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General news

Fact-check news reports before publication, Onanuga tasks NAN editors

Fact-check

By Ezra Musa

Kaduna, Feb. 20, 2024 (NAN) Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has urged editors of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to fact-check news reports before publication.

Onanuga, former Managing Director of NAN, made the call at the agency’s 5th Editorial Management Retreat on Tuesday in Kaduna.

In a paper presentation, tagged
“A subscriber’s expectation of NAN copy”, he analysed some news contents of the agency, highlighting the weaknesses and strengths.

According to him, NAN copies are expected to be factual, detailed, contemporaneous, relevant and be delivered in good time.

He said that the agency, with its wide network of correspondents, was expected to be the news leader in supplying timely news about Nigeria, Africa and the world in the best of journalism tradition.

He, however, said that many competent journalists had exited the agency, resulting in a vacuum that needed to be filled.

“Journalists retire when they clock 60 years or 35 years of service.

“NAN lost many good competent hands in this way,” Onanuga said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

EMZ/EBI/HA

Edited by Benson Iziam/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Foreign

Germany, France look to rekindle alliance at Hamburg retreat

Germany, France look to rekindle alliance at Hamburg retreat

Retreat

Hamburg, Oct. 9, 2023 (dpa/NAN) The governments of Germany and France will meet for a two-day joint Cabinet retreat in Hamburg beginning on Monday to try to patch up ties.

Franco-German cooperation has long been the motor of European policymaking, but the relationship hit the skids after Olaf Scholz became German chancellor in 2021.

The high-level meetings on Monday and Tuesday in the northern German port city would bring together Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, who took office six years ago.

They took to office along with numerous ministers from both countries.

Among the major topics expected to be discussed include industrial support, European technological self-sufficiency and the enlargement of the European Union (EU) as well as Africa policy.

The neighbours have chafed over everything from security matters to the EU’s energy policy and fiscal rules.

In a speech last year in Prague on Europe’s future, Scholz failed to even mention France a slight that did not go down well in Paris.

Berlin and Paris were not on the same wavelength when it comes to defence, for example.

Macron was insisting that EU members sign procurement contracts with industries in the bloc i.e. French firms rather than making deals with U.S. and Israeli companies, as Germany has done.

The leaders have sought to strengthen their bond.

Scholz visited France in January, and top officials from both countries have travelled for more frequent meetings.

Macron had planned to make a high-profile state visit to Germany earlier this year but it was postponed due to nationwide unrest in France following a police shooting.

That visit is now due to take place next year.

The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Bundestag, Michael Roth, of Scholz’s Social Democrats, called on both countries to show more determined cooperation.

“At the moment, things are very unambitious,’’ he told the RND media group.

Both partners must make an effort to make more of their leadership responsibility for Europe.

However, the meeting would be overshadowed by the deadly attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel.

This has triggered a massive military confrontation, with the combined death toll among Israelis and Palestinians at more than 1,000.

The Hamburg talks would begin with a tour of the Airbus aircraft plant in the city as well as a tour of the harbour.

A joint news conference with Scholz and Macron on Tuesday would end the retreat. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

COO/YEE
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(Edited by Cecilia Odey/Emmanuel Yashim)

Environment

FG seeks innovative solutions to reposition water, sanitation sector

FG seeks innovative solutions to reposition water, sanitation sector

Solutions

By Tosin Kolade

Abuja, Sept. 28, 2023 (NAN) The Federal Government has called for more innovative solutions that will reposition the water resources and sanitation sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, made this call at the opening of a three-day Top Management Retreat on Thursday in Abuja.

The theme of the retreat is, “Strategic Planning for Achieving Ministerial Mandate.’’

Utsev, represented by his Minister of State, Alhaji Bello Goronyo, said the retreat was an opportunity to share experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions to strengthen water governance in Nigeria.

According to him, Nigeria can build a future where every citizen has access to clean water and sanitation services, and the environment thrives for generations to come.

He said Nigeria was faced with numerous challenges, from population growth to climate change and it was the ministry’s duty to rise above these challenges and find innovative solutions.

“I believe that through knowledge exchange, and collaboration, we can develop strategies and action plans that will lead to tangible improvements in the sector across the country.

“I am confident that this retreat will not only equip us to meet the challenges of our expanded mandate, but will also strengthen our resolve to create positive change in the water resources and sanitation sector.

“Therefore, let us work together to ensure that Nigerians have access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, and sustainable irrigation practices for a healthier and more prosperous future,’’ he said.

Utsev gave an insight into activities to promote improved access to clean water and sanitation, dam and irrigation, climate change and flood management.

He said the issues were being addressed in alignment with the eight presidential target areas, adding that the retreat was an important step towards achieving them.

The minister urged the participants to develop strategies and plans that would reposition the ministry’s policies, saying it should be in line with the expanded mandate and shared vision for a better future.

He also urged them to push aside sentiments and ensure that the ministry’s Standard Operating Procedures, vision, mission, mandates and functions aligned properly with the present administration’s focus areas.

Earlier, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Didi Walson-Jack, said the ministry’s role in ensuring the sustainable management of the country’s water resources by providing access to safe and clean water for all was crucial.

According to her, addressing the various challenges associated with water supply, irrigation, sanitation and water related hazards should be embraced by all.

“This retreat has become necessary to restrategise and reposition the ministry to deliver on its expanded mandate following its redesignation.

“We will focus on the federal ministry of water resources and sanitation’s programmes and other key policies and mandate that shapes our work”.

She said the vision, mission, mandate and structure of the ministry guided the programmes and actions, saying they contributed to overall water resources development and management.

The permanent secretary said the retreat would foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovative thinking.

Walson-Jack said the aforementioned factors would bring actionable strategies to achieve the ministry’s goals and objectives.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the workshop was an opportunity for dialogue in moulding strategic framework to represent Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

 

TAK/CJ/

Defence/Security

Nigeria, U.S., 16 others converge on Spain for road safety conference

Nigeria, U.S., 16 others converge on Spain for road safety conference

Retreat

By Ibironke Ariyo

Abuja, Aug. 29, 2023 (NAN) Young Leaders from 18 countries representing all sectors of society have been selected to participate in the 2023 Youth for Road Safety and the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety (YOURS) Leadership Retreat in Spain.

The Executive Director of YOURS, Raquel Barrios said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Barrios said  the 23 young leaders were selected from 18 countries including Argentina, Cameroon, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, India and Indonesia.

He said that the countries also includedJordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, Spain, Tajikistan, Uganda, the United States, and Zimbabwe.

According to Barrios, all young leaders are active community leaders leading road safety actions, interventions and advocacy.

He said that most have significant experience in presenting road safety in national and international arenas.

Barrios said the retreat was the first of its kind and was an excellent occasion for the youth to enhance their skills, build networks.

He said that ot would also help in charting ways to contribute meaningfully to the decision-making process of road management.

According to him, the 23 exceptional leaders have been selected to participate in the retreat to build their qualities and increase their ability to Influence their local community on road safety.

“We are excited to bring together 23 talented young leaders dedicated to changing the road safety reality they have inherited and that is affecting their lives.

“At YOURS, we assert that meaningful youth participation is essential and we want to address the global road safety crisis and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); therefore, we are investing in young leaders.

“So they can continue acquiring new skills, expanding their networks, and creating stronger connections that will enable them to lead with renewed vigour and passion.

“The retreat not only aims to be a transformative experience for the participants but will also be a key contribution to their understanding, dedication, and passion for creating safer roads and sustainable communities globally.

“The legacy of this retreat will be seen through the initiatives, projects, and innovations that these young leaders will lead long after the retreat is over,” he said.

Barrios said that the training which is focused on building new skills in tackling the biggest killer of young people globally was scheduled to hold for four days in Madrid in Spain beginning from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1.

He said that the retreat was supported by Spain’s Fundacion MAPFRE, which would host the training at its Madrid headquarters, with the support of TotalEnergies Foundation and MICHELIN Corporate Foundation.

The group’s executive director also said that the 4-day intensive training experience would help the youth maximise their leadership and practical advocacy skills to demand and deliver road safety and sustainable mobility globally and locally.

“The Global Youth Coalition, which consists over 1,700 young leaders from around the world, was set up in 2020 by YOURS to unify a global youth movement for road safety.

“It takes a unique approach to place young leaders at the centre of organisational decision-making.

“Via various youth leadership structures they will undergo a specially-curated learning curriculum using the multi-award-winning YOURS Capacity Development approach,” he said.

On his part, Mr Patrick Obi, the Youth Leader and Leadership Board member for the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety lauded the initiative to train the youth across board on toad safety.

He expressed delight to have been selected as one of the representatives from the Africa region to participate in this global leadership training facilitated by YOURS.

“I am hopeful that this training will re-energise and empower me to further advance the cause of youth road safety and sustainable mobility

“I believe that the leadership training holds the promise of not only equipping me with valuable skills and knowledge, but its positive influence will also permeate our broader road safety endeavors at GreenLight Initiative in Nigeria and Africa,” he said.

YOURS’ mission is to amplify the collective voice of young people to lead and deliver road safety and meaningful participation.

The retreat is supported by esteemed stakeholders such as TotalEnergies Foundation, Michelin Corporate Foundation, the World Health Organisation, MAPFRE Foundation, and other notable global and local organisations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

ICA/IAA

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

 

 

  • Kado
  • Jan, Thu, 2023
General news

FG trains civil servants for effective service delivery

Retreat

By Ibrahim Kado

Yola, Jan. 19, 2023 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture has begun a three-day capacity building training of its personnel to enhance effective service delivery.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Ms Lydia Shehu who inaugurated the exercise on Thursday in Yola, said the management retreat was designed in line with global standards.

The theme of the retreat is: “The new Civil Service: Domesticating FCSS25 in the Ministry of Information and Culture”.

According to Shehu, the initiative is not only the right step at the right direction, but also timely.

“The conviction is borne out of the fact that all efforts are currently directed towards repositioning the Nigeria public service most importantly in line with the global standards.

“The Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the management team deem it fit to undertake this process.

“The retreat is geared toward updating the Heads of Departments in the ministry on recent policies in service and implementation process for the purpose of ensuring that these policies cascade to the lower cadre,’’ she said.

The exercise, she said, would also ensure improved efficiencies of officers and career development.

“As you may be aware, as part of the effort to reposition the service and effective services delivery, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, instructed all MDAs to commence the implementation of some policies approved by Mr President,’’ she said.

The Permanent Secretary urged the participants to concentrate, focus and made meaningful contributions during the retreat.

Also speaking, Director, Human Resources in the ministry,  Mrs Grace Okani described the retreat as timely, adding the public service have changed to another dimension due to new reforms.

She said that working as a team would create synergy, critically examine work plan and operational procedures with a view of adding value to succeed.

“I have no doubt in my mind that this timely retreat will usher the ministry in to a higher realm of productivity and affluence,’’ she said.

One of the participants, Mr Ittu Tommy commended the ministry for the initiative aimed at enhacing effective services delivery. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

IMK/OIF/RSA

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Rabiu Sani-Ali

Politics

2023: Fintiri assures level playing ground for peaceful election

Elections

By Ibrahim Kado

Yola, Dec. 22, 2022 (NAN) Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has pledged to provide a level playing ground for peaceful, free, fair and credible election in the state.

Fintiri stated this at a one-day retreat for senior police officers and political actors in preparation for 2023 general elections on Thursday in Yola.

The exercise was being organised by the Police Command in the state.

He said the retreat would assist in creating awareness on the need for stakeholders’ contribution towards conduct of free, fair and peaceful election, adding that, “to achieve these, roles have to be clearly define for all stakeholders”.

The governor commended Commissioner of Police, Sikiru Akande for the initiative and pledged state government support to security agencies to enable them to protect lives and property as well as ensure peaceful elections.

Fintiri urged stakeholders to fully cooperate and contribute towards peaceful election in the state and country at large.

In his remarks, Daniel Sokari-Pedro, AIG zone 3, represented by Akande assured to provide enabling environment for peaceful election.

The police commissioner, who is the Co-Chairman, Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), appreciated the government and people of Adamawa for their support and cooperation.

He called on all stakeholders to continue to cooperate with the police and other security agencies towards ensuring peaceful election.

Also; Jameel Elyaqub, Administrative Secretary, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Adamawa, said the commission was doing everything possible to ensure credible elections in the county.

According to him, credible and peaceful election could be achieved with the support of the police and other stakeholders.

He, however, decried low collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by the electorate in the state.

The INEC official tasked political parties, candidate and other stakeholders on voter education to mobilise participation in PVCs collection.

He also urged politicians to shun vote buying, warning that such nefarious act would not be condoned. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

IMK/FAT/RSA
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Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Rabiu Sani-Ali