NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Fake native doctors deceiving Anambra youths into crime – Metchie
Defence/Security

Fake native doctors deceiving Anambra youths into crime – Metchie

288 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Dr John Metchie, Traditional Prime Minister, Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), says that fake native doctors in the state have deceived many youths into various heinous crimes.

Metchie, who is the Deputy Commander-General of Nigeria Forest Security Service, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

He commended Gov. Charles Soludo for his efforts towards saving the youths from decadence occasioned by get rich quick syndrome.

He said what the level of societal decay in Anambra would have degenerated if Soludo had not intervened when he did.

Metchie lamented the case of drug trafficking involving 23 Anambra indigenes, who had already been convicted and on death row in Indonesia.

According to him, the governor, addressing this issue recently, attributed the problem to the activities of fake native doctors, whom his government has outlawed.

“Soludo raised alarm over the rising number of young indigenes of the state falling victims of drug trafficking scams.

“The Governor heaped the blame on deceptive native doctors, who misled these youths with false promises of supernatural protection.

“Governor Soludo’s mandate needs to be renewed for another four year-term to enable him consolidate on the current reforms.

“Soludo has demonstrated both capacity and competence in reformation and physical development for better positioning of Anambra and our people in Nigeria and internationally,” he said.

Metchie said that the determination of the governor to protect the moral and social fabric of Anambra could best be described as overwhelming, adding that those destroying the society did not see the cleansing waves.

According to him, Soludo had revealed that the 23 Anambra indigenes on death row in Indonesia for drug-related offences were manipulated by self-proclaimed native doctors.

He quoted Soludo as saying that the native doctors sold to the affected youths the dangerous belief that charms could render airport security systems ineffective.

“The governor has condemned the surge in get rich quick approach to life and fetish practices, particularly the rise of “oke ite” (money ritual) peddlers who promote the illusion of instant wealth without hard work.

“He warned that anyone caught making false spiritual claims or promoting illicit wealth schemes would be arrested.

“The governor has drawn a clear line between genuine traditional worship and fraudulent practices, noting that traditionalists of old were among the most upright who believed the gods would punish wrongdoing,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Experts urge sustainable land use
General News

Experts urge sustainable land use

298 total views today

By Angela Atabo

Stakeholders in the housing sector have called for urgent action towards responsible land management and sustainable development across Nigeria.

They made the call during the unveiling of the Nathaniel Atebije Foundation and his 70th birthday thanksgiving, held on Friday in Abuja.

Prof. Adamu Ahmed, Guest Lecturer and Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, said God entrusted man with land management, as stated in the religious books.

Speaking on ‘The Ethics of Space and the Moral Imperative of Urban Planning,’ Ahmed described urban planning as an ethical endeavour currently facing serious threats.

He identified threats such as unchecked expansion, deforestation, habitat loss, gentrification, and land grabbing under the guise of urban renewal and agricultural land conversion.

Ahmed added that unregulated development and over-reliance on car-centred infrastructure contribute to carbon emissions, land degradation, and unsustainable living environments.

He urged town planners to reclaim their ethical roles by applying land ethics in all planning decisions and strategies.

This, he said, requires shifting from profit-driven, short-term planning to more inclusive, sustainable, and environmentally conscious urban development.

Ahmed also called for climate-resilient cities, ethical governance, indigenous stewardship, and the prioritisation of ecological integrity in planning efforts.

He praised Atebije’s contributions to urban planning and wished him well on the occasion of his 70th birthday celebration.

The celebrant, Nathaniel Atebije, a former president, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), thanked God for life and emphasised the importance of responsible land use and management.

He criticised unregulated development, which he said is driven by instinct rather than planning, and poses risks to present and future generations.

Atebije explained that his foundation aims to correct irregularities in planning through sustained advocacy and awareness efforts.

“People think instinctive development helps them, but it doesn’t. We must manage land wisely for present and future generations,” he said.

He expressed concern over the non-enforcement of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992, amended in 2004.

Atebije urged policymakers and the public to take land issues seriously and support professional planning education and enforcement.

Mr Akintoye Adeoye, president, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), said Atebije’s contributions have greatly benefited the real estate and town planning ecosystem in Nigeria.

He noted that real estate shapes lives and economies, and advocacy is vital to achieving a fair, sustainable, and well-regulated housing sector.

“At REDAN, we believe collaboration and innovation are key. The Nathaniel Atebije Foundation will help shape reforms and inform policy,” Adeoye said.

Dr Ogbonna Chima, NITP President, commended Atebije for extending his mentorship through the foundation to promote sustainable development.

He said the foundation would inspire future planners and policymakers, acting as a beacon for sustainable and structured growth.

Dr John Abu, Chairman of the occasion, stressed the need to involve town planners to avoid urban chaos and future disasters.

“We hope the foundation gains the support of leaders and highlights the importance of structured regional and urban planning,” he said.

Mr Festus Adebayo, Planning Committee Chair, said stakeholders were honouring Atebije for his outstanding contributions to town planning in Nigeria.

He encouraged other Nigerians to emulate Atebije and actively support national development for the betterment of the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

AfDB approves 0m for Nigerian Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank
Economy/Business

AfDB approves $100m for Nigerian Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank

364 total views today

By Emmanuel Afonne

The African Development Bank (AfDB) says it has approved $100 million for the establishment of the Nigerian Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank.

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President and Chairman, Board of Directors, AfDB, said this in Abuja on Friday, when he delivered the 14th Convocation Lecture of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the lecture is: “Advancing Africa’s Positioning within Global Development and Geographical Dynamics.”

Adesina said the move was to liberate the Nigerian youth financially and provide technical assistance, business development services, equity, quasi-equity and debt financing for businesses of young people across Africa.

“The key to solving unemployment is entrepreneurship. Africa is today experiencing an entrepreneurship boom, with 22 per cent of its working age population starting a business, the highest rate in the world according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, 2020.

“The leading areas of focus for entrepreneurship are in the sectors of agriculture, retail, services and technology.

“The future is very bright for innovative young entrepreneurs in Africa. This is driven by the rapid expansion of the digital economy which will add $180 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2050, and $712 billion by 2050.

“Africa’s startup ecosystem is taking advantage of the digital economy with more than 600 active startup hubs on the continent.

“Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt have become centres of tech innovations, driven by youth entrepreneurs in health tech, Agric-tech and e-commerce,” he said.

According to Adesina, the AfDB marshalled out a robust financial development plan for Africa, because the global financial system has been unable to effectively address the challenges facing Africa.

Adesina listed the challenges to include matters of debt, climate change and access to greater financing.

“In addition, the AfDB and its partners approved $614 million for the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises programme to support access to financing for small and medium sized businesses in the creative and digital industries.

“It is a strong strategic partnership which includes the AfDB, the Agence Francaise de Developpment, the Islamic Development Bank and the Bank of Industry.

“The programme plans to add $6.4 billion to the Nigerian economy and create over six million jobs.”

The AfDB said in spite of the gains made over time, the majority of Africa’s youth still lag behind on education.

“For the sake of comparison let’s look at Japan and Africa; while 98.9 per cent of the youth in Japan have completed a secondary education, only 43 per cent of the youth in Africa completed secondary school education.

“In terms of higher education, the gap is stark; while 60 per cent of the youth in Japan are pursuing higher education, only 10 per cent of Africa’s youth enrolled in higher education.

“Among those pursuing higher education, African youth are less enrolled in educational fields that are dominating the world.

“While 30 per cent of Japanese youth in universities pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics, less than 25 per cent of students in sub-Saharan Africa are in these fields.

“This puts Africa behind in terms of its preparedness for the fourth industrial revolution, especially in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and cloud computing, which are revolutionising the world,” Adesina added.

He said the bank was already working with the African Union to establish a $300 million African Education, Science and Technology Innovation Fund, to address the education gap.

Adesina, who lamented that Africa was the only economy in the world without a buffer in case of emergency, urged its leaders to invest heavily in energy, promote development of mineral resources and support technology advancement.

Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Attahiru Jega, a former INEC Chairman, said Adesina had emboldened Africans to understand the efforts that have gone into repositioning the continent.

Jega appreciated the role AfDB had played in ensuring that Africa explored and benefited from its potential, and pursued the path of self sustaining development.

He described Adesina as Nigeria’s ambassador to the international community, as everything said in his lecture pointed to efforts to ensure a free Africa and pursue an independent course towards achieving its development.

The Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, said this year’s convention lecturer was carefully chosen to enable Nigerians to tap from his development experience.

Peters said Adesina’s experience had earned him many international awards, and the reason the university decided to confer on him an honorary doctorate degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

NSC commends Runsewe for commitment to grassroots golf development
Sports

NSC commends Runsewe for commitment to grassroots golf development

338 total views today

By Victor Okoye

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has commended the President, Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Olusegun Runsewe, for his commitment and dedication to grassroots development of golf in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, made the remarks on Friday in Abuja, during the unveiling of golf equipment donated by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R &A), Scotland to the NGF.

Shola Fayoyiwa, a deputy director in the NSC, who represented Dikko, said Runsewe’s dedication to promoting golf at the grassroots level has been evident in his initiatives to increase participation and develop sport nationwide.

Fayoyiwa noted that the NGF’s efforts is highly commendable in revitalising the game of golf in Nigeria and making the country to be competitive at the global golf stage, as well as preparing the country to reap the benefits of international golf tournaments and investments.

“Indeed, what the NGF is doing here today is in line with the NSC’s vision and mission, which is to ‘catch them young’.

“Before we have anybody representing the country at the international level, we must identify them.

“Also, if we want to identify any talents at the grassroots, we must have the equipment.

“So, we at the NSC are very excited about what the NGF is doing to attract the attention of the international community to the grassroots development of golf in the country.

“The donation by the R & A is a welcome development which we encourage other federations to explore as we look forward to more collaborations and sponsorships from other international bodies in this regard,” Dikko said.

The NGF President said he would not relent in his efforts to make golf a leading sport in the country, adding that plans were ongoing to sponsor some talents for golf training programmes abroad.

Runsewe said part of his goal was to create a new economy around golf, leveraging the estimated $4 billion expected to circulate in African golf in 2025.

He expressed appreciation to the R & A for the kind donations and the NSC for its commendation, promising that the donated items would be put to good use.

“As of today, there is no single golfer representing Nigeria in the Masters Open in Augusta.

“But I promise you that from what we have started here today, in the next two years, you will start to hear about the Okafors, the Chidinmas, the Abubakars, the Olademejis, just like you hear in international football,” he said.

He also shared his long-term vision, which focuses on budding talent discovery and encouraging more female participation in the he would not relent in his efforts to make golf a leading sport in the country, adding that plans were ongoing to sponsor some talents for golf training programmes abroad.

Runsewe said part of his goal was to create a new economy around golf, leveraging the estimated $4 billion expected to circulate in African golf in 2025.

He expressed appreciation to the R & A for the kind donations and the NSC for its commendation, promising that the donated items would be put to good use.

“As of today, there is no single golfer representing Nigeria in the Masters Open in Augusta.

“But I promise you that from what we have started here today, in the next two years, you will start to hear about the Okafors, the Chidinmas, the Abubakars, the Olademejis, just like you hear in international football,” he said.

He also shared his long-term vision, which focuses on budding talent discovery and encouraging more female participation in the sport.

“The entire Europe has one of the best youth golf development programmes in the history of the world.

“As a matter of fact, over 23 per cent of golfers in the U.S. now are ladies and young children.

“Our projection is to take ladies and youth participation in golf to at least 15 per cent in Nigeria.

“With renewed support from other sponsors, both locally and internationally, and a clear roadmap for development such as what we have at the NGF, we are positioning golf for a stronger future.

“Our goal is not just to grow the sport locally, but to also nurture champions who can compete on the global stage,” he said.

Other NGF board members and stakeholders present at the ceremony also thanked the R & A for their support and corroborating the President’s views on the need for more grassroots development of sport in the country.

They noted that NSC’s commendation further validates and acknowledges Runsewe’s efforts to promote golf development in Nigeria.

Other stakeholders at the ceremony were the NGF Vice President and Captain of GEJ Golf Club, AVM B.D. Solomon, Mrs Ekanem Ekwueme, the AACT Trustee for West and Central Africa, Mrs. Bose Ngozi Onwuegbu, the South West zonal representative at the NGF, and a representative of the President, Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), Evelyn Oyome.

Others include: Ali Peters, the Vice Captain and representative of the Captain of TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Maj.- Gen. Samson Jiya, the representative of the Captain of I.E. Ibas Golf Club, Rear Admiral Julius Nwagwu, and Monday Itiola, the NGF Secretary-General, amongst others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Emmanuel Afonne

Firm seeks tourism development through innovations in food production
General News

Firm seeks tourism development through innovations in food production

314 total views today

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

A Business Development Manager, Mr Demilola Olaniyi, says Nigeria’s tourism industry could be developed through innovations in food and beverage production and provide more jobs.

Olaniyi, Business Development Manager, Cosmos Trade Nig. Ltd., a leader in sales and specialised training in the production of ice cream, said this at a training and exhibition organised by Gelato & Coffee University.

The event held on Thursday in Lagos.

Olaniyi called for collaboration with both the public and private sectors in developing Nigeria’s tourism potential.

He said the company desired to boost Nigeria’s tourism potential through its training outfit, Gelato and Coffee University.

He also urged collaboration with schools and non-profit organisations to further strengthen the university’s impact and position Nigeria more as a culinary tourism destination.

“We work with the government, but it would be nice if we could do more with them.

“We would like to partner with the Bank of Industry. This is something that we can add to our tourism portfolio and bring awareness,” he said.

He said the company was committed to driving tourism and empowering entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry.

Olaniyi said the company was recently certified as the 13th Carpigiani Gelato University in the world.

“I see this as a very good thing for Lagos State and Nigeria, essentially because this can be added to our tourism portfolio here, and it can bring a lot of traction to our states and country,” he said.

He said the training outfit was established by Cosmos Trade Nig. Ltd. to fill a gap in the hospitality sector by providing hands-on training in coffee and gelato production for beginners and professionals.

“We realised that there is a gap in the market. A lot of people want to enter the food and beverage industry, but they don’t know how to go about it.

“Being a barista, gelato chef, you can train yourself on that and grow yourself in that market.

“The food and beverage industry is really big in Nigeria, and the world is at your feet if you can grab it,” Olaniyi said.

He said the university offerred structured training programmes ranging from three days to two weeks and covering basic, intermediate and advanced levels.

Olaniyi said the courses were affordable compared to similar ones in Europe or the U.S.

“This campus is not only for people in Nigeria but for all of Africa, even the Middle East,” he said.

According to Olaniyi, Cosmos Trade Nig. Ltd. is a supplier of equipment and raw materials for gelato, tea and coffee production.

He noted that the company pioneered office coffee vending in Nigeria.

“We provide the hot beverage machine, the consumables, and also the technical support that goes with it.

“This is something that we see growing, and there is a lot of potential in the market,” he said.

A customer of Cosmos Trade Nig. Ltd., Mrs Olivia Okeke, who operates Milk and Honey by Livvy’s Twist, a café in Lagos, praised the company’s after-sales support and product quality.

“They have excellent support. We purchased the first unit last year, and it has been wonderful. I purchased another one last week,” Okeke said.

She also commended the firm’s reliability.

Also, a student of the Gelato & Coffee University, Mr Osagie Anthony, said the training opportunities were enormous.

“I have learnt about the origin of gelato, how to balance ingredients and how to create recipes from scratch.

“We also covered the business side and the latest technology,” Anthony said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Foundation to empower 1m entrepreneurs
Business

Foundation to empower 1m entrepreneurs

317 total views today

By Nana Musa

Dr Stephen Akintayo, Chairman of GText Holdings, has announced a major business conference aimed at empowering over one million Nigerian entrepreneurs.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, Akintayo said the initiative would tackle economic hardship and support government policies on entrepreneurship development.

He explained that the Stephen Akintayo Foundation would empower participants not only with funding but also with essential mentorship and strategic guidance.

“Many small businesses fail not for lack of funds, but due to poor guidance and absence of support,” Akintayo noted.

He stressed that the empowerment programme will include an advisory body to help entrepreneurs sustain and scale their businesses.

“This is not just a talk shop. We’re offering practical insights, expert mentorship, and tools to help businesses grow despite economic challenges,” Akintayo said.

The Business Growth Conference will feature top business experts, investors, and successful entrepreneurs sharing actionable strategies and innovative approaches.

Akintayo reiterated the foundation’s mission to build entrepreneurial capacity among Nigerian youths and promote self-sufficiency through skills and enterprise.

The foundation has already supported thousands with free training, mentorship, and business grants across the country.

“Entrepreneurship is a vital pathway to economic recovery and national development,” Akintayo stated.

He added that empowering resilient business leaders could shift Nigeria’s poverty and unemployment narrative.

The Abuja edition will take place at the Intercontinental Hotel from April 12 to 13, followed by Lagos at Eko Hotel and Suites from April 19 to 20.

Interested participants can register on the Stephen Akintayo Foundation’s official website for free access and further details.

Farouq Usman, MD of GTEXT Homes, highlighted the importance of sustaining new businesses in today’s tough climate.

He said the conference would guide emerging entrepreneurs to scale up and become employers of labour.

Usman confirmed that selected mentors would monitor mentees throughout their growth journey.

Busayo Aderemi, MD of HD Homes and a mentee of Akintayo, shared how mentorship accelerated her business success.

“Having a mentor helps you grow fast. I encourage every entrepreneur to seize this opportunity,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

SHESTCO urged to embrace emerging technologies
Science & Tech

SHESTCO urged to embrace emerging technologies

392 total views today

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has urged staff of Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) to show greater commitment to acquiring innovative skills in line with international best practices.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Asanye Esuabana, made the call during a courtesy visit to SHESTCO in Abuja.

She stated that for the Complex to remain relevant in the scheme of things, staff must improve their knowledge of recent emerging technologies.

“Like the genetics, DNA, chromosome, amongst others. For now this genome editing, that is a burden.

“I don’t wish people from India, China, South Africa, to come and do it for us. We should be the ones.

“But if you do the research yourself and come up with those things that can make us also to get these things institutionalised in Nigeria, we can also now trade it to other African countries,” she said.

Esuabana emphasised the need to embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things, robotics, and others.

Earlier, the Director General of SHESTCO, Prof. Paul Onyenekwe, said their mandate was to develop facilities for the effective practice of science and technology in the country at no cost.

He noted that their research and development activities cover all areas of science and the environment, including agriculture, medicine, and basic sciences.

“We also expected to operate international relationship between Nigeria scientists and also foreign scientists. One other very important mandate is also for us to carry structured manpower training.

“Structured manpower training in the sense that science is dynamic, is always evolving, new ideas, new techniques are always coming up, and therefore it is expected that scientists here are supposed to be ahead of others,” he said.

Onyenekwe added that in Feb., some scientists from SHESTCO represented the country at the 15th International Invention Fair held in Kuwait.

“Out of 29 inventions in the natural science category, SHESTCO ERA’s Anti-Epilepsy Herbal Tea won bronze.

“Out of 26 inventions, SHESTCO’s Artificial Intelligence Enhanced Hemoparasites Detection (AIEHD) Model won silver in the AI category. Nigeria emerged third in natural science and second in AI”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SHESTCO is a parastatal under the Ministry of Science and Technology. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Tinubu inaugurates Afreximbank African Trade Centre Abuja
Economy/Business

Tinubu inaugurates Afreximbank African Trade Centre Abuja

381 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the Afreximbank African Trade Centre (AATC) in Abuja, calling for more commitment to build a stronger, more interconnected and prosperous Africa.

The President, represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said to achieve this, new trade corridors need to be unlocked.

He added that Africa must also reduce its dependence on imports and empower SMEs and women-led businesses through access to markets and finance.

Tinubu said that digital technology must also be harnessed to streamline cross-border trade and reduce inefficiencies.

“The AATC located in Abuja represents another milestone in this journey, and this aligns perfectly with Nigerians’ strategic priorities under the Federal Government’s 8-point agenda.

“This is particularly in the areas of job creation, economic diversification and regional integration.”

He said that in recognising the potential for growth and trade, the impact of Afreximbank interventions continued to be felt across the continent in the following areas.

“ Over 20 billion dollars in trade finance facilities have been disbursed to facilitate intra African Trade and the bank plans to double that amount by 2026.

“ Support for industrial parks and special economic zones which are boosting manufacturing and export capacity.

“Also, the AfCFTA Secretariat partnership with Afreximbank which will operationalise the world’s largest free trade area connecting 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of 3.4 trillion Dollars.”

Tinubu gave his assurance that the Federal Government would support initiatives that drive inclusive growth, digital transformation and sustainable industrialisation.

Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman, Board of Directors, Afreximbank, said the Abuja AATC was the first of several AATCs being developed across Africa and the Caribbean.

Oramah said some of the AATCs would be Afreximbank-owned while others would be supported through a franchise scheme.

“With these, we expect to create a sizable network of AATCs that will act as the lighthouses to guide the interconnections and flow of trade and investments within continental Africa and between Africa and Caribbean regions.

“This particular AATC Abuja has been a 41-month journey, one built on hope and determination. Like the other AATCs, the Abuja AATC would serve a multi-purpose goal.

“ It will serve as a platform for fostering deeper regional and continental integration and house Afreximbank’s permanent regional office, bringing a three-decade-old aspiration to fruition.”

He said the Abuja AATC would also offer a technology incubation hub, an SME incubation facility, a Digital Africa Trade Gateway, a conference and exhibition facility and a business hotel.

“It also represents a unique offering as it would be connected to all other AATCs across Africa, in Barbados and at Afreximbank Africa Global Gateway in New York, digitally.

“That would make it possible for Afreximbank to procure a top global trainer to train exporters, SMEs, tech experts, etcetera, simultaneously.”

Oramah said It would also make it possible for African and Caribbean businesses to view exhibitions ongoing in other trade centres.

“ If any Nigerian business wants to link up with other businesses in other parts of Africa, and the Caribbean, this will be the hub to enable that.

“This facility, therefore, provides a platform for turbocharging engagements of Nigerian businesses in the AfCFTA.”

He said AATC Harare was expected to be opened in August, while AATC Kampala would be opened in 2026, saying that in a few months,”we would break ground for AATC Cairo and AATC Yaoundé and others”.

Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, said the centre was not just for Afreximbank or policymakers, but for African youths who were hungry for knowledge and innovation.

“It is for our women-owned businesses, building legacies with limited access, our SMEs, trying to move from survival to scale, our exporters, daring to compete globally.”

Oduwole said there was a need for the continent to recommit to building a future where Africa was not just a participant in global trade, but a leader and a powerhouse.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Abuja AATC is a two modern, elegant, inter- connected nine-storey towers, located on 4th Avenue, Central Business District. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Nutritionists harp on healthy eating within one’s means
Health , Life Style

Nutritionists harp on healthy eating within one’s means

365 total views today

By Ibukun Emiola

Experts in the nutrition industry have called for more education on the importance of Nigerians, especially pregnant women, eating healthily within their means.

The experts called for adequate and appropriate nutrition on Wednesday at the Nutrition for All Life Stages workshop, organised for journalists by Nestle Nigeria at its Agbara factory in Ogun.

A dietitian facilitator, Dr Pat Chimah-Madubuko, emphasised the intake of food rich in macro and micronutrients in the right proportion throughout the entire human life cycle.

Chimah-Madubuko says a pregnant woman provides nutrition for herself and her growing baby, hence the need for proper nutrition.

“A pregnant woman’s estimated energy requirements are similar to those of a nonpregnant woman in the first trimester.

“It increases by 340 calories per day in the second trimester and 452 calories per day in the third trimester.

“So, there is a need to feed right, especially for women who are already overweight before conception.

“They don’t need to ‘eat for two’ as people usually say,” Chimah-Madubuko said.

On the menace of malnutrition, Dr Kanalio Olaloku of the Nestle Nutrition Institute, Central West Africa Region, said poverty has been closely associated with malnutrition in Nigeria.

According to her, various levels of malnutrition exist, ranging from overweight, underweight, wasted and stunted.

Olaloku stated that issues of malnutrition had become a time bomb, especially in the North-East of Nigeria.

“According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the number of children suffering acute malnutrition is projected to increase to two million in 2025, up from 1.74 million in 2024,” she said.

However, she identified diversification of diet, deworming and fortifying foods for good health as the way forward.

“Over 95 per cent of our products have been fortified to provide at least 15 per cent of our daily needs in one serving.

“Each product is fortified with at least one of the four big nutrient deficiencies: Iron, Vitamin A, Zinc and Iodine.

“In addition are nutrients such as Vitamin C, Calcium, Phosphorus, among others,” Olaloku said.

She called for increased awareness of the importance of iron, the severe impact of Iron Deficiency Anaemia, and the affordable and accessible solutions.

“This is what Nestle is doing in collaborative partnership with stakeholders, to amplify advocate and drive better eating choices,” Olaloku said.

Meanwhile, the Corporate Affairs Manager, Nestle Nigeria, Ms Toju Egbebi, said the workshop was organised to enlighten journalists on issues of nutrition and wellness for all ages.

Egbebi stated that the organisation would continue to provide healthy nutrition for all while creating a safe environment and partnership for sustainability. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Moses Solanke

Sweden pledges investment in Nigeria’s ICT, innovation hub sectors
Foreign

Sweden pledges investment in Nigeria’s ICT, innovation hub sectors

345 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Mr Andreas Carlson, Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing has pledged his country’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Innovation hub sectors.

Carlson made the pledge in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, on the sidelines of a three-day official visit by the  Crown Princess of Sweden, Victoria Désirée, to Nigeria.

The minister said that Sweden as one of the most innovative countries in the world, was ready to deepen it’s cooperation with Nigeria in the areas of innovation, tech, sustainable transportation, agriculture and  green transition.

” Sweden may not be one of the most populous countries in the world as Nigeria, but we are one of the most innovative countries.

 “We are happy to share knowledge and work together with the vibrant tech industry in Nigeria and you know the youthful population comes with a lot of opportunities.

“We see opportunities in ICT,  sustainable transport, mining, agriculture and a lot of other fields that we can cooperate with Nigeria,” he said.

Carlson said he accompanied the Crown Princess of Sweden to Nigeria to deepen bilateral relations between both countries, and inaugurate a strategic trade office in Lagos to facilitate swedish companies investment in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Crown Princess said the visit was a testament to the growing bilateral cooperation between both countries.

“Today, our collaboration spans many sectors—from renewable energy and sustainable transport to digital solutions.

“A testament to this deepening partnership is Sweden’s new trade office in Lagos, which I have the great privilege of inaugurating,” she said.

She  emphasised the strong cultural exchange between Sweden and Nigeria, citing the impact of Nigerian art and literature on Swedish society.

Sweden’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund told NAN that Sweden sees vast potential for further collaboration, especially in digitalisation, innovation, the green transition, and the creative industries.

“We already have about 40 Swedish companies present in Nigeria today, including multinationals like Ericsson, Atlas Copco, SKF, Arla, Scania, and Volvo.

“With the opening of  the trade office in Lagos, we expect even more trade and investments,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

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