Page 25 News (Half page)

Page 25 News (Half page)

Pg 25 News (Half page)

‘Nigerian astronaut to land in space by 2030’

By Zakariyya Adaramola

The Federal Government is putting all the structures on ground to ensure that a Nigerian astronaut lands in space on or before 2030, the Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has said.

The minister stated this when the management team of Defence Space Agency led by Air Vice Marshal Victor Udo paid a working visit to his office in Abuja.

According to Dr. Onu, FG would work very hard in the years to come to strengthen all the structures of the Nigerian space agencies that would help us to ensure that a Nigerian lands in space in fourteen years’ time.

“We believe that this is achievable and we are working very hard to make sure that all the structures that are needed is provided. The space programme is a very important programme for a country like Nigeria”, he said.

The minister said a special military space agency is major asset which nation like Nigeria should have for the purpose of protecting our own national interest.

Earlier the Director-General of the agency AVM Tommy Udo had said that they are seeking for the ministry’s support to achieve the desired efficiency.

NERC wants ‘special courts’ for electricity offences

By Simon Echewofun Sunday

The acting Head of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Anthony Akah has called for special courts that would try electricity-related offences.

Akah’s call is coming on the heels of previous calls made by the former Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi last year. Amadi said such courts will ensure that cases that could hinder progress in the electricity market are quickly dealt with in a competent court of law.

The Commission’s acting chief who made the call during a courtesy visit to the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja assured that it would continue to host the annual workshop for judges, a statement from the its Public Affairs Head, Dr. Usman Abba Arabi said.

The Administrator of the Institute, Hon. Justice Roselyn Bozimo said NERC should continue to discharge its responsibilities, as it is doing service to the nation especially because the availability of electricity is crucial for everyone.

The annual seminar for judges NERC assured would also hold sometime in the year, it said.

Kaduna state ready for business – investment agency

From Andrew Agbese, kaduna

The Kaduna State Government said it has put necessary infrastructure in place for investments to thrive.

Executive Secretary of Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) Gambo Hamza, gave the assurance while addressing newsmen in Kaduna recently said the state will be organizing an economic and investment summit, to demonstrate that the state is ready for business.

The summit is being organized by KADIPA, supported by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

He said: “Kaduna believes that private investment is the best vehicle for job creation, and is eager to bring together the private sector, international development partners and development finance institutions to identify opportunities in the state.”

Hamza listed some investment areas to include transportation, housing, power (renewable energy), information and communication technology, hospitality and tourism, and agriculture.

The expected outcome of the summit he said will include new deals and partnerships, investment pacts to be signed, and the adoption of investment strategies.

Nation’s industrial relations system down – Oshinowo

By Daniel Adugbo

Nigeria’s system of industrial relations has collapsed and is in a state of anomie due to the ineffectiveness of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has said.

As a result of government’s neglect to adequately fund the ministry and appoint a technocrat to oversee it, industrial actions have become prevalent while workers’ unions reign over the government, NECA which is the umbrella union of employers in the organized private sector noted.

The employers’ organisation concerns were raised by its Director-General Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo .in a speech at a conference on promoting industrial harmony held in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said, “The belief is that anyone can just be appointed as minister of Labour and Employment. Labour relations are not seen as an area of expertise as the same level as health and finance that requires a technocrat.”

Oshinowo also told the audience, which included staff of the Labour Ministry that industrial relations have failed mostly in the public sector because there appears to be an absence of expertise at the agencies.

Participants also marvelled when he said it is an aberration for the NLC and TUC to negotiate with employers as industrial relations laws do not recognize them as negotiators.

The one-day conference which drew participants from various government agencies was centred on conflict prevention relations and management in season of change.