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It is Time for Nigeria to Take Her Place Among Global Great Nations- Nnaji

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It is Time for Nigeria to Take Her Place Among Global Great Nations- Nnaji

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has said the time has come for Nigeria to take her place among great nations on the globe.

He said: “In today’s rapidly evolving world, the pace of technological advancements is not just fast; it is exponential. Nations that have recognized and harnessed the power of research, development, and innovation are leading the charge towards economic prosperity, societal well-being, and sustainable development. It is time for Nigeria to take its rightful place among these nations.”

The Minister said this on Monday in Abuja during the opening of the National Research, Development and Innovation Coordination Summit.

He said for Nigeria “to achieve this, we must first acknowledge that our RDI ecosystem requires robust coordination, one that is resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking. Our goal is to create a system where academia, industry, government, and the community not only interact but thrive together, fostering an environment ripe for groundbreaking innovations.”

He added that: “Our vision for Nigeria is to become a hub for African innovation, contributing significantly to the global knowledge economy. This can be achieved by implementing a three-pronged approach:

“Strengthening Institutional Frameworks:
It is imperative that we build and strengthen the institutional frameworks necessary for effective RDI coordination. This includes policy reforms that incentivize research and development, protect intellectual properties, and facilitate the commercialization of research outcomes.

“Fostering Public-Private Partnerships: The collaboration between the public sector, private industry, and academic institutions is crucial. By fostering partnerships that leverage the strengths of each sector, we can accelerate the translation of research into market-ready solutions that address our most pressing challenges.

“Investing in Human Capital: At the heart of any successful RDI ecosystem are the people. Investing in education and training to build a skilled workforce ready to navigate and lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution is non-negotiable. We must nurture our young talents and provide them with the platforms to excel and innovate.”

The Minister said with the theme of the gathering being: “Advancing Nigeria’s Global Competitiveness, Through a Resilient National RDI Coordination,’’ it is not just a statement of intent; it is a clarion call to action.

He added that: “The journey to enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness through resilient RDI coordination is a collective endeavor.

“We want to bring out all the innovations, the researches we have in the shelf and develop them and that is the fulcrum of my involvement as a minister.”

Chief Strategy Officer of West and Central African Research and Education Network ( WACREN), Mr Omo Oaiya, said one of the things they do was the Pan-African Initiative to Strengthen Open Science in Africa.

He said: “As part of that, we are also working with countries in different events like this to drive cooperation and collaboration so that we can reap the benefits of such an endeavor.

“So RIKE SD is our local facilitator here. But between both of us, we have been able to create a new impetus in the Nigerian RDI coordination space.

“The main goal of this activity is to bring the different RDI actors together to look at a way of co-creating a future that we can build on.

“We are trying to align this with the presidential priorities that have been announced and the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Oaiya also said the essence of the summit was to bring international connections to support activity within Nigeria to drive RDI forward.

Global Impact lead, Research for Impact Knowledge Economy and Sustainable Development( RIKE SD), Dr Mustapha Popoola, on his part said part of what they are trying to do today was what we call research, development, innovation coordination.

He explained that “RIKE SD is a Nigerian non-for-profit organisation that has a Pan-African scope.

“We are the first research as a service organisation in Nigeria who is looking at taking research, development, innovation, outcomes and output from Nigeria to other African countries.

“For the first time we know that for us to have results based on the directive of Mr. President, we should actually institutionalise the use of research and development outcomes in ministry agencies and departments.

“it is important for us to get coordinated and know what we can offer. We are using an approach, we call it pentagonal nexus whereby the government is going to be working alongside with the industry, academia, and at the same time we are focusing on the community that are going to use those outcomes of research at community level.”

President-elect Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, said the summit is expected to look into the eight areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
It will bring out how research and development, and in particular science, technology and innovation research can be used to significantly impact those eight areas of Mr. President.

“It is to bring up what are needed to be undertaken to boost development of the country through programs that involve research, development and innovation, and also through policy making.

“It is very important for the MDAs to incorporate in their yearly programs, aspects that will be boosted through the outputs of research, development and innovation activities”, Sani said.

Also speaking, Chairman Tech India Ltd, Dr. Shabihul Hassan,, said that the whole concept of research, development and innovation is collaboration.

“We have been connecting, collaborating with intellectuals, with members of the public and private sector to see how we can foster growth in the agri-sector, in the health sector, in the power sector, in the infrastructure sector.

“The key is teamwork. This is teamwork within the country, outside the country, collaborating nationally, internationally, and collaborating between the public and private sectors.

“So the private sector sets the way, it sets the standard. The public sector competes. The public sector also becomes competent, equally competent. So it’s collaborative work.

“The purpose of conferences like this is to bring people together, especially intellectuals, people with knowledge, different backgrounds, different countries. And that is the key to development,” he said.

Highlights of the conference is the call by all stakeholders thar there is urgent need for the creation of National Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) ecosystem in Nigeria.

It is Time for Nigeria to Take Her Place Among Global Great Nations- Nnaji

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IGP launches Zulum’s distribution of 110 vehicles, 280 houses to police, others

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IGP launches Zulum’s distribution of 110 vehicles, 280 houses to police, others

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has distributed 110 brand new operational vehicles, 500 motorcycles and 280 houses to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies. 

The distribution was flagged off by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who commended the initiative and described the governor as a “performing governor” in the fight against insecurity in the North East.

The ceremony, held at the Government House in Maiduguri, was attended by top security officials, including the theatre commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Waidi Shuibu; Deputy and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and others.

According to the distribution formula, 60 vehicles will be allocated to the Nigerian Police and 50 vehicles and 500 motorcycles to the Nigerian military.

Similarly, the police will be allocated 220 houses at Mai Mala Buni Estate, 20 at Kashim Shertima Estate and another 40 at Wulari, all in Maiduguri.

In his address, Governor Zulum emphasised the importance of supporting security forces with the necessary tools which, he said, would enhance their efficiency and dedication to duty.

“Today marks a significant step in our unwavering commitment to strengthening the security architecture of Borno State; we are gathered here to present 100 operational vehicles, 500 motorcycles and housing quarters to members of the Nigerian Police Force and military, as the case may be, who tirelessly serve and sacrifice to safeguard our communities.

“This modest gesture continues our government’s commitment to the security agencies, which are the cornerstones for achieving peace, progress, and development in our state.
 
“These vehicles will enhance their mobility, improve their response times, and bolster their operational capabilities in the fight against insecurity and social vices,” Zulum states.

The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership in supporting the security agencies. 

Governor Zulum also expressed his commitment to rendering his services to the security organisations.

He said: “We are grateful to the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the distinguished leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing strategic leadership and unalloyed support to our security agencies as they work assiduously to safeguard  the life and property of our citizens.
 
“Under my watch, the Borno State Government has maintained a cordial relationship with our security forces. We realised that without security, the recovery of our state from insecurity, Insurgency and decadence would not yield the desired result. 

“By supporting our security forces, we are investing in force multiplier, speed of action and timely response of the armed forces and security agencies to our daunting security challenges. We are committed to working together to address the insecurity issues and build a safer and more prosperous future for our people.”

In his remarks, the IGP expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for what he described as massive support.

 Egbetokun said: “These operational assets, including 110 vehicles and 500 motorcycles, will, no doubt, enhance our operational capacity. They will enable us to respond more effectively to emergencies in the state. They will also enable us to patrol our communities more efficiently, ultimately improving the delivery of services to the people of Borno State.

“I thank you, your Excellency, once again, for this gesture; I also want to assure you, Your Excellency, that these operational assets are going to be put to immediate operational use to enhance the security of the people of Borno State tate.”

IGP launches Zulum’s distribution of 110 vehicles, 280 houses to police, others

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FG Insists Christians are Not Targeted for Killings in Nigeria

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FG Insists Christians are Not Targeted for Killings in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The federal government has moved to counter the narrative that Christians are targeted for killings in part of Nigeria, stating that it is the work of fifth columnists aiming that the country should be designated a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the international community.

A statement on Friday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to express strong concern over the recent wave of misinformation and misleading reports regarding the supposed targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria. The unfortunate development is intended to influence foreign governments, especially the United States Government, to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), due to the violence against Christians.

“While the Federal Government acknowledges the security challenges confronting the nation, it is imperative to clarify that these negative activities are not driven by religious bias, nor targeted against any particular religious group. It should be noted that the majority of incidents relating to insurgency and banditry that occur in the predominantly Muslim northern part of Nigeria are not targeted at followers of a particular faith or religion. Any narrative that seeks to give such incidents a coloration of religious persecution is erroneous and misleading.

“Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation and the government remains committed to protecting the lives and properties of all citizens, irrespective of faith, ethnicity, or gender. The security issues in Nigeria are complex and multifaceted and manifest as criminality, terrorism and communal clashes – including farmer/herder confrontation, that do not have any religious connotation.”

The statement added that: “The government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken significant steps to address these security concerns, including the deployment of security forces, intelligence gathering and community engagement initiatives. Indeed, the military has recorded substantial gains in curtailing the activities of bandits and insurgents. To bring an end to such security challenges, both the Federal and State authorities have embarked on kinetic and non-kinetic methods and expedited the implementation of the national livestock plan.

“To this end, a Ministry of Livestock Development has been established while a Special Adviser and Coordinator of Livestock Reforms, has been appointed to find sustainable solutions to pastoral farming, with a view to end contestations over land, between farmers and pastoral herders.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, therefore, urges the international community to exercise caution and verify information before drawing conclusions or making statements that could exacerbate tensions within Nigeria. We call on all stakeholders, including the media, civil society organizations and foreign partners, to refrain from spreading unverified claims that could undermine national unity and stability.

“Nigeria remains a beacon of religious tolerance and coexistence in Africa and is committed to preserving this heritage. We welcome constructive dialogue and support from the international community in addressing our security challenges. However, we strongly reject any attempts to wrongly designate the country, distort the narrative, or sow seeds of discord among our people.”

FG Insists Christians are Not Targeted for Killings in Nigeria

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Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi

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Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi

By: Zagazola Makama

A swift response by the Nigerian troops in Kebbi has foiled a bandit attack on Dabai Town, forcing the assailants to flee after a gun battle with security operatives.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred around 2 a.m. when suspected bandits attempted to invade the town.

“Security forces were immediately dispatched to intercept the assailants and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire,” the source said. “Overwhelmed by superior firepower, the bandits abandoned their mission and escaped.”

While no casualties were reported, security operatives have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further attacks.

Troops Foil Bandit Attack in Dabai Town, Kebbi

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