NEWS
We now Disseminate Research Findings through Youtube — Institute
The Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS) University of Lagos, says it has broken new grounds with its ability to disseminate research findings by adopting documentary making,
It says it has dymistified the traditional academic method of publishing such findings in journals.
The Director of the centre, Prof. Muyiwa Falaiye, said these in an interview with the newsmen in Lagos, on Wednesday.
He spoke on the sidelines of the fifth anniversary celebration of the centre.
According to him, as the foremost institute of African and Diaspora Studies in Africa, the centre has in the past five years, also recorded other giant strides.
He said it had done so in human capacity building, attracting commendation to the university and Nigeria at large.
“Today, we are celebrating our fifth anniversary as an institute.
“The IADS is five years and we decided that we should mark it, not in a very big way, but just to remind ourselves of the task ahead and to look back to see some of the things we have done and what we can do better in the next five years.
“This institute is the foremost in African Studies, in the continent today. we have been able to do research that have real cutting edge innovations for Africa and Nigeria, and as I speak, there are 30 ongoing research activities here in this institute.
“It may please you to also know that in the five years of existence as an institute, we have come up with innovations that are far from the way things used to be done, especially in the area of research, learning and advocacy.
“One of such ground-breaking innovation is the fact that we have created a new channel of disseminating research findings.
“We have now demystified that by making our research findings available on You tube, through documentary.
“This is nouveau and this is being copied by several other institutes globally, and we have also been able to find the right mix between research, teaching and advocacy.
“In five years, we merged the PhD programme, which is also unprecedented, and a few other things that we have done.
“We are one of the first institutes in the world to adopt documentary making as an avenue to disseminate research findings, which was not the case before,” he stated.
Falaiye noted that the development was contrary to most traditional academic methods, which was to publish research findings in journals that many people do not have access to.
The director stated that starting fellowship programmes, as well as attracting several research grants and creating an opportunity to bring in foreign scholars, had further put the centre on the right track.
He added that the institute had also brought in researchers, both old and young, to advance its course.
According to him, the pot pourri of activities and events going on in the last five years in the institute spanning areas of research, teaching and advocacy, have also seen it mentor young researchers across the country.
The director noted that the entire achievements had impacted the image of both the university, scholarship and the country at large.
“You will be surprised that several visiting scholars have now found home here.
“Those who otherwise, will not like to come to Nigerian universities, now struggle to get access to our institute here, as either visiting fellows, visiting researchers or visiting young scholars.
“This again is nouveau and unprecedented in the history of this country,” he stated.
He, however, said the institute had had its fair share of challenges, especially in the area of funding.
“Our mantra here is, no research without funding. Sometimes, we do not get the kind of funding we need.
“Sometimes too, the challenges confronting Nigeria affect us, we still have issues of power sometimes too, internet connectivity, and issues of the general image or perception of our country out there.
“Few scholars will not want to come this way because of the image of our country outside, thinking it is not a safe place to come to and more.
” All of these sometimes, affect our perception out there, but luckily, those of them who had managed to come here and have been with us for a while, had gone back with beautiful stories to tell.
“They have been able to carry encouraging message about what we do here,” he said.
Speaking further on funding, he said research funding should be left to those outside government, which cannot do everything.
He emphasised the need for institutions to look outside for funding of research, from the industries and from individuals who believed such research could change the perspectives or direction of the industries.
According to him, relying on government for funding of research will not serve anyone any good.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe expressed satisfaction about the achievements recorded so far by the institute, in its five years of existence.
He told reporters that attracting research grants both locally and internationally was a key achievement that had engendered the much needed focus of the centre.
“I want to say that I am highly impressed with what they have done so far within the last five years.
“Attracting research grants both at the local and international levels, as well as bringing in scholars from outside the country and even within, is to say the least, heartwarming and worth commending.
“The centre has always been able to sponsor research, PhD research works and you cannot believe it that even someone from outside the university once got research grant support for the PhD students.
“We have their postgraduate students that are ongoing. So, they have done excellently well but I know we can still do better. In the next five years.
“I want to see a centre that will bring in more scholars from outside the country to come and interact and learn about our culture.
“I want them to also interact and learn in the area of migration. It is not only about physical migration, we also have the social migration, as well as economic migration, that will lead to development,” Ogundipe stated.
Prof. Rahmon Bello, immediate past vice chancellor of the university, on his part, said that the centre project came up during his tenure in the institution.
“I am happy with what I have seen within its five years of existence. We came up with the theme of the concept at the time, with the University of West Indies, after a lecture here in Lagos.
“It came up with this idea and I am happy today that this centre has transformed to reality and it is doing very well.
” What it has been doing in the past years, I want to give kudos to the director and members of the centre and to the current management of the university of Lagos, for keeping the idea afloat and to ensure that they support the centre to make it viral.
” The centre is making waves and I believe in the next five years, it will reach the top of its pinnacle in Africa, and I want to say congratulations to the centre,” Bello said.(NAN)
NEWS
Abuja Stampede: CAN Mourns
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the weekend, said it is disturbed by the tragic events at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama on Saturday morning.This was contained in a statement issued by CAN signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and made available to journalists in Abuja.
.The statement reads in parts, “We have learned that at least ten people, including children, lost their lives in a stampede while trying to seek help from the church. ”This tragedy is not just statistics; it represents real families who are hurting. Each person lost was someone’s beloved family member. We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and to the families affected by this terrible incident. We stand together with you in this time of sadness and prayer.”Many people arrived early, hoping to receive palliatives that would help them during tough times. What was meant to be a day of support turned into a disaster, leaving a heavy impact on all of us and reminding us how fragile life can be.”This incident is part of a troubling pattern, as Nigeria has experienced two other tragic stampedes this month. On December 18, during a Christmas funfair at a school in Ibadan, a stampede resulted in the deaths of 35 children, with six others critically injured. The event aimed to distribute cash and food to over 5,000 children. This tragic event is currently under investigation, focusing on better crowd control measures.”Just a few days later, another stampede occurred during a rice distribution event at a centre in Anambra State. Reports indicate that at least 22 people lost their lives, and 32 others were injured. These heartbreaking incidents highlight the challenges of managing large crowds during charitable events. “In the face of these tragedies, we recognise the importance of coming together to support those who are grieving. It is crucial that we listen to one another, share our feelings, and offer help in any way we can. This is a time for compassion and understanding as we help one another heal.”As we reflect on these devastating events, we invite all Nigerians to come together with kindness and understanding. Let us support one another and work towards creating a place where everyone feels safe and valued. The concern shown in response to this incident highlights our shared humanity.”Together, we can honour the memory of those we have lost by committing to a future filled with hope, where every life matters, and where we can gather in safety and peace, sharing in the abundance of food and support that we can provide for one another as a nation.”May those who have passed find eternal rest, and may God comfort all who are grieving”.NEWS
Benue unveils Zeva Premium Lager Beer
The Benue Government on Sunday unveiled a new beverage, Zeva Premium Lager Beer, produced by Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC).
Gov. Hyacihth Alia, who presented the new product to the public in Makurdi, said the product was a significant step toward economic rejuvenation, industrialisation, and sustainable development of the state.
Alia stated that the product has further expressed the state’s readiness to harness her resources, build and revive dormant industries, and foster local economic growth.
The governor said the brewery would create a sustainable value chain, turning agricultural raw materials like cassava, sorghum, millet, and maize into high-value products.
He said the beer was an economic strategy to boost state internally generated revenue, reduce dependence on federal allocations, create jobs for the youth, address unemployment, and foster economic stability.
Alia said that through the BIPC, the state has initiated negotiations and interventions to ensure that the Benue Brewery, now managed by Nigerian Breweries, was revived and repositioned for optimal productivity, but their efforts failed.
“Having seen the economic potentials of the brewery industry on our local farmers and the economy of the state, we floated Food Basket Brewery that will produce quality beverages that can compete on national and global stages.
“The launch of Zeva Premium Lager Beer is a game-changer for the agricultural and economic landscape of Benue State.
“The brewery’s operations will directly impact the lives of our farmers, the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and overall economic development of the state.” he said
The governor stated that through the BIPC, the state has initiated various projects aimed at revitalising existing industries and establishing new ones.
He said though there were other beer beverages in the country, the Benue brand remained the best in the market.
Alia urged the people to drink beer responsibly.
The governor commended the Managing Director (MD/CEO) BIPC, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, along with the management and entire staff of the company, for their relentless efforts, dedication, and commitment to bringing change to the state.
The BIPC Managing Director (M-D/CEO), Asemakaha, said in his remarks that the launching of the beer would increase the state GDP by 17 per cent.
Asemakaha said that the target of the company was to create 10,000 jobs by 2025, adding that they have already created 411 direct jobs within one year.
“Zeva Premium Lager Beer represents more than just a new product. It is a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the indomitable Benue spirit.
“As we unveil this premium beer today, we do so with the knowledge that it will contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of our dear state in several critical ways,” he said.
The M-D disclosed that the Food Basket Brewery would not only produce Zeva Premium Lager Beer but also an array of other assorted brands that would cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
He said Zeva Premium Lager Beer was more than just a drink; it was a celebration of the Benue spirit—a spirit of resilience, determination, and excellence.
The high point of the event was the unveiling of the Zeva Premium Lager Beer product to the public by the governor. (NAN)
NEWS
NAFDAC, Manufacturers Collaborate to Strengthen Food Safety Culture in Nigeria
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has partnered with the Association of Food, Beverages, and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) to promote a food safety culture in Nigeria.
This collaboration was announced in a statement issued by NAFDAC’s resident media consultant, Mr Olusayo Akintola, to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.
He said the event took place in Lagos on Friday, where NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof.
Mojisola Adeyeye, was represented by Mrs Eva Edwards, Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN).The statement quoted Adeyeye, highlighting that the collaboration stemmed from an end-of-year stakeholders’ dialogue session with NAFDAC.
She said the session provided an opportunity for both parties to have open discussions on strategic objectives.
Adeyeye noted that the FSAN dialogue had become a key part of NAFDAC’s calendar, marking its third consecutive annual edition.
She said the session aimed to share insights and tackle challenges related to ensuring the safety and quality of food supplied to Nigerians.
The NAFDAC Director-General emphasised that the event underscored the vital role of AFBTE in protecting public health and maintaining consumer trust.
“It also served as a platform for discussing important food safety concerns and sharing information on new regulatory processes for food manufacturing facilities in Nigeria.”
Adeyeye pointed out the far-reaching impact of unsafe food, which not only affected public health but could also harm economies and trade.
She stressed the importance of the food sector in adopting robust food safety standards, innovative solutions, and a food safety culture.
“NAFDAC, alongside AFBTE, is committed to guiding the industry towards voluntary compliance with regulatory requirements.
“This meeting is an opportunity to discuss how we can improve our services and better support you. What worked well in 2024? What didn’t, and how can we improve?”
She also mentioned that NAFDAC had received several applications from manufacturers requesting changes to product formulations, and the agency would work to verify these necessary changes.
The statement also quoted Mr Fred Chiazor, Chairman of the Technical Committee of AFBTE, who commended NAFDAC for facilitating the meeting, which provided an opportunity for industry stakeholders to collaborate on progress for the upcoming year.
He noted that AFBTE members had become more strategic in their thinking and encouraged them to speak openly about issues they encounter. (NAN)