SUBSCRIBE
SUBSCRIBE
Try "researchers"
Home Blog Page 701

FRCN Inaugurates Joint Committee for 2025 Christmas Carol

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
-
0
FRCN Inaugurates Joint Committee for 2025 Christmas Carol

The Director General of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr Mohammed Bulama, has inaugurated a joint committee for the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Christmas Carol.

Service of Nine Lessons and Christmas Carol is an annual Christmas tradition jointly organised by Nigeria’s three broadcasting giants — the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and the Voice of Nigeria (VON).

In a brief address, Dr Bulama formally inaugurated a new committee, pledging the organization’s full commitment to host this year’s event.

“It’s my honour and privilege to inaugurate this committee,” the official stated during the ceremony. “I want to assure you that, to the glory of God, the FRCN will play a perfect — or as near perfect as possible — host for 2025,” he assured.

The DG concluded by wishing the committee “successful deliberations.” 

Preparations are in full swing for the 2025 edition of the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols by the Committee with Mrs. Msurcshima Kighir, as the FRCN Coordinator, Mrs. Oganya Sanni as NTA Coordinator and Dr. Chika Eze as VON Coordinator.

Mrs. Kighir expressed appreciation to all participating agencies and well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organizations for their continued support and commitment.

“The event, which began over two decades ago as an initiative of the FRCN, has since grown into a major national celebration of Christmas, with NTA and VON joining the collaboration in subsequent years. The three broadcasting giants now co-host the event, alternating musical performances in different Nigerian languages each year,” she highlighted.

FRCN Coordinator disclosed that “this year, FRCN will present carols in Igbo, while NTA is expected to deliver theirs in Hausa and VON in Yoruba, “We rotate the languages each year to reflect Nigeria’s cultural diversity,” she disclosed.

According to her, the Corporation was originally represented by the FRCN Enugu Choir, but now fields its own Abuja-based choir, established three years ago.

The theme for this year’s Service is “Christ, Our Strength,” drawn from Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

According to FRCN Coordinator, “the theme was chosen in response to the many challenges facing the nation, including insecurity, unemployment, and the rising cost of living. We want Nigerians to draw hope and encouragement from this scripture. Despite the hard times, we believe that through Christ, we can endure and overcome,” she emphasized.

The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols is traditionally held on the first Sunday of December and has become a highlight of the Christmas season in Nigeria’s broadcast community.

The Committee is also intensifying efforts to ensure a successful and impactful celebration of the birth of Christ.

NAF Alerts Public About Fake Recruitment Advertisements

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
-
0
NAF Alerts Public About Fake Recruitment Advertisements

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has warned the public concerning the fraudulent messages circulating online, falsely claiming that the NAF has commenced recruitment for the 2025/2026 Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) and Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC).

In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said that the Nigerian Air Force wishes to state that no such recruitment exercise is currently ongoing.

“The public is therefore advised to disregard these messages in their entirety,” he added.

He reminded the general public that the Nigerian Air Force recruitment and enlistment processes are free, transparent, and merit-based.

According to him, the NAF does not charge any fee at any stage of its recruitment exercise, and does not engage third parties or agents for enlistment.

“Whenever a recruitment exercise is to be conducted, it will be officially announced and widely publicised through credible national dailies, the NAF official website, and its verified social media platforms,” he said.

He therefore urged members of the public to be wary of online scams and exercise extreme caution when coming across unofficial recruitment advertisements.

According to him, for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Nigerian Air Force, the public is advised to follow only the official NAF communication channels using the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1735SmRdMo/

https://x.com/NigAirForce?t=1263ETdBwkuqewt-rSuyIg&s=09

https://www.instagram.com/NigerianAirForce

https://youtube.com/@nigerianairforcehq?feature=shared

https://www.airforce.mil.ng/

“The Nigerian Air Force is committed to integrity, transparency, and efficient service delivery to the nation while projecting air power to save lives and properties of all Nigerians,” the statement added.

PCNGI Refutes Report on Integrity

Aisha John-Mark
-
0
PCNGI Refutes Report on Integrity

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has pushed back against what it describes as a “misleading and unprofessional” report by Premium Times, which questioned the integrity and operations of the government-backed program aimed at transitioning Nigeria to cleaner, cheaper energy alternatives.

In a statement released Monday, PCNGI expressed dismay over the publication’s allegations, calling the article a “regrettable deviation from the principles of ethical journalism” and accusing the news outlet of relying on unnamed sources and speculative reporting to discredit the initiative.

Since its launch, the PCNGI has become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy transition agenda, facilitating over $800 million in investments, creating more than 100,000 jobs, and increasing the number of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles on the road to over 100,000, a fivefold jump in just one year.

 Among the program’s most notable achievements is its collaboration with the Dangote Group, which recently deployed 4,000 CNG-powered trucks, 100 virtual pipeline vehicles, and multiple daughter stations across the country.

PCNGI also claims significant progress in building local infrastructure, reporting a rise of over 300 vehicle conversion centres, up from just seven at the start, with an average of 20 new centres opening each week through partnerships with MSMEs.

Despite these gains, the Premium Times report questioned the transparency of the initiative, specifically alleging that the agency had taken down its list of conversion centres to suppress public access to information.

PCNGI clarified that the website is currently undergoing a scheduled update to include a larger and more current list of certified centres, underscoring that the move was part of an effort to improve public access, not restrict it.

The article also spotlighted Mr. David Idakwo, presenting him as a key figure in PCNGI’s operations and questioning the legitimacy of his role due to prior business affiliations. PCNGI, however, strongly refuted this characterisation, clarifying that Mr. Idakwo is a mid-level field officer, hired in late 2024, who holds no executive authority or involvement in high-level decision-making.

“The effort to link Mr. Idakwo’s past private ventures to nepotism within the Initiative is not only misleading but an insult to the rights of everyday Nigerians to pursue legitimate business careers,” the statement read.

While PCNGI acknowledged that scrutiny of public programs is necessary and even welcome, it cautioned against media narratives driven by “sensationalism or hidden agendas.” 

The organisation suggested that its recent push to eliminate corruption and ensure the fair distribution of subsidised CNG kits may have ruffled feathers, possibly prompting resistance from those with vested interests.

“We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and national development,” the statement concluded. “What Nigeria needs is journalism that builds, not journalism that destroys.”

 

FIRS, OAGF Collaborate to Improve Tax Compliance 

Amaka Nliam
-
0
FIRS, OAGF Collaborate to Improve Tax Compliance 

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) have joined forces to strengthen tax compliance and improve revenue remittance through a unified approach.

This renewed collaboration was the focus of the FIRS-OAGF Stakeholders’ Engagement held on Thursday in Abuja, with the theme: “Enhancing Tax Compliance Through Collaboration”.

Dr Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

In his address, the FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji, emphasised that the agency is shifting from an enforcement-driven model to a more proactive, citizen-focused approach.

He noted that the new strategy centers on building trust, fostering understanding, and promoting tax compliance as a civic duty rather than a burden.

Dr Adedeji highlighted that the FIRS is leveraging digital tools, such as the TaxPro-Max platform and taxpayer segmentation models to streamline tax processes and enhance accessibility for all taxpayers.

Mr Shamsudeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, the Accountant-General of the Federation.

On his part, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr Shamsudeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving Nigeria’s fiscal goals.

He noted that taxation is the backbone of any economy, and in Nigeria’s context, enhancing compliance is both a fiscal necessity and a national priority.

Mr Ogunjimi linked the engagement to the broader goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to diversify the country’s revenue sources and reduce dependency on oil.

He stated that aligning strategies between key revenue agencies like the FIRS and OAGF is vital to overcoming current challenges in tax collection and remittances.

“Through technology adoption, strengthened accountability, and enhanced transparency, we can significantly boost revenue and ensure sustainable national development,” he said.

The AGF also commended the FIRS for its strides in expanding the tax net and digitising tax administration. He reiterated the need to build a resilient and inclusive tax system that will support economic growth and contribute to the realisation of the President’s vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Both leaders agreed that continued synergy among stakeholders is critical to delivering good governance and achieving long-term economic sustainability.

Liberians Protest Over Justice, Jobs, Accountability

Hauwa Mustapha
-
0
Liberians Protest Over Justice, Jobs, Accountability

Hundreds of Liberians flooded the streets of the capital, chanting “enough is enough” and demanding accountability from President Joseph Boakai’s government.

The demonstration, led by opposition figure Mulbah Morlu, marks the most visible protest since Boakai took office last year, promising reforms and better living conditions.

The protesters carried signs and voiced frustrations over unmet campaign promises, job losses, and the government’s failure to establish a long-promised war crimes court.

“I am very angry. This is why I am in the street today,” said Victoria Roberts, a local businesswoman.

“I am in the street to remind my government of their past promises that they made to we, the Liberian people. How can you say that you came to better the lives of the people, but then you came and took people from jobs? Is that what you call betterment?”

One of the protest’s central demands is justice for victims of Liberia’s brutal civil wars.

Protesters are calling for the creation of a war crimes tribunal to prosecute those responsible for atrocities committed between 1989 and 2003.

“We the motorcyclists, we want a war crimes court,” said Dougis Smith, an opposition supporter.

“The war crimes court should not be for Prince Johnson alone. ‘General Butt Naked’ needs to go to the war crimes court too.”

There is growing frustration that figures widely believed to have committed war crimes remain free or even active in political life.

Musu Dennis, another demonstrator, criticized President Boakai’s leadership so far, saying Liberians expected more from a man with decades of public service.

“Liberians voted for Joseph Boakai because he has 40 years’ experience. So he should start to use that 40 years’ experience for the Liberian people, not for him to come and put tension on the Liberian people. We are suffering. Let Joseph Boakai do the right thing.”

Protesters also denounced what they described as politically motivated firings and called for the restoration of the rule of law.

The crowd, largely peaceful, was making its way toward the presidential palace to deliver a formal petition.

While no violence was reported, Monrovia’s usually bustling streets were quieter than normal, as many residents opted to stay home, fearing possible unrest.

President Boakai’s office has yet to respond publicly to the protest or its demands.

Africanews/Hauwa

World Cup of Robotics, AI Kick Off In Brazil

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
-
0
World Cup of Robotics, AI Kick Off In Brazil

The ‘World Cup’ of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, which promotes the development of robots capable of operating in various scenarios, including football matches, rescue operations and service robotics, began on Thursday in Salvador, Brazil.

The football element of the event, tagged RoboCup 2025, aims to develop a team that could beat the human FIFA World Cup champions by 2050.

Images show humanoid robots competing in a football match. The robots can react, plan, and act in real time without remote control, interacting with each other throughout the game.

Image of humanoid robots competing in a football match at the World Cup of Robotics and AI in Brazil.

“They are autonomous robots, we program them to play on their own, we don’t control anything,” said participant Lucas Cavalcante.

“The game is very dynamic, 11 versus 11, high-speed robots that can kick hard.”

Autonomous robots will compete across five leagues, featuring both humanoid designs and wheel-based models.

The gathering, taking place from 15 to 21 July, will bring together researchers, students, enthusiasts and companies from around the world to compete and learn about the latest technological advances in robotics and artificial intelligence.

RoboCup is the largest robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) competition in the world, active since 1997. It is estimated that around 2,000 participants from 40 countries will compete in various contests.

Women Affairs Minister Urges Youth to Embrace Skills Development

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
-
0
Women Affairs Minister Urges Youth to Embrace Skills Development

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called on Nigerian youth to use the opportunity of skill development as a transformative tool for national growth and personal empowerment.

Speaking through her Special Assistant (Technical), Princess Jummai Idonije, at the opening ceremony of the 2025 United Nations World Youth Skills Day, the Minister emphasized the critical importance of equipping young Nigerians with practical, future-focused skills.

The event, held at the FCT Department of Mass Education, Karu Site, Abuja, brought together educators, development partners, and hundreds of young people in a celebration of creativity, innovation, and capacity building.

“This year’s celebration is both timely and urgent,” the Minister stated. “With over 151 million young persons under the age of 35 — nearly 70% of our population — Nigeria holds immense potential. But this potential must be harnessed with the right education, values, and skillsets to truly drive national development.”

Reaffirming the foundational role of education, she highlighted literacy, numeracy, digital fluency, and civic awareness as the essential platforms for empowerment. She also underscored the Ministry’s commitment, under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, to advancing gender-responsive programmes that foster youth entrepreneurship in areas such as tailoring, clean energy, agro-processing, ICT, and business management.

“Skills acquisition is not a backup plan. It is a bold, visionary step forward,” she said.

She further urged young Nigerians to recognize and utilize tools already in their hands — notably, their mobile phones — as gateways to digital enterprise.

“With the right mindset, you don’t need capital to start; you need vision,” she stressed.

She also pointed to urban gardening, food processing, and climate-smart farming as key areas where youth can tackle urgent food security and environmental challenges.

The Minister also called for stronger collaboration between organizers, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, and the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, to ensure greater access to mentorship, empowerment pathways, and startup support for youth across the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.

Citing a recent regional survey where Nigerian youth ranked highest for creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship across 10 African nations, she noted, “This is both an affirmation and a call to action.”

In a powerful message to the youth, she encouraged them to stay focused and productive during the holiday period.

“This long break is not for idleness. It is a chance to sharpen your skills, define your future, and build something meaningful.

“As we mark the 2025 World Youth Skills Day, let it ignite in us a renewed commitment to equip, mentor, and uplift our youth. Let us build a future where every young Nigerian is empowered to shine,” she concluded.

The event kicked off a week of skill-building workshops, exhibitions, and mentoring sessions aimed at positioning Nigerian youth as agents of innovation and enterprise.

Muslim Group donates borehole to Niger CAN Secretariat

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
-
0
Muslim Group donates borehole to Niger CAN Secretariat

In an effort to promote peaceful coexistence between Christian and Muslim faithful in Niger State, the Islamic Education Trust (IET) donated a borehole to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State, North Central Nigeria.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Director General of IET, Alhaji Arzika Abubakar Rimau, said IET decided to donate the borehole so as to help reignite interfaith relationships.

According to him, “We love Nigeria irrespective of religion or tribes. We do not subscribe to anyone who does not believe in interfaith.

“The provision of a borehole to CAN is part of our commitment to strengthening interfaith harmony and unity in Niger State.”

Rimau said the gesture reflects the enduring legacy of Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, who championed interfaith collaboration and shared a close bond with Christian clergy like late Father O’Connell, a key contributor to the state’s educational development.

While expressing gratitude on behalf of the Christian community, Chairman of CAN in Niger State, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, described IET’s gesture as a symbol of unity, which encourages continued collaboration between both faiths for societal progress.

Speaking earlier, Director of liaison services Department, Alhaji Ibrahim Yahaya, appreciated Ms. Victoria Ndagi, a devoted Christian, for drawing the organization’s attention to the water needs of the CAN Secretariat.

Also speaking, the former CAN Chairman, Revd. Mathias Echioda, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Tribal Affairs, Sir George Dike, lauded the IET for its inclusive outreach, adding that, such gestures affirm Niger State as a safe haven for peaceful religious coexistence.

Highlight of the event was the ribbon-cutting ceremony and handing over of the borehole to CAN. Also, an award presentation by the IET to Ms. Victoria Ndagi in recognition of her role in fostering interfaith collaboration and promoting community development.

She was described as a bridge-builder between faiths, noting that her recommendation led IET to extend similar humanitarian projects to other Christian communities. He added that the award presented to her was well deserved.

Highlight of the event

WHO Endorses Biannual Injectable lenacapavir for HIV Prevention

Manomsi Mallum
-
0
WHO Endorses Biannual Injectable lenacapavir for HIV Prevention

In a groundbreaking development for global HIV prevention, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has released new guidelines recommending the use of injectable lenacapavir (LEN) twice a year as a long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option.

The announcement was made at the 13th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Science, held in Kigali, Rwanda.

Lenacapavir is now the first twice-yearly injectable PrEP product to be endorsed by WHO, offering a transformative alternative to daily oral pills, particularly for individuals at higher risk of HIV infection.

“While an HIV vaccine remains elusive, lenacapavir is the next best thing,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“The launch of WHO’s new guidelines, alongside the FDA’s recent approval, marks a critical step forward in expanding access to this powerful tool.”

A Game-Changer in HIV Prevention

The WHO notes that lenacapavir will significantly benefit people who struggle with daily pill adherence due to stigma, access barriers, or personal preferences, especially in marginalised or hard-to-reach communities.

The release of the new guidelines comes at a time when global progress in HIV prevention is stalling, with an estimated 1.3 million new infections in 2024.

These infections are disproportionately affecting key populations, including sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who inject drugs, and incarcerated individuals.

Read Also: NiMet Reaffirms Support for National Nutrition System

Expanded WHO Recommendations

In addition to lenacapavir, WHO’s updated HIV guidance includes several other critical policy shifts:

Simplified HIV testing using rapid tests to reduce service barriers and facilitate community-led delivery of PrEP.

Continued endorsement of existing PrEP tools, including daily oral PrEP, injectable cabotegravir, and the dapivirine vaginal ring.

Introduction of long-acting injectable treatment combinations for people already virally suppressed.

Integrated HIV service delivery with care for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, and alcohol use disorders.

Enhanced screening for asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia, in high-risk groups.

Recommendations for rapid ART initiation for individuals co-infected with mpox and HIV.

“We have the tools and the knowledge to end AIDS as a public health problem. What we need now is bold action powered by communities,” stated Dr Meg Doherty, WHO Director of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programmes.

A Call to Action

While access to lenacapavir is currently limited outside clinical trials, WHO is urging governments, donors, and partners to begin implementation within combination HIV prevention programmes and collect real-world data on adherence and outcomes.

By the end of 2024, 40.8 million people were living with HIV globally, including 120,000 newly infected children, and 630,000 HIV-related deaths were recorded.

WHO believes that the latest recommendations represent a critical opportunity to expand prevention choices, simplify service delivery, and accelerate global efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat.

NDDC Pledges to Complete Abandoned Projects

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
-
0
NDDC Pledges to Complete Abandoned Projects

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has assured the people of the Niger Delta region that all abandoned projects will be completed before the end of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure.

Speaking to Journalists, the Managing Director said the Commission was determined to make the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government a reality in the Niger Delta region.

Dr Ogbuku also said the people of the Niger Delta should be grateful to Mr. President for his commitment to ensuring the sustainable development of the region.

“I can assure you that before the end of Mr President’s tenure, we will complete all abandoned legacy projects,” Mr Ogbuku said.

The NDDC boss, however, attributed the high number of uncompleted projects to previous leadership instability.

“In the past 25 years, NDDC has had 16 Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers, which caused instability in the system.”

Mr. Ogbuku restated the Board and Management’s commitment to the mandate given to the Commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to change the narrative in the Niger Delta region.

“President Tinubu charged us to complete and deliver all abandoned critical projects across the Niger Delta Region.”

Speaking about collaborations with other organisations, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC had made significant gains since it adopted Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), as a major policy thrust.

“For most of our projects, we adopted the Partnership model as it’s easier to drive projects with Partnership,” he said.

He said one of such positive outcome was signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), between the NDDC and the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), to collaborate on key projects that would impact the people positively.

“One area we have improved upon is in project monitoring. All our state offices have been equipped with vehicles and other necessary equipment for project monitoring.

“Since we came on board, to ensure our people are not spectators, we ensured that local contractors do several of our projects. The quality of jobs is a result of adequate supervision, and we ensure that they meet international standards through our oversight. local contractors do several of the projects we have been commissioning,” he explained.

Ogbuku said that the Commission, as part of its rebirth and rewind policy, was “transiting from transaction to transformation” in the process of developing the Niger Delta region.

In the area of entrepreneurship, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC, through the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, had streamlined engagement in giving support to farmers and verifiable entrepreneurs in the region.

“We have built a comprehensive database for the youths in the region. This will enable the Commission to plan, as well as share relevant data with other development agencies that may require it for their planning purposes.”

The Managing Director affirmed that the Commission was engaging all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in the task of developing the hitherto neglected Niger Delta region.

Reflecting on the achievements of the NDDC, Ogbuku said: “We believe that in partnership with stakeholders, we are going to achieve more, and development in our region will be faster and more holistic. We are not competing with any state government, as we only complement their efforts.”

Ogbuku stated that the NDDC had implemented measures to ensure financial discipline within the Commission. This, he said, necessitated the engagement of KPMG to design a corporate governance system for the Commission.

“We engaged KPMG to help check and moderate our SOPs,” he said.

He explained that the corporate governance structure would increase the confidence of partners who work with the Commission.

1...700701702...3,355Page 701 of 3,355

HEALTH

ENTERTAINMENT & TOURISM

WORLD

NEWS COMMENTARY

NEWS FEATURE

Voice Of Nigeria Mission is “Reflecting Nigerian and African perspectives in our broadcasts, winning and sustaining the attention, respect and goodwill of listeners worldwide, particularly Nigerians and Africans in the Diaspora … making Nigeria’s voice to be heard more positively in the shaping of our world.”

More from CN

Contact

© Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service