Author: Agency Reporter

The Federal Government (FG) has urged fleet operators to take advantage of technology to enhance safety and reduce road accidents in Nigeria.The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Alkali, gave the advice during the Annual Safety Manager Retreat, organised by Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Abuja, which had the theme: “Driver Management: Enhancing Safety Through Technology.”Alkali, represented by Mr Abubakar Usman, the Transport Director at the Ministry, said that technology had a crucial role to play in reducing road accidents and improving fleet efficiency.He also urged fleet operators to take advantage of innovations such as telematics and advanced driver assistance…

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has expressed optimism that the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) nations are ready to work together to tackle insecurity in the region.Ogalla disclosed this at the end of the 8th edition of the Symposium of Heads of Navies and Coastguards in the GoG, on maritime environment in Abuja.The symposium with the theme “Maritime Security and Sustainable Development in the Gulf of Guinea” is hosted by the Nigerian Navy in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the French Navy.He said the meeting had recorded tremendous success, adding that the 8th edition…

Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has said the Federal Government will soon commence the regulation and licensing of players in the space ecosystem for more revenues generation.Nnaji said this at the inauguration of the Advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Laboratory (AUAVL) of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja on Thursday.The inauguration of the laboratory was part of the activities to celebrate 25th Anniversary of Nigeria in Space.Nnaji stated that there were lots of illegalities in the oil and gas sector and different sectors of the economy which satellite technology could detect and address.“Very…

Ukraine on Friday said Russia launched over a hundred drones overnight, wounding at least eight people in the latest in an intensifying string of attacks on the war-torn country.The wave of attacks comes a day after Russia launched around 90 missiles on Ukraine, cutting power to over a million people.Ukraine’s air force said in a statement that Russia fired 132 drones, out of which “88 drones were shot down” and “41 were lost, presumably due to defence countermeasures.” It did not specify what happened to the remainder.Drones were destroyed over a dozen regions, including above the southern region of Odesa.”Seven…

THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) issued a public health warning on Thursday evening regarding the circulation of a “counterfeit” malaria medication.The drug, Combiart Dispersible Tablets (20/120 mg), “is manufactured by Strides Arcolab Limited, based in India. The product was discovered in FCT and Rivers State during surveillance activities,” NAFDAC said in a series of posts on X.Strides Arcolab Limited has not reacted to the development.The drug contains zero active ingredients, rendering it ineffective in treating malaria, NAFDAC added.Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of…

A public analyst and media entrepreneur, Dr Joseph Effiong has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its unwavering commitment to fighting corruption, citing the commission’s efforts in the ongoing case involving embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.Effiong said EFCC’s doggedness in pursuing justice and accountability in a high-profile case of such ignites hopes in present government and the rule of law.Bello is facing multiple corruption charges, including money laundering. He is presently being held on remand after reporting to the EFCC earlier in the week.Effiong particularly lauded the EFCC’s helmsman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede for demonstrating…

The Federal Government on Thursday asked wealthy Nigerians to support it to lift the nation’s education sector.The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, made the appeal at the inauguration of a Senate building donated by Chief Wole Olanipekun, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), to the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti.Alausa said that the responsibility of funding education should not be left in the hands of government alone and appealed to wealthy Nigerians to emulate Olanipekun by giving back to society.He commended Olanipekun, a former National President of the Nigeran Bar Association (NBA) for the donation.The…

Russia is selecting targets in Ukraine that could include “decision-making centres” in Kyiv in response to Ukrainian long-range strikes on Russian territory with Western weapons, Vladimir Putin has said.Attacks launched by Moscow have not so far struck government buildings in the Ukrainian capital, which is heavily protected by air defences.Putin says Russia’s Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which it fired for the first time at a Ukrainian city last week, is incapable of being intercepted – although that claim has been questioned by at least one expert (see 7.55 post).”Of course, we will respond to the ongoing strikes on Russian territory with…

THE Public Complaints Commission (PCC) and stakeholders have called for promotion of technical education to reframe public perception of Higher National Degree (HND) and bachelor’s degree disparity in civil service across the country.Mr Kehinde Oni, PCC Federal Commissioner representing Ondo State, who made the call during a town hall/public hearing organised by the commission on Thursday in Akure, also called for upgrade of polytechnic.The programme had the theme “Town Hall/Public Hearing On Systemic And Proactive Investigation Into Disparity In Placement Of HND And BSC Holders In Civil Service.”Oni said that the upgrade and promotion of polytechnics was to close the…

VFS Global has announced the opening of Africa’s biggest UK visa application centre (VAC) in Lagos. The centre commenced operations on November 19 according to a statement.VFS said Nigerians travelling to the UK can now book appointments to submit their visa applications through VACs located in Abuja and Lagos (Ikeja and Victoria Island).Marc Owen, director of visa, status and information services at UKVI, said “the opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in the provision of a world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria across Africa”.“In the year to June 2024,…