Tosin Kolade - News Agency Of Nigeria

Tosin Kolade
Nov, Thu, 2023

UN Women, EU partner to support feminist organisations in Africa

By Abiemwense Moru

European Union and UN Women on Thursday partnered to support feminist organisations to end violence against women and girls in Africa.

Ms Beatrice Eyong, the UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made this known during a Regional Consultation with women’s rights organisations ahead of the annual UN 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Abuja.

She said the initiative focused on strengthening global and regional advocacy, coalition building and transformative feminist action to end violence against women.

According to her, the three-year initiative will contribute to leveraging regional movements and networks and create mass action and support.

Eyong said “it is a real implementation of the theme of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign — “UNITE, Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.”

She explained that research had shown that the presence of a strong and autonomous feminist movement is critical to drive change in ending violence against women and girls in policy making and transforming social norms and power relations.

She said “we all need to work together as a region with solidarity and network, and multilateral actions.

“In the intergovernmental space, that means engaging with member states to urgently bring about legislative changes. It means funding long-term legal advocacy for these rights.

“And it means fully supporting women and girls’ networks and movements, including financially.

“At the local level, we must work to change the social norms that drive backlash against women’s rights. We are guided in all of these work by the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 5.

“It is also critical to continue forging multilateral and intergenerational partnerships, supporting the participation of young people.”

Eyong further explained that UN Women saw the impact of these at the Generation Equality Forum, which launched an Action Coalition on ending violence against women.

She said “our task now is to ensure that commitments made toward a world free of Gender-Based Violence are accompanied by investments and actions.”

The Focal Person for Youth, Gender and Human Rights in the delegation of the EU to Nigeria, Mrs Esme Stuart, said investing in women organisations was necessary to end violence against women and girls.

She said that through the global Spotlight Initiative programme, the EU and UN had been working with civil society organisations across the continent and the partnership had shown that violence against women and girls was preventable.

“Evidence shows as well that women organisations are the most effective actors to ensure progress and sustainable change in women’s rights and gender equality.

“Women organisations play central roles in advancing the implementation of global normative frameworks, contribute to societal development while reaching the poorest and most vulnerable and marginalised women and girls.

“Strategic and joint actions are considered powerful mechanisms for transformative change.

“Supporting and investing in strong and autonomous feminist organisations and movements are, therefore, key strategies to achieving transformational change in policy at global, regional and national levels.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 45 participants from 12 countries of Central, Eastern and West Africa, comprising 37 rights organisations attended the regional consultation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

EU’s Erasmus+ programme begins, 800 scholarships awarded since 2014

Tosin Kolade
Nov, Wed, 2023

Foreign

EU’s Erasmus+ programme begins, 800 scholarships awarded since 2014

By Angela Atabo

The European Union (EU) has announced the awarding of postgraduate scholarships to more than 800 young Nigerians since 2014, marking a significant milestone and commitment to skills development and educational collaboration with Nigeria.

In a statement released by Ms. Samuela Isopi, the EU’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, the EU calls for applications for the 2024 Erasmus+ Postgraduate Scholarships.

The Erasmus+ Scholarship Programme has been a beacon of opportunity for Nigerian individuals seeking to advance their academic pursuits in Europe.

Isopi emphasised the EU’s dedication to skills development in its partnership with Nigeria, highlighting the program’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and fostering international collaboration.

The Erasmus+ scholarships not only offer fully-paid opportunities for Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in European countries but also contribute to building bridges of knowledge and fostering cultural exchange.

Isopi expressed that the programme goes beyond expanding educational horizons, aiming to nurture a community of scholars engaged in world-class education.

This year, the Erasmus+ programme expands its scope to include teaching and non-teaching staff of higher education institutions, promoting knowledge-sharing and professional growth.

Eligible Nigerians, including higher education institution staff, are encouraged to visit the official Erasmus+ Scholarship website for comprehensive details on application procedures, eligibility criteria, available fields of study, and invaluable opportunities for career advancement.

Isopi noted that Erasmus+ not only nurtures individual development but also strengthens the bonds between Nigeria and the European Union through the transformative power of education.

The EU remains committed to fostering a robust educational ecosystem and empowering Nigerian scholars to thrive on the global stage. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ali Baba Inuwa

Africa must harness benefits of big data for sustainable development – NBS

Tosin Kolade
Nov, Wed, 2023

Economy/Business

Africa must harness benefits of big data for sustainable development – NBS

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, says Africa must harness the benefits of big data to achieve sustainable development.

Adeniran said this at a Public Lecture to mark the 2023 African Statistics Day celebration in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2023 African Statistics Day is; “Modernising Data Ecosystems to Accelerate the Implementation of the AfCFTA: The Role of Official Statistics and Big Data in the Economic Transformation and Sustainable Development of Africa”.

He said the theme underscored the importance of embracing new thinking, innovation, and leveraging the power of both traditional official statistics and emerging big data sources.

Adeniran said the term “big data” refers not only to the sheer volume of information generated daily but also to the diversity and speed at which this data is produced.

“From social media interactions and online transactions to sensor readings and satellite imagery, the sources of big data are vast and varied, creating a variety of information that when properly harnessed, provides unprecedented insights.’’

Adeniran said the strength of big data was in its ability to uncover patterns and trends that may remain hidden in traditional datasets.

“The sheer volume and diversity of these data sources allows us to paint a more detailed and nuanced picture of economic dynamics.’’

The statistician-general said in the context of the AfCFTA, big data could play a pivotal role in understanding and optimising trade patterns.

“Big data analytics can provide real-time insights into the movement of goods, changes in consumer behaviour, and emerging market trends, empowering policymakers, and businesses to make agile and well-informed decisions.’’

Furthermore, he said the integration of big data with official statistics enhanced the ability to assess the impact of policies on sustainable development.

“By analysing a broad spectrum of data, we can measure not only economic indicators but also the social and environmental dimensions of development.

“This holistic approach enables us to craft policies that not only stimulate economic growth but also address societal challenges and promote environmental sustainability.

Adeniran said in essence, the synergy between big data and official statistics opened new frontiers of knowledge and understanding.

“As we navigate the intricacies of the AfCFTA and work towards sustainable development, the judicious use of big data alongside traditional statistical methods empowers us to make informed, anticipatory, adaptive, and impactful decisions.

Mr Obiara Obiabumo, the Statistician-General of Anambra state, pledged to continue to support the NBS and the statistical family to meet the nation’s statistical needs.

Prof. Sarah Anyanwu, the Professor of Economics, University of Abuja, said data was vital in achieving national development objectives in Nigeria such as poverty and unemployment reduction.

“We need data to address inflation, and bridge the infrastructural deficit, we need data in the health, agric, and education sectors.’’

Anyanwu called on the government at all levels to adequately budget for data collation, and analysis to achieve sustainable development in Nigeria.

Dr Godday Ebuh, the National President, Chartered Institute of Statisticians of Nigeria, called on the national assembly to increase its budgetary allocation to NBS, saying conducting surveys was an expensive venture.

Ebuh said one of the objectives of AfCTA was to progressively eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade in goods.

“Therefore, if statistics is modernised, documentation of trade could be carried out faster.’’

He commended the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for using big data and empowering its field officers with the needed technology to perform their functions.

NAN reports that the African Statistics Day is an annual event celebrated on Nov. 18 to raise public awareness of the importance of statistics in all aspects of social and economic life. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Stakeholders collaborate on new agric extension policy

Tosin Kolade
Nov, Wed, 2023

Agriculture

Stakeholders collaborate on new agric extension policy

By Bukola Adewumi

Stakeholders in the agricultural value chain convened in Abuja to discuss the new Federal Government policy on agricultural extension services.

The summit aimed to chart the way forward and develop strategies for enhancing extension service delivery in Nigeria.

The Executive Director of Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN), Hajia Salamatu Garba, emphasised the importance of understanding and successfully implementing the policy at all levels.

The new policy is designed to empower farmers with rights and opportunities, contributing to food security in Nigeria.

WOFAN, in collaboration with Mastercard Foundation’s ‘Young Africa Works’ strategy, aims to uplift the lives of 627,000 people through the WOFAN-ICON2 project over five years.

The project focuses on improving extension services and involving the private sector to complement government efforts in addressing challenges in agriculture.

The strategy, she said, was aimed at enabling 30 million young people in Africa, especially young women, to secure employment they considered as dignified and fulfilling.

As part of YAW strategy, Garba said that the foundation would deepen its engagement in uplifting the living conditions of ultra poor people, including the physically- challenged.

The Business Manager of WOFAN, Mr Taiwo Olawale, said the foundation’s vision of uplifting the status of the people and giving them a sustainable capacity that would make them live a fulfilled life on their own aligned with WOFAN’s business model.

“At present, there is an estimated one extension worker to about 10,000 farmers in Nigeria, but with WOFAN ICON2 project, it is one extension worker to 15 groups, and each group is made up of 30 people”.

The Chairman, WOFAN Technical Advisory Board on Policy Change and Advisory Services, Prof. Sani Miko, said that funding was critical in the area of extension services, urging the private sector to complement government efforts.

“We need to key in the private sector to tackle that opportunity and the resources to compliment the government effort,” he said.

Executive Director, National Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Prof. Emmanuel Ikani, underscored the significance of the policy in coordinating and regulating extension services.

He proposed the use of ICT to enhance outreach and communication with farmers. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

NRC sacks, demotes staff for ticket racketeering

Tosin Kolade
Nov, Wed, 2023

General News

NRC sacks, demotes staff for ticket racketeering

By Femi Ogunshola

The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has taken action against staff involved in ticket racketeering, including terminations and demotions.

Mr. Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of NRC, shared this information during an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Finance.

He mentioned that the corporation is collaborating with security agencies to combat the issue.

Rep. James Faleke, the chairman of the committee, expressed worry over the meager N345 million revenue remitted by the corporation in 2023, prompting discussions about the need for self-funding to cover operations and remit surpluses to the government.

“Our concern is that if we expect so much revenue from NRC and we aren’t getting it, then there is a problem.

“I think we should take the decision that the railway should be self-funded to take care of its operations and remit to the government the surplus,” he said. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ali Baba Inuwa

Nigeria urged to seize trillion Nanotechnology market opportunity

Tosin Kolade
Nov, Wed, 2023

Science & Tech

Nigeria urged to seize $3 trillion Nanotechnology market opportunity

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, emphasised the need for Nigeria to leverage the global nanotechnology market, projected to be worth $3 trillion by 2025.

Nnaji spoke at the 7th International Nanotechnology conference in Abuja, with the theme “Nanotechnology in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Opportunities for Emerging Economies”.

He highlighted nanotechnology’s role in solving problems and driving commercialisation for national growth.

The minister urged a shift from laboratory testing to practical applications of nanotechnology across various sectors such as medicine, food, and agriculture.

Stressing the potential for Nigeria to benefit from the growing nanotechnology industry, he emphasised the importance of participation in a market expected to reach $3 trillion by 2025.

Dr Halilu Shaba, the Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), representing Nnaji, highlighted the commercial potential of nanotechnology for national development.

Shaba noted NASRDA’s involvement in synthesising nanoparticles, leading to innovations such as high-capacity batteries, waterproof cement, and advanced textile materials, which are undergoing patenting.

Prof. Agbaje Lateef, Lead of the NANO+ Group at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, emphasised Nigeria’s potential to deploy nanotechnology for growth and development, utilising natural and intellectual resources.

He stated that nanotechnology could contribute trillions of dollars to the world economy and generate millions of jobs.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, highlighted the relevance of nanotechnology in defense, particularly in reducing the size and weight of components for enhanced research efforts.

He expressed interest in collaborating with researchers to leverage nanotechnology in addressing challenges, especially in the fight against insurgency.

Prof. Razaq Kalilu, the acting Vice-Chancellor of LAUTECH, called for government support in establishing a Center of Excellence in NanoScience and Nanotechnology at the university.

Prof. Umar Gaya, the Coordinating Director at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), stressed the need for strategic addressing of automation and robotisation in line with 4.0 developments.

The conference aimed to explore opportunities for Nigeria in the global nanotechnology landscape, focusing on applications that could drive economic growth, job creation, and innovation.

The Nanotechnology Research Group (NANO+) of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Nigeria was formed 2014 to advance the course of research in the multidisciplinary subject of Nanotechnology at the university (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ijendu Iheaka/Ali Baba-Inuwa

Group unveils framework for inmates’ voting rights in Nigeria

Tosin Kolade
Nov, Wed, 2023

Defence/Security

Group unveils framework for inmates’ voting rights in Nigeria

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO) has introduced a framework outlining the rights of custodial center inmates to vote in future elections in Nigeria.

Rev. Father Jude Isiguzo, the Executive Director of CAPIO, announced this during a stakeholders workshop in Abuja.

The developed document, named “Pollrite23,” aims to guide inmates in participating in general elections.

CAPIO seeks the approval and support of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the implementation of the framework.

Isiguzo emphasised the organisation’s two-year effort to create the document, calling for INEC’s approval and collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of inmates’ voting rights.

The lack of a framework for inmates’ voting in Nigeria prompted CAPIO to develop this initiative, and the workshop aimed to gather input from stakeholders and experts.

The Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, acknowledged CAPIO’s positive impact on inmates’ well-being.

Nababa, represented by the Controller of Corrections in charge of Operations, Mr Ibrahim Usman, expressed the correctional service’s readiness to collaborate with CAPIO for the success of the “Pollrite23” project.

YIAGA Africa’s Programme Coordinator, Mr Ibrahim Faruk, pledged support for CAPIO, highlighting their commitment to promoting democratic governance, human rights, and civic engagement.

He emphasised the importance of advocating for inmates’ voting rights in Nigeria.

Mr Ogechi Obialo-Isuma from the Transition Monitoring Group, suggested that implementing electronic voting in Nigeria could expedite the process of granting inmates the right to vote.

He argued that electronic voting would not only facilitate inmates’ participation but also benefit election monitors and observers.

Various stakeholders present at the workshop expressed their commitment to supporting the implementation of the document, reflecting a collaborative effort to advance the voting rights of inmates in Nigeria. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Integrate climate change discourse into national development agenda- experts

Tosin Kolade
Nov, Wed, 2023

Environment

Integrate climate change discourse into national development agenda- experts

By Tosin Kolade

A gathering of experts on Wednesday urged the urgent integration of climate change discussions into Nigeria’s national development agenda.

The experts said this at a policy Dialogue on ‘Nigeria, Climate Change, and the Green Economy’, organised by Agora Policy, MacArthur Foundation and other partners in Abuja.

Mr Waziri Adio, the Founder of Agora Policy, decried the insufficient attention given to climate change in Nigeria’s policy agenda and public discourse.

He underscored the need for urgent, intentional, and bold action, categorising climate change as the most existential threat facing the nation.

He acknowledged the efforts of those actively addressing climate change concerns but lamented the prevailing national attitude marked by denial and indifference.

Highlighting the existing burdens of climatic shifts, including rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, and increased threats of desertification and gully erosion, Adio stressed their deep, negative impacts.

This, he said affected critical sectors like food production, water resources, health, and infrastructure.

Adio, however called for a transformative perspective, positioning climate change as the central development challenge for Nigeria.

He said there was the need for an all-of-society approach, involving political authorities, policy experts, and ordinary citizens, each playing distinct roles to address the pressing climate crisis.

Dr Kole Shettima, the Nigeria Office Director of the MacArthur Foundation, outlined the organisation’s commitment to providing access to energy, particularly in rural and low-income communities.

Shettima emphasised that climate change affects different populations disproportionately, with the poor and disadvantaged being more severely impacted.

Mr Shubham Chaudhuri, the Country Director of the World Bank, called for more coordinated action to tackle climate change issues in Nigeria.

He highlighted the World Bank’s support for Nigeria in responding to climate change, with a focus on adaptation and mitigation efforts.

“Climate change adaptation is an overwhelming challenge, issues of rising temperatures, flooding, drought abounds and we must move from policies to action.

“Nigeria must do more to improve access to energy resources so as to promote development, doing this will help all development efforts.’’

Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, the Director, Centre for Climate Change and Development, emphasised the need for an inclusive, all-of-society approach to address the urgent climate crisis for a sustainable future in Nigeria.

Reviewing the 84-page Agora Policy report titled “Climate Change and Socio-Economic Development in Nigeria’’. Okereke revealed projections of approximately 460 billion dollars in losses by 2050 due to climate change.

He highlighted the potential need to relocate between 27 and 53 million people by 2050 due to a rise in sea levels caused by global warming.

During a panel discussion, participants urged all stakeholders to explore avenues for integrating climate change considerations into Nigeria’s development plans. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

EU supports Nigeria with €30m to fight corruption, strengthen rule of law

Tosin Kolade
Nov, Tue, 2023

General News

EU supports Nigeria with €30m to fight corruption, strengthen rule of law

By Naomi Sharang

In a significant stride toward strengthening Nigeria’s fight against corruption, the European Union (EU) has pledged €30 million over the next five years.

The commitment was announced by Ms. Samuela Isopi, EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, during the formal launch of Phase II of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) in Abuja.

The RoLAC initiative, set to unfold at the federal level and in five states—Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano, and Lagos—reflects the EU’s multifaceted approach.

Addressing corruption, reducing gender-based violence, and promoting human rights and inclusivity are at the core of this comprehensive program.

Acknowledging the achievements of RoLAC’s first phase, Isopi emphasised the establishment and reinforcement of policies and processes.

Notable successes include heightened inter-agency cooperation in the battle against corruption and the creation of synergies between government and civil society organisations.

The second phase, spanning five years, will concentrate on criminal justice, prison reform, and curbing sexual and gender-based violence.

Isopi stressed that the pivotal challenge in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts lies in effective enforcement.

Danladi Plang, Head of the Programme at Nigeria International IDEA, highlighted that RoLAC Phase II aims to consolidate rule of law and anti-corruption reforms.

While lauding the EU’s commitment, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, emphasised the alignment of RoLAC Phase II with the National Development Plan 2021-2025.

Representatives from Kano State, the only state yet to domesticate the VAPP Act, showcased the programme’s focus on enhancing the performance, quality, and oversight of the criminal justice system.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, expressed commendation for RoLAC’s impactful interface and quality nation-building initiatives.

He was represented by Mrs Victoria Ojogbane, the Director of Planning Research, and Statistics at the Ministry.

He said it marked a pivotal step in bridging gaps in criminal justice and administrative reform, promising to enhance systems and structures within Nigeria’s justice sector.

The EU’s generous pledge and strategic collaboration signal a renewed vigor in the shared commitment to upholding the rule of law and eradicating corruption in Nigeria. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ali Baba Inuwa

Tosin Kolade
Nov, Tue, 2023

Health

NCDC inaugurates five-year plan to strengthen health security in Nigeria

By Abujah Racheal

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has launched a visionary five-year strategic and implementation plan (2023-2027) during its Health Security Partners’ meeting in Abuja.

Themed “Vision to Action,” the plan underscores the commitment to health security as a core element of the ministerial agenda for the health sector.

Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, the Director-General of NCDC, highlighted the agency’s mandate to advance health security interventions with a focus on being Strategic, Ambitious, working with Speed, and at Scale (SASS).

According to him, it aligns with the presidential and ministerial agenda for health and includes a digital transformation agenda, emphasising high-quality crosscutting public health informatics.

Adetifa emphasised the strategic plan’s goals, implementation, and delivery plans, building on the achievements and lessons learned from the previous strategy (2017-2022).

The new strategy reflects the priority of strengthening subnational health security, fostering collaboration with state and local governments through the Subnational Support Department.

The plan also equips the Department of Planning, Research, and Statistics with tools and training to advance monitoring, evaluation, and learning within the agency.

Adetifa noted that NCDC’s vision remains a “healthier and safer Nigeria through the prevention and control of diseases of public health importance.”

“NCDC’s vision remains a healthier and safer Nigeria through the prevention and control of diseases of public health importance.

“The vision cascades into a mission statement, further broken down into seven key strategic goals, 41 objectives, and 225 corresponding activities with defined outcomes for the next five years.

“Furthermore, a performance management structure has been instituted to oversee and coordinate the execution of various initiatives to assess NCDC’s progress toward achieving its strategic goals.”

He said that the framework would prioritise and align efforts across the agency’s departments and divisions to enable development partners to key in for collaboration.

He also said it would protect the health of Nigerians against emerging public health threats and evolving challenges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in 2022, NCDC conducted an end-term review of the implementation of the 2017-2022 strategy to identify successes, challenges and learnings built on to develop the new five-year strategy. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chidi Opara/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu