NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Agriculture

Tinubu commits to modernising agriculture, livestock industry

174 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising the agricultural sector and livestock industry.

Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima gave the assurance at the launch of the Yobe Agricultural Empowerment Programme in Damaturu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative, which includes the provision of agricultural machinery and implements, is part of a broader national strategy to revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The president said the programme was at the heart of his administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance food security, create jobs, and diversify Nigeria’s economy through agriculture.

Tinubu stressed the critical role of agriculture in national development and security, saying, “food is the heart of security in every society.

“It is the foundation upon which we build our health, our well-being, and our economic stability.

“There’s no way we are going to achieve our grand goals as a government, whether at the state or national level, until we support and empower our farmers,” he added.

Tinubu added that apart from boosting agricultural outputs, the initiative also aims to engage more Nigerians in the nation’s economic life.

He said the recently approved Ministry of Livestock Development intends to improve livestock production, change the destiny and narratives of the nation’s livestock production.

“Each of us in this gathering must come to terms with the fact that the era of relying on rain-fed agriculture is gone. These machines are here to ease our practice of irrigation farming.”

He announced the approval of the Yobe’s request for additional resources to support its agricultural ambitions.

”These include mini-rigs for tube wells, solar water pumps, agro-chemicals, power tillers, more fertilisers, and other farm implements to complement your irrigation scheme,” the president promised.

Tinubu assured the audience that the government was taking drastic measures to address security challenges to make farmlands safe and accessible in every state of the federation.

He commended Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe’s achievements, particularly in agricultural investments, emphasising the potential for agricultural mechanisation in the state.

Earlier, Buni reaffirmed the state’s sustained support for the Tinubu’s administration, acknowledging the challenges faced by Yobe, particularly in the agricultural sector.

He said, “In spite of all the challenges, agriculture remains the major preoccupation of our people.

”With the improvement in security across the state, farmlands are now accessible in almost all the local government areas.”

Buni listed several government initiatives to revitalise agriculture, including the conduct of an agricultural summit.

Others were the constitution of a steering committee on the revitalisation of agriculture and partnerships with organisations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

He added that the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, had established Livestock Development Centres to address farmer-herdsmen clashes, boost meat and dairy production.

Buni also disclosed the revival of the 2,000-hectare Lava Irrigation Scheme and the establishment of four Sesame Seeds processing factories across the state.

He said that: “This state visit is no doubt a significant milestone as we launch the agricultural empowerment programme.

” The items distributed include 100 Zoom Lion Tractors, 10 IMC Double Cabin 4-wheel drive vehicles for extension service supervision and 200 motorcycles for extension workers.

” Others are 300 sets of ox-drawn ploughs, 5,349 small ruminants (goats), 1,349 hand-push planters and 889 hand-push plough machines.

”The rest were 590 hand-push tiller machines, 4,202 solar-powered irrigation water pumps, improved assorted seeds, and 72,000 bags of fertilizer.”

Also, the Emir of Damaturu, Shehu Umar-El-Kanemi, thanked Tinubu for his tremendous support to progress and development of the state.

The royal father also appreciated the achievements so far recorded by Tinubu’s administration and its plans to move the country forward for the benefits of all Nigerians.

He said: ” To us today is a day of pride, a day of joy and a blessing to us to have His Excellency, the Vice-President Shettima representing His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu to launch agriculture in empowerment programme Yobe.

” And interestingly enough, Vice- President Shettima is an expert on agriculture and also the son of the soil.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Economy/Business

Shettima seeks urgent innovation on Nigeria’s economic, financial inclusion

50 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday emphasised the urgent need for financial innovation to drive Nigeria’s economic and financial inclusion agenda.

According to Shettima, this is in line with the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to bringing over 30 million unbanked Nigerians into the formal financial sector.

The vice-president made the call via a video high-level policy dialogue between the Nigerian government and private sector stakeholders held in Washington DC, the United States capital.

The dialogue brought together government officials, regulators, law enforcement agencies, and fintech industry leaders at the George Washington University.

It aims to leverage innovative approaches to drive a sustainable and inclusive financial system in Nigeria.

The dialogue also focused on addressing critical challenges in Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem, including regulatory oversight, security concerns, and trust issues that have hindered the widespread adoption of innovative financial solutions.

Participants explored strategies to enhance interagency collaboration and strengthen the overall effectiveness of the financial services sector.

The vice-president highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to bringing over 30 million unbanked Nigerians into the formal financial sector in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We must develop a sustainable collaboration approach that will facilitate the adoption of inclusive payment to achieve our objective of economic and financial inclusion,” he said.

Earlier, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, sad the Office of the vice president gave priority to economic and financial inclusion.

Hadejia said it was expected that each agency of government would continue to play their statutory role collaboratively to achieve the set objective.

Also, Philip Ikeazor, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria in charge of Financial System Stability, stressed the need for ongoing collaboration among all players to achieve the objectives of the Aso Accord on Economic and Financial Inclusion.

The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, proposed “a Digital-first approach and the need to fuse Digital Literacy with Financial literacy as a means to address trust issues affecting the inclusive payment ecosystem.”

The General Manager, Moniepoint, Tosin Eniolorunda, said that addressing trust issues that have slowed down the adoption of innovative Fintech solutions for economic and financial inclusion could be addressed through public-private collaborations.

Dr Nurudeen Zauro, the Technical Advisor to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, explained the gathering would eventually evolve into a mechanism that would provide relevant information to the Office of the vice-president.

This, according to him, will facilitate effective decision-making for economic and financial inclusion.

The high-level engagement resulted in various recommendations covering rules, infrastructure, and coordination, with a focus on implementable actions and clear accountabilities.

Other speakers at the event included Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun; and the Executive Director of the Center for Curriculum Development and Learning (CCDL) at George Washington University, Prof. Pape Cisse.

Others are the assistant Vice-President at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Mr Reginald Emordi; Regional Director for Africa at the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), Mr Lars Benson, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Economy/Business

Tinubu gives condition for mining licenses

71 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to only issue mining licenses if they are tied to local value addition.

Tinubu gave the directive on Wednesday during the inauguration of the 2024 African Natural Resources & Energy Investment Summit, held in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu was represented at the event by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

He said the directive would ensure that young Nigerians are actively engaged in economic activities, acquiring skills and contributing to the overall development of the economy.

The president said his administration was fully committed to creating an enabling business environment to attract investment that encouraged ‘value addition’ on solid minerals before export.

“We recognise the losses incurred from exporting crude mineral commodities and understand that it is time to change this narrative.

“By doing so, we aim to ensure that our teeming youth are actively engaged in economic activities, acquiring skills, and contributing to the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.

“Therefore, the ministry will only issue mining licenses if they are tied to local value addition,” the president said.

President Tinubu said that his administration’s target in the solid minerals sector was to make Nigeria a leader in critical metals.

He commended stakeholders for the establishment of the African Minerals Strategy Group with Nigeria as the first chairman of the initiative.

“We aim to set new standards in the mining industry and ensure that Africa gets an equitable slice of supplying the world with critical metals.

“In our transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy systems, we also recognise the pivotal role that natural gas plays.

“Natural gas is a transition fuel that will fundamentally restructure our nation’s economy,” he added.

Earlier, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, announced the government’s strategy under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to position Nigeria as a major player in the global minerals market.

“We are committed to transforming Nigeria’s solid mineral sector into a cornerstone for our nation’s economic diversification,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Economy/Business

Nigeria attracts $2bn investment in renewable energy sector – Tinubu

62 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigeria attracted over $2 billion investment in the renewable energy sector, making it a fast-growing sector in the economy.

Tinubu stated this on Wednesday during the inauguration of the 2024 African Natural Resources & Energy Investment Summit, held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to attract more private sector involvement in the renewable energy space.

He said that: “In leveraging opportunities in the renewable energy space, Nigeria has attracted over $2 billion in investment in the renewable energy sector, making it a fast-growing sector in the economy.

”Our commitment is to continue this trajectory and attract more private sector involvement in the renewable energy space, including manufacturing locally produced solar panels and batteries.”

He, however, emphasised that discussions on the energy transition must also include the significance of the petroleum industry as a cornerstone of the nation’s economy.

“While we strive to embrace renewable and cleaner energy sources, we acknowledge that oil and gas continue to play a vital role in our energy and economic landscape,” he stated.

He highlighted strategic priorities in the sector to include the goal to attract more investment in the oil and gas industry; grow oil production to 2.1 million barrels per day by December 2024.

”This is with a view to improving investment in midstream and downstream infrastructure; tackle theft; and hold developers accountable for the highest environmental standards,” the president said.

Tinubu further restated the administration’s commitment to manage resources responsibly, minimising their ecological footprint and maximising their benefits for the nation.

Earlier, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake said the government was implementing some reforms to create a more attractive environment for investors with a focus on enhancing transparency, regulatory clarity and investor confidence.

Accircing to Alake, the plan encompasses several key areas including policy reforms, sustainable practices, infrastructure development, and human capital enhancement.

”These initiatives are designed to address longstanding challenges in the sector and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s vast mineral resources.

”This summit represents a significant milestone in our collective journey toward addressing Africa’s vast natural resources and sustainable economic development,” he said.

Dignitaries at the summit included Sen. Mohammed Sani (APC – Niger East), the Minister of State for Environment, Dr Ishaq Salako; Minister of State for Steel Development, Mr Uba Ahmadu, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Mary Ogbe. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Health

Nutrition council adopts measures to combat malnutrition, food insecurity

57 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Council on Nutrition (NCN) has approved measures to combat malnutrition and food insecurity in line with President Bola Tinubu administration’s efforts to improve the nutritional status of Nigerians.

Delivering his address during the council’s meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday, Vice-President Kashim Shettima stressed the need for proactive participation from all stakeholders.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders include Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), development partners, aming others.

The approved measures include the establishment of a national nutrition dashboard to be hosted by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

The dashboard would be uploaded on the website of the NCN, aims to provide better oversight and coordination of nutrition-related initiatives across the country.

Shettima said the dedication of the council reflects Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to improving the nutritional status of every Nigerian.

He said the Tinubu administration recognised the urgency of the food crises, and was addressing its underlying causes with a view to developing more resilient and sustainable food systems in Nigeria.

The vice-president who commended the efforts of the stakeholders in the nutrition space, assured development partners and other actors of the Federal Government’s readiness to work with them.

”We are willing and ready to work with you for the good of the Nigerian nation. Let us forge ahead with optimism and resolve, knowing that together we are making substantial changes in the lives of our people.

”I extend my gratitude for your steadfast support and diligent efforts. Collaboration is paramount to our continued success in addressing national nutrition challenges.

”And I encourage active and proactive participation from all involved ministries and partners, as your contributions are essential to our progress.

” Together, through robust and dynamic collaboration, we can achieve significant advancements in our mission to improve nutritional outcomes for all citizens.

”All the ministers are willing to collaborate with each other, anchored on maturity, mutual trust and confidence,” he said.

Shettima commended the efforts of some frontline ministries in combating malnutrition and hunger in the country, describing their actions as worthy of emulation.

He said: ”I must commend the actions of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in convening a task force to address the acute malnutrition crisis in the country.

”The efforts have manifested in the acquisition of millions of packs of commodities.

” The joint efforts of the Minister of Health and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy to restructure the World Bank project resources securing about 30 million dollars for commodities is also highly commendable and deeply appreciated.

”The Ministry of Finance’s task force to accelerate cash transfer and the Ministry of Agriculture’s initiative to increase food availability and affordability further demonstrates our collaborative efforts.”

Earlier, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, emphasised the administration’s commitment to prioritising nutrition as a crucial component of national development.

” This initiative provides us an opportunity to step up our collective efforts to improve the country’s food and nutrition security,” Bagudu said.

He said that the meeting which received updates on Nigeria’s current nutritional status focused on proposing actionable recommendations and exploring ways to enhance the implementation of existing nutrition intervention programmes in line with national policy.

Also, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, outlined eight interrelated priority areas designed to address the nation’s nutritional needs.

He said the areas are enhancing value chains for improved nutrition; diversifying household production and consumption with a focus on women, improving access to micronutrient-rich foods, and enhancing food safety along the value chain.

Abdullahi also hinted at plans to build resilience and social protection networks for vulnerable groups, promote nutrition research, and improve the agriculture sector’s capacity to address food security and nutrition problems.

The strategy, according to him, also includes providing nutrition education, social marketing, and advocacy, as well as conducting nutrition surveillance, monitoring and evaluation to ensure the effectiveness of the initiatives. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Agriculture

Tinubu reaffirms commitment to food security

88 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing food security concerns and reducing the cost of living in the country.

The president gave the reassurance at the public presentation of Chief Olusegun Osoba’s book titled: “My Life in the Public Eye” held in Lagos.

A statement on the president speech at the event was made available to State House correspondent by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, the spokesperson of Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Nkwocha said the president represented by Shettima, noted that the decision to temporarily suspend tariffs on imported grains and other essential food items were short-term measures to address the rising food prices across the country.

“We are taking steps to address food shortages by temporarily removing tariffs on imported grains and other food items,” the president stated.

He noted that the measures were specifically aimed at tackling food shortages and improving affordability for consumers.

Tinubu also stressed that the action was part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance living conditions of Nigerians.

While addressing short-term challenges, the president also reiterated the importance of long-term food self-sufficiency.

”We will continue to drive local production and ensure that we produce what we eat and use locally,” he added.

The president further emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s diversity and unity, calling it a vital lesson for the nation, particularly during challenging times.

“As we work to overcome our current challenges, we must remember that unity and cooperation are essential,” Tinubu said.

He urged Nigerians to support the administration’s efforts to improve living conditions.

The president commended Chief Osoba, whom he referred to as “Aremo 1,” for his significant contributions to Nigerian journalism and politics.

Specifically, the president extolled his contribution to nation building as a two-time governor of Ogun as well as his important involvement in the activities of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in restoring democracy to the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Metro

Tinubu extols Osoba on nation building

47 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu has  commended Chief Olusegun Osoba, a former governor of Ogun, for his contributions to restoration of democracy and nation building.

A statement by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, a media aide to Vice-President Kashim Shettima said Tinubu spoke at the public presentation of Osoba’s book titled: “My Life in the Public Eye,” on Saturday in Lagos.

Represented by Shettima, the President commended Osoba’s role to National Democratic Coalition’s (NADECO), formed in 1994 in response to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was widely believed to have been won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

Tinubu recalled the coalition’s primary goal was to pressure the military government, then led by Gen. Sani Abacha, to relinquish power and restore democracy in Nigeria.

”NADECO consisted of various pro-democracy activists, politicians, and civil society leaders. Notable members included Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Olusegun Osoba.

”We owe him a debt of gratitude for his sacrifices,” Tinubu said.

He encouraged other leaders to follow Osoba’s example by writing books to share their experiences and provide guidance for future generations.

The president expressed gratitude to God for Osoba’s continued sound health and wished him many more years of good health.

Earlier, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio described the celebrant as “someone honoured by God with long life.”

He said Osoba contributed a lot to humanity, adding that over the years, he has helped in shaping the future of democracy in Ogun and Nigeria.

“We thank him for launching a book today. By putting his thoughts on paper, he has helped in mentoring the younger generation.

”His contributions to democracy and journalism are enormous,” he said.

Akpabio enjoined Nigerians to support President Tinubu in his quest to deliver the dividends of good governance to all citizens.

Also, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, praised the laudable attributes of Osoba, which he said are worthy of emulation.

Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, described the celebrant as a towering figure who lived a life of service to humanity, thus attracting many titles and awards.

“He has made a mark in public service and journalism within Nigeria and beyond. His attributes are worthy of emulation and a reference point for our future generations,” he said.

The governor added that Osoba contributed a lot to the socio-economic development of Ogun.

“We will continue to celebrate you, and I call on Nigerians to celebrate their leaders and those who have served them while they are still alive,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Food Security

FG inaugurates coordinating unit on food security, cost

250 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the Presidential Food System Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), with a mandate to improve food security and crash the cost of food items in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration of the unit was held at the presidential villa Abuja.

This followed a presentation by the Technical Assistant to the President of Agriculture, Office of the Vice-President, Marion Moon.

Shettima said: ” the nation is facing a rare food security crisis and the sooner we come to terms with reality, the better.

“Food insecurity endangers the very basis of our democratic experiment and this is why all hands have to be on deck.

“We are in a food security crisis but it also provides us the opportunity to re-engineer and reposition the nation on a firmer footing.”

Shettima, who noted the unit was not created to usurp the functions of the Ministry of Agriculture, said the urgency and seriousness of the matter at hand requires the ideas and resources of all stakeholders.

He made reference to the Green Imperative Programme, a government-catalyzed, private sector-driven, agricultural industrialisation programme, as one initiative which the PFSCU must activate and operationalize.

He stated that with improved farming practices, improved seeds, use of fertilizers, Nigeria’s agricultural productivity could be turned around for the better.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, explained that the unit would coordinate all agricultural activities and the food system among the three tiers of government.

Kyari added that the unit, which membership cut across the three tiers of government, would report to the presidential economic coordinating council which is under the chairmanship of President Bola Tinubu.

Also, Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, said the inauguration of the unit was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu and the agenda of all governors.

” So I think the issue of food security is now being taken seriously and I’m sure with this committee a lot of things will be achieved.

“And I’m sure with this result now, though in our respective states we are representing in our regions and we know in our regional meetings at the state level we will be able to implement what has been decided in the coordinating unit.

“And the outcome of this will be very important because at a small holder the farmer will be assisted and also mechanisation and irrigation issues will come up.

” And these are the major things we need to do to boost agriculture in this country and I think what we are doing at our state level, now we are going to be encouraged and things will work better for Nigerians.”

On his part, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, expressed concern over increasing cost of food items in the country.

Zulum particularly said that non-availability of food items was a matter of great concern to all governors.

He emphasised the need for a coordinated approach, citing low productivity and population growth as a major challenge to the nation’s food security drive.

He called for investment in commercial agriculture, improved funding, and enhanced security for farmers.

Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River State, said the state was looking to feed the country, adding that his government must modernize agriculture to feed the population.

“We are an agrarian state, and we have stepped up our game,” Otu noted.

Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger, proposed his state as a pilot for the President’s food security initiative.

He revealed that Niger has invested over N100 billion in agricultural mechanization, with 5,000 tractors and 20 pilot irrigation systems available.

Bago called for support from the federal government, World Bank, and other development partners to ensure the success of these initiatives.

The Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Patricia Obila, also spoke on the state’s unique topography and its potential to enhance its renowned Ebonyi Rice production.

She noted the need to introduce tractor mechanization to ensure year-round production and leverage youth participation by incentivizing agriculture with farm settlements equipped with necessary social amenities. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

FG mulls youth enterprise cluster worth N110bn – Shettima

51 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government has revealed plans to set up a Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Cluster worth N110 billion.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima made this known on Thursday at the commemoration of the 2024 World Population Day (WPD), organised by the National Population Commission (NPC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

This, he said, is in addition to a Youth Data Bank and a National Youth Development Bank, as well as the already existing N110 billion Youth Investment Fund.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WPD is annually commemorated on July 11 around the globe to raise awareness of global population issues and to celebrate those who contributed to solving such issues.

The 2024 edition of the global observance has “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All” as its theme.

Shettima, therefore, said “it is worthy to note that under the present dispensation, we were able to fulfill the 30 per cent quota for youth inclusion in governance across all tiers of government and most importantly, the President has walked the talk.

“He approved N110 billion for the Youth Investment Fund. We are setting up the National Youth Development Bank. We are going to set up the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Cluster worth N110 billion.

“This is in addition to the Youth Data Bank that minister earlier talked about that we are setting up.”

The vice-president pointed out that if governments at all levels have access to inclusive data sources, policy actions and investments would align with the needs of citizens.

He listed the needs to include the provision of decent jobs that pay sustainable incomes to working-age population, creation of affordable and equitable access to quality healthcare services at all levels, and quality education for all.

Shettima, who is the Chairman, National Economic Council (NEC), pledged to use the platform and other networks within his purview to ensure people and communities remained government’s focus for development.

He added that “I believe that aligning the people with investment choices will transform quantity (numbers) to quality (capital) and from liability to assets, guaranteeing rapid economic growth.”

Earlier, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, had urged partners present at the event to leverage scientific evidence to resolve challenges confronting the various segments of the world’s population.

She also disclosed plans by the Federal Government to build a youth data bank that would be dedicated to harnessing the potential of young people for national development, regardless of their location and status. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Metro

Improved data collection, analysis key to nation’s devt. – Shettima

58 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says improved data collection and analysis is key to national development, especially in guiding government’ decisions.

Shettima stated this on Thursday at the commemoration of the 2024 World Population Day, organised by the National Population Commission (NPC) , at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The vice-president also underscored the importance of deployment of technology to generate comprehensive and inclusive data in strengthening systems and institutions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the theme of the 2024 world population day is “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All”.

Shettima said “Data is life. Data is our evidence. Data is our performance.

“It is the most realistic picture of situations, trends, and patterns; it tells us how many we are, with an understanding of the age structure, sex structure, location, and more.

“Data is the true story of our experiences and informs us about today and the future through scientific projections, forecasting, and analysis.

He added: “Despite our last census taking place about 18 years ago, Nigeria has never relegated the importance of data.

” This is why the theme of the Day, invites us to recommit to improving our data collection, analysis, and deployment of modern technology.

” This will generate more comprehensive and inclusive evidence to guide government decisions, investment options, and development paths.”

The vice-president noted that inclusive data had been one of the major challenges to governance in Nigeria for decades.

He reassured that with President Bola Tinubu in the saddle, Nigerians now have a leader who “is not only a man of numbers, as a first-rate accountant, but also recognises them as critical components in the nation’s development drive.”

Earlier, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, urged partners at the event to leverage scientific evidence to resolve the myriads of challenges confronting the various segments of the world’s population.

She also disclosed plans by the Federal Government to build a youth data bank that would be dedicated to harnessing the potentials of young people for national development regardless of their location and status. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

You cannot copy content of this page

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email