NEWS
ESEC Seeks Partnership with Kogi Gov’t in Mining Sector Dev’t
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The management of the Earth Scientist Engineering Consultium Limited (ESEC), a major stakeholder in the mining industry in Kogi State, has solicited robust partnership with the state government in order to move the mining sector to the next level of development.
ESEC Management made the plea in a commendation message jointly signed by its Managing Director, Muhammed King Al-Harith; and Co-Managing Director, Muhammad Ozigi Otokiti over Governor Usman Ododo’s verdict at the Apex Court which affirmed him as the duly elected governor of Kogi state. The letter which was addressed to the Governor, described Ododo’s victory as a testament to the trust and confidence that the people of Kogi had placed in his leadership.ESEC expressed confidence that Ododo’s tenure would usher in a new era of progress and prosperity for the State.The management also used the opportunity to introduce ESEC to the Governor as a major stakeholder in the mining industry in Kogi State, and a leading provider of engineering and consulting services in the sector.”Your Excellency, congratulations on your resounding victory in the recent gubernatorial election and your successful defense at the supreme court.”Your triumph is a testament to the trust and confidence the people of Kogi State have placed in your leadership, and we are confident that your tenure will usher in a new era of progress and prosperity for the state.”It is with great pleasure that we introduce Earth Scientist Engineering Consultium Limited (ESEC), a major stakeholder in the mining industry in Kogi State.”As a leading provider of engineering and consulting services in the sector, we have vested interest in the sustainable development of the state’s mineral resources.”Attached to this letter is our position paper outlining our perspectives on mineral resources, development, and revenue generation in Kogi state.”We believe that by working collaboratively with your administration, we can unlock the vast potential of the state’s natural wealth and translate it into tangible economic and social benefits for the people.”We look forward to the opportunity to engage with your Excellency and your team to discuss how ESEC can contribute to the realization of your vision for Kogi State.”Please feel free to reach out to us at your convenience to explore potential avenues of partnership and cooperation.”Once again, congratulations on your victory, and we wish you a successful and impactful tenure as the Executive Governor of Kogi State,” the letter reads.ESEC is a trusted partner in engineering, geological and environmental consulting services for mining activities and operations with optimum sustainable outcomes.ESEC provides services such as Geological and Environmental Impact Assessments, Site Investigation, Water Management, Mining Closure Planning as well as Social and Community Engagements, among others.Muhammad Ozigi Otokiti is the National General Secretary, Association of Water Well Drillers Rig Owners and Practitioners; he is a member of many Professional bodiesOtokiti is a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Managers and Administrators of Nigeria (IPMA), Directoral Fellows of Institute of Global Peace and Conflict Management (IGPCM) and Institute of Leadership Manpower and Management Development (ILMMD), among others.NEWS
Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation to UNGA
President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Thursday.“President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the UK, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.
“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings,” said the statement.The high-level General Debate, with the theme, “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,”will run from Sept. 24, to Sept. 28. (NAN)NEWS
NECO Releases 2024 SSCE Results
The National Examinations Council, (NECO) has released the June/July 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination results (SSCE), with 60.55 per cent of candidates securing five credits and above in English Language and Mathematics.
The Registrar of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the NECO headquarters on Thursday in Minna, Niger.
Wushishi said that a total of 1,376,423 candidates, representing 706,950 males and 669,473 females, registered for the exam.
The registrar said that 1,367,736 candidates sat for the examination, representing 702,112 Males and 665,624 females.
He said that 828, 284 candidates had five credits and above, including English and Mathematics, representing 60.
55 per cent.Wushishi said that the number of candidates with five credits and above, irrespective of English and Mathematics, were 1,147,597, representing 83.90 per cent.
He said that there was a great reduction in the number of examination malpractices this year compared to 2023.
“The number of candidates involved in various forms of malpractice in 2024 is 8,437 as against 12,030 in 2023, which shows a reduction of 30. 1 per cent,” he said.
The registrar, however, said that 40 schools were found to be involved in mass cheating during the examination.
” During the conduct of the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), 40 schools were found to have been involved in whole school (mass) cheating in 17 states.
” They will be invited to the Council for discussion, after which appropriate sanctions will be applied.
“A school in Ekiti was recommended for de-recognition for mass cheating in two core subjects and 01 Science subject.
” Similarly, 21 Supervisors were recommended for blacklisting due to poor supervision, aiding and abetting, abscondment, extortion, drunkenness and negligence in 12 states,”said.
He urged candidates that sat for the examination to visit NECO website to access their results.
Wushishi said candidates can access their results on NECO website: www.neco.gov.ng using their examination registration number,” he said.(NAN)
NEWS
NDDC Unveils Initiative to Enhance food Security in N’ Delta Programmes
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it is committed to advancing projects and programmes that enhance food security and sustainable growth in the region.Chief Monday Igbuya, the Delta representative on the NDDC Board, made this pledge in a statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt by the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Igbuya spoke at the inauguration of a training and empowerment programme for women and youths in livestock and agro processing in Amukpe, Sapele area of Delta. He stated that the NDDC was prioritising livestock training in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.“NDDC is focussed on implementing programmes to ensure food security and agricultural growth in multi sectors, aiming to improve living standards.“It is our belief that for socio-economic development to take place, there is need to develop manpower in the agricultural sector,” he said.Igbuya expressed confidence that training farmers would enhance livestock production, create jobs, and alleviate poverty in the Niger Delta.Mrs Winifred Madume, NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, said that training farmers and entrepreneurs was essential for improving productivity and market access.“The commission has been promoting research and development through various institutions and providing farming techniques to beneficiaries,” she said.The Project Consultant, Dr Simon Akhaine, said that 200 women and youths had registered for the livestock and agro-business skill acquisition programme.According to him, the programme aims to equip them with the essential knowledge and skills for self-sufficiency in livestock farming, thereby boosting regional food security. (NAN)