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Reps laud TETFUND for promoting research amongst Nigerian students, youth
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…as Kalu calls for more innovative hubs in S/East
Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has been applauded by the House of Representatives for championing creative researches and establishing innovative hubs for the promotion of science and technology education amongst Nigerian students and youth.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-week cohort learning for some select Nigerian students, researchers and academia at the Abuja Innov8 Hub over the weekend, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu said the Parliament would continue to support creative activities that tended to develop the minds of Nigerian youth with innovations, such as the one undertaken by the TETFund.
Termed “Research for Impact Initiative (R4i)”, the programme is a collaborative endeavour by TETFund and Innov8 Hub, launched in year 2022, to usher in a new era of innovation, technology, research and development in Nigeria with the aim to spur economic growth and comprehensive national development.
Kalu said: “The House is interested in providing solutions to the hydra headed needs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It has also come to our mind that, the problems that we are trying to solve year-in, year-out, using the usual tradition, has not given us the expected level of production in this country, therefore, the call for innovation that will challenge tradition, to increase production; that call cannot be overemphasized”.
The Deputy Speaker said that in today’s rapidly evolving world, innovation is no longer a luxury but a necessity, stressing that it is the key to unlocking economic growth, tackling complex challenges, and building a brighter future for the youth and generations to come.
“For Nigeria, this need for innovation is even more crucial. We face
numerous challenges, from unemployment and poverty to security threats and climate change. To overcome these obstacles and achieve sustainable development, we must unleash the immense potential of our people, particularly our young minds brimming with creative ideas and
entrepreneurial spirit.
“This is where initiatives like the Innov8 Hub by i-FAIR come into play. By
providing mentorship, resources, and collaboration platforms, these
programs empower our innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs to
transform their ideas into tangible solutions”, Kalu added.
The Deputy Speaker also acknowledged the role of the Embassy of the State
of Israel in Nigeria and the Israeli community, in “partnering with Nigeria in
this crucial endeavor. Your commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria is truly commendable, and we, as a nation,
deeply appreciate your support”.
He said that it is the lot of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Nigeria to innovate for the good of the country even as he expressed joy that TETFund is planning to expand the hub and provide the needed platforms for innovation.
“The President (Tinubu) believes that we need to innovate. Nigeria believes that we need to innovate. That is why every agency of government, such as TETFund, has been given all that is needed to push innovation from where this administration met it, to where it ought to be. And I’m happy, speaking from the parliament, that the man who is driving it is my good friend, he is not sleeping, he is interested in pushing. I’m proud of you. I’m really proud of you!
“You are thinking outside the box, how we can build this nation, not by doing the usual, but by considering the possible and fighting the impossible elements, so that the possibility will be showcased to make our lives easier. I’m proud of the work you are doing and you should do some more.
“And I know when I heard what you said in that speech that you are planning to multiply this, I was impressed. When I heard you are planning to even incorporate those who innovated outside this hub, that you will provide a platform for them; I was very impressed, because, by so doing, you will harvest innovations you have not invested in, and then prune it for a greater future”, Kalu told TETFund.
The Deputy Speaker also called for the establishment of such innovation hubs across the South East region of Nigeria, to mitigate the impacts of insecurity and underdevelopment, which is part of the programs being undertaken by the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P).
“Furthermore, this initiative can be strategically linked to the Peace in South
East Project (PISE-P), a comprehensive program ideated by my office in
collaboration with legislators from South East Nigeria aimed at addressing
socio-economic challenges and fostering peace in the region. By engaging young people in innovation and entrepreneurship, we can provide them
with meaningful alternatives to violence and instability, contributing
significantly to lasting peace and development.
“Therefore, I call upon i-FAIR to consider establishing a similar facility in the
South East of Nigeria. This region, renowned as our nation’s manufacturing
hub, presents immense potential for harnessing innovation and
entrepreneurship”, he stressed.
Earlier in his speech, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono said the initiative is part of the Fund’s strategy to reposition public tertiary institutions as a catalyst for national rebirth to a knowledge economy for socio-economic development.
He appreciated Innov8 for partnering TETFund to propagate and advance an innovation ecosystem in Nigeria’s tertiary education sphere, saying the role of the firm in providing the technical expertise needed to bring the ideas of participants to life is highly commendable.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of certificate of participation to participants in the 2-week training; exhibition of group works innovated during the period as well as conducting the Deputy Speaker round the facilities to appreciate many creative activiti goes ongoing at the hub.
News
President Tinubu Speaks On Ajuri Ngelale’s Indefinite Leave Request
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has endorsed Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, indefinite leave request.
Recall Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday, announced an indefinite leave of absence.
He proceeded on the leave to attend to pressing medical matters affecting his immediate family.
In a statement he posted on his general communication WhatsApp platform on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff on Friday.
He noted that the memo was a means of notifying him of the decision to pause his functions, including his roles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.
Ngelale explained that the decision was after consultations with his family due to a worsening medical situation at home.
He expressed hope to return to full-time national service when circumstances permit.
In a statement posted on X by Tinubu’s Special Assistant on New Media, Olusegun Dada and signed by the Presidency, Tinubu approved Ngelale’s request.
Tinubu stated that he fully understands his Chief spokesperson’s reason and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.
The statement read: “The President has received the memo from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President as well as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, informing of his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons.
“The President accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.
“While extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, the President hopes for a speedy recovery and full restoration to health.
“The President notes his tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation, and thanks him for the remarkable contributions he made in his various capacities, especially in advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives.
“The President wishes him well in all his future endeavors.
“During this period, we kindly ask that the wish for privacy of Chief Ngelale and his family be respected.”
News
Confusion As FG Denies Ownership Of Yacht Spotted In France With Nigerian Flag
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…says it belongs to an undisvcosed private individual
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The presidency, on Saturday, denied ownership of a yacht spotted hoisting Nigerian flag in St-Tropez, a coastal town in France.
There had been reports of a “presidential yacht belonging to the Nigerian government being used for vacation at St Tropez” on social media.
Senior Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on digital and new media, Otega Ogra, in a post on X, said the yacht belongs to a private individual.
The presidential aide said flags used by the president or armed forces do not contain the coat of arms like the one on the yacht.
Ogra said on Saturday, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht was spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.
“The 42m Bennetti yacht currently being shared online has been privately owned for around 5 years since it was constructed.
It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, president or armed forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply not true and inaccurate.
“It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.
“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the center. Placing anything in the center of the flag is a clear deviation
News
Constituency Devt: Senator Manu fulfils promise, installs solar energy as alternative source of power for constituents(Photos)
![](https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Screenshot_20240907-234433.png)
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In a bid to enhance better life for his constituents, Senator Manu Haruna has facilatated installation of solar energy in Takalafiya community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Senator Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly fulfilled his promise of ensuring the energy needs of his constituents are adequately taken care of.
This initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to addressing the energy needs of his constituents by providing a reliable and sustainable power source.
The solar energy project is expected to improve the quality of life in the community, enabling access to electricity for homes, schools, and local businesses, while also promoting environmental sustainability.
This project is part of Senator Haruna’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and development in Taraba Central.
Manu is also working tirelessly to make sure areas not connected to the national grid are connected within the shortest period possible.
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