LIVE
Home Blog Page 1538

FAO Initiates Project To Boost Catfish Production, Value Chain

Koko Lawrence
-
0
FAO Initiates Project To Boost Catfish Production, Value Chain

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) says its FISH4ACP project in Nigeria would boost catfish production and African catfish value chain, which is worth 625 million dollars.

FISH4ACP is “an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) contributing to food and nutrition security, economic prosperity and job creation by ensuring the economic, social and environmental sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture value chains.”

FAO Representative in Nigeria Fred Kafeero, said this during the FISH4ACP Catfish Value Chain Analysis Validation Workshop on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the production of fisheries in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries has grown from 4.6 million tons in 1990 to 8.5 million tons in 2016 as aquaculture production jumped from 50, 000 tons to 790, 000 tons within the same period.

The Country Representative, who was represented by Dr Abubakar Suleiman, said that the project in Nigeria would give special attention to developing small-holder fish farmers and creating multiple jobs.

Kafeero said the production represents less than 10 per cent of global fish trade as Nigeria’s aquaculture production increased from 22,000 tons to over 300,000 tons in 2017.

“The project focuses on catfish and for this, the inception phase of the project commenced with a comprehensive analysis of the catfish value chain.

“This is very important not only in generating evidence but also in designing and upgrading strategy that will align to the strategic objectives of the project.

“FISH4ACP will pay special attention to small and medium-sized businesses, because of their potential to deliver economic and social benefits, particularly for women and youth,” he said.

He however expressed concern that increased pressure on ecosystems and the impacts of climate change has continued to hamper the contribution of the sector to economic growth, food and nutritional security.

Also speaking, the Director of Fishery Department,  Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,  Ime Umoh, said that government had made enormous investment towards growing the Fishery sector in the country.

Umoh also added that machinery has been put in place to support the FAO’s fishery project success.

OAU Crisis: Governor Oyetola Shun Protest, Sues For Peace 

Rhoda Onuzulike
-
0
OAU Crisis: Governor Oyetola Shun Protest, Sues For Peace 

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun, Southwest Nigeria has appealed to the Ile-Ife indigenes who are protesting the choice of the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University to stop the protest forthwith and give peace a chance.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan, Oyetola noted that Ivory Towers across the world are sacred institutions and everything must be done to accord them the deserved dignity.

While noting that the state has no major role to play in the choice of who becomes the Vice Chancellor, being a Federal institution, he stressed that, as the host governor, he has a responsibility to ensure safety and security of the institution as well as its workers.

“It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of concern that I call on the good people of Ile-Ife, especially those protesting over the choice of a new Vice Chancellor for Obafemi Awolowo University, to stop further protest and give peace a chance.

“By their nature and functionality, universities are rules and convention-based conservative institutions premised on academic and governance autonomy, I therefore enjoined those who felt or have any reason to believe the rules have been circumvented to realise there are laid-down procedures to remedy such situations and endeavour to follow them, rather than resort to self-help”.

Oyetola said Osun residents are known for peace, saying they must therefore not do anything to tarnish their enviable reputation.

Ashleigh Barty: World Number One Makes Shock Call To Quit Tennis

Emenike Agu
-
0
Ashleigh Barty: World Number One Makes Shock Call To Quit Tennis

World number one Ashleigh Barty has shocked the sporting world by announcing she will retire from professional tennis at just 25.

The Australian made the announcement on social media on Wednesday, saying she was leaving to “chase other dreams”.

She said she was “absolutely spent” and “physically I have nothing more to give”.

“I’m so happy and I’m so ready. I just know at the moment in my heart, for me as a person, this is right,” she said.

“I know that people may not understand it. I’m OK with that. Because I know that Ash Barty the person has so many dreams she wants to chase after that don’t necessarily involve travelling the world, being away from my family, from my home, which is where I’ve always wanted to be.”

Barty won three Grand Slam singles events, including this year’s Australian Open in January.

In doing so she became the first home player to win the Australian Open men’s or women’s singles title in 44 years.

She says her success in becoming 2021 Wimbledon champion “changed my perspective” because after achieving her ultimate personal goal in the sport, she still “wasn’t quite fulfilled”.

Barty has remained world number one since winning her first Grand Slam at the French Open in 2019 – a run of 114 consecutive weeks.

Only Steffi Graf, Serena Williams (both 186 weeks) and Martina Navratilova (156) have enjoyed longer streaks as world number one in the women’s game.

Williams is the only other active female player to have won major titles on clay, grass and hard courts, and at the time of her retirement, Barty has collected $23.8m (£17.9m) in prize money.

“I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and leave feeling proud and fulfilled,” added Barty, who also won a Grand Slam doubles title alongside American CoCo Vandeweghe at the 2018 US Open.

“I know how much work it takes to bring the best out of yourself. I’ve said it to my team multiple times, ‘I just don’t have that in me any more.’ Physically, I have nothing more to give. I’ve given absolutely everything I have to this beautiful sport of tennis, and I’m really happy with that.

“For me, that is my success. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. I’ll always be grateful for the lifelong memories we created together.”

FRSC To Begin Special Weekend Operations To Check Road Crashes

Koko Lawrence
-
0
FRSC To Begin Special Weekend Operations To Check Road Crashes

The Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) has said that it would commence a “Special Weekend Operation” to check increasing number of Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) in charge of the FRSC Command and Administration Strategies (CAS), Jonas Agwu, said this during a meeting with Unit Command on Tuesday in Abuja.

Agwu, who also met with outpost Heads of Operations in the Six Area Councils of the Territory, explained that the Corps has discovered increasing number of accidents weekends.

This, he said, was due to many social activities during weekends, saying that some road users drive under the influence of alcohol.

According to him, breathalysers will be deployed to check the level of alcoholic intake.

Agwu appealed to the heads of Operations at Unit Commands to be proactive in ensuring effective deployment of personnel to check the excesses of reckless drivers.

Speaking, the FCT Sector Commander, Oga Ochi, stressed the need for regular meetings for senior officers for effective traffic management in the territory.

Ochi charged the heads of Operations to be firm and carry out their responsibilities diligently with a view to reducing road accidents and fatalities by 15 per cent this year.

In his remark, the FCT Head of Operations, Adewale Ameen, said that the Command would continue to come up with initiatives for free flow of traffic and safety of lives and property in the territory.

Ameen assured that the Command would continue to work with sister Agencies, host communities and transport unions to address obstruction, one-way driving, overloading and other traffic offences.

The theme of the event was evolving effective enforcement strategy in an emerging trend of insecurity, traffic offenders’ aggression, fuel scarcity and traffic congestion.

NYSC D-G Tasks Corps Members On Security, Others

Rhoda Onuzulike
-
0
NYSC D-G Tasks Corps Members On Security, Others

The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, has urged Corps members to be security conscious and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

Ibrahim made the call on Wednesday during the swearing in ceremony for the 2022 Batch “A” Stream II Corps members at the Wailo Orientation Camp in Ganjuwa Local Government Areea of Bauchi State.

According to him, one of the major objectives of the scheme is the promotion of national unity and integration, hence, their deployment away from their states of origin.

The DG who was Represented by the NYSC Coordinator in the state, Namadi Abubakar,  said the move would not only offer them the opportunity for broader understanding of the country, but also entrench the culture of working together in an atmosphere of friendship, peace, harmony and shared vision of a great and prosperous country.

“You are strongly advise to be security conscious at all times, and to report any suspicious characters or activities around you to the appropriate authorities.

“Let me also remind you that the oath of allegiance you have taken today is significant, as it is expected to guide your conduct in the service year as well as have an everlasting influence on your life after service.

“You are also enjoin to familiarise yourselves with the provisions of the NYSC Act and the bye-laws,” he said.

The D-G admonished the Corps members to avail themselves of the opportunities of the scheme’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, to enable them to learn trades and become self-reliant.

“I would like to express appreciation of the support of the Federal, State and Local Governments as well as security agencies, traditional rulers, Corps employers and other stakeholders, especially in areas of security and general welfare of Corps Members,” he said.

2023 ELECTIONS: INEC, NYSC Sign Reviewed Mou

Koko Lawrence
-
0
2023 ELECTIONS: INEC, NYSC Sign Reviewed Mou

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Tuesday signed reviewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations, on the engagement of Corps members for electoral duties.

The daily bulletin issued by the commission disclosed that the MoU was jointly signed by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the NYSC Director-General, Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim.

The bulletin quoted Yakubu as saying this was not the first, but a review to the existing agreement between both organisations.

“It has identified 11 obligations on the part of INEC and 10 obligations on the part of the NYSC,” Yakubu said while signing the MoU at INEC headquarters.

“I want to assure you D-G that we will continue to emphasise the security and welfare of Corps members on election duty. I know that the MoU provides for a periodic review after every four years but this is a regular periodic review.

“Whenever the need arises, the Commission is always willing to review aspects of the memorandum at anytime in order to attain to these two objectives of ensuring the security and welfare of the Corps members,” he said.

Yakubu said, “the MoU is governed by the laws of Nigeria and it shows INEC commitments and seriousness particularly to security and welfare of the Corps members.”

He said that the MoU would provide insurance cover for all ad-hoc staff under the INEC personnel hazard policy for the period of engagement.

“This covers injury, permanent disability, loss of life and property or any person declared missing in the cause of carrying out the Commission’s assigned duties,

“This is why appropriate sections of the public service rules will apply to the NYSC staff, as well as other employees who are public servants serving in the federation of Nigeria.”

Yakubu commended the selflessness, dedication and commitment of members of the NYSC scheme’s contribution towards the successful conduct of elections in the country, saying, “Nigeria is Fortunate to have the NYSC”.

The INEC Chairman described the NYSC member’ service to the electoral process as indispensable.

“The NYSC, youth Corps members are among the most educated, most committed, most patriotic and most readily available election duty staff in Nigeria.

“We are really happy that we have been collaborating with the NYSC. They go to all the nooks and crannies of the country without complain.”

Yakubu further reassured that INEC would continue to do what it needs to do to ensure that the safety and welfare of the corps members remain priority.

“I want to assure you that we take our obligations in the MoU very seriously and I want to once again thank you for standing by Nigeria, for standing by the electoral process, and for standing by our democracy”.

On his part, Ibrahim, appreciated INEC for the long-standing cordial relationship between the two organisations, saying there is enormous contribution of Corps members in enhancing the credibility of elections in Nigeria.

The DG corroborated the INEC Chairman on the successes achieved in Anambra governorship election.

“I was in Anambra for five days, Corps members were scared and I told them there was no cause to fear.

“I moved round the local governments, Polling Unit by Polling Unit and this engendered their confidence in the electoral process and they did their best. There was no injury, nothing happened to any of my Corps members.”

Ibrahim urged INEC to sustain the relationship with the NYSC, and assured that the Corps members remain committed to serving the Country and contributing to conduct of credible elections.

“I want to urge INEC to continue to sustain this relationship with NYSC.

“I can assure you that Corps members are willing, they’re very patriotic and they are ready to put in their best to the service of the country”.

According to INEC bulletin, the signing of the MoU was also witnessed by all 12 National Commissioners, Secretary to the Commission; Rose Anthony-Oriaran; the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, Dr Saád Idris, Directors and other management staff of the Commission.

Afghanistan: Taliban Makes Sudden U-turn on Reopening High Schools For Girls

Rhoda Onuzulike
-
0
Afghanistan: Taliban Makes Sudden U-turn on Reopening High Schools For Girls

The Taliban have reversed a decision to allow Afghan girls to return to high schools, saying a ruling is still to be made on the uniforms they must wear.

Schools were set to open nationwide after months of restrictions since the Taliban seized power in August but the education ministry abruptly announced girls’ secondary schools would stay shut, causing confusion.

Some girls were in tears as parents and students reacted with anger and disappointment to the last-minute move.

The decision came a week after the education ministry announced schools for all students, including girls, would open around the country on Wednesday.

“We inform all girls’ high schools and those schools that [have] female students above class six that they are off until the next order,” the notice said.

The notice added schools would reopen after a decision over the uniform of female students was made in accordance with “Sharia law and Afghan tradition”.

Many had earlier talked of how happy and excited they were to be back in the classroom. The sudden reversal has sparked deep anger from parents of female students.

Under Taliban rule in the 1990s, girls were banned from getting an education. And since the Taliban took power again last August, only girls’ primary schools along with all boys’ schools have remained open in most of the country.

Girls’ secondary schools were finally meant to open today.

Privately, Taliban members admit female education remains a controversial issue amongst their most hardline elements.

This chaotic and last-minute policy reversal makes clear the divisions within the group – and underlines how out of touch with the aspirations of modern Afghan society parts of the leadership are.

The United Nations mission in Afghanistan said it “deplores today’s reported announcement by the Taliban”.

U.S diplomats said closing schools undermined confidence in Taliban commitments and assurances.

It “further dashes the hopes of families for a better future for their daughters,” U.S special envoy Rina Amiri tweeted.

Anti-Corruption Guatemalan Judge Resigns And Flees To The US

Zoe Maven
-
0
Anti-Corruption Guatemalan Judge Resigns And Flees To The US

A Guatemalan judge considered key in fighting corruption announced her resignation on Monday and that she has decided to leave the Central American country.

Judge Erika Aifán has presided over corruption cases against businessmen, officials, judges and lawmakers, and she was recently overseeing an investigation about alleged irregularities during current President Alejandro Giammattei’s campaign.

She has been pursued by her own colleagues and she faces at least 20 legal complaints for allegedly overstepping, something she denies.

Aifán is the latest case of other Guatemalan judges and prosecutors who have left the country in recent months after the government had started investigations or even looking to arrest those who oversee corruption cases.

Aifán said she had felt particular pressure from Guatemalan Attorney General Consuelo Porras, whose visa was canceled by the U.S. government because of corruption concerns.

One of Aifán’s most recent cases was an investigation about alleged illegal funding to Giammattei’s presidential campaign in 2019. The President has denied any wrongdoing.

The U.N. and the U.S. government had criticized and condemned in the past what they have considered “harassment” of the judge.

In July 2021, the U.S. government announced the suspension of its cooperation with Guatemala’s Attorney General’s Office in response to the firing of its then top anti-corruption prosecutor.

Japan Lifts Power Outage Warning, But Supply Outlook Fragile

Zoe Maven
-
0
Japan Lifts Power Outage Warning, But Supply Outlook Fragile

Japan’s government lifted a warning of potential blackouts for the Tokyo region Wednesday as weather and conservation efforts improved, but the supply outlook still appears fragile with several coal-fired plants offline.

The energy shortfall came as people used more power to keep warm on an unusually cold, snowy day Tuesday and followed an earthquake last week that caused several coal-fired plants to temporarily stop generating electricity.

The Economy and Industry Ministry lifted the alert for potential blackouts late Wednesday morning as sunny weather allowed solar power generation to resume. The ministry, however, called for continuing conservation efforts because some coal-fired plants will remain offline for up to another few months.

While Japan aims to reach carbon neutrality in 2050, it still relies significantly on fossil fuel. While Japan pushes to develop renewables, the government seeks to restart more nuclear power plants although the public’s safety concern runs high after the Fukushima disaster.

On March 16, a magnitude-7.4 earthquake off the northeastern coast killed four people, damaged buildings and caused power outages that peaked at 2 million homes in Tokyo and eight other areas.

A subsidiary of Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings said late Tuesday conservation efforts had largely lifted the threat of blackouts.

Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport turned off some lighting and air conditioning in its terminals. Tokyo’s SkyTree tower canceled its nighttime lights on Tuesday. Amusement parks and some companies switched to backup generators.

Tuesday’s power crunch was believed to be among the worst since the government conducted planned outages in the Tokyo area for 10 days after the Fukushima Daiichi meltdowns in 2011.

Ukraine Says Russia Seized Relief Workers In Mariupol Convoy

Zoe Maven
-
0
Ukraine Says Russia Seized Relief Workers In Mariupol Convoy

Ukrainian leaders have accused Russia of seizing 15 rescue workers and drivers from a humanitarian convoy trying to get desperately needed food and other supplies into the bloodied port city of Mariupol.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy estimated that 100,000 civilians remained in Mariupol, scene of some of the war’s worst devastation, as Russia presses a nearly month-old offensive by bombarding cities and towns. Those made it out described a shattered city.

Zelenskyy, speaking Tuesday in his nightly video address to his nation, accused Russian forces of blocking the aid convoy despite agreeing to the route ahead of time.

The Red Cross confirmed a humanitarian aid convoy trying to reach the city had not been able to enter.

The convoy’s attempt to deliver assistance came as Russian navy vessels joined in what have been weeks of Russian air and land strikes into Mariupol, U.S. officials said.

A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to give the Pentagon’s assessment, said Russian ships in the Sea of Azov added to the shelling of Mariupol. The official said there were about seven Russian ships in that area, including a minesweeper and a couple of landing vessels.

The hands of one exhausted Mariupol survivor shook as she arrived by train in the western city of Lviv.

U.S. President Joe Biden is due to head to Europe for an emergency NATO summit Thursday on Russia’s invasion and increasingly hostile stance toward the West, where NATO members and other European allies are strengthening their defenses.

The invasion has driven more than 10 million people from their homes, almost a quarter of Ukraine’s population, according to the United Nations.

1...1,5371,5381,539...2,559Page 1,538 of 2,559
Kingschat

© 2025 LN247. All Rights Reserved