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Tag: National Orientation Agency

UNICEF, NOA mobilises journalists to fight HIV in Kaduna

The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund ( UNICEF ) and the National Orientation Agency ( NOA ) have mobilised 43 journalists to check the increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS among Adolescent and Young Persons ( AYPs ) in Kaduna State.

The Officer in charge of UNICEF, Kaduna Field Office, Dr Idris Baba, said at a One-day Media Dialogue on AYPs HIV Intervention held in Zaria, that the move was necessary to curb the increasing HIV related deaths among AYPs.

Baba said that UNICEF had committed significant resources to supporting AYPs HIV intervention in the state, noting that much would not be achieved without support from the media.

“For various reasons ranging from gender, biological to socio-economic; young women have a higher HIV prevalence rate and were infected earlier in life than men of the same age group.

“So far, only about seven per cent of AYPs in the state knows their HIV status due to lack of HIV/AIDS awareness and because HIV services in health facilities are not youth-friendly.

“This is why UNICEF in collaboration with the state government launched the AYP-HIV intervention project, a combination of HIV counselling, testing and treatment.

“The project is being implemented in seven local government areas of Chikun, Igabi, Lere, Kagarko, Birnin Gwari, Jaba and Jema’a,’’ he said.

Baba explained that youths were not comfortable discussing HIV related issues with elderly people, adding that they felt comfortable with their peers and open up more.

“This means that we will break more grounds when we engage youths to sensitise their peers about the virus to increase demand for the services.

Read also: UNICEF spends N200m to tackle HIV in Kaduna

“It is for this reason that we trained 624 AYPs as demand creators, counsellors and testers for the project.

“468 are creating demand for HIV services, while 156 are providing HIV counselling and testing services in the seven LGAs,’’ he said.

Baba said the project had reached out to 147,196 AYPs with HIV information in the seven LGAs from August to date of which 39,927 were tested and received result.

“Our goal is to ensure that 90 per cent of HIV positive AYPs know their status, 90 per cent HIV positive placed on treatment and achieve 90 per cent viral load suppression among the HIV positive by 2020,’’ he said.

Earlier, the Media and External Relation Officer, UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, Malam Rabiu Musa, had said the meeting was organised to discusse issues affecting AYPs in the state.

Musa said that the meeting provided the needed avenue to interact with journalists in Kaduna and design effective ways of reaching out to the AYPs through media reportage.

Also, Malam Lawal Haruna, a Deputy Director, NOA Kaduna Office, also said that media was crucial in winning the war against HIV in the state.

“This is because the media informs, educates and influences peoples’ opinion and decisions with the potential of reaching a large audience.

“We therefore, need the media to continue with their support of providing the needed awareness on HIV/AIDS among young persons on how to remain HIV free,’’ Haruna said.

NAN

December 13, 2017
Poverty, ignorance, Nigeria’s problem, not restructuring – Muiz Banire

Dr Muiz Banire, the National Legal Adviser of the All Progressive Congress (APC), on Monday said poverty and lack of enlightenment were major problems facing Nigeria, not restructuring.

Banire made the assertion on the sidelines of an Independence Day Anniversary programme organised by the Lagos State chapters of the Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO) and National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the programme tagged: “United Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities” started on Sept. 29 with series of activities.

Banire told NAN that poverty and ignorance were the main reasons for agitation for secession in some parts of the country.

He called for right representation of people to quell agitation, adding that Nigerians should also learn to ask questions from their representatives at various levels.

“People agitate only when they feel offended and deprived, but the solution for deprivation does not lie in restructuring. It will never end.

“If you split today, some people in the split group will still rise up later to agitate for one thing or the other.

“It does not solve our problems. What matters is that we must be happy, and to be happy, it means we must enjoy equal opportunity under this system.

“It is deprivation and hunger that are causing problems facing the country today.

“When we eliminate all inequalities, everybody will be happy with the system.

“When hunger is taken care of, most of the issues threatening our unity will go,” Banire said.

He called for respect for the rule of law and youth education to foster unity in Nigeria.

“Restructuring is not our problem. Our people are not enlightened to ask questions from their representatives,” the APC chieftain said.

Banire had earlier at the panel discussion urged youths, as major stakeholders in the Nigerian Project, to rise up and take charge of the nation’s leadership.

He said that there was the need to build the capacity of youths to fill the vacuum in the leadership gap in the country.

Banire said that youths had taken over the social media and should use the medium to propagate ideologies of integrity, transparency and accountability, which President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration represent.

Also, a security expert, retired Col. Hassan Stanislous-Labo, said that restructuring would calm various forms of agitations in various parts of the country.

Stanislous-Labo said that President Buhari has the vision to right all the wrongs in the country, but “his cabinet members did not have the capacity to execute his mission’’.

In his remarks, Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora said that the tendency to manipulate religion and diversity was a challenge which must be addressed with proper conflict management.

Mamora said that diversity could be turned to strength by listening to the grievances of the various groups.

Also, Mr Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, a former House of Representatives member, urged youths to take advantage of their population to take over the nation’s leadership.

Mr Waheed Ishola, the Lagos State Director of NOA, called on those fanning the embers of disharmony to have a change of attitude for the overall interest of the nation.

“We must strive to achieve that strength in our diversity. We believe that the unity of Nigeria is sacrosanct,” he said.

In his comments, Mr Biodun Ajiboye, the BYO’s National Secretary, called for a restructuring of the mind of Nigerians.

Also, the Lagos State Coordinator of BYO, Mr Waheed Odunuga, said that lack of love, trust and greed of the political class were the causes of disunity in the nation, urging youths to rise up for national rebirth.

Sheik Abdulrahman Ahmad, the National Missioner Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, decried the trend where youths now worship money and mortgaging their conscience.

October 2, 2017
Biafra: Group urges South-Eastern Govs, rulers to pacify agitators

A Non-government Organisation, Project Nigeria First has asked Governors and traditional rulers from the South Eastern part of the country to find ways of pacifying youths of the region, especially sympathisers of the Indigenous People of Biafra in the overall interest of the nation and the region.

National Coordinator of the group, Uche Nwabukwu told a news conference in Abuja that leaders of the region should work hard to give the youths a sense of belonging while asking parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against engaging in acts that may be inimical to the unity and peace of the country.

Nwabukwu said while they respect the right of any group of people to engage in self-determination, such rights must not include the license to engage in violent activities, stressing that the government should work through the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with civil society groups on the reorientation of citizens on the values of patriotism.

He urged foreign governments and commentators to exercise restraint in their comments and actions over IPOB, adding that no matter their love for Nigeria, they cannot have more at stake than Nigerians.

He commends the federal and state governments for taking proactive measures to prevent what would have been a conflagration across Nigeria, adding that the deployment of troops to the south-east was very timely as it went a long way to checkmate the activities of IPOB and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

He said further that the proscription of IPOB by the south-east governors quenched the oxygen needed by the group to survive and sent a clear message to the secessionist group that the governors, who were elected by the people support a United, strong and peaceful Nigeria.

He said further that “the proactive measures to prevent reprisals undertaken by governors of the north, as well as the visit in solidarity to the south-east and south-south states, did so much to mitigate the tense situation.”

He condemns, in strong terms, “those who directly or indirectly support IPOB by stirring controversy over the legality of deploying troops to the south-east and the proscription of IPOB. We commend President Buhari for being proactive and pragmatic.

“We appeal to politicians, religious leaders and opinion formers including commentators and public affair analysts to exhibit responsibility and patriotism rather than play to the gallery at this critical time. Comments made by certain individuals strengthen the hand of IPOB and this is not good for the country. Let us remind everyone that if by acts of omission or commission. We allow a conflagration, none of us will be spared.

“We condemn those no have been circulating incendiary and divisive text messages and videos relating to IPOB crisis. Since the authenticity of some of these videos cannot be ascertained, we appealed to Nigerians to desist from spreading them because they can escalate the situation.”

September 20, 2017
“240, 000 uncollected PVCs in Kwara”- INEC Admin Secretary

The INEC Administrative Secretary in Kwara, Mr Paul Atser, has disclosed that a total of 240, 000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) had yet to be collected by voters in the state.

Atser made this known on Tuesday in Ilorin in his opening remarks at the INEC Stakeholders’ meeting on the commencement of the Distribution of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and Continuous Voters’ Registration (CVR) in the state.

He said INEC will release the PVCs to their rightful owners upon presentation of their Temporary Voters Card (TVCs) and fill the attestation forms to be supplied by INEC Distribution Officers.

The Admin Secretary said the exercise will commence nationwide on Thursday, while that of Kwara will also kick off on that day at the INEC office in Ilorin West Local Government.

He said the exercise will take place in all the 16 local government councils starting from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, except public holidays.

According to Atser, the distribution of PVCs, and the registration of voters who have just turned 18 years and the transfer of PVCs from one location to the other will last till a month to the Permanent Voter Cards

He, therefore, advised those who have registered during the last registration exercise and have not collected their PVCs to find time and collect same between now and one month to the 2019 Presidential election.

Atser added that there was no need for people to rush to the collection or registration centers, as there was enough time to do so at their leisure.

The Admin Secretary also said that those who were given Temporary Voter Cards (TVCs) but their names were not captured in the PVCs would be registered for fresh PVCs.

He advised those that have already collected their PVCs not to bother to come for registration as double registration was not allowed.

“No double registration, it is an offence to register more than once as this constitutes an electoral offence and it is punishable,’’ Atser added.

He said print outs of the registered list will be on display during the last week of every quarter, for people to raise objections and claims.

Atser said lost PVCs will be replaced upon presentation of an Affidavit from a High Court and a Police report at the registration center, where the person will fill a form containing the biometric data.

The Stakeholders meeting was attended by representatives of the Commissioner of Police in Kwara, the Directorate of State Security, the NSCDC and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

It was also attended by chairmen and /secretaries of registered political parties in the state, representatives of civil society and women groups.

April 25, 2017
NOA to communicate government policies, programmes to grassroots – DG

The Director-General, National Orientation Agency, Dr Garba Abari, says the local government assembly, a feedback platform, will enable the agency to communicate government policies and programmes to the rural dwellers.

Abari made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to him, most of the activities of government are communicated through electronic and print media, which many rural dwellers cannot afford.

“As a result, many Nigerians are left in the dark about government policies and programmes, thereby hindering feedback.

“It is therefore with the consciousness of these realities that NOA, in view of its mandate of sensitisation, orientation, awareness creation and harnessing feedback from citizens, has deployed several platforms to reach out.

“The local government assembly is one of such platforms created and positioned to explain the rationale behind government activities to rural dwellers,” Abari said.

He said that government had several policies and programmes that were of huge benefit to the citizens who were not aware of such programmes or do not understand the procedure to access the benefits.

“We will use this assembly platform to disseminate information to and get feedback on government activities from the rural dwellers.

“It is also a tool to fight corruption. When they know what is due to them, they will be able to enquire from their representatives in order not to be short changed,” he said.

March 29, 2017
Sensitise pupils on good moral values, Reps urge NOA

The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the National Orientation Agency to step up efforts to sensitize school children across the country to good moral values.

This followed the adoption of a motion under matters of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Akeem Adeyemi (APC-Oyo).

Moving the motion, Adeyemi condemned the burning down of five secondary schools in Oyo state on Oct. 28 by students.

The affected schools, according to him, are Isale Oyo Community High School, Oba Adeyemi High School and Anglican Methodist Secondary School.

Others are Community Secondary School, Iyana Ide-Ose, Ibadan and Ojoo High School.

He said that the students embarked on the act purportedly in response to the state government’s policy of “No Automatic Promotion’’ which insisted on better educational performance at secondary school level in the state.

Adeyemi said that most of the schools attacked were surrounded by Indian hemp smoking and dealing joints which perverted the character of some of the students.

“It is a grave disappointment that these students embarked on this heinous and criminal act.

“Unless this development is checked, the teenage students will continue to take laws into their hands and the drug peddling joints which are accomplices will continue to constitute nuisance,’’ Adeyemi said.

In its resolution, the House urged the Nigeria Police and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to sanitize the surroundings of the affected schools in order to guarantee the protection of lives and property in the communities.

November 1, 2016
Change before you ask the change we promised – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday launched the national re-orientation campaign at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the slogan of the re-orientation campaign “Change Begins With Me” is geared towards engendering a holistic attitudunal change in Nigerians.

This, he said, will go a long way in restoring in the country credible value system, spirit of patriotism among other values.

The campaign, being championed by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, is organized under the change mantra of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said: “Nigeria today is passing through a challenging moment where hardly anything works in a normal manner. Many have attributed this phenomenon to the total breakdown of our core values over the years.

“It is safe to say today that honesty, hard work, Godliness have given way to all kinds of manifestations of lawlessness and degeneration in our national life. This is why we have among our cardinal objectives ‘change’, which implies the need for a change of attitude and mindset in our everyday life.

“I need not mention the serious effort we have engaged in since the inception of this administration on the fight against corruption in our public life.” He said

With the progress recorded in the fight against corruption, he said that his administration is putting in place the necessary sustainable framework for action and measures that will help to entrench and consolidate the progress achieved so far.

He insisted that the best can be maintained through attitudinal change, and the change of mindset in private and public life.

He added: “The campaign we are about to launch today is all about the need for us to see change not merely in terms of our economic, social progress but in terms of our personal behaviour on how we conduct ourselves, engage our neigbhours, friends and generally how we relate with the larger society in a positive and definitive way and manner that promotes our common good and common destiny, change at home, change in the work place, change at traffic junction, change at traffic lights etc.

“This campaign is part of the determination of our party to seek to carry all Nigerians along on the journey to a better and greater society that we all can be proud of.

“There is no doubt that our value system has been badly eroded over the years. The long-cherished and time honoured, time-tested virtues of honesty, integrity, hard work, punctuality, good neighbourliness, abhorrence of corruption and patriotism, have given way in the main to dishonesty, indolence, unbridled corruption and widespread impunity.

“The resultant effect of this derailment in our value system is being felt in the social, political and economic sphere. It is the reason that some youths will take to cultism and brigandage instead of studying hard or engaging in decent living; it is the reason that some elements will break pipelines and other oil facilities, thus robbing the nation of much-needed resources; it is the reason that money belonging to our commonwealth will be brazenly stolen by the same public officials to whom they were entrusted; it is the reason why motorist drive through red traffic lights, it is the reason that many will engage in thuggery and vote-stealing during elections; it is part of what has driven our economy into deep problem out of which we are now working hard to extricate ourselves.

“Every one of us must have a change from our old ways of doing things, we cannot fold our arms and allow things to continue the old way.

He said that Nigerians must resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship, pettiness and immaturity that have poisoned Nigeria for so long.

“Let us summon a new spirit of responsibility, spirit of service, of patriotism and sacrifice, Let us all resolve to pitch in and work hard and look after, not only ourselves but one another, What the current problem has taught us is that we cannot have a thriving army of rent seekers and vested interests, while the majority suffers.

“Rather than sit back and complain endlessly, we have decided to act pragmatically, with the launch of this National Re-orientation Campaign. The campaign will not be a sprint but a marathon that will run the course of our tenure.

“We are under no illusion that the changes we seek will happen overnight, but we have no doubt that the campaign will help restore our value system and rekindle our nationalistic fervor”

The President appealed to all Nigerians to be part of the campaign, noting that the change the citizens expect to see begins with them.

“And that personal and social reforms are not theoretic exercise. If you have not seen the change in you, you cannot see it in others or even the larger society. In other words, before you ask ‘where is the change they promised us’, you must first ask how far have I changed my ways ‘what have I done to be part of the change for the greater good of society’.

He said that while the government will drive the ‘Change Begins With Me’ campaign, it must be strongly supported by all concerned individually.

“In this regard the private sector is a major stakeholder. Indeed when the campaign succeeds, it will impact heavily on the private sector. A punctual, diligent and hardworking staff can only be of benefit of not just himself or herself or the organization they work for but to various governments whether at local, state or Federal level.

“While congratulating the stakeholders, especially Ministry of Information and Culture and the National Orientation Agency for conceiving this campaign, I charge all to pursue the campaign with vigour and ensure its sustenance by taking it to all the nook and crannies of this country, with the aim of getting the buy in of the old, the young, the rich, the poor irrespective of gender or other social positions.

“Your Excellencies, Honourable Ministers, Members of the National Assembly, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now my pleasure to formally launch and handover the instrument of the Change Campaign tagged Change Begins With Me to the Honourable Minister for Information and Culture, for transmission to all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria.” He stated

September 8, 2016
Toward citizens participation in budget monitoring
A two-day capacity building seminar organized by Human Development Initiatives (HDI), to equip local government officials and other stakeholders on the need to participate in budget monitoring at various local councils took place recently in Lagos. Justice Ilevbare, reports that the event provided a platform for participants to engage in stimulating discussions on accountability and improved governance at the grass root.

The need to ensure government at all levels (particularly the grass root) are held accountable for activities within their jurisdiction necessitated the recent 2-day capacity building seminar organised by the Human Development Initiatives (HDI) in Lagos.

The seminar, which is the second in the series, focused on budgeting at the local government level which is the first step of planning needed for any feasible change.

Participants comprising of coordinators of watch group, local government budget officers and head of departments, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and media practitioners, were trained on how to get involved fully in order to ensure transparency and accountability.

Judging by its closeness to the people, the grass-root government ought to be top-notch and effective. Thus the seminar was borne out of the need to put an end to citizens’ naivety to budget process.

The opening day had Professor Bolaji Owosanoye, Executive Director, HDI explain the reason behind the project to participants. In his remarks, he emphasised the prominent position of local government in ensuring social services are delivered to the people at the grass- root level. He equally called on citizens to be more involved in the budgeting process.

Taking participants on the tools and laws for citizens’ participation in the budget process was Mr. Victor Abel of the Centre of Social Justice. In expository manner, participants were taught on the need to involve actively in budget formation.

Speaking on the theme ‘Understanding the laws and tools for citizens’ participation in the budget process’ Abel stated “that the exclusion of the people from the budgetary process of the county will not only lead to a short term apathy, but a near long run revolution that will cripple the entire economy.”

He explained that laws and tools guiding the budget process and citizens’ right to participate in budget process are contained in:
- The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
- The Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007
- The Public Procurement Act 2007
- The Financial Year Act 2004
- The Freedom of Information Act 2011
- Finance (Control and Management) Act, Cap F.26, Laws of the Federation 2004
- Senate Rules and House Standing Orders
He therefore called on all citizens to take active part in budget formation in order to promote accountability among leaders.

“To the citizens, when you stand for nothing, you fall for everything. You must stand-up for accountability and transparency. Hold your government to account; the pursuit to a better living. It is our right as human: Fight for it. Citizens also need to show interest and zeal in finding out information and participating in the process,” he added.

Day two of the seminar had a stimulating moment as participants got a load down of the essentials of the Freedom of Information Act. Taking the session was Deputy Director, Media Rights Agenda Jennifer Onyejekwe.

She spoke extensively on the topic: ‘Using the Freedom of Information Act for budget tracking and reporting’.

“The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2011 gives any person the right to ask any public institution for any record, data or information that is held in the institutions custody. It is a Proactive Disclosure as a means to promote transparency in governance,” Onyejekwe explained

She noted that the two modes of accessing information under the information act are:
- The first is through the proactive publication of information by public institutions.
- The second way is through information provided by public institutions & private entities covered by the Act to legal & natural persons upon the submission of an application.
Proffering solution on how to monitor and track budgets and its implementation, Femi Adesina, Deputy Manager, The Sun Newspaper, called on media houses to involve figure oriented persons in their rank to ensure proper scrutiny and tracking.

“Employ people who are figure literate, train them as journalists, and deploy them to track budgets. Such people also need to be familiar with the Public Procurement Act, and laws relating to disbursement of public funds.

“Tracking will not only involve ensuring that financial projections are adhered to, but will include the overall impact of budget on the lives of the people at the end of the budget cycle. It is a form of evaluation.”

The second day also witnessed presentation by Mr. Kenneth Odusanya, managing partner Odusanya & co. He spoke on Budget for Development and Poverty Alleviation.

Odusanya advised that in drawing up a budget, participants must ensure that it is timebound, comprehensive and have a process of accountability.

He lamented that most local governments have not cultivated the habit of record keeping adding that “A good budget must be efficient and must impact majority of the people.

Speaking on the theme ‘Budget tracking and reporting: the role of the media’ Adesina noted that the waste in government will be reduced to the barest minimum, when such activities are undertaken by the media.

“Budget tracking by the media will enhance planning by government. It will enhance transparency, accountability, and curb waste. When we do it, we would have fulfilled a great part of our social responsibility,” he said.

Participants were also taught on the use of social media platform of LGA Budget Watch during the second day one of the seminar by HDI Media Officer, Alofun Victor.

At the end of the two-day seminar, participants were better informed on the need to ensure budget process participation occupies their topmost priority, “I am very grateful to the organisers for putting this kind of programme in place. It has further enhanced my capacity on the need to be actively involved in budget at my local level,” one of the participants disclosed.

Having learnt the details of the FOI Act, participants resolved to ensure government officials are made to account for every action in the best interest of transforming the society.

Highlight of the seminar was the opportunity provided for participants to ask questions while facilitators took out time to provide possible answers.

HDI is a non-profit organisation established in 1997 to promote human development awareness and propagate information on human development.
November 11, 2013
Youths tasked on productivity

Youths have been urged to unleash their creative skills to engender intellectual works that will turn around their generation. This charge came at a public presentation of a book titled My time to reign written by Ayobami Ogedengbe, a graduate of Microbiology.

The event was held at the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Akure, Ondo State.

According to Ayobami, the 87-page book merges physical and spiritual principles, which he saod could make readers productive if motivation sections of the book were applied to life.

The writer said he was inspired and pushed by God to write the book, saying: “When God called me, I had a mandate and he told me that He never call his people to seek him in vain. That is why I know that because I have Christ in me which is the hope of my glory, it is actually my time to reign.”

The author pointed out that the book explained some fundamental factors upon which the greatness of man was based. He praised his parents for supporting the publication.

Reviewing the book, an ace broadcaster, Mr Steve Alabi, said the book was made up of four chapters broken into shorter sections. He said it was a book of faith that would help readers achieve their potential here on earth, while fixing their focus on the ultimate price of salvation.

Alabi said: “It is not a call to material things. Chapter two of the book begins with an admonition that the greatest step to greatness is the salvation of one’s soul, and this should be the first thing that one needs to focus on if he wants to be great in life.” The reviewer said the work was reader-friendly and would contribute to spiritual growth. He recommended the book to the public.

In his address, chairman of the occasion, Mr Lanre Ogidan, said while other youths devoted their time to frivolities, the author was busy putting materials together to write the book. While congratulating Ayobami for the success of the book, Ogidan called on young people to engage intellectual ventures that would make them better citizens.

The author’s parents, Mr and Mrs Ayo Ogedengbe, were happy on the honour brought them by their son. “We are glad that our son is doing this while we are alive,” the father said.

The Ondo State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Bode Famose, and a journalist, Mr Williams Olufunmi, who were at the event, challenged youths on productivity.

August 15, 2013
NOA flags off campus campaign

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has flagged off the Do the right thing, a campus-focus and student re-orientation for students of University of Calabar with a lecture titled Nigeria Tertiary Institution of Learning, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: Implication for National Transformation.

Declaring the event open, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. James Epoke lauded the agency for the programme adding that doing the right thing to transform Nigeria as the slogan of the body says begins with an individual and building a nation full of hope.

He advised the students to love their country and always ask what they can do for their country and not what their country can do for them. He advised them to shun all social vices that can jeopardize their study.

Prof. Epoke charged the government to provide the amenities that can enhance learning in the tertiary institutions to enable them function efficiently and effectively and to enable them be patriotic.

In his welcome address, Mike Omeri, Director General, NOA commended the large turnout of students and staffs at the programme and urged them to emulate the steadfastness and tenacity of the legal luminary whose contributions had impacted positively on the society.

Presenting her Keynote address on Nigeria Tertiary Institution of learning, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow; Implications for National Transformation, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili said that Nigeria institutions have demonstrated its belief that once there is strong research and development system, the nation’s economy will also be strong because of its conviction that research and innovation are key drivers for economic growth.

“For the economy to grow, a nation must invest in research and innovation at the tertiary institutions” Ezekwesili stated

Prof. Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan of the department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Kaduna state in his presentation on “The Imperative of industrial harmony and Academic Excellence in a Productive Educational System” said that the challenge facing the Nigerian educational sector include incessant industrial dispute, brain drain, poor financing of quality education, cultism, corrupt practices and abuse of trust.

He noted that academic excellence cannot be achieved without improving funding and quality of education in the country adding that promoting visionary and disciplined leadership in the educational system is the key to conducive environment for learning devoid of corrupt practices and indiscipline.

Prof Ladan charged the federal government to increase annual budget allocation to education from 8.4% ( 2012) or 8.7% (2013) to at least the UNESCO minimum benchmark of 26% or Africa best practice on investment in education ( Ghana’s 31% in 2012, better utilization of funds, tracking and monitoring of the use of the resources for education by multi stakeholders forum and lastly reduce the monthly or annual take home pay of all political officer holders to the 0.5million package of a professor as a way of showing their patriotism and commitment to academic excellence and industrial harmony for the betterment of all.

Other Keynote speakers include Prof. Femi Odekunle, Professor of Criminology and Anti Corruption crusader, who spoke on the Dimensions and Implication of Moral Decadence in Nigeria tertiary institution of learning, Ene Ede, Principal, Equity Advocate Abuja, the role of tertiary institution of learning as a veritable resources base for nation transformation, Comrade Jude Imagwe, Senior Special Assistant to the President Youth and students matters who spoke on the challenges of value reorientation in Nigeria tertiary education system and Emeka Eluem Izeze, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Newspaper.

The event featured a drama presentation and cultural dances by the university performing company.

December 12, 2012