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NOTAP backs FG’s renewed hope agenda

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NOTAP and Team

The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) said it is exploring partnerships for technological advancement in line with the renewed hope agenda of the federal government.

NAN reports that NOTAP announced that it is set to enter a tripartite agreement with Romania and Swedish Governments on technology development in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a press statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The statement reads that the acting director general of NOTAP, Dr Idoreyin Imiyoho, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST), Mr Uche Nnaji.

Imiyoho went on a visit to the company of the Managing Director of COPS Nigeria Limited, Mr Simon Naoun, and it’s Executive Director, Mr. Joseph Saab.

She expressed joy over the partnership that is about to be entered into with COPS Nigeria Ltd, adding that no agency or government succeeds without comparing notes or sharing ideas with others.

She said over 90% of technologies utilized in all sectors of the Nigerian economy were foreign, and the situation was unacceptable.

She said, “ For a country that is desirous of becoming a major player in the global technology space, the situation was unacceptable, hence the encouragement of indigenous technological capabilities.”

Mrs. Imiyoho asserted that what distinguishes developed from developing nations is technology, which is a product of research.

“NOTAP evolved some strategic programmes and projects aimed at encouraging Nigerian researchers to undertake demand-driven research rather than the conventional research for carrier progression,” she said.

She disclosed that the NOTAP-industry partnership led to the establishment of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Offices (IPTTOs) in some Nigerian knowledge institutions across the geo-political zones of the country.

She noted that the partnership aimed to create awareness on the importance of Intellectual Property (IP) to improve the economic sustainability of the nation.

Mr Nnaji was highly elated about the visit and partnership that will lead to a high-profile technology investment in the country.

He commended NOTAP for the foresight and expressed the Ministry’s full support for the partnership.

NAN reports that COPS Nigerian Limited is set to provide expertise in Drone technology with an assembling plant in Nigeria.

It is also set to advance satellite development, provide scientific education tools, and invest in Research and Development (R&D).

‘War is not solution – Pope sends message to Israel, Palestine

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POpe francis

Weeks after the escalation of the Gaza war, Pope Francis on Wednesday called on Israel and the Palestinians to find a solution at the negotiating table.

This approach has enjoyed broad support for decades but has not progressed despite all international appeals.

Francis strongly advocated for a two-state solution, one state for Israel and one for the Palestinians.

“Every war is a defeat. Nothing is solved by war. Everything is gained with peace, with dialogue,” the 86-year-old said in an interview on the Italian television channel Rai.

“In war, one slap in the face provokes another. A strong one and then another stronger one, and it goes on.”

However, it is about “two people who must live together.”
There is a “clever solution” for this: “Two peoples, two states. The Oslo Accords state: two well-limited states and Jerusalem with a special status.”

Francis referred to the Oslo peace process between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), which began in 1993.

However, after initial progress, it has not moved forward in over two decades.

At the same time, the Pope condemned any form of anti-Semitism.

Group condemns Gov Alia’s Threat Against Benue Pensioners

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Benue state Governor Alia

A prominent pro-democracy group, Defenders of Democracy (DoD), has condemned the threat by the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, that he will remove from the pay-roll the names of all the pensioners who have obtained garnishee orders against the government pending the determination of their cases.

Governor Alia issued the threat through his Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, during a meeting with pensioners in Makurdi, who claimed that 95 per cent of the garnishee orders against the government are from pensioners.

Reacting to the development, DoD, in a statement signed by its President, Amos Uchiv, took a swipe at the governor, describing his threat against the pensioners as draconian and dictatorial. The statement reads:

“Defenders of Democracy (DoD) finds Governor Alia’s threat against the senior citizens as an abomination. No responsible and humane government would consider such a move against people of that age.

“The Governor’s threat is a callous and insensitive action which demonstrates a complete disregard for the welfare and rights of the retirees who dedicated the prime of their lives in service to the state. The threat is dictatorial and bears the fangs of impunity.

“It is disheartening that Governor Alia, through his Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, chose to threaten the very people who have contributed significantly to the development and progress of Benue State. Pensioners, already facing numerous challenges such as inadequate healthcare, rising costs of living, and financial instability, should not be subjected to further distress and uncertainty.

“Alia is the first Benue governor to threaten pensioners. None before him ever treated the senior citizens with indignation like he is doing. Aku, Adasu, Akume, Suswam and Ortom never took any action of impunity against the state pensioners.

“The Governor’s threat is not only an affront to the pensioners but also a violation of their fundamental rights. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure the well-being of its citizens, particularly the elderly, who are more vulnerable and deserve special care and attention. Instead of prioritizing their welfare, Governor Alia has chosen to exacerbate their plight by threatening them with the removal of their means of livelihood.

“DoD believes that every pensioner has the right to access their pensions and benefits without hindrance or intimidation.

“Garnishee orders are legal instruments that protect the rights of individuals to seek justice and redress for their legitimate claims. Governor Alia’s attempt to undermine these orders is an assault on the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law.

“We call upon Governor Alia to immediately retract his threat and take immediate steps to address the concerns of the pensioners. The government must engage in constructive dialogue with the retirees, understand their grievances, and find lasting solutions to their issues.

“The government should demonstrate compassion and empathy towards the pensioners, ensuring their rights are respected and their needs are adequately met.

“We urge the Benue State House of Assembly and other relevant authorities to intervene in this matter, ensuring that the retirees’ rights and welfare are protected. The legislature has a crucial role to play in holding the executive accountable and safeguarding the interests of the citizens, particularly the most vulnerable segments of society.

“Defenders of Democracy (DoD) reiterates its commitment to upholding democratic values, promoting social justice, and protecting the rights of all citizens.

“We stand in solidarity with the pensioners of Benue State and demand that Governor Alia immediately rescind his threat, prioritize their welfare, and work towards a just and equitable society.

BREAKING: Police arrest NLC President, Ajaero in Imo

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Ajaero
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress ((NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has been arrested.
He is believed to have been arrested by the Nigerian Police in Owerri, the Imo state capital, while organizing a rally to protest against stalled wage payments for workers in the state.
Ajaero’s arrest was effected as early as 8 am Wednesday, as workers started gathering at the state Secretariat of the NLC for the protest when suddenly some men with harmful weapons stormed the Secretariat and attacked the workers and chased them away.
However, the workers re-assembled at the Secretariat again but this time led by the NLC President and General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja to commence the protest.
Just as Ajaero was about to address the gathering, a team of armed Policemen came and took him away along with some of the officials of NLC.
There were several gunshots fired to disperse the workers.
NLC’s Head of Information and Publicity, Benson Upah confirmed the development, saying the Police have arrested Ajaero.
He said: “The NLC President was abducted by men suspected to be Policemen armed to their teeth at the Imo state NLC secretariat on Wednesday as we were about to commence our lawful protest against the violation of trade union rights of the workers”.
Also, while giving an account of the incident, NLC Deputy General Secretary and Chief of Staff to the NLC President, Chris Onyeka, said that he was standing with Ajaero when he was brutalized and arrested.
“As workers were gathering to protest their maltreatment by the state government in Owerri, Imo state and the President of NLC was about to address the workers; the Police came amidst attacks by thugs to arrest Ajaero.
“Thugs first attacked and dragged Ajaero from the platform before Police came to arrest him along with another senior official of the NLC,” he said.

Ballon d’Or 2023: Lionel Messi speaks after winning Eighth award

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Lionel Messi

Argentina International Lionel Messi has spoken after emerging as the winner of the 2023 Ballon d’Or award for the Eighth time.

Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe came second and third, respectively, after Messi in the ranking.

According to Messi, Haaland and Mbappe will win the Ballon d’Or someday.

“Haaland and Mbappé will win the Ballon d’Or one day”.

“Erling deserved it very much too; he has won Premier League and Champions League while being the top scorer of everything. This award could have been yours today too…”.

“I’m sure in the next years you will win it”, Messi said in his speech.

Since the award commenced in 1956, Messi won it in 2021, 2019,2015, and 2009,2010,2011,2012.

 

Solaris, Knownow, Specxs win NCC’s talent hunt

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NCC

Three of 81 companies that contested at the Nigerian Communication Commission’s technology innovation talent hunt competition shared the N30 million prize money equally.

Nine other shortlisted companies went home with N500,000 consolation prizes each.

Solaris GreenTech Hub, Knownow Africa Limited and Specxs Care Limited came bright at the 2023 NCC’s Annual Hackathon Competition, adjudged by an independent Panel of Judges chaired by the President of Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Prof. Mohammed Ajiya.

Solaris, whose team comprises Chiemela Anosike, Ineke Chinecherem and Onoh Chiemela, won in the Renewable Energy Solution category of the hackathon with their green energy solution that provides clean energy hubs for people in rural communities to be able to charge their phones and other mobile/electronic devices.

Knownow, with a team consisting of Abdulazeez Abiola, Dr. Mudasiru Taiwo and Dr. Oluwaseun Ojerinde, has emerged winner in the Blockchain Solution category for their fraud-detection and prevention solution.

Specxs Care Limited, also a winner, with team members comprising Isah Dahiru, Ameenat Bala and Musa Gambo, lifted the trophy also with their wearable devices called ‘Smart Bladder’, which can help manage urinary incontinence in elderly people and reduce the cost of their daily spending while ensuring proper personal hygiene.

Prof. Ajiya said the panel was thorough in assessing all the submissions/entries, diligent in shortlisting the 12 participants and meticulous in determining the three winners through strict compliance with the requirements stated by the Commission for the exercise.

Earlier in his keynote address at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who was represented by the Director of research and Development, Ismail Adedigba, said the event aligns perfectly with one of the core objectives embedded within the new Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) of the Commission for the years 2023-2025, which speaks to fostering the development of cutting-edge technologies through rigorous research to catalyse sustainable economic growth and overall development within Nigeria.

He noted that this year’s event focuses on three pivotal thematic areas that not only pertain to Nigeria but also resonate with global concerns. The themes, he said, are Blockchain-enabled Data Protection Solutions for Enhancing Regulatory Compliance, Assistive Technology Solutions for the Elderly and People with Disabilities, and Technology Solutions for Renewable Energy in Rural Areas.

Adedigba said Talent Hunt Research through Hackathon is just the inception of the Commission’s unwavering commitment to nurturing innovation and developing ideas, as it has been doing for previous winning innovative solutions and ideas that had emerged through the annual hackathon.

“The culmination of this competition is not confined to the grand prize of N10 million awarded to each winner from these three thematic areas for developing their solutions, but goes beyond this, as the Commission takes a holistic approach to support these promising innovations. We closely monitor the progress of these solutions as they evolve into full-fledged prototypes,” he said.

He added that in a world where innovation is paramount, the NCC often witness the remarkable potential of Hackathons to showcase fresh perspectives on existing challenges, adding that the NCC’s annual hackathon serve as instrumental tools in sustaining innovation and mobilising the collective intelligence of the innovators to tackle pressing real-world issues, both in the business realm and within our social fabric.

Nigeria foot-dragging in energy, development indices- Tinubu tells Olaf Scholz

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Tinubu and Olaf Scholz

President Bola Tinubu has admitted that Nigeria is far behind in the committee of thriving economies, especially regarding development indices relating to green energy and the environment.

He, however, assured that as President, he was determined to change the narrative and bring about a transformative government in the country.

Tinubu said this when he hosted the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Sunday.

He also ceased the forum to comment on the Supreme Court Judgement affirming his election as President, saying the court verdict has put paid to needless distraction from his political opponents.

“I know Germany has advanced a lot in protecting the environment and modernising energy to meet the 21st century needs both of the world and Europe in particular. Nigeria is still crawling, but we are determined to change the narrative and bring about a transformative government in the country,” Tinubu told the visiting German Chancellor.

Welcoming the delegation to Nigeria, Tinubu said, “It is a profound pleasure for me to welcome my friend Olaf Scholz to Nigeria. It is a joy to see you here at this particular period. It was just about a few days ago that the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria had the final say on our electoral exercise.

“The distraction is over. This gives us more time to focus on governance for the people and moving Nigeria forward for economic opportunities and prosperity that will defend democracy.

“In our last tete-a-tete, you promised that you would be visiting Nigeria and thank you and your delegation for keeping that promise. It is an honour for me to see you here”.

He said the business community in Nigeria is not averse to forging a partnership with Germany, which is one of the largest economies in Europe.

He reminded Scholz that Nigeria was also the largest economy in Africa, which is equally blessed with a good environment, time of weather and mineral resources.

“Our hydrocarbon industry is still fledging while moving towards the transition energy source.

“You are very welcome with your delegation to partner with us regarding education, power, mineral resources and all the other opportunities. We have gone a long way to bring about the security of our people.

“We’re fighting terrorism, and that is improving. We still need much support in that area. And to sustain democracy, the rule of law and freedom for our people, we need to fight for democracy. Democracy must always win for us to meet the expectations of an African dream. That is why your visit this time is more than necessary and welcome. I hope you will enjoy yourself.

“You will have noticed I don’t need to go about the various problems happening in the Sahel region of Africa. You’ve seen and noticed the coup in Guinea and recently in the Niger Republic.

“We had people diplomatically managing the situation. The need for you to help in that of security will be emphasised, and we will continue to require your knowledge. We thank you for your past contributions, particularly police law enforcement training. We need more help”.

The German Chancellor, Scholz, on his part, said Germany remains committed to democracy and the rule of law.

He noted that it was important for nations to make this a lifestyle, adding that it is good for a better future for our people.

“I’m thrilled that we can work on this discussion. Also, the question of how we can continue to support you in doing the best and having these insecurity questions in your country as well.

“We will go into the details later, but I can assure you that we will continue our support and our cooperation in this field. One of the main aspects of cooperation will be developing the economy and using the economic opportunities of your country.

“As you already said, there are a lot of chances not just from gas and oil, which is traditionally linked to your country, but there’s a lot of room for improvement and for better using the capacities of your country, but also for going into investments for the future, which is about hydrogen and all the things that are important for an economy that can produce all the necessary goods for the people without harming the environment,” Scholz told the Nigerian President.

Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Ado Ibrahim dies at 95

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Ohinoyi of ebira land

A prominent first-class paramount ruler in Kogi State, the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Ado Ibrahim, is dead.

He died in the early hours of Sunday after a brief illness after being on the throne for 26 years.

The monarch died at the age of 95 and will be buried according to Islamic rites.

Recall that the late Ado Ibrahim was coronated in 1997 as the Ohinoyi of Ebira land by the then-Governor of Kogi State, the late Prince Abubakar Audu.

He took over from his predecessor, Alhaji Sanni Omolorim, who reigned between 1957 and 1997.

Born on February 7, 1929, the late Ado Ibrahim attended both Western Nursery and Quranic schools and concluded his primary education in 1940 at the Native Authority (NA) primary school in Okene, Northern Region (now Kogi State).

He began his secondary school education at Ondo Boys High School and later moved to Oduduwa College, where he graduated in 1949.

In 1954, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s degree from Harvard Business School in 1959.

FG trains 200 youths on electrical installation in Imo

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NASENI EVC and Hope Uzodinma

The Federal Government has trained 200 youths on electrical installations and maintenance in Imo State.

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure(NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu, disclosed on Saturday in a statement by the agency’s Director of Information, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan.

According to Halilu, 5-day training is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to create jobs and empowerment.

He said, “In the 21st century, the significance and value of technical and vocational skills cannot be overemphasized, especially in a developing country like ours. The economic opportunities are limitless for those who realize the value and commit themselves to learning and re-learning”

“Moreso President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government’s focus on job creation and youth development aligns perfectly with the goals of NASENI and the program. As a Federal Agency, he explained, NASENI remains steadfast in its commitment to realizing the renewed hope agenda and opportunity for the people”.

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, said the 5-day training programme is instrumental to Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

He said, “Youth empowerment and giving fresh skills to citizens to cope with new trends in service delivery in their vocations is the only measure to keep them in their jobs and make them relevant”.

Chelsea vs Brentford: The Blues suffer 0-2 defeat against the Bees

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Brentford

Brentford United secured a 2-0 victory against Chelsea during Saturday’s English Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge.

Bradford’s Ethan Pinnock goal gave the visitors the lead against Chelsea at the 58 minutes.

Bryan Mbeumo sealed the victory for Brentford’s 96th minute.

Mauricio Pichettino’s team struggled throughout the game and could not get a goal.

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