FG Partners NESG On Improved Water Resources, Sanitation Sector

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to partner with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), to propel the water resources and sanitation sector towards achieving its objectives and mandate.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev,who stated this during a meeting with NESG delegation in his office in Abuja, emphasized the import of private sector engagement in realising the ministry’s goals.

He commended the NESG for its contributions to Nigeria’s development and pledged to collaborate with NESG to accelerate the implementation of water resources and sanitation mandate to take Nigeria to the next level in line with the agenda of the present administration.

Dr. Tayo Aduloju, the Chief Executive Officer-Designate of NESG,recalled the inception of the first Nigerian Economic Summit, where the government and private sector jointly established six fundamental principles, including democracy, national interest governance, the rule of law, enabling business environment, private sector commitment, and free enterprise, as the basis for a modern economy.

He also disclosed the key role of the Summit in driving transformation in Nigeria, including the conceptualisation of Global Mobile System network (GSM), pension reform, liberalisation of the maritime sector and other numerous development plans.

He affirmed the private sector’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in implementing strategic commitment to fulfil the current administration’s mandate by attracting substantial international investments and transforming water resources into a valuable asset.

Mr. Gabriel Ekanem, Thematic Head for Water and Sanitation under the Infrastructure Policy Commission of NESG, elaborated on NESG’s previous collaborations with the Ministry.

He explained that these collaborations encompass areas such as water supply, data collection,water resources master plan, and regulatory frameworks for water resources management.

TotalEnergies Plants Trees,Restates Commitment To Environmental Safety

Mohammed Shosanya

TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc,has planted 114 trees and collected 4706 kilograms of waste in Edo, Lagos, and Kano,in commemoration of the 2023 World Clean-Up Day.

The company also created awareness on the journey towards a circular economy, the sensitization of communities on the need to protect the environment and ultimately, leave behind a sustainable world for future generations.

A statement from company quoted that six secondary schools:Obele Community High School, Surulere, Lagos; Gbaja Boys Senior High School, Lagos; Idia College, Benin City, Edo State; Emotan College, Benin City, Edo State; Mario Tijani Girls Science College Kano, Kano State; and Government Boys Technical College, Kano participated in the activities.

Speaking at Obele Senior Secondary School and Ideal Girls High School Surulere, Lagos, the Managing Director, TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, Dr. Samba Seye said, “The 2023 World Clean-up Day is a clarion call to action for Nigerians to make the planet safe.”

He explained that the objective of the initiative was to meet some of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by demonstrating TotalEnergies commitment to protecting the environment and promoting climate actions while provoking environmental consciousness among o communities and young persons.

He restated the company’s transformation towards cleaner energies.

He said: “We are constantly embracing initiatives that support biodiversity and environmental preservation. More than ever before, there is heightened need for environmental consciousness as the climate beckons for action from every individual. We are therefore intentional in creating necessary awareness and implementing actions that protect the environment.”

The Managing Director’s speech was read by representatives at the other locations of Edo and Kano States,the statement said.

The call for action was corroborated by Deputy Director, Conservation and Ecology, Ministry of Environment, Lagos State, Mr. Olabode Adeola,who represented the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry.

He said:“We are harnessing the power of the people to clean up the earth. If we treat our environment well, it will treat us well. This change must begin with us.”

Over 50 permanent employees of the Company participated in the activities through the employee volunteers’ platform, ACTION!.

Besides,over 100 staff from the company’s service stations and over 330 students volunteered across the six locations/schools in the participating States.

Representatives of the Ministries of Education and Environment in the selected States, officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Kano State, staff of the Kano State Zoological Garden and Tourism, 10 volunteers from the Ogba Zoological Park and Garden in Benin City, Edo State, and two sanitation officers from Benin City, Edo State also participated in the activities.

The World Cleanup Day is an annual global social action programme aimed at combating the global solid waste problem. It is celebrated annually on the third Saturday in September and brings together pro-environment enthusiasts worldwide to clean up and care for their communities.

Quack Nurse Injected Mohbad- NANNM

The individual,who was arrested for injecting the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad is not a registered nurse,the The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives,has said.

The Lagos chapter of the association disclosed this in a press statement signed by the State Secretary,Toba Odumosu.

It implored the media to verify the qualifications and professional status of individuals before labelling them as healthcare professionals.

Aloba said:“According to what I heard from people, I do not believe in that. The only thing I can think of is maybe this auxiliary nurse that used to treat people which is a very bad idea. I do not know the kind of level the woman is.

“They said they called her to give him an injection and that is a very bad idea and that injection can result in any length. He had wounds but I do not know the kind of wounds he had.”

Expressing its condolences to the family of the late singer, the Lagos State Council of NANNM said there is a need for professionalism in reporting and conducting the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.

“The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Lagos State Council, expresses its deepest condolences to the family and associates of the late musician, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as we mourn his tragic passing.

“We fully support the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and urge the relevant authorities to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for him.

“However, we must stress the importance of professionalism in reporting and conducting this investigation. NANNM is closely monitoring the situation with keen interest. Our preliminary investigations indicate that the individual reportedly taken into custody by the police for providing care to Mohbad is not a registered Nurse.

“We emphasize the critical need to verify the qualifications and professional status of individuals before labelling them as healthcare professionals,” the statement read in part.

It regretted that Nigeria’s healthcare system faces significant regulatory challenges, leading to the presence of unqualified individuals performing medical roles they are not trained for.

“In Nigeria, to be recognized as a Nurse, one must complete a rigorous five-year Bachelor of Nursing Science program at a university, followed by an additional year of internship. Alternatively, one can undergo training at an accredited School/College of Nursing and become registered and licensed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

“We wish to clarify that the term ‘Auxiliary Nurse’ has no place within Nigeria’s healthcare system or its laws. An individual is either a qualified Nurse or an unqualified individual performing tasks beyond their competence.

“Furthermore, we call on the investigating authorities and the media to exercise caution and accuracy in their reporting during this investigation. We will not tolerate any misrepresentation of Nurses and the Nursing profession. We demand that all media outlets that inaccurately reported the arrest of a Nurse take immediate corrective action to rectify their stories”, it added.

UBA Simplifies Payment For Goods,Services With NQR

Mohammed Shosanya
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has launched innovative payment method, NQR, an indigenous QR-code-based payments and collections solution to enhance customers’ experience for merchants and buyers.

The NQR payment system will enable Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria to receive instant payments from their customers by simply scanning the codes,the bank said in a statement.

It said:“The key element of the NQR is embedded in the UBA mobile banking app. Powered by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), NQR code provides a consistent user experience and aim to accelerate the adoption of digital technology across the nation. It provides a fast, easy, secure, reliable, contactless, and account-based option to receive and pay for goods and services”

Head, Digital Banking, Olukayode Olubiyi, said: “Our customers are at the heart of our business, that’s why we keep going the extra mile to constantly innovate in a bid to satisfy them. As we very well know Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute significantly to the economy but remain heavily dependent on cash to run their businesses; however, consumers are demanding safer and more convenient ways to pay.

“That is why we have partnered with NIBSS to introduce the NQR (NIBSS QR), which is a safe, contactless payment platform for merchants and customers to receive and make QR code-based payments for goods and services.

“This payment method is a contactless solution, poised to give customers a unique experience as it is seamless, fast, easy, secure, reliable, and account-based option dedicated to receive and pay for goods and services at their convenience.”

He explained that the NQR is loaded with enormous benefits, including the fact that payments are instant, can be made without using a debit card, customers are only require to scan the code to pay; and each NQR payment can be integrated into the merchant’s cash register to make book balancing seamless which means manual book keeping is not needed.

“Also, when payments are made, there is the presence of Instant value and verification of all payments as merchants receive notification immediately after a transaction has been completed by a buyer, ”Olubiyi added.

Cardoso Assumes Duty As Acting CBN Boss

Mohammed Shosanya

Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso, Friday formally assumed duty, in an acting capacity, as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), pending his confirmation by the Senate.

His action follows the recent resignation of Mr. Godwin Emefiele as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), a statement signed by Isa AbdulMumin, Director, Corporate Communications of the apex bank,said.

Besides,the Deputy-Governors Designate have also assumed duty, in acting capacities, sequel to the formal resignation of Mr. Folashodun Shonubi, Mrs. Aishah Ahmad, Mr. Edward Lametek Adamu, and Dr. Kingsley Obiora as Deputy Governors of the CBN.

Dr. Cardoso and his colleagues subscribed to the relevant oaths of office at a brief ceremony held at the Bank’s Head Office in Abuja, on Friday, September 2023, and have since settled down to the task of administering monetary and financial sector policies of the Federal Government.

An Economic and Development Policy Advisor, Financial Sector Leader, former Chairman Citi Nigeria and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos, Cardoso brings over three decades of managerial experience on board.

He is an alumnus of Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom, where he studied managerial and administrative studies. He also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, United States of America.

Dr. Cardoso and his colleagues were appointed to their respective positions at the Bank on September 15, 2023, subject to their confirmation by the Senate.