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58 Distinguished Leaders Honored at 2024 CONADEV Awards, Conference, and Exhibition

Published

2 weeks ago

November 28, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

At the 2024 CONADEV Awards, Conference, and Exhibition held in Abuja, 58 outstanding figures in the Nigerian art and creative industry were celebrated with Honorary Fellowship Awards for their remarkable contributions to art journalism and cultural development. Among the honorees was Armstrong Oke Agoreyo, a respected leader in the art and creative space, recognized for his significant role in advancing the arts and shaping Nigeria’s cultural narrative.

The event showcased the achievements of trailblazers who have championed creative innovation, mentored emerging talents, and contributed to the preservation of Nigeria’s rich artistic heritage. The gathering reaffirmed the vital role of the arts in driving cultural and economic growth, with Armstrong Oke Agoreyo being acknowledged as one of the country’s prominent voices in the arts and creative sector.
With this recognition, Armstrong joins a prestigious group of national art leaders whose work continues to inspire and influence the future of Nigeria’s creative industries.
The event brought together the creme-de-la-creme in the art and creative industry who has grown in leaps and bounds to foster growth and development in Nigeria’s creative industry.

Speaking at the event, the President, Society of Nigerian Artists, Sulaiman Muhammad stated that the event underscores the transformative role of art in shaping culture, fostering innovation, and contributing to national progress.

Muhammad noted that the theme, “Harnessing Technology: Leveraging Digital Tools for Artistic Expression and Engagement,” provides an excellent opportunity to explore the intersection of tradition and modernity in the creative space which also underscore the remarkable achievements of the recipients of various categories adding that their creativity, resilience and innovation continue to inspire enrich Nigeria’s artistic legacy.

Also speaking at the event, Vice President (North) and Chairman, Centra Working Committee Society of Nigerian Artists Dr. Aondover Gyegwe on his part noted that the theme highlights the transformative moment and technological transformation in the sector.

Gyegwe explained that technology is redefining the way we create, share and experience art presenting us with both opportunities and responsibilities adding that the conference provides a unique platform to explore these shifts fostering dialogue that will shape the future of Nigerian art.

According to Gyegwe, “The exhibition in particular reflects the seamless blending of traditional art forms with cutting-edge digital expressions inviting us to envision a harmonious coexistence between heritage and technology.

“Today also marks a moment of celebration.Through the Fellowship Awards and other recognitions,
we honour individuals whose vision, dedication, and leadership have propelled Nigerian art
forward.

“These individuals have mentored younger generations, championed creative excellence and contributed significantly to the preservation and evolution of our rich cultural legacy.

“To all our participants artists, and scholars thank you for bringing your passion and expertise to this
gathering. Your presence here enriches our discussions and inspires new paths of collaboration and creativity.” he added.

The award recipients include
Prof. Manneseh Imonikebeh,
Dr. Kenneth Njoku, Sor Sen, Mark Rwang, Mrs. Patricia Nkwocha Obigeli, Ogunkunle Niyi, Porter Ajayi
and Ugherebe Godwin Uzuazoraro

Others include Awoyemi Ajibade Oladipo, Fidelis Eze Odogwu, Ola Balogun, Boma Joe-Jim, Otumba Dr. (Hon) Sonaya Idowu Adekunle,
Ato Arinze and Rowland Yohanna Goyit.

Related Topics:Abuja chairman Nigeria Nigerian president

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NASC appoints Andrew Nwoba as Clerk to Senate, elevates others

Published

42 minutes ago

December 9, 2024

Naijablitznews

The National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) has approved the appointment of Mr Andrew Ogbonnaya Nwoba as the Clerk to the Senate.

The Commission approved the appointment, which takes effect from December 11, 2024, at its meeting held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

Before his appointment, Nwoba was the Secretary of the Directorate of Legislative Budget and Planning.

A statement by the NASC Deputy Director (Information), Mr Emmanuel Anyigor, said that the Commission also endorsed the promotion of other key officers of the National Assembly bureaucracy.

According to the statement, “Mr Emmanuel Odo was appointed Deputy Clerk (Administration) Senate, while Vivien N. Njemanze was appointed Deputy Clerk (Administration) House of Representatives.

“Also, Dr Obasi D. Ukoha is now the Secretary of the Directorate of legislative Budget and Planning.

“On the other hand, Mr Rawlings Agada was deployed from his former position of Deputy Clerk (Administration) Senate to Deputy Clerk (Legislative) Senate while Florence Kehinde A. was deployed from her former position as deputy Clerk (Administration) House of Representatives to Deputy Clerk (Legislative) House of Representatives.”

The statement said that the Commission had earlier approved the appointment of Ogundayo Mofoluwake Olufunmilayo as Secretary of the Directorate of Special Duties; Alkali Umar Abubakar as the Secretary of the Directorate of Human Resources & Staff Development and Essien Eyo Essien as Secretary of the Directorate of Zonal Liaison Offices.

THE CONCLAVE

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Affirmative Action for Women is Essential for Equity – Speaker Abbas

Published

1 hour ago

December 9, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…as Reps engage state speakers on gender-Based violence, constitution amendment bills

By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has emphasized that affirmative action for women is not a privilege or an undemocratic measure but a necessary corrective step to promote fairness and achieve gender balance in Nigeria’s political landscape.

In his keynote address at a session with Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, held to mark the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Speaker Abbas called for the integration of women’s and gender issues into the constitution, policies, statutes, and budgetary processes of the country. The session took place at the National Assembly on Monday.

Reflecting on the significance of the campaign, Speaker Abbas noted, “This action signified our resolve to combat violence against Nigerian women and to reinforce our collective commitment to creating a safer and more equitable society.”

He recalled leading an advocacy walk from the National Assembly to the Force Headquarters, where a petition was submitted to the Inspector General of Police; this, he said, demonstrated the resolve of lawmakers to address GBV comprehensively.

The Speaker commended the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which began on November 25, for uniting various stakeholders in the fight against GBV and the push for women’s empowerment across the nation. He highlighted the National Assembly’s leadership role in legislative reforms aimed at protecting women and promoting gender equity. These efforts include the enactment of key laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, the Child’s Rights Act, and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act.

Speaker Abbas stressed that the 10th House of Representatives has intensified these efforts through its Legislative Agenda, prioritizing constitutional amendments that will enhance women’s participation and representation in governance. He underscored the critical role women play, stating, “Women are the cornerstone of our families and communities, yet their political representation remains unacceptably low. This imbalance must change—not for improved statistics but for the transformative value women bring to governance, leadership, and policymaking.”

He further elaborated on the barriers hindering women’s full participation in political and public life, citing cultural norms, economic disparities, and insufficient legal protections as systemic obstacles. According to him, “A society that protects its women and leverages their potential is one that secures its future.”

To address these issues, the 10th Assembly has initiated constitutional amendment processes early, allowing time for thorough consultation and consensus-building. The House Committee on Constitution Amendment has been engaging stakeholders through sensitization and advocacy to garner support for provisions that institutionalize greater women’s representation.

“These efforts go beyond tokenism,” Speaker Abbas asserted. “Affirmative action for women is not undemocratic; it is a necessary corrective measure to address historical inequities and unlock our nation’s full potential. Many African countries, such as Rwanda and South Africa, have successfully enshrined affirmative action in their constitutions.”

The Speaker also acknowledged the critical role of state Houses of Assembly in advancing these reforms, urging state speakers to actively participate in ensuring that gender-focused constitutional amendments and legislation are adopted at the sub-national level.

News

Inefficient Systems, Outdated Regulations Stifle Petroleum Sector Growth – Speaker Abbas

Published

3 hours ago

December 9, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

….as lawmakers deliberate on Petroleum sector regulations

By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker of the House of Representatives has said the petroleum sector has always been impeded by inefficiencies and outdated regulatory frameworks.

Speaker Abbas stated this at a one-Day retreat on “Legislative Measures Towards the Realisation of the Mandate of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for members of the House Committees Gas Resources, Petroleum Resources (Downstream, Upstream and Midstream) on Monday in Abuja.

Naijablitznews.com reports that this critical workshop is aimed at enhancing lawmakers’ understanding of the petroleum sector and equipping them with the necessary legislative tools to support the NUPRC.

The workshop was designed to deepen the understanding of the NUPRC’s operations, the legal framework governing its activities, and the broader dynamics of the petroleum industry.

According to Abbas, this initiative is part of efforts to ensure effective oversight and accountability in the sector.

He said the petroleum sector has long been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing substantially to the nation’s GDP and serves as the primary source of foreign exchange earnings.

Abbas stated that the National Assembly has played a critical role in driving these reforms, from legislative enactments to oversight, ensuring the sector’s sustainability and effectiveness, adding that there is a need for continued support for the NUPRC and other stakeholders in achieving the full benefits of these reforms for all Nigerians.

He said: Legislative oversight is a cornerstone of democracy and good governance, adding that the Petroleum Industry Act underscores the importance of parliamentary scrutiny in ensuring accountability within the oil and gas sector.

“The petroleum sector has long been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing substantially to our GDP and serving as the primary source of foreign exchange earnings. However, its potential has often been hindered by inefficiencies and outdated regulatory frameworks.

“The enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 marked a significant turning point, introducing reforms that have redefined the governance, operations, and transparency of the oil and gas industry

“It provides a robust framework for oversight, empowering the National Assembly to monitor the operations of regulatory agencies like the NUPRC.

“Central to this transformation is the NUPRC, which was established to regulate the upstream petroleum sector. Its mandates, as outlined in Section 94 of the PIA, include ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable resource management.

“Some immediate gains include improved regulatory clarity, increased investor confidence, and a structured approach to addressing environmental and community issues. However, challenges remain, including the need for further infrastructural development, capacity building, and the full implementation of the PIA’s provisions.

“However, effective oversight is not without challenges. The technical complexity of the extractive industry, information asymmetry, and the ever-evolving nature of the sector can limit the ability of parliamentarians to perform their duties effectively.

“To overcome these obstacles, members must develop technical expertise, engage in continuous learning, and foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders”.

Soeaker Abbas noted that it is all important to fully utilise all oversight tools at our disposal, including inspections, public hearings, investigations, and interpellations. Effective engagement between legislative committees and the NUPRC is critical to avoiding unnecessary conflicts or repetitive invitations.

“By fostering open communication and mutual understanding, we can create a more productive working relationship.

To this end, I urge the committees to adopt a strategic approach that prioritises constructive dialogue and aligns legislative priorities with the operational realities of the NUPRC. Regular updates, joint assessments, and targeted inquiries can streamline oversight processes and improve outcomes”, he added.

Naijablitznews.com reports that the NUPRC was established to regulate the upstream petroleum sector, plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable resource management.

The workshop is expected to foster a more productive working relationship between legislative committees and the NUPRC, ultimately ensuring that the upstream petroleum sector serves the interests of all Nigerians, promotes sustainable practices, and remains globally competitive.