Nation
‘Covid-19, Most Serious Global Challenge Since World War Two’
The Vice-Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Charles Igwe, says Covid-19 pandemic is indisputably the highest global challenge since World War 2.
Igwe spoke in Nsukka during UNN’s 1st Annual International Conference titled: “A Whole New World; Research, Development and Innovation in the Pandemic Era.”
He said that Covid-19 has killed many people, infected many others, affected economies and changed ways of life in every part of the world.
“covid-19 pandemic is the most serious global challenge the world has witnessed since the World War 2,”he said.
The VC commended Federal Government’s efforts in handling the pandemic and implementation of post Covid-19 economic sustainability plans.
“The aim of this conference is to disseminate some researches, innovations and developments taking place in UNN to national, regional and global audiences.
”The conference will be used to identify areas where there is gap in knowledge and the priorities for further research on ways and means of fighting the present and future pandemic in Nigeria.
”It will also bring together researchers, policy makers, development partners, NGOs and research funders both in Nigeria and outside,” he said.
Igwe who was represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Johnson Urama, urged participants to take advantage of the opportunity presented by the conference to advance research, development and innovations for the wellbeing of the global community.
“Is my wish that this conference will generate quantum of ideas, methodologies and actionable recommendations for policy makers in different fields of human endeavours to advance the fight against Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
In a virtual remark, Prof. Oyewale
Tomori, the Chairman of Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid-19 (MEACOC), urged Nigerians to take the Covid-19 vaccine
Tomori who was also the keynote speaker said that the vaccine is not harmful.
”Nigerians should disregard the social media and speculations in some quarters that the vaccine is harmful or has dangerous after effect.
“The vaccine was approved after series of research and examination by world health experts as well as World Health Organisation,” he said.
Oyewale, however, said that the advent of Covid-19 in Nigeria and Africa exposed the inadequate facilities in health, education and other sectors of the economy.
“It’s unfortunate that among the countries in the world that produced Covid-19 vaccine none is from Nigeria or Africa.
“Government should pay more attention in funding and equipping universities than establishing new ones as if universities are pure water industry.
“It gives me concern that none of the universities in the country is among the best ranked universities in the world,” Oyewale said.
The Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the conference, Prof. Chidi Nzeadibe, said that Covid-19 pandemic has reset the ways of work and life across the globe.
He said that the pandemic boosted innovations in research and development around the world.
“At UNN, many researchers have leveraged on the opportunities inherent in the adversity of the pandemic to come up with research outputs with huge potential to improve lives and livelihood.
“These researches will help us to overcome or adapt to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
Nation
An ICT Centre Set To Be Established In Omoku
An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre is set to be established in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The initiative is being championed by the Omoku People’s Forum, a global association of Omoku elites, under the leadership of its President-General, Dr. George Ada Ubah.
As part of efforts to ensure the successful execution of the project, a prominent son of Omoku, Chief (Barr.) Dennis Masi, has been appointed by the Forum as the Chairman of the ICT Centre Project Committee, entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating and driving the initiative to fruition. Upon completion, the ICT Centre is expected to serve as a major hub for the training and empowerment of youths in digital and technological skills, equipping them to actively participate in the increasingly technology-driven global environment.
The project is also widely regarded as a significant step towards positioning Omoku as an emerging ICT hub within Rivers State, fostering innovation, digital literacy, and economic development in the region.
Nation
Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development Denies Political Affiliations
Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development has said it formation was not politically motivated or has any links to political parties or candidates.
The group which said this at a media briefing at Abuloma in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area said it’s formation has nothing to do with politics.
According to the text for the briefing jointly signed by Chief Boma Kele Oyika it’s chairman and Chief Inemo T Ikama Deputy Secretary General said the organization is expected to focus on conflict Resolution, community engagement, collaboration with government and private sector actors
‘it mandate also includes promoting peace building initiative, supporting local economic empowerment programms and strengthening traditional institutions in our state and beyond as partners in governance ”
It said the body is led by a team of respected traditional leaders serving as trustees
“Their collective leadership reflects a blend of experience cultural authority and grassroots connection
“Key elements considered vital for addressing long standing,socio economic and security challenges in the region”
The release further says ” the formation of this organization comes at a time when communities in Rivers state continue to navigate between issues ranging from youth unemployment, environmental concerns and intermittent conflicts amongst the traditional rulers and beyond
“By bringing together influential traditional figures under a unified platform, the group aims at serving as stabilizing force while advocating for inclusive development policies ” it said
It also described its emergence as a new chapter in grass roots leadership and regional development
Earlier, chairman of the body, Chief Boma Kele Oyika said the organization will work with relevant authorities to promote peaceful coexistence in the state, reduce crime and promote economic development.
He said it is open to all Chiefs from the 23 local government areas.
Nation
NDCCTMA, NDDC MDS Challenge Niger Delta Indigenes on Investment in The Region
The Chairman of The Nigeria Delta Chamber of Commerce, Trade, Mines and Agriculture NDCCTMA,Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ) Dr Samuel Ogbuku have challenged Niger Delta entrepreneurs to close the gap in Gross Demostic Products (GDP) differences between the region and that of the South Western part of the country by coming home to invest.
The two leaders spoke at a business round table organized by NDDCTMA in Port Harcourt
Chairman of NDDCTMA Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan, said to close the gap between the south west region which he said has a GDP seize of about #59 trillion and that of the Niger Delta which is about #34 trillion was to massively invest in the region.
He said no other persons can do this except sons and daughters from the region.
“For me I believe in statistics,I believe in data and everyday I looked at the data concerning development in Nigeria and from the GDP point of view, the South West has #59 trillion, that is the seize of the south west region economy, the second region following them is the Niger Delta region with GDP seize of #34 trillion,so there is a yearning gap of #25 trillion that separates the south west and the Niger Delta region, that is why we are here”
Ogan said the region has the capacity to close the gap and even surpassed it but regretted that indigenes of the region have chosen to ignore it in terms of investment.
“We need to close that gap .If we close that gap and even surpassed it,all the negative problems of militancy and unemployment will automatically erase “he said
Ogan said the event was organized to remind the people that past efforts of militancy and agitations have not led the region to any where
“That is why we are gathered here in this room “he said.
Also speaking Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission( NDDC) Dr Samuel Ogbuku urged indigenes of the region not to use the problem of insecurity as an excuse to continue to deny the region of investment as every part of the country have in one time or the other experienced crisis.
Ogbuku said most indigenes have displayed high level of unpatriotism towards the region by taking investments that would have benefited the people to either Lagos or Abuja.
“With little threat we have left the city,we have gone to Lagos,we have moved our families to Abuja and Lagos
“If you go round GRA all the property, you will see,”to let to let”most of them are now empty “he said.
The NDDC MD said despite the fact that people from the region are doing well in the oil and gas, banking and other sectors, its impact are not being felt at home because they are stationed outside the region.
He said time has come for potential investors from the region to have a change of heart by coming home to invest.
John Bibor
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