Day: June 27, 2024

_: A professor of Archival Science and Diplomatics, Elvis Otobo, says collaboration with international bodies is key for best practices in the implementation of successful archival systems in Nigeria. Otobo, media aide to the Founder/Visitor, Caleb University and Proprietor Caleb Group of Schools, Dr Oladega Adebogun, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos. According to him, in order to achieve the much needed national transformation and accelerated economic growth, effective records and archives management is critical. Otobo, also Africa's pioneer Archival Science and Diplomatics Professor, said that archival science and diplomatics played a crucial role in preserving the cultural heritage and administrative history of not just Nigeria, but Africa at large. He added that it was also not just an academic achievement, but also a pivotal step toward enhancing the country's records and archives ecosystem. According to him, it promises a future where the country's historical narrative is preserved with integrity and shared with the world. 'Diplomatics is the study of ancient documents, which assists in verifying the authenticity of historical records; thus, safeguarding the accuracy and legitimacy of African history, reflecting on its past and informing its present as well as shaping a more informed future. 'Across Africa, archival science ensures that valuable records are properly organised, stored and made accessible for research, which is vital for understanding the continent's post-colonial history and development,' he said. Otobo added that well-kept records were also essential for transparent governance, legal certainty and attracting investment. He said that Nigeria had yet to achieve much in the archival science and diplomatics space. 'Nigeria's performance in records management has been a mixed bag. 'Studies have shown that there are challenges in the practice of records management in the country's public and private sectors. 'Inadequate facil ities and lack of coherent policy are prevalent. 'However, there are also positive developments, such as the implementation of eNictronic records management, which has had a positive impact on national development in areas like security control, collaboration and efficiency,' he said. The professor told NAN that about 98 per cent of organisations in Nigeria lacked a strong record management policy, which could lead to inefficiency, corruption and poor job performance. Otobo said that there was still room for improvement in the broader records management landscape in Nigeria. He said that a multi-faceted approach was essential to enhance the country's records and archival systems. According to him, strengthening the legal framework to ensure protection and management of records and investing in modern technology for digitisation and electronic records management are important. Otobo stressed the importance of improving professional trainings for archivists and records managers. He said that conducting r egular records surveys and acquiring new materials for preservation were also critical steps needed for the revitalisation of the sector. 'The various laws guiding the management of records and archives must equally be respected and strictly implemented,' he said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

_: President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to work together to meet the needs of citizens, stating that he is willing to provide the needed support to ensure that Nigerians are relieved of hardship. The president, who spoke during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja, emphasised the urgency of boosting food production in the country. He said the nation must boost agricultural productivity, strengthen the economy by creating opportunities in the real sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, and construction, as well as provide urgent economic relief for Nigerians. Tinubu said that the Sokoto-Badagry Highway was a pivotal project as the states within the axis formed the food belt of the nation, and with Badagry being an important artery for food export. 'Our states must work together to deliver on the critical reforms required of us to meet the needs of our people. Time is humanity's most precious asset. You can never have enough of it. It is getting late. 'We are ready an d able to support you in the form of the mechanisation of your agricultural processes and the provision of high-quality seedlings. 'We are prepared to provide solar powered irrigation facilities to support our farmers across seasons, but we must now produce,' he said. The president added that states must produce enough food for people to eat, and that this would require coordination and intentionality between members of the NEC. 'There is nothing we are doing that is more important than producing high-quality food for our people to consume, buy and sell. 'We create jobs in the production of it. And that is before we generate wealth by exporting the excess. It is not beyond us to achieve this for Nigerians. 'How much support do you need from me and in what form? I am prepared to provide it. But we must achieve the result. We must deliver on our targets at all levels. 'Please report back following your consultations and submit to my office within seven days,' Tinubu said. The president approved the immed iate rollout of the National Construction and Household Support Programme to cover all geo-political zones in the country. He said under the programme, the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which would traverse Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos, was prioritised. Tinubu said other road infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which is underway, and the Trans-Saharan Highway, which links Enugu, Abakaliki, Ogoja, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Abuja, would also be prioritised. The president also approved full counterpart financing for Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway; to traverse Rivers, Abia, Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno. He also approved the Ibadan-Abuja segment of the Lagos-Kano Standard-Gauge Railway; which would traverse Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Niger, Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano. Tinubu said, 'The Sokoto-Badagry road project is specially prioritised for its importance as some of the states it will traverse are strategic to the agricultural sustainability of the nation. 'Within the Sokoto-Badagry Highway corridor, there are 216 agricultural communities, 58 large and medium dams spread across six states, seven Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs), 156 local government areas, 39 commercial cities and towns, and over 1 million hectares of arable land. 'In addition, other items under the National Construction and Household Support Programme include one-off allocation to states and the Federal Capital Territory of N10 billion for the procurement of buses and CNG uplift programme. 'Others are: delivery of N50,000 uplift grant each to 100,000 families per state for three months, provision for labour unions and civil society organisations and deployment of N155 billion for the purchase and sale of assorted foodstuffs to be distributed across the nation.' Source: News Agency of Nigeria

he Kano State Government has earmarked over N1.9 billion in its 2024 budget for the development of water and sanitation infrastructure to improve the lives of its residents. Mrs Binta Lawani, Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Rural Community Development, announced this at the two-day WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) National Training Workshop on Thursday in Abuja. The WS4H programme, convened by Self Help Africa, is a 5 million Pound Sterling FCDO-funded initiative to improve access to inclusive, reliable, and climate-resilient water and sanitation services in Cross River and Kano States. Lawani said that the intervention was necessary, following Kano's large population and the urgent need to enhance access to potable water and sanitation facilities. She said that the state recognised addressing the issue as a priority for inclusive development and environmental improvement. Lawani also said that the written agreement demonstrated the government's commitment, not only in terms of counterpart fina ncing but also in allocating budget funds where they were most needed. Joy Aderele, Country Director of Self Help Africa, noted that the workshop aimed to strengthen institutions, political will, and stakeholder commitment, vital for sustainable WASH initiatives. According to her, there is a need for a holistic approach to WASH, emphasising that it should be a comprehensive service rather than just infrastructure, as this can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions. 'Defining clear indicators to measure the strength of the WASH system is vital; these indicators should cover aspects such as accessibility, reliability, sustainability and impact on health. 'Regular monitoring and evaluation will help track progress and identify areas for improvement,'' she said. The country director, however, said that leveraging learnings from SHA's 24 projects across 10 countries could provide valuable insights and best practices. She added that adapting these learnings to the Nigerian context would be critical to effectively address local challenges and opportunities. Shadrack Guusu, Head of WASH Programmes at SHA, said there was need to strengthen local institutions and communities for effectively managing and sustaining WASH services. He said the approach aimed to empower communities and enhance resilience, ensuring continuous access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Guusu stressed SHA's role in advocacy and policy influence, working closely with government and policymakers to prioritise WASH in development agendas and secure necessary resources for implementation. He also emphasised the importance of exploring sustainable financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, to ensure long-term funding for WASH initiatives. John Wali, WS4H Programme Manager at SHA, emphasised the importance of government support, noting that Kano government had committed funding for WASH initiatives. He expressed optimism that other states would follow suit, saying that the ultimate goal was to create an ena bling environment for the successful implementation and scale-up of the programme. 'We are looking forward to continued government support to ensure the programme's success. 'The collaboration with our in-country partners is crucial, and their expertise in market-based sanitation will be vital in achieving our sanitation goals,' he said. Will Tillett, the Senior Global WASH Advisor with Self Help Africa, stressed the need to address WASH challenges, including open defecation, sustainability of rural water services, and inclusivity. Tillett highlighted the importance of robust foundations to ensure the effectiveness of larger investments in the sector. He said that through system strengthening and securing increased sector finance, the programme aimed to greatly benefit Nigerians by promoting long-term sustainability and inclusivity in WASH services. In his goodwill message, Mr Suleiman Adamu, former Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasised stakeholder collaborations and urged subnational o wnership in WASH service delivery. Adamu, who is the Chairman of SHA's advisory board, also said that getting water and sanitation services right would solve all basic health problems in the country. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

_: Malam Ali M. Ali, the Managing Director(MD) of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has said that quick countering of fake news by communication specialists would curtail its damage. He made this known in Abuja on Wednesday in a paper he presented at a roundtable organised by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), and Development Specs Academy (DSA). The theme of the event was 'Asymmetrical National Security Challenges, the Army and National Development'. Ali spoke on the topic 'Professional News Management as Panacea for Infodemics, Misinformation and Fake news'. He declared that there was need for timely countering of misinformation which entailed striking a balance between speedy response, and the volume of information available for the responding outlet. 'A burning issue should not be allowed to fester before we react, although there are times when silence is said to be golden until an auspicious time when a valid response would be desirable.' The MD also said that the media, globally, play a ver y important role in practically every aspect of life. 'In an increasingly shrinking global space marked by exponential growth in media convergence and artificial intelligence, the dampeners of infodemics, misinformation and fake news have all but assumed lives of their own. 'This development rightly ought to be a source of concern and it is gratifying that NARC and the Development Specs Academy have given this issue more than a cursory attention.' He said that Infodemics, as defined by David Rothkopf, a journalist and political scientist, is 'a few facts, mixed with fear, speculation and rumour, amplified and relayed swiftly worldwide by modern information technologies'. Ali said that infodemics was now dominating national life where purveyors of misinformation and fake news turned little facts on their heads to achieve a predetermined end. Proffering solutions to infodemics, fake news and misinformation, the MD said that truthfulness and accuracy must be upheld in order to build trust with the public. 'The authenticity of a message reinforces that copy or communication. When people perceive the message to be authentic, they tend to believe it the more and show understanding. 'Genuineness or sincerity is critical in winning the people over,' he said. He also suggested that institutions of state must promote digital literacy among their communications professionals, especially now that the media landscape was constantly in a state of flux. 'As communication specialists, we have to be innovative and refrain from a one-size-fits all communication approach,' he said. Also speaking, Executive Director, Development Specs Academy (DSA), Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, said that the country had security challenges that were no longer easy to deal with, following traditional methods. 'As such, there is the need for a social reorientation of citizens to divulge information on threats in their communities, to security agencies. 'It is about a progressive change of social attitude, about security at the level of awareness, at the level of people knowing that they should have an interest in securing the society. And should tell persons responsible when they see danger.' He said that to deal with the nature of Nigeria's insecurity, it would require social reorientation, having greater partnerships with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs),and community-based organisations. 'More importantly, education and reeducation of youth leaders. If they become part of the conversation, they will be in a position to tell those who don't know, what to do with themselves,' he said. In his remarks, the Director-General of NARC, retired Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, said that the objective of the roundtable was to try to foster military-media cooperation and understanding. Wahab, who was represented by retired Maj.-Gen. James Miyam, said that the media should continuously try to propagate what the Nigerian Army was doing and, by so doing, elicit community support among Nigerian citizens. 'What came out in the roundtable table is that there is an overarching need for perception management by media managers. 'This is for them to understand and balance the need to carry out their responsibilities well.' He said that the community and citizen support was very critical to the operational activities of the army. 'So, we are trying to now sensitise the entire Nigerian citizenry on the need for them to come to us when they have information that can enhance operational activities of the military. 'They should not shy away; they should quickly come forward and give this information,' he said. For a former spokesman of the army, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, there was the need to improve the relationship between the Nigerian Army and the public. This, he said, was to have a better understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices and the efforts of the Nigerian Army in dealing with the security challenges in the country and defending its own territorial integrity. He also said that non-violence communication could be integrated in the overall communicati on strategy of the army in dealing with their relationship with the public. In his submission, a traditional ruler from Delta, Prof. Echefuna Onyebeadi, said that in spite of the overwhelming evidence of the importance of traditional rulers in the management of national security, there existed some challenges that mitigate their proper functioning. 'One of the challenges is lack of constitutional role. The Constitution does not make any specific provision for the role of traditional rulers in this country,' he fumed. While expressing sadness over 'security votes' to state governors without much results in the fight against insecurity, Onyebeadi said that if part of the votes 'trickle down to the traditional domain, it would aid national security'. On the part of the NGO, Executive Director, Hedda Beautiful Hands, Ltd, Hope Ayabina, suggested that the military should get involved with the activities of NGOs. 'They should teach them a skill or two; security skills preferably. That, in itself, can be a tool for intelligence gathering,' he said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

he AYuTe Africa Challenge in Nigeria, an enterprise programme, has awarded 40,000 dollars in grants to three young agric-tech innovators to use technology in improving farming methods and food production in Nigeria. Dr Lekan Tobe, Country Director, Heifer International, made this known at the grand finale of the 2024 AYuTe Africa Challenge Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja. Tobe said that the initiative would encourage innovators to leverage technology to achieve transformation in Nigeria's agricultural sector. 'Leveraging youth and technology presents an opportunity for the transformation of agriculture, ensuring food security, youth employment, and economic development. 'It is technology that is helping us to close the yield gap, and create sustainable value chains, reduce post-harvest loss, and increase fertiliser, water and soil use efficiency. 'It also helps smallholder farmers to be better organised and to build improved strength to engage with the market,' he said. According to him, the competition se rves as a springboard for identifying and supporting outstanding young agritech innovators for visibility, growth and increased productivity for smallholder farmers. He added that through a regional competition, Heifer International awarded 1.5 million dollars annually to leading agritech innovators across Africa. Prof. Akeem Oyerinde, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, emphasised the role of youths in leveraging technology to transform the agriculture system in the country. 'We all need to rejuvenate agriculture to where it belongs. 'Each and every one of you can key into any agricultural products and business by using various technologies. 'A technology like the mobile phone can be used to promote productivity and address some of the challenges affecting smallholder farmers in Nigeria,' he said. Also, Daniel Bature, Director, Technical Services, Nasarawa State Agricultural Development, urged youths to utilise technology and create innovations that would develop Nigeria's agriculture se ctor. Femi Oluwagbemi, Special Adviser to the Minister of Labour and Employment, said that with agriculture, young people could easily get into the process of job creation, self employment and organise themselves into cooperatives. 'By doing so, they will have the chance to access funding from programmes such as this,' he said. Manir Umar, Special Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security on Youth and Agric. Business, said that collaboration with stakeholders would ensure the implementation of policies in Nigeria. 'The government can create policies, but cannot be the implementers. So, we try to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure efforts like this are being strengthened. 'Youths are the drivers of the agricultural revolution. So, the ministry is giving a lot of focus to the Renewed Hope Agenda,' he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries include: Ruth Ede of Scratop Nigeria Ltd., who was awarded 20,000 dollars grants for her innovation in converting bio waste into nutrients-rich bio fertilisers. Akpem Shadrach of Vet Konect, a digital animal health company, secured 12,000 dollars for his innovation in providing comprehensive care for livestock farmers across Africa via mobile devices using AI tools to boost productivity. Also, Chinasu Stephanie -Meltus of Scarecrow Green Eden's 4th industrial revolution, got 8,000 dollars for using technology in combating climate change effects and increasing farming efficiency for smallholder farmers. Ede, the highest beneficiary, told NAN she would use the grant to improve access to nutrients-rich bio-fertiliser for farmers to boost their production. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

he Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has called for the Armed Forces of Nigeria to exploit the potentials of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve operational efficiency in their operations. Ogalla made the call at the Second Quarter 2024 Defence Headquarters and Services Departments/Branches Transformation Seminar on Thursday in Abuja. The theme of the seminar is 'Harnessing Artificial Intelligence as a Transformation Tool in Contemporary Military Operations'. According to him, the seminar came at a time the armed forces was exploiting transformational and innovative initiatives toward enhancing operational efficiency in line with best practices. Ogalla said the complexity of security challenges across the nation underscored the need for innovative strategies and initiatives, adding that emphasis had been on modernisation of hardware and equipment for enhanced national security. He said the technological innovations required extensive application of artificial intelligence in conj unction with research and development. 'We are cautious of the fact that the application of artificial intelligence has permeated all spheres of human endeavor, particularly in the field of finance, medical, space, technology, agriculture, logistics, among several other areas. 'It is in fact the future of military operations and we must, therefore, ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria meets up with this evolving technological achievement. 'Our armed forces must, therefore, prioritise artificial intelligence in order to achieve the desired innovation and transformation for enhanced operational readiness and effectiveness. 'This is the desired goal which you, as leaders of the transformation branch of the various services, must work to actualise. 'I therefore encourage us to use these two days to brainstorm on critical issues and challenges inherent in the application of artificial intelligence for improved operational efficiency. 'This is because everything that has advantages must have some disadvant ages. 'So as much as we want to exploit the advantages of AI, we must also be able to surmount those inherent challenges and disadvantages that could arise from them,' he said. The Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation, Rear Adm. Michael Oamen, said the seminar was designed to explore viable options for integrating artificial intelligence as a veritable tool for improving operational effectiveness in the armed forces. Oamen said it was aimed at identifying and encouraging innovations, as well as research and development with a view to building capacity and capabilities of the armed forces in support of national security imperatives. According to him, the second quarter's seminar has been programmed for two days to cover topics on artificial intelligence in defence transformation, a potential tool for enhancing operational efficiency in the armed forces. 'It is hoped that proceedings from this seminar will serve as a veritable platform for charting workable strategies. 'This will improve the integ ration of artificial intelligent defence research and development, as well as drive transformational and innovative aspirations in the services,' he added. Source: News Agency of Nigeria