NEWS
Nigeria to Lead $7.7trn Global Halal Market – Shettima
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has expressed the determination of the country to become number one hub of opportunities in the global halal economy.
Shettima stated this on Wednesday during the Halal Economy Stakeholders Engagement Programme held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said the nation’s economic and demographic size puts it in a vintage position to map out a vibrant investment sector for the global halal economy projected to reach a market value of $7.
7 trillion by 2025.The Vice-President noted, however, that Nigeria must first reassess its weaknesses and prioritise its strength to achieve this economic feat.
” For Nigeria to become a hub of opportunities in the global halal economy, we must prioritise our strengths and reassess our weaknesses.
” Today’s engagement provides a platform for us to collaborate with key international organisations.
“This will allow us to develop a comprehensive halal ecosystem and agree on strategies that will position Nigeria as a top halal exporter, targeting high-value markets.”
Shettima commended the private sector for its immense contributions to driving the halal economy, particularly in the financial sector.
He encouraged all stakeholders to partner with President Bola Tinubu’s administration in delivering the halal ecosystem.
” To ensure this, we must attract international investment by showcasing the vast opportunities within Nigeria’s halal sector through investor summits, roadshows, and business matchmaking events.
” The expansion of regional trade, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), also provides us with a pathway to become a leading supplier of halal goods and services across Africa.
” Therefore, we must increase public awareness through strategic orientation campaigns, specialised training programmes.
” We must also deepen engagement with the global market to elevate the visibility and competitiveness of Nigeria’s halal ecosystem,” he said.
Shettima described halal as an economy that accommodates all actors and stakeholders.
He noted that the halal market holds vast potential that aligns “with the overarching agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”.
He said that lack of clarity and understanding surrounding compliance with investments in the halal economy had stifled vast potential in savings, business ventures, and investments.
Shettima expressed delight that in an era of knowledge and enlightenment, more Nigerians are now getting rid of outdated concerns and are, instead, embracing the need to have a say in how their money is invested.
Earlier, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), had emphasised the importance of the initiative.
” Nigeria, as one of the largest economies in Africa, is launching this programme to engage with the global Halal market.
” We are determined to position Nigeria as a leader in the Halal economy, not just in Africa but globally, ” Hadejia said.
Also, Special Assistant to the President on Export Expansion, Aliyu Sheriff, highlighted halal economic potential.
” If we can increase our Halal exports to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries from two to six per cent over the next four years, it could boost our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 548 million dollars.
Sheriff said some of the key objectives of the initiative include establishing a robust regulatory framework for Halal certification and increasing consumer awareness about Halal products.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said Nigeria’s domestic spending on Halal products and services reached approximately 107 billion dollars in 2022.
“This sector is projected to grow at a rate of 10.7 per cent , reaching 180 billion dollars by 2027.
” This positions Nigeria as the 8th largest domestic Halal economy globally and the second largest in Africa,” he added.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, stated halal products are not just for Muslims.
” There are over 125 products that are produced in the Halal way. This presents a huge opportunity for rapid growth and improved competitiveness, enhancing our ability to export,” he said. (NAN)
By David Torough, Abuja
The remains of elder statesman and President General of the pan-Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, have been slated for burial on November 1.
Chairman of the burial committee, Senator Ben Obi, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.
Alongside with the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Amb Okey Emuchay and burial sub-committee chairmen, Senator Osita Izunaso, Gen.
Azubuike Ihejirika (retd) and others, Obi unveiled a series of activities culminating into the actual burial ceremony.“Our message today is to convey the dates for the burial of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“Lagos day of tributes, Wednesday 16th October 2024 at Eko Hotels and Convention Centre.
“Abuja Day of Tributes Friday 18th October, 2024 at the National Ecumenical Centre.
“Enugu Day of tributes, Saturday 26th October with a brief stop at Ohanaeze headquarters, 7 Parkland GRA Enugu while the main event will be held at the Okpara Square.
“Owerri Service of Songs Tuesday 29th October 2024. Commendation Service on 1st November in Owerri and Imo day of burial on Friday, 1st November 2024,” he said.
He added that further details will be communicated in due course.
On whether the Federal Government would participate in the burial, Senator Obi said the committee will visit President Bola Tinubu to intimate him about the transition of the statesman and details of his burial.
“We will be visiting President Tinubu to formally announce to him details of this transition and I am sure the President knows all that Chief Iwuanyanwu had done and he will do the needful,” he said.
Asked whether the late newspaper publisher had regrets about his inability to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and ensure the realization of a restructure federation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo scribe said Chief Iwuanyanwu died a fulfilled man because he never shies away from doing his best in the circumstance.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu and I visited Kanu in jail and I think that was his last official assignment before his demise.
“Prior to that, he had never missed any opportunity to call for the release of Kanu.
“On restructuring, he never minced his words on equity, fairness and justice and he knew that he couldn’t do it alone.
“So he operated with the South-South PANDEF, Middle Belt Forum and Afenifere. He asked for parity in the number of states in each geopolitical zone.
“We in Ohanaeze will continue to pursue these issues that were very dear to his heart and we want to give the assurances that we will not fail,” Obi said.
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)
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)
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