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U.S. hails creation of Blue Economy Ministry in Nigeria

Published

7 months ago

October 5, 2023

Ambassador Jessye Lapenn

U.S. hails creation of Blue Economy Ministry in Nigeria

Ambassador Jessye Lapenn, the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation’s inaugural Senior Coordinator, praised the Nigerian government for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, saying it was the right step toward realizing the benefits of the partnership.

During a round table with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the diplomat said the Atlantic was the world’s most travelled ocean, adding that the potential for economic gains through the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation was enormous.

The new multilateral forum, launched on September 18, brings together several coastal Atlantic countries, including Nigeria, from Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and the Caribbean.

While noting that Nigeria is a leader in the ocean space, Lapenn stated that she was in the country to discuss how to maximize the partnership with Nigerian officials.

“This is my first trip since the launch, and I must come to Nigeria as soon as we launch the partnership.” Much of my trip was spent meeting with the new minister of the blue economy.

“He joined Secretary Blinken in New York for the launch of the partnership…and now I have come to see him to hear his vision for this new ministry, what’s Nigeria’s vision for a blue economy, and how do we put those pieces together?”

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She also stated that she wishes to see advancements in science, technology, and the blue economy in Nigeria.

The Partnership is the first organization to span the North and South Atlantic, addressing issues ranging from economic development to environmental protection to science and technology.

Previously the United States’ Ambassador to the African Union and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Lapenn stated that the 32 countries coming together would help them tap the Atlantic’s potential.

According to her, the partnership serves two purposes: it allows Atlantic countries to expand cooperation on a variety of shared goals, and it upholds a set of shared principles for Atlantic cooperation.

The World Bank estimates that the ocean contributes $1.5 trillion to the global economy annually, expected to double by 2030.

Furthermore, sustainable ocean economy sectors are estimated to generate nearly 50 million jobs in Africa and contribute $21 billion to Latin American GDP.

Meanwhile, threats to this economy include illegal, unregulated, unreported fishing, natural disasters, and illicit trafficking.

She stated that no country can solve the Atlantic region’s cross-border challenges or fully address the opportunities unless they all work together.

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Yahaya Bello: American school returns $720,000 advance tuition fees, gives reasons

Published

8 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Trends Admin

Yahaya Bello: American school returns $720,000 advance tuition fees, gives reasons

The American International School, Abuja, on Saturday, provided additional information and context to clarify the issues around its decision to transfer the school fees paid by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Contrary to some media reports suggesting that the institution was still in the process of turning over the funds, the statement clarified that it had actually done so, as recently confirmed by the EFCC Chairman.

In a brief statement signed by Head of School, Greg Hughes, the international co-educational institution, which was established in 1993, stated that “our compliance to remit these funds underscores our commitment to upholding institutional integrity and our respect for the national institutions of Nigeria”.

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It explained further: “Upon learning that the school fees we accepted in good faith were, in fact, part of an ongoing case with the EFCC, we turned over these funds in compliance with this federal commission’s request.”

The statement did not name Bello directly but the reference to “a family with children enrolled at the school” was clear enough in the light of recent media reports.

Citing the subjudice status of the issue as a result of the ongoing case between the EFCC and Bello, the school averred that “we will refrain from making any further comments at this time.”

Yahaya Bello: American school returns $720,000 advance tuition fees, gives reasons

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NAFDAC seals 50 Kaduna shops selling cooking oil in dirty environment

Published

8 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Trends Admin

NAFDAC seals 50 Kaduna shops selling cooking oil in dirty environment

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 50 outlets in Kaduna State due to the sale of edible oil in unhygienic conditions.

The action was taken as part of a sensitization workshop aimed at educating dealers on Registration Procedures and Food Management. This information was shared in a statement released on the agency’s official handle on Saturday.

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The statement partly read, “NAFDAC has sealed fifty outlets in Kaduna for dispensing edible oil under unhygienic conditions, aiming to prevent potential health risks associated with contamination.

“The Director, North-West Zonal Office, Mrs. Josephine Dayilim highlighted the dangers of consuming oil processed in unsanitary environments, emphasising the risks of food poisoning, gastroenteritis, and even cancer due to inadequate processing and corrosive equipment.”

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Japa: 72,000 doctors dumped Nigeria last year, says MDCN report

Published

8 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Trends Admin

Japa: 72,000 doctors dumped Nigeria last year, says MDCN report

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has expressed concern over the detrimental impact of medical practitioners emigrating abroad in search of better opportunities, revealing that 72,000 out of 130,000 registered doctors failed to renew their practice licenses in 2023.

The MDCN highlighted that only a meager 58,000 have renewed their licenses, emphasizing that such a trend will not only strain healthcare services but also overwhelm the limited available personnel.

Dr. Fatima Kyari, the Registrar of the body, conveyed these sentiments on Friday during the induction and oath-taking ceremony of 20 newly qualified doctors at the Edo State University, Uzairue.

“The council has so far registered 130,000 medical doctors to practice in Nigeria since its inception 61 years ago and the council is mandated to regulate the practice of medicine, dental, and alternative medicine in Nigeria.

“But only 58,000 doctors have renewed their annual practising license in the year 2023 following the increase in migration of doctors outside the country,

“However, the doctors must meet the requirements to earn those increases in quota. We will partner with them to ensure that they meet those requirements, and as we try to ensure that, standards must be upheld,” he added.

Kyari, who was represented by the Deputy Registrar Dr Victor Kolawole, noted that the induction of the 20 newly qualified doctors would add to the existing workforce in the health sector which is being depleted by the day.

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She, however, admonished the inductees to uphold the ethics of the profession, warning that the council is mandated to regulate the activities of the practitioners as well as punish offenders.

The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Emmanuel Aluyor, while speaking, explained that the upgrade of the Central Hospital, Auchi to a teaching hospital has enhanced facilities for the training of the medical students and uplifting the standard of healthcare services in Edo North and its environs.

While commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for his unwavering support for the university, he enjoined the inductees to uphold the ethics of the profession, saying he is confident that they would bring honour to the institution and MDCN.

“I urge the state government to sustain efforts towards improving facilities at Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi.”

However, the acting Provost, of the College of Medical Sciences, Dr Kenneth Atoe, said 20 medical graduates from the college are the second batch of Batch B inductees.

He advised the newly qualified medical graduates to uphold the ethical standards of a medical professional, saying, “You must internalise the values of honesty, integrity, and selflessness.

“These virtues are not only essential for building strong doctor-patient relationships but are also integral to upholding the ethical standards and trustworthiness expected of a medical professional.

“By embodying these values, doctors not only fulfil their professional obligations but also contribute to the maintenance of public trust in the medical profession.”