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Tag: Nigerian

  • Zarttalent and Covenant University Partner to Empower Students with Tech Skills

    Zarttalent and Covenant University Partner to Empower Students with Tech Skills

    Zarttalent, a foundation dedicated to fostering technological innovation among Nigerian youths, has partnered with Covenant University to equip students with essential tech skills. This collaboration was highlighted during the 2024 Career Fair held in Ogun State, themed ‘Limitless Future.’

    The career fair brought together experienced professionals and innovative educators to inspire and guide the next generation of industry leaders. The event featured interactive workshops, insightful panel discussions, and networking opportunities, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

    The partnership between Zarttalent Foundation and Covenant University focuses on providing final-year students, postgraduates, and IT-eligible students with practical knowledge and experiences crucial for their careers. Nelson Ajulo, CEO of Zarttalent Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating:

    “At Zarttalent Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of education and technology. Our partnership with Covenant University for the 2024 Career Fair reflects our dedication to equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.”

    Ajulo emphasized the theme of ‘Limitless Future,’ encouraging students to dream big, think creatively, and pursue their passions with confidence. He highlighted that this partnership aims to pave the way for a future filled with endless possibilities.

    The collaboration comes in response to a 2022 report by the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency, which identified a significant gap between the IT knowledge provided by universities and the requirements of the tech industry. Zarttalent aims to bridge this gap by introducing students to advanced tech courses, enhancing their skills, and preparing them for the demands of the modern workforce.

    In the first quarter of 2024, Zarttalent initiated partnerships with various Nigerian universities, starting with an event at Afe Babalola University in Ekiti State. This event attracted over 100 students who participated in tech courses and workshops designed by Zarttalent Academy.

    The 2024 Career Fair at Covenant University marks the beginning of a promising journey for students, as they embark on paths filled with boundless potential and opportunities. Through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships, Zarttalent Foundation and Covenant University are set to shape the future of technology and empower the leaders of tomorrow.

  • Skit maker, Trinity Guy, released from prison.

    Skit maker, Trinity Guy, released from prison.

    Nigerian skit maker, Abdullahi Maruff Adisa, known as Trinity Guy, has been released from prison.

    Initially, the police had invited Trinity Guy for questioning due to a prank video involving a minor.

    Following the investigation, a Family Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State, ordered his remand at the Agodi correctional facility.

    The court also arraigned and remanded Isiaka Ahmed, aged 40, and his wife, Rofiat, aged 29, who are the parents of the victim, on two-count charges of conspiracy, sexual abuse, and exploitation, along with the skit maker.

    Announcing his release on Friday night, fellow skit maker Abdugalfar Abiola, popularly known as Cute Abiola, shared the news on his Instagram page that Trinity Guy has been released on bail.

    Writing in a mix of English and broken English, he posted, “Finally, @iamtrinityguy is free on bail. Wishing you all the best, brother. May Almighty Allah continue to guide you on the right path, Amen. Welcome back! Welcome back! My guy don pray tire see his forehead.”

    Yoruba movie maker, Lizzy Anjorin, also celebrated Trinity Guy’s release, sharing his picture and expressing gratitude to God for his bail. She posted, “OLORUN SEUN 🙏🙏🙏💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃💃 OMO OLOGO GBERAAAAAA @iamtrinityguyz.”

    Meanwhile, efforts to reach the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Osifeso Adewale, proved abortive as he did not pick up his calls or reply to texts as of the time of filing this report.

  • Ukraine-Russia: Third Batch Of Nigerian Evacuees Arrive From Hungary

    Ukraine-Russia: Third Batch Of Nigerian Evacuees Arrive From Hungary

    The third batch of Nigerian evacuees following the Ukraine-Russia war arrived in Abuja late last night.

    They were evacuated from Hungary and landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 11:25 pm on Friday.

    According to the official figure from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the number of evacuees from Hungary was 174 in number and they were brought aboard Air Peace.

    These evacuations follow the attack by Russia on Ukraine which has left scores of people killed and many displaced.

    Over 5,000 Nigerians, the majority of whom are students studying in Ukraine have been caught up in the conflict.

    Many of them have reportedly fled to neighbouring countries to Ukraine including Hungary, Poland, and Romania.

    Also on Friday, the first batch of Nigerian evacuees, numbering 416 arrived in the country from Romania, aboard Max Air.

    Meanwhile, as the country ramps up efforts to evacuate citizens stranded after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to continue to defend the interest of Nigerians wherever they may be.

    “On our part as a Government, we shall continue to defend the interests of all Nigerians wherever they may be. We have demonstrated this over time, as we have had cause to evacuate our citizens in harm’s way abroad,” the President said.

    “We did it in Libya, South Africa and we have just commenced doing the same in Ukraine, where thousands of our citizens, especially students, are trapped by the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine,” the President was quoted to have said in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Femi Adesina.

  • FG To Evacuate Nigerians In Ukraine From Poland

    FG To Evacuate Nigerians In Ukraine From Poland

    Nigerians still in Ukraine will now be evacuated through the nation’s embassy in Poland amid a Russian invasion.

    This is according to a notice from the Nigerian Embassy in Poland.

    “In light of the recent happenings in Ukraine, please be advised that for all Nigerians crossing over to Poland would have us waiting for them,” the notice said.

    “The Federal Government of Nigeria is making necessary arrangements for the evacuation of those stranded in Ukraine through the Embassy in Warsaw, Poland.

    “Please present this as your destination address with the Border controls 02-953, Kosiarzy 22B, 02-956 Warszawa

    “The Nigerian Embassy staff and along with volunteers will be at the Polish-Ukrainian borders with buses and vans to pick up Nigerians from the crossing border points and locations below:

    Hrebenne-Rawa Ruska
    Szkoła Podstawowa w Lubyczy Królewskiej (zaplecze hali sportowej) ul. Jana III Sobieskiego 5, 22-680 Lubycza Królewska
    Phone: +48-729275316

    Korczowa-Krakowiec
    Świetlica, Korczowa 155, 37-552 Korczowa
    Phone:+48-579201775

    Medyka-Szeginie
    Hala Sportowa – Medyka 285, 37-732 Medyka
    Phone:+48-729242516

    Budomierz-Hurszew
    Szkoła Podstawowa w m. Krowica Sama 183, 37-625 Krowica Sama
    Phone: +48-739493541

  • Senate passes Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Bill

    Senate passes Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Bill

    The Senate on Wednesday passed the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Bill, 2022, following the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Aviation at plenary.

    Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Committee, Smart Adeyemi (APC-Kogi), said the bill sought to repeal Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Act, 2010 for the purposes of providing effective air navigation services in Nigeria.

    According to him, the NAMA bill is one of the six Aviation Executive Bills referred to the Committee by the Senate which are related to crucial matters of regulation, training, management, and safety of the Aviation Industry.

    “The issues that surround the Bill are significant in ensuring safe air travels and are part of efforts at enhancing the health and profitability of the overarching aviation sector and public benefit,” he said.

    He observed that the Act establishing NAMA came into effect on May 26, 1999, and had been in operation for 22 years.

    He said that the amendments to the NAMA Act 2010 were geared towards aligning the Agency to meet new operational requirements in the industry as stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO.

  • Nigerians urge parents to teach children, wards how to prepare local dishes

    Nigerians urge parents to teach children, wards how to prepare local dishes

     Nigerians have advised parents to teach their children and wards how to cook local foods as the delicacies are healthier and more nutritious than foreign meals.

    A cross section of Nigerians gave this advice in Abuja on Wednesday in separate interviews with our correspondent on their favorite delicacies.

    Mr Ojo Anthony, the Secretary of  the Federal Capital Territory chapter of  the Butchers Association of Nigeria, said that some children, and even some  house wives and mothers had limited knowledge about their local delicacies.

    According to him, it is important for parents to teach their children and wards, especially the females, how to prepare local meals and also imbibe other values.

    Anthony, who said that he was an only son out of five children raised by his parents, said his mother did not treat him specially as an only son, adding that she saw him  thorough home training.

    “That training and other home values have been with me up till now.  As you see me I cook native foods like Akpu (fufu), Egusi and Okro soup.

    “I also know how to prepare  Edikaikong,  Afang soups,  and Moin-moin with wrapping leaf because that time my mother would always ask me to  stay with  her in the chicken,” he said.

    Miss Patience Jonah said that she usually cooked local delicacies, using original palm oil and local ingredients to make them healthier and more nutritious.

    “For instance, in our house, we use original palm oil to prepare soup because my mother said that too much of vegetable oil causes eyes problem.

    “So, for me I like to cook rice that is prepared in the local way with palm oil especially white rice and stew,” she said.

    Mr Joshua Daniel said that he often assisted his wife to cook all kinds of foods. especially when she was ill or whenever she travelled.

    Daniel said that he knew how to cook because while growing up he usually assisted his mother and sisters while they cooked in the kitchen.

    “Nowadays, some mothers when they are cooking, their children will be busy doing something else, it will not help them.

    “My advice is that mothers should allow their children to assist them  in the kitchen, especially female children because it is their duty,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Miss Emmanuella Ekezie, said that she had little knowledge on how to cook solid foods such as Akpu and pounded yam.

    She said it was because her mother, a banker had no time to prepare them as she was always busy at her work place.

    She said that she could only prepare fast foods such as tea and bread as well as fried egg.

    Miss Khadijat Garba, an under graduate, said that she had a challenge on how to make use of wrapping leaf for Moin-moin.

    “I would have known how to use it to wrap Moin-moin but my mother had no knowledge about it.

    “Personally, I prefer moin-moin with the leaf than the ones in pans or plastics. It helps to prevent food poisoning that is why I want to learn how to do it,”  she said. 

  • Presidents Buhari and Xi Jinping Exchange Letters On 50 Years Of Diplomatic Relations

    Presidents Buhari and Xi Jinping Exchange Letters On 50 Years Of Diplomatic Relations

    Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Xi Jinping of Nigeria and China respectively exchanged goodwill messages on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Nigeria-China relations on Tuesday February 10.

    In the letter titled ‘Letter of Felicitations’ shared by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina on Monday, Buhari expressed satisfaction with the progress of support from China in the building of rail, road, power, defences, and many other areas.

    Replying, President Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Nigeria relations, and is ready to join efforts to take the opportunity of the anniversary to promote the traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation in all fields under the Belt and Road Initiative and within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation so as to bring benefits to wo countries two peoples.

    “In recent years, the China-Nigeria strategic Partnership has enjoyed a good momentum of development, which effectively improved the well-being of two peoples. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, China and African countries including Nigeria have joined their hands in the fight against the pandemic, and showcased the brotherhood of China and Africa in weal and woe,” he wrote.

    Earlier, President Buhari praised the cooperation between both countries in the fight against the COVID-29 outbreak.

    “In recent years, Nigeria and China have also witnessed steady development of their strategic partnership. In the face of significant challenges faced by international community, the two sides are upholding a common position of preserving multilateralism, not interfering in other countries’ internal affairs and safeguarding common interest of developing countries,” he wrote.

    “This year is vital for China-Nigeria relations. The FOCAC has become a model of mutually beneficial cooperation between Nigeria and China, as well as between Africa and China. Nigeria is ready to work with China to make the new session of FOCAC this year a success.”

    Caption: Dignitaries at the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Nigeria-China diplomatic relations in Abuja on Tuesday February 9

  • EFCC warns Nigerians against selling their NIN, reveals consequences

    EFCC warns Nigerians against selling their NIN, reveals consequences

    As the ongoing struggle by some Nigerians to get their National Identity Number (NIN) continues, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned against selling it.

    There has been an influx of Nigerians to offices of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) across the country in efforts to obtain their NIN.

    But the EFCC, in a statement by its Head, Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren on Thursday, said it had come to the commission’s knowledge that “some unscrupulous persons are cashing in on the exercise to induce enrollees to sell their NIN for a fee.”

    The EFCC added, “The buyers of the numbers are also trading with them to persons whose motives are anything but noble.”

    The commission said it was alerting Nigerians to know that it was not only illegal for them to sell their NIN but that they stand the risk of vicarious liability for any act of criminality linked to their NIN.

  • Nigeria attracted only 4% of $75bn Africa’s oil, gas investment in 4 years

    Nigeria attracted only 4% of $75bn Africa’s oil, gas investment in 4 years

    Despite its huge oil reserves, Nigeria attracted only four percent of Africa’s $75 billion oil and gas investment in four years (2015-2019) because of the delay in the passage of the nation’s Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB into law, according to Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI.

    Director General, LCCI, Dr Muda Yusuf, in a statement, weekend, said : “The oil and gas industry is a major contributor to the Nigerian economy and government revenue. Nigeria, with the largest oil and gas reserves in Africa, has huge untapped potential to achieve its economic development goals including gas-to-power ambitions. However, despite having the largest reserves in Africa, Nigeria only received four percent ($3 billion) of $75 billion invested in the continent between 2015-19. This underscores the need to create a competitive environment to attract investment to the oil and gas sector.

    “The fundamental shift in global energy markets driven by advances in unlocking unconventional petroleum resources and increasing traction for cleaner energy sources has resulted in a global oversupply of crude oil, putting pressure on prices. This has been further worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic, potentially putting at risk the viability of ongoing and future projects and driving fierce competition for scarce investments around the world.

    “Further to the above, Nigeria’s petroleum industry faces many country-specific challenges, including Joint Venture Funding and Arrears, regulatory overlaps, insecurity and inadequate infrastructure for domestic gas development.

    “The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry is fully supportive of the government’s efforts to drive industry reform through a new Petroleum Industry Bill. The key objectives of the PIB 2020, amongst many others, including reforming the institutional and fiscal framework, developing Nigeria’s gas sector further, creating a framework to support the development of host communities and foster sustainable prosperity, and further bringing in new investments to grow the country’s production capacity.”

    “The current Bill marks positive steps toward achieving its stated goals. The Bill mandates ministries, departments, and agencies to consult with the commission prior to introducing overlapping legislation which will impact the oil and gas industry. It also allows for consultation with industry stakeholders before making regulations. The commercialisation of NNPC aims to improve business efficiency and effectiveness, especially in relation to Joint Venture activities.

    “However, some of these improvements appear insufficient to deliver the true value to Nigeria, which the Bill aims to achieve. Some provisions in the bill could adversely affect the growth of the industry and the overall economy. We firmly believe that based on constructive co-operation between the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders, host communities and Industry, the objectives of reform can be successfully met.”

  • 27 stranded Nigerian girls evacuated from Lebanon – FG

    27 stranded Nigerian girls evacuated from Lebanon

    The federal government has confirmed the arrival of 27 stranded Nigerian girls who were recently evacuated from Lebanon. 

    Ferdinand Nwonye, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who received the girls on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama, said they arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Sunday September 6. 

    He said the girls tested negative for COVID-19 before embarking on the journey and were evacuated in line with the FG’s guidelines on COVID-19 evacuations. They will also be allowed to go home after 14 days of self-isolation.

    Nwonye said; 

     “I am here on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs who facilitated this return, together with the Ministry of Aviation, Embassy of Nigeria in Beirut, the Lebanese Embassy in Nigeria and the Lebanese community in Nigeria.

    “These are the individuals and institutions that made it possible for you to be here today.

    “It is unfortunate the situation you passed through; which is why the ministries concerned made sure you are here today and we are telling you that you are now home today and nothing will happen to you.

    “Make sure you follow the protocols they advised you on; you know what to do to recover your passports again.

    “You are welcome back home and I wish you journey mercies to your various destinations.”