NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Ivory Coast President seeks stronger intra-African trade, local processing of raw materials
Foreign

Ivory Coast President seeks stronger intra-African trade, local processing of raw materials

279 total views today

 

President of Ivory Coast Alassane Ouattara has called for stronger intra-African trade and continued efforts to process raw materials locally.

Ouattara made the call at the 12th edition of the Africa CEO Forum 2025 in Abidjan.

“We must now work to strengthen intra‑African trade by continuing our efforts to process our raw materials and by accelerating the implementation of the AfCFTA,” he said.

He underscored the country’s strong macroeconomic performance driven by private-sector investment.

Speaking during the forum, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said his country was seeking 1.7 billion dollars in investments to build digital infrastructure and create youth employment.

According to him, the funding will support projects including constructing data centres and deploying high-speed internet, with a target of achieving 5G coverage across the West African nation by 2030.

Forum organisers stressed that improving public policy and economic governance is essential to unlocking Africa’s full potential.

The forum brought together more than 2,800 leaders from the public and private sectors across more than 90 countries.

DNE Africa, a partner of TV BRICS, reported that the 12th edition of the forum, focused on forging a new partnership between African governments and businesses to fast-track the continent’s economic transformation.

The central theme of the forum – “Can a New Deal Between State and Private Sector Deliver the Continent a Winning Hand?” – framed discussions around economic governance, industrial strategy, and the acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area. (TV BRICS/NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

NGF backs constitutional role for traditional rulers
Politics

NGF backs constitutional role for traditional rulers

206 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

Gov. Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Joint Committee of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and National Council of Traditional Rulers (NCTR), has pledged the Forum’s support for the establishment of the council.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Uzodimma addressed journalists following the Forum’s meeting on the proposed bill to establish the NCTR..

He affirmed the NGF’s commitment to ensuring the bill’s passage, which is currently before the National Assembly.

“With the bill now at second reading in the Senate, this meeting offers a timely platform to refine our collective stance,” he said.

He stressed the need for the bill’s provisions to reflect real conditions and practical governance realities across communities.

Uzodimma, who is also the Imo Governor, said the amendment offers an opportunity to embed traditional institutions in the nation’s governance framework.

He noted that including traditional rulers in State and National Security Councils is not merely symbolic but both strategic and long overdue.

“Last year, the NGF held a special meeting with the NCTRN to discuss involving traditional rulers in rural governance and administration,” he recalled.

He added that the ongoing constitutional amendment process presents a chance to recognise and assign defined responsibilities to traditional institutions.

He also revealed that a subcommittee comprising NGF and NCTRN members was formed as a result of that meeting.

The subcommittee developed proposals to strengthen traditional rulers’ constitutional roles and to secure NGF’s support for their inclusion in the amendment.

Uzodimma said the latest meeting featured presentations from the subcommittee, which nearly secured full support from Forum members.

He stated: “Our final report will go to the wider NGF board for consideration and possible adoption.

“If adopted, we will liaise with the National Assembly to ensure inclusion in the constitutional alteration.”

Uzodimma emphasised that the meeting came at a time of rising security challenges and weakening community bonds in some regions.

He said the government is committed to peace and stability, and this demands more than centralised responses.

“Community-driven solutions must be part of the strategy, drawing on the authority and influence of traditional rulers,” he noted.

He reiterated that the proposed amendment gives Nigeria a chance to integrate traditional institutions into formal governance structures.

Uzodimma stated: “Tackling insecurity should start at the grassroots. Traditional leaders are well-placed to warn early, reconcile disputes and support state actions.” (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Egypt trains 13,555 dental interns to enhance oral healthcare nationwide
Foreign

Egypt trains 13,555 dental interns to enhance oral healthcare nationwide

217 total views today

 

In line with Egypt’s national strategy to advance dental healthcare and promote public health, the Ministry of Health and Population has announced the successful training of 13,555 dental interns across all governorates in 2024.

The initiative covered multiple key disciplines, including oral and maxillofacial surgery, conservative dentistry, endodontics, periodontology, prosthodontics, and dental technology, as reported by the Middle East News Agency (MENA), a partner of TV BRICS.

According to Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the ministry, the training programme was launched under the Ministry of Health and Population with the aim of enhancing the scientific and clinical expertise of dental interns.

It was also launched in order to equip the interns with practical skills to navigate the demands of the healthcare sector through a structured and comprehensive programme.

The ministry confirmed that the trained interns – graduates of public and private universities – were deployed across hospitals and health units affiliated with regional health directorates.

In addition to clinical placements, the programme included scientific seminars, the development of a detailed training manual, and mechanisms to ensure the fair distribution of interns across the country.

This initiative supports the readiness of young dentists to enter the workforce and respond effectively to medical challenges.

MENA further reported that no fewer than 9,950 dentists were officially assigned to duty during the same year.

Alongside training and deployment, the ministry extended community outreach services to more than two million citizens, aiming to promote oral hygiene and prevent infections, tooth decay, and gum disease. (TV BRICS/NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Insecurity: Benue govt.seeks help to return IDPs home, secure borders
Defence/Security

Insecurity: Benue govt.seeks help to return IDPs home, secure borders

250 total views today

By Angela Atabo

Gov Hyacinth Alia of Benue has called for assistance in facilitating the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes.

Alia made the call at the North-Central Regional Consultation on the Harmonisation of  the National Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Framework in Makurdi.

The Workshop on the  theme “Towards Creating Exit Pathways out of Violence and Criminality” was organised by International Alert in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), through the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

“We have about 17 IDP camps in the state and we have started working to return them home.

“As we deliberate and reflect during this consultation, let us all remember that the safest shield is not the wall but trust. And the most reliable armour is not fear, but accountability and courage.

“People in some local governments have been killed, driven out, and their lands taken and occupied.

“This is our reality. There is no other way of saying it, but this is the truth. We need every resolution and we need every solution to be placed on the table for this to work,” he said.

Alia said the government was a  willing collaborator and partner of peace and would ensure at all times that peace was  the watchword throughout the state and its  borders.

“Let us walk this road together, not armed with bullets, but with bold ideas, collaborative spirit and unwavering resolve. Support me to take all the IDPs back to their ancestral land.

“Let our farmers go back to their own farmlands. Let our children have a future as we continue to work towards a one unified state, region and nation,”he said.

The governor said that although there were a lot of sentiments on the security challenges in the state, guns and land grabbing were not the answers, peace was  the target and must be achieved.

A representative of  the National Security Advisor, Mairo Abbas, Director, Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, said the workshop was aimed at  building  a framework that mirrored a collective aspiration.

He explained that it would also  leverage  indigenous knowledge systems and strengthen  national unity.

Abbas said the workshop provided a unique opportunity to jointly explore practical and viable exit pathways for all affected groups, including women, children and others, who have been caught up in cycles of violence.

“We convene here today at a time when Nigeria as a nation is intensifying its effort  towards achieving sustainable peace, enhanced national security and inclusive development.

“What we are  here to deliberate upon is a critical pillar of our national strategy for managing post-conflict transitions, addressing the root causes of violent extremism and fostering lasting peace and stability.

“The Northern Central Region is uniquely impacted by a range of security challenges, which has been outlined here, which also includes farmers’ and headers, conflicts, communal violence, banditry and violent extremism,” he said.

Abbas urged all participants to  ensure that the national DDR framework to be developed was inclusive, context-specific, attuned to the peculiar realities  and anchored on forgiveness, reconciliation and unity.

Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, said the convergence was important in the light of the violence in the North Central.

Nyulaku-Bemshima said disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, was about seeking exit pathways out of violence and criminality.

“So this range of stakeholders we have convened with the support of the Office of National Security Advisor, National Counter-Terrorism Centre, the SPRING Programme and the UK Government is aimed  at opening up platforms for conversation.

“This is to ensure that the different stakeholders, groups, actors come together to frame their peace, and  identify the drivers of violence.

“It is for them to also  recognise that, even though kinetic measures have been taken,  different communities have taken up arms against each other, different actors have attacked several communities, there is still a place for peace.

“There is still a place for finding an exit out of the dilemma that we face in the North Central.” he said.

Nyulaku-Bemshima said the event convened experts to address the issues and chart a way forward, saying a  communiqué would be issued at the end of the meeting.

Dr Ukoha Ukiwo, Team Lead, Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING), said the SPRING Programme was  an initiative of  the UK Government intended to foster efforts at stability in Nigeria.

Ukiowo said the UK recognised the potential and possibilities of Nigeria being a stabilising force, not just in Africa but in the world as the most populous black country.

The team lead said that over the past 20 years, security challenges in the country had made different subnational entities, particularly state governments, to develop non-kinetic solutions. (NAN)

Edited by Gabriel Yough

FCTA building inclusive, accessible territory for PwDs
Health

FCTA building inclusive, accessible territory for PwDs

216 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) with support from the World Bank is building an inclusive and accessible capital territory with equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, stated this in Abuja on Thursday, at the close of a three-day workshop on right-based approaches to disability-inclusive development, governance and public policy.

Represented by her Special Assistant on Social Investment, Hajiya Maijidda Kuku, the minister said that the FCT was strongly working towards an inclusive governance that leaves no one behind.

Mahmoud said that the FCT Administration would achieve this through the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

She said that the workshop had not only strengthened the technical capacity of the participants but renewed collective resolve to break down barriers and promote inclusive governance.

“As we close, I urge all participants to translate the knowledge gained into concrete actions within their respective institutions.

“Together, we can build an FCT that truly reflects the values of inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all,” she said.

The minister commended President Bola Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and dignity for all, especially for women and persons with disabilities.

She added that the workshop aligned with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a more inclusive Nigeria.

She thanked the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat for championing the disability inclusion and the World Bank for its continuous support towards social inclusion programmes in the territory.

Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, said that the workshop was part of efforts toward the domestication and implementation of UN Conventions on disability inclusion and the disability Act 2018.

Benjamins-Laniyi said that the workshop was organised with support from the World Bank to ensure the inclusion of persons with disability in all spheres of life in the FCT.

She added that following the workshop, the FCT Administration had been able to establish a framework for collective action on disability inclusion to be championed by the women affairs secretariat.

She pointed out that what began as a disability desk in the women affairs secretariat, had become a disability action for implementation, through collaboration and partnership.

She said that the women secretariat would work closely with the existing structure of the FCT Social Development Secretariat.

According to her, the platform represents a superstructure towards addressing concerns of persons with disability from the FCT Administration down to the area councils and rural communities.

“The multi-sectoral structure cut across all the secretariats of the FCT Administration with representatives from the six area councils and communities.

“The membership includes wives of the council chairmen, wives of traditional and religious leaders, women and youth groups, community structures, Civil Society Organisations (CSO) and media.

“This will represent a disability convention in FCT, that brings together all the stakeholders – the administration, international collaboration, community and CSOs partnership

“This is a very crucial model to ensure full implementation of the disability Act in all the nukes and crannies of the FCT.”

She said that the move aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu’s administration

“For us, this is not just a slogan but a renewed hope of clearly articulated and intentional political will to impact all communities and leave no one behind, particularly persons with disabilities,” she added. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG pledges youth-centered policies to end irregular migration
Metro

FG pledges youth-centered policies to end irregular migration

185 total views today

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government has pledged to implement   sustained youth-centered policies to end irregular migration and its attendant dangers.

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction made the pledge at the closing of the  first thematic meeting of the Rabat Process in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  the Rabat Process is a key Euro-African dialogue on migration and development.

NAN also reports that Nigeria, the incumbent chairman of the Rabat Process hosted its thematic.meeting themed, Youth, Education and Innovation – Driving the Future of Migration, with over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries in attendance.

Yilwatda assured that the government would prioritise skills, mobility, and dignity, advancing innovation in migration governance, to nip irregular migration in the bud.

He described the exploration of youth innovation and education as drivers of sustainable migration systems.

The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to lead the Rabat process with empathy, data, and integrity, emphasising the need for effective partnerships to achieve the desired migration governance.

“The meeting has addressed the influence of conflict, climate change, and economic disparity on migration, emphasising the need for a more just and humane future for migration in Europe and Africa.

“In the meeting I acknowledged the hard truths about migration, including the global narrative that casts migration in the language of fear and the limited opportunities for young people,” he added.

He said that migration should be seen as legal, dignified, and voluntary, with skills shared and youths running towards purpose, rather than from lack.

While appreciating the Kingdom of Spain for its support and partnership, the minister urged the development partners and the private sector to support skills programmes that link education with employability, especially in fragile and climate-affected regions.

He, therefore, called for shared frameworks that recognised qualifications, return talents, and open safe pathways for migration.

According to the minister, migration should be seen as the expression of choice, ability, and vision, not the consequence of despair.

Yilwatda said there was a need to give youths more than sympathy as they need structures and access.

Speaking in the same vein, Pilar Jimenez, Ambassador-at-Large- for Migration Affairs of Spain, promised to keep exploring ways to make more sustainable youths’ participation in the Rabat process.

Jimenez noted that there was a need to move from inclusion to the co-creation of a space of dialogue in migration governance.

“The representatives of the Nigerian youth said that they are a part of a solution. I think that youths are the solution.

“Youth is the driver of the future, and the future just started here in Abuja within the Rabat process,” she added.(NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Military more determined than ever to go after terrorists – CDS
Defence/Security

Military more determined than ever to go after terrorists – CDS

232 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the military is more determined than ever to go after all terrorists to restore peace and stability in the country.

Musa gave the assurance at the Defence Headquarters Psychological Operations Workshop with the theme “Defence Headquarters Influence Operations: Optimising Psychological Operations for Efficiency in a Joint Environment” on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that there was a need for enhanced non-kinetic activities, particularly psychological operations, to shape the environment in favour of the ultimate aim of all on-going operations.

According to him, the workshop is timely, given the evolving nature of modern warfare and the increasing importance of influencing perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours.

He said the nation had in recent times, grappled with complex security challenges and threats which had brought to the fore some occurrences that threaten the peace and security of the nation.

These, he added, had undoubtedly continued to test the resolve of the Nigerian people and the capacity of security agencies to discharge their constitutional roles.

The CDS said the tactics of the non-state actor of indiscriminate violence against innocent citizens had continually created fear and despair amongst the populace.

He said the prevalent threats in Nigeria’s internal security landscape will not be tackled through kinetic operations alone, due largely to the continuous mutation in the nature and character of the threats.

“This situation therefore presumes that the threat has since gone beyond purely traditional military actions but requires a combination of robust and well-coordinated non-kinetic efforts by all the stakeholders to support our kinetic actions.

“From the kinetic perspective, troops have continued to deny insurgents/terrorists freedom of action despite isolated attacks on troops’ locations.

“With the recent changes in some of the commands in the theatres, we expect new strategies to further destroy the capacities of the terrorists to attack troops’ locations and isolated communities.

“We are more than ever determined to go after all the non-state actors to restore peace and stability in the country.

“In the same vein, we need non-kinetic activities, particularly psychological operations, to shape the environment in favour of the ultimate aim of all on-going operations,” he said.

The Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr Mohammed Bulama urged the military and other security agencies to find ways to end the killings within the country and restore peace.

Bulama said the solutions and resolutions from the workshop would contribute in entrenching peace and stability in the country

He said that Nigeria had over the past decade, faced and still facing one of the greatest security challenges in its history.

“As much as I am aware that such security threats are usually difficult to tackle, I have never doubted the capabilities of the Nigerian armed forces and all government security and intelligence agencies in eradicating these security challenges.

“This is evident in the successes that have been recorded so far in the various theatres of operations across the country.

“In recent times, however, the news of insecurity within the nation’s internal security landscape has made headlines in most of our print and electronic media outlets, especially the social media.

“I must therefore observe that the armed forces has done and is still doing a lot to stem the rising insecurity across the country, despite its limited resources,” he said.

Bulama called for timely but workable solutions that convinced Nigerians that the government was committed to its primary responsibility of protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.

He said the federal government has so far demonstrated strong political will to end the menace of insecurity in the country.

The FRCN boss charged the military to counter radicalisation, win hearts and minds in conflict zones and counter misinformation by utilising AI, social media, and analytics to monitor sentiment, track propaganda, and measure impact. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG proffers solutions to irregular migration to Europe
Metro

FG proffers solutions to irregular migration to Europe

233 total views today

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government on Tuesday identified three key steps to take in addressing the menace of irregular migration from Africa to Europe.

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction gave the solutions at the opening of the  first thematic meeting of the Rabat Process in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria assumed chairmanship of the Rabat Process, a key Euro-African dialogue on migration and development in January 2025 to pilot the process for the next year.

The maiden meeting themed, “Youth, Innovation and Education- Driving the Future of Migration”, has in attendance over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries.

Yilwatda, reiterated the need to address irregular migration –  movement of people across borders that does not comply with the legal frameworks- and it’s attendant danger and  effects.

In tackling the challenge, the minister said there was a need to create spaces for digital skills, ownership, and migration literacy across Africa and Europe.

“The second priority is developing a harmonised migration policy framework to ensure qualification and reduce irregular migration.

“The third priority is to establish youth innovation funds to support enterprises and returnees,” he said.

The minister sought the collaboration of partners on migration governance to co-create youth innovation hubs, harmonised migration policies, and establish youth innovation funds to reduce irregular migration.

While noting that over 80 per cent of migrations were regular, especially for Nigerians, the minister stressed on the importance of focusing on the 20 per cent of irregular migrations that needed attention.

He described migration as a strategy for peace, prosperity, and survival, not just for Nigeria but for the entire world,

According to him,  migration, when governed, can contribute to development, knowledge exchange, and cultural resilience.

He emphasised the need for education and training for better opportunities in changing the lives of many young people.

For her part, Pilar Jimenez, Ambassador -at Large- for Migration Affairs of Spain, said that Spain’s migration policies were designed with active listening to the needs and concerns of African foreigners, their governments, and societies.

She recalled that the Spanish Prime Minister launched the new Spain-Africa strategy in December 2024.

The agreement, according to her,  seeks equal partnership between Spain and Africa, and inspires the entire Europe-Africa relationship.

“The strategy includes promoting regular migration, sustainable development, and shared prosperity,” Jimenez said.

She added that Nigeria’s leadership in the Rabat process, focusing on youth education, innovation, and regular pathways to prevent irregular migration was apt.

Also speaking, Gautier Mignot, Head of European Delegation to Nigeria, said that the EU supports awareness-raising campaigns and community-based programmes to inform young Nigerians about the risks of irregular migration.

“The EU promotes a comprehensive approach to migration, working with partner countries like Nigeria.

“Also EU is committed to supporting Nigeria in migration management and legal migration processes,” Mignot said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was organised  through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons under its Chairmanship of the Rabat Process. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

FCTA domesticates disability Act, mulls commission for implementation
Gender

FCTA domesticates disability Act, mulls commission for implementation

426 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun processes toward the domestication and implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.

The Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, disclosed this at a three-day workshop on rights-based approach to disability-inclusive development, government and public policy.

The workshop was organised in collaboration with the World Bank for management staff and stakeholders across all sectors and sections of the FCT.

Benjamins-Laniyi added that the workshop was also organised to develop the needed strategy toward establishment of FCT Disability Commission to ensure full implementation of the Act.

She described the Act as a legislation that aimed to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and promote their inclusion in all aspects of society.

According to her, the domestication and implementation of the Act in FCT are crucial steps towards creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for persons with disabilities.

“This workshop is designed to equip us with the essential technical knowledge, skills, and orientation necessary for the effective domestication and implementation of the Act.

“I am confident that the discussions and deliberations over the next three days will provide valuable insights and practical solutions to the challenges we face in promoting disability inclusion.”

The pioneer mandate secretary said she had always been passionate about promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

She said that the establishment of Disability Desk served as a testament to her commitment to disability inclusion and support.

“This desk is dedicated to ensuring that the needs of women and children with disabilities are addressed and that they have equal access to opportunities and services,” she said.

Benjamins-Laniyi thanked the World Bank for the continued support in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.

She assured of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s commitment to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, which he described as another capital project deserving due attention.

“Let us work together to ensure that the FCT becomes a model for disability inclusion and accessibility, and that persons with disabilities are empowered to reach their full potential.

“Nothing about persons with disabilities without them. We cannot make any decision that affects them without them being present,” she added.

Hadjia Majida Adamu, Special Assistant to the FCT Minister of State, and Coordinator, Social Investment Programme, commended Benjamins-Laniyi for the bold step.

Adamu said that the workshop reflected a critical step towards fostering an inclusive, equitable, and rights-based society where every individual, regardless of physical ability, was given equal opportunity to thrive.

According to her, the step represents FCT’s commitment to dismantling barriers and ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into all aspects of our social, economic, and governance structures.

Mr Rex Irame, a legal practitioner and Chairman Albinism Association of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, stressed the need to pay more attention on implementation of the disability Act.

Irame said, “if we don’t take the issue of implementation seriously, then it takes away the beauty of the Act”.

Responding, Dr Adebukola Adebayo, Disability Inclusion Consultant, World Bank, expressed optimism that the Act would be fully implemented considering the divergent stakeholders and government agencies that were brought onboard.

“The FCTA has done the needful by ensuring that every institution of government and critical stakeholders were carried along.

“This has broadened the base for the implementation of the disability policy in the FCT.

“Everybody is going to work with the commission, with support from the world bank and other stakeholders to ensure that the law is not just on paper, but fully implemented,” he said.

Adedayo said that the bank would provide technical assistance to the Women Affairs Secretariat to develop the FCT Disability Policy.

He added that the world bank would also support the FCT to establish its disability commission as well as to develop and strengthen inter-agency collaborative mechanisms.

This, he said, would enable the FCT to fully implement the disability policy in line with the national disability Act. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Don advocates natural solutions for health, environment
Education

Don advocates natural solutions for health, environment

265 total views today

Blessing Ibegbu

Bamidele Okoli, a Professor of Natural Product Chemistry at Bingham University, Karu, has advocated greater reliance on natural resources to address health and environmental challenges.

Okoli made the call during the university’s 7th Inaugural Lecture on Tuesday, in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture is titled “The Gift of Mother Nature: The Key to Utopia.”

He defined “utopia” as an ideal ecosystem where humans and nature coexist harmoniously, comparable to the biblical Garden of Eden.

Speaking on the topic, Okoli emphasised that the best approach to solving current health and environmental problems was by depending more on natural resources.

He noted that synthetic products and fossil fuels, which were often used in modern solutions, could actually contribute to the very problems they were meant to solve.

 “Most of our drugs are synthesised and some are produced using fossil fuels.

“In the process of developing these synthetic drugs, we inadvertently create more health and environmental challenges.

“The best solution is to rely more on natural resources in addressing health issues and building a utopian nation through natural products.

“A utopian society, in this context, is one where we tackle these issues using what nature provides,” he said.

Okoli urged the Federal Government to prioritise the development and utilisation of Nigeria’s abundant natural resources for health and environmental benefits.

“The government can use the National Orientation Agency to promote the importance and benefits of our natural resources.

“Likewise, agencies like NAFDAC should support the production and use of natural resource-based drugs.

“We can’t keep losing out on what makes us African,” he added.

While acknowledging the challenges in translating research into commercial applications, he stressed the need for greater investment in sustainable practices and public education to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science.

Earlier in his welcome address, Prof. Haruna Ayuba, Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, commended Okoli for delivering his inaugural lecture and noted its significance in advancing academic culture.

Ayuba expressed his satisfaction that the university was strengthening its academic tradition through regular public and inaugural lectures.

“By the time we reach the tenth inaugural lecture, we will compile and publish a volume, our first official collection of inaugural lectures,” he said, adding that copies would be available for interested readers.

He emphasised that inaugural lectures reinforced values such as scholarship, research, excellence, interdisciplinary dialogue, and knowledge sharing within the university system.

“It is a forum that brings together students, staff, and the public, fostering stronger ties between the university and society,” he said.

Describing the lecture as timely and relevant, Ayuba said it explored how nature and ecosystems contributed to building an ideal society, stressing coexistence and mutual respect.

“It reminds us of the profound relationship humanity shares with nature, a connection that influences our lives, culture, and sustainability.

“As we celebrate the gifts of mother nature, we must also acknowledge our responsibility to preserve, conserve, and manage the environment sustainably for future generations,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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