Headlines

Nigerian Govt disburses N142.6 million to 14 tertiary institutions for mining research

Published

3 years ago

March 23, 2022

By Matthew Eloyi

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, has disclosed that N142.6 million was shared among 14 tertiary institutions in Nigeria to conduct research on mineral deposits.

Adegbite disclosed this at the Stakeholders Validation Workshop on Research Collaboration with the beneficiary tertiary institutions on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the money was split among the recipients for research development in various areas linked to the mapping and appraisal of specific mineral reserves.

Mining Engineering, Metallurgy and Mineral Processing, Geological Mapping, Industrial and Minerals Utilization/Exports, and Energy Minerals are among the fields of research, according to him.

In his words, “You will all agree with me that without data, there can be no serious mining activities. Nigeria lacks adequate bankable Geosciences data needed to attract major mining companies to invest in the sector.’’

According to Adegbite, the programme which started in 2018 with 12 institutions as the first of its kind by the ministry is about to be finalised for the benefit of the sector.

The minister said various topics on which research was conducted and ready for validation include, Geological Mapping and Assessment of Metallic and Industrial Minerals in parts of North Central Nigeria namely FCT, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Niger States.

Others are: Provision of Optimum Blasting Parameters for Auchi-Igara Mineral District and Okene-Auchi Mineral District in Nigeria among others.

“We cannot overemphasise the importance of this validation, as without this event taking place today, the reports will remain a mere academic exercise and the intention will be defeated.

“We believe that at the end of this exercise, the value of these reports will begin to impact positively on the sector,’’ the Minister added.

The Chairman, Committee of Stakeholders Validation, Prof. Gbenga Okunola, said that the programme was collaboration between the MMSD and academia to increase the mineral data bank for the benefit of the nation.

The tertiary institutions that participated in the exercise are: Universities of Ibadan, Lagos, Jos, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nasarawa State University of Technology, Kaduna State Polytechnic, Kaduna, and Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Lapai among others.

Headlines

Police commend Benue people over peaceful LG election

Published

2 days ago

October 7, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

Police commend Benue people over peaceful LG election The Police Command in Benue has commended the people of the state over their peaceful conduct during the just concluded local government election in the state. The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sewuese Anene, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makurdi that the election was hitch-free. “The command expresses her highest appreciation to Benue people over their peaceful conduct during the LG polls and urges them to continue in that manner. “No arrest was made during the process because the people conducted themselves in an orderly manner,” she said. Anene said that the command would always strive to ensure that the security of all law-abiding citizens was guaranteed.

Headlines

Jigawa governor warns council chairmen against land grabbing

Published

2 days ago

October 7, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

Jigawa governor warns council chairmen against land grabbing

Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has cautioned the newly elected local council officials against land grabbing. He issued the warning at the inauguration of the chairmen and their deputies, on Monday in Dutse. “Let me make it clear to you that land issue is a sole responsibility of the government, unless the governor authorises you, stay away from land allocation and distribution, else you go to jail,” he said. He also enjoined the new officials to always remain in their respective councils to enable them to serve their people effectively. The governor warned that his administration would not condone council chairmen living outside their duty posts. “You must remain in your LGAs because the era of living in Kano or Dutse, will no longer be tolerated. “You must remain in your duty posts no matter the condition and do your best to serve your people well,” the governor added. Namadi further reminded the chairmen that their assumption of office is based on trust, adding that they would account to God how they governed their people on the day of judgment. “It is important for you to note that effective management of local government will determine the success of our party, the APC at the grassroots, state and national levels. “I urge you to govern with utmost fear of God, take care of the people at the grassroots, govern with tansparency and honesty, as the resources at your disposal belongs to the people,” he said. While wishing the officials successful tenure in office, Namadi advised them to carry everyone along in discharging their duties. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC swept all the 27 chairmen and 282 councillorship seats in the Oct. 5, LG polls in the state. The Accord Party (AP) clintched four councillorship seats, while APGA won one councillorship seat in the election. Dr Muhammad Uba, the Chairman, Birninkudu Local Government Council, who spoke on behalf of others, commended the governor for his support. He pledged to do their best towards promoting government’s policies and programmes for sustainable social and economic development of the state.

Crime

NAPTIP urges stiffer penalties for rape

Published

2 days ago

October 7, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

Hajiya Binta Bello, Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has called for stricter penalties for rape to serve as a deterrent.

Bello made this demand during the close-out event of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law implementation in Cross River on Monday, organised by Stand to End Rape.

Represented by Mr Jacob Oba, Head of Operations, NAPTIP, Cross River Command, Bello emphasised that rape was a heinous crime against humanity.

She advocated for collective efforts to eradicate it through timely reporting, assisting survivors, providing legal services, and awareness campaigns to reduce stigmatisation.

Bello appealed for a united front against rape, reaffirming NAPTIP’s commitment to combating VAPP Act violators, including human traffickers.

On her part, Dr Mercy Kwabe, Co-director of Stand to End Rape Initiative, acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in promoting equal rights through the VAPP Act.

However, she highlighted the need for better public understanding of the law, particularly in local languages.

Kwabe stressed the importance of amending the VAPP Act to incorporate harsher penalties for perpetrators, rather than repealing it.

Similarly, Ms Ann Awa, Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Cross River Chapter, echoed the need for full implementation of the VAPP Act across states.

She suggested fine-tuning contentious sections rather than abolishing the law.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in partnership with agencies like the National Orientation Agencies (NOA), Stand to End Rape Initiative conducted VAPP Act sensitisation in Ikot Awatim community, encouraging residents to report suspected cases.