News Agency of Nigeria
Ghana to Host 2025 African Women Conference in Nov.

Ghana to Host 2025 African Women Conference in Nov.

Conference

By Joy Odigie

The Republic of Ghana will host the 2025 African Women Conference (AWC) to discuss pathways for advancing gender equity, leadership, and sustainable development across the continent.

A statement by the AWC Co-Convener Dr Jumai Ahmadu, in Abuja and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the conference will hold from Nov. 19 to 21.

The high-level conference, themed “Legacy Meets Innovation: Women Forging New Pathways for Africa’s Sustainable Development,” will provide a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange.

According to Ahmadu the conference will seek policy dialogue and partnership building aimed at strengthening women’s participation in governance, innovation, and economic empowerment.

She said the 9th edition of the conference was expected to feature keynote addresses, plenary sessions, and strategic roundtables.

The AWC would attract distinguished personalities including First Ladies, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Heads of International Organisations, Civil Society Leaders, and Women in Business from various African countries.

She said that the choice of Ghana reflects the country’s enduring commitment to democracy, inclusivity, and the empowerment of women.

“This decision to shift the conference from South Africa to Ghana follows broad consultations with partners, delegates, and regional coordinators across Africa.

“The shift is not a deviation but a strategic step to enhance accessibility, inclusiveness, and participation—core values on which AWC was founded,” she said.

Ahmadu added that countries like Namibia, Morocco Rwanda, the Gambia Ethiopia, Zambia, and now Ghana in West Africa had hosted previous editions, while Nigeria was expected to host the 10th edition in 2026.

She said that this year’s edition would focus on digital inclusion, climate resilience, leadership mentoring, and financing for women-led enterprises — critical areas shaping the continent’s development agenda.

The 2025 gathering is expected to produce a Joint Communiqué and Action Framework that would guide national and regional policies toward deepening gender inclusion and institutional reforms that uplift women and girls across Africa.

NAN reports that the African Women Conference, since its inception, has served as a rallying point for African women to share experiences.

It strengthens solidarity, and chart actionable steps toward achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainabled Development Goals (SDGs). (NAN) www.nannewsngr.com

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Lydia Beshel

MoodleMoot Abuja Conference to Boost NOUN’s Digital Technology Ranking – VC

MoodleMoot Abuja Conference to Boost NOUN’s Digital Technology Ranking – VC

Ranking

By Emmanuel Afonne

Prof. Olufemi Peters, the Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), says the institution is working tirelessly to boost its digital ranking and leadership in education technology.

Peters said this during a news conference to assess the level of preparation for the 3rd MoodleMoot Africa 2025 conference, to be hosted in Abuja by NOUN from Oct. 8 to Oct. 10.

Peters said that NOUN decided to host the conference to prove its continental leadership in Open and Distance Learning (ODL).

“The institution has taken a decisive step in its quest to improve its digital footprint, academic visibility and global ranking,” he said.

According to him, the conference is the first-ever to be hosted in Nigeria after two previous events hosted by South Africa.

“This conference will be held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre; it is not just about hospitality — it is a strategic showcase.

“NOUN is not just the host — it is the heartbeat of an event that will attract 24 countries, hundreds of innovators, and global attention to how technology is reshaping African education.

“With participants from 18 African countries and several others from Europe and beyond, NOUN uses the conference as a platform to demonstrate its leadership in digital learning and scalable education models.

“Key goals for NOUN at the MoodleMoot include enhancing its institutional digital ranking through international engagement and positioning itself as a policy influencer in Africa’s EdTech space.

“We also want to demonstrate our Moodle-powered learning innovation to a global audience. While many African institutions are still exploring how to integrate digital platforms, NOUN came to the conference with proof of scale,” he said.

The VC added that the Moodle-based system, which served no fewer than 170,000 students with cutting-edger learning analytics and hybrid delivery models, was built on open-source tools.

“With 400 delegates, including vice-chancellor, software developers and government officials, the conference becomes an active space for influence-building and agenda-setting.

“NOUN’s participation in global education conversations — particularly around open-source educational technologies, directly impacts its global visibility in academic indexing, international collaboration scores, research and innovation indicators.”

Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee for the conference, Prof. Grace Jokhtan, said the event is expected to be one of the best events organised by the institution.

(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

65th Independence: Igwe Asadu felicitates Tinubu, Mbah, hails resilience of Nigerians

65th Independence: Igwe Asadu felicitates Tinubu, Mbah, hails resilience of Nigerians

Independence

By Sarafina Christopher

Igwe Samuel Asadu, the Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, has felicitated with President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government and all Nigerians as the nation marks its 65 years of independence.

Nigeria gained independence on Oct. 1, 1960.

The traditional ruler conveyed his felicitations in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

Asadu, who is also the Traditional Ruler of Edem Ani Ogugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, also congratulated Gov. Peter Mbah and the people of Enugu State.

Asadu extolled the unwavering spirit of Nigerians whose sacrifices and dedication continued to sustain the nation’s unity and progress.

He hailed the courage of Nigeria’s founding fathers and celebrated the resilience and diversity that characterised the strength of the nation.

Asadu, who is the immediate past Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers, commended the ongoing efforts to reposition the economy, strengthen democratic institutions, and foster national renewal.

He urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to remain steadfast in love for the country, united in purpose, and committed to the shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

Asadu prayed for God’s wisdom, strength, and protection for Tinubu, Mbah and others as they steered the affairs of the nation and called for continued peace, equity, and development across all parts of Nigeria.

“On behalf of Enugu State Traditional Rulers and the good people of Edem Ani Ogugwu ancient kingdom, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to Tinubu, Mbah, the Federal Government, and all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

“Sixty-five years ago, our beloved country attained the priceless gift of sovereignty, setting us on a journey of unity, peace, and progress.

“Today, as we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we pay tribute to the resilience, industry, and enduring spirit of the Nigerian people whose sacrifices and hopes continue to drive our nation forward.

“I commend the dedication to national renewal, economic transformation, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

“These efforts reflect a commitment to the Nigeria of our dreams, one where equity, justice, and prosperity are shared by all.’’

According to him, the anniversary is a solemn reminder that the task of nation-building belongs to every Nigerian.

“Let us therefore remain steadfast in love for our country, united in purpose, and unwavering in our collective resolve to overcome current challenges and secure a brighter future for generations yet unborn.

“May the Almighty God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, guide our leaders, and grant us lasting unity and prosperity.

“Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria!” Asadu said.(NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

From zero to net exporter: Nigeria, NLNG reshaping global gas supply

From zero to net exporter: Nigeria, NLNG reshaping global gas supply

By Desmond Ejibas, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

For decades, Nigeria has been a key player in the global oil and gas industry, essentially due to its massive reserves as well as exploration and exportation capacity.

When stakeholders converged recently on Milan, Italy, for the Gastech Exhibition and Conference, it was an opportunity for the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) to present its robust initiatives, including the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in bolstering efficiency.

At the conference, which attracted more than 50,000 participants from 150 countries, NLNG and NNPCL showcased sweeping reforms, bold strategies, investments, and future ambitions plans designed to sustain the Nigeria’s status as a net exporter of natural gas.

In its submissions, Nigeria said it was leveraging artificial intelligence, methane abatement, workforce development, and massive investments to reposition it as a global gas powerhouse reshaping global supply chains.

Mr Olakunle Osobu, Deputy Managing Director of NLNG, told a panel session that AI had become central to operational excellence, safety, and productivity across the company’s infrastructure.

“With more 10,000 operators and technicians working simultaneously towards a common goal, the use of AI is not only imperative but compulsory.”

He explained that AI had been embedded into every aspect of NLNG operations, from safety protocols to machine performance, making the company more efficient, agile, and productive.

“Our standard is to improve everything we do, every day,” he said.

Highlighting workforce training breakthroughs, Osobu disclosed that AI-driven tools had cut operator training time from up to 12 months to just two or three months, improving productivity and reducing costs.

According to him, AI optimises equipment management, enables machines to function faster while generating actionable insights that simplify complex decisions.

He described the shift as “smart work over hard work”.

Osobu stressed, however, that the company’s technology team regularly reviewed deployments to ensure cost-effectiveness and demand-driven application.

More so,  Dr Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of NLNG, called for global cooperation to tackle methane emissions and accelerate climate action.

Speaking at another panel, Mshelbila described methane as more than 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide, with a 12-year atmospheric lifespan, making its reduction a fast-track climate solution.

He said fossil fuel emissions arose from coal mining, flaring, venting, fugitive releases, and incomplete combustion, all requiring targeted mitigation strategies.

Mshelbila identified prevention, detection and measurement, and intervention as the three pillars for combating methane emissions across the energy sector.

He explained that prevention required designing facilities to minimise leaks, detection relied on advanced monitoring, while intervention focused on reintegrating otherwise wasted gas into systems.

“NLNG has reduced Nigeria’s gas flaring by more than 40 per cent since inception 26 years ago. Methane is energy, provided it is kept in-pipe.

“We have invested in detection, measurement, monitoring, and reporting systems to manage methane emissions,” he said.

Mshelbila said NLNG had joined the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership and was working towards Gold Standard certification, with a new boil-off gas compressor set for inauguration.

He announced that the company would soon inaugurate a boil-off gas compressor to reintegrate methane that would otherwise be flared.

According to him, inclusive frameworks, access to finance, and technology-sharing are crucial for smaller operators to adopt advanced methane abatement systems.

On supply, Mr Nnamdi Anowi, NLNG’s General Manager of Production, said that the company was shifting towards third-party gas sourcing following International Oil Companies’ divestments.

“Today, 75 per cent of our feed gas comes from third-party suppliers; by October, we expect our second tranche, ensuring adequate supply into 2026 and 2027.”

Anowi highlighted Africa’s energy poverty, with 60 per cent of the population lacking access, stressing that affordable gas could transform the continent into a global manufacturing hub.

“What happened in Nigeria when power availability improved can happen across Africa.

“With energy, industries thrive, jobs are created, and production shifts to the continent.”

He described Nigeria as a ‘gas-rice nation with largely untapped offshore reserves,’ stressing the importance of infrastructure and investment to unlock them.

“The Federal Government has rolled out incentives for offshore gas exploration and production.

“This is where LNG plays a critical role, delivering energy to the parts of Africa that need it most,” Anowi said.

He confirmed NLNG’s six-train capacity of 22 million tonnes per annum, with Train 7 under construction to expand output by 30 per cent, despite utilisation averaging 60 per cent in recent years.

Anowi reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to combating energy poverty and spurring industrial growth in Africa.

Dr Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, addressed workforce development, citing global projections of 14 million new energy jobs by 2030 and a 60 per cent reskilling need.

She said NLNG’s graduate trainee and professional programmes were designed to bridge digital, renewable, and sustainability skill gaps while embedding purpose, creativity, and hybrid work flexibility.

Horsfall explained that trainees underwent structured mentorship, rotations, buddy systems, overseas placements, and innovation-driven initiatives such as hackathons and coding clubs.

“NLNG’s attrition rate remains lower than industry averages. Our young professionals are motivated and engaged because we deliver on our promises,” she said.

She added that the company had embedded climate priorities into job descriptions while building ESG leadership capacity from staff to board level.

At the opening plenary, Mr Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), said Nigeria was targeting 60 billion dollars in fresh investments.

He said the plan was to raise natural gas production to 12 billion cubic feet per day, and crude oil output from 1.6 million barrels to three million barrels daily by 2030.

Ojulari highlighted major projects including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline, the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, and NLNG expansion projects covering Train 7 and future Trains 8 and 9.

He said Nigeria already supplied 60 per cent of LNG to Portugal and Spain, while driving LPG adoption and a Compressed Natural Gas transition scheme for vehicles and machinery.

“Geopolitical shifts such as the Russia-Ukraine war have accelerated regional pipeline projects to strengthen energy security; Nigeria is ready to play a central role,” Ojulari said.

He noted that the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021 had transformed NNPC into a limited liability company, enabling global partnerships and direct funding.

In addition, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to using its 210 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves to drive industrialisation.

Ekpo said Train 7 would boost NLNG’s output to 30 million tonnes annually, while Nigeria pursued regional pipelines with Morocco, Algeria, and Equatorial Guinea to expand connectivity.

“Our natural gas is the bridge to renewables, and the anchor for developing countries like Nigeria to avoid being left behind in the global energy transition,” he said.

Sen. John Owan, Minister of State for Industry, said Nigeria’s new strategic framework targeted raising industry’s share of GDP from 10 per cent to 25 per cent by 2035.

He said the framework, validated under President Bola Tinubu, marked a turning point, shifting Nigeria from a resource-based to a productive and innovative economy.

Owan highlighted Tinubu’s reforms, including petrol subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, which had stabilised markets and attracted new investment interest.

“Nigeria is more of a gas-based country than an oil country; our energy policy is grounded in resources and long-term development goals,” he said.

Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, NNPC’s Executive Vice President, said the company was revising Nigeria’s gas master plan to position the country as a sustainable global supplier.

He cited the Atlantic Gas Pipeline with Morocco to connect 16 African economies, while also supporting gas-based industries to generate jobs and attract investors.

“This is the best time to invest in Nigeria. Opportunities are vast, and the environment is ready,” Ogunleye said.

Oil and gas experts say Nigeria’s participation at Gastech 2025 underscores its ambition to emerge as a leading global energy hub.(NANFeatures)

Mass sack at Dangote Refinery over sabotage, safety concerns

Mass sack at Dangote Refinery over sabotage, safety concerns

Sack

Refinery

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has dismissed several members of staff in a major reorganisation exercise, following reported cases of sabotage in different refinery units that raised serious safety concerns.

Mr Femi Adekunle, the Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management at Dangote Group, confirmed the development in a document seen by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos

He noted that the reorganisation followed multiple cases of reported sabotage across refinery units that posed major safety risks.

According to Adekunle, management was left with no choice but to carry out a total reorganisation of the refinery, resulting in the disengagement of the affected staff, effective Thursday, Sept. 25.

He said: “The employees were told to give all company property to their line managers and obtain an exit clearance, with the specific date for the process to be communicated later.

“The finance department, by a copy of this letter, is advised to compute all your benefits and entitlements in line with your terms of employment and conditions of service.

” And pay the amount due to you (less all indebtedness), subject to the condition that you have obtained the exit clearance certificate as mentioned above,” Adekunle stated.

While the number of affected staff was not disclosed at the time of filing this report, NAN gathered that the restructuring might be linked to the decision of many of the dismissed workers to join the workers’ union.

Recall that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), had earlier threatened to shut down Dangote Refinery over management’s refusal to allow tanker drivers and other employees to unionise.

PENGASSAN voiced its frustration with what it described as the refinery’s persistent resistance to unionisation efforts, stressing that “all diplomatic efforts had failed to resolve the issue.”

The union further warned that if the standoff continued, it would have no option but to “join NUPENG in shutting down refinery operations to protect workers’ rights and interests.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Electricity employees suspend nationwide strike, sign MoU with  FG

Electricity employees suspend nationwide strike, sign MoU with  FG

Edited for use

Strike
By Constance Athekame
Two major electricity unions have suspended their planned nationwide strike following the intervention of the Federal Government.

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC)
had threatened to embark on industrial action over unresolved issues in the power sector.

The workers had earlier planned to down tools to press home their demands from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) over non implementation of the national minimum wage and other operational issues,

The union decided to suspend the strike  after extensive discussions with representatives of the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu and the labour unions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the end of the meeting  in Abuja on Thursday night.

A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), sighted by NAN in Abuja on Friday, revealed that the agreement was signed by representatives of the Ministers of Power and Labour, as well as leaders of the labour unions.

Other signatories to the MoU include representatives of the TCN, and the National Independent System Operator(NISO), who signed on behalf of the federal government.

While the General Secretary of SSAEAC, and the acting General Secretary of NUEE signed for the labour unions.

The MoU said” after extensive discussions, the following agreements were reached:

Among the agreements was the decision for the unions to consider the report of a standing committee between Oct. 6 and  Oct.7, with a view to commencing its implementation in the same month.

In addition, TCN and NISO are to jointly evaluate the financial implications of the report and prepare an implementation plan for presentation to the minister and the unions.

It was further resolved that both unions would reconvene with TCN and NISO management to address other outstanding issues.

The  MoU also directed Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to fast-track the review of tariffs for TCN and NISO to enable implementation of the committee’s recommendations.

The MoU also included a key clause stating that no employee would be victimised for participating in the industrial action.

Following the agreement, and in a show of good faith, the unions announced the suspension of the planned strike to allow for the implementation of the resolutions reached during negotiations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Proposed PIA Amendment Poses Grave Legal Risks, Expert Says

Proposed PIA Amendment Poses Grave Legal Risks, Expert Says

PIA

By Emmanuella Anokam

An Expert, Mr Ben Ekori has cautioned the sponsors of the proposed amendment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), saying the proposed provision would reintroduce uncertainty, counter production and present grave legal implications for Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigerians have raised concerns over the alleged ongoing moves to amend the PIA, passed in 2021 after decades of debate.

Ekori, a public affairs analyst, while reacting to the development said such a move would erode Investors’ confidence and occasion grave unintended consequences to the country and its citizens.

“That the news of the proposed PIA amendment has been in the public space for a week without denial could only mean that there could be some substance in it.

“While we await the confirmation of the news and its ultimate metamorphosis into a policy, it is pertinent to x-ray some provisions the proposed amendment appears to have been designed to bring about and their implications for Nigeria and its citizens.

“The proposed amendment which is alleged to be sponsored by the Ministry of Finance is designed with the objective of addressing the escalating fiscal leakages and revenue loss confronting the Federation.

“The reports also indicate that areas targeted for amendment include section eight which establishes the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) as the body charged with the regulation of upstream operations.

“The amendment, according to the reports, will see the NUPRC replacing the NNPC Ltd. as the representative of the government in all model contracts attached to licenses and leases provided for in section 85,” he said.

He said that section 53 of the PIA was also slated for amendment to make the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) the sole owner of the NNPC Ltd.’s shares as against the extant situation where the company’s shares are split 50:50 between MOFI and the Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated.

The expert, however, warned that the proposed amendment to make the NUPRC the concessionaire in place of the NNPC Ltd. would reintroduce uncertainty into the system, with NUPRC serving as a regulator and an operator at the same time.

“This would definitely lead to erosion of Investors’ confidence as it would be an over-stretch of the imagination to expect PSC partners to believe that they could get justice if a dispute broke out between them and the concessionaire (NUPRC) which is also the regulator.

“The sponsors of the amendment need to carefully consider the impact that this proposed provision will have on investors’ confidence and grave legal implications it will present.

“It will be counter-productive to introduce an amendment into a law that could totally negate what the law is fundamentally designed to achieve.

“With NNPC Ltd. serving as the concessionaire, the Federation is insulated from legal hazards, and there will be limits to liabilities from legal infractions.”

He further said the other proposed amendment that could have grave implications for the nation in general, and the national oil company in particular, was the provision that sought to transfer all the shares of the NNPC Ltd. to the MOFI.

According to him, the PIA provides for the NNPC Ltd. to commence a process of listing on the capital market as part of deepening its commercial focus.

He said transferring all the shares to one government entity at a time when activities should be in high gear for the company’s Initial Public Offering could create the impression that the government does not want to let the company go.

“The move has the potential of reversing the modest gain of having the company operate as a true limited liability company without direct government control or interference,” he added.

He said in trying to analyse the implications of the above proposed amendments to the PIA, it would be nice to understand what the situation was, prior to the passage of the PIA.

Ekori recalled that the President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration set up the Oil and Gas Sector Reform Committee (OGSRC) in 2000 to look at why the industry was consistently not meeting revenue targets and recommend solutions.

He said amongst numerous observations of the committee were that some of the laws that governed the industry were not only obsolete but created uncertainty which made prospective investors wary of committing capital to further asset development projects.

The expert further said the work of the OGSRC laid the foundation for the Petroleum Industry Bill which took almost 20 years to pass, due to politics.

“For the whole of the period that the PIB lagged, Nigeria regressed as a prime investment destination, as most of the IOCs refrained from investments that could boost production because there was no clarity around the fiscal terms which investment decisions could be taken.

“Another critical area that bred uncertainty, apart from the fiscal terms, was the lack of clear delineation of roles amongst agencies in the sector.

“Of particular notoriety was the dual role of the then Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation as an operator and regulator, a situation that made the old NNPC to be like a judge in its own court when in dispute with Joint Venture and PSC partners.

“The enactment of the PIA in 2021 successfully put paid to issues of uncertainty in the system and has gradually begun to restore investors’ confidence.

“Investors may not have started falling over themselves over opportunities in the Nigerian Oil and gas sector yet, but the reports show that things are not the same as they were in the pre-PIA era,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Group lauds Tinubu’s economic reforms

Group lauds Tinubu’s economic reforms

Reforms

By Dorcas Jonah

The Hope Alive Initiative, an NGO, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, attributing Nigeria’s recent robust economic growth to these initiatives.

The group gave the commendation in a statement by its Director of Press, Ernest Omoarelojie, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Omoarelojie cited from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showing a year-on-year Gross Domestic Product growth of 4.23 per cent in the second quarter of 2025.

He said that the data was a confirmation that the administration’s reforms were yielding results.

According to him, before President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, the economy was in dire straits, weakened by unsustainable fuel subsidies.

“Some bold policy measures, including the removal of petrol subsidy, unification of the foreign exchange market, fiscal consolidation and social interventions have now begun to turn the tide,” he said.

He listed some notable gains of the Tinubu administration to include
GDP growth of 4.23 per cent in Q2 2025 compared to 3.48 per cent in Q2 2024.

“Others are external reserves: now at 42 billion dollars, boosting investors confidence and stabilising the Naira.

”Inflation has declined consistently in six months with projections for single-digit levels by 2026, ” he said.

Omoarelojie said that Nigeria’s aggregate GDP, now N100.73 trillion (up from N84.48 trillion the previous year), reflected a tectonic shift towards a more diversified and sustainable economy.

He urged Nigerians to support the administration, avoid distractions, and remain confident in the country’s economic direction.

“Nigeria is not just recovering—it is rising,” said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

FGM: A harmful violation of girls’ rights-UNICEF

FGM: A harmful violation of girls’ rights-UNICEF

Violation

By Segun Giwa/Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful violation of girls’ and women’s rights.

The Chief of UNICEF, Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere said this at a two-day Media Dialogue to Support Advocacy to End FGM in Nigeria on Wednesday in Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by UNICEF in collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation.

According to Lafoucriere, nearly 20 million women and girls in Nigeria had undergone FGM, ranking third highest globally.

“This is a huge number that we cannot be blind or deaf to,” she said.

Lafoucriere said that despite being outlawed in Nigeria, FGM persists in numerous Nigerian communities, adding that the practice is fuelled by myths and traditions and should be acknowledged as detrimental

She emphasised that no cultural or traditional practice should compromise girls’ health, rights, or future prospects.

Lafoucriere noted, however, that collaborative efforts with stakeholders are driving a shift in the narrative

“The good news is that change is possible, and change is happening through collaborations and initiatives like the Movement for Good, which is led by the federal government of Nigeria in collaboration with UNICEF.

“Millions of Nigerian girls , boys, men, women, aunties, uncles have pledged to protect girls from being cut. Communities are speaking out.

“Survivors, very crucially, are leading the way, and young people are demanding a better future. And this is where the media comes in.

Lafoucriere urged media practitioners to use their platforms to tell stories that would spark the needed change.

“This is where you have the power to shape narratives, to amplify survivors’ voices, and to challenge harmful practices to inspire families to choose differently for their daughters.

“Use your reach; use your platforms and your creativity to ensure that every single girl in Nigeria grows up free of female genital mutilation, free of that fear, free of that harmful possibility.

“Together, we can build a better future for every single girl in Nigeria, a safer future for every single girl in Nigeria. And every girl needs to be free to thrive, to survive, but also to thrive,” she said.

In her remarks, UNICEF Communication Officer, Lagos Field Office, Blessing Ejiofor noted that the workshop aims to ensure advocacy that would reach every nook and cranny in an effort to end the FGM practice in the country.

Ejiofor noted that while campaigns have led to a decline in FGM, the advocacy efforts aim for complete elimination.

The UNICEF communication specialist, who declared that no woman should undergo the harmful process of FGM, revealed that it was now a criminal offense in Nigeria to engage in it.

Ejiofor urged the media to use their medium to drive the advocacy in ending the practice.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Information, Mr Rotimi Babalola said the workshop reflected the state government’s commitment to any issue related to children.

Babalola said the media advocacy was important, having done similar advocacy programs with security agencies and the judiciary for everyone to know their roles in the advocacy.

“We still have a lot of work to do; we have done several advocacy programs; it’s now the turn of the media.

“We have a lot of work to do on this campaign. Most of us have been in this campaign. We need extra efforts to totally eliminate FGM,” he said.

Babalola called on the media to sustain their collaboration in efforts to eliminate FGM nationwide.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Victor Adeoti and Yetunde Fatungase

China reiterates commitment to Africa’s development

China reiterates commitment to Africa’s development

Dignitaries during a reception to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, on Monday, in Lagos

Cooperation

By Taiye Olayemi and Busayo Onijala

The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, has said that China will remain committed to strengthening cooperation with Africa in the face of global instability.

Yuqing stated this on Monday in Lagos at a reception to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 65th independence anniversary of Nigeria.

She reaffirmed China’s African policy anchored on sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, as well as the pursuit of the greater good and shared interests.

The envoy said China would continue to deepen practical cooperation, strengthen strategic coordination, jointly address global challenges and make greater contributions to the development of the global South.

Yuqing commended members of the Chinese community within her consular district for their role in advancing China-Nigeria friendship through investments, job creation and cultural exchanges.

“With the vigorous promotion of the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos, local exchanges, economic and trade cooperation and people-to-people engagements have become increasingly vibrant.

“In collaboration with Chinese enterprises and academic communities, we have continued to advance the ‘Renewed Hope, Rebirth from the Light’ public welfare initiative.

“This initiative reflects China’s contribution to Nigeria’s poverty alleviation and hunger eradication efforts,” she said.

She explained that the Consulate was guided by the principle of “diplomacy for the people,” working closely with Nigerian authorities to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and institutions in the country.

The consul general also expressed hope for greater cultural exchanges, saying: “We look forward to more Nigerian friends learning about China, visiting China and falling in love with China.”

Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, congratulated the President and people of China on the occasion of the country’s 76th National Day celebration.

Hamzat said that Lagos cherished its long-standing relationship with China, which had produced partnerships across key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, technology and trade.

According to him, these collaborations have contributed significantly to building a resilient and competitive Lagos.

He recalled joint ventures between Chinese investors and the Lagos State Government, noting that such initiatives had generated jobs, fostered industrial growth and strengthened cultural and economic ties between both sides.

Hamzat said the state looked forward to expanding cooperation in areas such as green energy, smart city development, capacity building and cultural exchanges to promote sustainable development.

The deputy governor emphasised that Lagos drew inspiration from China’s remarkable transformation and would continue to nurture mutual respect and shared prosperity in its dealings with China.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, commended China’s leadership role in maintaining global peace.

Obasa said that China had been able to maintain peace by consistently advocating sovereign international conflict resolution through peaceful methods such as negotiations, consultations and dialogue rather than military intervention.

He urged the government of China to continue its efforts toward ensuring the world becomes a more habitable and peaceful place for all.

Also, Mr Jafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Relations, expressed the 10th Assembly’s commitment to strengthening China-Nigeria ties.

He said this would be achieved through sustained legislative support, parliamentary diplomacy and policy innovation.

“Let us continue to draw strength from our diversity, wisdom from our shared experiences, and hope from our common aspirations,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

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