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FG Launches Five-Year Occupational Health, Safety Strategic Plan

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

***Requires N1.34 billion to Execution Comprehensive Plan

The Federal Government on Tuesday unveiled a five-year (2024-2028) strategic action plan aimed at enhancing occupational health and safety across public workplaces.

The new document, launched in Abuja by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, outlines guidelines for addressing work-related diseases, injuries, and accidents to improve employee well-being and productivity.

Prof. Pate announced that the execution of this comprehensive plan is projected to require N1.34 billion over the next five years.

He expressed optimism about the document’s potential to significantly improve occupational health and safety services in Nigeria.

According to him, the strategic plan will provide crucial guidance to the Ministry and stakeholders, fostering a safer and healthier work environment, which is anticipated to enhance national productivity by promoting consistent health standards among the workforce.

For the plan’s effective implementation, Prof. Pate emphasized the need for collaboration across various levels of government, as well as support from partners, donors, NGOs, civil society organizations, philanthropists, and other stakeholders to mobilize necessary resources.

Daju Kachallom, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted the role of the Occupational Health and Safety Division and similar state agencies in assessing health risks and conducting surveillance in both formal and informal sectors.

This effort aims to monitor workers’ health, identify potential hazards, and evaluate the work environment across workplaces nationwide.

Kachallom assured that the Ministry is committed to prioritizing the health of workers, fostering a national culture of occupational safety where everyone respects the right to a safe and healthy working environment.

This initiative calls for active participation from governments, employers, and workers to promote preventive measures and shared responsibility in maintaining safe workplaces.

The Minister appealed to all stakeholders, including the media, to support the strategic plan’s implementation and to raise awareness of the importance of workers’ well-being in the workplace.

Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector Set for Transformation: Minister Alake Unveils Vision at Upcoming Mining Week

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has announced a new phase of growth for Nigeria’s mining sector, emphasizing its potential to become a cornerstone of the country’s economy.

In anticipation of the 9th edition of Nigeria Mining Week, Alake revealed that Nigeria possesses over 44 types of underutilized minerals, offering vast economic potential for the nation.

At a press briefing ahead of the conference scheduled for November 18-20 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Alake highlighted a strategic shift from raw mineral extraction to value-added processing.

“Our goal is to retain wealth within Nigeria’s borders, empower local industries, and create job opportunities that will reverberate throughout the economy,” he stated.

Themed “From the Inside Out: Building the Mining Sector to be the Cornerstone of Nigeria’s Economy”, the event will bring together government officials, industry stakeholders, and international investors to redefine the future of Nigerian mining.

Alake stressed the sector’s role in the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to drive economic diversification, community development, and job creation.

Central to this vision is strengthening the quality of geoscientific data, which Alake cited as vital for investment attraction and sector stability. “Precision in data attracts investors and ensures sustainability in our mining sector,” he said, underscoring the need for transparency.

Several transformative projects are underway, including lithium and rare earth processing plants in Kwara and Kebbi states, a tantalite processing plant in Abuja by Hasetins, and a new gold refinery in Gwarinpa. These initiatives will bolster Nigeria’s mining capabilities, along with enhanced security measures such as the newly launched Mining Marshals, Mines Surveillance Task Force, and satellite surveillance to counter illegal mining.

Supporting artisanal and small-scale miners is also a priority, with over 250 new cooperatives registered to provide a formal operating framework. Additionally, 150 new mineral buying centers have been established, further strengthening sector formalization.

The Nigeria Mining Week 2024 agenda will tackle pressing issues like environmental sustainability, financing, infrastructure, and gender inclusion in mining. Panel discussions and workshops will explore these topics, along with ways to position Nigerian minerals on the global stage. Alake extended his appreciation to event sponsors and partners, expressing confidence that the conference will elevate mining standards and accelerate Nigeria’s economic transformation.

The 9th edition of Nigeria Mining Week promises to showcase Nigeria’s ambition to establish itself as a major player in the global mineral value chain, reaffirming the mining sector’s pivotal role in the nation’s economic development.

Governor-Elect Sen. Okpebholo Appoints Fred Itua as Chief Press Secretary

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Edo State Governor-Elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced the appointment of Fred Itua as his Chief Press Secretary, marking the first official appointment by the incoming administration.

Itua, an accomplished journalist with over 13 years of experience, is known for his in-depth coverage of national governance, humanitarian issues, and the National Assembly, and is set to lead the Governor’s media team upon his assumption of office on November 12, 2024.

A journalist with The Sun Newspaper, Itua also hosts Inside The Red Chamber, an online program focused on legislative affairs, and co-hosts the radio show Bottom Line.

His broad expertise in journalism, public relations, and communication strategy has earned him recognition for crafting engaging narratives and conveying complex topics in accessible ways.

With degrees from Ambrose Alli University, University of Abuja, and ongoing Ph.D. research in Development Communication at Veritas University, Itua is a highly adaptable and strategic media professional, equipped to steer the Governor-Elect’s communication efforts with a focus on accuracy and high-impact reporting.

Ministry of Defence Trains Procurement Staff On E-Provurement, PMS , ECM

By
Victor Obabunmi
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0

The Ministry of Defence has organized a three-day technical seminar on procurement audit, e-Procurement, Performance Management System (PMS) and Enterprise Content Management (ECM) for Procurement staff of the Ministry.

Declaring the seminar open, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni who was represented by the Director Planning, Research and statistics (PRS), Abdulrahman Suleiman charged the participants to pay rapt attention as the seminar will go a long way in improving the overall morale performance of the staff on the job.

According to him, the titles of the seminar are carefully chosen to reflect all the organizational components that outline the entire process of public procurement namely; people, paper work and process.

“The title of the seminar is quite apt. In the Ministry of Defence we critically analyze issues involving the principal hallmarks of proficient public procurement which are economy, efficiency fairness, reliability and ethical standards “ he said.

Delivering his welcome address, the Ag. Director of Procurement, Mr. Otalike Peter Yahaya said that the seminar will expose participants to best practices in procurement audits and investigations.

In addition he said the seminar will enable the participants to understand the essential tools needed to perform internal control related services as well as speed up the purchase process and save money.

“The Performance Management System in Procurement will help the Ministry evaluate the skills, strength and overall efficiency of the employees,” he stated. In addition, some Directors of the Ministry participated at the training.

Alake Calls for Stakeholder Collaboration to Curb Illegal Mining and Prevent Pit Collapses

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called for strengthened collaboration between stakeholders in the solid minerals sector and the National Parks Service to tackle illegal mining and prevent the frequent collapse of mining pits.

In a statement issued by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Dr. Alake highlighted technical reports showing that many pit collapses are due to the lack of professional skills among artisanal miners involved in illegal mining.

He urged these miners to stop risking their lives and instead form mining cooperatives, allowing them to seek licenses and permits for legal operations through the ministry.

The Minister emphasized that under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, mineral exploration within national parks is prohibited, as it poses a significant threat to the forests, plants, and wildlife preserved by the government.

He called upon National Parks Service officers to report any cases of mineral extraction to the nearest Federal Mines Officer to ensure prompt intervention.

The statement came in response to a recent pit collapse in Gashaka-Gunti National Park, where illegal mining operations led to tragic consequences. Dr. Alake stated that the ministry is actively monitoring the incident through federal mines officers in Taraba and Adamawa states. To prevent similar occurrences, he urged local government authorities to monitor illegal mining activities within their jurisdictions and work closely with state ministry offices on early warning systems designed to combat this issue.

In an effort to educate the public on the dangers of illegal mining, the Ministry is sponsoring radio programs on Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Voice of Nigeria (VON), available in nine Nigerian languages to reach non-English-speaking artisanal miners. According to Dr. Alake, these programs will raise awareness and encourage miners to join cooperatives to benefit from the ministry’s training and empowerment programs.

The minister reiterated his department’s commitment to deepening trust between artisanal miners and the government, stating that further engagement initiatives are underway to support these miners and promote safer, legal mining practices across Nigeria.

Ministry Of Defence Commiserates With Me President, Nigerian Army , The Family Of Late Chief Of Army Staff

By
Victor Obabunmi
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0

The Honourable Minister of Defence H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni, the Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle MON , the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni , the Management staff and the entire Staff of the Ministry of Defence, commiserate and extend their heartfelt condolences to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Nigerian Army, the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria and the family on the transition to eternal glory of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja .

His death has been described as a great loss to his family, the Army and the nation at large.

The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence as our working relationship with him is commendable as he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate .

The late Chief of Army Staff contributed in no small measure in the internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited high level of professionalism.

He will be greatly missed by the family, the Military and the nation as he served the nation with commitment and dedication.

May his soul rest in the bosom of the Lord

GSS Garki Alumni Empower 20 Students with Scholarships, Ignite Patriotism at 30-Year Reunion

By
Gladys Phillip
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0

Celebrating their 30th reunion, the 1994 alumni of Government Secondary School (GSS) Garki, Area 10, extended scholarships to 20 indigent students, reinforcing their commitment to education and community upliftment.

The scholarships, presented by Mr. Jiboku Abayomi on behalf of alumni president Mr. Festus Udoebor, underscore the alumni’s dedication to supporting the next generation.

Dr. Peter Olumuji, Chairman of the Planning Committee, inspired students with a powerful message on patriotism, stressing the importance of loving and valuing Nigeria.

He explained that economic hardships, social media negativity, and historical divides often challenge patriotism, yet belief in the nation’s potential is essential for progress.

Encouraging students to pursue good mentorship, be mindful of their actions, and actively shape Nigeria’s future, Dr. Olumuji reminded them that a positive outlook and a dedication to their country are foundations for effective leadership.

This blend of financial support and a patriotic call-to-action highlights the alumni’s vision of empowering students to drive Nigeria’s unity and growth forward.

Nigeria-UAE Economic Summit to Boost Bilateral Trade, Says Solid Minerals Minister Alake

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has endorsed the upcoming Nigeria-United Arab Emirates (UAE) economic summit, set to be a milestone in fortifying trade relations between the two nations.

This endorsement came during a recent visit by the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Salem Shaeed Al Shamsi, to Dr. Alake’s office.

Reflecting on the historical significance of Nigeria-UAE relations, which span over 50 years, Dr. Alake highlighted how the summit will serve as a platform for deepening economic ties.

“The potential for collaboration in the mining sector is vast,” he noted in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Segun Tomori. Both nations, Dr. Alake emphasized, are strategically positioned as mineral trade hubs, and Nigeria’s rich deposits of high-demand minerals offer a unique foundation for shared economic growth.

Ambassador Al Shamsi, sharing his vision for the summit, announced that the event would bring together 30 to 35 major companies from the UAE and the broader Middle East.

This gathering aims to boost Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) into Nigeria, while expanding trade channels between the two nations.

Al Shamsi expressed optimism about the forum’s potential to create sustainable partnerships and foster collaborative ventures in sectors ripe for development.

The summit builds on last year’s discussions between President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and UAE President Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan at COP 28.

These discussions helped restore diplomatic ties and led to the lifting of visa restrictions on Nigerian applicants.

As Nigeria and the UAE prepare for this summit, both nations are positioned to open new pathways for trade and investment, laying the groundwork for economic growth and mutual prosperity.

Nigeria Seeks Stronger Mining Ties with UAE to Curb Illegal Gold Trade, Boost Economic Growth

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has advocated for expanded trade relations between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a focus on solid minerals.

During a meeting with UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Shaeed Al Shamsi, Alake highlighted Nigeria’s rich mineral reserves and proposed a collaborative approach to address challenges in the mining sector, including the issue of illegal gold trade.

Reflecting on over 50 years of diplomatic ties, Alake noted, “In the mining sector, we see significant opportunities for collaboration.

While there is considerable trade in gold, much of it remains illegal, with a large portion of Nigerian gold ending up in the UAE unlawfully.

We propose working together to develop strategies to curb illegal gold trade and establish a regulatory framework that legitimizes this trade, allowing both countries to maximize their benefits.”

Alake stressed that formalizing the trade could benefit both nations economically, with the UAE benefiting as a major global hub for minerals and Nigeria leveraging UAE’s expertise in mineral processing and trade.

The Minister further expressed interest in collaborating on technology transfer, which he said would be pivotal in advancing Nigeria’s mining sector.

Ambassador Al Shamsi assured the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria, pointing to recent advancements such as the lifting of visa restrictions and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UAE companies and Nigeria via the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF).

“The lifting of visa application restrictions and the launch of a new visa application website demonstrate my country’s dedication to advancing bilateral relations,” Al Shamsi stated, adding that an upcoming Nigeria-UAE economic forum will bring 30 to 35 major Middle Eastern and UAE companies to Nigeria. The forum is expected to enhance Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) into Nigeria.

To solidify these plans, both countries agreed to form a technical committee to explore collaborative strategies to combat illegal mining and promote legitimate trade practices.

This move signals a shared commitment to bolstering the mining sector while fostering economic growth through a robust Nigeria-UAE partnership.

Presidency Empowers Edo Women , Youths with Soap-Making Skills, Start-up Capital

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

In a bid to empower local communities, the Presidency recently conducted a two-day intensive soap-making training for women and youths in Uhonmora-Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Organized by the Border Communities Development Agency in partnership with Instinct Resources Service Ltd, the program not only imparted practical skills but also included start-up capital to support business ventures.

Held at the Uhonmora Civic Centre, the training welcomed over 266 participants from the community.

Representatives from the Border Communities Development Agency, Mrs. Atozie Sarah Ngozi and Mr. Rwang Bulus, highlighted the purpose of the program, urging beneficiaries to use the start-up funds responsibly to establish viable businesses.

Training instructors Hauwa Pogu Mai and Hauwa Apagu Satumari covered topics on soap-making, from safety precautions to recipes and formulations for liquid and bar soaps.

The comprehensive training also included business and marketing strategies to help participants effectively run their ventures.

Community leaders, including Elder Victor Ajayi, Mrs. Evangelina Agbai, Vice President of the Uhonmora Ora Progressives Union Worldwide, and Secretary General Mr. Austin Emokhare, praised the initiative.

They encouraged participants to utilize their new skills and resources wisely, reinforcing the potential impact of the program on the community’s economic growth.

Participants enthusiastically engaged in practical soap production, applying their new knowledge under the guidance of instructors.

The high points of the event included the awarding of certificates, confirmation of start-up capital through SMS alerts, and a closing Q&A session to reinforce participants’ understanding.

With this initiative, the federal government continues its mission to empower rural communities, fostering entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency across the nation.

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