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Tag: MoU

  • Ganduje, FG, Dangote, Bill Melinda Gates Foundations, UNICEF sign MoU on strengthening Kano health Systems

    Ganduje, FG, Dangote, Bill Melinda Gates Foundations, UNICEF sign MoU on strengthening Kano health Systems

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Addendum III on strengthening the health care delivery system in Kano State with the Federal Government, Dangote, Bill Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF.

    Among the signatories to the MoU was the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Dr Faisal Shu’aib on behalf of the Federal Government, and other health professionals.

    While the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero and representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) signed as witnesses at the occasion.

    In a press release signed by Abba Anwar Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kano State, the state commitment in improving health care system by the state government the MoU would play key and critical role in making Kano greater towards achieving improved healthcare delivery system in the state.

    Entrance to the MoU Addendum III
    was facilitated by the state performance of the Addendum II were in the areas of fund sustainability for Routine Immunization (RI) programmes alongside increment of RI budget ceiling by 22 percent in the last six consecutive years, among others.

    Provision of qualitative technical assistance and stronger capacity building in the local communities are part of the major areas the MoU would look into critically to enable the process remain result-oriented with effective implementation and transparent exercise.

    While commending governor Ganduje’s political will in driving the process, development partners also applauded the traditional institutions for their continued and tireless efforts in making the entire process a success story.

    Meanwhile, Gov. Ganduje also earned the Award of Excellence for the state as the Most Improved State on COVID-19 vaccination during the 2022 African Vaccination Week.

    According to the statement, Ganduje was rewarded for his political will to make Kano greater on high pedestal in all areas of human endeavors, particularly healthcare delivery system.

    The state governor assured his continued commitment and support for improving tertiary, secondary and primary health care delivery systems in the state.

    He said, “We are also committed to see to the successful implementation of this MoU from all its ramifications.”

  • Abuja set to become Africa’s Medical destination, as FCTA, QATAR Charity signs MOU to sight World Class hospital

    Abuja set to become Africa’s Medical destination, as FCTA, QATAR Charity signs MOU to sight World Class hospital

    … Develop 200 housing units for widows

    By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

    Abuja is set to become Africa’s medical destination as the FCT Administration and a Non Governmental Organization, NGO, Qatar Charity signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU for the development of a 200 housing unit for widows and the sighting of a world class hospital in the territory.

    Both parties signed the MOU during a courtesy visit of HE, Ali Bin Ghaneim Al Hajri, the Qatar Ambassador to Nigeria, to the FCTA.

    According to the minister the Qatar Charity would establish a world class hospital in Abuja due to the very close relationship between President Muhammadu Buhari and the leader of the State of Qatar.

    He said that the proposed project will add value to the status of Abuja as a very important medical care destination on the African continent.

    The FCT Minister Mallam Bello who received the visitor said that the religions of Christianity and Islam encouraged taking care of widows and the vulnerable members of society and the FCTA was granting full support to the project from Qatar Charity.

    Bello also hinted that the FCT Administration was also in discussion with Qatar Charity for the establishment of an office for the organisation in Abuja and also an orphanage to take care of homeless children lost their parents.

    He also revealed is making efforts to identify land in a suitable location for the immediate commencement of the hospital project for the benefit of humanity.

    Malam Bello called for the widening of the business and commercial relationship between the State of Qatar and Nigeria, saying that the nation’s capital is well located to be the driver of this process taking into cognizance the direct air link between Doha and Abuja.

    The Qatar Ambassador to Nigeria promised that the housing project for widows will be completed by the end of the year.

    Present at the event were the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr Shehu Hadi Ahmed, Mr Hamdi Said Muhammad head of Qatar Charity in Nigeria and other senior officials of the FCTA.

  • Gbajabiamila, NBA strengthen collaboration with MoU on law reform

    Gbajabiamila, NBA strengthen collaboration with MoU on law reform

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has underscored the importance of collaboration between public institutions and the private sector.

    Gbajabiamila said partnerships between the public and private institutions are bound to promote good governance and sustainable development.

    The speaker Gbajabiamila said this on Monday during the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on law reform.

    The leadership of NBA was led by its National President, Olumide Akpata.

    According to Gbajabiamila, the collaboration between the two bodies since the inception of the 9th House has witnessed positive results in the passage of some critical laws in the country

    He said: “This is basically the formalization of something that’s already working. The signing of the MoU may seem symbolic, but I see it beyond that. I see it as a way of deepening our democracy and developing the country, which we all so passionately love.

    “Contrary to what a lot of people think, I always believe that governance is about collaboration; it’s about everybody. It’s not about politicians alone, it’s about everybody, so we’ve got to maximize our efforts and potential to bold, bigger and better things for this country.

    “For me, this is a critical collaboration between two very important sectors. This is a public-private partnership between the Legislature and the NBA.

    “I’m glad that law reform is a core mandate of the NBA, and for us too, law reform is part of our core mandate. When we repeal laws and amend laws, we are reforming laws. It’s gratifying to know that we actually have a shared mandate, but what we do with that shared mandate is what will determine how far we can take this”.

    The speaker commended the leadership of the association and what it has been doing for the profession while emphasizing the commitment, speed and diligence with which it worked and collaborated with the House on Police and Electoral law reforms, among others.

    “I don’t think there’s been a time that the Legislature and NBA have worked so seamlessly together towards making Nigeria a better place”, he noted.

    Earlier in his remarks, the NBA President, Akpata, appreciated the speaker and the House for being most accommodating with regards to collaboration and the potential of making progress together.

    Saying that at the heart of the association’s mandate is the pursuit of law reforms, Akpata noted that the NBA is desirous of working with the Legislature to bring to bear legislation for good governance while noting that law associations are part of the legislative process in some countries.

    He added that the signing of the MoU was to remedy the past situation where the NBA seemed not to be keen on working with the Legislature.

    He recalled the signing into law of the Police Service Commission law as a result of the collaboration between the House and NBA following the 2020 #Endsars protests, saying it showed what collaboration of this nature can achieve.

    He informed and solicited the speaker’s assistance about the Legal Practitioners’ Bill that is before the two chambers of the National Assembly.

    He also commended the speaker and the House for the office space given to the NBA within the National Assembly complex.

    The Special Adviser to the Speaker on Policy and Strategy, Dubem Moghalu, had earlier explained that the MoU was to formalize the ongoing operation between the Office of the Speaker and the NBA particularly on the issue of law reforms.

  • Sokoto Government Signed MoU With Qatar

    Sokoto Government Signed MoU With Qatar

    By Muhammad Goronyo, Sokoto

    Sokoto state government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the State of Qatar on the development of education, health and agriculture.

    This was contained in a release signed and issued to newsmen in Sokoto by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Bello Muhammad.

    The release further said this is just as the State of Qatar signs another MoU with the late Sultan Maccido family and Futures Leaders, an accredited non governmental organization to the Qatar Charity on the management of AWQAF (donated assets) projects in the state and the country in general.

    Under the second agreement the Maccido family will hand over a six hectares piece of land in Sokoto metropolis to the Qatar Charity for the construction of an AWQAF school, clinic, hostels, boreholes, bakery and mosque “for the welfare of orphans in Sokoto state and Nigeria at large,” explains Mallam Muhammad Lawan Maidoki, Chairman of the Sokoto state Zakkat and Waqf Commission (SOZECOM).

    Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state and Dr Ali Ghanem al-Hijr, the Qatari ambassador to Nigeria, took turns to append their signatures to the first agreement signifying their consent to pursue their future courses of action.

    According to Gov. Tambuwal, the areas of envisaged collaborations are: the establishment of the Nana Asma’u (All Girls) University under the auspices of the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar Foundation, provision of equipment/personnel for the soon-to-be-complete 1200-bed Sokoto State University Teaching Hospital (SOSUTH), and assistance for orphans, particularly in the area of education among others.

    While appreciating the collaboration being offered by Qatar, he observed that “there is no greater investment than developing human potentials. Once you are kind to his creatures, Allah says He will also be kind to you.

    In his remarks, Amb. al Hijr, who was accompanied by Dr Hadi Abdou, the Director Qatar Charity, Nigeria, noted that Sokoto state’s great potentials and its status as an ancient empire State that is very unique in the Africa, was why his country is willing to partner the state government.

  • MoU between NIHOTOUR, NBS would close data gap in hospitality sector- Kangiwa

    MoU between NIHOTOUR, NBS would close data gap in hospitality sector- Kangiwa

    By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

    The Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Nura Sani Kangiwa has stated that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Institute and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) would close the existing data-gap in the hospitality and tourism industry of the country.

    Kangiwa noted the agreement will further deepen statistical development of sectoral databank necessary for planning within the sector.

    Kangiwa who stated this in Abuja during the signing ceremony of the MOU with the NBS stressed that Statistics are critical to research, national planning, sound policy development and informed business decisions.
    He disclosed that data is key to research which is an integral part of NIHOTOUR’s mandate.

    In view of this he said that it is imperative to seek partnership with NBS as an exclusive agency.
    He said for NIHOTOUR to effectively carry out its mandate as a research and allied institution saddled with the responsibility of training of manpower needs in the Hospitality and Tourism industry as well as Coordinator of the Sector Skill Council in Nigeria, the Institute has established a vibrant Research and Development Unit to conduct industry-based research and generate data for the use of the industry, adding that partnership with NBS will fast-track the duties and functions of the agency.

    Furthermore, Kangiwa called for better synergy, cooperation and understanding in the successful implementation of the agreement for the benefit of the two agencies for effective discharge of their mandates, and for the socio-economic benefits of the country in general.
    The Statistician General of the Federation, Dr. Simon B. Harry, reiterated the relevance of data in policy formulation and implementation for national growth and development, assuring that NBS is prepared to work assiduously with NIHOTOUR in its efforts at addressing the dearth of accurate data in the nation’s hospitality and tourism industry.

    Dr. Harry who observed that the absence of accurate data has been the bane for the abysmal performance of sectoral industrial growth and development, further noted that figures and information gathered cannot be said to be usable data until they are found to be accurate, verifiable, accessible, and available for user needs which essentially is what the Bureau intends to achieve for all sectors of the country.

    He then stated that the partnership between the Bureau and NIHOTOUR is a welcome development, adding that he looks forward for more of such partnerships with other Ministries, Agencies and Departments in the public sector as well as the Organized Private Sector for the general and overall growth and development of the country.

  • Governor Zulum Signs MoU To Partner Arab Bank On Wheat And Gum Arabic In Sudan

    Governor Zulum Signs MoU To Partner Arab Bank On Wheat And Gum Arabic In Sudan

    From Dauda R Pam Maiduguri

    Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has signed a memorandum of understanding, MOU, at the headquarters of Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa in Khartoum, Sudan on behalf of BORNO state government for the exportation of wheat and gum Arabic produced by farmers in the state.

    Received by the Bank’s Director General, Sidi Ould Tah, and other top executives highlighted in a video documentary the challenges Borno state has faced due to terrorism attacks on communities affecting the on-going rebuilding and economic recovery efforts as well as the huge opportunities in agriculture in its vast and fertile land resources for irrigation and rain fed agriculture.

    Governor Zulum who arrived the Sudanese capital at the weekend was accompanied on the trip by Nigeria’s former Minister of State for Agriculture, Bukar Tijjani, a Borno indigene and an expert on international agricultural development, commissioner for local governments and emirate affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, Chairman of Borno’s Mega Farms Project, Musa Inuwa Kubo and Adviser on Sustainable Development, Partnerships and Humanitarian Response.

    According to him Borno is one ofthe leading producers of wheat and gum arabic in Nigeria while the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, established by 18 Arab countries (the League of Arab States) in 1973 and began operations in 1975 with the objective of strengthening economic, financial and technical co-operation between Arab countries and African regions through financing opportunities for economic development in African countries.

    BORNO state has proven its potentiallties as a major producer of wheat and gum arabic, among other food and cash-crops, seeking partnership for increased value chain and export, to tap into the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development in the bank’s operational structure.

    The bank’s team also made an overview presentation on Nigeria’s wheat, gum arabic and date palm productions, granted Governor Zulum’s request towards identifying specifics for both parties and implementing them.

  • Nasarawa govt. Signs MOU with Flour Mills Nigeria to establish sugar Refinery

    Nasarawa govt. Signs MOU with Flour Mills Nigeria to establish sugar Refinery

    By Abel Leonard, Lafia

    The Nasarawa State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Flour Mills Nigeria (FMN) to establish sugar company in Toto Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    The signing of the agreement which took place in at the Nasarawa State Government Lodge, Asokoro Abuja.
    Speaking at the signing of the agreement, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State said the MoU was in fulfilment of his promise during inauguration of his two years in office. 

    The governor explained that sugar company would stimulate economic activities, generate employment and bring development to the state.

    Governor Sule explained that the state government would ensure that most of those that would work in the company are from the state.

    He further disclosed  that the government had already provided land for the project and would collaborate with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure smooth operation of the company in the state.
    Sule added that the government want the company to also engage in massive production of cassava in the same area for flour production.

    Also speaking, Omoboyede Olusanya, Group Managing Director (GMD)/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FMN, lauded the state government for giving the company the opportunity to help to address economic problem in the state.

    The GMD explained that the company would invest an initial $300 million in the project and would cover 2,450 hecters of land.

    The CEO of FMN said the sugar company would stimulate economic activities in the state and provide employment opportunity to the people of the state.

    Olusanya added that as part of their social corporate responsibility, the company would would build schools and recreational facilities among others.

    On his part, Richard Adeniyi-Adebayo, Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment commended the Nasarawa State Governor for keying into the Federal Government efforts to diversify the economic.

    He therefore called on the governor’s of other states to emulate Governor Sule in order to make the country self sufficient and even export agricultural products.
    The event had in attendance Richard Adeniyi-Adebayo, Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Governors of Borno and Kwara States, Professor Umar Zulum, Abdurraman Abdulrazak.

    Others are National and State House of Assembly members from Nasarawa State, Commissioners among other government functionaries.

  • A’Ibom oil/gas bearing communities get MOU Review Committee

    A’Ibom oil/gas bearing communities get MOU Review Committee

    There is hope for a better deal for oil and gas producing communities in Akwa Ibom as the state government has inaugurated the Uquo Field Technical Committee on the review of Frontier Oil Ltd/Savannah Energy’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for communities in Eket and Esit Eket Local Councils.

    Power & Petroleum Development Commissioner, Dr. John James Etim who performed the inauguration said the event was the outcome of the decision reached at the February 22, 2021, Stakeholders’ Meeting.

    Etim charged the Committee to ensure that they considered the document clause-by-clause, while adhering strictly to the critical components of the State’s Standardised Template on MoU.

    This, according to him would lead to a workable agreement that would enhance the existing cordial relationship between host communities and the companies.

    The commissioner encouraged them to be committed in the review process, and used the opportunity to charge the companies to ensure that they provided all necessary logistics that would aid the early completion of the assignment.

    While congratulating them on their nominations, Etim expressed the optimism that the document would be made ready for ratification by Stakeholders and signed before the expiration of the current MoU in July, 2021.

    Frontier Oil Ltd/Savannah Energy, are into a joint venture partnership; with their marginal fields in Esit Eket and Eket Local Councils with Frontier Oil Ltd into crude oil exploration and Savannah Energy dealing with the gas component.

    The 16-Man Technical Committee comprised two representatives of the State Government; two from Frontier Oil Ltd/Savannah Energy seven from Esit Eket and five from Eket.

  • A’Ibom develops MOU template for oil companies, host communities

    A’Ibom develops MOU template for oil companies, host communities

    The Akwa Ibom State Government, through its Ministry of Power & Petroleum Development, has developed a Standardised  Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) template for negotiation between oil and gas firms operating in the state and host communities.
    State Commissioner for Power & Petroleum Development, Dr John Etim disclosed this during a stakeholders meeting for the review of the MoU between Frontier Oil Ltd and Savannah Energy and their Akwa Ibom host communities yesterday in Uyo.
    He said this had become necessary due to several cases of violations of agreements by oil companies operating in the state resulting in misgivings and tensions with oil producing host communities.
    According to the commissioner, some of the provisions in the template include a 3-year duration for MoUs, a sharing formula, to be negotiated for the interest of host communities and a Monitoring  Committee to monitor the executions of MoUs by MoU Implementation Committees (MICs).
    These provisions he said are aimed at checking violations of agreements and sharp practises in the execution of Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSRs) by the oil firms.
    Etim re-emphasized his ministry’s resolve to fulfil its mandate over power and petroleum development in the state, as well as manage petroleum-related issues in Oil Producing Communities, in line with the completion Alagenda of the state government.
    The commissioner observed that it was the right time to kick-start  the process of reviewing the MoU, signed on 31st August, 2016 as the provision in Section 4 of the agreement ordered for a review six months before its expiration.
    He commended all parties including Uquo Field MoU Implementation Committee (UFMIC); Community Development  Foundation and Frontier Oil Ltd and expressed satisfaction that the CSRs in the agreement were executed,  for the benefits of the people.
    The commissioner encouraged the host communities to nominate  members into the Technical Committee to handle the review of the agreement, expected to be completed in June, 2021, in readiness for ratification by stakeholders  before the expiration date of the former document, in July.
    He enjoined all parties concerned to consult widely with the people,  taking into cognizance, the interest of youths and women, when nominating representatives into the 15 member Technical Committee, in order to have a fair representation.
    In a remark, Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, noted that the essence of the MoU was to ensure a cordial relationship between the companies and their host communities reminding all parties of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s intolerance to restiveness.
    In his comment, Operations Director,  Frontier Oil Ltd, Mr. Wole  Adefila, while thanking the Commissioner for the early call for the review meeting described  his company as being alive to its responsibilities, pledged their commitment to building a robust mutual relationship with their host communities and the state government.
    Stakeholders including Chairman, Esit Eket Council  Mr Iniobong Robson,  Paramount Ruler of Eket, Edidem E. Abia and that of Esit Eket, Edidem Ubong Assam among others, all  expressed their delight at the creation of the new Ministry and used the opportunity to negotiate for a better  sharing formula for their respective areas.
  • Nigeria, India sign MoU for establishment of Sugar Institute

    Nigeria, India sign MoU for establishment of Sugar Institute

    The National Sugar Institute (NSI) of India and the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), on Wednesday signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Sugar Institute in Nigeria.

    The MoU was signed by the Executive Secretary of NSDC, Dr Latif Busari, and the Director General NSI, Mr Narendra Mohan, at the India High Commission in Abuja.

    Speaking at the event, Busari said that the collaboration with NSI would help address the challenges faced in the implementation of Nigeria’s sugar master plan which was launched six years ago.

    He said that one of the challenges was the lack of the needed manpower to run the sugar be factories.

    “As you all know that the Nigerian sugar master plan was lunch six to seven years ago, and it became clear that we have a serious challenge in terms of the technical manpower needed

    “We saw that if we must succeed in establishing the sugar factories, the factories will be lacking in the areas of managing the factories and the farms.

    “Then we saw the need to set up an institution that will rapidly develop the technical manpower that is needed in the sugar industry in Nigeria.

    “So, when we decided on that we started looking for where we could leverage on the experiences that several nations have had already.

    “We do not have to reinvent the wheel and looking round we came to two institutions, and one of them is the National Sugar Institute Kanpur, India and what you see today is the outcome of the interaction we had in past few months,” he said.

    He added that when established, the Nigerian sugar industry would benefit from the huge market available.

    “How it will factor into the Nigerian industries and energy is if you see the sugar master plan.

    “We will be able to generate more than 400 mega-watts of electricity. We will produce more than 160 million litres of ethanol.

    These are if we are able to completely implement the plan,’’ he said.

    Responding, Mohan said that the agreement was basically for setting up an institute in Ilorin in Kwara.

    “So we are going to give the first detail of the extraction such as what type of class rooms, laboratories, equipments and all that.

    “The second part is about the training of the trainers because ultimately you do not have the faculty of your own at present.

    “So we are going to begin the training sessions, and we have identified the faculty and initially 10 people are to be trained at the faculty in NSI.

    “The third, which is the important, Nigeria is having few sugar factories and there is a huge gap in meeting the demand for, sugar.

    “But the capacity building is one thing. We will give advice on capacity building and also address the challenge for the smooth running of the institute,’’ he said.

    Speaking also, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Abhay Thakur said that India had been involved in the capacity building programmes in Nigeria for a very long time.

    He said that one of those was done when the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA) in Kaduna was set up in a similar fashion 50 years ago.

    He added that the first commandant of the academy was a well-known Indian brigadier, whose name had gone down in Nigerian history.

    He said that the Navel College in Port Harcourt was also built in a similar fashion with assistance from the Indian Navy and there is a whole range of capacity development programmes “in which India has extended its expertly.

    “In fact just in the last three years under the India High Tech Capacity programme, 529 Nigerians have received training in various institutes in India in fields such as, Financial Management, ICT, Agriculture , Security, and Solar Energy.

    “So this is a long-standing cooperation between our countries and I might even mention, for the benefit of our Indian delegates here that in the mid-70s and 80s we trained a large number of Nigerian doctors.” (NAN)