The Nation Newspaper

Tag: equipment

  • Nigeria to get 3m euros from Germany for military equipment

    Nigeria to get 3m euros from Germany for military equipment

    Germany is to provide Nigeria with three million Euros for the procurement of surveillance equipment, mobile medical care unit and other support services for the country’s armed forces .

    The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, announced this on Sunday at joint news conference with the German Defence Minister, Ursala Von dar Leyen, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Air port, Abuja.

    The Germany defence minister was in Abuja to hand over some military equipment donated her country to Nigeria.

    Dan-Ali said that the money would be provided through the extension of the German Technical Advisory Group Agreement for three years, 2017 to 2020.

    The minister said that under the existing agreement between the two countries under the group, 2012 to 2016, Germany had donated two mobile care units with extensive care unit facilities to the country.

    Also donated to the country by Germany, according to Dan-Ali are Vallon metal detector/Improvised Explosive Device and Explosive Ordnance Disposal equipment, as well training of personnel and maintenance of the device.

    He said Nigeria had also received three Mobile Tactical Ground Surveillance Radar systems from Germany for border security in the North East.

    The minister thanked Germany for the assistance it had extended to the Nigerian armed forces so far to enhance their capacity to fight the Boko Haram terrorists.

    “As we are all aware, terrorism is a threat to the existence of humanity and its development. We must, therefore, continue to stand resolute and united in our fight to stamp terrorism out of the planet,’’ Dan-Ali said.

    In her remark, the German defence minister, who handed over the equipment to Dan-Ali, noted that combating terrorism was both “difficult and dangerious.’’

    “Everywhere, the terrorists live bloody trail of destruction and death and time and again, they single out the most vulnerable of their targets like children just like the Boko Haram does in Nigeria.

    “This is why it is in our common interest that the population at home in my country, as well as here in Nigeria is safe so that the economy can grow again.

    “Because that is the basis for jobs and prosperity so people can believe in the future in their homeland,’’ Leyen said.

    According to her, terrorists abuse religion for their own evil purposes. Terrorists spread terror and violence all over the world, in France, Belgium, Aghanistan, Iraq, Turkey, Germany and here in Nigeria.

    Leyen said that the objective of the cooperation between her country and Nigeria was to assist the country to “conduct crisis prevention, crisis management and peace building operations.’’

    “To compliment this, Germany is focusing on practical, very concrete issues – the capability and equipment the Nigerian servicemen need most urgently such as the protection against the many IEDs place by the Boko Haram.’’

    She noted that Nigeria was fighting a hard but most important fight, assuring the support of her country. (NAN)

  • Govt takes delivery of 77 transmission equipment

    Govt takes delivery of 77 transmission equipment

    The Federal Government, yesterday, took delivery of  77 containers of electricity transmission  equipment that were brought into the country eight years ago.

    The government negotiated for the release of 218 containers with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).  Seventy-seven were however released to it.

    Power Minister, Babatunde Fashola, who took delivery of the containers at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, said the government began negotiations for the release of the containers in March this year, adding that the government succeeded in taking delivery of 77 containers.

    He said failure of the past governments to release funds delayed the equipment at the ports nationwide.

    Represented by Dr Tambuwal AbubakarAtiku, the Chief Executive Officer, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN),  Fashola said the equipment were delayed  at Roro Port, Rivers State, Wharf, Ikorodu Ports, Lagos, among others across the country.

    He said the issue has prevented Transmission Compnay of Nigeria (TCN) from wheeling power to the 11 power Distribution Companies (DisCos) for onward supply to consumers.

  • Flour miller commission N8m equipment in Yabatech

    Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), has taken delivery of equipment worth N8m donated to the institution by Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN).

    The Rector, Dr. Margaret Kudirat Ladipo, who thanked the donor for the gesture, used the opportunity to seek more support from corporate bodies and industrialists so as to continue to fulfil the mandate of the institution.

    In attendance were:  a representative of Dangote Flour Mill Mr. Kwaku Boateng; Yabatech Deputy Rector (Academics) Dr. Olufemi Oyelola and his counterparts (Administration), Mr. Taofeek Omobayo Raheem; Registrar Ms Charity Amakapabo, Librarian Mrs. Taye Adebowale, among others.

    Ladipo said: “We need the support of well meaning people at a critical time like this so that our goal to produce graduates for the global market and entrepreneurs would be fully realised.

    “As an institution, Yabatech has continued to forge ahead in improving skills development through the adoption of best practices and teaching methodologies in advanced economies,” she added.

    Ladipo noted that the commissioning of the items, which coincided with the ninth graduation of participants at the ‘Master Bakers’ course run by Yabatech  Department of Food Technology, is a sufficient signal that the items would improve the institution’s internally generated revenue.

    Managing Director Honeywell Flour Mills Plc. and FMAN vice chairman Mr Lanre Jaiyeola, said the donation formed part of the association’s corporate social responsibility.

    According to him, improving the capacity and efficiency of master bakers would directly improve FMAN’s business.

    “We recognise the good work Yabatech is doing and as you continue to improve, we will do more. This is just the beginning. It is our prayer that Yabatech continues to soar higher, so that we are encouraged to render more assistance. We are a national association, and as such, we plan to repeat this feat in other geopolitical zones,” he said.

    Group Managing Director (GMD), Flour Mills of Nigeria, Mr. Paul Gbededo, said bread, a staple food in Nigeria, has come to stay because of its popularity.

    “It is therefore important to train users of flour on the best practices because if not properly prepared, flour could turn to poison.”

    Gbadedo, an alumnus of Yabatech, charged the alumni association to reach out to old students of the institution for support.

    Head of Department of Food Technology, Mr. Peter Okolie, thanked FMAN for the donation, promising to put the equipment to judicious use.

  • Flour miller commission N8m equipment in Yabatech

    Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), has taken delivery of equipment worth N8m donated to the institution by Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN).

    The Rector, Dr. Margaret Kudirat Ladipo, who thanked the donor for the gesture, used the opportunity to seek more support from corporate bodies and industrialists so as to continue to fulfil the mandate of the institution.

    In attendance were:  a representative of Dangote Flour Mill Mr. Kwaku Boateng; Yabatech Deputy Rector (Academics) Dr. Olufemi Oyelola and his counterparts (Administration), Mr. Taofeek Omobayo Raheem; Registrar Ms Charity Amakapabo, Librarian Mrs. Taye Adebowale, among others.

    Ladipo said: “We need the support of well meaning people at a critical time like this so that our goal to produce graduates for the global market and entrepreneurs would be fully realised.

    “As an institution, Yabatech has continued to forge ahead in improving skills development through the adoption of best practices and teaching methodologies in advanced economies,” she added.

    Ladipo noted that the commissioning of the items, which coincided with the ninth graduation of participants at the ‘Master Bakers’ course run by Yabatech  Department of Food Technology, is a sufficient signal that the items would improve the institution’s internally generated revenue.

    Managing Director Honeywell Flour Mills Plc. and FMAN vice chairman Mr Lanre Jaiyeola, said the donation formed part of the association’s corporate social responsibility.

    According to him, improving the capacity and efficiency of master bakers would directly improve FMAN’s business.

    “We recognise the good work Yabatech is doing and as you continue to improve, we will do more. This is just the beginning. It is our prayer that Yabatech continues to soar higher, so that we are encouraged to render more assistance. We are a national association, and as such, we plan to repeat this feat in other geopolitical zones,” he said.

    Group Managing Director (GMD), Flour Mills of Nigeria, Mr. Paul Gbededo, said bread, a staple food in Nigeria, has come to stay because of its popularity.

    “It is therefore important to train users of flour on the best practices because if not properly prepared, flour could turn to poison.”

    Gbadedo, an alumnus of Yabatech, charged the alumni association to reach out to old students of the institution for support.

    Head of Department of Food Technology, Mr. Peter Okolie, thanked FMAN for the donation, promising to put the equipment to judicious use.

  • Fed Govt distributes sports equipment to 41 Bayelsa schools

    The Federal Government appears poised to drive grassroots sports development in the Niger Delta region. The government believes that besides oil, the region has other abundant natural and human resources.

    The government recently demonstrated its commitment to develop hidden sports talents in the region. Through the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF), the Federal Government distributed branded world-class sports equipment to primary schools selected in some states of the region.

    The distribution is an interventionist programme of the Federal Government through the lottery trust fund to promote grassroots sports development and improve the country’s future performances in sports.

    Sports materials in different areas of Athletics, volleyball, basketball, football, handball, badminton, table tennis, judo and taekwondo, were presented to head teachers of the selected schools.

    Among the 2000 schools selected to benefit from the distribution, 41 schools were chosen from Bayelsa State. The schools received their shares of sports materials from the NLTF in a brief ceremony held in Yenagoa.

    It was an exciting moment. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, was the Special Guest of Honour for the event.

    Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Phylis Nwokedi represented the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal.

    Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NLTF, Habu Gumel; NLTF’s Zonal Coordinator, South-South Alhaji Adamu Rabiu, traditional rulers and representatives of the state government were also present.

    Gumel in his address said for 41 schools to have been selected from Bayelsa out of the 2000 schools across the country, was a cause for celebration. He asked the schools to put the equipment to good use and to protect them from thieves.

    Addressing the benefitting schools, he said: “While urging you to put the equipment t good use in the schools and ensure their security, I must sound a word of warning.

    “You must ensure the safekeeping of these equipment so that they do not get stolen as we have already alerted security agencies to apprehend any culprit who diverts these federal government intervention materials”.

    Referring to Lokpobiri as a prominent and highly respected son of Bayelsa, Gumel thanked him for finding time out of his busy schedule to attend the engagements.

    In his opening remarks, the Zonal Coordinator, South-South, NLTF, Alhaji Adamu Rabiu, highlighted the essence of the programme.

    He said: “This intervention is to promote grassroots sports development in the country with the specific objectives of enhancing the capacity of the nation to grow and expand her talent-base by securing the interest and involvement of our children of primary schools in sporting activities.

    “The programme is expected to improve the nation’s future performance in sports at all levels by harnessing the potential of our young talents and nurture their transition to world-class athletes, sports men and women,

    “It calls for celebration especially for us in the zone and indeed for the good people of Bayelsa State as it is seen as an impetus to change the fortunes of our youths in sports and transform their social wellbeing for the better”.

    He said the lottery trust fund was determined to see to the successful implementation of the programme. He said a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system had been put in place to track the sporting equipment.

    “The fact that the Federal Government has chosen Bayelsa as one of the few states in the Federation to commission and present this equipment is enough evidence that the state is held in high esteem by the federal government.

    “I make bold to state that the lottery is working and is poised to change the lives of everyday Nigerian citizen. We pray this intervention programme and many others in the pipeline will continue to remain sustainable for the benefits of all Nigerians”, he said.

    Also speaking, Lokpobiri, said Buhari was desirous of and committed to the development of all parts of the country including the Niger Delta.

    Lokpobiri appealed to other tiers of government to complement the efforts of the Federal Government in all areas of development including sports.

    He said Buhari’s desire for grassroots sports development and ensuring children acquire the best of talents was the reason behind the distribution of the sports items.

    He said: “That is why of the 2000 schools that are benefitting from this distribution of sports equipment which was flagged off by the Vice-President, 41 schools from Bayelsa have benefitted.

    Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Walton Liverpool, described the gesture as the first in the history of basic education in the state.

    He said the schools would make use of the equipment to achieve the objectives of the programme. He, however played the Oliver Twist and appealed to the federal government to do more to the schools.

  • Cross River gets 20 megawatts power equipment

    Cross River gets 20 megawatts power equipment

    The Cross River State government, at the weekend, took delivery of the equipment for a 20-megawatt plant.

    Governor Ben Ayade received the equipment with some government officials.

    Ayade told reporters that the delivery showed that the Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) he had been signing were coming into action.

    He said:“This is one outcome of the trips in my first year in office when we were still trying to do agenda setting for the government. It will generate 20 megawatts of embedded power for Cross River State. I am happy to announce to you today that we are taking delivery of 20-megawatt equipment for embedded power generation for the city of Calabar.”

    The governor assured residents of Calabar that electricity tariff would be affordable to all.

    The governor, who also announced that five containers-laden with equipment will arrive soon, highlighted how the project would  enhance security in Calabar.

    “The street lights are gong to be connected to this grid, and we are going to pick up the diesel engines from the streets and then link the street lights to this plant so that Calabar South up to Anantigha, Atimbo and all areas, including 8 Miles, Nassarawa, will be lit up,” he said.

    He said the equipment was “specially designed for economy and for uninterrupted power supply. So what will happen ultimately is that Cross River State and Calabar in particular will have uninterrupted power supply, which means perhaps Calabar will be the first state capital to have uninterrupted power supply in the country.

    “We are beginning to convert the many MoUs we signed to action, all the MOUs are taking the breath of life. I can guarantee the people of Calabar that in three months from today we would have finished the installation and Cross River State will enjoy steady supply of electricity.”

  • NB donates lab equipment to LASEPA

    To boost environmental sanitation, the Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc has donated  laboratory equipment to Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).

    This is coming after the retrofitting of the LASEPA laboratory was completed last year by the beer manufacturer.

    According to NB’s Corporate Affairs Adviser, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, the gesture is in continuation of the company’s support for increased professionalism at the agency and in line with its ‘Brewing a Better World’ as agenda.

    He said as an industrial concern, the company had made a commitment to improve its environmental impact, an ideology that has made NB to reduce its water consumption in its operations by 28 per cent since 2008. It has also ensured that built waste water treatment plants in eight of its 11 breweries.

    Ekanem further said the firm was focusing on reduction of carbon emissions, which has made it switch from low pour fuel oil (LPFO) to natural gas – a cleaner source of fuel.

    Other efforts at preventing environmental pollution include sourcing  resources sustainably,  promoting responsible consumption, health and safety, and growing with communities.

    “We have made huge investment in modern energy efficient plant and machineries as well as light weighting of packaging materials and realignment of distribution network geared towards the improvement of environmental impact of our operations,” Ekanem said, adding that NB has signed a partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) on execution of water stewardship initiatives in Southwest Nigeria.

    LASEPA’s Managing Director, Mr. Adebola Shabi, an engineer, who received the equipment on behalf of his organisation, expressed appreciation to the NB, and challenged other firms to emulate what the organisation has done.

    “A lot of  companies are contributing to environmental degradation in the state and many of them are not responding.”

    He noted that the NB has installed a fish pond to check waste water in its area of operation, urging it to partner other agencies of government to lift Lagos environment.

    Similarly, Special adviser to the governor on Environment, Mr. Babatunde Ope, also appreciated the company for supporting environmental sustainability in the state.

  • Students donate equipment to faculty

    The Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has taken delivery of new laboratory equipment. The materials were donated by the Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS).

    Delivering the equipment, the association’s president, Benjamin Idiakhoa, said PANS’ gesture was to satisfy students’ needs.

    The donated materials included four microscopes, three cartons of porcelain dishes, four cartons of conical flasks, eight weight balances and 100 dispensing bottles.

    Receiving the equipment, Dean of the faculty, Prof John Akerele, said it was first time students would be donating to the faculty, saying: “It is very hard to find students committed to development of their school as we have seen. The donated materials will help in research and learning.”

    Prof Magnus Iwaugwu of the Department of Pharmaceutics hailed the association for the gesture. He said the equipment would improve quality of research carry out by students.

    Josiah Omoba, a 300-Level student, praised PANS for the intervention, stressing that students usually experienced difficulty in using some materials in the laboratory. He said: “We appreciate this act of generosity. This indicates PANS is feeling our pain.”

  • Guinness revamps Eye Hospital in Onitsha, donates N5m equipment

    Guinness Nigeria Plc has revamped the Guinness Eye Hospital, Onitsha, and boosted its operation with N5 million worth of equipment.

    Commending the company, Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, praised Guinness management for its long-standing involvement in the provision and management of quality eye care centres in the country.

    Chief Obiano said he was extremely happy with the gesture and the re-inauguration of the Eye Hospital.

    He said: “This auspicious project is an important subject, which ties into one of the key enablers of my government. I would like to heartily commend Guinness Nigeria for their huge investment and commitment to providing world class eye care solutions across the country. As a testament, this facility and the equipment, which Guinness Nigeria Plc has bequeathed to the Eye Hospital, ranks among the very best in the world. Therefore, Anambra indigenes do not need to go abroad again to get treated for eye problems.”

    Guinness Nigeria Plc, Managing Director, Peter Ndegwa, said the re-inauguration of the eye hospital was in keeping with the company’s commitment to support Guinness Eye Centres across the country.

    “As a company, our focus on eye care reflects our recognition of the far-reaching impact that good eyesight can have on the overall health and wellbeing of everyone. We are here to celebrate the notable accomplishments, which the Guinness Eye Hospital, Onitsha, has delivered to many Nigerians. Our investment in the various eye hospitals is keeping in line with our commitment to make a positive impact on the communities in where we operate. By helping Nigerians to preserve their sights, we play a strong role in enhancing their ability to learn, earn and get the best out of life,” he said.

    The Guinness helmsman, who announced a donation of eye equipment worth N5 million to the hospital, thanked past and present staff of the hospital for their unwavering sense of duty and ensuring the sustenance of the institution for over three decades. He urged them to make their services  reach more Nigerians.

    Governor Obiano also used the occasion to announce the launch of a PPP-driven health insurance policy, funded by the government and citizens in the Diaspora to ensure that doctors get paid for treating patients. He also revealed the state government’s plan to provide free eye screenings for 1000 citizens at the hospital.

    The Governor urged the people  to take advantage of the best-in-class services provided at the Guinness Eye Hospital through regular eye screenings and prevent visual impairment and blindness.

    On the rationale behind the revamp, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, Sesan Sobowale said: “Over the years, we have supported the hospital with funding to purchase equipment so that specialist eye care can be obtained here.

    “In 2015, the management of the hospital drew our attention to the need to upgrade the facilities, create more space for doctors and patients while making the atmosphere more conducive for treatments. We then decided that the request was an investment with merit and therefore, approved the funding for the project and mobilised contractors to site for the reconstruction work. We are really very pleased with the output and the fact that the hospital can now cater for more patients in need of eye care.”

    The Chief Medical Director, Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Anthony Igwegbe, who went down memory lane, chronicled the history and achievements of the Guinness Eye Hospital, which had only two consultants to attend to over 850 people yearly at its inception, but has progressively increased its capacity and  caters for over 15,000 patients with a manpower of 144 staff.

    He noted that the hospital has enjoyed continuous support from Guinness Nigeria through subventions such as financial contributions, state-of-the-art optical equipment and various infrastructural upgrades.

  • Alumni donate equipment, cash to alma mater

    Alumni of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science have donated equipment to the faculty to promote excellent research.

    They donated the equipment during an event tagged: “Home-coming”, which brought students of the 1976 Class back to the campus. The alumni created endowment fund, which must be contributed to by past and present students to restore infrastructure in the faculty.

    The event started with a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic, Prof James Ogbonna said management was delighted to receive the equipment. He praised the alumni for their gesture. He said management would not relent in providing the faculties with academic equipment to improve excellence and standards.

    Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof Emmanuel Ibezim, appreciated the alumni’s intervention and urged the students to embark on quality research with the equipment.

    Prof Ibezim urged the students to  continue to work and study in groups for better understanding.

    Prof Amechi Attama, a lecturer, said the faculty, in the last three years, has experienced positive changes in terms of infrastructure and academic. He said the alumni’s gesture would challenge the faculty’s staff to maintain the culture of excellence.

    Dr Nkechi Anyawu, an alumnus and president of African International Pharmaceutical said: “After years I left the school, I am happy to return to my alma mater. Coming back to the school for this home-coming event shows we don’t have bad memory of this faculty. That is why we turned out en mass to attend this event.”

    Another alumnus, Mr Ige Adewumi, said the faculty taught him hard work and resilience. Recalling his undergraduate days, he said: “I am very happy to see my friends of those days, both the stubborn ones and the gentle ones at that time. If it is possible for me to come back to this world, I would choose UNN to study pharmacy again.”

    Some of the items donated to the faculty include computers, projectors and undisclosed amount of cash.