Briefing State House' correspondents immediately after the Federal Executive Council Meeting, the Information Minister, Mr. Labaran Maku, told reporters that the Minister of Education brought a note to apprise Council of the Agreement signed by the Government of Nigeria and UNESCO, for the establishment and operation of an International Centre for Biotechnology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) as a Category 2 under the auspices of UNESCO, on 15th October, 2012, at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France.
She said the Agreement, which was dully processed by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice defines the terms and conditions government the cooperation between the Government of Nigeria and UNESCO.
And that the UNESCO Director-General commended Nigeria's strong commitment to the establishment of the Category 2 Centre and assured the country of UNESCO's support for the centre, which would promote networking for the development of science, science education and knowledge exchange.
To ensure its smooth take-off sustainability, Nigeria would provide all resources, including adequate funding required for the administration and proper function of the Centre, while UNESCO would provide technical assistance of its experts in the specialized fields of the Centre.
The Information Minister further said that the President brought a note to apprise Council of the presentation of Database on Vehicles with Sirens, Flasher Lights and Ambulances nationwide/abuse of siren.
He said there is need for siren permit in the country. There is no control on importation, sales and installation of siren equipment and beacon.
That at present, most official vehicles with escort and pilot plates were not properly documented hence cannot be identified when the need arises especially those belonging to the military and para-military agencies.
And that the list of approved users of sirens be published and gazette by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF). A committee headed by the FRSC, and including Police, SSS and OSGF be established to vet and submit for presidential approval request for use of siren.
That military and para-military agencies currently exempted from control by FRSC should, however, be advised to document their vehicles with sirens with the Corps.
The Ministry of Finance would be directed to place sirens on the Prohibition List to be imported only with and user certificates issued by FRSC. And that in accordance with FRSC Establishment Act., 2007 and National Road Traffic Regulation, 2004 as amended in 2012 all Escort and Pilot vehicles should carry proper identification numbers.
Maku said the Chairman, National Planning Commission brought a note to apprise Council of the key recommendations and conclusions of the 2012 Conference of Directors of Planning, Research and Statistics (DPRS) in the Public Service held in Katsina, Katsina State, from 22nd to 23rd November, 2012.
He said the Conference which was organized in close collaboration with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the New Partnership for Africa's Development, Nigeria, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs and the Katsina State Government, served as a platform for interaction and cross fertilization of ideas among the DPRS in the Public Service for enhanced implementation of policies and service delivery, and also ensures a coordinated approach to building the capacity of public servants in the implementation of projects and programmes in the country.
He further said that among the key messages from the Conference was the need to institutionalize the process for the development and operationalization of strategic plans at all levels of government. The National Planning Commission was expected to provide technical support for the process.
The 2013 Conference, according to the Minister, would take place in Oyo State in the second half of 2013.
Maku told reporters that the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development through her memo apprised council of the official visit of Madam Michelle Bachelet, the Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of the united Nation's Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) from 9th to 11th January, 2013, to Nigeria.
Her visit was also expected to promote Nigeria's image and provide visibility for women and gender concerns.
The visit was able to renew commitments from key stakeholders on actions to advance women and girls. The UN Women Executive Director commended Nigeria for initiating positive women focused policies.
The Information Minister said Council noted the appraisals. Also, that during the meeting, the Minister of Health briefed the council on the progress and challenges of his Ministry in the year 2012.
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria