Day: May 16, 2024

Two persons, a driver and a teacher, have been convicted by the Odumase-Krobo Circuit Court in separate incidents involving attempted smuggling of cocoa beans to neighbouring Togo.

Abraham Benning Donkor, 38, the a driver was jailed five years with hard labour on one count of unauthorized Purchasing of Cocoa Beans contrary to Section4(1) of the Ghana Cocoa Board Act and additional fine of 250 penalty units for ?Attempting to Export Cocoa Beans which has not been Inspected, Graded and Sealed by an Inspector of Cocoa contrary to Section 3 of Cocoa Industry Regulations Act 1968 (NLCD 278) and Attempt to Smuggle and Export Cocoa Beans contrary to Section 317(g) of the Criminal Offences Act 29/60.

George Ametekpor, a teacher, was also sentenced to a fine of 250 penalty units, amounting to GH ? 3,000.00, after being found guilty on two counts of attempting to export cocoa beans which has not been inspected, graded, and sealed by Inspector of Cocoa and attempt to smuggle and export cocoa beans contrary to section
317(g) of the Criminal Offences Act 29/60.

The convicts were accosted by the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Taskforce during routine operations around ‘Mame Water’ in the Eastern Region, whilst attempting to transport the smuggled goods beans to the neighbouring country.

They pleaded guilty to all the charges and were convicted on their own pleas by the Court presided over by His Honour Kwesi Abaiddu Apiate.

According to the facts of the case, the Anti-Smuggling Taskforce on Thursday, May 9, 2024, intercepted Abraham’s vehicle at Mame Water just after crossing the Adomi Bridge with five bags of cocoa.?

Upon interrogation, the convict admitted ownership and revealed that he loaded the goods from Agbogbloshie Yam Market and was heading to Dzinidzini in the Oti Region.

The prosecution said the next day, Friday, May 10, 2024, the team again intercepted another vehicle loaded with four bags of cocoa beans at the same location around 0315 hours.

Upon questioning, Ametekpor admitted ownership but said he was contracted
by someone to transport the cocoa beans from Kpong to someone in Juapong.

However, when the alleged owner was reached on the phone, he promised to follow up but never showed up.

The convict was subsequently arraigned before the court where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced accordingly.

The court also ordered that the cocoa beans be confiscated and handed to authorities at Ghana Cocoa Board.?

Source: Ghana News Agency

Madam Seyram Alhassan, a representative of the President at the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, has presented waste management equipment to Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies (MMAs) in Accra.

The MMAs under the Greater Accra Sustainable Sanitation and Livelihoods Improvement Project (GASSLIP) received 205 small powered tricycles, 50 Skips (communal containers), and 25 Skip Loaders (Skip Trucks), at the cost of US$7.1 million.

Three Toyota mini buses, which coandUS$225,000 were also donated to three schools of hygiene to support field activities of students and staff.

Madam Alhassan said the presentation had demonstrated yet another commitment of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s Government to enhance the capacity of the assemblies to improve the delivery of sanitation services at the metropolitan and municipal levels.

‘In the past week when the rains have intensified, we have all witnessed the effects of dumping of solid waste in our drains with the attendant flooding in most area. We
are failing in our duties if we do not take the necessary steps to stem the tide of the effects of indiscriminate dumping of waste,’ she stated.

She expressed the hope that when the items were utilized fully about 1,215 cubic metres of solid waste (about 700 tons) per day would be collected and disposed of and this would significantly improve the rate of collection of waste in the city of Accra and its environs.

Madam Alhassan noted that the GASSLIP is committed to increasing access to improved sustainable and climate resilient sanitation and hygiene with improved livelihoods for the low-income urban and peri-urban residents within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA).

‘With an African Development Bank (AfDB) loan of US$48.85 million and a Government of Ghana in-kind contribution of US$5.01 million, the Project has delivered a number of facilities, including 5,174 Household Toilets within the GAMA, completed the construction of 30 out of 60 units of Institutional WASH facilities in basic and secondar
y schools, and equipment to schools of hygiene in Accra, Ho and Tamale,’ he stated.

She expressed gratitude to the AfDB for its continuous support to the developmental programmes of the Government and the people as it considered water and sanitation as one of the priority areas.

‘We need to do more in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector and I urge all the MMAs to remain committed to the course of ensuring that Accra becomes the cleanest city.’

Madam Alhassan urged the authorities of the beneficiary schools of hygiene to maintain and manage the vehicles properly to improve teaching and learning.

Mr Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, a representative of the President at the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, who received the items, urged the beneficiary institutions to take good care of the logistics to prolong their life-span.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has reiterated his stance against activities of LGBTQ in Ghana, if elected as President of the Republic.

He said such activities were alien to the country’s culture and values and would never permit it regardless of the consequences.

Dr Bawumia pointed out that neither the Bible nor the Quran, as well as the Ghanaian populace, support such practices.

The NPP Flagbearer said this during a meeting with the Clergy in Tamale in the Northern Region on Thursday.

The Vice President said: ‘On this matter of LGBTQ, I want to say again without any equivocation that we will not allow it in Ghana. It is not going to be allowed. Our Bible says no, our Quran says no, and our people say no. So, no. That is the answer.’

‘No man will be marrying a man; no woman will be marrying a woman. It is not our value. And I will stand firm no matter the consequences.

‘We will stand firm on that matter no matter the consequences. We will safeguard our country and we wil
l safeguard our people.

Dr Bawumia is on a nationwide campaign tour across all the 16 regions until the first week of June.

‘Bold Solutions for our Future,’ is the theme for his campaign, focusing on three key pillars: The battle of ideas and character, The battle of records and the battle of effective campaign.

The NPP Flagbearer and his campaign team are focusing on issue-based electioneering, tackling cogent, practical, and tailor-made ideas to deal with issues that are dear to the Ghanaian people.

He is meeting a wide range of stakeholders including traditional rulers, the Clergy, youth groups, traders, drivers, farmers, and students, and interact with businesses and associations.

He has been visiting market centres and other public places to listen to the concerns of both traders and consumers.

Dr Bawumia also engaged the media, held townhall meetings and continue with his regular stakeholder engagements with Ghanaians.

Since his election as the NPP Flagbearer on November 4, 2023, for the December
7 Election, Dr Bawumia had been continually active in undertaking broad consultations and interactions with various groups across the country.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mrs Ethel Adjorlolo-Marfo, Founder of Junior Shapers Africa (JSA), says managing anger and aggression is a critical life skill for boys, helping them navigate the challenges of growing up in a complex world.

She said by providing them with the tools to understand, express, and cope with their emotions, ‘we equip them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.’

Mr Adjorlolo-Marfo was speaking on the World Day of the Boy Child (WDBC) in Accra on Thursday.

Founded in 2018 by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh in Trinidad and Tobago, WDBC is annually observed by 29 countries including Junior Shapers Africa (JSA Boys Mentorship) based in Ghana.

The Day seeks to celebrate the contributions of boys as well as address their silent struggles.

The observance for 2024 is on the theme: ‘Cool Boys; Teaching boys how to manage anger and aggression.’

She said through emotional awareness, positive role models, and supportive environments, boys could learn to channel their anger into positive actions and develop into well-rounded
individuals.

The Founder said managing anger and aggression was a crucial skill for boys to learn, as these emotions, if not properly handled, could lead to negative outcomes in personal, academic, and social contexts.

She said boys often face societal pressures to exhibit toughness and suppress vulnerability, which could exacerbate feelings of anger and aggression.

‘Educating boys on healthy emotional management is essential for their overall well-being and development,’ she added.

She said anger was a natural and often healthy emotion that arises in response to perceived threats or injustices, however, when anger escalates into aggression, physical or verbal behaviour intended to cause harm becomes problematic.

‘Aggression can lead to conflicts, strained relationships, and legal issues,’ she said.

Mrs Adjorlolo-Marfo said boys might experience anger due to various factors, including stress, frustration, feeling misunderstood, or encountering unfair treatment. Recognizing these triggers was the first s
tep in managing anger effectively.

She urged parents to teach boys to recognize and name their emotions, using emotion charts or journals could help them articulate feelings rather than act them out aggressively.

She called on parents to encourage boys to talk about their feelings with trusted adults or peers. Validate their emotions to reduce the stigma around expressing vulnerability.

The Founder encouraged physical activities like sports, martial arts, or even a simple walk to release pent-up energy and reduce stress and introduce relaxation methods such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

These practices can help boys calm their minds and bodies during moments of anger.

She urged parents to teach boys how to resolve conflicts through communication rather than aggression and help them develop a step-by-step approach to problem-solving.

‘This can involve identifying the problem, brainstorming solutions, evaluating consequences, and choosing the best course of action,’ she said.

The Boys Mentorshi
p Activist parents should ensure that boys have access to positive male role models who demonstrate healthy ways of handling anger and aggression and provide positive reinforcement when boys manage their anger well.

She said praise and rewards could motivate them to continue practising these skills.

On educational programmes and workshops, she said schools and community mentorship initiatives provided by JSA Boys Mentorship could offer programmes specifically designed to teach emotional regulation and anger management.

These programmes often use a combination of group discussions, activities, and individual exercises to build skills.

She said stakeholders could create environments where boys feel safe to express their emotions without fear of judgment.

Mrs Adjorlolo-Marfo said this could be in the home, school, or community settings and parents needed to be educated on the importance of supporting their sons in managing anger.

‘Parents can reinforce skills at home and provide a consistent message,’ she
said.

The Activist said teaching boys to manage their anger and aggression has long-term benefits and these skills contribute to better mental health, improved relationships, and greater academic and career success.

‘Boys who learn to handle their emotions constructively are less likely to engage in violent behaviour and more likely to develop empathy and emotional intelligence,’ she said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Fenice Metal Technology Limited Company, a Ghanaian cable manufacturer, says it would help the country to significantly cut down the importation of finished cable products through a vibrant import substitution strategy.

The Founder and CEO of Fenice, Mr Lu Changshou, said the company has developed an innovative technology that permits it to obtain refined copper from recycled material thereby reducing the country’s reliance on expensive imported copper rods.

Prior to the intervention, almost all local cable manufacturers had to import all the raw materials, especially the copper rod, from Europe.

Fenice Metal Technology Limited, which has set up the first copper recycling plant in West Africa, said it plans to expand its copper rod production from the current 600 tons per month to 1,600 tons per month over the next five years to meet demand of local cable manufacturers.

The CEO said the supply to local manufacturers would help them to save cost and bring down the price of their products to be able to comp
ete favourably with the imported ones.

This would also save the country millions of US dollars thereby augmenting government’s efforts to strengthen the dollar.

‘Today in Ghana more than 80% of the cable is imported, while 20% is locally made. So, we have the intention of reversing this trend given the goodwill of the Ghanaian people towards Fenice’.

‘We have the confidence that we are going to facilitate the same story here in Ghana just as we did in Nigeria. We are going to help the industry to achieve import substitution,’ he said.

The CEO said while the plant had the capacity to produce 1,600 tons, the inability to access enough raw materials locally was stifling growth.

‘But we are working on it and in the next few years, we expect to see growth,’ he said.

‘So, for now, due to the low availability of scrap for recycling, the maximum we can get is 600 tons monthly. But in the future, if the market is going well, we can import the scrap copper,’ he added.

Mr Lu Changshou said there was the need to g
radually get more market share from imported copper by enhancing quality and ensuring affordable price.

‘So, we are very confident. We are very passionate. We will reach there,’ the CEO added.

He said the company had the ambition of becoming the number one producer in the industry. ‘And we don’t see the other cable factory as competitors. We see them as partners.’

He said although there was enough output from Ghanaian manufacturers, all of whom produce good quality cables, the business is currently affected by imported products mainly from India and Turkey. Some of these imported products do not meet Ghana’s stringent quality standards.

‘For me, I just want to help the country to achieve import substitution. That is the only way that, let’s say, the country can work. We are here for the long haul, and we want to be part of the Ghana success story.’

‘A country like Ghana cannot rely on importation. You cannot borrow money to spend.’ ‘You need to help yourself to achieve self-dependence in all the products
, including cables. And by investing in the country, you are going to create a lot of job opportunities. You are going to generate a lot of revenue for Ghana.’

The Founder emphasised that his company specialises in manufacturing PVC insulated cables of all sizes.

He highlighted the integration of state-of-the-art equipment and machinery, coupled with a distinctive production approach, as key factors setting their products apart.

He asserted that their cables uphold high quality standards, having undergone rigorous testing and approval by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).

Furthermore, he underscored their competitive pricing advantage, attributing it to their in-house production of copper rods, the primary raw material essential for cable manufacturing.

The company currently has around 100 workers, who are all accommodated at the factory site at Tsopoli in the Greater Accra Region.

‘We could have more, but last year we had some challenges. They are trying to frustrate us. Thank God, we are strong enou
gh to survive’ he added.

The Founder urged the government to support local manufacturing companies and listen to their concerns and help resolve them.

There is also the need for the government to lift the high taxes on manufacturing companies, provide incentives to reduce the cost of doing business and make the environment conducive for growth.

He called on the government to ban the direct export of scrap copper to encourage value addition locally.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Prof. John Peters, a faculty of the United Kingdom leadership development organisation, TEXEM, says CEOs and directors know that in the present turbulent times, organizations face multiple global and local challenges.

Answering questions on TEXEM’s website, www.texem.co.uk, on the coming programme of the organization billed for Manchester, Peters says the million dollar question is, how can they win in these turbulent times?

The TEXEM faculty asserts that Nigerian executives need strategic leadership and paradigm shift to thrive in such uncertain glocal business landscape.

He said the programme, ‘Strategic Leadership Unleashed: Thriving In An Uncertain GLOCAL World’ will equip Nigerian and global leaders with the agility and foresight to navigate complexity successfully.

‘Through this framework, leaders can anticipate market shifts, harness global opportunities, and address local nuances adeptly.

‘For instance, adept strategic leaders can leverage cross-cultural insights to expand operations internationa
lly while remaining rooted in local values, thus fostering sustainable growth.

‘A prime example of a company embodying these principles is Dangote Group, which, under the strategic leadership of Aliko Dangote, has successfully expanded its footprint continent-wide while maintaining its Nigerian roots,’ Peters said.

According to him, these topics and more will be covered during the forthcoming TEXEM programme, which will be held in Manchester between May 26 and May 30.

John Peters, former Chair of the Association of MBAs (an organisation that accredits Harvard, Stanford, Wharton and IMD), is a top world leadership speaker and survivor par excellence. He was a Prisoner of War during the Gulf War 1.

He will be among the three faculty members delivering the TEXEM programme titled ‘Strategic Leadership Unleashed: Thriving In An Uncertain GLOCAL World’, which is billed for Manchester.

Other faculty members include Prof. Rodria Laline (the inventor of the IP being used on all ATMs globally, Former SVP for Oracl
e in Asia Pacific and Harvard, INSEAD and IMD Professor)

Prof. Paul Griffith (the World’s first Professor of Management to lead a team to launch a rocket into space) is also a faculty on this programme.

Peters says understanding the changing roles of strategic leaders in these increasingly disruptive global and local times enables leaders to adopt a more holistic approach to decision-making to win.

He added that it enables balancing short-term objectives with long-term considerations, creating value for all stakeholders, and ensuring the resilience and longevity of their organisations.

Peters further explained how pressure can be utilised as a catalyst for innovation in problem-solving within an organisation.

‘Pressure can be a powerful catalyst for innovation in problem-solving within an organisation by fostering urgency, resourcefulness, adaptive thinking, risk-taking, collaboration, learning, adaptation, and motivation among individuals and teams.

‘When harnessed effectively, pressure can fuel creati
vity and drive positive change, leading to breakthrough solutions that propel the organisation forward,’ he said.

Peters said leaders can employ several strategies to recognise a crisis as an opportunity for transformation and organisational excellence.

According to the faculty, one of the strategies

is to embrace a growth mindset, by reframing challenges as opportunities and building the organisation’s core competence to respond to external threats.

Peters says in this way, leaders can inspire a culture of resilience and creativity within the organisation.

He said another strategy is to stay agile and adaptive explaining that by staying nimble and open to new possibilities, leaders can identify opportunities for transformation and guide the organisation towards excellence.

Peters also prescribed encouragement of innovation saying by fostering a culture of innovation, leaders can harness the collective intelligence of their workforce to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

Focusing on purpose a
nd values is another strategy prescribed by the TEXEM faculty.

According to Peters, by anchoring decision-making and actions in core principles, leaders can ensure alignment and coherence across the organisation.

He said they can also guide efforts towards transformative outcomes that uphold the organisation’s mission and vision.

Peters suggested communicating transparently, explaining that transparent communication fosters trust, builds resilience, and encourages collective problem-solving, laying the foundation for organisational excellence.

He urged leaders and executives to empower and support employees saying by investing in employee well-being and development, leaders can foster a motivated and resilient workforce capable of driving transformation.

Peters advised them to learn from adversity asserting that by embracing a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, leaders can leverage crises as catalysts for organisational excellence.

‘For example renowned organisations such as Disney, Microso
ft, Uber and Airbnb were all founded during economic crises.

‘If they can thrive despite the challenging external environment so can Nigerian organisations,’ the faculty said.

Another strategy he prescribed for the leaders is to lead by example saying by embodying the values and behaviours they wish to see in others, leaders can inspire confidence, foster trust, and galvanise collective action towards transformative outcomes.

‘By attending the forthcoming TEXEM programme you will be able to glean fresh insights into how to win in these volatile times,’ Peters said.

He offered some insights from Nigerian organisations and how their experiences can offer some lessons applicable to other contexts.

Referring to the Dangote Group again, he said that one key strategy that has contributed to the group’s resilience is diversification.

‘The lesson here is the importance of diversification in building resilience and sustaining growth, particularly in volatile environments.

‘Another is Guaranty Trust Bank: GTBank
has leveraged technology to expand its reach and offer customers innovative financial products and services.

‘The lesson here is the importance of embracing digital transformation and innovation to adapt to changing market conditions and meet customers’ evolving needs,’ Peters said.

He also mentioned the Lagos State Government as another Nigerian entity with commendable core competence.

‘The Lagos State Government has implemented various initiatives to ameliorate challenges such as traffic congestion, infrastructure deficits, and environmental degradation.

‘The lesson here is the importance of proactive governance, strategic planning, and public-private partnerships in addressing complex challenges and driving sustainable development.

‘Overall, many Nigerian organisations have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and adaptability in navigating crises, uncertainties and challenges,’ Peters said.

He said the key lessons from their experiences include the importance of diversification, digital transformati
on, innovation, collaboration, and proactive governance in building resilience and sustaining growth in uncertain environments.

‘While these lessons can be applied to challenges of the past, there is an urgent need to glean new insights on how to address present and future challenges such as how does geopolitics affect organisation’s particularly in emerging markets and how can leaders turn these headwinds to tailwinds,’ Peters said.

Peters, Laline and Griffith will leverage TEXEM’s tested and proven methodology that makes learning engaging, experiential, actionable and beneficial at the programme.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Kogi East All Progressive Congress (APC) stakeholders, have passed a Vote of Confidence on Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, appealing for an audience with him toward strengthening the party.

The stakeholders stated this at a media chat with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, saying that the interface was to provide feedback and seek for direction on ways forward.

This, according to them, is critical toward strengthening the party to continue its hold as the ruling party in the state.

Mr Isah Daniel, the pioneer state Vice-chairman of the party, however, expressed concern over the depletion of party members, particularly in Kogi East due to the activities of the opposition.

He stressed the need for a massive grassroots membership drive to swell the membership fold of the party.

‘As critical stakeholders, it is necessary to come together to adopt what I described as an ‘operational political victory module’ so that we can come out victorious in subsequent and future elections.

‘In achieving what is before us
and to consolidate our party on ground, we need an interface with Gov. Ododo for possible directive and feedback.

‘We will be doing this by consulting stakeholders at all levels for their contribution for the party to remain a winning party in the state,’ he said.

Also speaking, Mr Bala Zakari, a stakeholder blamed the depletion of the membership of the party on the crises that came with the victory of the party at the Nov.16 2023 governorship election in the state.

‘There are a lot of defections from the party after the election.

‘So, we are coming together to help our party; to help our government and remobilise, sensitise, and talk to our people.

‘This is so that those who defected from the party will come back and for those who were not our members before to join us. This is because APC is a progressive democratic party,’ he said.

Also, Sen. Emmanuel Ocheja, said that in spite of the membership challenge facing the party, Ododo has had performed beyond expectations.

Ocheja, who represented Kogi Ea
st at the Senate between 2011 and 2015, commended the governor for reaching out to stakeholders across different parties to come together to develop the state.

‘Ododo has begun his stewardship on a very good footing.

‘He has started visiting top political stakeholders across the different parties in the state, like the former governor Ibrahim Idris and former governor Idris Wada among others.

‘He is bringing people together and reconciling even the warring factions in Kogi and we welcome and encourage him to keep on with what he has started.

‘If he continues with what he is doing now, there will not be any other party in Kogi but APC,’ he said.

Another stakeholder, retired Major-General Patrick Akpa, lauded the governor for addressing insecurity, in spite of sharing boundaries with 10 states.

Akpa described security as simply ‘safety and freedom from danger’, and commended the governor for establishing Forward Operational Based to make residents feel safe.

He also lauded the governor for supporting the
state vigilance group with operational vehicles and motorcycles.

He appealed to the governor to extend the same gesture to the Kogo East Neighbourhood Watch, established at district level as a self-help approach to tackle insecurity.

On his part, a former Minister of State for Labour, Prof. Stephen Ocheni, said that Ododo was doing very well in addressing workers and pensioners welfare and urged him to continue.

Another stakeholder, Mr Moses Abdullahi, assured of the continued support of the party’s stakeholders in Kogi East for the success of the party.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare says addressing public health challenges

requires a multi-sectoral approach that recognises the intricate interplay between various determinants of health.

Dr Binyerem Ukaire, the Director and Head, Family Health Department in the ministry, said this in Abuja during a two-day

National Health Promotion Stakeholders workshop.

Ukaire, who was represented by Mrs Chinyere Ogbonna, the Deputy Director, Health Promotion Department of Family Health,

said the workshop was to review and refine the National Health Promotion Coordination Framework.

According to her, it is a critical aspect of public health that enables people to increase control over their health and its determinants.

She said ‘the purpose of the workshop is to develop a framework, identify gaps and develop strategies to enhance effectiveness.’

She explained that ‘health promotion efforts cannot be siloed within the healthcare sector alone; instead, it must engage multiple

sectors such as education, envi
ronment, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), as well as

nutrition.

She said that such would create supportive environment that foster health and well-being.

‘This integrated approach acknowledges the role this sector plays in influencing individual and community health outcomes.

‘It is about empowering communities, improving health literacy, and creating supportive environments for healthy living,’ she said.

The director said Nigeria faced numerous health challenges, including communicable and non-communicable diseases,

maternal and child health issues, and lifestyle-related conditions.

According to her, addressing these challenges require a well-coordinated and robust framework to tackle.

‘Therefore, the development of the National Health Promotion Coordination Framework (NHPCF) is a process of establishing

strategic approach toward the prevention of public health issues in Nigeria.

‘Building the foundation to drive health promotion in effective multi-sectoral partnership and coordinated action,
engaging

stakeholders in advancing the nation’s health agenda as well as harnessing resources.

‘It is important to mention that the ministry has given a strategic focus and direction, carefully presented in the strategic blueprint.

‘On this backdrop, the ministry, in collaboration with key stakeholders, must provide policy enabling environment for

successful implemention of this strategic blueprint,’ she said.

During his representation, Mr William Anyebe, the Executive Coordinator, Treeshade Associate Nigeria Ltd, said that the specific

objective of the framework was to facilitate efficient coordination and harmonisation.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Stakeholders in health, gender and environment sectors have advocated for the integration of women and girls with disabilities in climate change policies, programmes and disaster management initiatives.

The stakeholders made the call in Abuja at a one-day Stakeholders Meeting organised by the Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD) with support from the Disability Rights Fund.

Mrs Lois Auta, Project Lead and Executive Director, NWD, said that climate change affected women and girls with disabilities, especially in the areas of biodiversity, food insecurity, health, economy, water sanitation and hygiene.

‘Our legal frameworks should encapsulate issues of women with disabilities and the impact of climate change.

‘We need to include them in the planning; we should empower, engage and employ women with disabilities in all our jobs and training opportunities.

‘Also, in the Conference of Parties (COP28), we did not see enough representation of women with disabilities.

‘We want to see women with disabilities
in steering committees and all other platforms on climate change.

‘We want the five per cent reservations for women with disabilities in COP29, which the plans have already started,’ she said.

On his part, Mr Akintude Akinmolayen, Executive Director, Climate Actors Innovations and Sustainability, stressed the importance of prioritising the needs of women with disabilities in various disaster scenarios and climate change impacts.

‘Climate change affects everybody but PWDs are affected more especially in the area of access to facilities and when there is a climate disaster, it aggravates and worsens the problem.

‘These are the areas that should be looked into to ensure that they are also supported, prepared and the response strategy for them to be able to cope, adjust to the crisis whenever it comes to them.’

Akinmolayen, who also consults for NWD, urged the government to include PWDs in policies and early warning systems.

Also, Mr James Lalu, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Dis
abilities (NCPWDs), reiterated the agency’s commitment towards promoting inclusion and ensuring the rights of PWDs were upheld.

Lalu, represented by Ms Akinbola Olanike, Head, Women and Gender Unit, said NCPWDs collaborated with others on ensuring their inclusion in climate change policies and access to aid during flooding or climate change impacts.

Also, Hajiya Fatima Kasim, Special Duties Department, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said the agency prioritised PWDs and vulnerable groups when distributing relief items during any climate change impacts like flooding.

Comfort Omokore, Assistant Chief Planning Officer, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), said the commission was committed towards supporting and implementing policies and programmes for PWDs.

Other highlights of the day included panel discussion on integrating disability inclusive approaches into climate change related planning and disaster risk reduction.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

An NGO, Hacey Health Initiative, says students require proper guidance and counselling in their choice of career paths to achieve fulfillment and contribute positively to socio-economic growth.

Ms Mercy Kalu, Programme Officer, HACEY’s PAVE Project Officer, said this during a Career Day Programme at Saint Francis School, Iwaya, Lagos, on Wednesday.

According to her, the event aims to assist students understand the process of effective career choice, clarify their future objectives, and appropriate action to implement these objectives.

She noted that an opinion sampling conducted showed that many of the students lacked clarity about their future career paths, while some were pushed to a career choice by their parents.

‘It is important for a child to make this decision themselves as it encourages confidence and self-reliance in future plans,’ she said.

Kalu said that the programme was also to deconstruct gender bias that it was safer to invest in educating a boy-child and marry off the girl-child.

‘We als
o engage parents and community leaders in our discussions so that they understand and align with what we are doing with the girl-child, so that we can build a safer society for them,’ she said.

She noted that the event was done under its PAVE Project, a girl-centred, community-based safe space programme, aimed at supporting teenage girls by providing them with essential health, financial, and life skills information, services, and tools.

‘The project establishes safe spaces where girls can access knowledge and resources related to sexual health, mental health, and career development.

‘They receive mentoring and are referred for additional support services as needed,’ she said.

Similarly, Mrs Oluwanifemi Sowole, a psychologist, said that passion, skills, personality, values were some factors that influence career choice.

Sowole emphasised the vital role played by parents and teachers in identifying and nurturing gifts of children to enable them excel in their chosen career.

Also, Mr Samuel Facon, Princi
pal of the school, commended the organisers for their interest in the future of the students.

Facon advised the students to utilise the opportunity properly, saying ‘ whatever career you choose, make sure you have the passion and capability for it.

‘Don’t go to science class because your friends are there. Stay in your area of strengths and you will excel in your chosen career,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria