Harnessing the Power of Tradition: Nigeria Embraces the Commercialization of Herbal Medicine.

The discourse surrounding healthcare in Nigeria is undergoing a significant transformation, with a growing emphasis on the potential of herbal medicine. Recognizing the wealth of traditional knowledge and the burgeoning global market for natural remedies, the Federal Government has embarked on a strategic initiative to commercialize herbal products. This move aims to address domestic healthcare challenges while simultaneously unlocking economic opportunities and leveraging Nigeria's rich biodiversity.

For centuries, Nigerian communities have relied on traditional medicine, utilizing a vast array of indigenous plants to treat illnesses and promote wellness. This deep-rooted tradition, passed down through generations, holds immense value. However, the integration of traditional medicine into the formal healthcare system has been limited. The government's initiative seeks to bridge this gap, formalizing the use of herbal remedies while upholding rigorous safety and efficacy standards.

This commercialization effort goes beyond merely capitalizing on tradition; it involves a concerted effort to marry traditional knowledge with scientific rigor. A significant milestone was achieved with the recent approval of five herbal products by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Developed by researchers at the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), these products exemplify the potential for innovation within the realm of herbal medicine. By meeting stringent safety and efficacy standards, these approved products instill public confidence and pave the way for the wider acceptance of herbal remedies.

The launch of the first oral solid dosage phytomedicines earlier this year signifies a pivotal moment in this journey. This development demonstrates the potential for Nigeria to not only harness its rich herbal resources but also to establish itself as a leader in the global market for high-quality, scientifically validated herbal products. By investing in research and development, Nigeria can create innovative and effective herbal remedies that meet the needs of both domestic and international markets.

Check out https://herb.i.ng

THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY ACT (PIA): GAINS, CONCERNS; AND THE WAY FORWARD.

Of recent, virtually every Nigerian has become an expert, of some sort, on issues concerning the petroleum industry. From motor parks to bars and restaurants, Nigerians cannot wait to vent their frustration about current events in the sector. The explanation for this is not lost – the Nigerian economy is regrettably largely dependent on this industry. The fortunes of the citizens are made or marred by its vagaries.

The petroleum sector is as complex as it is critical to the Nigerian economy. The Petroleum Industry Bill was first initiated in 2012; and it took a lot of political intrigues, over a period of 9 years, before its eventual passage in 2021. The long-awaited legislation was acclaimed to be a game-changer, to reposition and revolutionized the petroleum sector. How true has this been? What are the areas of concerns? How well can this legislation better this sector? These are germane issues we shall try to simplify here.

Significant Provisions of the PIA

It was said that the PIA, which provides for a new legal, regulatory and fiscal framework for the petroleum industry will overhaul and reform the petroleum industry – and facilitate Nigeria’s economic growth. Brief summaries of some of the significant changes brought by the Act are: -

·Change of the incorporated personality of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to NNPC Limited – to be a commercial and profit-oriented limited liability company.

·Owing to the above, NNPC Ltd can no longer be one of the regulators of the petroleum industry. The Act streamlined the regulatory authorities for the petroleum industry into two institutions: the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NURC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

·The NMDPRA may apply backward integration policy in the downstream sector to encourage investment in local refining (Section 317 (8)). Backward integration policy is aimed at making investment directly in the raw materials or supply chains required to produce the finished goods.

·The NURC is to make provision for domestic crude supply obligations to encourage local refining of petroleum products (Section 109). Local refineries were to be the first recipients of crude produced by the government.

·Deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector by making the sale of wholesale and retail prices of petroleum products based on unrestricted free market pricing condition (Section 205 (1)).

The Perceived Gains

· Attraction of Investments in the petroleum industry

The Act aims to encourage investment and competition in the sector. Optimists opine that the PIA will facilitate Nigeria’s economic development by attracting local and foreign investors. There has been a slew of construction of privately-owned refineries, such as Waltersmith, Azikel, AIPCC Energy (Edo), Duport, Alexis, Atlantic International, and, of course Dangote refineries, as a testament to this.

· “Unhindered” supply and availability of petroleum products

With the goal of deregulation of the downstream sector, the era of petroleum products’ scarcity ought to be a thing of the past. NNPC Ltd is only to be taken as one of the players in the industry. However, NNPC Ltd may act as “supplier of last resort” for security reasons to ensure adequate supply and distribution of petroleum products (Section 64 (m)).Further, upon request by the federal government, the corporation can act as a supplier to ensure adequate distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), for a period not exceeding six months.

· Efficient institutional governance

With the unbundling of the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors into two institutions and the corporate recalibration of the NNPC Ltd, it is expected that there should be efficiency in the governance of the industry by the new institutions.

·Settlement of host communities for peaceful atmosphere for investment and operations

The Act created the Host Community’s Development Trust Fund, into which holders of petroleum licenses and leases and other joint venture partners were to contribute 3% of their actual operating expenditure, for the benefits and development of host communities. This is intentioned to douse tension in these regions. The Trust Fund is tax exempted and contributions made to it are tax deductible.

Areas of Concerns

· Deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector

With the downturn in the economy, the government has been hesitant to totally deregulate the downstream petroleum sector, with the result that the market is yet opened for the investment and competition deregulation was to bring. On the other hand, the citizens have been subjected to extreme pains by the partial removal of petroleum subsidy. Is this a necessary bitter pill for the betterment of the nation?

· Domestic Crude Supply Obligations

The government has been unable to fully fulfill this statutory responsibility of supplying local refineries with crude produced. The government has laid the blame on maze of factors, including arrangement with joint venture partners, the crude to debt obligations of the previous administrations, the meagre crude at its disposal, and so on.

· The hegemony of NNPC Ltd

Given the re-organization of NNPC as a limited liability company, the corporation is expected to be one of the players in the market, and not a monopoly – the present sole supplier of petroleum products. The Act only permitted the corporation to be a supplier of PMS, as a last resort, for security reasons or in other cases, for a period not exceeding six months. NNPC Ltd has been acting in breach of the provision of law, understandably, because the regime of subsidy has not totally ended, even if subsidy has been redesignated as “under recoveries.”

Which Way Forward? Connecting the Dots.

The provisions of the PIA are clear and unequivocal. However, for various reasons, there has not been full compliance. The petroleum industry is intricate yet central to the indices of economic development of Nigeria. In recent times, matters of the deregulation and removal of subsidy is perhaps the most topical subject of discourse in Nigeria. There has been calls, from various quarters, of the need for its total removal, to save the economy from impending collapse. Subsidy has been described as a “noose around the economic jugular of (our) Nation.” The moot question remains: is the liberalization of the downstream sector, including the removal of petroleum subsidies a deadly or bitter pill? Time will tell.

Oshodi's past and present.

Oshodi, the beating heart of Lagos, Nigeria, pulsates with a story that stretches from its humble beginnings to its undeniable present and a future ripe with potential. It's a tale of hustle, resilience, and transformation, weaving together threads of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Born from a colonial market town, Oshodi's origins were modest. Yet, its strategic location at the crossroads of major transportation routes fostered an energetic spirit. Traders flocked here, drawn by the promise of opportunity, and a vibrant tapestry of cultures began to take shape. However, this growth also brought challenges – overcrowding, poverty, and informal settlements became part of the landscape.

Oshodi's legacy of hustle thrives. Bustling markets like "Oshodi Oke" overflow with colorful fabrics, vibrant fruits, and the cacophony of commerce. Buses navigate a labyrinthine network of streets, transporting lives and dreams. Street life spills onto every corner, a pulsating testament to the city's unyielding spirit. Yet, the challenges remain. Traffic snarls, waste accumulates, and the legacy of informality casts a long shadow.

Oshodi's future holds immense potential. Development projects promise modern infrastructure, improved transportation, and revitalized public spaces. Initiatives aim to empower communities, foster entrepreneurship, and address concerns of sustainability. The vibrant artistic scene of "Oshodi Arts Village" hints at a creative future, where local talent takes center stage.

However, navigating this path to tomorrow requires a delicate balance. Preserving the unique spirit of Oshodi while addressing its challenges is no easy feat. Investing in education, skills development, and healthcare is crucial to empower its residents. Sustainable solutions for traffic management and waste disposal are needed to create a cleaner, healthier environment.

At its core, Oshodi's story is one of human resilience and adaptation. It's a testament to the transformative power of community, a place where dreams are woven into the fabric of everyday life. As we look towards tomorrow, let us remember the lessons of yesterday and harness the energy of today to create an Oshodi that shines bright, not just for Lagos, but for the world.

Plastic: Our Ubiquitous Ally and Persistent Foe – Understanding Contamination, Disposal, and Solutions

Plastic, the material that revolutionized everyday life, now grapples with a paradox of its own making. From life-saving medical equipment to durable packaging, plastic offers undeniable benefits. Yet, its ubiquity masks a sinister undercurrent: widespread contamination and unsustainable disposal that threatens the health of our planet and its inhabitants.

Understanding the Scope of Plastic Contamination:

Plastic's durability, once considered an asset, has become its nemesis. Unlike organic materials, it persists in the environment for centuries, fragmenting into smaller and smaller pieces known as microplastics. These insidious invaders infiltrate soil, oceans, and even the air we breathe, impacting ecosystems and potentially human health.

The contamination originates from various sources:

• Single-use plastics: Bags, straws, and food packaging constitute a significant portion of plastic waste, often ending up in landfills or littering the environment.
• Microplastics in products: Synthetic clothing, tires, and cosmetics shed microplastics during everyday use, adding to the already pervasive pollution.
• Improper waste management: Inefficient or non-existent recycling systems in some regions lead to uncontrolled dumping and leakage of plastic into the environment.

The Devastating Consequences of Plastic Pollution:

The consequences of plastic contamination are far-reaching:

• Environmental damage: Marine life ingests microplastics, leading to entanglement, starvation, and potentially impacting human food sources. Plastic debris disrupts ecosystems, impacting biodiversity and habitat destruction.
• Human health concerns: Studies suggest microplastics may enter the human bloodstream, raising concerns about potential health risks. Chemicals used in plastic production can leach into the environment, impacting air and water quality.
• Economic burden: Managing plastic waste cleanup and mitigating its environmental impact incurs significant economic costs, diverting resources from other critical investments.

Tackling the Problem: Disposal and Solutions:

Confronting this plastic predicament demands a multi-pronged approach:

• Reduce consumption: Embracing minimalism, opting for reusable alternatives, and choosing products with minimal packaging are crucial steps towards curbing plastic waste generation.
• Improve waste management: Investing in infrastructure, expanding recycling capabilities, and enacting stricter regulations on plastic production and disposal are essential.
• Innovation and technology: Biodegradable plastics, improved recycling processes, and plastic-eating bacteria are promising avenues for future solutions.
• Individual responsibility: Educating ourselves and others about the gravity of plastic pollution, advocating for sustainable practices, and making conscious choices in our daily lives are necessary steps towards collective action.

Beyond Disposal: Towards a Circular Economy:

The ultimate solution lies in shifting from a linear "take-make-dispose" model to a circular economy. This means designing products for durability, reuse, and efficient recycling, minimizing waste generation altogether. Embracing this systemic change requires collaboration between manufacturers, consumers, policymakers, and researchers.

A Call to Action:

Plastic contamination is a global challenge demanding immediate and concerted action. It's time to move beyond convenience and acknowledge the true cost of our dependence on this material. By embracing innovative solutions, advocating for responsible practices, and making conscious choices, we can reclaim our relationship with plastic, minimizing its harm and maximizing its potential for a more sustainable future.

This article is just a starting point for delving deeper into the complexities of plastic contamination. Remember, awareness and action are the cornerstones of change. Let's build a future where plastic serves its purpose without leaving behind a legacy of pollution and harm.

For further exploration:

• The Ocean Cleanup: https:// theoceancleanup.com/
• Plastic Pollution Coalition: https:// plasticpollutioncoalition.org/
• Ellen MacArthur Foundation: https:// ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/

Together, we can shape a future where plastic contamination is not a looming threat, but a distant memory.

Encryption Advocates Webinar Series...building a force to empower everyone, everywhere.

The Encryption Advocates Webinar Series is an event that features advocates from the encryption community discussing the latest trends and challenges in the field. The series was hosted by the Stakeholder Engagement Digital Webinar Series for Africa (SENDiWSA), a non-profit organization that is used by DNS Africa Media and Communications to educate, empower, and ensure capacity building in Africa, driving discussions around challenges and solutions.

One story used in the webinar series that demonstrates the effects of advocacy for encryption is the story of the Electronic Frontier Foundation's (EFF) fight against the FBI's "backdoor" mandate. In 2016, the FBI proposed a new rule that would have required Apple to create a backdoor into its iOS operating system. The EFF and other privacy advocates argued that this backdoor would create a security vulnerability that could be exploited by criminals and foreign governments.

The EFF launched a massive public campaign against the backdoor mandate. The organization collected over two million signatures on a petition opposing the rule and filed a lawsuit against the FBI. In 2017, the FBI withdrew the mandate after it was unable to find a way to create a backdoor that did not compromise the security of iOS devices.

The EFF's victory in the fight against the backdoor mandate is a testament to the power of advocacy. By mobilizing the public and taking legal action, the EFF was able to defeat a dangerous proposal that would have weakened encryption and made everyone less safe.

Another story from the Encryption Advocates Webinar Series that demonstrates the effects of advocacy for encryption is the story of the Let's Encrypt initiative. Let's Encrypt is a non-profit organization that provides free SSL/TLS certificates to websites. SSL/TLS certificates are used to encrypt traffic between websites and users' browsers. This helps to protect users' privacy and security from eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.

Let's Encrypt was founded in 2016 by the EFF, Mozilla, Google, and Cisco. The initiative has been a huge success, with over 280 million websites now using Let's Encrypt certificates. This has helped to make the web a more secure place for everyone.

The Let's Encrypt initiative is a great example of how advocacy for encryption can have a positive impact on the world. By making encryption more accessible and affordable, Let's Encrypt is helping to protect the privacy and security of millions of people around the world.

These are just two examples of the many ways that advocacy for encryption can make a difference. By educating the public about the importance of encryption and fighting against harmful policies, encryption advocates are helping to make the world a safer place for everyone. Thanks to the Global Encryption Coalition, Africa and the world is building a force to empower everyone, everywhere.

THE MINISTRY AND OTHER KEY INDUSTRY LEADERS TO SPEAK AT NIGF2023.

  For many Nigerians, the aftermath of the rapid digital transformation that has occurred globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic 3 years ago has exposed the importance of the Internet and digital technologies as a critical part of daily living. Hence, the necessity for internet stakeholders in Nigeria to deliberate on the theme: “Towards a Secure and Inclusive Digital Future for Nigeria: Balancing Regulation, Cybersecurity, and Emerging Technologies”.

As digital transformation evolves, the focus from the business, technological and policy communities is shifting from understanding the effect and impact of the global speed of Internet development, especially emerging technologies on our daily lives and activities; to working towards a secure Internet that works for everyone, highlighting the rights, responsibilities and opportunities for all stakeholders, including women and the youth.

In a statement issued by the Chair of the Nigeria Internet Governance Forum Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group (NIGF MAG), Mr. Adesola Akinsanya confirmed that the forthcoming annual Edition of the Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF), organized by the NIGF-MAG, will be a hybrid experience and holds on the 13th and 14th of September 2023, at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Complex, Mbora, Abuja.

The NIGF-MAG which comprises of stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMCDE), National Information Technology

Development Agency (NITDA), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), Internet Society Nigeria Chapter (ISOC NG), DigitalSENSE Africa Media (DSA), in partnership with other local Internet Stakeholders, invites all Internet stakeholders in the Nigerian Internet Ecosystem to join these discussions to advance digital transformation in Nigeria along with the Government.

Among the lineup of eminent speakers for the NIGF 2023 is the office of the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy,

The Minister is expected to deliver the Keynote Address. Also, there will be a high-level panel discussion on the overarching theme: Towards a Secure and Inclusive Digital Future for Nigeria: Balancing Regulation, Cybersecurity, and Emerging Technologies.

Other confirmed speakers for the NIGF2023 include Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi- Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (N.I.T.D.A); Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta- Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (N.C.C); Dr. William Alo – Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy; Mrs. Elena Scaramuzzi of Cullen International, Belgium; Mr. Segun Olugbile- Director – Global Network for Cybersolution; Mrs. Sade Dada- Connectivity & Innovation Policy Manager, Africa, Meta Inc. ; amongst other distinguished persons.

In reaction to the event, the President of the Association of Information and Communication Technology on Local Content (ICTLOCA) Mr. Gbolahan Awonuga, praised the MAG for keeping the Ecosystem alive and influencing the general impact on government, civil society, and the international space. He urged the Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijan, to use the NiGF Platform to access professionals around Innovation and Artificial Intelligence. He strongly stated the need to advocate for an Innovation Strategy to spike the nation’s digital economy.

Following the recorded success of previous years, the NIGF 2023 will be an interesting event, given the array of this year’s lineup as seen on our website at https://igf.ng/nigf_2023/

Members of the public from the Private Sector, Government, Civil Society, Intergovernmental Organisations, Academia as well as Internet end-users are encouraged to register and attend the event live on the NIGF event website at https://igf.ng/nigf_2023/   and all her social media platforms (@NigeriaIGF). Registration and attendance is free. Upon registration, participants will receive event notifications and updates, free access to the digital edition of the event’s report, and more.

The events for the 13th of September 2023 are dedicated to the Youth and Women. Whilst the main event will be held on the 14th of September 2023, when Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, Chairperson of Nigeria Internet Governance Forum-Multistakeholder Advisory Group (NIGF-MAG) will welcome internet stakeholders to the NIGF 2023.

Watchout for a picture Video on our sister channel.

Mr. Nigeria International 2023 Camp kicks-off; Voting begins.

It was Monday, April 24, 2023.

Champions in their own rights from across the states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria travelled against the weather to come to the city of opportunities and re-write the history of their pageantry journey to stardom.

Brendance and Crusader Limited (BCL) is a fully integrated event management company, privately owned by Ambassador (Dr.) Brendan Nsikak. It is ranked, by project in top 10% of its industry. Formed in 1999, registered May 26, 2005, it focusses on emerging growth opportunities within the Entertainment Industry, using Information and Communication Technologies. It launched its Android App on the Google Play Store in 2021.

This year, Mr. Nigeria International (MRNI), the Evolution Edition, promises to display more of our Cultural Heritage, bringing out the real African in us. it's going to be an unusual pageant like never before.

Bags packed, hopes high, men of great determination made it to the host city, Lagos to ensure that the battle to crown the next Mr. Nigeria International (MRNI), becomes a reality. The Eleventh Edition by BCL is also a first of its kind, considering that its was customary to have a mixed camp until 2022. The change is to ensure that the brand focuses on the development of its models, champions to deliver, locally, nationally, regional and globally.

The Final unveiling of the Thirteen (13) candidates was unveiled today, Monday, April 24, 2023, at the Poise Mansion by 11.59 pm. Voting has commenced. The finalist has begun the campaign to ensure the race is won by one to be crowned at the Canyon Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos State on Sunday, April 30, 2023. Green Carpet commences by 5.00 pm. The main event starts by 7.00 pm, prompt.

The camp, under the management of the Pageant Manager, Alex Akharume, is scheduled to hold for seven (7) days, with facilitators from all professional walks of the entertainment to ensure capacity building skills enhancement, talks on leadership management, tailored workshops to boost business acumen and representation of the Arts and Crafts of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Candidates will be groomed to develop business proposal apart from the etiquette of a Cultural Ambassador.

At the grand finale, the Managing Partner and CEO of KOBOKINGs Limited, Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo hinted that the brand will honour its patrons, past awardees and giants of industries. It promises to be a moment to strengthen our unity in diversity, promoting peace and culture, encouraging tourism, and bringing value to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

At the end of the camp, the final will produce three kings from the last thirteen (13) Contestants. They will be representing Nigeria in the Mr. United Nations (Florida), Mr. World Heritage (India), and Mr. Ultra-Continental. The winner walks away with One Million, Five Hundred Naira, Aviation Scholarship, Pastoral Wine Ambassador, CopNOW Ambassador and other consolation prizes.

Officially, fans and supporters of contestant are expected to start voting till the end of the night of the final. The voting platform is https://mrni.mrandmissnigintl.org.ng/vote.

Watch the livestream on https://www.youtube.ng/@mrandmissnigintl