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

By
Toyin Adebayo
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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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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.

Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi Lakeside Hosts Free Health Outreach, Reaches Over 1,200 in Kuchigoro Community

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi Lakeside, in partnership with various organizations, recently organized a community health outreach, providing free medical services, screenings, and essential supplies to over 1,200 residents in Kuchigoro.

The event offered medical check-ups and treatments, with a focus on health screenings for children, women, and men, aiming to improve community health and well-being.

Rotarian Amobi Ogum, President of the Rotary Club Abuja Jabi Lakeside, expressed the club’s commitment to Kuchigoro, which they have adopted for community support projects.

He encouraged the government and private sector to boost Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to uplift lives. “The turnout is heartwarming, and Rotary is committed to making a lasting impact,” he added.

The outreach coincided with World Polio Day, featuring polio vaccinations for children, and included screenings for HIV, Hepatitis, and cervical cancer.

According to Rotarian Modupe Olufisoye, Coordinator of Rotary Family Health Day, the event aimed to raise health awareness while offering vital screenings and vaccinations.

This year’s outreach expanded beyond medical services, offering clothing and food supplies to residents.

Rotarian Olayinka Aduloju, the immediate past president of the club, highlighted that the inclusion of these additional resources marked a significant enhancement from previous years.

Partnering organization Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, represented by Sadiya Yakubu, provided free cervical cancer screenings, underscoring the importance of cancer awareness in underserved communities.

Grateful beneficiaries shared their experiences, including LEA Primary School pupil, Ozioma Princess, who appreciated the free tests and health education provided.

Another beneficiary, Mr. Balachiqni, expressed relief at finally receiving treatments he had long needed, while Beauty Monday, a parent, felt thankful for the opportunity to bring her children for screening and treatment.

Event highlights included deworming for children, polio vaccinations, and the distribution of food items and clothing, leaving the community both healthier and hopeful for continued support.

FEC Scraps Niger Delta , Sports Ministries, Renames It Ministry of Regional Development

By
Uche Kingsley
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0

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved the renaming of the Ministry of Niger Delta to the Ministry of Regional Development.

At the meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, the council also announced the scrapping of the Ministry of Sports Development.

Minister of Information and Communications, Mohammed Idris, confirmed the changes to State House correspondents.

The newly restructured Ministry of Regional Development will be headed by the current Minister of Niger Delta, Abubakar Momoh. It will now oversee various regional development commissions, including the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

Tinubu Sacks Ministers of Education, Women Affairs, Tourism, Others

By
Uche Kingsley
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0

President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action by removing five ministers from his cabinet with immediate effect.

The ministers affected by the shakeup include Barr. Uju-Ken Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism; Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education; Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development.

This development was confirmed on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

In addition to the ministerial changes, the President has also rebranded the Ministry of Niger Delta, renaming it the Ministry of Regional Development.

President Tinubu’s decision follows his earlier warnings that ministers who underperformed during the administration’s first year would face dismissal.

Nigeria’s Food Security , Governance Challenges: Former Governor Osoba Sounds Alarm

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Nigeria is facing significant challenges in food security and governance, prompting former Ogun State Governor, Chief Oluwasegun Osoba, to call for urgent action.

In a recent interview in Abuja, Osoba emphasized that Nigeria has the potential to feed itself but is being hindered by insecurity in rural areas.

Osoba identified banditry and herdsmen-farmer conflicts as critical obstacles to achieving self-sufficiency in food production. The current state of insecurity has reduced access to farmlands, leading to lower agricultural output.

He lamented that the bandits are not allowing many farmers to go to the farm, and the clashes between herdsmen and farmers are undermining the country’s agricultural potential.

Nigeria’s dependence on food imports could lead to economic instability, despite its fertile land and favorable climate.

Food production is hampered by banditry, communal clashes, and herdsmen-farmer disputes, particularly in the northern and central regions, which are key agricultural zones.

Osoba stressed that Nigeria can feed itself, but the country’s agricultural potential is being undermined by persistent conflicts.

He compared Nigeria’s situation to global political dynamics, recalling past tensions between political leaders and their deputies as a metaphor for the broader governance issues affecting the country.

The former governor also touched on the difficulties facing Nigeria’s political system, particularly the strained relationships between governors and their deputies, which have led to frequent impeachments and political instability at the state level.

He noted that governors, who hold significant sway over state legislatures, often have the ability to remove their deputies with little resistance.

Osoba used the example of former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who rose from being a deputy governor in Bayelsa State to becoming the nation’s vice president and eventually president, to illustrate how deputies can succeed despite the challenges.

He emphasized that political ambition and competence do not always translate into straightforward success due to entrenched power dynamics.

Osoba urged the government to take decisive steps in curbing insecurity and fostering good governance to ensure that Nigeria can fully leverage its agricultural potential.

He emphasized that securing the nation’s farmlands from bandits and fostering peaceful coexistence between herdsmen and farmers is essential for achieving sustainable development.

Ganduje Seeks Constitutional Amendment to Define Deputy Governors’ Role

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has called for a constitutional amendment to clearly define deputy governors’ roles in governance. Speaking at the 2024 National Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria in Abuja, Ganduje emphasized the importance of cooperation between governors and deputies for effective governance.

Ganduje stressed that deputy governors are vital and encouraged them to build strong relationships with their principals. The conference, themed “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security, and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria,” brought together former deputy governors nationwide.

Dr. Chris Akomas, National Chairman of the Forum and former Abia State Deputy Governor, advocated for a State Economic Councils bill to address abandoned projects. He highlighted the forum’s partnership with the Polish Nigeria Business Council for knowledge sharing and expertise.

Obong Victor Attah, Chairman of the occasion, urged the forum to promote accountability, uphold Nigeria’s core values, and address challenges hindering progress. Chief Oluwasegun Osoba, Co-Chairman and former Ogun State Governor, advised deputy governors to foster positive relationships with governors to avoid conflicts.

Hon. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, Director-General of the Forum, highlighted progress since 2011 and commitment to shaping Nigeria’s governance future.

Wike Declares War on Street Begging, Vows to Improve Security , Infrastructure

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared war on street begging, citing security threats and embarrassment to the nation’s capital.

Wike gave beggars a five-day ultimatum to vacate Abuja’s streets or face eviction.

He expressed concerns that some beggars may be criminals or informants.Separately, Wike emphasized the importance of balancing urban and rural development, ensuring Abuja competes favorably with global cities.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, highlighted Nigeria’s $3 trillion infrastructure gap and urged investment in roads, power, housing, healthcare, and education.

FCTA Cracks Down on Abandoned Properties: Develop or Face Consequences

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has sounded the alarm on the rising number of shanties and squatters taking over abandoned buildings and undeveloped plots in Abuja, posing significant security risks to residents.

To tackle this issue, the Administration has issued a strict directive to property owners, giving them a three-month ultimatum to develop and secure their properties.

According to Chief Felix Obuah, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council Coordinator, these abandoned structures have become hideouts for individuals with questionable intentions, threatening the safety of FCT residents.

The Administration stresses that urgent action is necessary to restore order and prevent these areas from becoming breeding grounds for criminal activity.

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

  • Revocation of land titles
  • Demolition of abandoned structures

Directive to Property Owners:

  • Develop and secure properties within three months
  • Take necessary steps to prevent misuse of properties

The FCT Administration urges all stakeholders to comply with the directive and work together to maintain the city’s security and integrity.

By addressing abandoned and undeveloped properties, the Administration aims to create a safer, more orderly environment for all FCT residents

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