• Hot Source
• Hot News
• August 29, 2025
• 11 views

Shettima: FG Ready To Unlock Nigeria’s Geo-heritage Sites Potential Through Collaboration

Shettima: FG Ready To Unlock Nigeria’s Geo-heritage Sites Potential Through Collaboration

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has affirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Tinubu towards unlocking the socio-economic potentials of Nigeria’s geo-heritage sites.

To achieve this, he stressed that the Federal Government’s “doors are open for collaboration” with relevant stakeholders, particularly the subnational governments.

Shettima disclosed this in Abuja when he played host to a delegation from UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) Nigeria National Committee (NNC) led by its chairman, Dr Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku, at the State House.

He noted that: “It is better late than never” to explore the economic and developmental benefits of geo-heritage sites for the betterment of the nation.

Stating that the Tinubu administration is repositioning the nation, the vice-president said: “We have changed the narrative in all spheres of our national life whether social, economic, cultural, sports, agriculture, education, international diplomacy.”

The vice-president commended the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, for their respective roles in preserving Nigeria’s geo-heritage sites.

“I want to acknowledge the UNESCO IGGP’s alignment with our Renewed Hope Agenda and also recognise your committee’s objective in promoting sustainable geo-science development themes under climate change, hydro-geology, geo-hazards, geo-dynamics and geo-heritage,” he explained.

Shettima encouraged the team to expand its geoscience coverage across Nigeria’s geo-political zones, assuring the delegation of sustained support for the committee’s activities.

According to him, “There are a lot of economic and development benefits of geo-heritage – jobs, sustainable tourism and of course, peace — in host communities and international research funding.

“This country is a blessed country, hence, all hands must be on deck to make it work. I urge you to come on board, let us work as a team to reposition this country.”

Earlier, Ishiaku sought the support of the Federal Government in actualizing the committee’s task of developing a comprehensive inventory of Nigeria’s geo-heritage sites; mapping of all heritage sites, and the completion of all ongoing geo-science projects across the country.

He said the establishment of a national committee for Nigeria, 50 years after the establishment of the global body, has firmly placed the country within the International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) framework.

The IGGP Chairman assured the vice-president that the committee is aligning itself with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in ensuring climate resilience, among other goals, promising to raise public awareness on the benefits of geosciences.

The post Shettima: FG Ready To Unlock Nigeria’s Geo-heritage Sites Potential Through Collaboration appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

​  

Deji Elumoye in Abuja  Vice-President Kashim Shettima has affirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Tinubu towards unlocking the socio-economic potentials of Nigeria’s geo-heritage sites. To achieve this,
The post Shettima: FG Ready To Unlock Nigeria’s Geo-heritage Sites Potential Through Collaboration appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• August 29, 2025
• 13 views

Oyebanji Tasks Ekiti  Elders to Ensure Politicians Play by Rules

Oyebanji Tasks Ekiti  Elders to Ensure Politicians Play by Rules

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has called for intervention of the Ekiti Council of Elders in moderating the activities of the political gladiators as the June 20, 2026 governorship poll gathers steam. 

The governor said  that the wise counsels of the elders, who are majorly apolitical, and regular interfaces on issues that could inflame the polity, are required  to regulate the political climate,  maintain peace and stability during the electioneering period.

Oyebanji said this yesterday  while inaugurating the Board of Trustees(BoT) for the Prof Joseph Oluwasanmi Wellness Centre, a subsidiary of the Ekiti Elders’ Resort in  Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital. 

Speaking at the event, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, commended the council for its unwavering patriotism, developmental strides and concerned for accelerated Ekiti development, which members have exhibited since inception.

Oyebanji expressed willingness to adhere strictly to their wise counsels on issues of governance, saying his inclusive style will endure and become more entrenched, with elders joining the fray to run a government where all citizens can make meaningful inputs.

“As you are all aware, the 2026 governorship election is around the corner. We will be relying heavily on your wise counsels, so that the political parties and their gladiators can play by the rules and embrace peace and civility.

Paying glowing tribute to the President of the Council, Prof Joseph  Oluwasanmi, an ex-Health Commissioner, on his 93rd birthday ceremony, the governor, described the elderstatesman, as a thoroughbred academic colossus, who was one of the pillars of support to the government.

“Without sounding immodest, Prof Oluwasanmi remains one of those citizens that gave Ekiti the name “Fountain of Knowledge.”

 He has brought honour, respect, and recognition to Ekiti State as a respectable academic and foremost  Plastic  Surgeon, not only in Nigeria, but across Africa continent. 

“We want to say loudly and without fear that the governor and the government of Ekiti State are proud of his achievements in all fields of human endeavour. We wish you more sound health and good mental state to live the rest of your life.”

Oyebanji added that his government will continually “walk the talk” to usher in glory, development, peace and security to Ekiti State in all respects, by partnering the stakeholders to launch the state to a lofty height of economic prosperity and social harmony.

Responding, the council, through some of his  high profile figures, saluted the governor for being prudent , humble and accommodating in his approaches to  politics and governance, saying this has laid a solid foundation for peace and harmony. 

The speakers include: President of the Council, Prof Joseph Oluwasanmi, his deputy, Chief Deji Fasuan, former Commissioner in the old Ondo State, Sir Jacob Elekolusi, Bishop Joseph Odu, Sir Lawrence Eegunjobi, Prince Adetunji Omodara, Pa Joseph Daramola, Mrs Ronke Okusanya, and Mr. Borisade Fajembola, who prayed for the success of the Oyebanji’s administration.

To tackle some noticeable social crises, the elders called for total reform of the education sector and herald a functional system that can accommodate skills development, moral upbringing, and entrepreneurial ingenuity, that can propel self reliance and stem the tide of unemployment. 

They commended the governor for elevating the concept of gender equality and inclusivity, that gave women the leverage to secure prominent positions in government and politics, describing this as a novelty in Ekiti history. 

“We are apolitical, we are not politicians. But if we see something that is good, we embrace, support and acknowledge it. governor Biodun Oyebanji is good. His approach to governance is different. He is accommodating to all political interests. He is doing something that is uncommon. Good governance is the hallmark of your administration.

“You are laying a good foundation for those coming behind you. In fact, your government will be a reference point for those coming behind you,” they said.

The post Oyebanji Tasks Ekiti  Elders to Ensure Politicians Play by Rules appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

​  

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has called for intervention of the Ekiti Council of Elders in moderating the activities of the political gladiators as the
The post Oyebanji Tasks Ekiti  Elders to Ensure Politicians Play by Rules appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• August 29, 2025
• 13 views

Manufacturers of Military Hardware Call on African Leaders to Prioritise Locally Made Defence Armaments

Manufacturers of Military Hardware Call on African Leaders to Prioritise Locally Made Defence Armaments

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Manufacturers of military hardware have called on leaders in Africa to prioritise locally made defence armaments in order to boost the continent’s economy, generate employment, support local currencies, and tackle escalating security threats.

The manufacturers, operating under the banner of the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN), noted that prioritising indigenous products would strengthen Africa’s capacity to defend itself and reduce unnecessary reliance on external suppliers.

The Secretary General of the association, Engr. Kola Balogun, made this call while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the recently concluded African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja.

Responding to a question on political influence in defence procurement—which often sidelines local manufacturers—Engr. Balogun said: “That issue was addressed directly at the summit and formed part of the communiqué. The defence chiefs agreed that Africa must domesticate its capabilities and develop its own defence industries.”

He added: “With such consensus, African leaders will increasingly listen to their defence industries and prioritise locally made products over political or foreign influence. This harmonisation will strengthen Africa’s capacity to defend itself and reduce unnecessary reliance on external suppliers.”

On what the association is doing to ensure that Nigeria’s defence firms remain competitive globally, the Secretary General stated that the summit exposed DIAN to new opportunities.

According to him: “We are now working to strengthen collaboration among our members, ensure the standardisation of our products to meet African requirements, and keep our prices competitive for exports.”

Noting that the summit also attracted new companies that are now joining the association, Engr. Balogun stated that the new membership would strengthen their network and enhance their ability to produce a wider range of defence equipment.

“Furthermore, DIAN will engage relevant agencies to ensure compliance with global best practices, while also helping Nigeria develop its own defence standards. Every nation has its unique requirements, and Nigeria is now in a position to define and enforce hers,” he said.

On the issue of unhealthy rivalries among firms that may hamper the anticipated growth of the industry, the Secretary General explained: “We are working to prevent duplication of efforts. Our strategy is to encourage every company to focus on its area of strength. This way, each producer can operate optimally and efficiently, with healthy profit margins, without unnecessary rivalry.

“By complementing each other’s strengths, rather than competing destructively, we can build a robust and sustainable defence industry for Nigeria and Africa.”

The post Manufacturers of Military Hardware Call on African Leaders to Prioritise Locally Made Defence Armaments appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

​  

Linus Aleke in Abuja Manufacturers of military hardware have called on leaders in Africa to prioritise locally made defence armaments in order to boost the continent’s economy, generate employment, support
The post Manufacturers of Military Hardware Call on African Leaders to Prioritise Locally Made Defence Armaments appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.