Killing of Fasoranti’s daughter: OPC may react, Gani Adams warns - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) may react to the killing on Friday of Funke Olakunrin, the daughter of the leader of pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, reports ITREALMS.

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, in his immediate response to the unnecessary attack which led to the death of Funke Olakunrin, described her killing by suspected herdsmen in Ondo State as one too many by Fulanis who are invading the South West in their numbers and perpetrating atrocities.

Adams who is the leader of OPC in a press statement made available to ITREALMS by his Media Assistant, Kehinde Aderemi, on Saturday, said the Yoruba race was not at a loss as to what to do to put a complete stop to the atrocities of the Fulani herdsmen, but had continuously issued statements so as to call the attention of the entire world to the development in the peaceful South West.

He said the Yoruba people are not paper tigers and dogs who can only bark without biting, adding: “We only want the whole world to know what has been done and being done to our people.

RELATED STORY: US seeks Gani Adams’ view on Nigeria’s insecurity - ITREALMS

“They should be aware of the actions that preceded our reaction when it eventually comes. We are not bereft of ideas of how to stop this criminality on our land.

“It is just so that we should not be blamed when the reaction comes. We are like the proverbial goat that it being chased.
“When it gets to the wall, it will certainly react. We are at that stage now,” he said.

Iba Adams also said the Yoruba race had been meeting in the last two months over the security threat to the people, calling on Governors of the South West States to ensure the conclusion of the Security Summit process.

He equally charged all traditional rulers to take bold steps to stamp out killings by Fulani herdsmen in their domains.
He commiserated with Pa Fasoranti, praying God to comfort him and his entire household.

“Papa, this is a very trying time. But is certain justice will come,” he said consoling Pa Fasoranti.

Ayo Midele/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

NITDA investigates banks, fintech, NIS over data breaches - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has commenced investigations into alleged breach of the data privacy rights of Nigerians by some data controllers, including banks, fintech and Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS), reports ITREALMS.

NITDA, ITREALMS recalls issued the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) on 25th January, 2019 with the aim of stemming the tide of wanton abuse of data privacy, improving the global image of the Nigerian business environment and to stimulate a data economy.

The Chief Information Technology Officer of the nation and Director General/CEO, NITDA, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, revealed this to ITREALMS on Thursday, saying that NITDA would like to bring to the notice of the general public of the on-going investigations.

He also said in a press statement available to ITREALMS,that in an effort to sensitise the general public and create the requisite awareness on the NDPR, series of publications were made in electronic, print and new media.

"The agency has also written articles, made paper presentations and facilitated public and privately organised fora for the purpose of deepening compliance with the NDPR. We are happy to say that Nigerians and non-Nigerians have taken note of the NDPR as evidenced by over 400 phones calls and numerous email enquiries being received and treated daily," he said.

NITDA, Pantami said, has gone further to prepare a detailed Draft Data Protection Implementation Framework and made available on the Agency’s website, www.nitda.gov.ng, for inputs from the general public.


"The framework details expectations from every stakeholder. Furthermore, a sample Privacy Policy is attached to guide government agencies and the private sector on compliance with the NDPR," he said.

DG equally disclosed that NITDA is currently investigating some entities including Banks, Fintechs, Telcos to name a few, who are in alleged breach of the NDPR. 

"The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is also under investigation for alleged violation of Article 2.1(2,3) of the NDPR. We therefore wish to assure all Nigerians that NITDA is willing, able and ready to implement the NDPR with the ultimate aim of ensuring compliance and making businesses and government work better for every Nigerian," he said.

NITDA, he noted, is a Federal Government agency established in April 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy as well as coordinate general IT development. 

"Specifically, Section 6(a, b & m) of the Act mandates NITDA to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria; provide guidelines to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure for information technology and systems application and development in Nigeria for public and private sectors, urban-rural development, the economy and the government; and accelerate internet and intranet penetration in Nigeria and promote sound internet Governance by giving effect to the Second Schedule of the Act," Pantami submitted.

Remmy Nweke/DoP

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

.NG awards 2019: Pantami. Angaye others honoured - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has been honoured with the .NG Presidential award, special category, reports ITREALMS.

This, ITREALMS gathered follows the event of the 2019 .ng Presidential Awards presented by the President of NiRA, Mr Mohammed Rudman, to individuals and organisations for their contributions to the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) and the growth of the .ng brand.

The 2019 .ng Awards, he said was the fourth in the series of the .ng Awards which held on Friday 5th July, 2019 at Nelo’s Place Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.

According to Mr. Rudman, the NiRA Special Recognition Award, a presidential award was presented to “Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for his invaluable contributions to the growth in the ICT Industry and in particular, for the promotion of the .ng brand through NITDA’s "Switchto" ."gov.ng campaigns to governments at all levels.”

The 2019 winners of the .ng Presidential Awards in various categories included the award for Women development which went to the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (wtec.org.ng), BEST .NG ccTLD REGISTRAR AT PLATINUM CATEGORY, WHOGOHOST Limited: www.whogohost.ng; BEST .NG ccTLD REGISTRAR AT GOLD CATEGORY, Icecool Contracts Limited - www.icecoolcontracts.com.ng; BEST .NG ccTLD REGISTRAR AT SILVER CATEGORY - Netorb Media Limited; BEST .NG ccTLD REGISTRAR AT STANDARD CATEGORY - ITCLICK Networx Limited; BEST SUPPORTING MEDIA PARTNER - Guardian Newspapers Limited - www.guardian.ng; .NG MOST SUPPORTING SPONSOR – MainOne; .NG MOST SUPPORTING SPONSOR - VDT Communications; NG MOST SUPPORTING SPONSOR - Galaxy Backbone PLC, SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD - Prof. Cleopas Angaye; and DIGITAL INNOVATION IN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT - Corporate Affairs Commission, www.cac.gov.ng, among other awardees.

As said by him, NIRA appreciates the active roles that stakeholders are playing within the NiRA ecosystem and congratulated the nominees and winners of the 2019 .ng Awards.

Insisting that NiRA does not attach any monetary value to the awards and no sponsorship or donation is required or received from nominees and winners.

Chuks Egbune/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Fayemi vows to rid Ekiti of gender-based violence - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has inaugurated the Gender-Based Violence Management Committee and the State Child’s Right Implementation Committee, with a renewed vow to rid the State of gender violence, reports ITREALMS.

The Governor said the news of child’s right violation and women abuse that currently dominates the social media and other news media has confirmed that the enactment of the Gender-Based Violence Prohibition Law in 2011 was a step in the right direction.

Dr Fayemi stated that his administration has zero tolerance for gender violence and would continuously strive to make the society free of all forms of gender violence.

“Gender Based Violence is an issue that has assumed the proportion of a pandemic. It is pathetic to note that one in every five women will be raped, beaten, coerced into sex or abused in her lifetime and in conflicts.

“The situation is a pervasiveness of Gender Based Violence and its negative impact is borne by the victim, her immediate family and community. All of us must do everything in our power to prevent and end this ugly trend of violence in and around us and to support victims and survivors”, he said.

While lamenting the high rate of child’s right violation in recent times, the governor said the resuscitation of the two committees became imperative for special safeguard and care using appropriate legal protection, since most children are physically and mentally immature.

Fayemi urged members of the two committees to justify the confidence reposed in them and work towards making the State free of violence against women and children.

In her response, the Ekiti State First Lady and chairperson of the Gender Based Violence Management Committee, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, thanked the governor for inaugurating the two committees. She lamented that fight against gender based violence was discontinued in the State in 2014 shortly after the expiration of Fayemi’s first tenure.

The governor’s wife expressed delight that efforts have now been redoubled to push forward in the fight against gender violence.

Erelu Fayemi recalled that the Gender Based Violence Prohibition Law had gone a long way in addressing domestic violence in the State, adding that the committee set up on Child’s Right would ensure that no child in Ekiti State is denied his/ her fundamental rights.

Ayo Midele/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Shoot, print and share selfies on Canon Zoemini S - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

For people who want to unleash creativity and make every moment a story with Canon’s must-have gadgets, reports ITREALMS.

This is coming as Canon Middle East released two instant camera printers; the Canon Zoemini S and Canon Zoemini C. 

Just as ITREALMS gathered that building on the success of the original Canon Zoemini which launched in 2018, the new product range of all-in-one instant camera printers are the perfect pocket-sized companions for encouraging creativity with easy to print, peel-and-stick photos on the go.

Amine Djouahra, Senior Sales & Marketing Manager - B2C, Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) commented: “The Canon Zoemini S is ideal for those wanting to capture, print and share their holiday adventures, a spontaneous selfie, photos with friends or an Instagram-worthy plate of food. Consisting of an eight-megapixel camera, front-mounted mirror, ring-light and remote shutter capability, the Canon Zoemini S is easy to use and will ensure its users are ready to take the perfect selfie in an instant.”

The Canon Zoemini S comes in three stylish finishes; rose gold, matte black and pearl white and fits seamlessly into the palm of a hand, pocket or backpack for exceptional portability.

Whether out shopping with friends, celebrating a birthday party or attending a music festival, Canon Zoemini S and Canon Zoemini C users can shoot and print mini photos in a matter of moments on 2x3-Inch (5 x 7.6cm) Zink™ sticky-backed photo paper. Capturing everyday moments has never been easier or more fun with these compact and lightweight gadgets, so friends can share their stories whenever the mood takes them.

The Canon Zoemini S is supported by the free-to-download Canon Mini Print App (iOS/Android), which enables users to print their images directly from a smart device using Bluetooth® as well as edit from an array of creative filters and frames. Users can also remove the challenge of capturing group selfies, simply by using the Canon Mini Print App’s remote shutter and self-timer function, so no one will be out of shot.

In addition to Instagram and Facebook, the Canon Mini Print app enables users connect with Google Photos and Dropbox, so they can print physical copies of treasured memories while out and about.

For those seeking a streamlined version of the Canon Zoemini S, the Canon Zoemini C is available without the Canon Mini Print App compatibility and packs a five-megapixel camera, a selfie supporting reflective mirror and a Micro SD card slot. The Canon Zoemini C is available in four eye-catching colours; bubble gum pink, bumblebee yellow, mint green and seaside blue for instant keepsakes on the go.

Both the Canon Zoemini S and Canon Zoemini C come with 10 sheets of sticky-backed, smudge and tear-proof Zink™ printing paper, making it easy to print and decorate anything from a bedroom wall to a fridge or smart device. Additional paper is available to purchase in packs of 20 or 50.

Nenye Dom/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Zenith Bank launches free banking for senior citizens - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Zenith Bank Plc has introduced the Zenith Timeless Account, which allows Nigerians aged 55years and above to enjoy free financial services, reports ITREALMS.

The Zenith Timeless Account is a product offering targeted at senior citizens (aged 55 years and above), pensioners, potential and existing retirees, that allows them bank for free and conduct banking transactions with ease.

Holders of the Zenith Timeless Account enjoys interest on Savings Account and are not required to pay maintenance, debit card, cheque book, or SMS notification fees. They also enjoy priority treatment at all Zenith Bank branches nationwide, and have access to a wide range of travel and holiday offers on tickets.

Do you have an old savings or current account with Zenith Bank and you are above 55 years old?

Quickly reactivate the account and begin to enjoy all the benefits of the Zenith Timeless Account.

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Oath of Secrecy: MRA berates National Human Rights Commission of ‘Self-Ridicule’ - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has berated the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for compelling its staff to subscribe to an oath of secrecy, reports ITREALMS.

MRA also described the move as an egregious contradiction for an institution established to promote and defend human rights, including citizens’ right to information, and a government supposedly crusading against public sector corruption through an open government.

In a statement issued in Lagos and signed by its Freedom of Information Programme Manager, Mr. Ridwan Sulaimon, MRA said it was a tragic irony that an institution like the Commission which ought to be a shining example to other public institutions in promoting, defending and enforcing public access to information under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, as well as the Freedom of Expression rights of its staff and other Nigerians, was in the vanguard of such self-ridicule.

By a memorandum dated July 3, 2019, signed by Mr. Ibe Obidigwein, on behalf of its Executive Secretary, the Commission asked all its staff members to sign an oath of secrecy and submit same before July 10, 2019.

The memo, apparently sent to all the Commission’s departmental and sectional heads as well as its offices in various States, contained what was described as “a copy of the commission’s oath of secrecy” and asked them to make copies available to all staff of their departments, units or state offices to sign.

The memo directed that all signed oaths of secrecy were to be collated and returned to the Human Resources Management department on or before July 10, 2019.

Mr. Sulaimon described the development as “the latest in a series of institutional crises of identity, role and functions” on the part of the Commission that led MRA to induct it into the “Freedom of Information Hall of Shame” on September 3, 2018, following its persistent failure to comply with its obligations under the FOI Act, which MRA viewed as undermining in its fundamental duty of enhancing the exercise and enjoyment of the guarantees of human rights in Nigeria.

He restated MRA’s advise to the Commission on the occasion of its induction into the FOI Hall of Shame, noting that human rights abuses thrive in atmosphere of secrecy and that by its attitude in failing to give effect to the spirit and letters of the FOI Act, it was undermining the very reason for its existence which is to advance respect for human rights in Nigeria and to protect the fundamental rights of citizens, including those recognized in the Constitution as well as in regional and international human rights instruments, such as public right to information.

Mr. Sulaimon stressed that: “There is no doubt that asking staff of NHRC to subscribe to an oath of secrecy will seriously undermine the objectives of the Freedom of Information Act, which has as its guiding philosophy, the principle of maximum disclosure. It will also make nonsense of Nigeria’s membership of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), which is founded on the principles of transparency, accountability and citizen engagement in governance; while also impeding the Federal Government’s avowed efforts to stamp out corruption in Nigeria.”

“MRA hereby calls on the Commission to immediately reverse its directive asking its staff to subscribe to an oath of secrecy, withdraw the document already circulated to all staff, and take urgent steps to redeem itself by returning to a path of honour and seeking to play a leading role in all matters pertaining to the promotion, defence and enforcement of human rights in Nigeria,” he said.

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

FirstBank restates commitment to children with special needs - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s premier and leading financial institution, has reiterated its commitment to impact the lives of the less privileged and children living with disabilities across the country and in its host communities across the world, reports ITREALMS.

The Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, made this pledge at the weekend (Saturday, 6 July) when he led a team of FirstBank volunteers on a visit to Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired, Surulere, Lagos in the spirit of the Bank’s commitment to encouraging people to Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness (SPARK). SPARK, a values-based initiative is one of the key activities of the annual FirstBank’s Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR&S) Week.

Speaking to the pupils and teachers of the school, Adeduntan said the visit was aimed at demonstrating kindness, as it is one of FirstBank’s brand values that positively affects quality of life.

He said, “it is our belief that if all of us can show acts of kindness to people around us, we will make the world we live in a much better place for everyone. Our decision to come here today is to show appreciation to management for shouldering the enormous responsibility of taking care of these children with special needs. This visit is also to assure the children who are schooling here that, as the popular saying goes, you will not walk alone.”

Speaking further, Adedutan encouraged the pupils of the school to seize every opportunity availed them to reach their maximum heights possible, stressing that as an institution, FirstBank, woven into the fabric of the society will always be there to provide them the support they require within its available means and resources.

Asides the visit to Wesley School, 23 other charity homes/institutes, including camps of Internally Displaced People (IDP) were visited by FirstBank staff volunteers, led by senior members of staff. The Bank’s Executive Director, Public Sector, Abdullahi Ibrahim with other volunteer staff visited the School of the blind, Jabi, Abuja while its Group Head, Corporate Banking, Remi Ajose- Adeogun visited the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria, Fagba, Lagos. Other locations visited by the Bank include Madinatu and Almiskin IDP Camp, Maiduguri, amongst others. Food supplies., provisions, toiletries and educational materials were delivered to all the visited homes.

The 2019 FirstBank’s CR&S Week was held from 1 – 6 July across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the Bank’s business locations in Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Senegal, Sierra Leone, DR Congo and The United Kingdom. The CR&S Week is a social impact initiative the Bank started two years ago, with its staff dedicating a whole week to impact lives of individuals living in its host communities.

Chuks Egbune/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

OFFICIAL: NEPAD becomes African Union Development Agency - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Executive Council of the African Union adopted the Statute, Rules of Procedure and Structure of African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), reports ITREALMS.

These decisions, ITREALMS gathered were endorsed at the 35th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, in Niamey, on 4-5 July 2019.

AUDA-NEPAD, with its clearly defined mandate and legal identity, is now the first development agency of the African Union.

The transformation of NEPAD into the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) was one of the main initiatives submitted in 2018 to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, through his global reform designed to improve the Union’s impact and operational efficiency.

At the core of the continent's transformation efforts since its establishment in the early 2000s, NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa's Development) was born out of a vision embraced by its founding fathers, that of a prosperous, interconnected and rich Africa for each of its countries and their inhabitants. The birth of NEPAD was the first concrete manifestation of the will of African States to regain leadership on the continent's development issue. NEPAD was the first international institution to take a truly African perspective on this crucial issue. This rejuvenation of the Pan-African credo was coupled with a pragmatic approach to regional integration that focuses on regional economic communities, making them centres of policy definition and coordination.

The role of the NEPAD Agency was reaffirmed in Agenda 2063 as set out by the African Union in 2013. In particular, it is responsible for implementing the continent’s major projects for regional integration, with the close involvement of the private sector.

The AU Assembly of July 2018 in Nouakchott approved the establishment of AUDA-NEPAD as the technical executive agency and development anchor of the continent with its distinct identity defined by its own statute, to deliver on the development priorities articulated by the AU in its Agenda 2063.

The new AUDA-NEPAD mandate gives the organisation a wider role in terms of providing knowledge-based advisory support to AU Member States with regards to development strategies and capacity development, to support them in driving their development.

The AUDA-NEPAD is expected to play a critical role in disseminating best practices, and will support countries’ efforts in developing their capacity and leverage on regional and global partnerships.

Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, CEO of the AUDA-NEPAD, declared that, “This transformation enshrines the role of the AUDA-NEPAD at the core of the African Union pan-African development strategies. The Agency will play an important role in fostering coordination within the AU system by providing knowledge-based advisory services and technical assistance to African Union Member States and regional economic communities. AUDA-NEPAD will act as a catalyst for Africa’s integration and play a fundamental role in the operationalisation of the AU Continental Free Trade Area.”

*Editor
*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Fidelity Private Bank wins @PWM Global Wealth Tech Awards - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Fidelity Bank has emerged winner as the ‘Best Digital Networking Bank For Entrepreneurs, Africa 2019’ at the latest edition of the PWM Wealth Tech Awards held in London, United Kingdom (UK) recently, reports ITREALMS.

Organized by Professional Wealth Management (PWM), a Financial Times Publication, the awards celebrate excellence in wealth management technology. According to the organizers, technology and service delivery were key components in the criteria considered by the independent panel that selected the award winners. The month long period involved gathering series of detailed information on KPIs, portfolio management, asset allocation, due diligence, risk management, growth strategies, customer service, innovation and ethical practices.

The award presented at an elaborate ceremony in London, was received on behalf of the bank by the Chief Operations and Information Officer (COIO), Fidelity Bank, Mr. Gbolahan Joshua and Divisional Head, Private Banking, Mrs. Chioma Nwankwo.

Commenting on the development, Fidelity Bank CEO, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo said it was gratifying to see that Private Banking Division of the bank, set up over two decades ago, has remained the leading provider of financial services to HNIs in the country.

In line with the bank’s digitisation program, he said Fidelity Bank has continued to seek better, easier and more convenient ways of providing financial services, with the aid of technology, to its teeming customers. “Our resolve to continue to offer innovative solutions to all customers, including those of our Private Banking Division, is further strengthened by this award and recognition”

Related story: Fidelity Bank unveils SME Funding Connect - ITREAL...

Fidelity Private Banking was set up in 1996. Over the years it has grown reputation for high service standards, providing financial and wealth management services and solutions for a select clientele, with a view to building strong and enduring foundations for their future generations.

“PWM among other things, reviewed our tech investments, growth strategy, digital customer service, client communications, virtual assistant and portfolio management processes in arriving at the result. “We are delighted that the bank’s investments in ensuring high level of process automation and provision web-based wealth management solutions to our customers, is paying off”, said Mrs Nwankwo.

Chuks Egbune/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Lagos Aviation Academy recounts half year 2019 milestones - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Lagos Aviation Academy (LAA), one of the fastest growing aviation schools in Nigeria has been enlisted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as an Approved Training Organization (ATO), reports ITREALMS.

This is coming as LAA says this is one of its major milestones in the first half of the year 2019.

This feat enables the academy to run additional courses such as the Cabin Crew Ab-Initio Programme and the Basic Flight Dispatcher Course.

The Academy’s Director, Mr. Bankole Bernard attributes this success to LAA’s dedication to its core values which are: Knowledge, Integrity, Excellence, Ownership, and Collaboration.

Adding that the Academy is focused on delivering quality service and achieving excellent results, he says: “LAA is focused on giving out quality service and that is the product we sell. We do our best to ensure that everyone who comes in here gets the very best. Our vision is to train seasoned professionals who would compete out there,” he says.

“We will achieve this in our relentless pursuit for excellence.We will also rise to the level of competing with other international aviation institutions in the nearest future. We are proud of the results we are getting at this stage of our growth and we will not relent on our efforts in attaining even greater feats,”Mr. Bernard declares.

Ms.ChinasaMbene, LAA’sGeneral Manager, adds: “LAA has experienced an accelerated growth over the years because we have fixed our eyes on the ball by committing to our core values. In the first half of this year we have graduated over 70 students which is a good one for us and we are proud to announce it to the world.”

“Taking a look at it from an outsiders view, the figures may look small but for a school that has started in less than three years we have made substantive progress.On the strength of this, we wish to reassure our students, intending students and stakeholders in the industry that LAA remains committed to providing the best and we will push harder to ensure that we rise above expectations,” she said.

In another feat, within the first half of the year 2019, the academy produced the IATA Best Performer in Nigeria in the March 2019‘Managing the Travel Business Course’.(Continued)

Ms. Adeola Alade who emerged the overall best student in the IATA Managing the Travel Business Course commends the academy, she says: “Coming to LAA was one of the best choices I ever made. Thanks to the conducive learning environment and the instructors, learning was memorable for me.”

“Not only did I get a distinction in the international exam, I also emerged with the best result for the March 2019 exam session. The school offered me an automatic employment afterwards but I chose to pursue my own travel business. I’m yet to see an Aviation school with professional facilitators as that of Lagos Aviation Academy. I’m glad that LAA is part of my success story and I’ll always recommend LAA to anyone who really wants to pursue a career in Travel and Tourism,” Ms. Adeola said.

*Editor
*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

AfDB, Portugal, Cabo Verde sign deal to advance diversification - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The African Development Bank and the governments of Cabo Verde and Portugal have signed a country specific memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the Lusophone compact, reports ITREALMS.

Lusophone compact, ITREALMS gathered is aimed at accelerating private sector development in Portuguese-speaking countries of Africa.

The signing which took place on Sal Island on 1 July, between Olavo Correia, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Cabo Verde, Helena de Paiva, Portugal’s Ambassador to Cabo Verde; and Moono Mupotola, the Bank’s Director for Regional Integration. It was witnessed by over 200 Cabo Verdean and international investors and lenders.

Correia described the occasion as “an important day for Cabo Verde,” noting that it demonstrated the country’s commitment to press forward with private sector growth, which is key for our country.

“We are confident that the Compact will assist us in diversifying and strengthening Cabo Verde’s economy in the coming years,” Correia added.

The Lusophone Compact is a financing platform, involving the African Development Bank, Portugal, and the six Portuguese-speaking countries of Africa (PALOPs): Angola, Cabo Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and Sao Tome and Principe. It provides risk mitigation, investment products and technical assistance to accelerate private sector development in Lusophone African countries.

Following the signing of the general Lusophone Compact at the Africa Investment Forum in November 2018, the Bank and Portugal are signing country specific agreements with each PALOP, focusing on the needs of each country. Mozambique’s was signed in March 2019, and an agreement with Angola will be signed on 10 July.

According to Moono, “the Compact will help address Cabo Verde’s infrastructure bottlenecks that limit private sector development and diversification. That will transform sectors such as agriculture transformation, the blue economy and small industry to support inclusive growth and formal job creation for the youth and women of Cabo Verde.”

The Portuguese Government allocated Euro 400m in guarantees and other risk sharing mechanisms in the 2019 national budget to support the implementation of the Compact, de Paiva said.

Projects eligible under the Compact are expected to align with the Bank’s development priorities, relevant country strategy papers and national development plans and involve the host country and at least two other Compact signatories. Focus will primary be on renewable energies, agribusiness and agricultural value chains, water and sanitation, infrastructures, tourism, financing and ICT.

The Cabo Verde MOU identifies a list of potential investment projects worth around $470 million, which will be analysed by the Lusophone Compact country focal points from the Bank, Cabo Verde and Portugal and prioritized for further support.

The MOU also provides for technical assistance projects to accelerate private sector and PPP growth. In Cabo Verde and elsewhere, project preparation has been identified as one of the main impediments to making projects bankable.


*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

CDM condemns protest against Pastor Adeboye - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Christian Democratic Movement (CDM) has described those who protested against the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye in Lagos on Monday, as selfish, self-centered and jobless individuals, reports ITREALMS.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the National President of the Association, Mr. Wole Adedoyin in Ibadan.

According to the release “It is very disrespectful and discourteous to always involve the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye in every political crisis of the country. During the COZA crisis they wanted him to talk despite the fact that the event did not happen in his church. We are quite aware that Baba Adeboye is an international figure and one of the most respectable world religious leaders. The international communities don’t treat their religion leaders like this.”

“The fact that the Vice President of the country, Professor Yemi Osinbajo is a son to Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye doesn’t mean they should mud the church of God with protest.”

“Vice President Osinbajo has an office, why can’t they head to his office and protest. The group should have written a protest letter or an open letter to Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye and not the type of selfish and self-centered protest they embarked on.”

Wole Adedoyin who is also the National President of the Association of Nigeria Christian Authors and Publishers (ANCAPS) finally described those who led the protest as failed musicians who are seeking for cheap popularity where there is none.

Ayo Midele/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Senate President, Lawan @Bourdillon, pledges oversight without fear or favour - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Senate President Ahmed Lawan has read the riot act to ministries, departments and agencies, saying the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly will take its oversight role seriously and perform the assignment without fear or favour.

Speaking on Sunday night when he paid a courtesy call on the All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in his Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagos residence, the Senate President said performing parliamentary oversight functions well would keep every appointee of the government on his or her toes.

“Whoever is given a job must do it well,” he said, adding, “We will perform our job not to create hostility or engender rancour in the relationship between the National Assembly and the Executive. But to create synergy. Synergy will help us deliver our respective services to the people.”

He, however, assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari and the government would get every possible support from the National Assembly.

Promising to run a bi-partisan and united Senate, Lawan said the senators had already formed some ideas about what it wanted to do and how they would operate, which would be through cooperation and collaboration with all necessary institutions and agencies.

The Senate President thanked Asiwaju Tinubu and the APC for ensuring the emergence of a united leadership of the National Assembly. He also congratulated Asiwaju Tinubu over the judgment of Supreme Court on Osun election.

While welcoming the Senate president and his team, Asiwaju Tinubu said the stated objectives and determination of the National Assembly to perform their functions dispassionately were good.

He commended Lawan on his resolve to run a bi-partisan Senate, saying though democracy is the best form of government, it remains the most difficult to practise.

On the Supreme Court judgement on Osun, he said the government had cleared all the impediments on the way of Governor Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola and governance could now begin.

Tinubu said the opposition Peoples Democratic Party had exercised and exhausted its rights and that now is the time to rally round and support the governor.

On the Senate president’s entourage were Senators Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, Opeyemi Bamidele, Halliru Jika, Sani Musa and Bayo Osinowo.

Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, former Interim Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande and former National Vice Chairman, South-west of the party, Chief Pius Akinyelure, among others were on hand to receive Lawan.




*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Buhari’s Next Level: Ray of hope for children, youth - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Deaconess Grace Isu-Gekpe, has said the Next Level Agenda of the Buhari Administration has revived the hope of the Nigerian youth in attaining their full potentials by unlocking their creative abilities.

Deaconess Gekpe stated this in Abuja on Monday at the Second Edition of “Rainbow Art: Unlocking Creativity with the theme: A New NIGERIA; the Hope of the Nigerian Child and Youth.”

“As the current administration has begun its journey to take Nigerians to the next level and calibrating a new Nigeria where there is opportunity for all, we believe that there is certainly hope for the Nigerian child and youth.

“The hope is hinged on tangible actions such as empowerment of the citizenry and lifting the people out of poverty. By focusing on the creative acumen of our children and youth, this laudable initiative is galvanizing them for a brighter and prosperous future,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary stressed the need to focus more on children and youth by creating veritable platforms for social and economic empowerment, which will steer them away from engaging in unproductive ventures.

“Indeed, talents abound among children and youth but the institutions to harness these talents are limited. I am glad that National Gallery of Art is consistently harnessing the boundless talents of our children and youth,” she said.

In his remarks, the Acting Director General of the National Gallery of Art, Dr. Simon Ikpakronyi, said the organisation commenced the Rainbow Art Creative Series in 2014 aimed at harnessing and showcasing the creativity and talents of Nigerian children and youth.

He said the organization is exploring the platform of visual arts to inculcate the idea of advocacy, democracy and nationhood in the teeming children and youth.

The event featured cultural display by school children, fashion parade, performance by students of the FCT School for Blind and Art Exhibition.





*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Shun Criminality, NYSC members warned - ITREALM

ITREALMS:

Imo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps-NYSC posted to the state to eschew every form of criminality, even as he charged them to be law abiding during their service year in the state.

The Deputy Governor gave the charge at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Eziama Obaire, Nkwerre Local Government Area of the state, while addressing the 2019 Batch B Corps members passing out after the compulsory 3-week Orientation exercise.

“I urge you to shun the get-rich quick syndrome, which leads to various acts of criminality. Be ready to show love at all times and in all your undertakings. Support only those things that will contribute to nation-building. Avoid hate speech and don’t spread falsehood. Be loyal, disciplined and law-abiding.”

Continuing, Deputy Governor Irona stressed that “In Imo State, we are determined to rebuild our value system, as well as infrastructure. We want to have an Imo State that citizens and inhabitants will be proud of.”

“I assure you that the state government will continue to support the NYSC scheme. I also assure you that the good people of Imo State will receive you cheerfully. I urge you to identify their needs and help in addressing them.”

He assured the NYSC officials that the state government will address their infrastructural needs, while continuing to create an enabling environment for the scheme to flourish in the state.

Earlier in his address, Imo State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, Mr. C.J. Eloeboh described the Orientation exercise as designed to acquaint the corps members with “paramilitary skills, entrepreneurial training, values, as well as other contemporary issues.”

“The Course is also another veritable platform for the promotion of unity and integration, as well as the spirit of collective responsibility, discipline, perseverance and resourcefulness.”

He urged the corps members to be humble while discharging their duties, even as he charged them on selfless service to humanity.

A total of two thousand, two hundred and ten (2,210) corps members passed out of the orientation camp and deployed to different parts of the state for their primary assignment.

The Deputy Governor was accompanied to the event by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Interparty affairs, Rt. Hon. Jeff Ojinika, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Affairs, Engr. Rex Okoro and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Public Enlightenment, Eze Ugochukwu.

Others are: Chairman, Transition Committee, Nkwerre Local Government Area, Nze Nwadike Lawrence, former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Rufus Omeire, Traditional Ruler of Eziama Obaire autonomous Community, His Royal Highness Eze Julius Osuchukwu, the Orientation Camp Commandant, Captain Abel Agbo, among others.

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

AU calls for NEPAD-IPPF special fund - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

African Union Commission has called for further financial input for the New Partnership for Africa’s Development Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (NEPAD-IPPF) Special Fund, reports ITREALMS.

The 29th Oversight Committee (OC) meeting of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (NEPAD-IPPF) Special Fund held at the headquarters of the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has ended with calls for increased investments to accelerate the closure of Africa’s infrastructure gap.

The meeting, held on 28 June 2019, was hosted by the AUC and chaired by KfW Development Bank (Germany). Topics discussed included the NEPAD-IPPF Independent Review report, the introduction of reimbursable grants as part of the new business model, the mid-year progress report, updates on continental infrastructure initiatives, and adoption of a proposed joint AUC/AUDA/AfDB Domestic Resource Mobilization Strategy.

Michael Andres, the Oversight Committee Chairman, commended the achievements of NEPAD-IPPF and noted that more resources are required given the increasing demands being made on the fund.

“The NEPAD-IPPF Special Fund must continue to focus on key priorities, such as PIDA Projects to support the African 2063 Agenda.” Andres said.

While speaking on the Fund’s progress in the first semester of 2019, African Development Bank Director for Infrastructure and Urban Development Amadou Oumarou urged participants to consider the continent’s enormous infrastructure needs.

“New contributions from Spain (Euro 3 million) and the African Development Bank (UA 3 million) are indications of confidence in the Fund’s ability to successfully fulfil its mandate, and also recognition that the NEPAD-IPPF is playing a critical role in infrastructure development in Africa. It is therefore expedient for (the Fund) to be further strengthened with the necessary resources to enable it to meet its objectives and mandate,” Oumarou said.

The meeting convened over 30 participants including donors providing financial support to the NEPAD-IPPF Special Fund, representatives from the African Development Bank, the African Union Commission, the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), Regional Economic Communities (RECs), River Basin organizations and regional corridors authorities.

For AUC Director for Infrastructure and Energy, Cheikh Bedda, “The Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), and Africa’s infrastructure priorities cannot be implemented without adequate resources committed to the NEPAD-IPPF, a critical instrument to prepare high quality bankable regional infrastructure projects across Africa”.

Providing updates on the Fund’s operational performance NEPAD-IPPF Fund Manager Mike Salawou, stated that cumulative contributions by donor partners including the African Development Bank amounted to $102 million, out of which $96.1 million had been committed to approve 91 projects. As at June 2019, 60 studies have been completed, 9 cancelled and 22 are on-going, he noted.

The African Development Bank approved in June 2019 the allocation of UA 3 million from its 2018 Net Income to NEPAD-IPPF. In addition, the Spanish Government announced a new contribution of EUR 3 million to NEPAD-IPPF in May 2019.

Among the studies completed by the Facility, 30 have so far reached financial close and attracted financing of $24.2 billion for physical implementation of power plants, bridges, ports, roads, hydropower schemes, and ICT projects. Of these successful projects, 17 have been constructed, 11 are under construction and two are yet to commence.

“While disbursements of committed funds on supported projects have reached a record, beyond that and without any new contributions to the Fund, NEPAD-IPPF will not be in position to support additional project preparation activities, therefore, there is a need for urgent replenishment of the Special Fund,” Salawou stressed.

Nenye Dom/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Niyi Yusuf: 20% of FG's procurement should go to SMEs - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Managing Partner at Verraki, Niyi Yusuf has reiterated calls that the Federal Government should intervene in creating access to markets for indigenous businesses over subsidies, reports ITREALMS.

Speaking during a live interview on the Global Business Report segment on Arise TV, Yusuf, who spoke on the topic, ‘Technology and Innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa’ Yusuf stressed that limited market access is one of the fundamental barriers to Nigeria’s attempts to boost small and medium enterprises (SME) and called for a new policy that directs government procurement to SMEs.

Benchmarking other countries, Yusuf explained that 16% of South Africa’s Federal Government procurement goes to SMEs while the United States of America spends 22.5% of all Federal procurement on SMEs via the Small Business Administration and urged for a deliberate policy where 20% of the Federal Government’s procurement should go to indigenous SMEs. According to him, this will create access to markets for indigenous businesses and foster expansion.

Speaking on the impediments to technology and innovation in Nigeria, Yusuf proposed steps to enable government foster innovation in-country. He said that a major bottleneck to innovation and innovative practices in Nigeria is the lack of a structured process to foster innovation. 

Annotating this comment, he explained that innovation is an intentional process, not an accidental occurrence and most Nigerian companies and institutions prefer quick solutions and do not dedicate enough time and resources to support innovation. He also identified a cultural fear of failure but stressed that one of the biggest constraints to innovation in Nigeria is the lack of investment in STEM education - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

‘Technology innovation will be driven by technology and STEM education plays a major role in achieving this. With STEM education at the basic levels, we can begin to lay the foundation for pervasive innovation. In South Korea, kids learn software programming in kindergarten; while for most Nigerian kids, kindergarten is where they learn “A for apple” and “B for ball”. 

If South Korean kids, from kindergarten, already start programming, you can imagine what they will be doing at eighteen. We need to invest in STEM education and Research & Development. We should create linkages with the private sector to enable commercialization of research outcomes, and then the government should provide access to markets. When we do all these things, we will remove some of those barriers to innovation’ he says.

Yusuf charged the Nigerian government to improve Ease of Doing Business, provide access to the market, support SMEs through federal procurement like other developed countries such as the United States and massively support Research & Development through grants, comparable with South Korea that spends 4.39% of its GDP on R & D.

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Fayemi gives Septuagenarian's children instant employment - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has given immediate employment to two children of Madam Leah Ogundipe, the septuagenarian who said she had just #100 on her during the June edition of Meet Your Governor, a live media interface of the governor.

The septuagenarian had in the vox pop aired on the Governor’s monthly media chat passionately appealed to Governor Fayemi to provide employment for unemployed youths especially her children and bluntly narrated her financial hardship in the interview.

She was also quick to advise the governor to re-introduce the Social Security for the Elderly popularly called ‘Owo Arugbo’ so that elderly citizens who have no means of taking care of themselves could benefit.

Apparently moved by the condition of the 74 year-old woman, Governor Fayemi invited her to his office on Thursday, where he upon discussing with the woman, directed that her two unemployed children, Ogundipe Mary and Ogundipe Kemi be given temporary employment at the State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency pending when the Bureau of Employment and Productivity would conclude arrangements for a permanent job offer.

The Governor also directed that the widow be listed for Social security scheme for elderly citizens, which is billed to be re-launched in October. The scheme which was introduced during Gov Fayemi’s first term, would commence payment of N5,000 monthly stipends for indigent elderly citizens.

Reacting to the gesture, Madam Ogundipe said she was surprised when one of the governor’s media aides, came to her house early in the morning that Governor Fayemi would like to see her.

She commended the governor for initiating the media chat which, according to her, had given the less privileged the opportunity to speak truth to power and to also tell government what the people needed.

Ogundipe also thanked Fayemi for giving her children employment while also giving her some cash gift.

One of the children, Miss Kemi Ogundipe who got the employment thanked the governor for the gesture; adding that she knew the governor to be a lover of the masses.

She and her elder sister who were given the employment are to resume work on Friday.

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*