Day: September 19, 2023

The sixth edition of the Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Fashion Weekend has been scheduled for Nov. 11 and Nov. 12.

Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Agbaje explained that GTCO Fashion Weekend was an annual consumer-focused fair designed to showcase the best of Africa’s finest fashion to a global audience.

“Fashion is not just about making items of clothing or style accessories, it is about exploring feelings and channelling creative expressions to create experiences that resonate with various buyers, across different markets.

“The GTCO fashion weekend is constantly evolving to reflect the rapid growth of the global fashion industry in terms of size and sophistication.

“We will continue to draw on the endless possibilities in fashion retail to create better outcomes for individuals, indigenous businesses, and our communities.

“The 2023 edition will provide unique opportunities for local fashion retailers to seize on emerging trends and buyers’ preferences to reposition their businesses and thrive amidst the uncertainties and complexities of the future,” he said.

Agbaje noted that over the years, the event had firmly established its place as an incubator for diverse talent, creativity, and enterprise in fashion retail.

He said this had brought together some of Africa’s prominent fashion brands alongside relatively newer labels to interact with universally celebrated fashion icons and engaging style personalities.

He explained that in keeping with tradition, this year’s event will feature insightful masterclasses and thrilling runway shows as well as free stalls for over 120 fashion retailers.

“Colourful façades, lively music and a delightful ambience are popular elements of GTCO fairs and work together to create a multisensory, thoroughly fulfilling experience for all attendees.

“The GTCO Fashion weekend is one of the main platforms of Guaranty Trust Bank for promoting enterprise, primarily to benefit its growing retail and SME customer base as well as support the indigenous creatives Industry.

“The highly anticipated event is scheduled to hold on November 11th and 12th, 2023, at the GTCentre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The UN Women on Tuesday called for an increase in the private sector’s involvement in the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment in Nigeria.

The call was made in Lagos, on the sideline of a Private Sector CEOs Meeting with Mr Maxime Houinato, UN Women Regional Director for Central and West Africa, who is on an executive visit to Nigeria.

Houinato lauded the established collaboration between Nigeria’s private sector and the government which he said had so far yielded a 25 million U.S. dollar fund to fight gender-based violence.

This, he said was possible because they acknowledge that gender equality is key for the promotion of the economy.

According to him, both the private sector and government are aware of the crippling effects gender-based violence has on the Nigerian economy.

“We are wasting a tremendous amount of money to address this issue and if it is put off the table, the funds will be available for other developmental projects,” he said.

Houinato also hailed women in business for realising that for them to rise to the top of the difficult environment of business in Nigeria, they need to be professional and collaborative.

“The women have realised that they are going to access spaces when they are professional, strong in business, and side with governments to influence the economic policy of this country.

“To do that, the level of professionalism that they need to demonstrate is very high because the economy in Nigeria is a very competitive place, and they want to earn that place,” he said.

On his part, Mr Lansana Wonneh, UN Women Deputy Country Representative in Nigeria, said gender inequality is one of the biggest challenges to development in Nigeria.

Part of its symptoms, he said, include limited participation of women in governance and gender-based violence.

He said changing the dynamic should not be left to the government or civil society alone, adding that the private sector also has a significant role to play.

“If we all see it as a national cause, then it is important that the private sector also invests.

“If they invest, it has business benefits for them as well,” he said.

Wonneh added that a reduction in gender-based violence would lead to an increase in productivity of half of the population, considering that about 50 per cent of Nigerians are women.

“Eliminating gender based violence will only allow Nigeria to realise the full investment potential and full productivity potential of women,” Wonneh said. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The District Governor, Rotary International District 9110, Rotarian Ifeyinwa Ejezie, says the enormous responsibilities to make the earth safer and more resourceful are in the hands of everyone and not just the government.

Ejezie said this in a statement issued after an event to observe the 2023 World Cleanup day organised by the District at Ojuelegba, Lagos on Tuesday.

The District governor, while declaring the day open, reiterated the importance of environmental cleanup, saying; “the exercise will promote a better human health and improve the environment’s socio-economic values.

`The environment is our home, and if not healthy, we will not be healthy either. More importantly, cleaning the environment is the key to the existence and survival of life on earth,” he said.

He thanked the Lagos State Government for its contributions and efforts in ensuring a cleaner environment.

“Lagos State government is trying its best in ensuring a better and cleaner environment and over the years have put much efforts and resources in this regard which are visibly yielding results in many areas.

“However, government cannot do it alone, people must also know that they have to play vital roles in keeping the environment safe and cleaner.

“We owe the earth great responsibilities to make it better. We need to know that it is not proper to throw away waste indiscriminately, but throw away thrash in the proper bins to keep our surroundings clean.

“We must also understand how to reuse and recycle materials to reduce waste and pollution,”he said.

Similarly, the Chair, Support the Environment Committee 2023-24, Delight Sunday-Anicho, said the event is “mainly an advocacy to get people to change their minds about how they deal with the environment which normally cause adverse effect, and the possibility of converting their waste to wealth.

“Earth is our home, let us protect it because it is irreplaceable, hence the need to cherish it.

“Do not block the drains with waste. It is our collective responsibilities and duties to prevent flooding and other environmental hazards,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rotary International District 9110 comprises all in both Lagos and Ogun State.

The theme for 2023 World Clean Up Day: “Let’s Do It World” is noted for managing solid waste and cleaning up litter from forests, rivers, streets and beaches.

The World Clean Up Day unite millions of volunteers, governments and organisations in 197 countries and territories, to tackle the global waste crisis and to help create a new, more sustainable world.

This year’s event of Rotary International District 9110 World Cleanup Day was supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Nigeria Police Force, among others.

The activities of the day saw Rotarians turning out in their large numbers cleaning the streets of Ojuelegba to Tejuosho Market areas in Lagos. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Federal Government on Tuesday repatriated 155 Nigerian irregular migrants stranded across various parts of Libya.

Amb. Kabiru Musa, Charge D’Affaires in charge of the Nigerian Mission in Libya, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja

According to Musa, the evacuation which has become a continuous and regular exercise under the IOM’s Voluntary Repatriation exercise seeks to ensure the safe return of stranded Nigerian migrants back home.

According to him, it is also, to reintegrate them to the society and to end the menace of irregular migration through sensitisation.

Musa stated that the 155 stranded Nigerians departed Mitiga International Airport, Tripoli, aboard flight NO.UZ0189 on Tuesday and are expected to arrive Nigeria on Tuesday evening.

“With the support of the IOM, today, we carried another repatriation of another 155 stranded Nigerian migrants from Libya which includes; 14 male, 110 females, 23 children and 8 infants.

“The Nigerian Mission in Libya with support from the IOM again secured the release of 139 irregular Nigerian Migrants who were in detention centers in Libya and have facilitated their return home.

“With support from the IOM, the voluntary evacuation exercise has become more regular and this is because the Federal Government is determined not to allow any of its citizens remain stranded abroad.

“Upon arrival, they would be received by relevant authorities who will ensure their reintegration into the society,” Musa said.

Musa also appreciated the Libyan authorities for their support, especially in facilitating the release of the irregular migrants in Libyan detention centers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina Mohammed, has stressed the need to educate more girls in Science, Technology, Economics and Mathematics (STEM) to increase access to digital banking.

Mohammed stated this in her keynote address at the 2023 International Conference, Exhibition and 40th anniversary of Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Engineering: Embracing Vision, Amplifying Voices and Shaping the Future.”

In the address delivered virtually, she said that stereotypes had been used to hinder women from attaining senior management roles in engineering companies.

Mohammed said that involving women in the STEM sector would create job opportunities and increase socio-economic activities in the country.

“STEM education is key in achieving women economic rights by spreading digital banking, even to rural areas and creating new income and job opportunities to overcome the gender divide.

“We must harness the potential of our women and girls to pursue studies in STEM education to transform our societies and achieve sustainable development.

“Powerful stereotypes have long hindered women’s career in science and engineering, and today, 22 per cent of STEM graduates are female and this must change.”

“I will like to call on government and the private sector in the STEM areas to help narrow the gender digital divide and eliminate gender bias in leadership roles,” Mohammed said.

Earlier, the APWEN President, Dr Elizabeth Eterigho, said female engineers were catalysts for progress and agents of empowerment.

Eterigho said with engineering, it was pertinent to allow women contribute to the sector where every female engineer could achieve her aspirations without fear of discrimination or bias.

“As we are gathered here today, we are not just attendees at a conference, we are torchbearers of a legacy that stretches back generations and propels us forward into a brighter future.

“Together, we can amplify our voice, harness our strength and shape a future where female engineers are not just participants but leaders and innovators, and where our voice is not just among the voices but a voice that is being heard,” she said.

Also, the President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr Tasiu Gidari-Wudil, said the association had come of age, adding that it had achieved a great feat at 40.

Gidari-Wudil described APWEN as a strong pillar to NSE in the practice of engineering in the country.

“You are today celebrating your 40th anniversary as a division of NSE since its formation in 1982 by a handful of engineers, led by Engr. J.O. Maduka and its formal inauguration in 1983.

“APWEN has continued to be the catalyst of advancement in the engineering profession in national and international development.

“I must commend APWEN for having kept to its mandate over the years in activities that have to do especially with women engineering profession,” he said.

Gidari-Wudil commended the association for all it had done to promote the profession, especially in bridging the gender gap in STEM education.

Also speaking, the immediate past National Secretary of APC, Sen. Iyiola Omisore, said the association was pivotal to the collective national development.

Omisore, however, decried the fact that quite a number of female engineers had not been registered.

He said that in line with the theme of the conference, the voice of professional women engineers was important to everyone.

Omisore, therefore, called on the executive members of APWEN to be the catalysts for women’s advancement in the engineering profession toward enhancing national and global development.

The former senator said that the association should also encourage and promote, through advocacies, policies that would benefit it, adding that it was important to continue to bridge gender gaps in engineering, especially in award of contracts.

NAN reports that the conference had in attendance engineering professionals, dignitaries and stakeholders from within and outside the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Building resilient public health systems is crucial for effective response to emergencies and preparing for future challenges.

Thirty-seven years old, Mr Anthony Yohanna, a plumber, lives at Iche near Kagarko, a town on Abuja-Kaduna highway.

Like many families in the area, his family heavily relies on subsistence farming for livelihood.

Because they live in a rural community, access to healthcare services is a major challenge for Yohanna and his family members.

The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed the gaps in the public health system in his community.

When the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in Nigeria, he said his family quickly realized the potential impact it could have on their lives.

“We witnessed the panic and fear that gripped our community as rumours spread rapidly.

“With limited access to accurate information, we were unsure about the necessary precautions to take and the symptoms to watch out for,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said his family also witnessed the transformation of their local healthcare facility.

“Previously under-staffed and ill-equipped, the clinic received additional funding and resources to enhance its capacity to handle some emergencies.

“The availability of testing kits, personal protective equipment, and medical supplies boosted the confidence of healthcare workers in their ability to respond effectively,” he said.

“They also brought a sigh of relief among the members of the community”, he said.

However, as the pandemic unfolded, he said he nearly faced a tragedy when his eldest daughter contracted COVID-19.

“Thanks to the improved healthcare infrastructure, she received timely medical attention and support, ultimately recovering from the illness,” he narrated.

The experience highlights the importance of a robust and resilient public health system in safeguarding the well-being of individuals and families.

In acknowledgement of the urgency of the situation, the Nigerian government, in collaboration with international partners, implemented various measures to strengthen emergency preparedness and response.

As part of the mechanisms, the government established dedicated COVID-19 treatment centres, trained healthcare workers, and set up an extensive public awareness campaign.

These efforts aimed to ensure that accurate information reaches even the most remote communities, like the one the Yohanna’s.

One key component of the people-centred approach was the deployment of community health workers to educate and support rural communities.

Executive Director, NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib said that these health workers became the first line of defence against the virus, visiting households, distributing educational materials, and providing guidance on preventive measures.

Shuaib said that it was a lifeline to reliable information and a source of reassurance during uncertain times.

Through the lens of Yohanna’s family, it becomes evident that a people-centred approach is critical in strengthening emergency preparedness and response.

Dr Opeyemi Adeosun, Program Manager, HERFON, said that when communities are engaged, educated, and empowered, they become active participants in mitigating the impact of emergencies.

Adeosun said by addressing specific needs of individuals and families, public health systems can build resilience at the grassroots and ensure that no one is left behind.

“Moving forward, Nigeria must continue its efforts to prioritise a people-centred approach to public health.

“It must continue to invest in healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to essential services, and empowering local communities with knowledge are essential steps.

“By doing so, Nigeria can improve its readiness to respond to emergencies, protect its citizens, and build a resilient public health system for a more secure future,” he said.

According to experts, taking a people-centred approach is crucial for strengthening emergency preparedness and response in Nigeria’s public health systems.

The Head, Communications Division, Nigeria Centre for Disease and Prevention Control, Dr Yahya Disu, said it was important to prioritise the needs and well-being of the population in building resilient health systems.

One aspect highlighted by Disu was the importance of community engagement.

“By involving communities in emergency preparedness and response efforts, local knowledge, resources, and capacities can be leveraged effectively.

“This approach empowers individuals and communities to take ownership of their own health and well-being, leading to more sustainable and resilient systems,” he said.

Mr Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CODE, at the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Transparency and Accountability Project,(CTAP), Health Summit, also stressed the significance of investing in capacity building of healthcare workers.

“Adequately trained and equipped healthcare personnel are essential for effective emergency response.

“By providing training, support, and incentives to healthcare workers, they can be better prepared to handle emergencies and provide quality care to those in need,” he said.

Lawal also said there is the need for a multi-sector approach to building resilience health systems.

He advocates collaboration between different sectors such as health, education, transportat, and communication to ensure a holistic response to emergencies.

“This approach fosters coordination, information sharing, and resource pooling, thereby strengthening the overall emergency response capacity of the country,” he told NAN.

Dr Biobele Davidson, Strengthening Health Systems Lead at BudgIT, also raised concerns about the equitable distribution of resources and services.

Davidson highlighted the need to address underlying social determinants of health, such as poverty, gender inequality, and lack of access to basic services in the country.

“By addressing these disparities, public health systems can become more resilient and responsive to emergencies,” she said.

She advanced that people-centred approach was essential in strengthening emergency preparedness and response in the country.

According to health experts, by empowering communities, investing in healthcare workers, promoting multi-sector collaboration, and addressing social determinants of health, resilient public health systems can be built to effectively respond to emergencies and protect the well-being of Nigerians. (NANFeatures)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria