The Vice President, Kasim Shettima, says the quality of engineering education would help promote indigenous technology.

He spoke on Tuesday at a forum organised by the Nigerian Academy of Engineering in Abuja.

According to him, with the increasing urbanisation in Nigeria, 70 per cent of the Nigerian population will be in cities by 2050.

The VP, represented by his adviser on power infrastructure, Dr Sadiq Wanka, stressed that Nigeria could use its growing population to tap into the opportunities in the $360 million global outsourcing market.

“We also find ourselves facing rapid urbanization in the country, as estimates suggest that by 2050, 70 per cent of the Nigerian population will be living in cities. Given the nature and scale of the challenges ahead, the strength of our engineering capacity is inextricably linked to our economic and social progress.

“Nigeria is blessed with a young population. Our population is growing at over 3% per annum at a time when, in many developed nations, populations and workforces are ageing. Therefore, we can train our young citizens and position them to take up jobs in Nigeria and globally. And we are.

“Earlier this year, in line with Mr. President’s commitment to job creation, I launched the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative, which seeks to position Nigeria as a global outsourcing hub and tap into a $360 billion global outsourcing market,” he said.

In his speech, the President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Prof Peter Onwualu, noted that if Nigeria prioritizes and uses Engineering and Technology to drive development in all sectors, the country will, in short, join the League of Developed Nations.

“With Engineering and Technology, we would our problems in food and agriculture, health care, communications, transportation, energy, power, commence, industry and indeed all sectors.

“If Nigeria can harness its technology efficiently, this will lead to a drastic drop in importation and promotion of made-in-Nigeria goods”, he told newsmen.

By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna

Kaduna State Police Command said they have arrested one suspect linked with the killings of six persons with several others injured in Ambe Community, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) Kaduna State Command ASP Mansur Hassan, disclosed this to NewsDirect Correspondent in a phone conversation on Monday, said police is on top of the matter to fish out other masterminds of the incident.

The terrorists stormed a birthday party in the Ambe Community, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday night.

The youth leader of the community, Mr. Micah Aude, who confirmed the development, said the attackers invaded the community on motorbikes and opened fire on a particular house where a birthday celebration was taking place, but nobody was killed except those sitting around some shops.

Earlier in a press statement issued to journalists in Kaduna on Monday, the Honourable Member representing Jema’a and Sanga Federal Constituency Kaduna state, Hon. Daniel Amos condemned the incident and urged security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

He lamented that the act is an attempt to destabilise the peace of the good people of his constituent and the state at large.

He said, “I am saddened by the news of the late night attack on the peaceful Ambe community in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State. According to reports reaching me, the brutal attack by suspected bandits claimed the lives of six innocent people, while eight others sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

“I strongly condemn this heinous act, which is another attempt to destabilise the peace and security in my constituency and our dear state. It is unacceptable that our people cannot live in peace without fear of being attacked by these criminal elements.

“I would like to use this opportunity to call on all residents of Sanga LGA to remain calm and peaceful, as we work towards finding a lasting solution to the insecurity in the area. We must continue to promote peaceful coexistence among our diverse communities, irrespective of our differences.

“I also call on the security agencies to act swiftly to apprehend the perpetrators of this evil act and bring them to justice. The safety of our people must remain a top priority. We cannot allow the criminals to continue to operate with impunity.”

By Adeyanju Esther

A 35-year-old man, Samuel Oyetayo, was arraigned before an Iyaganku Magistrate’s Court in Ibadan on Monday for allegedly forging the Oyo Government hackney permit and ticket.

Oyetayo pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to the prosecutor, Insp Toyin Ibrahim, the defendant committed the offence on May 1 in the Dugbe area of Ibadan.

Ibrahim stated that Oyetayo forged the permit and ticket without the government’s consent, contravening Section 467 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The magistrate, Mrs. Kausarat Ayofe, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned until June 24 for hearing.