven, they took you for your words. They expected you would deliver heaven on their laps. Whoever said Nigerians are difficult to govern do not know Nigerians well. They are patient and are long-suffering. They know how to give leadership a chance. Since independence, Nigerians have had to listen to all comers and they gave the all comers all the chance they needed to move mountains. They were told to trust, they trusted. Support, they supported. Follow, they followed – often unthinking and unquestioning.

    What did they get? Their trust was abused, their innocence desecrated, their hopes and aspirations smashed and their vision of a greater tomorrow and a greater nation brutalized and bloodied.

    From the First Republic through 13 years of military rule to the Second Republic and then back to military rule, the aborted Third Republic and now the Fourth Republic, leadership either in agbada or in khaki made thundering promises. Nigerians listened to such promises patiently and willingly; they became adept listeners until their eardrums were shattered by the din of the broken promises. 

    Read Also: Kano: No deal with NNPP to compromise Supreme Court judgement, APC dispel rumour

    Today, they do not hear and they do not want to hear even if they listen. In any case, they do not want to believe. They believed before but where did it land them?

    For Nigerians, there is nothing on the horizon to indicate that the year 2024 we are waiting to usher in would be any different. Nigerians entered 2023 with trepidation. Nigerians in that frightful frame of mind were not ready for another round of promises but action. People seem to have lost all hope. Despair replaced optimism. They have not forgotten the horrors of the past eight years when their plights were not assuaged, and smiles were not enough. Their confidence has begun to wane dangerously and even the current president was forced to acknowledge this development and he promised to do something to regain their confidence.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a chance to penetrate and deliver the people from their abject conditions. He has a chance to do great things with the 2024 budget and go down as a great leader. Only good leadership and good governance can breed committed and highly patriotic citizens. More exhortations and symbols cannot do it. What will do it is a determined and deliberate effort on the part of the government.

    • Goodluck F.T. Uguoji, Akute, Ogun State

  • An avoidable crisis

    An avoidable crisis

    • Akeredolu bows to reason; finally hands over to deputy

    Thankfully, the crisis that nearly engulfed Ondo State has ended peacefully, with the parties allowing the provisions of the 1999 constitution (as amended), to prevail. The ill-health of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu deserves our sympathy and that of all well-meaning Nigerians. Indeed, his service to Ondo State and the country stands him as a statesman, who should be treated with respect and dignity for his contributions to national development.

    Until struck by ill-health, Governor Akeredolu was the leader of the Southwest Governors Forum.

    Before he was elected as a governor, he was a respected past president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). And before and after then, he was one of the finest legal minds that devoted his learning and capacity to progressive causes as a sterling champion of the rule of law and the dignity of the citizens. As governor, he has discharged his responsibilities with competence and candour. He spoke on national issues without fear or favour, and when the people he was elected to govern were threatened by retrogressive forces, he rallied his region to establish the Amotekun Security Corps.

    It would have been sad, if these achievements were sacrificed on the altar of holding on to power, at all cost. An aberration he fought against, as NBA president. In fairness to Governor Akeredolu, on other occasions that he travelled out of the country, he handed power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, without any fuss, including when he travelled for medical treatment.

     The crisis of confidence started when his deputy was alleged to nurse a subversive hubris was orchestrating a plan to supplant him. An allegation his deputy denied.

    Apparently, at the risk of his health, he returned to Ibadan in Oyo State, instead of Akure, the capital of Ondo State, and regained his governorship position, when he could not effectively discharge the responsibilities. Before that return, his deputy appeared impatient to become a governor. He was fingered as responsible for leaking to the press that Governor Akeredolu was too ill to return to power. Unfortunately, the governor’s immediate and political family compounded the problem by taking matters in their own hands.

    A game that f browbeating erupted between the two camps in an existential duel.

    Read Also: Clark to CJN: correct grave anomalies in judiciary 

    The governor on his return stoked the fire by sacking the media aides of the deputy governor believed to have planted the story about his debilitating ill-health in the media. On his part, the deputy governor dug in and proceeded to obtain a court order to forestall any impeachment process against him, while the state House of Assembly started an impeachment process against the deputy governor. The state became polarised. Those belonging to the deputy governor’s side stoked the fire that he was being maligned because he comes from a certain part of the state. The Nigerian idiosyncrasies of tribe and clan overshadowed a mere issue of the rule of law.

    While the imbroglio lasted, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s détente policy which the parties agreed to, was breached. Now, the parties have agreed to observe the provisions of the First Alteration Act section 190(1) which provides: “Whenever the Governor is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, he shall transmit a written declaration to the Speaker of the House of Assembly to that effect, and until he transmits to the Speaker a written declaration to the contrary, the Deputy Governor shall perform the functions of the Governor as Acting Governor.”     

    So, Aiyedatiwa is now the acting governor. He should match his desire with action. While he may be adjudged as impatient, he has declared his intention to work for the peace and unity of the state. He has also acknowledged that the recent crisis was avoidable. We urge him to always bear in mind the frailty of the human frame and the fragility of fate. What happened to his principal, Rotimi Akeredolu, could happen to anyone, and that power, however alluring, is transient. He should not seek vendetta against those who opposed his desire to become the acting governor, and must ensure his supporters observe similar decorum in the interest of peace in the state. He is not the acting governor of a cabal or trust but the conscience of Ondo State, whose people yearn for fruits of gubernatorial labour.

    Ever since the present republic, some deputy governors serving with puffy and unaccommodating governors have had a rough deal. What nearly happened in Ondo, happened during the time of Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State. It happened in Enugu State under Sullivan Chime. At the centre, it happened during the presidency of Umaru Yara’Adua. Perhaps, the lawmakers may have to further tinker with our laws, to chasten vaulting ambitions and give deputy governors responsibilities and protection so that they would not be seen and treated as disposable high flyers, executive pariahs, partners and spare tyres. The post has grown a fraught phenomenon in this republic. To avoid this sort of drama, we must address the issue outright.

    In the interest of Ondo State, the acting governor must rally the people of the state behind the government. He should concentrate his efforts on governance instead of strategising for the next election. We urge the political elites in the state to give the acting governor the benefit of the doubt, and support him to exercise his responsibilities with minimal distraction.

    Ondo State citizens would benefit from peace and tranquility within the executive arm of government.

  • Beneficiary institutions to get N198b from 2023 TETFund intervention lines

    Beneficiary institutions to get N198b from 2023 TETFund intervention lines

    Beneficiary institutions in Nigerian higher education are to benefit from the 2023 Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention of N198 billion.

    The amount represents 62 per cent of the approved N320 billion by the government.

    TETFund’s Acting Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Abdulmumin Oniyangi, stated this in a document sent to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    The document, which is also available on the fund’s website, highlighted the breakdown of the allocation to beneficiary universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

    Oniyangi, who said the interventions were for public tertiary institutions, added that the Act establishing the fund does not include private institutions in its intervention lines.

    He said: “Research is part of our intervention lines. We do content as well, and not just infrastructure.

    “Sending lecturers to do MSc, PhD and all that is in research… In the research itself, there is what we call the Institution-Based Research (IBS) and this is also available not to talk of the National Research Fund (NRF).

    “So, our intervention is not skewed against anything. In any case, research cannot be undertaken if there are no equipment. So, everything is working together,” he said.

    Read Also: Kano: No deal with NNPP to compromise Supreme Court judgement, APC dispel rumour

    Also, TETFund’s Executive Secretary Sonny Echono had presented letters of allocation to heads of the beneficiary institutions at the 2023 TETFund Strategic Planning Workshop in Abuja.

    Echono had told them that the allocations were for projects categorised under a segment of the fund’s intervention called: Annual Direct Disbursement (ADD).

    Highlighting the breakdown, the TETFund boss said under the ADD, funds were shared in line with the stipulated ratio in the establishment Act equally to each tier of tertiary institutions, regardless of size or needs.

    On other projects to be carried out in 2023 outside the ADD, he said the fund had provided a budget of N30 billion for High Impact Projects in selected institutions across its three tiers of beneficiaries in the six geo-political zones across the country.

    The fund, which is allocated under TETFund’s Special High Impact Intervention, indicates that six universities would get N3 billion each, while N1 billion each would be given to six polytechnics and six colleges of education spread across the geo-political zones.

    “For this year, the Special High Impact will be given to six universities, and the six universities are: IBB University, Lapai, Niger State (Northcentral), Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State (Northeast), Federal University, Birnin-Kebbi (Northwest),

    “Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (Southeast), Edo State University (Southsouth), and Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State (Southwest).

    “The beneficiary Polytechnics are: Federal Polytechnics, Offa, Kwara State; Federal Polytechnic, Gombe; Federal Polytechnic, Kabo, Kano; Anambra State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu; Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny; and Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology; Igbo-Ora.

    “Also, Plateau State College of Education, Gindiri; Federal College of Education, Yola; Federal College of Education, Zaria; Enugu State College of Education, Enugu; Delta State College of Education, Mosogar; and Tai Solarin College of Education, Omu-Ijebu,” he said.

    Echono also explained that 20 per cent of disbursements amounting to N64.2 billion would be utilised for special disbursement.

    The TETFund boss said a special intervention is at the discretion of the Board of Trustees (BOTs) of TETFund for which allocations are zonal-based in line with the mandate of the agency.

    He also said other intervention activities had been earmarked for the year, like the establishment of micro-teaching laboratories in some selected colleges of education from the six geo-political zones in the country.

    Echono listed the colleges as: the Federal College of Education, Otukpo, Benue State; Federal College of Education, Jama’are, Bauchi State; Federal College of Education, Sokoto State; and Federal College of Education, Isu, Ebonyi State.

    Others are: Federal College of Education, Ekiadolor, Edo State; and Federal College of Education, Iwo, Osun State.

    According to him, N500 million is allocated to each of the colleges.

  • Nigerian Olusimbo Ige is first black female commissioner in Chicago

    Nigerian Olusimbo Ige is first black female commissioner in Chicago

    • Dabiri-Erewa lauds appointment

    A Nigerian woman, Dr. Olusimbo Ige, has been appointed as Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), thus becoming first black female to occupy the position.

    Mayor Brandon Johnson officially announced the appointment.

    Dr. Ige received her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and her Master of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Ibadan. She also received her Master’s in Public Health from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.

    Mayor Johnson said: “Dr. Ige is a tremendous addition to not just our administration, but to the City of Chicago. She is someone who understands the balance between hard data and community interaction when assessing public health problems and solutions.”

    Dr. Ige is a Managing Director of Programmes at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and had served as the Assistant Commissioner for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.   

    Reacting, Dr. Ige said: “It is a distinct honour to serve the city of Chicago in this role. Through collaboration with the Johnson Administration and with community members in Chicago, I am confident that we can improve the health outcomes for all Chicagoans.

    “I have spent my entire career in the public health field, and I look forward to bringing all that I have learned to CDPH.”

    Read Also: Clark to CJN: correct grave anomalies in judiciary 

    Congratulating Dr. Ige yesterday, a statement by Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described her milestone as “extraordinary”.

    Dabiri-Erewa said Ige’s appointment has once again confirmed that Nigerians in the Diaspora are excelling and impacting positively wherever they find themselves.

    The NIDCOM boss urged Ige to live up to expectations while motivating other young Nigerian professionals to also be good ambassadors of Nigeria in their chosen career.

    From 2020-2023, Dr. Ige served as the Assistant Commissioner for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

    In her role as Assistant Commissioner, Dr. Ige advised New York City’s health and human services executive leadership team, including the Commissioner of Health, Vice-President of Health and Hospitals, and the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services.

    During her time at the NYC Department of Health, Dr. Ige developed a community health worker programme focused on outreach and engagement with Black communities and she spearheaded efforts for vaccine equity across the city.

  • NCDC allays fears over outbreak of Dengue fever in Sokoto

    NCDC allays fears over outbreak of Dengue fever in Sokoto

    • ‘More cases of Lassa fever recorded in 2023’

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed the outbreak of dengue fever in Sokoto State.

    In a statement posted on its website at the weekend, NCDC Director General Ifedayo Adetifa hinted that the virus had been reported in three local government areas (LGAs) of Sokoto South (60 cases), Wamakko (three cases), and Dange Shuni (one case).

    He said: “Concurrently at the national level, measures have been taken by the NEVHD-TWG following input from arbovirus institute and review of entomological surveillance data to inform action and strengthen preparedness for a large-scale DENV outbreak in Nigeria. 

    “These include: The NCDC Incident Coordination Centre (ICC) has been activated in alert mode.

    “Development of an emergency incident action plan for DENV has commenced.

    “A review of case definitions for DENV.

    “The National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has sent out warning notifications to all Subnational Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs).”

    To underscore the seriousness of the issue, according to Adetifa, a follow-up of suspected cases had begun.

    Read Also: Clark to CJN: correct grave anomalies in judiciary 

    According to him, Nigeria has an active infection prevention and control (IPC) programme nationwide with guidelines and training packages developed for healthcare workers.

    Adetifa said: ”Trained Rapid Response Teams are on standby to be deployed in the event of a nationwide outbreak.

    “A medical countermeasures plan is being developed. A risk communication and engagement strategy has been developed to strengthen preparedness activities, which include a review of risk communication protocols, plans, and messages in the event of a wider outbreak.

    “Proposed research project with the National Arbovirus and Vectors Research Centre across the six geopolitical zones to better understand the disease vector.”

    Also, Nigeria may have recorded more incidents of Lassa fever this year compared to previous years, the NCDC has said.

    In a Lassa fever advisory posted on its website yesterday, the NCDC said: “In 2023 alone, 28 states and 114 LGAs have reported confirmed cases of Lassa fever and as of December 3, 2023, there have been 8,542 suspected cases, 1,170 confirmed cases, and 200 deaths (case fatality rate of 17.1 per cent) suggesting 2023 may witness record numbers of cases.”

    But the agency highlighted that its enhanced detection and response strategies had contributed to its comprehensive approach and response to the disease nationwide.

    NCDC added: “Every year, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC’s) National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (TWG), leads on efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to cases of Lassa fever across the country. 

    “We have continued to record a steady increase in states reporting Lassa fever for reasons not limited to improved surveillance, better community awareness, environmental degradation from climate change and other deleterious human activities in the environment. 

    “In 2021, 510 confirmed cases were reported across 17 states and 68 LGAs. 

    “Whereas in 2022, Nigeria reported 1,067 confirmed cases across 27 states and 112 LGAs. 

    “In 2023 alone, 28 states and 114 LGAs have reported confirmed cases of Lassa fever, and as of December 3, 2023, there have been 8,542 suspected cases, 1,170 confirmed cases, and 200 deaths (case fatality rate of 17.1 per cent) suggesting 2023 may witness record numbers of cases.

    “Annual outbreaks of Lassa fever also involve the infection and death of healthcare workers. 

    “This loss of life is not just a statistic but a significant loss of a loved family member, a spouse, a parent, and often seasoned healthcare worker and team member.

    “This exacerbates the challenge of insufficient human resources for health in the country.”

  • APC chieftain implores Tinubu to intervene in high drug prices 

    APC chieftain implores Tinubu to intervene in high drug prices 

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the hike in prices of essential drugs.

    Oyintiloye, who made the appeal while speaking with reporters yesterday in Osogbo, said Nigerians are unable to access most essential drugs due to the high prices. He said the escalating prices of the drugs could be attributed to a combination of factors such as the withdrawal of GSK, a major player in the pharmaceutical industry, high rate of inflation, devaluation of naira, among others.

    Read Also: Kano: No deal with NNPP to compromise Supreme Court judgement, APC dispel rumour

    Oyintiloye said the aforementioned factors, among others, had made the prices of drugs such as amlodipine, augmentin, paracetamol, exforge, coartem, and other essential drugs to become unaffordable for the common man.

    He said the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the value of medicines imported into Nigeria rose by 68 per cent to N81.8 billion between July and September 2023.

    Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, said increase in the prices of drugs had placed a significant financial strain on individuals and families already struggling with the harsh economy.

    “When the local currency weakens against foreign currencies, the expenses incurred in procuring these essential medical supplies rise, consequently driving up the overall prices of medicines in the country. 

  • Aiyedatiwa free to make changes, says commissioner

    Aiyedatiwa free to make changes, says commissioner

    Ondo State Government has said Acting Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was prepared to make necessary change that would guarantee effective running of the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration.

    It said reports of freezing of local government accounts and suspension if Akeredolu’s Chief of Protocol were false and misleading.

    Supporters of Aiyedatiwa had celebrated the freezing of local government account as an action taken to check the cabal in Akeredolu’s exco.

    Caretaker Committee chairmen had received a message from the office of the acting governor asking them to stop all expenditure and not to open new accounts.

    The message said: “Distinguished HOLGAs, Your Excellency the Acting Governor of Ondo State had directed that all spending/ expenditure from local government account should be suspended, no signing of cheques, no change of signatories, no withdrawal of any sort until further directive.

    “Please adhere strictly to instruction and be guided.”

    Read Also: Clark to CJN: correct grave anomalies in judiciary 

    Deputy Chief of Staff,  Omojuwa Olusegun, in a letter to members of the State Executive Council and top government functionaries, said Aiyedatiwa has directed him to take responsibility  for the preparation and signing of his official engagements.

    According to the letter, “the Acting Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has directed me to inform all members of the State Executive Council and top government functionaries that the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor would be responsible for the preparation and signing of his official engagements for the time being.

    “The Chief of Protocol will take charge of this responsibility as soon as Mr. Governor resumes from his medical vacation.”

    Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, in a statement, said there was no time the Acting Governor or any functionary of the state put a freeze on local government accounts or order any closure.

    The commissioner said necessary complimentary civil servants have been deployed to the LCDA(s) and that the state government was committed to proper functioning of the 33 LCDA(s) and the existing 18 local governments to enhance development at the grassroots.

    She said the circular by Omojuwa was misrepresented to the effect that the Chief of Protocol (CoP) to the Governor, Mr. Bola Alabi, has been placed on suspension.

    “Nothing could be further from the truth. The Chief of Protocol to Mr Governor has not been placed on suspension by the Ag. Governor or by any person.

    “It should be noted that the schedule for the preparation of Mr. Governor’s Engagements is less than two per cent of the CoP’s responsibilities.

    “Usually, suspension from duty would have warranted removal of salary and privileges, which does not happen in this case. As we speak, Mr. Bola Alabi is busy with Mr. Governor. Nevertheless, His Excellency, the Ag. Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is prepared, where necessary, to make changes that will guarantee the effective running of the administration.”

  • Lagos inaugurates agro-produce hub

    Lagos inaugurates agro-produce hub

    N750m earmarked for traders’ support programme

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday inaugurated a newly constructed middle-level Fresh Food Agro-Hub, at Idi-Oro in Mushin area of the state.

    He said the facility would help to mitigate the 50 per cent post-harvest losses, and reduce carbon emissions.

    Sanwo-Olu also launched N750 million market trader moni initiative.

    From the amount, N50,000 will be given to 15,000 traders across the local governments and LCDAs.

    He said 250 beneficiaries would be selected in each of the local government/LCDA.

    The Mid-Level Agro-produce Hub at Idi-Oro, Mushin, the governor said, was the first in the state, heralding a turning point in the food distribution system.

    The facility, he added, is sited on 6,400sq.m of land, with adequate car/truck parking area, and with centralised dry and cold storage systems, giving the market players the economies of scale to make decent profits.

    Read Also: Clark to CJN: correct grave anomalies in judiciary 

    According to him, the hub will pave the way for the modernisation, reorganisation and presentation of state-of-the-art data-driven food and agriculture systems where players and actors in the marketing chain interact freely.

    “This will also address prevailing market challenges of inadequate infrastructure; food shortage; high degree of fragmentation and standardisation,” the governor noted

    He said the government adopted the Food System Transformation Agenda as a measure to improve the current system, which is inundated by wastage, post-harvest losses, traffic congestion and other inefficiencies that result in the loss of over 50 per cent of agricultural produce, especially in perishables.

    He said: “This transformation journey is hinged on our five-year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap (2021-2026), which reflects our passionate commitment to boosting food production, processing and marketing. The roadmap sets the stage for direct interventions, strategic collaborations and the establishment of linkages with the private sector, financial institutions, foreign governments and multilateral agencies.”

    He reiterated that the agenda categorised the Food System into the Central Logistics Hub, Mid-level Agro-produce Hub, and the Last Mile Food Distribution outlets.

    “This demonstrates our resolve to follow through with the Agenda, the construction of the Central Logistics Hub at Ketu-Ereyun, Epe is ongoing, while the smallest of the pilot, the mid-level Agro-produce Hub, is being inaugurated today. This will be followed with the construction of additional three Hubs at Agege, Ajah and Abule-Ado axis of the state. In all, the plan is to construct 50 Mid-Level Agro produce Hubs across the state

    He mentioned other initiatives towards helping the state attain the goal of meeting 40 per cent of Lagos State’s food requirements by 2025 to include the groundbreaking of Eko Agro Mechanisation Programme, the innovative tractor-hailing application, the establishment of a 32 tonns/hour Lagos Rice Mill at Imota, the enterprise development for women and youth in poultry production, piggery, aquaculture, apiculture (beekeeping), horticulture, and artisanal fishing.

     He said the efforts continue to yield the desired result in increased food production.

    Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya, said the facility would help get farmers’ produce to market quickly and efficiently, reducing food waste, boosting profits and creating jobs.

    According to her, the government is taking steps to improve agricultural efficiency, boost farmers’ incomes and drive real environmental and economic change.

    Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Emmanuel Bamigboye, said the food hub was aimed at reducing vulnerability to food shortage and guaranteeing uninterrupted food supply at cheaper prices, to residents of the state.

    Bamigboye thanked the governor for constructing the facility in the local government, saying it would have direct impact on the lives of the market men and women.

    “I am a bit overwhelmed with joy in celebrating the inauguration of this facility by Mr Governor, which is the first agricultural hub to be constructed in Mushin by the state government.

    “Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has made a giant stride in the area of agriculture. With the inauguration of this agro-hub today, there will be a great encouragement in global food processing business, enhancements of employment opportunity for youths in agricultural sector.

    “It will also attract many to agro-business and processing, due to high demand for consumer food products, and also bring economic development to Mushin and its environs,” he said.

    Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area Rasaq Ajala thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for giving Mushin a great gift.

    He promised that the people of Mushin would own the project and make it worthwhile.

    He reiterated his saying that Mushin is populated with good people than the image many outside the area had.

  • Oyo school wins raw materials competition

    Oyo school wins raw materials competition

    Oritamefa Baptist Model School, Oyo State came first in the 6th annual raw materials quiz competition for secondary schools in the country that took place in Abuja.

    The competition, organised by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, is aimed at creating awareness and engendering innovation among youths.

    HillCity College, Ilorin, Kwara State came second, while Federal Government College, Okposi, Ebonyi State emerged third. Students competed first in their states, regions and winners in each region finally competed in Abuja for the final prize.

    Chairman RMRDC quiz competition, Asabe Mustapha, said first to third prize winners would get monetary rewards from the Council, while regional winners from states would go home with prizes.

    She added: “The quiz competition is to catch them young, let them know what raw material is all about and know where all the natural resources in Nigeria are found. So if they are interested in being entrepreneurs, they will know the best state to invest in. “After this, we will be introducing the raw materials club, which will be in secondary schools as well and partnering the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introduce production flow charts of products to educate them on it, so the students are educated and youth corps members can take it as their community development service of teaching students in schools.”

    Read Also: Kano: No deal with NNPP to compromise Supreme Court judgement, APC dispel rumour

    Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Joseph Osanipin, said the quiz competition is not just about testing the student’s knowledge of the abundance of raw materials in the country, but also igniting their curiosity, sharpening their critical thinking skills, and fostering a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.

    He said: “As you navigate through these challenging questions, remember that each correct answer is a step closer to a future where you, the brilliant minds of tomorrow, harness the potential of Nigeria’s natural resources, to create solutions and drive sustainable development.

    “We at NADDC are firm believers in the power of education and knowledge. We are confident that this competition will not only test your existing knowledge, but also inspire you to delve deeper, to explore new avenues and dream big.

    “May the quiz be not just a test, but also a springboard for future endeavours, passion for science, technology and environmental stewardship and leave them brimming with ideas and ready to contribute to a brighter future for Nigeria.”

  • Agbara-Atan-Lusada road will be completed in nine months, says Abiodun

    Agbara-Atan-Lusada road will be completed in nine months, says Abiodun

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has assured the citizens that the Agbara-Atan-Lusada road, currently under construction, will be completed in the next nine months.

    Prince Abiodun, who made this known in Ota during the 31st edition of Iganmode Day celebration, also assured the people that the Ota-Idiroko road as well as other township roads in the local government would be looked into by his administration.

    He said the completion of the Agbara-Atan-Lusada road, among others in the axis, is to ensure Ota continues to occupy its pride of place in the country.

    He added that what had been achieved so far in terms of road rehabilitation across the state was an indication of the commitment and dedication of his administration to ensure rapid development and economic prosperity of the people. 

    “The road we are constructing, which is the major road in this local government, Agbara-Atan-Lusada road, it will be completed in the next nine months by God’s grace,” he said.

    Abiodun added that with the recent approval by the Federal Executive Council, reconstruction of the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Road would soon begin.

    Read Also: Kano: No deal with NNPP to compromise Supreme Court judgement, APC dispel rumour

    “Now, you know that in the last few weeks, we have managed to get the Federal Executive Council to approve that the construction of Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road be transferred to the Ogun State Government. We have been fighting this for the last four years since I assumed office; myself and my colleague in Lagos State.

    “The battle is not yet over, but, at least, we have won round one. By the grace of God, we will continue to win,” the governor said.

    He said his administration would continue to be passionate about the celebration of the state’s deep culture and heritage.

    He said plans have been concluded to extend the Lagos Blue Rail Line from Okokomaiko to Agbara, noting that Ota would be one of the first few towns to benefit from uninterrupted power supply under the Light-up Ogun Project.

    Abiodun said the groundbreaking of the Dry Port in Kajola and the Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside Local Government would be performed very soon.

    He said Ogun State would soon be number two in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from her current position as the number 3 in the country, because of the collective resolve of his administration to continue to open up the state for investments to thrive.