NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
ECOWAS subregion’ll attract 10m tourists yearly by 2029- Commissioner
Foreign

ECOWAS subregion’ll attract 10m tourists yearly by 2029- Commissioner

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By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it is working to attract about 10 million intra-community tourists to the subregion annually by 2029.

ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, disclosed this at a high-level capacity building workshop held in The Gambia, on Tuesday.

The Commissioner, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said that this was in line with ECOWAS’ commitment to leveraging tourism as the driver of economic growth.

Represented by the Director of Private Sector, Dr Tony Elumelu, Toure-Litse explained that the policy positioned West Africa as a preferred and competitive global tourism destination.

According to her, the renewed emphasis on tourism under the leadership of ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Touray, is due to the recognition of tourism’s critical role in stimulating subregional economic growth.

She further said that the objective was to provide ECOWAS citizens with a seamless and competitive tourism experience.

The commissioner said it aligned with the intentions of the ECOWAS ECOTOR policy, while the training was intended to address the identified capacity gaps in the sector for greater efficiency.

Toure-Litse added that the policy and training would address the twin issues of tourism standards and job creation, mainly for the subregion’s teeming youth and women population.

She said that the policy also focused on hotel classification and staff mobility in line with the provisions of the region’s flagship Protocol on Free Movement through cooperation and standardisation.

“ECOWAS is paving the way for a more resilient, interconnected and thriving tourism sector that will drive sustainable development and prosperity across the region by contributing a minimum of 12 per cent to the GDP of the member states.

“The ECOWAS regional ECOTOR policy seeks to promote an integrated tourism community; promote interstate tourism products and improve the performance of tourist private sector and competitiveness of the sector,” she said.

Speaking earlier, Sheikh Tejan Nyang, chairman, subregional project on hotel standardisation, lauded ECOWAS for choosing The Gambia for the training.

He said that the implementation of the five-day training support for tourism operators, was in recognition of the crucial role of tourism in the country’s economy.

Nyang said that the tourism sector was The Gambia’s highest foreign exchange earner, which contributed about 85 million dollars annually to the country’s economy.

According to him, this represents about 20 per cent of the country’s GDP and supports about 42,000 direct jobs and 40,000 indirect jobs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 60 people who are engaged in the tourism sector are participating in the training programme. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

 

 

Strengthening WASH infrastructure for Girls’ Education in Kaduna
Environment

Strengthening WASH infrastructure for Girls’ Education in Kaduna

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By Aisha Gambo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The lack of proper Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in Nigerian schools continues to hinder students’ education, especially for girls.

Many students are forced to endure unsanitary conditions, leading to health risks, absenteeism, and disruptions in their learning.

Bilkisu Yahaya, a Senior Secondary 3 (SS3) student at Government Secondary School, Rigasa, in Igabi Local Government Area, struggles to relieve herself while in school.

The toilets remain locked due to a lack of water.

“We have toilets, but we don’t use them because there is no water to clean them. The solar-powered borehole we had is damaged.

“When I need to use the toilet, I either wait until I get home or go behind the classroom,” she explained.

Like Yahaya, many girls in her school face the same challenge following the breakdown of the borehole.

A visit by a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent to Government Girls’ Secondary School (GGSS) Maimuna Gwarzo in Unguwar Sunusi, Kaduna South Local Government Area, revealed a similar situation.

The toilets were also locked, in spite being constructed by the state government in collaboration with the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project.

The initiative was designed to provide safe and hygienic spaces for schoolgirls.

Hussaina Abudulkadir, a Junior Secondary 3 (JS3) student, revealed that she and her friends had resorted to open defecation due to the toilet closures.

“We have to buy sachet water or bring water from home to drink and clean ourselves,” she said.

The lack of functional WASH facilities in schools poses a serious threat to girls’ education in Nigeria.

Poor sanitation contributes to absenteeism, for menstruating girls, who struggle to attend classes without proper hygiene facilities.

According to the Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), children under 18 are the most deprived of WASH facilities, with about 70 per cent lacking access to clean water and sanitation.

A UNICEF Nigeria report from 2021 revealed that only 37 per cent of schools had basic water supply services, while 35 per cent had basic sanitation services.

Additionally, just 30 per cent of schools had basic hygiene services, and only 11 per cent provided gender-sensitive WASH facilities.

The lack of these facilities disproportionately affects female students, especially during menstruation, leading to increased absenteeism.

The situation is worse in rural areas, where only 31 per cent of schools have access to basic water services, compared to 49 per cent in urban areas.

Similarly, sanitation access is lower in rural schools, with just 23 per cent having functional facilities, whereas urban schools fare slightly better at 44 per cent.

A report by WASH Nigeria highlights how poor WASH facilities contribute to increased school absenteeism and the spread of waterborne diseases, negatively impacting students’ health and academic performance.

Analysts say addressing this crisis requires government intervention, community involvement, and civil society engagement to ensure not just the provision but also the sustainable maintenance of WASH infrastructure in schools.

They opined that a proper WASH system in schools should include an improved water source with a reliable supply, separate, functional sanitation facilities for boys and girls, and handwashing stations with soap and water.

Although the Kaduna State Government, through the World Bank-funded AGILE Project, provided 2,629 WASH facilities in schools in 2022, many institutions struggle to maintain them.

A teacher at GGSS Maimuna Gwarzo, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that students are sometimes forced to fetch water from nearby staff quarters as a form of punishment.

“It has been over three months since the borehole broke down, so the toilets remain closed to prevent further damage, as they cannot be used without water,” she said.

In response to the situation, the Deputy Director of the Kaduna State Ministry of Health explained that the government has tasked School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) with maintaining school facilities, particularly WASH infrastructure.

“SBMC members are residents of the communities where the schools are located, and they are responsible for ensuring the facilities are maintained,” she stated.

Malam Auwal Abubakar, Vice Principal of Government Secondary School, Rigasa, confirmed that their solar-powered borehole failed a few months after installation in 2022.

“We contacted an engineer, who estimated the repair cost at ₦600,000, but our efforts, along with the SBMC, to raise the amount were unsuccessful,” he said.

“I wrote to AGILE about the issue and also spoke to the media. Eventually, AGILE sent a team of engineers who repaired the borehole a few weeks ago.

“Now, we have water, and the toilets are open for the girls to use,” he added.

Unfortunately, this is not the case at GGSS Maimuna Gwarzo, where the borehole remains faulty.

The school’s principal, Aisha Jummai, said she engaged the SBMC to find a solution, but the engine failure prevented water from being pumped.

“Parents have been reluctant to contribute to repairs because it is a public school offering free education,” she noted.

On the way forward, Dr Peter Adamu, a lecturer in the Department of Economics at Kaduna State University, has urged the government, communities, and civil society organisations to adopt a culture of maintenance.

“The government must develop a structured plan for school facility maintenance, including allocating funds for WASH and other essential infrastructure,” he said.

Adamu, who is also a member of the Civil Society on Open Budget and Open Contracting in Kaduna State, recommended hiring dedicated cleaners to maintain the toilets instead of assigning students, which disrupts their learning.

“Parents and community members must collaborate with school authorities to ensure facilities are properly maintained,” he added.

He also stressed that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have a role to play in reporting such issues to the government for swift intervention.

All in all, Stakeholders insist that the persistent neglect of WASH facilities in schools continue to disrupt girls’ education in Kaduna state.

While projects like AGILE have greatly improved access to WASH facilities, stakeholders say poor maintenance and limited community involvement remain key challenges.

To address this, they opined that the state government must integrate WASH facility maintenance into its Education Sector Plan (ESP).

This will ensure effective management and gender-responsive policies that prioritise girls’ needs.

Furthermore, it is believed that local communities and civil society organisations would play their part in providing essential sanitation facilities while ensuring a sustainable maintenance strategy. (NANFeatures)

Restoring Okomu National Park’s integrity for eco-tourism development
Features

Restoring Okomu National Park’s integrity for eco-tourism development

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By Usman Aliyu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Okomu National Park, a biodiversity gem nestled in the Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo, had long suffered the required attention.

In spite of its values to national development in tourism sector, concerned citizens note that illegal logging, poaching, and encroachment by farmers once threatened its rich ecosystem, home to the endangered African forest elephant and the white-throated monkey — one of the world’s rarest primates.

In a bid to secure the park, the Okomu National Park Service (NPS) and the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, collaborated to restore the park’s integrity.

The collaboration, which began in 2022, is not just about conservation; it is a holistic effort to secure the park, empower surrounding communities, and foster eco-tourism development.

From reinforcing security through ranger recruitment to initiating community-driven alternative livelihoods, the partnership is redefining conservation in the country.

In spite of its vast ecological significance, the the 200-square kilometre protected area, designated as a national park in 1999, has struggled with illegal activities inimical to its values.

Reports from conservation groups have highlighted how timber merchants exploited the forest for its valuable hardwood, while poachers targeted endangered species for bushmeat and illicit trade.

A 2020 study by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) revealed that widespread deforestation within the park was driven by commercial interests, with criminal syndicates felling ancient trees and smuggling timber to international markets.

In addition, the unchecked hunting of wildlife, including elephants and primates, pushed several species to the brink of local extinction.

“The threats to Okomu were enormous; when I resumed duty in November 2022, illegal logging was a major challenge, and we had to find a sustainable solution”, Mr Lawrence Osaze, the Conservator of Park, observed.

Lawrence Osaze, Conservator of Park at the Okomu National Park, Edo

Recognising the urgent need for intervention, the National Park Service sought partnerships with conservation organisations that had a proven track record of success.

This led to the involvement of the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, which had demonstrated effective eco-tourism and conservation models in Gashaka Gumti National Park in Taraba and Adamawa.

The partnership between ANI Foundation and Okomu National Park began in 2022, and within two years, significant progress had been made in tackling the park’s longstanding problems, Osaze noted.

He said that one of the foundation’s first actions was to enhance the park’s security infrastructure.

“ANI Foundation hired and trained 38 additional rangers, equipping them with modern surveillance tools and deploying them for regular anti-poaching patrols. This move drastically reduced illegal logging and wildlife hunting.

“We joined forces together, and the story today is entirely different. The park is relatively peaceful, and logging activities are at the barest minimum.

“Before the partnership, rangers were often outnumbered and under-resourced, making it difficult to curb illegal activities. But ANI’s intervention has transformed the situation.

“The foundation has not only provided financial and logistical support but has also introduced intelligence-driven security measures, ensuring that poachers and loggers face swift consequences.

Entrance to Okomu National Park, Edo

“Beyond enforcement, the foundation recognised the importance of winning over local communities. Many of the park’s challenges stemmed from economic hardship, as nearby villagers relied on the forest for survival.

To address this, ANI introduced several empowerment initiatives, encouraging residents to adopt sustainable livelihoods.

“We have had a series of engagements with communities to gain their support. We are working to ensure they do not rely solely on forest resources for survival”, Osaze explained.

He noted further that the initiatives included savings and loan programmes for women and youth, enabling them to establish small businesses, expand their farms, or invest in alternative sources of income.

Similarly, the Iyase of Udo, Chief Patrick Igbinidu, a respected traditional ruler in the area, said that the impact of these interventions was evident.

“ANI Foundation has been a great partner since they arrived at Okomu National Park. They have not only improved security but have also empowered our people. Many of our youths have been employed as rangers, and women have been supported with interest-free loans,” he said.

According to him, these programmes have been instrumental in shifting local perceptions of conservation.

He also said that communities viewed the national park as a government-imposed restriction on their livelihoods, but now, they could see it as an opportunity for economic growth and stability.

Base-of-tree-house at Okomu National Park

By most accounts, Okomu National Park is one of Nigeria’s most important biodiversity hotspots, hosting species that are rarely found elsewhere.

ANI Foundation, meanwhile, prioritises protecting these species to promote eco-tourism as a sustainable revenue model for the park.

Peter Abanyam, ANI Foundation’s Project Manager for Okomu, emphasised the park’s ecological importance.

“Okomu is the primary home of the white-throated monkey. Apart from a small population in south-western part of the country, this park is where you find them in the world. The African forest elephant is also a flagship species here,” he noted.

By boosting conservation efforts, Abanyam insisted that the foundation would attract both domestic and international tourists, positioning Okomu as an eco-tourism destination.

According to the project manager, plans are underway to upgrade park facilities, improve visitor experiences, and market Okomu as a must-visit site for nature lovers.

Both the National Park Service and ANI Foundation acknowledge that long-term success will depend on maintaining vigilance against illegal activities while expanding alternative livelihood programs.

“Our goal is to make Africa’s nature and wildlife a source of pride. We want to show that conservation can be sustainable and beneficial to local communities through private sector investment,” Abanyam said.

Amidst the sustainable efforts, the Iyase of Udo, also reaffirmed the community’s commitment to the partnership.

“We will continue to support ANI and the National Park Service. They have shown a genuine interest in developing our area, and we stand with them,” he said.

Observers note that for Osaze and his team, the vision is clear. It is to make Okomu National Park Nigeria’s premier eco-tourism hub, a model for conservation success across the country.

They note further that the transformation of Okomu National Park is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in conservation.

According to them, by combining security reinforcement, community engagement, and eco-tourism development, the collaboration between ANI Foundation and the National Park Service is setting a new standard for environmental protection.

What was once a forest under threat is now a beacon of hope for conservationists, researchers, and nature lovers alike, they note.

Stakeholders in tourism industry also agree that if sustained, Okomu model could be replicated in other national parks across the country, ensuring that the country’s rich biodiversity is preserved for future generations.

As efforts continue to safeguard Okomu’s natural heritage, one thing is clear. When conservation is done right, it benefits not just the environment but also the people who depend on it, stakeholders believe. (NANFeatures)

Nigeria urges swift action on Africa’s water security
Environment

Nigeria urges swift action on Africa’s water security

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By Tosin Kolade

Nigeria’s Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has called for urgent measures to address Africa’s water security and sanitation challenges, citing slow progress toward the Africa Water Vision 2025.

Utsev made the appeal at the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) West Africa sub-regional meeting and consultation on the post-2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy in Abuja on Tuesday.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, the minister expressed concerns over the region’s water and sanitation situation.

“Africa remains off track in realising the Africa Water Vision 2025,” he stated, citing data from the 2024 Water Sector and Sanitation Monitoring and Reporting (WASSMO) report.

According to Utsev, the report revealed that financing for the water and sanitation sector is inadequate, with heavy reliance on Official Development Assistance (ODA), making sustainable funding difficult.

He further noted that 800 million people in Africa lacked access to safely managed sanitation services, while over 400 million people lacked  access to safely managed drinking water.

“Open defecation remains a significant challenge, with 23 per cent of the population still practicing it, far from the five per cent target by 2025.

“The situation calls for action to inject new approaches into existing strategies to attract commensurate financial resources to the water and sanitation sector at all levels,” he said.

Utsev also warned that the continent’s growing population and climate change would further strain water resources.

“Africa’s population is expected to exceed 2.5 billion by 2050, and with an expected 1.5°C rise in average temperature, we face an increase in water-related natural disasters and economic losses,” he said.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening water security, improving sanitation and hygiene, and enhancing food security.

He outlined several key projects being implemented by his ministry to improve livelihoods, promote sustainable water management, and maximise socio-economic development.

He also announced plans for a National WASH Policy, developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders, to align Nigeria’s water and sanitation efforts with global standards.

The minister commended AMCOW, the AU Commission, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the African Development Bank (AfDB) for leading the development of the post-2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy.

He urged stakeholders to align the new framework with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the African Union Agenda 2063, ensuring regional cooperation and better access to funding.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of AMCOW, Dr Rashid Mbaziira, stressed the need for increased investment in Africa’s water sector as the continent reviewed  progress on the Africa Water Vision 2025.

He noted that the initial vision, established in 2000, aimed for equitable water resource utilisation to drive development, reduce poverty, and protect the environment.

“Now we are in 2025, which was the target year for achieving that vision. We have assessed what we have accomplished, what remains unachieved, and what needs to be prioritised moving forward.

“Ultimately, water is key to our socio-economic development,” Mbaziira stated.


He explained that in 2022, African water ministers decided to evaluate progress and use the findings as a foundation for shaping a new vision aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

He highlighted that the meeting provided a platform for West Africa to identify its regional priorities, which would be integrated with insights from other African regions to develop a post-2025 Africa Water Vision.

“One of the key challenges that has emerged is insufficient financing for the water sector, which has limited its contribution to development. Addressing this gap will be crucial in shaping the way forward,” he added.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of AfDB, the AU Commission, Chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee and others.

Founded in 2002, AMCOW promotes cooperation, security, economic development, and poverty eradication through effective water resource management and supply services.

In 2008, at the 11th ordinary session of the African Union (AU) Assembly in Sharm el-Sheikh, Heads of State and Government of the AU agreed on commitments to accelerate the achievement of water and sanitation goals in Africa.

AMCOW was mandated to develop and follow up an implementation strategy for these commitments.

(NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

 

Collaboration crucial to achieving ECOWAS economic goals —ESBC
Foreign

Collaboration crucial to achieving ECOWAS economic goals —ESBC

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By Mark Longyen

West African Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) under the aegis of ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC) have pledged to boost their businesses and achieve ECOWAS economic growth goals through collaboration.

ESBC Presidents from member states, alongside other stakeholders and participants, made this known in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the group’s meeting in Praia, Cape Verde.

According to them, their collaboration is critical to achieving the desired success of turning MSMEs into the true drivers of economic development in the West African subregion as obtains worldwide.

Dr Abdulrashid Yerima, ESBC President and President of MSMEs in Nigeria, described the event as a big success as they deliberated and charted the way forward by way of collaborating to find solutions to their common challenges.

He said that members agreed to strengthen their collaborations to ensure that cross-border trade is well structured, address the  issues of exchange rates and payments, as well as address the challenges of customs and immigration at the borders.

“We had a very fruitful meeting here. We had deliberations on the challenges of MSMEs, especially on access to finance, access to markets, access to affordable energy, transportation and also in the area of power, access to capacity building, data and training.

“We identified how we can work together under the ETLS (ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in order to enhance market access under the cross-border trade, both informal and formal.

“Most of the trade activities in West Africa are largely informal, so we had discussions on how to engage with the  small and medium development agencies in West Africa, representatives of the small and medium enterprises in West Africa, to  ensure that we improve the activities, create more jobs, and increase the GDP of the people,” he said.

Mrs Loide Monteiro, ESBC Vice President and President of MSMEs in Cape Verde and Lusophone countries, said the event afforded member states the opportunity to share ideas and what Cape Verde can get from them.

“It was  a great event, I think we’ll have a new era of commercial transactions between Cape Verde and ECOWAS. We have the support of all the governments,  so they are ready to support us in this new era.

“Also, we have seen many interests of member states to come and invest in Cape Verde, bringing goods, exploring the market, and we hope soon to  have business  happening  between Cape Verde  and the ecowas member states.

“We are now going to prepare an action plan with a schedule which we’re going to implement this year. I think  we’ll see  business happening  in a practical way between Cape Verde and ECOWAS member states,” she said.

Dr Elias Farrakhan, ESBC President, Ivory Coast, said the event helped to strengthen the relationship of ESBC members in the subregion, noting that MSME’s all African economies are based on SME’s.

“Cape Verde, for instance, is a very nice country, which needs the support of West Africa.

“They need the support of people. So we believe that together West Africa can grow in the world,” he said.

James Trotter, ESBC President in Liberia, said the future of West African MSMEs was very bright and called on all stakeholders to collaborate to solve their common problems and achieve collective success.

“Trust me, the future of these MSMEs, the small businesses in Africa, is going to be very great because once we start to coordinate, when we start to work with each other, when we start to invest into each other’s country, we can see ourselves making a difference.

“What we are doing here is to create partnerships from one end to another. If I’m producing Okra in my country, I want somebody in Cape Verde to be an off-taker of my Okra that I bring to produce in my country,” he said.

Mahamadou Kinta, ESBC President, Mali, said it was good for West African countries’ MSMEs to come together, and agree to do things with one voice with each country having its own peculiarities and opportunities.

“We must take advantage of all these opportunities so that we can move the West African subregion forward together so that the private sector will be very useful  and make the continent  develop,” he said.

Also speaking, Saeed Mooman, President of ESBC, Ghana, urged ECOWAS to continue to support the ESBC, noting that by supporting them financially and also giving them direction, things would be fine.

“What I also want is that ECOWAS should support us financially and give us directions as to what to do.  If you are able to engage small businesses or the private sector, it means that  everybody will be okay.

“The future prospects are very bright. What I’m trying to say is that bringing 16 countries together means that we are all going to brainstorm.

“We can work together. We can move from country to country, a whole lot of things are going to happen,” he said.

Mr Koku Aboki, ESBC President, Togo, said that ESBC had achieved  its basic operational plan, which is the coalition of MSMEs.

“My wish is that every resources are put  in action so that we can have every  category of SMEs to move apart.

“That means that  every micro enterprise shall move to small, every small enterprise shall move to medium, and every medium enterprise shall move to a big enterprise,” he said.

Mr Vande Lansana, ESBC President, Sierra Leone, said that through collaboration, the next crucial step forward was the implementation of the text that supports MSMEs in line with ECOWAS economic growth and integration.

Miss Nneogo Egboh, ESBC’s Executive Director, expressed her excitement over the investment opportunities offered by member state governments, especially the private sector in the host country, Cape Verde.

“We’ve laid down our issues regarding MSMEs trade, cross border. We’ve debated, negotiated, expressed our interest with Cape Verde and its government.

“We’ve gotten beautiful feedbacks from them regarding collaboration and partnership in trade, access to market,  access to finance and funding, and access to investment and all the investment opportunities in Cape Verde available for MSMEs.

“From now and henceforth, we do have some different kind of partnership with Cape Verde, and we look forward to straightening them out and collaborating more and introducing Cape Verde to the rest of West Africa and Africa as a whole,” she said.

The Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, called on ECOWAS member states to take responsibility for the implementation of the ESBC’s programmes.

He said that mutual collaboration among them was critical to their achieving success, and urged them to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS).

Odii noted that ECOWAS had done the needful by producing the articles and the laws necessary for the MSMEs to thrive, stressing that it was now left for the individual member states to ensure implementation.

“Right now, there are conversations around access to credit, around access to land for development of SMEs, around access to finance.

“But this would not be implemented by ECOWAS as an organisation. Rather, it will be implemented by the member states of ECOWAS.

“So, we need the member states to take action and key into this, to go out there and ensure that the ecosystem has cohesion and collaboration,” he said(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Nigeria to host 7th African Spelling Bee April 9
General News

Nigeria to host 7th African Spelling Bee April 9

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By Akpan Glory

Nigeria is set to host the 7th African Spelling Bee (ASB) from April 9 to 13, marking the first time the prestigious competition will be held in a West African nation.

Mr Abdulsalam Ibrahim, National Coordinator of the Nigeria Spelling Bee, announced this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

Established in 2016, the ASB has previously been hosted by South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi.

The Nigeria Spelling Bee, operating under the Bee Spelling Competition Initiative, serves as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for this year’s event.

Endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Education, the organisation conducts spelling competitions across all Nigerian states and represents the country in international contests, including the ASB.

According to Ibrahim, the African Spelling Bee was founded with the vision of celebrating the African child, inspiring literacy, and creating a platform for connection and confidence-building among young learners.

He stated that the competition aims to enhance literacy and academic excellence while cultivating a strong reading culture.

The national coordinator noted that the competition also seeks to develop self-esteem and interpersonal skills while building human capital through capacity development.

He said it also aims to promote community-based partnerships and celebrate the cultural diversity and unity of African children.

He noted that this year’s event will bring together the top National Spelling Bee Champions from over 20 African countries.

They include; Benin, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

“The ASB embodies the spirit of Pan-Africanism by uniting young people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate linguistic prowess and cultural heritage.

“Through spelling competitions, African general knowledge quizzes, and cultural exchanges, the event fosters unity and mutual respect among participants, nurturing a generation poised to lead and transform the continent”.

Ibrahim highlighted Nigeria’s strong track record in the ASB, having secured multiple championship titles in previous editions.

He also noted that Nigerian spellers are preparing to defend the Senior Championship title won by Praises Minabowa in the last African Spelling Bee, reflecting the nation’s commitment to educational excellence and youth development.

“The upcoming event in Abuja is expected to be the largest yet, with more than 20 African countries anticipated to participate, each presenting their top six champions vying for the coveted title of African Spelling Bee Champion in both the senior and junior categories.

“Beyond being a competition, the event will be a celebration of Africa’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage, reflecting the continent’s dedication to fostering education, unity, and excellence among its youth,” Ibrahim said. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

How Regent became West Africa’s top secondary school – UK Inspectors
Education

How Regent became West Africa’s top secondary school – UK Inspectors

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Regent Secondary School, Abuja, has been named the first and only secondary school in Nigeria and West Africa to be rated ‘outstanding’ across all nine categories by British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspectors.

The inspection, commissioned by the UK Department for Education (DfE), places Regent Secondary School, Abuja, among an elite group of international schools globally.

The inspection, conducted by Penta International and led by Dr Mark Evans, found the school to provide the highest quality of education and care.

Evans told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that the Feb. 2025 inspection assessed education quality and pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.

Other areas evaluated included the welfare, health, and safety of pupils; the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors; and the premises and accommodation.

He added that the provision of information to parents, the handling of complaints and grievances, leadership and management, and boarding provision were also examined.

He explained that the purpose of the inspection was to inform parents of pupils in British Schools Overseas about how their standards compare to those of independent schools in England.

“Inspectorates approved by the DfE and monitored by Ofsted carry out inspections on British schools overseas and produce reports that are made available to parents and prospective parents.

“These reports inform parents and prospective parents about the quality of provision within the inspected school and its compatibility with independent schools in England,” he said.

Evans described the quality of education at Regent Secondary School as “broad, innovative, and child-centred,” praising its effectiveness in engaging students and delivering excellent academic outcomes.

“Students consistently achieve significantly above global averages, with 98 per cent securing A-C grades at the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), a globally recognised qualification, nearly half of which are A* or A grades”.

He commended the school for its exceptional spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, underpinned by its core values of ‘Respect, Responsibility, and Resourcefulness’.

He also highlighted how students developed an excellent understanding of tolerance, open-mindedness, and respect for the beliefs, cultures, and views of others.

Commending the school’s boarding facilities, Evans described them as ‘exemplary’, noting that “boarders feel safe, secure, comfortable, and enjoy their accommodation.

“Students are a true credit to the school, consistently demonstrating outstanding conduct, empathy, and academic dedication.

“This landmark achievement is the direct result of the collective efforts, commitment, and cooperation of the entire school community; students, parents, teachers, support staff, leadership team, and governing board.

“Together, their contributions have cultivated a thriving educational environment that nurtures globally-minded, academically accomplished, and socially responsible young individuals,” he added.

Highlighting the school’s leadership and management as key strengths, he praised its clear strategic vision and effective management practices.

“Leadership consistently fosters a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring a thriving academic and personal environment for both students and staff”.

The Principal of the school, Mr Philip Reynolds, while receiving the inspectors’ report, stated, “This recognition reflects the high standards we uphold at Regent Secondary School, Abuja.

“It is a proud moment for our school community and a testament to the dedication of our students and staff”.

Reynolds further described the achievement as a defining milestone for the school, having been rated outstanding in all nine categories.

He said this accomplishment was based on the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

“The school’s outstanding achievements reflect not only its commitment to academic excellence but also the strength of its inclusive, nurturing community.

“This success is built on the dedication of students who embrace learning, teachers who inspire and challenge, parents who provide unwavering support, and a leadership team that continuously drives innovation and excellence in education,” he added.

NAN reports that the school now joins its sister institution, Regent Primary School, which achieved an Outstanding inspection rating in 2023, making it the first and only primary school in West Africa to receive this recognition.

Also, at the 2024 Cambridge Awards ceremony for top performance in Cambridge examinations in Nigeria, Regent Secondary School, Abuja, was recognised for producing the highest number of awardees. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Otudeko: Court adjourns for report of settlement as A-G intervenes
Judiciary

Otudeko: Court adjourns for report of settlement as A-G intervenes

539 total views today

By Sandra Umeh

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday adjourned a case against the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, and others until May 8 for a report on settlement.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke granted the adjournment after the first defence counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, (SAN), informed the court that the parties were exploring a settlement.

He stated that a meeting involving all counsel had been convened at the Attorney General’s instance to facilitate a peaceful resolution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count charge against Otudeko, former First Bank Managing Director Olabisi Onasanya, former Honeywell board member Soji Akintayo, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.

The N12.3 billion case is marked FHC/L/20C/2025.

The case was initially set for arraignment on Jan. 20, but the defendants were absent, claiming they had not been served with the charge.

At the last hearing on Feb.13, defence counsel argued that the court should first hear their preliminary objections rather than proceed with the arraignment.

Delivering a ruling on Monday, Justice Aneke held that it was a settled legal principle that a defendant’s plea must be taken before any preliminary objection can be heard.

The court relied on precedents, including Onnoghen v. FRN and Bello v. FRN, and ruled that arraignment must precede any objections.

Following the ruling, Olanipekun informed the court that settlement discussions were ongoing.

He said a meeting was held on March 12 involving all parties, including the prosecution, under the Attorney General’s supervision.

He requested an adjournment for a report on the settlement.

Other defence counsel, including Messrs Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), Olumide Fusika, (SAN), and Charles Adeosun-Phillips (SAN), supported the request.

They urged the court to grant an adjournment solely for a settlement report, without setting an arraignment date, to avoid prejudicing the discussions.

Although the prosecution’s counsel, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari, suggested an adjournment for either a settlement report or arraignment, the defence insisted on allowing settlement efforts to proceed uninterrupted.

The court granted the defence ’s request and adjourned the case until May 8 for a report on the settlement.(NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

FG urges stakeholders to fast-track SDGs implementation
General News

FG urges stakeholders to fast-track SDGs implementation

304 total views today
By Salif Atojoko

Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, has urged stakeholders to intensify efforts toward the achievement of the SDGs by 2030.

She stated this in her keynote address delivered on her behalf by Dr Bala Yunusa, Senior Technical Adviser, at the North-East Regional Consultation in Gombe.

The event was part of Nigeria’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) preparation for the High-Level Political Forum in New York in July.

Orelope-Adefulire noted that world leaders established the Forum on Sustainable Development through the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) as a follow up and review mechanism for the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that VNRs serve as the cornerstone of this review process.

Nigeria is currently undertaking its third VNR, engaging stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones to assess implementation progress, challenges and prospects.

Orelope-Adefulire stressed the need to fast-track progress on all the SDGs, noting that global progress on the goals was mixed, with Nigeria not exempted.

Citing the 2024 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Report, she stated that “Lack of progress toward the SDGs is universal, but developing countries and the world’s poorest people bear the brunt.”

She said ” currently, only 17 per cent of SDG targets are on track, nearly half show minimal or moderate progress, while over a third have stalled or regressed.”

At the national level, she said dwindling financial resources, the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent insecurity had combined to slow-down Nigeria’s progress toward achieving the SDGs.

Orelope-Adefulire emphasised that the SDGs could not be achieved through isolated programmes but must be carefully integrated into national and sub-national policies and development plans.

She said robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER), such as the SDGs Progress reporting and the VNR, were essential.

Orelope-Adefulire underscored the need for collaboration across the public and private sectors, the UN Development System, the donor community, academia, and civil society to ensure that no one was left behind.

She said world leaders had reaffirmed their commitment to take “bold, ambitious, accelerated, just, and transformative actions to fast-track the achievement of the SDGs.”

This, she said, was through the “Pact for the Future,” adopted during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2024.

She referenced Mr António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, who said massive investment and more effective partnerships were needed to drive critical transitions across food, energy and digital connectivity to unlock progress across the goals.

Orelope-Adefulire commended institutional members of the Multi-Stakeholder Core Working Group for Nigeria’s 2025 VNR for their dedication in organising and guiding the entire VNR process.

“I appreciate and commend members of the Core Working Group from relevant MDAs, the UN Development System, the Private Sector Advisory Group, the Civil Society Strategy Group and academia.

“Your commitment is highly valued. The consulting team for this VNR is equally appreciated,” she said.

In his presentation on the Overview of SDGs Implementation in Nigeria and 2025 VNR Process, Yunusa referenced the UN DESA Report of 2024.

He highlighted the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, escalating conflicts, geopolitical tensions and climate chaos on SDG progress.

According to the report, if current trends persist, no fewer than 590 million people may still live in extreme poverty by 2030.

It said without substantial acceleration in poverty reduction, fewer than three in 10 countries would halve national poverty.

It added that nearly one in 10 people globally would face hunger, and 2.4 billion people would experience moderate to severe food insecurity.

As part of Nigeria’s VNR consultative process, no fewer than 150 participants drawn from the six states of the North East were updated on the institutional frameworks for the implementation of the SDGs.

They focused on progress on the 17 SDGs, implementation, challenges and lessons learnt.

At the end of the Regional Consultation, participants reflected on these and offered context specific recommendations.

They also suggested implementation strategies to fast-track the achievement of the SDGs by 2030.

Key stakeholders, including representatives of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, private sector, civil society, academia, persons with disabilities and youths were in attendance.

In his address of welcome, Sulaiman Turaki, the Focal Person of the SDGs Project Support Unit in Gombe State, described the Regional Consultation as a critical dialogue that would shape Nigeria’s next VNR.

He said it would ensure that the country’s progress, challenges, and opportunities were accurately reflected and that no one was left behind in the overall development journey.

“This gathering is a testament to our collective commitment to advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Goal,” said Turaki.

He called on stakeholders to engage actively, share insights, and propose solutions that will make a real impact.

“Let us embrace this opportunity to drive meaningful change, inspire innovative policies, and accelerate sustainable development efforts across the North-East Zone,” Turaki stated.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Expert outlines opportunities for professional governance in Nigeria
Economy/Business

Expert outlines opportunities for professional governance in Nigeria

330 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Prof. Bayo Adaralegbe, Adjunct Professor of Law, University of Ibadan, has urged secretaries and administrators to take advantage of the opportunities for governance professionals in the country.

Adaralegbe made the call on Saturday in Lagos via a communique from a summit of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).

The theme of the summit is: “Unlocking Opportunities for Governance Professionals”.

He noted that the idea of governance was not originally part of the company secretary’s job description until 1902 when their roles became legally recognised.

He added that in Nigeria, the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) of 1990, Section 298 persisted in describing the duties of the company secretary.

According to him, they include attending company, board and committee meetings, maintaining registers and other records of the company, rendering returns, and carrying out administrative and other secretarial duties.

He also noted that for the first time, CAMA 2020 in Section 335(1), included corporate governance as one of the duties of the company secretary.

He said the expanded job description moved secretaries from purely administrative tasks to active engagement in corporate governance and to their being referred to as governance professionals.

Adaralegbe said the combined influence of sustainable development, corporate governance, corporate sustainability and others led to the need for a new skills set to help with the implementation of these concepts in companies.

“The developments that motivated corporate governance practices that caused the emergence of the governance professional is global.

“However, there is actually a huge deficit in Nigeria that makes their services necessary.

“Nigeria is an oil rich country grappling with environmental devastation in its oil bearing communities,” he said.

Adaralegbe said opportunities for governance professionals also existed in wide-spread human rights abuses, business failure, social inequality, corrupt practices, gender imbalance, and systemic discrimination.

“Therefore the opportunities are huge for governance professional as the area is new, evolving and essential and companies want to be seen to be compliant,” he said.

Mr Oyedele Togunde, Chairman, Membership Committee, ICSAN, said the event was an opportunity for governance professionals to rub minds as they climbed ladders of advancement, innovations and millennium developmental goals.

Togunde said in-depth knowledge about the profession as secretaries and administrators was very crucial, noting that the word secretary was fashioned after secretary bird which symbolises protection of a nation.

He noted that some characteristics of the bird included alertness, ability to prey on dangerous and difficult terrains, vigilance and its fierce protection of its territory.

“If you refer to yourself and does not possess these characteristics, you may not be worthy of being referred to as a chartered secretary and administrator.

“It is strongly advised that as chartered secretaries and administrators and as governance professionals, that you expose and market yourself, embrace artificial intelligence, create value and solve problems,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

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