Day: May 22, 2024

West Africa traditional and faith leaders have pledged to end Gender Based Violence (GBV) and harmful traditional practices affecting women and girls, especially at the community level.

They made the commitment at a summit organised by the UN Women with support from the Ford Foundation on Tuesday in Abuja.

The summit was part of its ‘Traditional and Cultural Leaders for Ending GBV by Advancing Advocacy, Policy, and Social Norms Change in Nigeria and West Africa (LEAP)’ project (2023-2026).

Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, described GBV as a violation of human rights, a barrier to development, and a threat to peace and security.

‘In West Africa, over 40 per cent of women are victims of physical and/or sexual violence.

‘These acts of abuse are so common that they tend to be normalised

by women themselves,’ she said.

She said the summit would provide them with tools, regional accountability framework to support continuous monitoring and hold them accountable for their comm
itments towards eliminating GBV and harmful practices.

‘We know with your commitment and support; we can create an Africa where women and girls live free from fear of violence.

‘And where our traditional and religious practices can be upheld and celebrated without compromising on human rights,’ she said.

Darren Walker, President, Ford Foundation, said: ‘Let us continue drawing on the wisdom of our traditions and collective resolve to address the scourge of GBV and create a more just equitable society for women and girls in West Africa.

‘Together, we can achieve our shared vision of a world free from violence, bias, prejudice and discrimination.’

Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs stressed the need to collaborate with stakeholders, especially religious and traditional leaders to end GBV and harmful practices against women and girls.

‘Each time I speak with any of you, I learn lessons and I push it into action immediately because I want this to succeed, and it is only through that that w
e can liberate the women, girls and babies,’ she said.

Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, noted the existence of GBV in the society overtime, calling for more actions and policy implementation to avoid re-convening meetings to discuss the same issues.

Abubakar, who is also the President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, said: ‘we are ready to give our best to the country, talk about peace and stability based on justice, fair play, and equity.

‘ This is a large turnout of traditional leaders, which shows that traditional institutions are always ready to be proactive and progressive.’

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ile-Ife, stressed the need to prioritise issues affecting women and implementing practical solutions that would address them.

‘Traditional rulers have a very important role to play, and we still need to do more in giving women a place to stand, how they can be beneficial to society irrespective of religion.

‘Maybe some religion and cultural beliefs usually confine wo
men, but there are several other ways that you can give women a sense of place and make sure they are part of the society and have things they can contribute,’ he said.

Rev. Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said: ‘ we must give moral leadership in speaking out against all forms of violence and injustice including GBV.

‘And to work towards a more just and equitable society for all to live and flourish in without fear of discrimination or intimidation.’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that various religious and traditional leaders from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria Republic, and Liberia were in attendance at the event, aimed at eliminating GBV and transforming harmful social norms at the community level.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

With barely a week to the first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, some stakeholders have urged Nigerians to be hopeful.

According to them, the various reform programmes of the government will improve their livelihoods.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu was sworn-in on May 29, 2023 after campaigning on the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda”.

Shortly after assuming office, the president embarked on economic policy reforms, such as removal of the long, controversial petrol subsidy and unification of the dual foreign exchange rates.

Both policies, which were designed to improve revenue of the Federal Government, have had a ripple effect on the micro economy of the average Nigerian, due to worsening inflationary trend and high cost of basic commodities.

An economist, Prof. Ken Ife, urged Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu – led government while the various economic reforms come into fruition.

Ife, the Lead Consultant on Private Sector Development to the ECOWAS Commission, sai
d that the reforms though biting were necessary bitter pills to reposition the ailing economy.

‘We should consider where we were one year ago and where we are today.

‘Our economy was in an intensive unit, very sick in crisis. Everything went wrong, N23 trillion Ways and Means, almost N100 trillion debt; debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio at almost 40 per cent, debt service to revenue of more than 90 per cent.

‘One year down the line, Nigeria has come out of the intensive unit. We are now in a recovering position,” he said.

According to him, we have to make sacrifices.

‘Inflation has gone up significantly, but that is part of the price we have to pay before we experience economic boom,” he said.

On the appropriate ‘living wage” for Nigerian workers as promised by the president, Ife called for sincere negotiations.

‘Minimum wage is a matter for negotiation because, it is not just the minimum wage, but there are repercussion on the minimum wage that affects the wages of everyone else.

‘What is
agreed on today may be progressively improved over the next year or two.

‘There needs to be a three-year wage increment by percentage, so that as they are increasing it, inflation has to be coming down.

‘Inflation is the biggest challenge, if inflation is within a single digit then the money that people receive can buy much more,” he said.

Dr Chijioke Ekechukwu, an economist, said that the reforms usually ended in hope.

Accordimg to Ekechukwu, a past president of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), reforms usually come with relief if sincerely carried out.

He urged Nigerians to give Tinubu some more time to see his various economic reforms come to fruition.

‘When there are reforms, they bite hard, but the idea is that there should be light at the end of the tunnel.

‘The government has embarked on a lot of reforms to reposition the economy. The removal of fuel subsidy is to make more money available for other sectors.

‘And that has actually ncreased government revenue. Same with floatin
g of the Naira, even though it has also contributed to inflation. Interest rate today is about the highest in Africa.

‘The higher the interest rate, the higher the cost of production and the cost will be passed over to the consumers.

‘Generally, there is a growth in the economy. The GDP is growing to the extent that the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have improved on their projection for Nigeria,”he said.

He, however, said that insecurity was still a major challenge.

‘Unfortunately, not enough has happened to insecurity, and it is a major bane of our economic development,” he said.

He said that while we appraised the Federal Government, we should also consider the performances of states and Local Government Councils.

On minimum wage, Ekechukwu said that when we look at the level of depreciation of the Naira and the level of inflation, even N100,000 as Minimum wage would not be enough.

According to him, the percentage of depreciation and inflation are way above that.

‘What Nigerians
need is not high salary per se. What we need is an economy where prices of goods and services are affordable to all Nigerians.

‘We need inflation to be low, we need amenities to be working at affordable prices.

‘In an economy like the UK, education till the child is eighteen years is free,” he said.

The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Mathew Kukah, said that 12 months were not enough to ‘pass judgment” on the government.

Kukah said that though government’s economic reforms had created some hardship, there is hope that things would improve.

‘I am sure many people will tell you that one year is not enough to make a judgment. However, from where we all stand, we know that we are all in a very difficult situation.

‘Nigerians are in various levels of pain, and they are pains that are unintended.

‘But they are the results of certain policy decisions that hopefully with time, can be amended to serve the welfare of the people,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to commit themselves to the fact th
at building a good society takes a lot of time.

‘It is not something that is done in one lifetime, and for me, the most important thing is to continue on the building blocks of the things that we think are being done well,’ he said.

However, the President of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, decried the current state of the nation’s economy and called for the return of fuel subsidy and reversal of other policies to make life easy and meaningful.

Ajaero described Tinubu’s action ‘as palliative policies” that had kept Nigerians in perpetual poverty.

‘Nigerians are the losers; look at the polices, from devaluation of Naira, removal of fuel subsidy, Value Added Tax, increase in taxes and many others.

‘These are being done without commensurate increase in salaries of the Nigerian workers.

‘Many companies have closed down. A lot of businesses have wind down, youth are leaving the country, the exchange rate of Naira to a dollar hit the ceiling causing increase in prices of goods and services,” Ajae
ro said.

Also,a member of the Northern Elders Forum, (NEF), Prof. Usman Yusuf, said that Nigerians were fast losing hope due to harsh economic conditions.

He urged the economic management team of the government to take steps that could improve the economy as a matter of urgency.

A civil servant, Abbas Ibrahim, described the last 12 months of the Tinubu presidency as very harsh on workers.

‘In the midst of all these reforms, the Nigerian worker is the worst hit.

‘Inflation is at its worst level, yet our salaries remain unchanged. If you ask me, I will tell you clearly that the government has not done well,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO of National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), says the Federal Government has approved the prohibition of money rituals and glamourising of vices in Nigerian films.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Husseini disclosed this at a National Stakeholders Engagement on Smoke-Free Nollywood held in Enugu on Wednesday.

The event was organised by the NFVCB and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).

Movie producers, directors and actors drawn from different parts of the country, as well as leaders of various guilds and associations in the Nigerian film industry were present at the event.

Husseini said that today, we are facing an industry emergency requiring bold and ambitious actions from all parents, guardians and stakeholders.

‘When my predecessor approached the former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed on the need to make a subsidiary legislation to curtail the display of smoking in Nigerian movies, he saw the need
to include money rituals.

‘Others included in the regulation are ritual killings and glamourising other crimes in order to further sanitise the film industry.

‘Today, I am delighted to announce to you that the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, pursuant to section 65 of the NFVCB Act 2004 has approved the regulation.

‘The minister has approved the Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Products, Nicotine Product Promotion and Glamorisation display in Movies, Musical Videos and Skits’ Regulations 2024.’

‘We have also forwarded the approved copy to the Federal Ministry of Justice for Gazette,’ he said.

Husseini said the sensitisation programme was to educate stakeholders on the danger inherent in consummation of smoking in Nigerian movies.

According to him, besides the health implications, glamourising smoking in films poses a negative influence on teens and young adults who constitute the largest segment of Nigeria movie viewers.

He said that the b
oard was set to undertake detailed enlightenment programmes in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, local communities, faith groups and other institutions.

‘As you all know, the film industry occupies a central position in the entertainment and creative sector, and it is imperative that we continue to place the highest premium on the progress of the film industry.

‘The NFVCB supports smoke-free movies and supports smoke-free Nollywood, and we therefore seek your collaboration to develop creative content that discourages smoking and promotes positive health messages.

‘After series of engagements, the NFVCB in collaboration with the CAPPA decided to do a ‘subsidiary regulations’ to cater for smoking in movies since this aspect was not expressly spelt out in the extant Law.

‘The NFVCB is well prepared to take leadership in this regard and has planned and began implementing innovative ways to achieve its mandate,’ he said

NAN reports that it is the duty of the Board to register all films and videos outl
ets across the country, and to keep a register of such registered outlets among other functions.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), says, it has facilitated the provision of electricity to 12 Primary Healthcare Centres(PHCs) in the Niger Delta region.

Mr Tunji Idowu, PIND’s Executive Director, made this known in a statement highlighting the foundation successes and achievements in its 2023 Annual Report themed: Advancing Frontiers for

Greater Impact.

Idowu said the project was under the United States Agency for International

Development-led Health Electrification and Telecommunication Alliance (HETA) initiative aimed at providing electricity to healthcare facilities.

According to him, PHCs in Bayelsa, Delta, and Ondo States benefitted from the project in 2023.

He said through its Market Systems Development project, they supported over 49,000 farmers (46.35 per cent females) with recorded cumulative investments by PIND-supported farmers and MSMEs recorded at over N10 billion.

The Executive Director, said they assisted in establishing Peace Clubs in secondary schoo
ls and universities across the region to foster change attitudes, behaviours and promote peace through education.

‘We launched a business start-up challenge fund through its Youth Employment Pathways project in which 66 successful contestants received grants totaling N42 million to establish their businesses.

According to him, they also partnered with Ford Foundation on the Bridges Project to support the implementation of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) component of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

He said they were able to achieve it through awareness creation and capacity building for non-governmental and community-based organisations.

Idowu noted that in spite of the socioeconomic challenges, rising inflation and foreign exchange rate fluctuations, the Foundation continued to facilitate peace and equitable economic growth in the Niger Delta.

‘2023 saw us exceeding expectations and achieving several milestones as we consolidated our previous work and successes while exploring new opportun
ities.

‘Together with our partners, [PIND] continued to find creative, people-centered ways to carry out our mission to facilitate peace and equitable economic growth in the Niger Delta,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is set to host the 6th edition of the African Education Conference (Edutech), aimed at proffering solutions on revitalising the education system using technology and innovations.

The Chairman, Board of Trustee, Education First Nigeria, Dr Macjohn Nwabiaola, who disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, underscored the importance of technology in up-scaling educational needs of the people.

Nwabiaola said there was the need to come up in speed with global trend as well as change the narratives in the nation’s educational pursuit.

‘We are in a world, where things are changing and we must ensure that our children can be enabled to compete globally when it comes to education.

‘Some years ago, when our students sit for JAMB, it was paper and pencil examination but gradually we made it a Computer Based Test (CBT) which was criticised, but here we are, CBT has come to stay.

‘Edutech is very critical and we need to look at our policies in education,
we need to bring all stakeholders and it will be holistic as children with special needs will be involved,” he said.

Nwabiaola, who is also the former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, said the education sector is faced with a lot of challenges that must be solved through collaborations.

Also, Founder, Education First Nigeria, Moses Imayi, said the organisation and Skool Media had supported over 110 educational institutions through setting up of their digital centres.

Imayi said the goal was to put technology at the heart of learning in schools across the country, noting that the centres had helped to bridge digital gaps.

‘The conference will serve as a platform to mobilise every stakeholders to begin to popularise the importance of education,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Coordinator, UBEC Digital Resource Centre, Prof. Bashir Galandaci, said the commission underscored the importance of technology in learning which crystalised the basis for hosting the conference.

Galandaci said UBEC ha
d introduced several digital programmes with the aim of radically transforming basic education in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference with the theme: Building an Effective African Edutech Ecosystem for Global Impact, will take place in Abuja, between Oct. 29 and Oct. 31.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Centre for Applied Policy and Social Advocacy, a Civil Society Organization (CSO), has urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Ganduje to ensure immediate take off of the party’s national think-thank, known as The Progressives Institute (TPI).

The Executive Head, of the group, Mohammed Bello, made the appeal in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, after its first quarter policy review on Nigerian Political Progress (NPP).

Bello commended Tinubu and Ganduje led National Working Committee of the APC for their keen interest at setting up the world institute for the ruling party.

He said that the institute had the potential to enhance the policy capacity of the party and accelerate the popularity of the party’s programs and achievements of the government.

‘A ruling party as big as the APC deserves such a world class Institute because this will provide public office holders with new and modern trends in corporate governance.

‘We appeal to the leader
ship of the APC to ensure such a beautiful baby is born without further delay,’ he said.

Bello also expressed confidence that the institute when established would strengthen APC policy formulation and expand its impact of the government.

He added that the institute would provide an avenue for the party to measure the impact of government polices and programs on the Nigerian masses.

‘We are optimistic that such a world class institute will enhance democratic practice in Nigeria and provide the ruling party the opportunity to engage Nigerians in a robust discussion.

‘It will bridge communication gap between the party, Nigeria’s political elites, the civil society groups, the media as well as international community hence this will promote inclusiveness and educate public officials on corporate governance,’ he said.

Bello, while commending the federal government numerous reforms towards a genuine socio-economic development, urged Tinubu not to relent on its lofty reforms no matter how tough they were.

Sou
rce: News Agency of Nigeria

Dr Alim Abubakre, British Nigerian founder of TEXEM UK, the United Kingdom leadership development organisation, has praised Nigerian lady, Abigail Katung as the first person of African descent to be appointed Lord Mayor of Leeds.

In a statement on TEXEM’s website, www.texem.co.uk, Abubakre said the monumental achievement is a testament to Katung’s dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to public service.

He said it also marks a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, symbolising a beacon of hope and opportunity for the Nigerian diaspora and the broader African community.

‘Abigail’s journey from growing up in Nigeria to becoming a distinguished leader in one of the UK’s major cities is nothing short of inspirational.

‘Her election as Lord Mayor is not only a personal triumph but also a collective victory for all Nigerians and Africans who aspire to make meaningful contributions on the global stage.

‘Her role as a councillor for the Labour and C
o-operative Party and her previous service as Chair of the Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure, Investment, and Inclusive Growth) underscore her commitment to tackling injustices, inequalities and promoting a fairer, more prosperous society,’ Abubakre said.

The TEXEM founder also extended deepest gratitude to Senator Sunday Katung, Abigail’s husband representing Kaduna South Senatorial District whose steadfast support has been instrumental in Abigail’s journey.

‘This shared success underscores the vital role that family and community support play in achieving remarkable accomplishments.

‘Senator Katung’s contributions to public service, along with his unwavering support for Abigail, are commendable and reflect the strength and unity of their partnership.

‘We also recognise the Nigerian Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Governor of Kaduna State for their recognition and support of Abigail’s achievements,’ Abubakre said.

He acknowledged that Hon. Abike Dabiri’s relentless efforts in ch
ampioning diaspora affairs have paved the way for countless Nigerians abroad to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their host countries and homeland.

Abubakre added that Dabiri’s advocacy has been pivotal in creating a supportive environment for the diaspora, enabling success stories like Abigail’s to flourish.

He said that by celebrating and supporting diaspora achievements, Nigeria can attract significant investments and foster initiatives that benefit Nigeria and the entire African continent.

Abubakre said that India has leveraged the strength of its diaspora to unlock value in international relations, talent acquisition, volunteer programs, and foreign direct investment.

‘Just like India, Nigeria can harness more of the potential of its global citizens to achieve similar success,’ he said.

The TEXEM founder said that Abigail’s appointment is a moment of national pride to President Bola Tinubu and the good people of Nigeria.

‘It reflects the rich potential of Nigerian citizens to excel and lead in
various fields globally.

‘Her achievement can serve as a powerful catalyst to strengthen ties between Nigeria and the UK, enhancing diplomatic relations and fostering greater collaboration.

‘Abigail Katung’s appointment as Lord Mayor of Leeds presents a unique opportunity to enhance Nigeria’s and Africa’s brand equity and soft power,’ he said.

Abubakre said Katung’s new role is a testament to the power of perseverance, the strength of community, and the boundless potential of the Nigerian diaspora.

‘Her leadership will undoubtedly inspire many and serve as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and a commitment to service.

‘We congratulate Abigail and her family on this remarkable achievement and look forward to witnessing the positive impact of her leadership in Leeds and beyond,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has approved $4.49 million dollars grant for healthcare interventions in Adamawa.

The grant would fasttrack rehabilitation of nine primary healthcare facilities in eight local government areas of the state.

Laurent De Boeck, Chief of Mission IOM, made the disclosure on Wednesday during the inauguration of the project at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola.

De Boeck said that 150,000 residents would benefit from the rehabilitated facilities, and 80 persons with disabilities would benefit from referrals and specialised assistance, while 1,350 other beneficiaries would benefit from cash-for-work.

According to him, the project will build the capacity of 216 healthcare professionals in Maiha, Michika, Song, Mubi-North, Mubi-South, Hong, Lanurde and Gombi LGAs.

The IOM official further said that fostering peaceful coexistence and an inclusive environment was crucial for any country facing conflict and displacement.

‘Encouraging the return and resett
lement of IDPs along with ensuring access to qualify healthcare is a vital part of this effort.

‘The support is also aim at strengthening the capacities of governments in the six conflict affected states in the North-East,’ he said.

Earlier, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri said the project would complement government’s decision to close IDP camps across the state.

Represented by his deputy, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, the governor said the project was aimed at addressing health related issues among other needs of the displaced persons, returnees and host communities.

He assured that the state government would leverage on the Japanese experience to build a world class 21st century economy through the application of ICT in schools, deployment of digital health technologies and entrepreneurship development.

The governor reiterated commitment to explore opportunities of establishing technical and development cooperation with development partners, to address health and other needs of the people.

Source: News Agency of Nig
eria

The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), FCT Administration, says the continuous impoundment of commercial motorcycles is reducing the rate of crime in the federal capital city.

DRTS Head of Operation, Mrs Deborah Osho, stated this during the routine impoundment of commercial motorcycles to in Abuja city centre on Tuesday.

Osho said that FCT was recording fewer crimes associated with the use of motorcycles in the city centre.

She said that the raid on commercial motorcycles was a continuous operation to rid the city of the menace of motorcycles.

Osho said that the operation was in line with the ban on the operation of commercial motorcycles within the city.

The head of operations said that the commercial motorcycles were constituting a nuisance in the city, posing security threats, and causing traffic congestion in the city.

She said that a total of 120 motorcycles were impounded during the exercise.

On his part, Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, Command and Control Centre, Department of Security Se
rvices(DSS), FCTA, also said that motorcycle related crime has drastically reduced in FCT.

Olumuji said that FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike was passionate about the security of lives and property of Abuja residents.

‘It’s a holistic approach where all the security agencies are working in synergy to keep the city safe,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo has suggested that constitutional roles ought to be assigned to traditional rulers to fight insecurity in the country.

Uzodinma made the suggestion in Abuja on Wednesday when he hosted traditional rulers from the southern part of the country.

He observed that traditional rulers had a key role to play in ensuring security to sustain the unity and political stability of the country.

‘Some of us have argued strongly that constitutional roles be given to traditional rulers.

‘Issues of insecurity; all types of criminality, kidnapping, banditry, quasi-terrorism have held this country down for the past couple of years to ransom.

‘If we must cure this menace, we must start from the roots. The landlords of the country are the traditional rulers.

‘So, you have to partner with the government. It doesn’t matter which political party or government you like, let us all help to tackle the problem,’ he said.

Uzodinma who is the Chairman Progressives Governors’ Forum further said: Community se
curity, vigilance arrangements start with traditional rulers; and so we cannot do without you.

‘I invite you not to shy away from your responsibilities, identify with the government of the day. You are like barracks; soldiers come, soldiers go, barracks still remain’.

He, however, appreciated the traditional rulers for believing in the unity of the country, saying that if the country was not united, there would not be any country.

Uzodinma also said that the Federal Government was interested in partnering with traditional rulers to have a united country.

In his speech, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said that as traditional leaders of the southern part of the country, they came together to ensure a secured region and the nation at large.

He said that the maiden visit by the traditional rulers of the southern part of the country was to seek collaboration with the governors.

‘We realised that it is better we come together for the betterment of our people, including our various subjects in the poli
tical arena.

‘We need to guide them and guard them right because we are closer to our people and we know the challenges we are having in our country.

‘We want to try as much as possible to form a strong and formidable force and this has come to stay; we are not particular about hierarchy or any structure or things that will divide us.

‘What we believe is that we shall promote the ideals of the country irrespective of political, religious difference or cultural diversity,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria