News Agency of Nigeria
Future of NIS lies in reforms, robust public-private partnership, says Shaibu
Sports

Future of NIS lies in reforms, robust public-private partnership, says Shaibu

113 total views today

By Deborah Coker

The Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, says the future of the institution lies in a robust public-private partnership model and a total structural reset.

Shaibu said this in Abuja on Tuesday night at a reception organised in his honour by former colleagues from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

He noted that his appointment by President Bola Tinubu came with a clear mandate to reform the NIS and revive the institute to its original vision of producing world-class coaches and sports professionals.

“My mandate by Mr President is to go and carry out total reform and to reposition the NIS to its core mandate of producing excellent coaches for Nigeria and Africa,” he said.

The NIS DG, who was a deputy governor in Edo and ex-member of the House of Representatives, said the institute had derailed from its foundational purpose.

Shaibu explained that the derailment was evident in the dilapidation of core facilities like the stadium, indoor hall, tennis courts, and administrative blocks of sports infrastructure.

He said that these infrastructures must first be rebuilt by the government before being handed over to the private sector for management.

“Government business now is to put these things right; when these things are standardised, the private sector can drive and achieve success.’’

Shaibu added that running sports with bureaucratic bottlenecks had stifled growth, noting that true progress could only come from a more flexible and business-oriented approach.

“Sport does not need the government bureaucracies that we have presently. If we leave sports to government bureaucracies as it is today, we will simply lament,” he said.

The NIS DG cited an example with the Super Falcons’ return to Nigeria from Morocco, as a part of poor government logistics planning.

He regretted that the nation had to be looking for a private jet to bring the players back after their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations victory in Morocco.

Reflecting also on his time in public office, the NIS DG said that transparency and accountability were the hallmark of his leadership.

He recalled that while serving in the National Assembly, he was the first to publicly announce the amount approved for constituency projects.

“I made the N20 million constituency funds public and allowed my constituents to determine how it should be spent.

“My performance in office was unprecedented and that has never happened. As a member of the House of Representatives, in 18 months, I did 13 constituency projects, whereas some members are not able to do 13 projects in eight years.”

Shaibu said he would bring the same zeal to his new role at the NIS, and as an experienced multi-sports athlete and administrator.

He revealed that he had spent the past weeks consulting widely and developing a strategic direction for the institute.

“What I have simply done in four to five weeks now was to reach out to major stakeholders.

“I was able to put up a document, which I named ‘Roadmap’; a 10-year strategic plan to reposition NIS to achieve its core mandate.

“A 32-member committee has been constituted to review and fine-tune the document. The reform will involve a total overhaul of the curriculum, removal of obsolete courses, and incorporation of modern sports science into the training programme.

“It’s like I’m resetting and restarting NIS afresh and also having a 10-year working document to make sure we don’t drift again,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

I don’t believe in failure, I have seen what persistence can achieve – Nwoko
Politics

I don’t believe in failure, I have seen what persistence can achieve – Nwoko

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By Deborah Coker

Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) and member, Senate Committee on Constitution Review, says he does not believe in failure as it does not exist in his dictionary.

Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District and currently vehemently pushing for the creation of Anioma State, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja on Wednesday.

He explained that he does not believe in failure because he believed in his people, the resilience of the Anioma spirit, the strength of their culture, and the depth of their contributions to Nigeria’s growth.

‘’This belief is more than a personal mantra; it is the fuel behind a historic movement. While others may have seen the idea of Anioma State as distant or unrealistic, I see a path forward.

‘’Anioma State is a long-overdue act of justice for a people with a distinct identity, culture, and contribution to national development.

‘’For me, this is not about personal gain. It is not about power or prestige. It is about correcting historical imbalances and giving the Anioma people the recognition and representation they deserve.

‘’I see Anioma State as a beacon of unity and progress; not just for the people of Delta North, but for Nigeria as a whole,’’ he said.

The lawmaker, who had been able to garner the support of 91 senators out of the number in the 10th senate for the creation of Anioma State, explained that he deployed both strategic and inclusive approach to achieve this.

According to him, as an international lawyer, philanthropist, and now a federal lawmaker, his most ambitious and impactful pursuit yet is the ongoing campaign for the creation of Anioma State.

‘’Anioma State, a proposed state for the Igbo-speaking people of Delta North, has long been a subject of debate, but I understand that big changes take time and resistance is inevitable.

‘’That is why I am pushing forward, not because it’s easy, but because it is necessary. I have seen what persistence can achieve, whether in my professional life, philanthropic efforts, or political service.

‘’And it is with that same conviction that the dream of Anioma State continues to gain momentum with more Nigerians becoming aware of the Anioma cause.

‘’More lawmakers are listening. More traditional rulers and citizens voicing support, and what was once considered unlikely is now within reach.’’ (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Clerics back biotechnology for food security
Science & Tech

Clerics back biotechnology for food security

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By Sylvester Thompson

In a significant step toward bridging science and faith, the Islamic community in Abuja has expressed strong support for the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and biotechnology in agriculture.

This endorsement underscores their commitment to addressing Nigeria’s pressing food security challenges.

At a sensitisation workshop on Tuesday for Islamic clerics, Malam Abdullahi Nuhu, Secretary to the Chief Imam of Dantata Mosque, affirmed the community’s spiritual and moral backing for government-led biotechnology initiatives.

The event, organised by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Nigeria under the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), aimed to foster understanding between modern science and religious values.

“We pledge our prayers and spiritual support to ensure the success of these programmes across Nigeria.

“Our leaders encourage us to back these efforts wholeheartedly,” Nuhu said.

The workshop featured expert presentations on the potential of agricultural biotechnology to transform farming, improve food security, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of NBRDA, emphasised the ethical and scientific foundations of GMO technologies as powerful tools for social and economic progress.

“In a nation grappling with food insecurity and environmental challenges, rejecting safe and proven innovations would be a missed opportunity,” he said.

Mustapha further reassured that GMO seeds were locally produced by indigenous companies, ensuring Nigerian control over seed production and distribution.

He called for greater collaboration among local firms to enhance seed availability and affordability for farmers.

Dr Rose Gidado, NBRDA’s Director of Agricultural Biotechnology, highlighted benefits such as reduced pesticide use, pest resistance, environmental sustainability, and longer shelf life for produce.

“Biotechnology is key to building climate-resilient agriculture and driving socio-economic development,” she noted.

Other experts, including Prof. Mohammed Ishiyaku of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Zaria, emphasised genetic enhancement as an affordable and sustainable solution to low farm productivity.

Dr Agnes Asagbra of the National Biosafety Management Agency, stressed the importance of responsible stewardship for long-term gains from GM crops.

Reinforcing confidence in GMO safety, Dr Ehirim Bernard from the African Agricultural Technology Foundation, cited rigorous biosafety assessments of crops like TELA Maize, assuring that they met stringent safety standards for consumers and the environment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Nigerian inaugurates centre in UK to tackle rising cancer concern
Health

Nigerian inaugurates centre in UK to tackle rising cancer concern

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By Wandoo Sombo

The Ngogbehei Cancer Centre (NCC), an NGO, has inaugurated its operations in the United Kingdom with a strategic focus on combating cancer, which has become a growing concern in Nigeria.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, the Founder of the NGO, Marcel Ngogbehei, said the centre was founded based on the fact that cancer continued to pose a major public health challenge in Nigeria.

“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the country records more than 125,000 new cases annually, with over 70,000 deaths attributed to the disease.

“These figures are largely driven by late diagnosis, poor awareness, and limited access to screening and treatment.

“Breast and cervical cancers remain the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Nigeria, yet only 19 per cent of Nigerian women have ever undergone a clinical breast examination, with even fewer accessing routine Pap smears or receiving HPV vaccinations.

“The reality is shocking but not surprising,” Ngogbehei said.

According to him, most Nigerians battling cancer do not know they have it until it’s too late.

“Our health systems are not set up for prevention; that’s where we come in.

“Rather than establishing a conventional hospital, the Ngogbehei Cancer Centre is spearheading a national movement focused on prevention.

“It plans to deliver essential services through a variety of community-based initiatives, including:

“Mobile cancer clinics, repurposed ambulances equipped with diagnostic tools to provide on-the-spot screenings in rural and underserved communities.

“Public education campaigns with outreach programmes, including workshops and school activities, are designed to demystify cancer and promote awareness of early warning signs.

“Volunteer training and support groups with community-led efforts aimed at encouraging regular self-examinations, routine checkups, and post-treatment support.

“Digital outreach tools with mobile applications and online platforms to facilitate self-assessment, appointment bookings, and survivor storytelling,” he said.

Ngogbehei added that the centre would operate nationwide, with a central coordination office and strong collaboration with local healthcare providers and civil society organisations.

He further said that registration in the United Kingdom enhanced the organisation’s credibility, opened access to international funding, and enabled strategic partnerships.

“However, the core of its operations remains rooted in Nigeria.

“We want to build something sustainable, trustworthy, and globally connected.

“Registering in the UK opens doors, but the work is in Nigeria, in villages, schools, churches, and markets where cancer education is urgently needed.”

He noted that the centre’s UK status also positioned it for potential expansion to other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa in the future.

“Evidence suggests that up to 50 per cent of cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes, vaccinations, and early detection.

“However, in Nigeria, misconceptions and stigma continue to shape public perception of the disease.

“The Ngogbehei Cancer Centre seeks to change this narrative through a compassionate, evidence-based, and community-driven approach to care.”

He boasted that the initiative was not just another project, but a promise to make cancer prevention and care a right, not a privilege, for every Nigerian.

Formerly known as the Marcel Ngogbehei Center for Cancer Education and Care, the centre aims to help address the cancer crisis through education, early detection, and improved access to care.

Founded by health advocate and social entrepreneur Marcel Ngogbehei, the centre is now a legally recognised charitable entity committed to addressing the significant gap in cancer awareness and treatment services across West Africa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Bayelsa: Group raises fund for federal agric varsity take-off
Agriculture

Bayelsa: Group raises fund for federal agric varsity take-off

137 total views today

By Nathan Nwakamma

The Federal University of Agriculture Support Group says it has raised N232 million to support the take-off of the newly established Federal University of Agriculture, Bassambiri, Bayelsa.

The Coordinator, Dr Ala-Peters David, said at a fundraiser in Yenagoa that the gesture was to ensure that the federal university took-off without delays.

David also stated that the move was in compliance with the presidential directive that all newly established universities should commence activities by September.

He said that although the university was a federal institution, Bayelsa people would be its direct beneficiaries, saying, “education is the bedrock of every society”

The coordinator further said that the university was the first higher institution in Bassambiri, Opu-Nembe, and that it was necessary to support its take-off.

David said that well-meaning indigenes of Bayelsa should support the growth and development of the school.

Also speaking at the event, Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa said that the state government had done a critical assessment and appraisal of the institution.

Represented by the Education Commissioner, Dr Gentle Emelah, Diri said that the government was committed to assisting towards providing basic facilities for the university.

He said that his administration was committed to giving priority attention to education and the general wellbeing of Bayelsa people.

Speaking at the sidelines of the event, Bob Manuel, the Chief Executive Officer, Bontrac Tractors Limited, described the idea behind the university as ‘great and timely’

“Agriculture should be given the right attention. Agriculture alone is capable of tackling the employment challenge in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

“I urge well-meaning Nigerians to support the university’s take-off and development, it is in our interest,” he said.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Azubuike Okeh

ATTID urges global support for Africa’s infrastructure
Economy/Business

ATTID urges global support for Africa’s infrastructure

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By Grace Alegba

The Africa Think Tank for Infrastructure Development (ATTID) has called for global partnerships and Nigerian participation at the G20 Summit scheduled for South Africa in November 2025.

Prof. Sylvester Akhaine, Director of Strategic Communication, and Dr Alfred Chiakor, Director of Planning and Implementation at ATTID, made this call during a press conference in Ikeja.

Speaking on the theme, ‘The Imperatives of Global Partnership for Africa’s Infrastructural Development’, they expressed concern over Africa’s massive infrastructure deficit.

They noted that Africa requires $170 billion annually to close the infrastructure gap, emphasising the urgency of international collaboration for economic progress.

Akhaine stated that bridging this gap is essential for the continent’s prosperity and sustainable growth.

He encouraged Nigerians to actively participate in the G20 Summit, taking place in South Africa from 20 to 23 November 2025.

He added that ATTID has been approved to host the Infrastructure and Sustainable Development side event at the summit.

“This side event, holding before the main summit, will gather world leaders, CEOs of global development and financial institutions, regulators and infrastructure entrepreneurs,” he said.

He added that it will take place at the Lakewood Conference Centre, Johannesburg, from Nov. 20 to 21, under the theme: ‘Enhancing Africa’s Infrastructure Transformation Agenda through Investments and Partnership.’

Akhaine shared insights into Africa’s investment outlook, infrastructure statistics, and compared its status with developed economies.

He called on global and African investors to seize the opportunity for impactful investments with long-term returns.

Akhaine listed roads, energy, water, sanitation, ports, and airports as crucial for economic development and regional integration.

He noted that Africa suffers systemic infrastructure challenges that hinder the continent’s full potential.

“With rising population and urbanisation, the situation is worsening, making infrastructure development a critical priority for sustainable growth,” he stated.

He cited the African Development Bank, noting that Africa needs $130–$170 billion yearly for infrastructure across energy, transport, water, and urban sectors.

He also referenced the World Bank’s 2023 report, which showed Sub-Saharan Africa’s fiscal deficit rose from 4.8 per cent to 5.2 per cent of GDP between 2021 and 2022.

He emphasised that addressing these challenges demands strategic partnerships and cross-sector collaboration.

According to him, the side event will strengthen engagement among governments, investors, regulators, and infrastructure providers.

Other participants will include regional economic commissions, venture capital firms, and international development bodies.

He outlined key investment opportunities Nigerians and other stakeholders should explore during both the main and side events. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

FOI violations: IPC seeks sanctions’ revisit for public officials
General News

FOI violations: IPC seeks sanctions’ revisit for public officials

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By Deborah Coker

The International Press Centre (IPC) has called for a revisit of the sanctions regime for Freedom of Information (FOI) Act violations by public officials.

Mr Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of the IPC, made the call in Abuja in his opening remarks at the opening of a two-day Stakeholders’ Technical Meeting on FOI Amendment Bill and Upgrade of Reporting and Compliance Mechanism.

The event is organised by the IPC, lead partner, Component four (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, phase II (EU-SDGN II) programme in collaboration with PLAC and YIAGA Africa.

Arogundade said this was in view of the deliberate non-disclosure of information and public records by public officials.

According to him, there is a need to revisit the regime of sanctions in the Act over a range of infringements by public officials dealing with deliberate non-disclosure of information and public records.

He noted that it may seem odd that 14 years after the Act was signed into law, the question of amending the FOI Act has been thrown up.

“But I dare say that it is a reality we have to contend with for a number of reasons.

“First is that the right of access to information remains sacrosanct, being universally acknowledged as the oxygen of democracy. In this light, we should not shy away from measures, policies, and legislative reforms that can uphold that right,” he said.

He said this was especially as political office holders would rather withhold information than make it easily available, since they are usually more driven by the personal interest instead of the public interest.

“The second reason is that there is the imperative of overhauling the prevailing reporting and compliance standards to make them more effective.

“The current reality is that a number of ministries, departments, and agencies of government often escape public scrutiny because their details are not usually reflected in the annual report normally submitted by the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to the National Assembly, pursuant to the oversight powers imposed on the ministry by Section 29 of the FOI Act.

“There is also a need to see if there can be fresh provisions in the Act that will enable ministries, departments, and agencies of government to have adequate resources through budgeting for their obligations, including but not limited to capacity building, as made mandatory by Section 13 of the Freedom of Information Act,” Arogundade said.

The IPC executive director added that the Supreme Court now holds that the FOI Act applies to all levels of government and therefore, need not be domesticated.

According to him, it is actually a misnomer for state government to say they are domesticating the FOI Act, which is actually a domestic law.

“I think you only domesticate international laws or conventions.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Global growth projected at 3.0% in 2025- IMF
Economy/Business

Global growth projected at 3.0% in 2025- IMF

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected global growth at 3.0 per cent in 2025 and 3.1 per cent in 2026, as significant policy shifts continue to unfold worldwide.

This projection is contained in the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update for July 2025, titled “Global Economy: Tenuous Resilience amid Persistent Uncertainty”, released on Tuesday.

The forecast for 2025 is 0.2 percentage points higher than that in the reference forecast of the April 2025 WEO and 0.1 percentage points higher for 2026.

According to the IMF, this reflects stronger-than-expected front-loading due to anticipated higher tariffs; and lower average effective U.S. tariff rates compared to those announced in April.

The projection also reflected an improvement in financial conditions, partly because of a weaker U.S. dollar; and fiscal expansion in several major jurisdictions.

It said global headline inflation was projected to decrease to 4.2 per cent in 2025 and 3.6 per cent in 2026, following a path similar to the forecasts projected in April.

“However, the overall outlook hides significant differences among countries, with forecasts predicting that inflation will remain above target levels in the United States, while it is expected to be more subdued in other large economies.”

The report said among advanced economies, growth was projected to be 1.5 per cent in 2025 and 1.6 per cent in 2026, like in the U.S., projected growth was expected to rise to 1.9 per cent in 2025 and 2.0 per cent in 2026.

“This is a pace that is 0.1 percentage point higher relative to the projection in the April 2025 reference forecast, with some offset from private sector demand cooling faster than expected and weaker immigration. “

It said in the Euro area, growth was expected to increase to 1.0 per cent in 2025 and 1.2 per cent in 2026, while in other advanced economies, growth was projected to decrease to 1.6 per cent in 2025 and pick up to 2.1 per cent in 2026.

For emerging markets and developing economies, growth was expected to increase to 4.1 per cent in 2025 and slightly drop to 4.0 per cent in 2026.

“Compared to the forecast in April 2025, China’s growth is reversed upwards by 0.8 percentage points to 4.8 per cent due to stronger-than-expected activity in the first half of 2025 and a significant reduction in U.S.-China tariffs.”

The report said for Sub-Saharan Africa, growth was expected to remain stable at 4.0 in 2025, as predicted in the April forecast, before increasing to 4.3 per cent in 2026.

“For Nigeria, growth is projected at 3.4 per cent in 2025 and 3.2 per cent in 2026.”

In the Middle East and Central Asia, growth was projected to increase to 3.4 per cent in 2025 and 3.5 per cent in 2026, while for Latin America and the Caribbean, growth was projected to slow to 2.2 per cent in 2025 and recover to 2.4 per cent in 2026.

It said growth in emerging and developing Europe was also expected to slow and remain sluggish at 1.8 per cent in 2025 and 2.2 per cent in 2026.

The report indicated that economic policy uncertainty was assumed to remain elevated in 2025 and 2026, while energy commodity prices were expected to decline by about 7.0 per cent in 2025, less than projected in the April WEO.

The report said risks to the outlook were tilted to the downside, similar to the April 2025 WEO, as a rebound in effective tariff rates could lead to weaker growth.

“Elevated uncertainty could start weighing more heavily on activity, as deadlines for additional tariffs expire without progress on substantial, permanent agreements.

“Geopolitical tensions could disrupt global supply chains and push commodity prices up.

“Larger fiscal deficits or increased risk aversion could raise long-term interest rates and tighten global financial conditions. Combined with fragmentation concerns, this could reignite volatility in financial markets.”

It said on the upside, global growth could be lifted if trade negotiations lead to a predictable framework and to a decline in tariffs.

The report indicated that policies must instil confidence, ensure predictability, and promote sustainability by easing tensions, maintaining price and financial stability, restoring fiscal buffers, and implementing essential structural reforms. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG’s coordinated wholesale centres to curb fake, expired drugs in Nigeria
Health

FG’s coordinated wholesale centres to curb fake, expired drugs in Nigeria

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By Folasade Akpan

The Federal Government says the Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs) being established across Nigeria will help eliminate the circulation of fake, substandard and expired medicines.

Mr Bulama Yakubu, Head of Drug and Vaccine Development and Drug Distribution System at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja.

He spoke at a meeting on the “Promoting Accreditation for Community Health Services (PACS)” project, themed “Strengthening Private Sector Participation in Nigeria’s Health Market: Insights and Learning from PACS Project on Addressing Substandard and Falsified Medicines.”

Yakubu said the CWCs would provide a centralised structure that ensured medicines were only sourced from certified manufacturers or importers, with built-in systems for quality control and regulatory oversight.

“With the CWCs, the sources of drugs will be known. Drugs will be moved from manufacturers to these centres, which will serve as the only point of wholesale distribution,” he said.

He added that the centres would be equipped with NAFDAC and Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) offices, quality assurance laboratories, and even police outposts to ensure security and compliance.

“When established nationwide, substandard and expired drugs will become a thing of the past,” Yakubu said.

He cited progress made in Anambra, Kano, Ogun, and Lagos States, noting that the open drug market in Kano had already been relocated to the new wholesale centre commissioned in February 2024.

He also said states such as Ebonyi, Imo, and Oyo had applied to establish their own CWCs.

Yakubu identified the proliferation of open drug markets, lack of stakeholder coordination, political interference, and poor leadership as key challenges affecting the drug distribution system in Nigeria.

He, however, said the implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDGs) would ensure a well-structured, efficient, and quality-assured drug supply system across the country.

He said the guidelines also provided for the establishment of State Drug Distribution Centers (SDDCs) by state governments and Mega Drug Distribution Centres (MDDCs) by the private sector.

According to him, the goal is to ensure that all drugs circulating in the Nigerian market are efficacious, affordable, and of high quality.

Also speaking, Dr Omokhudu Idogho, Managing Director of the Society for Family Health (SFH), said the PACS project had shown that trained and accredited community pharmacists and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) could deliver high-quality services.

He said the project, which ran for almost three years, focused on enabling community-based health providers to source quality medicines, follow guidelines, and feed data into the national health system.

“PACS is more than a project, it is proof of concept.

“It has shown that when supply chains are digitised, provider accreditation is strengthened and procurement aligns with verified sources, the result is a significant reduction in the prevalence of substandard and falsified medicines.”

He called for national adoption of these insights, adding that the time had come to institutionalise the gains made through PACS by integrating them into national policy frameworks.

Mrs Iyadunni Olubode, Country Director for MSD for Mothers in Nigeria and Kenya, said the organisation’s interest in the PACS project stemmed from its goal of improving access to family planning commodities, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas.

She said community pharmacists and PPMVs were critical in helping women access reproductive health services, and improving the quality of drugs they dispensed could reduce maternal mortality by up to a third.

“One key finding from PACS is that when PPMVs source their commodities from transparent supply chains, there is a marked improvement in drug quality,” she said.

The Registrar of PCN, Mr Ibrahim Ahmed, represented by the Lagos Zonal Officer, Dr Taiwo Filusi, said the relocation of open drug markets and the establishment of drug management agencies were commendable steps.

He noted that although the pace of progress appeared slow, the council was focused on creating sustainable and lasting structures rather than temporary fixes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PACS project is a two-year investment under the MSD for Mothers initiative.

It was implemented by a consortium led by Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) and SFH.

The project aimed to strengthen adherence to the PCN accreditation framework through three incentive mechanisms: access to finance, quality commodities, and branding.

Its overarching goal is to improve the quality and availability of family planning and primary healthcare services at the community level. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Why Tinubu declared state of emergency on agriculture – Shettima
Agriculture

Why Tinubu declared state of emergency on agriculture – Shettima

134 total views today
By Salisu Sani-Idris
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has given an insight into the reasons for the declaration of the ‘State of Emergency on Agriculture’ by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Shettima spoke at a session on: Country Perspectives: Government-led Strategies and Regional Framework’, at the ongoing UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the session brought together African leaders and policymakers to share experiences and strategies on strengthening national and local food systems.
Discussions focused on advancing food sovereignty through inclusive policies that promote self-sufficiency, sustainable agriculture, and equitable access to nutritious food.
He stated that any nation that was not independent in the area of food sovereignty, remained not a sovereign country.
According to him, when President Tinubu assumed the mantle of leadership, he met the nation in a very poor state of affairs.
Shettima said: “His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of food emergency out of genuine concern for the welfare of our people.
“This is especially in conflict-driven environment like the North-East where Boko Haram is sowing seeds of discord and destruction.
“So, the government came out with some very bold policy guidelines informed by the need to strengthen our food system.
“These include the setting up of the Presidential Food System Coordinating Units.
“The units are mainly not to displace the existing bodies but to coordinate the activities for enhanced food delivery. And issues like the Food Support mechanism in the North East and the North. “
Shettima applauded the World Food Programme and other multilateral agencies for their support to Nigeria.
He stated that in displaced people’s camps, Tinubu’s administration took the initiative to encourage the displaced people to produce their food.
This, according to him, is with a view to giving them resilience, dignity and most importantly to build resilience against shocks.
The vice-president said, “In the Sahelian region, there is an existence relationship between the economy and the ecology and the government has to come up with very robust policies to ensure that our people do not fall into despair.
“Hunger knows no bounds, hunger doesn’t discriminate.
“We are determined to put in place structures, enhance our strategy grains reserve and most importantly to empower small holder farmers, women and youths by giving them incentives.
“Our believe is that our agriculture should be market driven not about handouts. And the whole mantra is about increase in yield.
“Because the entrepreneurial capitalism is embedded in the very psychic of the average Nigerian. “
He added that the whole mantra was on increase in yield, embrace modern agricultural practices, mechanisation, improve seeds and better agricultural practices.
“This is why we are reinforcing our extension services so that our farmers can get up to date data on rainfall patterns to know how to manage the climate shock that is ravaging our parts of the world,” Shettima added.
Earlier, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, decried that over 37 million children under five who faced acute malnutrition this year were almost the entire population of Canada.
Mohammed said, “But we must ensure the courage to match with long term solution that can result in resilient food system.
“Short term interventions dominate with little connection to the long term development planning solutions we are seeking.
“So, we must choose transformation over dependency. We have good examples nations are embedding resilience into national strategies.
“Leaders are refusing to accept hunger as inevitable instead they combine global, digital and traditional knowledge to accelerate actions towards inclusive and resilient food system.”
She said that the leadership cannot succeed alone, saying, “that must be built on a solid foundation that is rooted on adequate finance, genuine partnership and inclusion.
“We need coordination as a people and not bureaucracies. Bureaucracies are important; we need strong public sector and public institutions, but we do need to coordinate to impact people’s lives.”
Other dignitaries who spoke included the Executive Director, World Food Programme, Cindy Mccain, Salah Jama, Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, Moubarack  Rounbo, Ministry of Agricultural production and Industrialisation, Chad, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
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