Prostitutes In Kano Complain Of Low Patronage, Ridiculous Cheaper Services

August 27, 2023

Prostitutes, otherwise known as commercial sex workers in Kano State, have complained of not only low patronage by their customers but cheaper services.

Fielding questions from a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent in Sabon Gari area of Fagge Local Government Area of the state today, August 27, the sex workers in the ancient commercial city, who hitherto smile home with their pockets full, now resort to lobbying customers to do “business” with them at very ridiculous low charges.

Ms. Mercy Benjamin told NAN that before now, a round of “short time” service could be settled with N5,000 within a time frame of one hour, but that the biting effects of fuel subsidy removal has forced customers to disappear.

Benjamin said that one round of sex now goes for as low as between N500 and N700 for the same service.

“Things are not really going on well with this business for now because of the present economic challenges we are facing,” she said.

Another sex worker ,who identified herself as Jennifer, told NAN that it is no longer business as usual for them, saying: “my brother, business is no longer moving as it used to be.

“Things have become so hard that if you see more than three customers in one day, you will thank God. Customers are hard to come by, and when they come, the offer is nothing to write home about.

“In this very particular room, I pay N5,000 every day; and I must confess to you that I am owing the management three days debt now because of low patronage.

“Before fuel subsidy removal, we were enjoying high patronage with good prices. These days, I used to attend to seven to 10 customers everyday with good prices ranging between N5,000 and N10,000 for short time services.

“This is apart from other incentives like good food, drinks, chicken, Isi-ewu and other goodies that customers provide on their own volition.

“But now, customers hardly come to hang out in the evening, we used to have customers on day-break ready to offer well above N20,000 and also take care of your accommodation, food and drinks. This is really hardtimes for us,” she said.

Jennifer said that most of her colleagues who could not pay for their rooms have returned home with regrets of penury.

“Some of them left without their property as the hotel management seized their cloths and electronics because of the money they are owing. We that are still here are surviving through the grace of God,” she explained.

Narrating her latest experience as a result of the cash crunch, Ms. Helen Ediga at Onitsha Road, said that she is ready to quit the business if given alternative source of livelihood.

Ediga, who only agreed to talk after being offered a token of N1,500 and a bottle of Maltina to cover her time, said:

“Sir, I am not happy being into this kind of business. It is hardship that led me into it. I am a single mother with three children. I am the only one that take care of them.

“My man left us in Kano and relocated to Abuja where he is currently staying with another woman.

“I come out every evening to hassle so that I can put food on the table for my three children and possibly train them.

“Since the fuel subsidy removal, we have been suffering. In most cases, I will spend the whole day without anyone asking me ‘how are you’.

“It has been a very bitter experience. If I have other means of livelihood, I will definitely quit this business!,” Ediga said.

NAN also gathered that the sex hawkers who usually stand along Enugu Road, Aba Road, Onitsha Road and Abbedie Street, among other hotspots within Sabon Gari, are worse hit by the situation as most of them complain of staying throughout the day, scouting for customers without success.

Findings further revealed that night clubs, fun centres and beer drinking joints now record very low patronage as residents hardly come out in the evening for relaxation or to have “good time” due to the cash crunch.

Insurance Reporting: ThisDay Correspondent, Ebere Nwoji, Emerges Reporter Of The Year 2023

Greenbarge Reporters

August 27, 2023

For two years consecutively, an Insurance Sector Correspondent, Ebere Nwoji of THISDAY Newspapers, has won the Print Media Reporter of the year 2023 award instituted by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) in 2022.
NAICOM, which is the apex regulator of insurance sector and practices in Nigeria, instituted the award to annually recognise Journalists who distinguished themselves in terms of knowledge of the sector, and brought to bear, their wealth of efficiency and understanding to not only report the sector, but also analyse trends, issues and developments in the sector, thereby contributing to promoting, creating understanding of the sector by diverse publics.
It would be recalled that Mrs. Nwoji had in 2022, won the maiden edition of the award out of over 100 journalists focusing on Insurance beat.
The award was conferred on Ebere Nwoji as the winner this year, for the second time in a series at a just concluded retreat for Insurance Journalists with the theme: “Improving Stakeholders Perception, 2023 and Beyond”. The retreat was organised by NAICOM and was declared open by the Commissioner for Insurance and NAICOM’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sunday Thomas, at Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital.
While announcing Mrs. Nwoji, Assistant Director/Head, Corporate Affairs of NAICOM, Rasaq Salami, said that having scanned through the print media: newspapers, magazines and cartoons, NAICOM found it worthy to award the 2023 Insurance Reporter to Mrs Nwoji.
In his words: “We scanned through the print: the newspapers and magazines for the year 2023 till now.
“We monitored news reports, articles, cartoons and we monitored everything that has to do with insurance in newspapers and magazines and we found it worthy to award the 2023 Insurance Reporter to Mrs. Ebere Nwoji.
The NAICOM Assistant Director, (Compliance Bureau life), Mrs. Augustina Onojake, who present ed a paper on “Re-awakening the Nigeria Insurance industry through Claims Settlement,” cited one of Mrs. Nwoji’s definitions to buttress her points.
Presenting the award to Mrs Nwoji, the Deputy Commissioner for Insurance (Technical), Mallam Abubakar Sabiu said: “we will like to appreciate you for your outstanding performance. Congratulations.”

Insurance Reporting: ThisDay Correspondent, Ebere Nwoji, Emerges Reporter Of The Year 2023

Greenbarge Reporters

August 27, 2023

For two years consecutively, an Insurance Sector Correspondent, Ebere Nwoji of THISDAY Newspapers, has won the Print Media Reporter of the year 2023 award instituted by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) in 2022.
NAICOM, which is the apex regulator of insurance sector and practices in Nigeria, instituted the award to annually recognise Journalists who have distinguished themselves in terms of knowledge of the sector and brought to bear on their wealth of efficiency and understanding to not only report the sector, but also analyse trends, issues and developments in the sector, thereby contributing to promoting, creating understanding of the sector by diverse publics.
It would be recalled that Mrs. Nwoji had in 2022, won the maiden edition of the award out of over 100 journalists on the Insurance beat.
The award was conferred on Ebere Nwoji as the winner this year, for the second time in a series at a just concluded retreat for Insurance Journalists, with the theme: “Improving Stakeholders Perception, 2023 and Beyond.”
The retreat was organised by NAICOM and was declared open by the Commissioner for Insurance and NAICOM’s Chief Executive Officer, Sunday Thomas, at Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital.
While announcing Mrs. Nwoji, Assistant Director/Head, Corporate Affairs of NAICOM, Rasaq Salami, said that having scanned through the print media: newspapers, magazines and cartoons, NAICOM found it worthy to award the 2023 Insurance Reporter to Mrs Nwoji.
In his words: “We scanned through the print: the newspapers and magazines for the year 2023 till now.
“We monitored news reports, articles, cartoons and we monitored everything that has to do with insurance in newspapers and magazines and we found it worthy to award the 2023 Insurance Reporter to Mrs. Ebere Nwoji.
The NAICOM Assistant Director, (Compliance Bureau life), Mrs. Augustina Onojake, who present ed a paper on “Re-awakening the Nigeria Insurance industry through Claims Settlement,” cited one of Mrs. Nwoji’s definitions to buttress her points.
Presenting the award to Mrs Nwoji, the Deputy Commissioner for Insurance (Technical), Mallam Abubakar Sabiu said: “we will like to appreciate you for your outstanding performance. Congratulations.”

Remove These Billboards Congratulating Me, FCT Minister, Wike, Orders

Greenbarge Reporters

August 27, 2023

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has ordered the removal of lamp post billboards, full scale billboards and other such adverts, congratulating him on his appointment as Minister.
Wike said that while he deeply appreciates the warm wishes and support of the citizens, he kindly, but strongly requests that such billboards and advertisements be discontinued forthwith.
A statement today, August 27 by Director of Press, Anthony Ogunleye, said that the minister acknowledged the overwhelming outpouring of goodwill from the residents of the Federal Capital Territory and beyond and understood the sentiment behind those congratulatory displays and that he is genuinely touched by the show of support.
“However, in the spirit of public service and commitment to his responsibilities, the Minister wishes to focus his full attention on assisting the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, in realizing his vision and Renewed Hope agenda for Nigeria.
“As the FCT Minister, his foremost duty lies in contributing to the development and growth of the FCT and the well-being of its residents and the nation as a whole.
“The Minister holds in high regard, the aspirations and expectations of the FCT residents, and he remains dedicated to fulfilling his role with utmost sincerity and dedication. He believes that this can be best achieved by concentrating all efforts on the task at hand and joining hands with fellow public servants to serve the country to the best of their abilities.”
Wike hoped that the public will understand his perspective and continue to extend their support and cooperation, even as he looks forward to working hand in hand with all stakeholders to build a stronger, more prosperous and united FCT and Nigeria.

SERAP Gives Tinubu 48 Hours To Reverse His Ban On 25 Media Organisations From Aso Rock

Greenbarge Reporters

August 27, 2023

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given President Bola Tinubu 48 hours from today, August 27, within which to reverse the “unlawful” ban on 25 media organisations and their correspondents from covering the presidential villa, asking that their accreditations should be restored.
SERAP appealed to the President to publicly instruct the officials in the presidential villa to allow journalists and media houses to freely do their job and discharge their constitutional duty of holding those in power to account.
The Presidency had recently withdrew the accreditations of 25 journalists from covering activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The banned journalists include those from the Vanguard; Galaxy TV; Ben TV; MITV; ITV Abuja; PromptNews; ONTV, and Liberty.
In the letter dated 26 August 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Barring these journalists and media houses from covering the presidential villa is to prevent them from carrying out their legitimate constitutional responsibility.
SERAP said: “Your administration cannot, with one broad stroke, ban journalists from covering public functions. Citizens’ access to information and participation would mean little if journalists and media houses are denied access to the seat of government.
“Media freedom is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy and journalists must be able to hold the government to account. This is a matter of public interest. The government cannot cherry-pick journalists to cover its activities.”
The letter, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP have shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“Nigerians may consider the expulsion of the journalists from the presidential villa as your government’s ambivalence towards media freedom, and citizens’ rights of access to information and participation in their own government.
“The legal obligations imposed on your government to ensure and uphold media freedom and human rights, and facilitate public access to the presidential villa as a public trust outweigh any purported ‘security concerns and overcrowding of the press gallery area.’
“Media freedom, access to information and citizens’ participation in the affairs of their own government are the sine qua non of a democratic and rule of law-based society.
“The withdrawal of the accreditation tags of these journalists directly violates media freedom and human rights including access to information and the right to participation. It would have a significant chilling effect on newsgathering and reporting functions, and may lead to self-censorship.
“The withdrawal of the accreditations of the journalists would construct barriers between Nigerians and certain information about the operations of their government, something which they have a constitutional right to receive.
“Media freedom, access to information and the right to participation are necessary for the maintenance of an open and accountable government. These freedoms are so fundamental in a democracy that they trump any vague grounds of ‘security concerns and overcrowding of the press gallery area.’
“The effective exercise of media freedom, access to information and citizens’ right to participation in their government would preserve and contribute to a free and democratic society, something which is consistent with your constitutional oath of office to defend the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].”
“Allowing the media to cover the presidential villa would improve the reliability of information available to the public and serve the public interest.
“Your government reportedly justified this grave constitutional infraction on the pretext of ‘an internal attempt to reduce bloated number of print photographers and overcrowding in the State House.’
“Your government also cited alleged ‘security concerns raised by State House officials and visiting dignitaries concerning the overcrowding of the press gallery area that blocks the walking path to the President’s Office.’
“According to our information, your administration on 18 August 2023 withdrew the accreditation tags of some 25 journalists and media houses from covering activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“The banned journalists reportedly include those from Vanguard newspaper; Galaxy TV; Ben TV; MITV; ITV Abuja; PromptNews, ONTV, and Liberty. Other media personnel affected by the withdrawal are mostly reporters and cameramen from broadcast, print, and online media outlets.
“The affected journalists were simply told at the main gate of the presidential villa to submit their accreditation tags.
“SERAP is concerned that the withdrawal of the accreditations of 25 journalists covering the presidential villa is a grave violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations.
“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended]; and the country’s international obligations including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.
“Under section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution, the mass media including ‘the press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.’
“Section 14(2)(c) of the Constitution provides that ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.’
“Similarly, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that, ‘Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions.’
“Article 13 of the Charter also provides that, ‘Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of his country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services.’
“Articles 19 and 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights contain similar provisions.
“SERAP also urges you to take meaningful and effective steps to ensure respect for the rights to media freedom, access to information and citizens’ right to participate in their own government.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director.

Why I Have Been Holding ECOWAS From Going To War In Niger, Tinubu Tells U.S Envoy

Greenbarge Reporters

August 27, 2023

“We are deep in our attempts to peacefully settle the issue in Niger by leveraging on our diplomatic tools.
“I continue to hold ECOWAS back, despite its readiness for all options, in order to exhaust all other remedial mechanisms.
“War is not ideal for my economic reforms, nor for the region, but the defense of democracy is sacrosanct.”
These were the words of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he received in audience, August 26, the U.S. Presidential Envoy and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Molly Phee at the Presidential villa, Abuja.
He said that the ECOWAS consensus is that they would not allow anyone to insincerely buy time, but that he did not believe in war.
President Tinubu made it clear that the crisis in Niger Republic would not deter him from concluding his economic reform programme successfully for the benefit of Nigerians.
He stressed that he would not take a queue from any nation and that he would only advance the interest of the Nigerian state in his approach toward ECOWAS’ handling of the regional standoff.
President Tinubu said that African democracies are currently under assault by anti-democratic forces within and outside the continent.
The President noted that American-backed development finance and multilateral institutions, which were designed to support war-torn Europe after World War II, require swift and comprehensive reform to meet the developmental requirements of younger democracies in Africa, which operate in authoritarian-crowded environments, such that the legitimate yearnings of Africans would no longer be manipulated to serve the narrow aims of self-seeking demagogues through unconstitutional takeovers of power.
“Yes, the private sector will lead the way within an enabling environment we create for them, but the U.S. Government must be innovative in its thinking and systematically create incentives for U.S. industrial investment in Nigeria. Under my leadership, Nigeria stands ready to address their specific regulatory, tax and environmental concerns. I am determined to create prosperity for all Nigerian families.”
Meanwhile, the visiting Special Presidential Envoy pledged his country’s support for the position of ECOWAS, and that the U.S government had high regard for Tinubu as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
He extended an exclusive invitation to President Tinubu, from U.S. President, Joe Biden to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City to advance discussions further in late September this year.
“We know there is more we can do to incentivize large-scale American investment in Nigeria and we are committed to working closely with you to achieve that, as part of efforts to strengthen the Nigerian economy and the regional economy.
“We appreciate your willingness to create an enabling environment for that.
“President Joe Biden is asking to meet with you on the sidelines of UNGA, and you are the only African leader he has requested to meet. It is a mark of his high regard for your leadership.”
President Tinubu instantly accepted the invitation to meet the U.S. President on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and that the work of perfecting democracy is never done, even in developed democracies, as seen recently in America, as well as other emerging democracies in the world.

Medical Centre Raises Alarm Over Outbreak Of New, Deadlier Covid Variant

Editorial staff

August 25, 2023

The National Obstetric Fistula Centre NOFC), Abakaliki in Ebonyi State has raised alarm over the outbreak of a new and deadlier Covid variant, known as BA.4 and BA.5 COVID delta.

An Internal memo, signed by Yakubu E.N, Head of Clinical Services and sent to all the staff of the centre, said that the new variant takes less time to go to extremes, sometimes without symptoms.

The memo said that the new variant has no symptoms of cough and fever, but explained that BA.4 and BA.5 COVID delta come with a lot of joint pain, headache, neck and upper back pain, general weakness, loss of appetite and pneumonia.

It said that the symptoms also include sore throat that resembles strep throat and more virulent and with a higher mortality rate.

“It takes less time to go to extremes. Sometimes without symptoms. Be more careful. This strain does not live in the naso-pharyngeal region.

“Now it directly affects the lungs, which means that the “windows” periods of time are shorter.

There have been several patients without fever, without pain, but who report mild chest pneumonia on their X-rays. Nasal swab tests are very often negative for Cavid-19, and there are more and more false negative results from nasopharyngeal tests.

“This means that the virus spreads and spreads directly to the lungs, causing acute respiratory stress caused by viral pneumonia.

“This explains why it has become sharp, more virulent and deadly. Please, be extremely careful.”

As part of precautionary measures, the centre asked the staff and members of the public to avoid crowded places, keep 1.5 distance even in open places, double face masks and wash hands often.

“Please no hugs, it is very dangerous at the moment, as almost everyone is asymptomatic. This wave’ is much more deadly than the first, so we have to be very careful and take every kind of precaution,” the memo said.

NCDMB Concludes Innovation-Based Training For 17 Companies

Editorial staff

August 25, 2023

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has concluded an innovation training for 17 portfolio companies. The training concluded research- and innovation-based training which was conducted at its Technology Incubation and Innovation Centre (TIIC).

A statement today, August 25, from NCDMB said that the training signalled the intensification of its capacity-building initiatives that birthed its Project 100 companies a few years ago.

It said that the 17 companies, which had enrolled at the Centre as energy industry startups were among 54 incubates that underwent the 7-month programme, initiated by NCDMB in partnership with the Nigerian chapter of Founder Institute (FI), based in Silicon Valley, California, United States.

It said that the research and innovation endeavours of the companies have yielded products in fields as diverse as pipeline protection technology, embedded systems, drilling fluid additives, gas penetration technology, tele-medicine, electric-powered engines for inland water transportation/charging solutions, among others.

The statement quoted the Executive Secretary of the Board, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, as saying that TIIC was established with the strategic intent to serve as “Resource Centre for obtaining data on priority research areas in the oil and gas industry.

“Low-cost transition platform to incubate research ideas into tangible products, “Ecosystem for innovators to think through new ideas for technology adaptation or process improvement,” and “Networking between researchers, investors and end-users in the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors.”

He expressed confidence that, “Following the conclusion of the accelerator program, the innovators are now well-positioned to scale up and commercialize their products.” He charged the beneficiary start-ups of the incubation programme “to continue leveraging the network exposure and effectively fast-track their products to market, while adhering to all relevant compliance and standards requirements.”

The NCDMB boss, who was represented by the Director, Corporate Services, Patrick Daziba Obah, said: “The journey of NCDMB Research and Development is a long one – a tough one for us.” Underlining the complexity of the programme, he wondered, “What if no one graduated…especially if you are talking about Founder Institute and Silicon Valley?

“Beyond such preliminary concerns, how to even get investors, potential sponsors, seed funding to enhance business capacities of these portfolio companies,” posed another subset of challenges.

“Besides, after getting your product design, how do you proceed to prototyping?

“We had to do something new in R&D – not just what others were doing,” he emphasised, noting that the “concept of commercialization of R&D ideas” made some difference.

Expressing a sense of triumph on the part of the Board, he declared: “I reckon today as one of those days that has brought fulfilment to Nigeria.”

In an “Overview of NCDMB TIIC Operating Model,” the Board’s Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, emphasised the importance of R&D as “a major enabler for local capacity development,” lamenting that “Over 70 per cent of our software requirements are met through importation.” According to him, “Under a do-nothing scenario,” Nigeria was losing some US$2 billion annually.

He pointed out that with over 200 degree – awarding institutions Nigeria is not in short supply of institutional capacity to produce manpower to drive development.

The trend, he noted could be reversed through R&D, highlighting successive stages in the incubation programme at the TIIC, beginning with ideas, development of a business model, field trials and then writing proposals and getting a business registered.

While underlining the relevance of mentorship, he expressed happiness at the milestone covered.

“We are celebrating them (17 portfolio companies) because they have moved from ideation to the market phase.”

A resource person for Mentorship, Adebayo Omole, Managing Partner, Matrix Solicitors, counselled the new portfolio companies to get all the certifications required, telling them: “get your ideas patented, “make sure your operational agreements are tight, deliver on your promises, make sure your technologies don’t fail, open yourselves to collaboration and defend your brand; don’t let people steal your intellectual property.”

Another resource person, Engr. ThankGod Egbe, Managing Director, CYPHERCRESCENT LTD., advised the incubates that having done so much thus far, they should “leave the technical area, move into marketing,” pointing out the importance of marketing communication and related activities.

Earlier in an opening address, the Managing Director, Founder Institute, Abuja, Mrs. Ajuma Ataguba, commended the NCDMB for its initiatives in capacity building, particularly the establishment of the TIIC, noting that Founder Institute was appreciative of the partnership that has evolved between the two organisations. She pledged to continue to partner the Board in such endeavours.

Each of the 17 portfolio companies had an opportunity to highlight and demonstrate its product, showing what makes such product different from and preferrable to any other existing in the oil and gas industry and linkage sectors of the economy. All equally signified their desire for equity participation by prospective investors.

The new companies represent a significant expansion in the capacity-building profile of the NCDMB, which in January 2019 started an initiative known as Project 100 Companies under which it has nurtured such number of wholly indigenous companies into big players in the oil and gas industry through strategic interventions by way of funding and creating access to markets.

Communication Commission Boss, Danbatta, Describes Nigerian Telecom As Africa’s Powerhouse

Editorial staff

August 25, 2023

Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Omissions (NCC),

Professor Umar Garba Danbatta has said that Nigeria is currently the telecommunications powerhouse on the African continent.

He said: “Nigeria is a telecommunications powerhouse, with 82% of the continent’s telecom subscribers and 29% of the continent’s internet consumption.

“Our nation rates eleventh globally in terms of internet penetration and seventh in terms of mobile phone usage.

“Despite these remarkable metrics, the fact that our Network Readiness Index (NRI) ranking for 2022 is 109th out of 131 countries is both humbling and challenging.”

Professor Danbatta spoke yesterday, August 24, at the Emerging Technology Forum for the telecommunications Industry, with the theme: ‘Contextualizing the Network Readiness Index (NRI) for the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry.”

He said that in recent years, the Nigerian telecommunications industry has embarked on a remarkable growth trajectory, solidifying its position as an engine of economic growth.

“The enhancement of digital access and the expansion of our networks have left an indelible impact on the lives of our citizens. “While we celebrate these accomplishments, we are keenly aware that our dynamic society requires even higher connectivity, reliability, and accessibility standards.

“The surge in data utilisation, the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT), the advent of artificial intelligence and the emergence of cutting-edge technologies highlight the urgent need for ongoing network surveillance and expansion.”

Professor Danbatta said that to navigate this era of transformation, Nigeria must embrace innovation, make strategic investments, and cultivate a growth-friendly ecosystem.

According to him, this would be the nation’s gateway to innovative and disruptive solutions that can positively transform the telecom industry.

“By engaging in conversations about new technologies, collaborating with global best practices and subject-matter experts, and pooling our insights, we open the door to unimaginable future possibilities.

“Let us grasp this opportunity to investigate emerging technologies, envisage their potential applications and determine how they can be leveraged to solve our specific challenges.

Let me get down to the substance of the forum by stating the problem at hand:

“The global data collected by the NRI team reveals that digital transformation is a global imperative in order to maximize the social and economic effects of the digital era.

“It can create new inequalities which can hinder the ability of younger generations to engage in the digital economy, but also remains a powerful way to do more with less at all levels of income.

“Formal education is

evolving and metrics are important to support

informed policymaking. This requires reskilling and upskilling opportunities

to be available, accessible, and affordable in order to have more inclusive and sustainable economies and societies.”

Abubakar Jimoh, NAFDAC Director Of Public Affairs, Retires

Greenbarge Reporters

August 25, 2023

The Director, Public Affairs of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Abubakar Jimoh has retired.
An astute Journalist, consummate Public Relations Practitioner, Jimoh retired after 30 years of meritorious service to the nation.
Dr. Jimoh, who was one of the several of Directors in the Federal Civil Service affected by the 8-year tenure policy of the Federal Government for Directors, has handed over to one of the Deputy Directors in the Department, Paul Oyemonlan in an emotion laden meeting with staff of Public Affairs Department across the country.
Acclaimed as one of the best Public Relations Practitioners in the Federal Civil Service, Dr. Jimoh was employed in 1993 when NAFDAC was newly established and he was saddled with the onerous task of setting up the Public Relations Unit for the fledgling Agency, his media adviser, Onche Odoh disclosed in a press statement.
Barely two years into the operations of NAFDAC, Dr. Jimoh deployed his investigative journalism skill that led to the arrest of two Chinese nationals, Messrs. Fred Huang and Joseph Huang and confiscation of 28 Lorry Loads of Counterfeit Medicines worth millions of naira imported into the country.
In 1999, he was given double promotion by the pioneer Director–General of NAFDAC, Emeritus Professor Gabriel Osuide for his hard work, diligence dedication to duty and confrontation with Drug Counterfeiters.
A Recipient of several Awards and recognitions, Dr. Jimoh had also received the best worker’s award and Letters of commendation from Successive Directors – General, Late Prof. Dora Akunyili and Dr. Paul Orhii.
In 2018 Dr. Jimoh was one of the members of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA), inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He worked very hard and assiduously under the chairmanship of Brigadier – General Muhammed Buba Marwa who is currently doing a great job as Chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In her response to Dr. Jimoh’s retirement notice, Incumbent Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Moji Christianah Adeyeye said: “I want to say thank you for the five years plus that we have worked together. The activities of the Public Affairs in the last many months have been impactful and it is very appreciated and I know it will continue. I wish you the best in future endeavours.”
Dr. Jimoh, who holds a Ph.D. in Political Economy won two academic prizes in 1987 for the best graduating student in Political Science Department and also best graduating student in the faculty of the Social Sciences of University of Ibadan.
In 1993, he bagged a Masters Degree in Political Science from University of Lagos and Postgraduate Diploma in Management Information System from University of Ibadan in 1997.
In his five years of journalism career at Kano State Government owned Triumph Newspapers, Dr. Jimoh once served as Aviation Correspondent in Lagos and Kwara State Editor of the Newspaper.
Some Journalists in attendance at the valedictory session took turns to praise Dr. Jimoh’s professional accomplishments as a journalist, thoroughbred Public Relations Practitioner and Seasoned Administrator.
Source: Verity News.

1...217218219...2,451 Page 218 of 2,451