Day: May 29, 2024

Children have always been referred to as the leaders of tomorrow, and that ‘tomorrow’ belongs to children. However, these assertions seem to be neither here nor there, considering the myriad of challenges before the Nigerian child.

The challenges are profound and pervasive with many children inhibited by socio-cultural and economic factors in the coordinates of their wellbeing and development.

The challenges range from childhood mortality to poor access to basic education, nutrition, and healthcare rights to child labour and sexual abuse, not to mention their being victims of conflict and war.

In addition to these challenges, climate change has put the lives of children under constant threat.

According to Save the Children International, nearly 710 million children in many countries are living at the highest risk of suffering the impact of climate crises.

Similarly, violent conflicts, widespread insecurity, kidnapping, and banditry seem to form part of everyday challenges for millions of children in Nige
ria.

With the number of out-of-school children estimated at more than 10 million in the country, stakeholders have expressed concern that even those in schools were challenged by poor facilities, with many of them sitting on bare floors.

Kidnappers have been having a field day, abducting school children and their teachers at will, a situation analysts described as counter-productive to the ongoing efforts to provide children with functional education.

School children during a match past at the 2024 National Children’s Day in Abuja on Monday.

During the 2024 Children’s Day celebration in Abuja, the young ones particularly called for more investment in their education. They made a case for children’s acquisition of functional skills to position them in a way that would enable them to exploit their potential in the ever-changing world.

The call by the young ones was in tandem with the theme of the event, ‘Enhancing the Total Wellbeing of the Nigerian Child through Quality Education and Skills Development.’

‘
Help children in need and give those from poor households access to free education from the primary to the tertiary level.

‘Equip our schools and make them conducive for learning.

‘This will enable all children to access quality education and develop the needed knowledge and skills to live productive adulthood,’ a 14-year-old secondary school student, Kolawale David, advocated.

For nine-year-old Ashezi Akwashiki, the author and advocate of a book on literacy and education, ‘dreams do come true, if every child is nurtured, supported, and equipped with the right knowledge and skills’.

At nine, Akwashiki has been instrumental to the production of ‘Book Buddies’ by Ashezi Initiative, a non-profit organisation promoting literacy and educational equity.

This wouldn’t have been possible if she did not get the support she needed to learn and if her immediate environment had not been conducive enough to excite her imagination.

Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCT A
dministration, and Speaker of FCT Children Parliament, Rahama Waziri, during the 2024 National Children’s Day celebration, in Abuja on Monday.

No wonder FCT’s Children Parliament described the wellbeing of children as the cornerstone of the future of Nigeria.

The Speaker of the parliament, Rahama Waziri, who made the assertion at an event to commemorate the 2024 Children’s Day, added that Nigerian children were in dire need of quality education and skills.

Waziri said that the celebration provided the needed opportunity to discuss how to collectively ensure that every Nigerian child received the education and skills necessary for him or her to thrive.

According to her, empowering children with education and skills is pivotal to the sustainable growth and development of the country.

‘It is through their eyes that we envision a brighter tomorrow, and it is through their development that we can achieve it.

‘Education is the bedrock of any progressive society. It is the tool that empowers individuals to tra
nscend the limitations of their circumstances and achieve their full potential.

‘For the Nigerian child, quality education is not just a right but a necessity.

‘It is the gateway to opportunities, the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and the foundation for a prosperous and equitable society,’ she maintained.

She also stressed the need for skills development, describing it as crucial to preparing children for the challenges and opportunities in the future.

She noted that the world is evolving rapidly, and that the jobs of tomorrow will demand a diverse set of skills.

Therefore, she said, ‘It is imperative that children are equipped with both technical and soft skills that will enable them to adapt and thrive.

‘We need to ensure that schools are well-equipped with modern facilities, including libraries, laboratories, digital resources, and that curriculums are updated to reflect current realities and future projections.

‘In this digital age, technology plays a crucial role in education. Integrating
ICT in classrooms can enhance learning experiences and provide students with the skills needed in a tech-driven world,’ she said.

School children playing drums during a cultural dance at the celebration of 2024 Children’s Day in Abuja.

Acknowledging the need to equip Nigerian children with functional digital skills, Ms Chidinma Ilechukwu, the Assistant Project Officer, International IDEA, Nigeria Office, said children must be protected at all cost owing to the many challenges they face – abuse, violence, abandonment, and neglect.

She reiterated the organisation’s continued commitment to ensuring that all children in Nigeria have access to justice through the implementation of the Child Rights Acts at the federal and state levels.

Sharing similar sentiment, Sylvia Sarki, Operations Manager, Across Atlantic Development, UK, said parents, guardians and caregivers must continue to support and empower children to reach their full potential.

Sarki insisted that children must be supported to explore and grow as
future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow.

Responding to these calls, President Bola Tinubu said the Federal Government had embarked on key transformative policies to create a conducive learning environment across the country.

Tinubu, represented at the event by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, re-affirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing all matters relating to the total wellbeing and development of the Nigerian child.

He said that the Federal government had established the National Education Data System and approved skill development for all levels of education and teachers ‘training in digital skills.

‘We are also working with the state commissioners of women wffairs and the state ministries of education, state universal basic education boards, and Civil Society Organisations to ensure quality education and skills development for Nigerian children,’ Tinubu said.

The president also said that in furtherance of his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, the government had earm
arked N100 billion in the 2024 budget for school feeding programme, targeting 10 million Nigerian children in primary one to six.

He explained that the programme is being reviewed to address hunger, improve nutrition, enhance student’s’ attendance academic performance, boost local agriculture, and serve as an economic stimulus to local communities.

Similarly, Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, assured the children that their rights would be protected.

‘When it comes to fighting for your rights, I shall always be there for you because Mr. President said the poor shall breathe and the children are one of the vulnerable,’ the minister said.

School children performing a cultural dance during the 2024 Children’s Day celebration in Abuja.

For Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCT Administration, children are assets to the nation and must be nurtured and supported.

Benjamins-Laniyi assured children in Abuja of FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike’s commitment
to ensuring that every child in the federal capital territory has access to quality education and skills development opportunities.

She added that the FCT was working to promote policies that protect children’s rights, education, and other necessities towards building a life of dignity.

Also reassuring the children of government’s support, was the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Mr Christopher Maikalangu, who announced the establishment of an ‘Education Endowment Fund’.

According to Maikalangu, the fund is to enable children in rural communities to have access to quality and functional education.

He emphasised the role of education in protecting children from various forms of abuse, adding that no child should be denied access to basic education.

Stakeholders stressed the need to prioritise children’s rights and participation in matters that concern them, with a view to build a better future for all.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu’s programmes and policies since assumption of office in May 2023 has reshaped the face of Nigeria and Africa in the comity of nations.

Sen. Basheer Lado, Convener, Protem Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC) Non-Serving Senators Council, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

Lado said that the President’s diplomatic shuttles has generated foreign direct investments into the country and encouraged more genuine entrepreneurs to think Nigeria.

‘As the new face of Nigeria to the diplomatic and international business community, you have represented our country with distinction and honour.

‘Your successful engagements with the United Nations, African Union and ECOWAS, alongside securing vital international trade agreements, have significantly enhanced Nigeria’s global standing.

‘Your steadfast commitment to the principles of separation of powers, as evidenced by your support for the independence of the judiciary and the legislature, underscores your respect for
our democratic institutions and the rule of law,’ he said.

Lado said that the 103 APC Non Serving Senators Council was proud of the President’s achievements in the first year of his tenure.

He said that the administration has proved critics wrong on the various people-oriented reforms across all sectors of the economy, adding that they are strides of a visionary leadership.

President Bola Tinubu receives Sen. Basheer Lado

‘You have silenced your critics and proven them wrong by ensuring an administration that is inclusive and fair to all religious groups.

‘Your active engagement with both Christian and Muslim communities have dispelled fears of religious bias, showcasing your commitment to unity and equality.

‘Your impartial leadership has shone brightly, demonstrating fairness and justice at every turn.

‘Your willingness to acknowledge and correct mistakes, such as revising initial tax policies to better suit small businesses, reflects your profound integrity and accountability.’

Lado said that the
council of non-serving APC Senators would continue to support the President in his stride to ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens.

Sen. Basheer Lado

‘Your courageous measures and decisive actions have been nothing short of transformative. The introduction of policies to attract foreign investments are testaments to your bold vision and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

‘The strides you have made in infrastructure development are exemplary. The construction of the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway and the flag off of the Lagos – Calabar super highway are monumental achievements.

‘Furthermore, your focus on ‘stomach infrastructure,’ through initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and social welfare programmes, underscores your dedication to improving the lives of all Nigerians.

‘As dedicated stewards of our party and nation, we are profoundly grateful to God for guiding you to this pinnacle of your political career, entrusting you with the leadership of our great nation,’ Lado said.

He said th
at the members of the council would support and partner with the government to advance the country’s development and uphold its values.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Ambassador to Libya, Mohammed Mohammed, has cautioned Nigerians against seeking irregular migration to foreign countries.

Muhammed, the newly-posted Charge’ d’Affaires en-titre to Libya, gave the advice in a statement on Wednesday during the repatriation of 122 stranded Nigerians in Libya.

In the statement, which was issued in Tripoli, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, the ambassador emphasised due process as key to any migration process.

According to him, most irregular migrations usually end up in slavery and sexual exploitation in some countries in Europe and other parts of the world.

He urged Nigerians to always ponder well before embarking on irregular migration through the desert and Mediterranean sea.

He lauded the Libyan authorities and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for facilitating the release of some Nigerian migrants in detention facilities in the country, as well as aiding their repatriation to Nigeria.

He said
that the 122 evacuees comprised 52 males, 39 females, seven of whom were rescued victims of human trafficking.

Others were 21 children, as well as 10 infants.

He explained that they were transported from Mitiga International Airport aboard a chartered flight, expected at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

He added that the evacuees would thereafter, be handed over to the appropriate government agencies that would re-unite them with their families.

According to him, it is the ninth repatriation carried out by the Nigerian Mission in Libya this year.

‘This remains part of the 4-D foreign policy thrust of the present administration and also the directives of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb.Yusuf Tuggar.

‘In 2023, a total of 2,041 stranded Nigerian migrants were returned by the IOM.

‘Within this year alone, about 1,350 stranded Nigerian nationals have been safely assisted to return home,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) says the coming into operation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) system confirms the reality of President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, at the inauguration of the commercial operation of the ARMT by President Bola Tinubu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the inauguration is part of the activities lined up to celebrate Tinubu’s one year in office.

‘What is renewed hope agenda? It is giving back hope to the people, so, it is a reality.

‘What we have seen today is a reality. People will now be happy that they can come to the city and go back using the train.

‘So, when we talk about renewed hope, it appears as if it is a mere talk; it is a reality.

‘I want to use Abuja to showcase that the renewed hope is real; it is working and is practical.

‘So, Mr President, this is part of a promise made and a promise fulfilled,’ he said.

The minister noted that ARMT, also known as Abuja Metro Lin
e, was inaugurated in 2017 but its operation was inhibited by several factors.

Wike recalled that the Metro Line rehabilitation contract was awarded at 30 million dollars in 2018.

He said that the fund was not released until Tinubu came into office and gave the directive in Sept. 2023, that he wants to ride on the Metro Line.

Wike said, following the directive, the Central Bank of Nigerian, Minister of Finance and Accountant General of the Federation made available the fund to the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd.

The Minister said he instructed the completion of the project within nine months and closely monitored the contractor to ensure prompt delivery.

He said access roads were also constructed to all the 12 train stations, including car parks at N21.4 billion.

‘As I speak to you today, all those roads have been completed for people to use to the various train stations.

‘What we are doing today is the inauguration of the commercial operation,’ he said.

On the smooth
operation of the train system, the minister said that the previous administration had awarded a contract for the training of manpower for 29 months at 128 million dollars.

Wike said he met with the contractor and was able to negotiate the cost of the manpower training from 128 million dollar to 75 million dollar, thereby saving the country a whopping 53 million dollar.

Earlier, Mr Chinedum Elechi, Mandate Secretary, Transportation Secretariat, FCT Administration disclosed that the ARMT project was awarded in 2007 and had a trial operation from Sept. 2018 to March 2020.

He said that COVID-19 pandemic affected the continuous trial operation, coupled with massive vandalism of key components, which halted the trial operation.

Elechi said that the ARMT system has 12 diesel multiple units each, with a capacity to accommodate a minimum of 700 passengers.

He added that each train was designed to run a minimum of 14 trips per day, and transport approximately 9,800 passengers per day.

‘The two Lots, that is Lot 1
A from Idu Station to Gbazango and Lot 3, from Metro Station to Airport, will operate two trains each simultaneously every day.

‘This brings a total daily passenger count to 39,200 commuters and 980,000 commuters in 25 operational days in a month,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF), an NGO, has empowered FCT special needs students on menstrual hygiene management, myths and taboos.

Mrs Tayo Erinle, Executive Director, TCF, during the exercise at Abuja School for the Blind, Jabi on Tuesday in Abuja said the initiative was to commemorate the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Management Day celebration.

Erinle said the programme was organised under the foundation’s ‘Always Keeping Girls in School (AKGIS) project supported by Procter and Gamble.

According to her, the event will enable the girls have correct menstrual hygiene knowledge, dispel myths, and address taboos surrounding menstruation.

‘In the past few years, we have worked with Procter and Gamble in AKGIS programme to help girls, teach them the correct information about menstruation.

‘Also to help them understand that it is a normal part of life and debunk taboos and myths around menstruation and to provide menstrual hygiene products for girls to use.

‘This help the girl have their menstruation in dignity,’
she said.

Erinle said the foundation has been able to support 30 FCT schools, including those with special needs under the project.

‘We started this in the engine project led by Mercy Corp Nigeria in 29 schools in Abuja.

‘Thereafter, TCF went with the AKGIS project to 30 schools in Abuja, Abeokuta, and Ogun states in 2023,’ she said.

She added that similar gestures were being replicated in Kwara and Lagos states.

Ms Obiageli Kechere, Chief Programme Officer, National Orientation Agency (NOA), said: ‘cleanliness is very important all the time, especially during menstruation.

‘We appreciate TCF for their supports in educating the public, especially students on menstrual hygiene management,’ she said.

Mr Okolo Kingsley, representing the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, commended the foundation for their supports to women and girls.

Kingsley also encouraged other partners to rally round the ministry and key into programmes that would improve the well-being and economic empowerment of women and girls.

Some of the students expressed appreciation to the foundation and its partners for the enlightenment provided, assuring them that they would apply the knowledge gained.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries include students from school for the Deaf, Kuje and School for the Blind, Jabi.

Others were some schools for children with special needs, and Junior Secondary School, Kuchingoro.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The 10th Senate, popularly tagged the ‘uncommon Senate’, was inaugurated on June 13, 2023, when Nigerians were grappling with the sudden rise in the cost of living, following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu on his assumption of office on May 29.

The National Assembly and particularly the Senate was placed on a tight corner as so much was expected from the lawmakers toward cushioning the effects of the new government policy, which has led to high inflation and high cost of living.

As expected, the Senate began by passing executive bills that were expected to impact directly on Nigerians such as the Students’ Loan Bill, which was passed on March 14 and assented by the President on April 3.

The bill evolved as part of the strategies to ensure full implementation of the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023 as it sought to provide loans to indigent students to pay for their fees in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

At the signing of the bill, Tinubu commended the National Assembly for its ex
peditious passage, saying that the action was a pointer to the administration’s priority on education for Nigerian youths as a tool of fighting poverty.

‘We are determined to ensure that education is given the proper attention necessary for the country including skills development programmes.

‘This is to ensure that no one, no matter how poor their background, is excluded from quality education and opportunity to build their future.

‘We are here because we are all educated, and we are helped. In the past, we have seen a lot of our children drop out of colleges and give up the opportunity,’ he said.

With the signing of the bill into law by the president, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund was established to handle all loan requests, grants, and disbursement to deserving beneficiaries.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was to be funded from multiple streams and would engage in other productive activities.

Its sources of funding as included one per cent of all profits accruing to the federal governm
ent from oil and other minerals, one per cent of taxes, levies and duties accruing to the federal government from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS),

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).

Others were education bonds and education endowment fund schemes.

The loan would also be funded through donations, gifts, grants, endowment, and revenue accruing to the fund from any other source, according to the Act.

Another similar bill passed by the Senate was the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Trust Fund, sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu.

The bill sought to provide a sustainable source of funds for the NYSC, skill acquisition, training and empowerment of corps members, training and retraining of the personnel of the scheme, development of camps and NYSC formations and facilities.

Another critical bill at the Senate which had passed second reading was a bill to amend the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007.

The bill was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru.

The bill sought to limit the tenure of the Governor and Deputy Governors of the CBN to a single non-renewal term of six years.

Another bill that excited most Nigerians was a bill to revert to Nigeria’s old National Anthem, ‘Nigeria We Hail Thee’, which has passed second reading.

The sponsor- Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele said that it sought to make provisions for Nigeria to revert to its old national anthem that would promote a better symbol for unity, peace, and prosperity- compared to the current one.

Giving a scorecard of the achievement of the Senate, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu, said that the 10th Senate had performed creditably well in the last one year.

He said that the upper chamber was able to come up with bills and motions that had impacted positively on the lives of ordinary Nigerians within the last o
ne year.

‘When we look at the education sector, we look at the bill and the passage into law, signed by the President, the Students Loan Bill, you will see that it is a people-centred bill.

‘The social security bill which has now culminated to be called the social security trust fund which was passed within four months of the ascendancy of the Senate, is another very important bill.

‘There are so many motions that had even scaled through, that had gone into resolutions, which had been passed to the President, which have renewed the hope of Nigerians especially in security and in the finance sector,’ he said.

Adaramodu said that the CBN (Act), 2007 amendment bill would insulate the governor and the bank’s management from partisan politics.

‘When we look at the Central Bank Bill, it is going to insulate the CBN governor and its management from partisan politics.

‘And it is going to reiterate seriously and strictly on weight and means, so that it will not weigh too much against the GDP and then the income
of the federation and then run Nigeria into internal unaccounted debt.

‘Several bills and motions like that had been passed. And within the last one year, the 10th Senate had been replete with activities apart from the legislative activities, oversight activities.

‘The NYSC Trust Fund which had already been passed in the Senate, it had gone for concurrence and then it went to the President,” he said.

He added: ‘That bill is seeking to rejig the NYSC scheme to ensure that Nigerian young adults are given the benefits to have something to do immediately after graduation from the NYSC scheme.”

The lawmaker said that the Senate had done very well within the past one year, considering the scope where it operated.

‘And then the issues that are bedevilling Nigeria especially security issues and then the economic issue.

‘Several times, the senate had come with even the big stick at times for the security of Nigeria to be taken seriously and then for the security chiefs to work seriously for the security issues
of Nigeria. And we have been reaping the results,’ Adaramodu said.

But analysts have rated the 10th Senate otherwise.

Mr Cletus Uwakina, a right activist and the President, Crusaders’ Advocacy Initiative, said that the performance of the10th senate had most often fallen below expectations.

”In spite of some minor legislative successes, the national assembly has often fallen short in fulfilling its duties effectively as representatives of the people, particularly in areas of legislative oversight and accountability.

‘One of the most glaring failures of the NASS is the significant delay in passing essential bills.

‘The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), aimed at reforming the oil and gas sector, is a prime example, in spite of its importance, the PIA faced nearly two decades of delays and debates before being enacted in 2021.

‘Such delays are not isolated incidents, many other crucial bills, including those addressing health, education, and economic reforms, often languish in committees for extended periods,
undermining the legislative process and stalling necessary reforms.

‘The national assembly role in overseeing the executive branch is critical for ensuring accountability and good governance,” he said.

He added: ‘However, its effectiveness in this area has been frequently questioned, investigations into corruption and misconduct within the executive often result in minimal substantive action.

‘For instance, the probe into the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) over allegations of mismanagement involving billions of naira generated significant media attention but ultimately led to little or no accountability or reform.

‘Similarly, its investigations into the alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 relief funds lacked thoroughness and failed to lead to significant changes.

‘In spite of initial efforts to scrutinise how funds were utilised, the outcomes of these investigations did not meet public expectations for transparency and accountability.”

‘Suspected corruption within the national assembly itself
undermines its credibility and effectiveness, reports of budget padding, where legislators inflate the budget for personal gain, and accusations of accepting bribes to influence legislative decisions are not uncommon.

‘Such practices not only eroded public trust but also compromised the national assembly’s ability to hold others accountable for similar offenses.

‘The high salaries, allowances, and acquisition of very costly exotic official cars for legislators, particularly in a country facing economic hardships portray the National Assembly as an institution that is insensitive to the pains of citizens’.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu came to power on May 29, 2023 on the wave of ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda – a wavelength different from his predecessor’s ‘Change’ mantra.

The President inaugurated a 45-man Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Aug. 21, about 84 days after his inauguration, to tinker on promises made to the electorate which ensured his victory at the Feb. 25, 2023 elections.

Thereafter, Sen. John Owan-Enoh became the Minister of Sports Development in FEC after Sunday Dare’s tenure.

The choice of Owan-Enoh (58) – an accomplished educationist and politician – was greeted with a lot of mixed feelings by sports enthusiasts who weighed in on many grounds, especially on the background of the new minister.

Some, who saw him as someone lacking in sports administration, alleged that he had no direct or indirect technical know-how to handle a sector that many believed had suffered from several years of neglect.

They also argued that he could be another neophyte or greenhorn that, would, arguably, further slowdown the
development of sports in Nigeria.

However, some people viewed the appointment of a neutral person in the mold of the Cross River-born politician as ‘a breath of fresh air’ for Nigerian sports.

True to his calling, the University of Calabar graduate of Sociology, appraised the enormous tasks ahead of him and swung into action.

Few days after his appointment, he visited some of the national sports infrastructure including the 62-year-old national stadium, Surulere and similar facilities in Abuja and Ibadan.

Perhaps Owan-Enoh, who knew that his background included no previous expertise in active sports or sports administration, resolved to work smart by familiarising himself with the sports terrain.

Expectedly, Owan-Enoh is faced with a myriad of problems that have continually plagued the sports administration in Nigeria.

Many stakeholders regard sports administration in the country as corruption and mismanagement prone.

In their estimation, other hydra headed issues including corruption in Nigerian sport
s had indeed made it almost impossible to get the system working.

Corruption can affect private sponsorships and willingness of well-meaning investors to leverage on their financial muscle to boost sports development.

These are majorly some of the issues that Owan-Enoh needed to address to improve the performance of Nigerian athletes at the local and international levels.

Nigerian sports as it were, needed strategic plan document, identification of specific challenges, major governance and enabling environment for critical sports infrastructure to thrive.

Owan-Enoh during his visit to the National Stadium, Surulere, openly wept over the abandoned facility.

He also expressed worry on what could have been responsible for the abandonment of facilities at the once national treasure.

He also saw that the facilities there had been abandoned for periods stretching to about 20 years.

Owan-Enoh, who could not hide his emotion over the sorry state of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, said, ‘I weep for this
place, I earnestly weep.’

He went from the entrance to the main bowl, the hostel, boxing, wrestling, para sports and athletics gyms and shook his head in disapproval of the state of rottenness in the stadium.

He assured that within a short period, President Tinubu’s administration would prioritise the facelift of the iconic sports infrastructure.

‘This should not be the symbol of our sports in a city referred to as a sports city,’ he said.

He also promised to bring back the glory of the facility, once touted as the pride of Africa.

According to Owan-Enoh, the maintenance of the facilities is necessary to avoid the mistakes of the past that resulted in the decadent infrastructure.

He said, ‘We must be careful and make something happen quickly, so that the facilities we have working, don’t fall into the same sorry state of shame.’

He stressed President Tinubu’s commitments to sports development, adding that the President would continually give his support to sports, at all times.

Promises were made in t
he past to bring back the glory of the National Stadium, Surulere, but such promises did not materialize, especially with the experience from the former Sports ministers – Solomon Dalung and Sunday Dare.

Dalung, during his time, made frantic efforts at concessioning the National Stadium, Surulere when the then Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, made efforts to get the stadium to be under the control of the state government.

While the details of the negotiations were not made public, it remained to be seen what eventually went wrong and why the deal failed to materialise after a much publicity and state visits.

After Dalung came the immediate past minister, Dare, who also assured that there would be the political will needed to fix the National Stadium, Surulere.

Dare, during his visit to Lagos then, assured that there would be a departure from the previous neglect and lack of political will to fix the abandoned National Stadium all over the country.

During his one-day working visit to the National Sta
dium, Lagos, Dare said that the stadium’s reinstatement was among his three-point agenda.

Accompanied by bigwigs in the sports circle such as the Chairman, Nigeria Women League, Aisha Falode and other directors in the ministry of sports, he decried how a space once used for 1973 All African Games was neglected for more than 16 years.

He said that the ministry’s agenda for sports development in Nigeria would be in three key areas – facilities maintenance, upgrade and management.

Dare said that his working visit to the stadium was to have a holistic assessment of the stadium with a strong political will to fix it.

‘Let me say that my coming here is not for ritual sake, I came with a renewed instruction from the President Muhammadu Buhari who gave the assignment.

‘There is political will on the part of the president this time to make sure that national monuments like this are not neglected.

‘For this, we will find out an option at which we can restore back to glory Nigeria as a football nation.

‘We should
have up to 10 or 12 international standard stadium and pitches up top FIFA standard. So, there is a renewed political will to restore the stadium,’ he said.

Dare further disclosed that a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to bring back the stadium would not be jettisoned, adding that holistic assessment would be given to the facilities.

‘My work is to inspect and provide the right advice from a professional standpoint. I will be working in conjunction with experts from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the youth ministry.

‘I hope that the arrangement with the Federal Government and Lagos state Government will come and we are also looking at Public Private Partnership (PPP) for a model to evolve and put the facility back,’ he said.

In spite of the promises made, no meaningful impact was made towards recreating the glory days of the National Stadium, Surulere. The decay endured.

Dare also embarked on demolishing what he referred to as shanties attached to various structures in the facility.

Traders
and hangers-on, who loiter the facility were dislodged, ostensibly to attract investors that never came.

During the back-and-forth, a major disaster occurred in the National Stadium, Surulere, which led to its closure by the minister.

Since then, things have not remained the same with the facility. However, the present sports administration under Owan-Enoh needed to go beyond mere promises.

Some stakeholders in the sports community told NAN that immediate action should be taken to revamp the moribund sport infrastructure.

Howbeit, the past administration was unable to effectively address in its two-term tenure, the resuscitation of the stadium. There is now an urgent need to put words to actions.

A significant feature of the strategic plan is to specify the magnitude of the tasks involved and face it.

Some sports enthusiasts and icons are also not impressed with the slow pace in bringing back to life the sports city in Lagos.

Some amateur boxers including the General Secretary, Nigeria Boxing Federatio
n (NBF) also called for the rehabilitation of the aging gymnasium (gym) at the stadium.

They urged the relevant authority to address the deplorable state of the 63-year-old facility being one of the oldest boxing gyms in Nigeria.

Several boxers, who competed for Nigeria at local and international levels, trained at this facility.

An on-site visitation to the weather-beaten facility showed that, apart from the blown off roof, shattered windows and a septic tank that had caved in, toilets seats at the gym were either broken or in bad shape.

Being the only gym available at the facility, the deplorable state of the boxing gym had, no doubt, affected athletes training needs.

Sunday Usman, an amateur boxer, who described the gym’s current condition as an eye sore, also alleged that it was ‘out of use for the past few years’.

Another amateur boxer, Clement Bassey, said that, notwithstanding the fact that the love for boxing had sustained him as an athlete, the present state of the gym was a discouragement.

‘T
raining under this condition is harsh and discouraging; sometimes whenever it rains, the whole gym will be flooded because the roof has been blown off.

‘Some of the boxers don’t even like coming here, except when they have an appointment with the national coach at the stadium,” he said.

The General Secretary of the NBF, Oladapo Akinyele, also appealed for an urgent fixing of the dilapidated facility.

‘Of course, this is where we train and we have to manage it. Some of the boxers who went for the Olympics qualifiers in Thailand trained here.

‘It is in a sorry state, the roof has been blown off. Many times I provided some palliatives by buying some nylon cover for the ceiling, but they are constantly blown away by winds.

‘We need to give the present government a chance to steadily address this problems because they are inherited ones. Am sure that the Minister of Sports Development will soon address the problem.

‘The Minister cares a lot about boxing especially with our good outings during the last Afric
an Games in Ghana,” he said.

A Sport journalist, Femi Adepoju, also told NAN that the long neglect remained a national tragedy, ‘It is such an embarrassment that we cannot maintain the national stadium.

‘All over the world, there are local clubsides that are maintaining bigger sports infrastructure, not to talk of a state-owned facility.

‘A certain Anfield Stadium is being maintained by Liverpool FC of England; Emirates Stadium is owned and maintained by Arsenal; Turf Moor by Burnley; Stamford Bridge by Chelsea FC and so on.

‘I don’t believe that we can’t manage those stadia, the political will is not just there.”

Having spent a year in office, the Sports circle have achieved much especially in tandem with promises made.

As we celebrate the first-year anniversary of this administration, there is need for us to remind the Sports Minister that promises made during his visit to the sports facilities in Lagos must be fulfilled.

The specifics of the decay in the national stadium is distressing, requiring
urgent reconstruction work sponsored either by private firms, consortiums or the government.

Sub-national governments own football, basketball, volleyball, handball, and hockey teams (male and female in some cases) with scarce resources.

National sports infrastructure should not be allowed to live on past glory.

Sports enthusiasts are of the opinion that if we must erect new standard facilities to promote sports, due attention must also be given to the existing ones as well.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Abuja, inaugurated the Southern Parkway project.

Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, in the statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the project would serve as a critical artery connecting major areas within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at the inauguration, Tinubu described infrastructure development as an enabler of economic growth and prosperity, stating that his administration would sustain investments in critical sectors for the welfare of citizens.

The president commended Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike, for his diligence and courageous efforts, noting the recent infrastructural developments in the city.

‘I understand the Southern Parkway not only represents a physical artery that connects vital areas within the FCT but symbolizes our collective aspiration for connectivity, ease of livelihood, accessibility, and progress.

‘By providing a seamless and efficient transportation corridor, this road will not only ease traffic congestion but will also enhance
mobility for residents and visitors to the FCT.

‘The completion of the Southern Parkway underscores our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development as we strive to build a world-class Capital City.

Tinubu unveils Southern Parkway project in Abuja

‘The needs of our citizens are paramount in our thoughts and actions. By making our citizens the central focus of our development, we believe Nigeria will succeed,’ the president said.

Explaining the significant features of the project, Wike said that the road consists of 12 lanes in total.

‘Your Excellency to bring the level of development of the Southern Parkway on par with the Northern Parkway, this project was awarded in December 2010 to Setraco Nigeria Limited at the contract sum of N16.2 billion.

‘It was later revised to N35.7 billion due to changes in scope and other economic indices. But this was done before this administration came in.

‘The scope of work is made up of two main carriage ways of four lanes each and two service carriage ways of t
wo lanes each, making a total of 12 lanes.

‘It also includes the construction of four interchanges, a total of eight bridges in addition to the position of associated underground engineering facilities.

‘I am happy to inform Your Excellency that the project is now completed in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President,’ the minister said.

Tinubu unveils Southern Parkway project in Abuja

Wike said the completion of the project would enhance traffic circulation around the city centre, reducing delays and travel time.

According to him, it will also accelerate the development of the Southern Axis of the city, bringing improved socio-economic benefits to residents and other Nigerians.

‘The Federal Capital Territory Administration and FCT residents appreciate Mr. President’s support and laudable achievements.

‘It is in this regard and for many other patriotic persuasions that the FCT Administration hereby humbly resolve that this very important road be named Bola Ahmed Tinubu way,’ the minister said
.

The Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Shehu Ahmad, explained that the Parkway System forms an integral part of the network of roads in the transportation master plan of the FCT.

‘It dissects the two development corridors and is planned to function as a freeway to optimize vehicular movement between the developed sectors and the Central Area.

‘Within the Central Area, the Parkway System encloses the cultural axis. In the Northern Development Corridor, it is known as the Northern Parkway (A9).

‘It begins at the city centre around the Inner Northern Expressway, near the National Mosque and the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre intersection.

”It traverses Phases 1 to 4 in the north of the city, ending at the Outer Northern Expressway Junction, near the Dei Dei area, for those familiar with Abuja. It covers a total length of 25 kilometres.

‘In the Southern Development Corridor, the Parkway System starts from the City Centre at its intersection with the Inner Southern Expressway.

‘It
passes through Phases 1 to 4 of the south of the city and ends at the Inner Southern Expressway near Kuje, located in Phase 4, spanning a total length of about 27 kilometres,’ Ahmad said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says arrangement has been concluded by the Federal Government to remodel the National Fire Academy, Sheda, to enhance its operational capabilities.

The minister stated this at the groundbreaking ceremony of the project at Sheda on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the Service has been a sleeping giant, adding that the time to wake up and act as the first responder to emergencies is now.

Tuni-Ojo said, ‘this is because as I always say, tomorrow is a day that will never come. For every day, there is always tomorrow.

‘Therefore, do not sacrifice what you have to achieve today in the hope of a day that will not come.

‘The time to roll up your sleeves to rewrite our history to put the record straight and give Nigerians a fire and rescue service that we can all be proud of is now.’

He explained that based on these reasons, the Federal Government had made rescue service very important as it was a constitutional responsibility of any government to protect the lives and p
roperty of its citizens.

‘Therefore, the Federal Government is not just putting this project in place just like that but to be able to ensure that there is efficiency in service delivery. So, efficiency and productivity are very key here.

‘We will also be working hard to see the repeal and enactment of the fire and rescue service Act because the present law established since 1963 we know is obsolete.

‘You see, the scope of fire service all over the world in 2024 is different from what it was in 1963. And we cannot continue to be held down to the epoch of the past,’ the minister added.

Tunji-Ojo reminded them that their responsibilities was not just to combat, prevent and avoid fire outbreak but goes beyond that being the first responder in case of any emergency.

He added that to be able to achieve that, the Federal Government had gone all the way to ensure that the required knowledge was there.

This, he said, not just for the Nigeria market alone, but to be an exporter of rescue knowledge to the rest of
Africa.

‘You see, President Bola Tinubu is interested in building institutions and the fire serve is not an exception. So, to who much is given much is expected.

‘Believe me it is not going to be business as usual. In the Interior Ministry, government business is our business. We handle government business as we handle our own.

‘With the aim of handing it over as a legacy to the future generations and that is why the government is putting a lot of resources into this project.

‘Our aim is to have at least a fire academy in our six geo-political zones of the country. Everybody cannot come to Abuja to be trained as fire people.

‘We want to make this centre as a trainers’ centre as we strive to bring the private sector into the fire industry.

‘It is only when we do all these that Nigerians can have the type of fire and rescue assurance that they need,’ he said.

Earlier, the Controller-General of Fire Service, Mr AbdulGaniyu Jaji, expressed optimism that by the time the academy becomes really remodeled, no
doubt the country would have one of the best fire training centres in the world.

Jaji added that the academy would enable the personnel of the service to be more acquainted with the modern techniques of fire fighting as tainable in other climes.

The C-G said that the academy would become a one-stop shop for life saving as the centre would be fully automated for modern fire fighting.

‘This centre when it becomes fully operational, no doubt it will go a long way to enhance the operational capabilities of our fire fighting men and women timely.

‘By the time it finally comes on board, the era of late response would have gone because our men and officers would have acquainted themselves with the requisite expertise to respond to any threat timely,’ he stressed.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has announced a 14-player squad that will represent the nation at the Kwibuka Women’s T20 International Tournament in Rwanda0.

The Federation made the announcement via its verified social media handle on Tuesday.

A 20-man contingent made of 14 players and 6 officials departed this afternoon from Lagos for the tournament via RwandAir.

The squad is a blend of experienced and youth with a youngster Anointed Akhigbe, who makes her maiden call up to the side.

Following the retirement of former captain Blessing Etim, after the African Games in Ghana, Vice Captain Favour Eseigbe leads the team to Kigali, to be assisted by wicket-kepper Abigai Igbobie.

THE SQUAD

1. FAVOUR ESEIGBE (C)

2. CHRISTABEL CHUKWUONYE

3. SALOME SUNDAY

4. LILIAN UDE

5. ABIGAIL IGBOBIE (WK)

6. SARAH ETIM (WK)

7. SHOLA ADEKUNLE

8. PECULIAR AGBOYA

9. PIETY LUCKY

10. ESTHER SANDY

11. VICTORY IGBINEDION

12. RACHAEL SAMSON

13. ANNOINTED AKHIGBE

14. PEACE USEN

Source: News Agency of Nigeria