Folashade Adeniran - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Folashade Adeniran
Mar, Thu, 2025

NSE confers fellowship on 178 engineers, urges local content development

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By Angela Atabo

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) on Wednesday conferred fellowship on 178 members.

The NSE President, Margaret Oguntala, while conferring the fellowship in Abuja, urged the conferees to promote Nigerian content development.

She explained that the fellowships were being conferred on engineers who had demonstrated exceptional leadership and had made remarkable contributions to the advancement of the engineering profession.

She said it was also a well-deserved recognition for their hard work, dedication and leadership.

“In addition to your duty as torchbearers of the promotion of the standards and ethics of NSE, I urge you to promote Nigerian content development in all ramifications.

“It is the only way that sustainable infrastructure delivery can be guaranteed in Nigeria.

“Let your work inspire and set benchmarks for others to follow. Embrace this honour with a sense of responsibility and commitment.

“Be the torchbearers of progress, the champions of quality, and the advocates for sustainable development,” she said.

Oguntala also called on stakeholders from various sectors to join forces with NSE to jointly provide meaningful support to the government.

She said that this was in the areas of tackling critical national issues such as improving Nigeria’s infrastructure, combating diseases, creating employment, alleviating poverty and generally improving the living standards of our citizens.

The NSE leader added that the collective strength of engineers alongside other professionals would undoubtedly unlock the potential that would bring about the much-needed development in the country.

The Chairman, NSE’s Board of Fellows, Kamila Maliki, in an address of welcome, commended the conferees for distinguishing themselves.

He charged them to play active roles in the nation’s infrastructural growth.

The Special Guest of Honour, Gov. Umar Namadi, of Jigawa, commended NSE for contributing to the nation’s development.

Namadi, represented by Malam Bala Ibrahim, Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State, urged the engineers to continue to contribute their quotas to nation-building.

He also called on them to always project the ethics of the profession.

The governor said his administration prioritised infrastructure development and would continue to partner with engineers for sustainable development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Mark Longyen

Huawei trains civil servants on green energy through solar initiatives

Folashade Adeniran
Mar, Thu, 2025

General News

Huawei trains civil servants on green energy through solar initiatives

384 total views today

By Jessica Dogo

Huawei Nigeria Board Director, Jim Zhang, has reaffirmed the company’s contribution to accelerating the adoption of green energy in Nigeria through its solar solutions and initiatives.

Zhang said this at the opening ceremony of a two-day training jointly organised by Huawei, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, and Ministry of Power, on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that it was part of efforts to drive Nigeria toward a sustainable and energy-efficient future.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training, which has 55 participants, is tagged, “Green Energy and Solar Power Training”.

The Board Director disclosed that in the company’s 26 years in Nigeria, Huawei had collaborated with MTN and Airtel to provide the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4G) and Fifth Industrial Revolution (5G) technology for Nigeria.

“Asides this, we provide digital power, smart PV, and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) for Nigeria.

“Huawei has been in Nigeria for 26 years, with two headquarters in Lagos and Abuja.

“We also have a training centre, an operations centre, and an innovation centre in Lagos. This allows us to create numerous job opportunities in Nigeria,” he said.

He said that the company also supplied network infrastructure for Galaxy Backbone and some offices.

“We have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. We provided the first 3G, 4G, and 5G networks in the country.

“We have already supplied almost 100 megawatts of power through our smart PV and ESS systems in Nigeria.

“Additionally, we collaborate with several universities, offering training programmes for students and professionals,” he said.

He said that Huawei offered comprehensive and flexible solutions with rapid deployment to ensure seamless integration of digital equipment.

According to him, the solutions address electricity challenges and improve office environments.

“This year, we look forward to working closely with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government and businesses to provide solutions to these pressing challenges.

“We look forward to Huawei’s collaboration in driving the nation towards a sustainable and energy-efficient future.

We are committed to collaborating closely and supporting Nigeria’s progress,” he said.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, commended Huawei for the initiative.

Walson-Jack, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of Common Services Office, Dr Danjuma Kalba, said that the training would be institutionalised over time.

She said that aside from the economic benefits and cost reduction, the initiative was also environmentally friendly.

She said that the programme would be ongoing within the civil service, and urged participants to seize the opportunity and understand solar energy, and also familiarise with its applications.

“We will be able to institutionalise this training, and to Huawei, we can not thank you enough for making yourselves available to organise this training for us. We hope it will be a continuous initiative.

“The world is increasingly focusing on climate change and its effects on the planet. Therefore, we must align ourselves with global policies on renewable energy.

“In our respective ministries and partnerships, we will continue to adapt to the necessary changes, ” she said.

She urged the participants to seize the opportunity to understand solar energy, particularly its maintenance and associated challenges, and also to familiarise themselves with its applications.

Earlier, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, expressed optimism that the participants would leave with invaluable skills that would benefit their careers.

Adelabu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman, said that the success of Nigeria’s energy depended on collaborations between the government, industry and technology sectors.

He said that the partnership with Huawei was a crucial one in bringing state-of-art technology and expertise to the table.

“By working together, we can build the infrastructure, setting up requisite policies and the human capital needed to accelerate the transition to green energy economy.

“The ministry has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s transition, focusing on clean, sustainable and inclusive energy solutions.

“As we embark on this journey, it is important to remember that the future we are building today will have a profound impact on generations to come,’b’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

NEPC trains over 8,000 women entrepreneurs on digitalisation, others

Folashade Adeniran
Mar, Wed, 2025

General News

NEPC trains over 8,000 women entrepreneurs on digitalisation, others

455 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has trained and supported no fewer than 8,000 women entrepreneurs on digitalisation, packaging, labeling among others, from 2019 till date, to boost trade.

Mrs Nonye Ayeni, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the council, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja, at the Hershowcase Event, with the theme: “Trade Beyond Borders”.

The programme was organised by NEPC in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC).

Ayeni said the event was designed to facilitate business networking, market connections and product exhibitions for Women-Led Businesses.

She said the council supported women-led businesses with certifications to enable them access different markets.

“The council supported women-led businesses through various other initiatives, which include capacity building programmes to enhance their export readiness and competitiveness.

“These programmes focus on various topics including; export procedure and documentation, export market strategy, packaging, labeling, branding, as well as digitalisation and e-commerce.

“The NEPC has trained and supported over 8,000 women entrepreneurs from 2019 till date.

“Under this initiative, about 125 women have been sponsored to acquire certifications, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and ISO 22000 free of charge,’’she said.

The director-general said the council had been selected as one of the Business Support Organisations (BSO) to implement phase one of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) project.

She said that the development was as a result of the inauguration of the World Trade Organisation/International Trade Centre, WTO/ITC, WEIDE Fund project in February 2024.

“Only four BSOs were selected out of 600 that applied and NEPC was selected to represent Nigeria as the only African country on the list.

“This is great news for the country and for our women as the WEIDE Fund,”she said.

Ayeni said that the project aimed to support women entrepreneurs in developing and least-developed countries to adopt digital technologies and expand the online presence of their enterprises.

She said that Nigeria joined the ITC SheTrades Initiative in 2016 and pledged to support the UN goal of connecting three million women worldwide to the global market by 2021.

She added that the council, as the SheTrade Hub in Nigeria, worked assiduously in partnership with ITC and other relevant agencies and institutions.

According to her, under the partnership with ITC for the SheTrades Initiative, over 5,000 Nigerian women have registered from 2018 till date.

She said in the next two days, women led-businesses would have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, share experiences with fellow women entrepreneurs and showcase their innovative products and services.

Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, said that government recognised the importance of women as a vital strategic pillar of the economy.

Oduwole said that women had always been at the heart of Africa’s economic activity from carrying goods across borders to managing businesses and producing high-value products for export.

She said that the SheTrades Nigeria was established to break down any barriers and empower Nigerian women to thrive in trade.

“SheTrades provides women entrepreneurs and producers with access to key knowledge, resources and networks, support policymakers on inclusive policy reforms, leverage public, private partnerships to amplify the impact of our work,’’ she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Vivian Ihechu

Tinubu urges adherence to rule of law for peace in Rivers

Folashade Adeniran
Mar, Tue, 2025

General News

Tinubu urges adherence to rule of law for peace in Rivers

332 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday emphasised the need for adherence to the rule of law in Rivers to ensure lasting peace and prosperity.

The President said this at a meeting with representatives and leaders of the Niger Delta under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Tinubu reiterated that respect for the judiciary was crucial in upholding democracy and fostering harmony.

He advised the leaders to be more broadminded, selfless and focused on the larger vision of salvaging the region politically and economically, by insisting that the judiciary’s interpretations of the Constitution be respected.

“I am here by the grace of God, appreciating your support, prayers and concern. I cannot complain. I campaigned for this position and begged for the job. I must do it with all my heart, whatever it takes.

“I will make sure we achieve our promises and goals.

“Nigeria is a great country. To some cabinet members here, from outside looking in and inside looking out, we have been doing our best to give Nigeria a re-bounce, a reset and a recalibration of the economic fortune,” he said.

According to Tinubu, the Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg, hence, we must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg.

“I got your signal and your concern, particularly on Rivers. I have been on the issue for quite some time. I foresaw the crisis festering for too long before I intervened.

“We reached an agreement, written agreement, and both parties signed.”

The President said stakeholders must make sacrifices for the state to move forward by recognising the Constitution.

“This is a nation governed by the rule of law. I should not be here as President without a rule of law. I have total confidence in our judiciary. We have expectations. Human beings can make errors. But once the court has spoken, that is it.

“Please go back home and help implement the court’s rulings within the shortest possible time. I am putting the ball in your court. Help! Intervene privately and openly and counsel the governor. Pursue the path of peace and stability,” he added.

The President told the delegation that his priority remained community development, particularly projects and programmes that positively impacted citizens.

“Go back home and take charge of peace. If you need me, let me know. I have given the situation enough time and enough consideration. We cannot fall back, and we will not.

“The people of Rivers will not suffer because of democracy. We worked together on it. They will not suffer. They must be protected,” he said.

The President commended the leadership of the Niger Delta: “I have seen what you have tolerated in the region. Community development is very close to my heart.

“The leader of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, is doing a great job and should be encouraged to do more.

“He is your son. We are all proud of him. Yes, there are lots of mis-adventurers around Nigeria on democracy. We will continue to work on preserving the integrity and character of our legislators.

“I sincerely thank you for bringing up those issues. Nigeria is greater than anyone. It is so great. That greatness must come from us through our determination, perseverance and endurance to do all we can to improve it.”

Tinubu thanked the delegation for acknowledging the efforts to stimulate the economy for more sustainable and predictable growth.

“We cannot achieve Eldorado in one day. But we are on the path to it. We will succeed by the grace of God Almighty. We are resetting the economy, and it looks far better.

“We have funds for our children in college. Our medical colleges are also getting equipped,” he said.

The President noted that the ongoing coastal road project would create new economic benefits for the Niger Delta and the country.

“We are already working with international companies to build ports in the Niger Delta states.”

King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, thanked the President for his commitment to the well-being of the South-South and appointments given to Niger Delta indigenes.

“Your government has taken the bull by the horns, and we are sure you will succeed. We are here to give you our assurance and support. I can say now that God bless Nigeria and your government,” he said.

Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom and co-chair of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, called for further intervention in the Rivers political crises.

Attah, who also chairs the reconciliation committee set up by PANDEF in Rivers, said the political crises in the state threatened national stability and deserved more attention.

“Instability there has far-reaching consequences on the peace and stability of the nation,” he added.

He praised the President’s reforms, including power devolution and regional development recognition, and urged focus on infrastructure, seaports, environmental sustainability, and fiscal federalism in the South-South.

The PANDEF delegation included former governors, legislators, ministers, traditional leaders, religious figures, youth and women groups. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

China’s top legislature concludes annual session, urges unity among lawmakers

Folashade Adeniran
Mar, Tue, 2025

Foreign

China’s top legislature concludes annual session, urges unity among lawmakers

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By Busayo Onijala

China’s top legislature, the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), on Tuesday closed its third session after a week of deliberations.

During the closing meeting in Beijing, which was attended by China’s President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders, deputies of the NPC voted on and approved draft resolutions on China’s economic and social development.

Some of the approvals include the government work report, work report of NPC’s Standing Committee, the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, execution of the central and local budgets for 2024, and the central budget for 2025.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that China’s key targets for 2025 as delivered in the government work report include five per cent gross domestic product growth, 12 million new urban jobs, and 700 million tonnes of grain output.

Presiding over the closing meeting, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, Li Hongzhong, said that the outcomes of the session demonstrated the political advantages of the people’s congress system.

He urged lawmakers to stay united, work harder to advance national rejuvenation and further contribute to the country’s modernisation with Chinese characteristics.

According to him, unity is strength.

“Lawmakers should act in line with the people-centered philosophy of development.

“Let us rally around the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, and forge ahead with perseverance and diligence,” Li said.

According to him, lawmakers should stay true to the principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability.

This, he said, was in order to achieve objectives and complete tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan with high quality, laying a solid foundation for the 15th Five-Year Plan from 2026 to 2030. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Folashade Adeniran
Mar, Sat, 2025

Judiciary

Lawyers commend Lagos Judiciary for adoption of technology to expedite criminal trials

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By Adenike Ayodele

Some lawyers have commended the Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, for strengthening access to justice and prison decongestion through adoption of technology in hearing of criminal cases.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that recently technology was deployed via virtual hearing of cases of 234 inmates in different parts of the state.

The virtual proceedings began in the month of January after the chief judge approved 234 inmates, who have not been attending court due to logistic issues, to benefit from the new initiative.

In separate interviews with NAN on Thursday, the lawyers said that the virtual proceedings was an innovative approach aimed to expedite the judicial process, decongest custodial centres and ensure that justice was served efficiently.

According to them, it is a ground breaking move to address prison congestion,

The Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Epe Branch, Dr Saliu Jimoh, said that administration of criminal justice system in Lagos was drastically impeded by inadequate logistics to convey defendants in custody to courts.

Jimoh said that the challenge was more daunting in Epe, Magbon-Alade, Ikorodu areas that were far from correctional centres in the state.

He said that the virtual trial of 234 inmates in different custodial centres was a step in the right direction.

The chairman said over 70 per cent of inmates in correctional centres were awaiting trial with no end in sight due to several constraints, which virtual hearings was poised to solve.

He added that with the virtual hearing in place, many of the cases that suffered adjournments due to absence of inmates in court would receive adequate attention.

He said: “This perpetual absence in court due to no fault of defendants, will offend the provisions of the constitution with regards to fair hearing, so the need for a way out becomes imperative.

“Of recent, the application of virtual procedures was extended to trials of criminal cases, particularly where the defendants are in the custody.

“The virtual hearing platform developed by Global T & T New Solutions Ltd was introduced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, through the directive of the chief judge.

“The system can be used for all matters via application to the court by parties.

“Chief Magistrate Botoku of Epe Magistraterial District was one of the few Magistrates that first put to the test the use of virtual trial in criminal cases in the state,” the NBA chairman said.

Jimoh, however, said that the effectiveness of the adoption of virtual trial depended on many factors, ranging from adequate training for magistrates, judiciary staff, court users and the authorities of the correctional centres.

He added that power supply, internet facilities, particularly in the rural area of the state may pose strong challenges to the successful implementation of the programme.

According to him, for the hearing to achieve its objectives, all these factors must be adequately provided for by the judiciary and technical partners.

Jimoh said: “We have the challenge of ensuring that inmates are presented to court virtually as the staff of the correctional centres are not doing enough.

“For example, Magistrate Kadri of Epe Magisterial District on March 3 listed about 122 inmates for hearing but the correctional centres were only able to present about 10 for hearing

“Secondly, while the video of the hearing was excellent, the audio needs improvement to allow smooth and better session. These areas among others are rooms for improvement so that the overall objectives is attained.

“All in all, the introduction of virtual trial to the stream of administration of criminal justice in Lagos State is a step long due and one must commend the Chief Judge of the State and Attorney General for this innovation.”

The Publicity Secretary, NBA Epe Branch, Mr Anthony Sidi, said the virtual hearing of cases of 234 inmates by the Lagos Judiciary was a revolutionary solution to congestion of the correctional facilities.

Sidi, however, said the state judiciary, NBA branches and various correctional centres must cooperate by prompt production of the inmates to the court room for a successful implementation of the virtual hearing scheme.

Another Lagos-based Lawyer, Mr Abdul Wahab said the introduction of the virtual hearing or trial at the Epe Division was highly commendable.

Wahab said that the state judiciary had taken a leap into advancement of technology and also put the state ahead of others in delivery of justice.

He said virtual court hearings offered several advantages as it ensured efficiency and cost savings, reduction of logistical challenges and security arrangements for defendants, witnesses, and judicial officers.

Wahab said: “Apart from increasing accessibility, which enable participation from remote location, it equally improves safety and security, probably reduces risk of prison breaks etc.

“Lastly, one can say it enhances evidence management, which can facilitate the electronic management of evidence, reducing the risk of evidence tampering or loss.”

The lawyer, however, said that the judiciary and technical partners must ensure that virtual hearing process was not vulnerable to manipulation and therefore must operate with the highest level of data protection and cybersecurity.

“This will forestall any desperate party from manipulating the system and use it to enhance their case.

“The technical partners must ensure stable internet connectivity, to avoid audio or video delays and dropped calls which may disrupt the flow of virtual hearing.

Also, they should ensure they cover all ground to avoid technical difficulties which border on issues with hardware, software, or compatibility,” Wahab said.

The lawyer added that non-verbal cues like body language and facial expressions might be lost or misinterpreted in a virtual setting and so the court need to be painstaking in capturing the nuances of the parties.

Similarly, Mr Musa Hassan, the Assistant Secretary of NBA Epe, who also highlighted some of the challenges of virtual trial, however, said that the initiative was here to stay.

He implored all hands to be on deck in order for the judiciary to attain speedy dispensation of justice “as justice delayed is justice denied.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Folashade Adeniran
Mar, Sat, 2025

General News

Tinubu appoints Jega special adviser

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Prof. Attahiru Jega as Special Adviser and Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform.

This was contained in a statement issued by Tinubu’s spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Friday.

The President explained that the appointment hoped to drive meaningful progress in the livestock sector and further strengthen national development efforts.

Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former vice chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, co-chaired the Presidential Livestock Committee with President Tinubu.

The committee delivered comprehensive recommendations that underscored sustainable livestock reforms, one of which was the creation of the Livestock Ministry with a minister.

Jega, 68, is a member of the International Elections Advisory Council and the pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education in Kano State.

He served as the chairman of INEC between 2010 and 2015.

His appointment as a special adviser will reinforce the gains of the presidential committee and ensure the continued momentum of the reforms already in motion,” the president said in the statement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

S
Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

Minister pledges action on women’s empowerment

Folashade Adeniran
Mar, Sat, 2025

General News

Minister pledges action on women’s empowerment

356 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, has affirmed that the ministry will translate policies into action.

This is by ensuring access to justice and economic empowerment for women, children, and vulnerable families.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated this while addressing State House Correspondents during the Meet-the-Press event on Friday, ahead of International Women’s Day 2025 on Saturday.

She emphasised that Nigeria must intensify efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5) on gender equality by 2030. She acknowledged that many countries are also off track.

The Minister outlined four key issues facing women, which her ministry is committed to addressing.

First, she highlighted the legal and policy framework, noting Nigeria’s progress in enacting gender-responsive laws such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (2015) and the Child Rights Act (2003).

However, implementation remains a challenge.

“To date, 35 states have domesticated the VARP Act, and 34 states have adopted the Child Rights Act. This is progress, but more is needed,” said Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

She stressed the importance of full compliance, effective enforcement, and accountability to make these laws a reality for all Nigerian women and children.

The second issue is economic empowerment. Women drive Nigeria’s informal economy, owning 41 per cent of micro, small, and medium enterprises. Yet, access to finance, markets, and digital literacy remains a barrier.

“Over 94 per cent of women lack access to formal credit, in spite of their proven ability to invest in their families and communities,” she added.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim called for closing the gender financing gap, expanding opportunities in trade, technology, and digital skills, and providing structured support for women entrepreneurs.

The Minister also pointed out that over 30 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, and one in four girls has been sexually abused before turning 18.

She reiterated the need to sustain the state of emergency on gender-based violence declared by the Nigerian Governors Forum in 2020.

“The ministry is committed to strengthening survival-centered services and reviewing the Child Rights Act and the VAP Act. We are creating safe spaces nationwide,” she said.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed that gender-based violence is a national crisis that undermines collective development, not just a women’s issue.

The fourth issue is inadequate political representation and leadership. Women remain vastly underrepresented in decision-making spaces.

“In the 10th National Assembly, only four out of 109 senators and 17 out of 360 House members are women. This stark imbalance is not reflective of a progressive democracy,” she stated.

She called for accelerated efforts toward political inclusion, ensuring women are not tokenised but are equal partners in governance and development.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim also lamented that the ministry’s interventions had largely relied on donor funding, which she described as unsustainable and insufficient.

However, she praised President Bola Tinubu for significantly raising the ministry’s budget for the first time, signalling a new commitment to institutionalising women’s empowerment as a core pillar of national development.

“This decision marks a new era in government commitment. We will prioritise legislative advocacy, women’s economic empowerment, girls’ education, and the fight against gender-based violence,” she said.

The Minister called on every Nigerian woman and child to stand up, step forward, and help shape Nigeria’s future. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Governance leadership: NEITI boss demands equal representation of women

Folashade Adeniran
Mar, Sat, 2025

Gender

Governance leadership: NEITI boss demands equal representation of women

404 total views today

By Vivian Emoni
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), has called for equal representation of women in all levels of governance and leadership in Nigeria.

Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Secretary-General of NEITI, made the call at the event marking and recognition of the 2025 International Women’s Day, by the office, on Friday in Abuja.

Orji said that the theme of the women day tagged, “Accelerate Action”, emphasised the urgent need to take decisive steps toward achieving gender equality.

He said that the theme would also address the slow pace of progress and empowering women and girls worldwide.

According to him, the theme underscores the urgency of making faster, more efficient strides, to bring together the quest and the desire for more inclusion of women in global and national affairs.

“That is why a day like this is a day for reflection on the imbalance in terms of representation at the level of decision making and others.

“There is always a benefit for women to have their own right at the table where decisions are being made.

“If they are not there, no one else can speak for them better. So when we have more women at the centre of decision making, issues concerning women will be much more taken seriously.

“Women go through a lot to bring up children, especially in Africa where mortality rates for women appear to be higher, because women are exposed to more risk than anyone can explain,” he said.

Orji said that the women day was supposed to be March 8, but NEITI decided to celebrate the day ahead.

The secretary general said that women remained underrepresented in key top positions, often facing barriers that hinder their participation and advancement.

“This disparity not only limits the potential of women in contributing to the world development, it also deprives of diverse perspectives essential for sustainable growth and innovation, ” he said.

He noted that the top high-level management positions in the industry were predominantly occupied by men, adding that it highlighted a critical lack of gender balance in decision-making.

He said that women representation at the federal level had also seen some remarkable progress, adding that more needs to be done to ensure its balance.

The NEITI boss said that the aim of the meeting was to share insight on the legal and policy framework that would promote gender equality, workplace rights, and inclusive governance in Nigeria’s extractive sector.

Mrs Ezinwa Okoroafor, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), said that the meeting was one of the strategies to advance gender equality.

“As we engage ourselves, we are going to hear things, share different ideas that will bring more understanding and better knowledge of what we can do to advance gender equality.”

Speaking also, Mrs Tengi George-Ikoli, Senior Programme Officer, Natural Resource Governance Institute, said that women had consistently demonstrated competence, resilience and leadership in the oil, gas and mineral sectors.

Geoge-Ikoli said through strong advocacy, more women would have access to opportunities for growth, leadership, and economic empowerment in a sector that had historically been male-dominated.

“Today’s meeting will provide a valuable platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing and strategic collaboration.

“It is my hope that today’s discussions will further inspire actionable steps towards building an inclusive industry,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu