The NAFDAC Head of Investigation and Enforcement, Federal Taskforce, Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, also said the agency would work to ensure that fake cosmetics and other counterfeit products were completely wiped out of the country.
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New NASENI boss resumes office, vows to use STI to drive President Tinubu’s socio-economic priority areas
The newly appointed Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu said he would ensure that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is achieved through the deployment of Science, Technology and innovation (STI) in the economy.
Mr. Halilu made this statement while addressing the management and staff of the Agency shortly after his assumption of office as the EVC/CEO at NASENI Headquarters on Monday 1 September, 2023.
The new EVC/CEO, a tech-Expert and Entrepreneur was appointed to lead NASENI by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, replacing Dr. Bashir Gwandu.
While expatiating on his market driven approach to things, he said his administration would leverage on technology transfer and also not forgetting domestic, home-grown technology development which is the core mandate of NASENI.
According to him, “The focus is for innovation, science and technology resource to serve Nigerians and to add value to the national economy.”
He added that the Agency would play critical roles in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic Agenda for the nation anchored on areas like Food Security, Ending Poverty, economic growth and Job Creation, creating Access to Capital through consumer credit, Inclusivity, Improving Security, Rule of Law and Fighting Corruption.
The new EVC/CEO said in the 21st century, there are immense opportunities for Nigeria to leapfrog in the areas of science, technology, engineering and innovation, even as he promised that NASENI during his tenure would play effectively those central roles through technology transfer revolution that is coming.
According to him, “Our duty here at NASENI will be to use our resources, our talents, our capacity, and our energy to drive economic development priority areas of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration, in line with the Act establishing this Agency.
“As a preeminent Agency saddled with enormous responsibilities, NASENI with its development institutes and over 4,000 members of staff, is appropriately positioned to deliver on its mandate,” he said.
The new EVC/CEO who pleaded with the staff to put in their best, to work with full commitment and dedication, promised that in return, as EVC/CEO, that the welfare of all NASENI staff will be his priority.
While promising an open-door policy for staff, he said he was willing to learn from all staff across the Agency, “I will be open and receptive to your ideas and contributions, and together we will renew NASENI.”
“We will make NASENI an employer of choice in the public sector, a place where people will be proud to contribute their quota to the success of the organization and to the overall development of our country, and where they will be treated with respect and dignity. Change is coming, and you are all going to be a part of it,” He said.
He continued, “We shall adopt, adapt and domesticate cutting-edge technologies, wherever we find it. We will build a pool of well-educated and talented personnel, support world-class research and development (R&Ds), and build partnerships and collaborations across Nigeria, Africa and the world.
“We shall collaborate with government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), at Federal and State levels, with the private sector, the international community, development partners and the media. In consultation with you, our staff, and our various partners, we will put together a detailed vision and plan of implementation that is built on the foundation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and priorities,” he affirmed.
While answering questions from the journalists, Mr. Halilu said that he was going to make a significant change by putting NASENI on the economic development map and most importantly churn out products that would increase the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country, which is a priority now with the current economic crisis.
Highlighting his agenda as the EVC/CEO of the Agency, he said, “Number one thing we want to look at is the area of technology transfer, everyone is looking at Africa and there is no better chance than now. Other countries are competing to bring and exchange technologies especially with Africa.
“We cannot ignore our talents. We, Nigerians are amongst the best, doing things in different parts of the globe. We have to bring in all these wealth of experiences. We will ensure that we provide the environment and the necessary support to be able to achieve this mandate,” he added.
The new EVC/CEO was received by top management staff of the Agency, led by Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi, Coordinating Director Planning & Business Development, who guided him on tour of the Agency’s facilities. Mr Khalil held a maiden management meeting with the officials, who took turns to pledge their support for him and also their desires to work for the good of NASENI and to create positive impacts on the economy.
Mr. Halilu is an entrepreneur and technology expert who had excelled in business development, including managing successfully high-profile concerns both at local and international spheres. He hails from Kano city, Kano state, Nigeria. He has held several positions in both private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy.
He has a Master of Science (M.sc) degree in International Business and also B.Sc in Business Administration from University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom respectively. He honed his skills in Data Science from John Hopkins, USA. He is an expert in Database Administration, Big Data and E-Commerce and Oracle Database Programing 10G.
Prior to this appointment as EVC/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil sits on the Boards and plays advisory roles in many successful companies like Kuming Power China Group, Nuli Foods Company, CGC Construction, Dantata Foods Ltd., Gongoni Company Ltd., Broadbased Connectivity Limited, Fata Tannery and Sudabelt Medical.
He was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ShapShap Technologies Ltd., OyaOya Strategic Services Ltd., Managing Director of KSH Construction & Design Ltd., Co-Founder/Director of KWNNC Paper Recycling as well as Prymo.ng.
He was also the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Scirrocco International Ltd.; Director/COO of Africa Infotech Consulting; and Director of JIGS Environmental Services & Agro Allied Ltd. He previously worked at ZCET Global Metering Company and W.J Bush and Co.
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Invoke executive order for state, LG police, Afenifere tells Tinubu
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, on Saturday, urged President Bola Tinubu to invoke an Executive Order for the establishment of state and local government Police.
Afenifere, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi,in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, also called for the erection of close-circuit television sets and deployment of modern technology for security purposes in strategic locations to end insecurity.
Ajayi said, “There are indications that Tinubu is desirous of putting an end to this deleterious menace. Towards the end of January this year, he approved the procurement of digital tracking tools to enhance the apprehension of bandits, terrorists and armed robbers.
“On Monday, April 22, this year, he used the occasion of addressing participants at the African Counter-Terrorism Summit which opened on that day in Abuja to assure everyone of his government’s readiness to ensure greater security. Unfortunately, recent happenings have not shown that the President’s desire in this respect is being worked upon.
“President Tinubu should get state and local government police off the ground immediately through the invocation of an Executive Order while the process of amending the Constitution continues.
“Close circuit television sets, deployment of modern technology for security purposes including drones must be effected immediately.”
He explained that the statement was motivated by the recent reports of banditry and kidnapping in Ogun, Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, Kogi, Zamfara and Niger States, respectively which made a research organization declare Nigeria as one of the top nations where kidnap ranks highest globally.
Ajayi noted that Fulani herders and farmers’ clashes kept occurring in Osun, Ondo and Oyo State; Otu, Igbeti and Alaga in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State were the latest victims.
The Afenifere spokesperson also said, “In order to end insecurity, enhance people’s welfare and ensure the sustenance of Nigeria as one of the top investment destinations in Africa as desired by the government, there is the urgent need by the Federal Government and security agencies to be more innovative and decisive.”
He lamented that banditry, including armed robbery, kidnapping was still occurring on South-West roads such as Lagos-Ibadan, Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode; Akure-Ilesa-Ibadan; Ore-Ijebu Ode-Lagos, Ikirun-Osogbo-Ilesa; Lokoja-Abuja, Owo-Benin and Ibadan-Iseyin-Saki.
“Latest reports have it that on Monday, May 13 instant, eight cocoa farmers were kidnapped at Marindoti Cocoa Farmers’ settlement in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State. Three students of Millicent Secondary School in the same area on their way to write their Senior Secondary School Examination, were also kidnapped at the same time.
“A sum of N31 million was reportedly paid to ransom three people who were kidnapped at Longe village on Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road last week Sunday. On Thursday, May 16, one Seliat Adeniji (nee Raji) was kidnapped in her Ebedi home in Iseyin, Oyo State. Her guard was killed in the process.
“Hon Bello Hassan representing Zurmi/Shinkafi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives last Tuesday claimed that terrorists have sacked about 50 communities and abducted over 500 people in his area of Zamfara State as bandits overran Zurmi, the second most populous town in the state killing palace officers as well as policemen.”
To put a serious check on all these, the Afenifere spokesman said that there was an urgent need to dig deep into the roots of the menace and to be decisive in applying the necessary measures.
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NAFDAC shuts cosmetic shops in Lagos, seizes counterfeit products
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has shut three shops and raided others during a clampdown on the sale of unregistered “Dr. Teal’s” brand of cosmetics in Lagos State.
The agency disclosed this in a post on its X handle on Saturday, stating that the action came after a complaint from the trademark holder.
The statement read, “NAFDAC has shut down three cosmetics shops and raided others, targeting the sale of unregistered ‘Dr. Teal’s’ brand cosmetics. This action follows a complaint from the trademark holder regarding potential counterfeit products.
“Two suspected shops along Excellent Line at the Trade Fair Complex were targeted, resulting in sealed shops and invitation letters issued to attendants.”
It added that another development unfolded at Okas Global Link Limited where NAFDAC confiscated over 200 cartons of various Dr. Teal’s products and other unregistered cosmetics, suspecting them to be the source of distribution.
A shop identified as Cubana Stores at Phil Hallmark Plaza was also reported to have been sealed for stocking and selling the moisturising body and bath products of the alleged unregistered Dr. Teal’s brand.
NAFDAC added that according to its regulations, shop owners found guilty of selling unregistered products face penalties of up to ₦5m fine.
It said shop owners were also being questioned as part of ongoing investigations.
In the statement, the agency emphasised the health risks associated with fake cosmetics, stating the potential dangers of using products containing harmful substances.
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Traders, soldiers clash at Banex Plaza in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has deployed intelligence officers to Banex – an electronics and telecommunications gadgets market, in Abuja following a conflict that ensued between soldiers and some traders on Saturday.
A viral video seen by our correspondent on X on Saturday showed a multitude of civilians overpowering some soldiers during a free-for-all fight at Banex.
The Defence Headquarters, and the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Onyema Nwachukwu could not be reached for comments as of press time.
Meanwhile, a trader who simply identified himself as Abdul, told our correspondent on Saturday that the conflict ensued over the sale of a mobile phone.
“There’s a problem at Banex now. Some soldiers came to complain about a phone, and during an argument with the traders, a fight ensued,” Abdul simply revealed.
When contacted over the development, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh said the Commissioner of Police, Benett Igweh has deployed officers of the FCT Intelligence Response Team to the scene of the incident.
“The CP has deployed the Intelligence Response Team to the scene,” Adeh confirmed.
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