Metro
Abuja Residents Get Free Medical Treatment, Phone Repairs
No fewer than 500 residents of Lugbe area of Abuja have benefitted from the community medical outreach initiated by a newly established Telecommunications company known as Zamsa Mobile.
The Chairman/CEO of Zamsa Mobile, Ogbeni Foluso Awosanya, who spoke recently at the unveiling of the Telecoms office located in Lugbe in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), explained that the initiative was an integral part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
“Today we are just opening our store here, and as part of the programmes for the day, we felt we should impact the community in which we are having our business.
“So we are organising free medical outreach for people to get tested for malaria, blood pressure and free drugs.
“Over there too, we are having free installation of screen guards for phones and free phone repairs. And our store is up there where you can have all kinds of phones, smart watches, accessories.
“They are very affordable and durable. They are all guaranteed because we buy directly from the manufacturers.
“So we can beat our chest to say whatever you are buying here, you are buying something of quality and be rest assured you will get value for your money at the best price anywhere,” he said.
He further said that the multi-million naira facility would provide services for thousands of Nigerians living in Lugbe area of Abuja who over the years travel to Abuja metropolis to procure phone materials.
He added that all the mobile telephone products procured by Zamsa Mobile had warranty so there was no issue about quality.
“If you have any issue with any of the devices you buy from us, you can always bring it back as far as it is within the stipulated period after purchase, we will replace it for you,” he said.
On the provision of employment, Awosanya said that about 10 direct and 50 indirect employments had so far been provided by the firm, such as sales representatives, community health workers among others.
He said that efforts were underway to ensure expansion of the business to other parts of Abuja and neighbouring cities.
While speaking on some of the challenges facing small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria, Awosanya underscored the need for government’s support amidst the lingering economic downturn, just as he called for streamlining of taxes being imposed on SMEs.
“I think the government has a lot to do in terms of helping small businesses to operate and grow, because it’s not just about operation.
“When the environment is conducive, when the needed amenities are in place, if there is light I don’t have to spend extra kobo buying a generator or fueling it, and so on.
“If there is security, I don’t have to employ different security personnel to man my store, and there is also the need for good roads.
“Aside from that, the regulatory agencies too have roles to play. Most of the concerns of people is about the quality of the products that they are buying.
“If the regulatory agencies are doing their works, then there won’t be such concerns because when those substandard products are not in circulation, definitely they will not be in Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)
Metro
Wike Approves Deployment of FCTA’s Pioneer Perm. Secs
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has approved the deployment of the 10 pioneer Permanent Secretaries of the FCT Administration.
The FCT Head of Service, Dr Udo Atang, announced the deployment in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.
Atang said that Dr Adams Babagana was deployed to Health Services and Environment, while Wanki Ibrahim was deployed to Treasury and Budget.
He also said that Asmau Muhktar was deployed to the Social Development Secretariat, while Dogo Bodinga was deployed to Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership Secretariat.
The head of service added that Olusa Olusegun was deployed to the Area Councils Services, Adetoyi Kolawole to Women Affairs, while Grace Adayilo Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat.
Also deployed were Olubunmi Olowookere to Legal Services Secretariat; Ibe Chukwuemeka to Education Secretariat; and Okonkwo Nonubari to Transportation Secretariat.
“The posting takes immediate effect. Thus, the affected officers should handover to their immediate subordinates in their current Secretariats, Departments and Agencies,” Atang said.
Wike had on March 18, inaugurated the permanent secretaries in line with the provisions of the FCT Civil Service Commission Law, 2018, which commenced operation. (NAN)
Metro
FG Declares March 29, April 1, Public Holiday to Mark Easter Celebration
The Federal Government has declared Friday, March 29, and Monday, April 1, as public holidays to mark the Easter celebration.This was contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to her, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government. Tunji-Ojo urged Christians and all Nigerians to emulate the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ in dying for the redemption of man. The minister noted that Easter, beyond religious significance, promoted values of love, forgiveness and compassion which were essential for social cohesion and harmony.He called on Christians to imbibe these virtues as they were capable of impacting positively on the socio-economic development of Nigeria by fostering unity, reducing conflicts and encouraging cooperation among Nigerians.Tunji-Ojo further urged Nigerians to show acts of charity and generosity to help alleviate the material conditions of the less privileged amongst them.This, he said, was in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.He wished Christians at home and abroad a happy and blissful Easter celebration.The minister also called on Nigerians to join hands with the Tinubu’s administration in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity to all.Metro
Wike Woos Indian Investors to Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has sought for huge investments from Indian investors, as part of strategies to fast tract the development of the capital territory, Abuja.
Wike made the call when the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Shri Balasubramanian, visited him in Abuja on Tuesday.
He acknowledged the presence of many Indian companies in the country, particularly petrochemicals and fertiliser companies among others.
“We would also like to have this kind of relationship in Abuja.
“You have seen improvement in security; you have seen improvement in infrastructure in Abuja. That is part of the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“We will discuss other areas that will be of mutual interest between India and Nigeria, and Abuja in particular,” he said.
The minister said that it was within the purview of the FCT Administration to ensure that all Embassies in Nigeria, have an unhostile environment to enable them perform their assignments.
Earlier, Balasubramanian said that the excellent relationship between India and Nigeria was quite old.
The Ambassador explained that India began its diplomatic relationship with Nigeria two years before the country became independent in 1958, when India established a diplomatic office in Lagos.
He said that there were over 155 Indian companies in Nigeria, with more than 27 billion dollars of investments in various manufacturing areas.
He said that companies ranged from plastics to steel, oil, and pharmaceuticals among others in every sector.
According to him, Indian companies are the second largest employer of labour after the Nigerian government.
“So that is the level of engagement that we have, including wonderful political relationships.
“Culturally, we also have excellent cooperation. We have been having various groups from Nigeria going to India to participate in different exhibitions and cultural activities.
“We are very happy with all the facilities that are being extended to our Embassy.
“We are more than happy about it and would like to continue the relationship”. (NAN)