Day: May 22, 2024

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, wooed investors from Sweden and Rwanda, to invest in the territory’s tourism sector and environmental management.

Wike expressed the FCT Administration’s readiness for the partnership when the Swedish Ambassador and Rwandan High Commissioner visited him in Abuja.

The minister said that the FCTA was open to partner with Swedish investors to develop tourism centres in the FCT.

‘Tourism is one key area that people would like to see developed in Abuja.

‘We will be happy if we partner together and develop some tourist centres with companies who have the capacity and the capabilities,’ he said.

The minister added that Sweden was known for its advancement in technology and agriculture.

‘So, we will be willing to partner with some of your companies who are interested in investing in FCT.

‘Our responsibility is to make sure the environment is very convenient and conducive for everybody to carry out their daily activities,’ he added
.

The minister also pledged to collaborate with Rwandan investors in environmental management, towards building a cleaner and environmentally friendly city.

Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo with Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, during a visit to the minister in Abuja on Tuesday.

Earlier, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hahn-Englund, said that Sweden has a strength in infrastructural development, including public transportation.

Earlier, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hahn-Englund, said that Sweden has a strength in infrastructural development, including public transportation.

She particularly said that the Swedish Red Fund was currently doing a feasibility study in Lagos on energy and biofuel for public transportation.

‘It would be of interest also to look into something similar here in Abuja.

‘So, infrastructure, transportation and other areas where we are very strong are energy, telecommunications just to mention a few, with companies like Ericsson,’ she said.

Similarly, th
e Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, said that some investors from Rwanda were already showing interest in the FCT environmental sector.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Favour, a 12-year-old primary five student, solemnly observed as mourners streamed into their home to offer condolences to her father for the loss of her 28-year-old mother, Rebeccah.

Amidst the sorrow, Favour’s thoughts drifted to the haunting memories of violence and abuse in the hands of her father that ultimately claimed her mother’s life, leaving behind a void too deep to fathom.

Rebeccah’s story is tragically familiar, reflecting the harsh reality faced by many women whose lives were cut short by domestic violence and abuse.

The UN defines GBV as any act that results in physical, sexual, or mental harm, violence against women remains a pervasive global issue.

According to WHO statistics, nearly one-third of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner.

In Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs reveals alarming figures, with over 27,000 recorded cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) recorded between 2020 and 2023 in select states and the
FCT alone.

Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders, including the media.

Recognising their pivotal role, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) , a women-oriented pressure group among Nigerian journalists, has taken proactive steps to empower journalists as advocates for ending GBV.

Through capacity-building workshops like the Women Voice and Leadership (WVL) Project, funded by Action Aid Nigeria, NAWOJ aims to equip journalists with the tools and knowledge to effectively report on gender issues.

Mrs Chizoba Ogbeche, Vice-President, Zone D, NAWOJ, emphasised the importance of gender-sensitive reporting, urging journalists to highlight not only the challenges but also the resilience and achievements of women.

She said amplifying women’s issues in the media space would promote empowerment, crucial as Nigeria aims to address social, economic, and political challenges while striving for sustainable development.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Osareti
m Osasebamwen, FCT Council Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), emphasised the need to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women to society.

He stressed the importance of inclusive reporting that amplifies women’s voices and experiences.

In a call to action, Mr Chris Isiguzo, NUJ president, urged journalists to move beyond mere lamentations and embrace solutions-based journalism.

He emphasised the importance of highlighting not just the problems but also the pathways to change.

As journalists engage in critical dialogue and introspection, they have the power to challenge unconscious biases and shape a more inclusive media landscape’, he said.

Mrs. Bassey Ita-Ikpang, FCT Chairperson, NAWOJ, said women’s voices have often been marginalised or overlooked in mainstream media coverage.

‘To address this imbalance and foster more inclusive and representative reporting, journalists must work actively to amplify women’s voices in their reporting’, she said.

On his part, Malam
Ali Muhammad-Ali, Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), is of the opinion that the media space should focus more on reporting the consequences of perpetrating GBV.

Ali, like so many other gender right advocates, believes that punishing perpetrators of violence or harmful traditional practices would serve as a deterrent to others who might have the tendency to do the same.

‘The media should stop celebrating or promoting GBV, if they must, they should report it from the perspective of punishment and justice not celebrating GBV.

‘If the media keep objectifying women from advertising to marketing, that will encourage GBV.

‘We should begin to highlight in the media space the consequences of perpetrating GBV, it will serve as a deterrent to others from committing such acts”, he said.

Mrs Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs during a sensitisation and capacity building for journalist as part of the 16 days of activism to end GBV advocated the speedy prosecution of GBV cases.

‘I call on
our law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to be more responsive in their prosecutions, ruling and passing judgement on perpetrators of GBV.

‘We need stiffer penalties against sexual offenders, indeed at our last Council on Women Affairs meeting, members agreed on castration or death penalty without option of fine for perpetrators of rape.

‘I urge the media to report issues affecting women, children, the vulnerable and persons living with disabilities”, she said.

Similarly, in a bid to end GBV, the then governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El’rufai signed into law the amended penal code 2020, which prescribes surgical castration for a rapist upon conviction.

Dr Adaora Jack, the Executive Director, Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI) a Non-Governmental Organisation, urged media organisations to prioritise women empowerment to promote gender inclusivity.

She said the need to ensure gender accountability prompted the Gender for Agenda project with support from MacArthur Foundation and Wole Soyi
nka Center for Investigative Journalism.

‘Nigeria, like many other countries, has been grappling with gender disparities, limiting the full potential and contributions of its female population.

‘By empowering women, the country stands to benefit from a more diverse and inclusive workforce, increased economic growth, improved societal well-being, and enhanced political representation,’ she said.

Stakeholders, contend that media, as vanguard for societal change have also and are still playing their parts in more awareness about gender based violence.

It is important that media professionals should go beyond reporting, but rather seek solutions to challenges affecting women and girls.

Gender activists say by advocating gender rights, safety and ensuring that all important issues are highlighted in the media towards bringing about the desired change, media professionals would be going beyond mere news reporting to the realm of concrete solution providers.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Christopher Ugbebor, a software engineer, has commended the Federal Government over the suspension of the proposed cybersecurity levy, saying it showed that government was responsive to public concerns.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, Ugbebor said by suspending the levy, the government had demonstrated willingness to listen to feedback from various stakeholders.

Such stakeholders, he said, included businesses, consumers, and cybersecurity experts.

‘This decision reflects an understanding of the potential impact of the levy on electronic transactions and the broader economy, particularly in terms of cost implications for businesses and individuals.

”Furthermore, the suspension of the levy underscores the government’s recognition of the need for a balanced approach to cybersecurity funding.

‘While cybersecurity is undoubtedly a critical priority, it is essential to explore alternative mechanisms for financing cybersecurity initiatives that minimise the burden on bu
sinesses and consumers,’ he said.

Ugbebor said government’s decision also sends a positive signal to the business community, demonstrating a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and collaborate on finding effective solutions to cybersecurity challenges.

He said by suspending the levy, the government has created an opportunity for further consultation and deliberation on the most appropriate strategies for enhancing cybersecurity resilience while supporting economic growth and digital transformation.

Ugbebor said the effectiveness and implementation of cybersecurity levies and related measures vary dependent on political will, resource availability and stakeholder engagement.

He said some countries may explore alternative funding mechanisms or public-private- partnerships to support cybersecurity initiatives and address evolving cyber threats.

NAN reports that Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) withdrew its circular to banks and payment service providers to collect and remit the cybersecurity levy pr
oposed in the Cybercrime Prevention and Prohibition Amendment Act of 2024.

This was announced in a revised circular dated May 17, which was released by the CBN.

The circular was signed by Mr Chibuzor Efobi, Director of Payment Systems Management, and Mr Haruna Mustafa, Director of Financial Policy and Regulation, CBN.

The withdrawal follows the decision of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to suspend the levy as it has generated public outcry.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Commandant, National Defence College (NDC), Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, says that balanced gender representation can significantly improve operational outcomes in the security sector.

Olotu, who was represented by College Secretary, AVM Titus Dauda, said this at Two-Day Workshop on Promotion of Women’s Network/Association in the Security Sector organised by NDC on Wednesday in Abuja.

The theme of the workshop is: ‘Enhancing Gender-Responsive Security Operations and Community Dialogue Project in Nigeria (Phase II)’.

He said the event had created opportunity for wives associations of the Nigerian army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps(NSCDC), to play crucial role in achieving operational successes in the security sector.

According to him, their presence underscores the crucial role that families, particularly women, play in the strength and resilience of security institutions in an ever evolving world.

‘The security sector stands as a crucial area where balanced gende
r representation can significantly improve operational outcomes.

‘Thus, it is important to recognise and give credence to the vital roles women continue to play within the sector, particularly the vital roles women continue to play in the studies in the sector.

‘Pertinently promoting women’s networks and associations offers, among others, an effective strategy that will continue to shape gender responsive policies within the security institutions.

‘More so, these networks provide platforms for mutual support, mentorship, and skill sharing, while advocating for institutional changes that acknowledge and value women’s contributions.

‘It is believed that by fostering a collective voice and shared purpose, these networks can enhance individual efforts and create widespread, positive change within security institutions,’ he said.

Olotu said the workshop was expected to engage participants in comprehensive discussions as well as shared insights into identifying viable and actionable strategies that would insp
ire policy changes in the various security institutions.

He said there was need to create an environment where every member of the security community was valued and in part to contribute their fullest potential.

The UN Women Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, said the UN Security Council had called on all member states to ensure that women were given space to contribute to peace and security.

Eyong was represented by Mr Peter Mancha, Programme Specialist, Women, Peace and Security, UN Women, at the event.

She said the UN Security Council Resolution recognised that women were the ones that bore the brunt of violent conflicts, adding that women and children formed the majority in Internally Displaced Persons camps in Nigeria.

According to her, men are the ones that will go and fight, they get killed and they leave the women widowed and now taking the responsibility of them playing the role of both mothers and fathers.

‘But the resolution is saying, why do we always see women as victims
of violence? Why are we not seeing them as people that can contribute to peace? Why can’t we bring them to the table as we talk about peace and security issues?

‘This is because they have potentials and we are not tapping into them and that is one of the reasons why we are where we are.

‘So, they call on member states to develop national action plan to bring women on board to be actively engaged in peace and security processes,’ she said.

Eyong commended the government of Nigeria for developing the first national action Plan on women, peace and security in 2013; the second one in 2017 and the third currently being developed.

She said that there were still a huge gender gaps and gender disparities when it comes to women representation in the security sector in Nigeria.

According to her, the UN Women has decided to support the government of Nigeria to change the narrative.

The Coordinator, NDC Officers Wives Association (NDCOWA), Mrs Rhoda Olotu, commended the college’s Centre for Strategic Research and
Studies for putting the workshop together.

Olotu said there was the need to include the officers’ wives association to the drive for gender equality to be able to achieve success.

She said the workshop held profound significance not only for the security sector institutions, but also for women across the globe.

‘We recognise the vital role of promoting inclusivity and empowerment within our communities, especially within the realm of security operations.

‘Embracing diversity and offering equal opportunities for all unleashes a wealth of talent and potential.

‘This, in turn, drives innovation and leads to positive change,’ she added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reconstituted the National Blockchain Policy Steering Committee (NBP-SC) to validate trends in blockchain technology and incorporate new stakeholders for inclusive adoption and implementation.

Its Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, said this on Tuesday while inaugurating the committee at a three-day co-creation workshop for the implementation of the National Blockchain Policy (NBP) in Abuja.

Blockchain technology is an advanced database mechanism that allows transparent information sharing within a business network. A blockchain database stores data in blocks that are linked together in a chain.

The purpose of the blockchain is to share information amongst all parties that access it via an application. Access to this ledger in terms of reading and writing may be unrestricted or restricted.

Represented by Mr Oladejo Olawunmi, Director, IT Infrastructure Solutions, Inuwa recalled that the committee was initially inaugurated on May 16, 20
23.

He added that the agency constituted the committee to oversee the implementation of the National Blockchain Policy (NBP) and ensure its alignment with the overall goals and objectives of the policy.

The director-general said that blockchain technology was evolving, had increasingly transformative applications, hence the need to leverage the dynamic potential it possessed.

‘Presently, we are at the initial stage of blockchain technology implementation and because of that many people are not aware of the potential of the technology.

‘Blockchain technology is so vast and can used in any industry and that is why the policy was developed to ensure we tap into the full potential of blockchain technology.

‘The continuous evolving nature of blockchain technology and its increasingly transformative applications across diverse sectors necessitate a commensurate evolution in our leadership.

‘We realised that there was a need to infuse some more members into the committee to ensure that we have full membership
from the public and private sector to prevent anything that occurred in the past,’ Inuwa said.

Inuwa said the strategic reconstitution of the committee would bring together a fresh wave of experienced professionals and leading minds in the blockchain space.

According to him, their diverse expertise will be instrumental in crafting a robust implementation plan for the National Blockchain Policy.

Inuwa cited a report by Price Waterhouse Coopers, an audit firm, titled ‘Time for Trust:The Trillion-Dollar Reason to Rethink Blockchain’ which projected that blockchain technology could boost the global economy by 1.76 trillion dollars by the year 2030.

He emphasised that Nigeria needed to be strategic and take advantage of the offerings from the potential in blockchain technology.

‘Together, we can leverage its potential to propel Nigeria’s socio-economic engine, enhance the transparency and efficiency of governance.

‘Blockchain can empower our citizens and businesses with secure and inclusive digital solutions
in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration,’ Inuwa said.

Dr Ayodele Bakare, Head of Digital Technology Development Division, Digital Economy Development Department of NITDA, said the workshop would build the capacity of participants towards having the knowledge on modern day blockchain technology.

‘Blockchain technology has new realities and we have included new members with fresh ideas that will help for the implementation plan.

‘The workshop is also an opportunity to build the capacity of the committee members because majority of the members are not operating within the IT space.

‘We are also going to have partners in the implementation of blockchain used cases for different sectors of the economy,’ Bakare said.

Mr Yau Garba, of the Digital Economy Department, NITDA, said the Federal Government had identified blockchain technology as a tool for developmental governance in boosting the economy, and addressing insecurity.

The members of the committee were drawn from
government agencies, institutions, private sector, academia and the industry involved in the blockchain ecosystem.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

ECOWAS unveiled on Wednesday, the West African Competitiveness Observatory (WACOB), an online platform, to facilitate regional trade and stimulate economic growth across the sub-region.

President of the ECOWAS Commission Dr Omar Touray who unveiled the module in Abuja, said the platform would enable policymakers and businesses to track countries’ trade competitiveness and new business opportunities.

Touray, represented by the bloc’s Commissioner, Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Massandjé Toure-Liste, said the facility is a collaborative effort between ECOWAS and the

the International Trade Centre (ITC), funded by the European Union (EU).

The observatory, he explained, is a tool intended to connect buyers and sellers of regional value chain products seamlessly and promote regional and international trade.

According to the ECOWAS Commission president, the observatory’s inauguration comes at a time when West Africa is working to tackle the challenges posed by globalisation, technological advancement, and
an evolving trade landscape.

‘At the heart of ECOWAS is trade and market integration.

‘Our treaty provides for the removal of trade barriers and the harmonisation of trade policies to establish a Free Trade Area, a Customs Union, a Common Market, and eventually, a Monetary and Economic Union in West Africa.

‘For years, we have developed instruments to promote, facilitate, and negotiate trade with third parties.

‘Key among them are the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Schemes (ETLS), the Common External Tariff (CET), and the West African Common Industrialisation Policy (WACIP).

‘Some others are ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP), Private Sector Development Strategy, and ECOWAS e-Commerce Strategy,’ he said.

According to him, ITC has continued to support the region with tools to improve regional trade.

‘Worthy of mention is the ECOWAS Trade Observatory Alert Mechanism (TOAM), which is an online platform developed to facilitate the identification and elimination of obstacles faced by companies in their daily
export and import operations.

‘Notwithstanding the achievements recorded in economic development, the region continues to experience low competitiveness and productivity.

‘This is due to inadequate trade and market information available to our entrepreneurs, the dearth in regional trade infrastructure as well as low levels of industrialisation and productive capacity,’ Touray maintained.

He said there was a need to improve the region’s competitiveness by diversifying and increasing regional value-added, adding that with its three modules, the platform would position ECOWAS as a global growth and opportunities hub.

‘Over the next two days, we will have the opportunity to explore deep dive into the observatory and its functionalities, taking into account its enormous potential to connect SMEs and large enterprises that have developed businesses along these value chains, thereby promoting intra-regional trade.

‘Beyond this official launch and workshop, we will count on our partners to provide the necessary
support and capacity development for business operators and other stakeholders that will make use of the observatory for the region to take full advantage of the platform.

‘As we implement the AfCFTA, this tool will also provide support to the private sector to take advantage of the continental market,’ Touray said.

Also speaking at the event, ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton, expressed the hope that ECOWAS policymakers and businesses would take advantage of the platform to turn the region’s untapped trade potential into economic growth.

‘The observatory will provide important information for policymakers and businesses to explore international markets and support SMEs to effectively access the market, generate employment, and contribute to economic growth.

‘Policymakers and businesses, use the observatory for insights into the sub-region’s great untapped trade potential and turn that potential into tangible economic benefits.

‘We hope to see businesses, especially the small ones, make the mo
st of this tool to find buyers and explore new markets,’ she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the business matchmaking module facilitates cross-border collaboration for businesses by promoting products and services and allowing them to connect with partners across the sub-region.

The module, which is aided by automatic translation in English, French, and Portuguese, comprises three elements: the regional value chains module, the B2B matchmaking tool; and the regional value chain guides.

According to ITC’s export potential estimates, whereas more than half of its intraregional export potential, valued at 3.2 billion dollars, remains untapped, the sub-region could add 45.7 billion dollars in exports to the world by 2027.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), has called for adequate support for biotechnology to facilitate speedy economic recovery and development in the country.

Mustapha told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday that for speedy economic recovery and growth, Nigerians, corporate bodies and organisations needed to support biotechnology.

Biotechnology is a technology that harnesses biological processes, organisms, or systems to develop innovative products and solutions.

The director-general said that biotechnology served as a catalyst for economic development by addressing national challenges, fostering innovations and promoting sustainability.

‘To leverage on biotechnology means to advance and empower nations to build resilient economies, improve living standards and to achieve sustainable development.

‘ Therefore, strategic investment in biotechnology research, infrastructure, and human capital is essential for unlocki
ng its full potential and driving economic prosperity,’ he said.

With statistics gotten from the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) ,2017, Mustapha said the report mentioned the contributions of biotechnology crops to food security, sustainability and climate change.

He disclosed that between 1996 till 2016, biotech crops increased crop productivity up to 186.1 billion dollars, derived from farm income gains globally.

He said in the same period, there was less pesticide applications to biotech crops, which helped to decrease environmental impact of herbicide and insecticide use, leading to enhancement of better environment.

The director-general said accordingly, the productivity gained through biotechnology saved 183 million hectares of land within the periodic years.

Mustapha assured that biotechnology enhanced agricultural products and resilience.

‘These include genetically modified crops for increased yields, pest resistance and drought tolerance.

‘Biotech
nology-driven agricultural solutions contribute to food security, farmers livelihoods and economic development,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Adoption of mobile money systems started in the mid-2000s with the Philippines, Kenya and Tanzania being among the first to do it.

The first mobile money system was launched in the Philippines in 2001.

In 2007, Kenya launched M­ PESA, which represents the most successful mobile money platform.

Since then, this innovation has spread across countries.

In Nigeria, eTranzact, a financial solution company, in December 2010, piloted the scheme and started with the brand name eTranzact Mobile Money before changing the name to PocketMoni in January 2011 after it was licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria to fully continue with the operation alongside 11 other operators.

After two decades of remarkable expansion, mobile money is now a widely-used financial service that features in the day-to-day lives of many people.

For millions of people around the world, it remains a reliable way to buy goods and services, send money to loved ones at home and abroad, purchase health insurance, etc.

Today, more money and mor
e transactions flow through mobile wallets, bringing a range of financial products into the hands of hundreds of millions of users and disrupting traditional financial services.

Based on data collected between 2013 and 2022, the total Gross Domestic Products (GDP) in countries with mobile money services (‘mobile money countries’) was almost 1.5 per cent higher than it would have been without mobile money services.

Mobile Money Operators in Nigeria, comprising the likes of OPay, Palmpay and others, witnessed a surge in transactions in the first quarter of 2024, hitting N17.2 trillion.

This is according to data released by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems (NIBSS).

Mobile money transactions figure for the first quarter of 2024 represents 89 per cent year-on-year growth when compared with the N9.1 trillion transactions recorded in the same period in 2023.

An analysis of the three-month data shows that mobile money transactions maintained steady growth each month.

In January, transactions valued at
N5.2 trillion were recorded, and by February, mobile money deals shot up to N5.5 trillion, while the figure went up higher to N6.5 trillion in March.

According to a Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA) state of industry report, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) continues to be the global leader in mobile money adoption.

The region’s sustained momentum has been largely helped by growth in Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal.

Since 2013, the number of registered mobile money accounts in West Africa has doubled, driven mostly by growth in these three countries.

This has made Sub-Saharan Africa central to mobile money’s success, as it now boasts of almost three-quarters of the world’s mobile money accounts.

Some industry experts are of the opinion that adoption of mobile money system has had a positive and statistically-significant impact on most economies’ GDP.

Mr Mats Granryd, the Director-General of GSMA, during a recent webinar organised to release the Mobile Money State of Industry Report 2024, said that mobile mon
ey was often considered an African success story.

He added that Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest levels of mobile money adoption in the world.

According to Granryd, there are 1.75 billion registered accounts processing $1.4 trillion a year, or about $2.7 million a minute.

‘In 2023, SSA accounted for $912 billion of the global transaction value, with West Africa contributing $347 billion.

‘East Africa remains the largest mobile money market in the region, with $488 billion in transaction value.

‘Mobile money’s impact extends beyond transaction volume. In the 10 years to 2022, it contributed $600 billion to the GDP of countries with a mobile money service.

‘Between 2013 and 2022, mobile money increased GDP in Sub-Saharan Africa by more than $150 billion or 3.7 per cent,’ Granryd said.

According to him, today, millions of users are making and receiving payments, taking out productive credit to meet short-term financing needs, paying for government services or accessing savings and insurance products to
protect themselves from shocks.

‘Mobile money growth has also led to a surge in mobile agents, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where registered agents grew to 18.6 million, while active agents grew to 8.3 million in 2023.

‘These agents were responsible for digitising more than two-thirds of all the money entering the mobile money ecosystem: $307 billion in 2023, 12 per cent higher than the previous year.

‘The rise of mobile money penetration is closely linked to improved financial inclusion and access to digitally-enabled services in places like Nigeria.

‘Overall, as more mobile money providers have emerged, digital payment use has grown in Nigeria,’ GSMA added.

Mr Jide Awe, a science, technology and innovation policy advisor and Founder of Jidaw.com Ltd., believes that mobile money has boomed in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Nigeria, due to several reasons.

He is convinced that a major driver is the limited traditional banking and finance structure nationwide.

Awe says the mobile phone offers
a large number of the underbanked and financially excluded a convenient and accessible route.

He says the rapid growth in mobile phone penetration contributed greatly to enabling the offering of mobile money services.

Awe strongly believes that, as with any service, especially digital service, the proven reliability has grown trust.

He adds that this has led to wider acceptance.

‘The additional features beyond sending and receiving cash are a real driver of adoption.

‘It should be said that government has been supportive of financial inclusion with particular emphasis on mobile money.

‘The Naira cash shortage in 2023 also led many individuals and organisations to adopt mobile and digital money options in order to survive,’ he argues.

According to him, Nigeria’s tech-savvy youths are a major driver.

‘They are comfortable in the mobile and digital environment and have embraced the mobile money culture.

‘They have been active users, entrepreneurs, advocates and influencers, ‘ he says.

On job creation,
Awe says mobile money operations have significantly created direct and indirect jobs.

He explains that the direct jobs are those linked directly to mobile money operations such as mobile money agents and mobile money providers’ staff, who develop and manage mobile money services.

These, he says, include product developers and managers, information technology professionals and software developers, operations managers, and compliance and regulatory officers.

‘The indirect jobs are those not directly employed by mobile money providers but which support the mobile money environment with some as spinoffs and spillovers from the growth of mobile money,’ Awe says.

According to Awe, this category comprises marketing and advertising professionals and customer service representatives.

Awe, however, notes that there are challenges associated with mobile money operations.

He listed them to include fraud, money laundering, extortion, blackmail, physical robbery of agents, and terror financing.

‘ These are some issu
es of criminality attached to it.’

He says such crimes cause harm to mobile money users and providers and erode trust.

He equally regrets that the crimes threaten the growth and sustainability of mobile money services and the digital economy itself.

On his part, Mr Ahmed Ogundimu, a Senior Product Manager at Amazon, points out that in Nigeria, infrastructure deficit, including inadequate internet access, remains a major challenge faced by operators in the mobile money market.

Ogundimu also admits that other logistical issues also hinder mobile money operations in Nigeria.

He argues that Nigeria does not have adequate access points for financial services, adding that low quality of mobile phone service in Nigeria has made users to constantly complain of low quality of mobile money services.

He lists the complaints to include those about glitches in transactions and network interruptions.

Analysts are convinced that ensuring a strong mobile money market in Nigeria and the entire Africa is important for e
conomic transformation.

They call for more government support for mobile money system in appreciation of its impacts on financial inclusion, job creation, innovativeness and economic growth.

They also urge efforts to tackle the challenges associated with mobile money operations as well as proactive focus on digital inclusion.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Chief Isiaka Ogundare, Apena of Lagos, on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to begin to support African traditional religion, just as it had always extended support to Islam and Christianity.

Ogundare, in commemoration of the World Culture Day, said traditional religion, an aspect of African culture, had not enjoyed the attention of government over the years.

While speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Ogundare expressed displeasure over the fact that traditional worshipers were not usually considered each time the Muslims and Christians got support for spiritual exercises to Mecca and Jerusalem.

He, however, appealed to government to also pay attention to traditional worshipers, who need support to promote their festivals and deities like Agemo, Igunuko and more.

‘We the traditional worshipers are not happy, government has sidelined us for too long, we are not taken serious at all and we are not happy with this.

‘Government will always support the Muslims, paying huge amounts for t
heir hajj exercises, same goes for the Christians, who go to Jerusalem.

‘We also crave such support to develop our local festivals and promote our deities.

‘Agemo deity is supposed to be celebrated during Agemo festivals, it is the deity responsible for the protection of children. We don’t have the needed resources to celebrate the festivals as we should.

‘Also the Igunuko deity, responsible for warding-off evil from the land, is also not well celebrated. There are many more of our deities and festivals that need to be celebrated and promoted.

‘When resources are earmarked for hajj and mecca pilgrimages, some funds should also be given to us,’ he said.

Ogundare advised Nigerians to practice religion by being charitable, showing compassion to others, and imbibing good morals.

He said exhibiting these qualities would make the society a saner place to live.

He warned Nigerians against neglecting African culture, while embracing the western culture, adding that the repercussion will be grievous later in th
e future as they will be left without an identity.

He advised Nigerians to uphold every aspect of the nation’s culture and explore ways of generating wealth from it.

NAN reports that the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is an annual event celebrated every year on May 21 globally, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly and adopted by UNESCO General Conference in 2001.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) has called on the Federal Government to complement security interventions aimed at rebuilding trust with communities in the South-East for peace and development.

Nike Babalola, Head, Communications and Public Relations OSPRE, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said the advocacy was made at a two-day workshop on peace held in Awka, Anambra.

The workshop was in collaboration with the Anambra Government, the West African Network for Peace building (WANEP) and the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund.

Babalola said the workshop with the theme ‘Sustainable Peace, Inclusive Recovery and Durable Security’ brought together a host of state actors and civil society organisations from across the zone.

The Director General OSPRE, Mr Chris Ngwodo, pledged the commitment of OSPRE to collaboratively develop multidimensional solutions to the multifaceted challenges of the zone with its partners.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie K
alu, commended OSPRE for the initiative and noted its many areas of convergence with the Peace in the South-East Project (PISE-P) recently flagged off by his office.

The deputy speaker, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr Sam Hart, expressed his commitment to collaborating with OSPRE to advance the cause of peace in the zone.

In his remarks, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Gilbert Ibezim, said there was need to collaborate and engage with all critical stakeholders, including government, traditional rulers, security agencies and academics.

He also highlighted the need to address the root causes of conflict and the importance of dialogue and reconciliation.

Soludo commended the efforts of OSPRE in promoting peace and urged all stakeholders to continue their efforts towards resolving the challenges in the Southeast region.

‘In recent years, the South-East zone has been plagued by the activities of violent criminal gangs and a secessionist insurgency.

‘Attacks on police officers, the military, and other security institutions across the region have heightened a climate of insecurity,” he said.

The Chairman of the Anambra Truth, Justice and Peace Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, highlighted the importance of acknowledging the economic effects of the insecurity on the people of the region.

He also called for a sustained effort to address the situation in the Southeast which he described as ‘complex.’

The Executive Director of WANEP, Dr Chukwuemeka Eze, called for greater interplay ‘between civil society, policymakers, and international partners’ anchored to ‘an efficient, collective, and holistic strategy.

He said such synergy would address the situation in the Southeast and the country at large.

Inaugurated in December 2022, the Concord Initiative, OSPRE’s flagship national peace-building programme is a convening of early warning, early response, peace, security and development actors.

The initiative, established in 2022, focuses on addressing human
security crises in various conflict-affected locales across the federation.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria