NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
University of Plymouth, NWRI partner to advance climate-smart agriculture
Agriculture , Food Security

University of Plymouth, NWRI partner to advance climate-smart agriculture

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By Tosin Kolade

The University of Plymouth in the UK and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) in Kaduna, have announced a new partnership to advance research on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Nigeria and Ghana.

The announcement was made at the Soil Health for Productivity and Climate Resilience Workshop in Abuja on Thursday.

Prof. William Blake, the Director of the Sustainable Earth Institute at the University of Plymouth, stressed the importance of international collaboration toward tackling global challenges such as food security and climate change.

He said “this partnership underscores the growing importance of cross-border cooperation to address critical issues like sustainable land management and water resources.

“By focusing on Climate-Smart Agriculture, we aim to boost agricultural productivity, while adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.”

According to him, the workshop focuses on strategies to improve soil health and adopt sustainable water management practices to boost agricultural productivity and enhance climate resilience.

Blake also stressed the importance of research that supports CSA at both small and large scales, from farm to river basin, ensuring sustainability across different levels.

He added that “this collaboration is particularly important for West Africa, where shared climate challenges demand locally-adaptable solutions.

“Our goal is to develop solutions that address food security while also building resilience to climate change.”

Prof. Kevin Jones, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the Plymouth University, emphasised the institution’s long-standing commitment to addressing global challenges through practical research.

Jones noted the university’s focus on environmental sustainability, particularly in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and its ongoing work in marine and maritime sectors.

He also emphasised the importance of scientific and technological advances in ensuring sustainable agriculture for the future.

This, he said, include focusing on soil health, ensuring productive crops and knowledge sharing to tackle environmental issues globally.

Jones also identified Nigeria as key partner in these efforts, pointing out the potential for UK-Nigeria collaboration to produce innovative solutions with global applications.

He said “global partnerships are crucial for the future. The challenges we face today are global in nature, and we need to bring together the best expertise from around the world to ensure the planet’s future is in good hands.”

Dr Omogbemi Yaya, the Director of the Regional Centre for Integrated River Basin Management at NWRI, explained that the partnership is supported by the UNESCO-affiliated Regional Centre for Integrated Rural Business Management.

He said the collaboration would focus on shared priorities, including rural business management, capacity building and sustainable development, with emphasis on research and teaching.

He added that “this strategic partnership between NWRI and the University of Plymouth will leverage the strength of both institutions in water resources and academic research.

“Our goal is to collaborate on research that addresses key challenges faced by rural communities.

“The partnership reflects the institute’s commitment to global collaborations and supports the university’s mission to influence sustainable development.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop brought together researchers, policymakers and practitioners to discuss strategies toward
tackling food security and climate resilience in West Africa.

The partnership is funded with £30,000 under the Innovate UK Scoping Project for Climate-Smart Agriculture Partnerships: UK-Brazil-Africa.

The National Water Resources Institute, a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, was established in 1979.

It is tasked with training and retraining water engineers, technologists and technicians in the water resources sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)


Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

FG pledges to strengthen healthcare system
Economy/Business

FG pledges to strengthen healthcare system

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By Nana Musa

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Mr Adeyemi Adeniran, Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), made this statement on Wednesday during the launch of the National Health Facility Survey (NHFS) Report 2023 in Abuja.

Adeniran stated that the NHFS 2023 builds on the 2016 and 2019 surveys, using improved tools to assess service availability and health facilities’ readiness to deliver essential services.

“This latest report includes several improvements, particularly in data collection methods from selected health facilities nationwide.

“These enhancements provide a comprehensive framework for assessing service availability and evaluating the readiness of facilities to deliver effective healthcare,” Adeniran said.

He noted the inclusion of Service Delivery Indicators (SDIs) developed in collaboration with the World Bank and the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), which focus on primary healthcare delivery.

According to Adeniran, the SDIs promote accountability, enhance governance, and enable targeted interventions for better healthcare outcomes.

He acknowledged the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, including inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled personnel.

“Many Nigerians still face difficulties accessing quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Despite various reforms and investments by the government and development partners, significant challenges remain,” Adeniran said.

He listed issues such as infant mortality rates of 63 per 1,000 live births (as per the latest National Health and Demographic Survey) and widespread shortages of essential medicines.

“These ongoing issues hinder the provision of equitable healthcare to all Nigerians, especially in underserved areas,” he added.

Adeniran also noted the growing migration of healthcare professionals to countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom in pursuit of better salaries, working conditions, and career prospects.

This trend, he said, has further strained the healthcare system by exacerbating the shortage of skilled workers.

He emphasised the importance of the NHFS report in addressing these challenges, describing it as an essential resource for policymakers and healthcare administrators.

“The data in this report provides an insightful analysis of the current state of health facilities and offers evidence-based recommendations for informed decision-making.

“By leveraging this information, we can implement targeted interventions to address urgent issues, especially at the primary healthcare level,” he stated.

Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, described the event as a pivotal moment for the country’s health sector.

Represented by the Minister of State, Dr Iziaq Salako, Pate highlighted the survey’s significance, stating that the findings offer invaluable insights into the preparedness and capacity of health facilities to deliver essential services.

“This survey used the WHO’s Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) tool and the World Bank’s SDI to evaluate the performance of over 3,000 public health facilities nationwide,” Pate said.

He noted that the findings shine a light on the strengths and gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in primary and secondary facilities, which serve the majority of the population.

“These insights are crucial for shaping policies and interventions that will improve healthcare outcomes for all Nigerians,” Pate added.

The report, he said, serves as a guide for future investments and targeted efforts to address service delivery gaps, improve healthcare infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of care.

“By using this data strategically, we can focus our resources on areas where they are most needed, ensuring better healthcare services for all Nigerians, regardless of location or socio-economic status,” he concluded. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Drug Abuse, major threat to Nigeria’s security, stability –NGO
General News

Drug Abuse, major threat to Nigeria’s security, stability –NGO

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By Akpan Glory

The Standsafe Society Against Drugs and Substance Abuse (SSADASA), a non-governmental organisation, has called for urgent action to address drug abuse, noting its links to Nigeria’s broader development challenges.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, the organisation’s Executive Director, Mr Godwin Bebiem, identified drug abuse as a major driver of violence, insecurity, and socioeconomic difficulties across the country.

Citing a 2022 Statista report, Bebiem noted a huge rise in drug use and crime across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones between 2018 and 2019.

“Drug abuse has become a scourge that is deeply embedded in the fabric of our society.

“This has contributed to the alarming issues we see in our homes and communities today”.

Bebiem stressed the importance of a coordinated approach among security agencies.

He recommended that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) conduct training for government officials, private sector representatives, and civil society organisations (CSOs) on managing drug-related issues.

He also proposed the creation of a specialised taskforce to address the production, distribution, and sale of illicit drugs within Nigeria and across the ECOWAS region.

Furthermore, Bebiem advocated for youth-focused initiatives, such as the ‘Catch Them Young’ programme, aimed at establishing anti-drug clubs in schools, motor parks, and other institutions.

He suggested that organisations like the NDLEA, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), and SSADASA lead these efforts.

Bebiem called for a nationwide survey to provide data-driven insights into drug-related issues and inform effective solutions.

He urged security agencies and CSOs to strengthen their outreach efforts through advocacy and public awareness campaigns.

He emphasised the importance of widespread advocacy involving government and private institutions, healthcare providers, and schools to prevent drug abuse, particularly among the youth.

“The prevention of drug abuse must begin with education and outreach at all levels of society,” he said.

Bebiem also called on the government to strengthen primary healthcare by providing counselling services at grassroots levels, training additional personnel.

He added that deploying them to primary health centres would help to address addiction more effectively.

On socioeconomic measures, he urged the federal and state governments to partner with international organisations and donor agencies for national campaigns and family support initiatives.

He further recommended the establishment of vocational training centres in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to empower unemployed individuals and reduce their vulnerability to drug abuse.

The executive director highlighted the importance of regulating social media, advocating for policies to censor harmful content.

He also called for greater parental supervision and the establishment of professional caregiving institutions to protect children from drug-related crimes and violence.

“One of the key recommendations in our last workshop was to regulate social media content while encouraging parents to monitor what their children consume online,” he explained.

Bebiem, however, called for a unified national response to address the drug abuse crisis.

“This is a critical call for help to all government agencies, organisations, and international partners.

“We must work together to create a safe and healthy society that fosters the development of our citizens and the nation as a whole,” he said.

He also stressed the need for a comprehensive five to 10 year strategic plan to address the security, health, and socioeconomic consequences of drug abuse in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

FG to improve water supply in Air force bases- Utsev
Environment

FG to improve water supply in Air force bases- Utsev

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has announced a partnership with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), to address water challenges at several Air Force bases across the country.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, revealed this collaboration during a meeting with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Utsev emphasised the role of water in ensuring the smooth operations of military personnel.

He disclosed that a technical team would be dispatched immediately to assess the water infrastructure at affected bases.

This evaluation, he added would focus on providing interventions to improve water supply for Air Force officers and personnel.

The Minister commended the Nigerian Air Force and other military formations for their contributions to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and assured continued support and collaboration.

Earlier, Abubakar revealed the pressing water challenges at Air Force bases in Gombe, Kaduna, and Bayelsa.

He appealed to the Ministry for urgent assistance to enhance operations at these locations.

The partnership, he said underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing essential infrastructure needs to support the armed forces. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Safety:NEMSA brings electricity stakeholders together in Abuja
Economy/Business

Safety:NEMSA brings electricity stakeholders together in Abuja

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By Kadiri Abdulrahman

Electricity stakeholders on Tuesday, gathered in Abuja to discuss safety regulation in the industry.

The gathering was at the 4th edition of the Stakeholders Roundtable for the Enforcement of Technical Standards, Regulations and Mandate of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA).

The theme of the roundtable was: “Optimising Executive, Legislative and Judicial Roles on NEMSA’s Mandate of Enforcement of Technical Standards and Regulations in NESI”.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said that the roundtable represented a crucial step towards deepening awareness.

Adelabu said that it would also foster compliance with approved standards and regulations in the deployment of solar mini-grid systems across the country.

The minister was represented by Mrs Ochanya Ofoma, the Director, General Services, Ministry of Power.

He said that addressing issues like the quality of solar components, proper installation practices, and safety measures would advance the reliability and sustainability of Nigeria’s energy systems.

According to him, it will also safeguard the lives and investments of all stakeholders in the power sector.

“The Ministry of Power remains steadfast on its commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports innovation, investment and growth within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

“We recognise that achieving universal energy access, a key component of our national development agenda, requires robust collaboration between the public and private sector as well as international development partners.

“Events such as this serve as vital platforms for fostering such collaborations, ” he said.

The minister said that the roundtable was a call to action to all stakeholders to allign their efforts towards achieving a safe, sustainable, and inclusive energy future for Nigeria.

Earlier, the Managing Director of NEMSA, Aliyu Tahir, said that the gathering was one of the critical steps in the collective journey towards ensuring the safety, reliability, and sustainability of Nigeria’s electricity supply industry.

According to Tahir, the critical roles played by legislative and judicial arms of government in shaping and upholding regulatory frameworks can not be overstated.

“Your partnership is essential in strengthening the enforcement of technical standards and regulations and ensuring compliance across the sector.

“The NEMSA is established to carry out the functions of enforcement of technical standards and regulations, technical inspection, testing and certification of all categories of electrical installations, electricity meters, and instruments.

“This is to ensure the efficient production and delivery of safe, reliable and sustainable electricity power supply and guarantee safety of lives and property,” he said.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Sen. Eyinaya Abaribe, said that the roundtable was organised at a time when the use of substandard and inadequate electrical equipment was considered as one of the main causes of grid collapse.

Abaribe said that the issue of standards and regulation needed to be improved upon to address the challenge.

He, however, said that state governments did not have the powers to enforce standards of electrical equipment.

“In amending the electricity act, we may need to make it more explicit that for the question of safety, Nigeria must have one standard.

“Federal laws supercede state laws,” he said.

Earlier, Amb. Godsknow Igali, a former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, said that electricity workers should be commended for working round the clock, and for taking risks to ensure that their is power.

Igali also cautioned the proliferation of standard and regulatory agencies by state governments. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

U.S. strengthening healthcare, transparency, human rights in Nigeria —Envoy
Foreign

U.S. strengthening healthcare, transparency, human rights in Nigeria —Envoy

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By Mark Longyen

Amb. Richard Mills, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, says his country is working to strengthen healthcare, transparency, and human rights in Nigeria, stressing that the nation requires progress in key areas. 

Mills, who made this known in a statement issued by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Monday in Abuja, said that the U.S. remained Nigeria’s steadfast partner in these critical areas of their bilateral relations for national development. 

The envoy noted that towards this end, yearly in December, the U.S. marks three international observances that are at the heart of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership.

He listed the celebrations as the World AIDS Day; International Anti-Corruption Day; and Human Rights Day. 

According to him, these commemorations, while distinct, underscore the simple truth that these issues are accorded top priorities in the partnership between the two nations.

“For two decades, the United States has stood with Nigeria in the fight against HIV/AIDS under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

“The U.S. government has invested more than 8.3 billion dollars in Nigeria’s health sector and provided life-saving anti-retroviral treatment to more than 1.5 million people.

“These numbers represent improved life expectancy and quality of life for these Nigerians and their families,” he said.

Amb. Mills said that during his recent visit to clinics across Nigeria, he had met dedicated healthcare workers who delivered HIV prevention, treatment, and care, supported by U.S. resources.

He said that such interventions had done more than save lives, adding that using HIV as an entry point, Nigeria’s health system had  greatly benefited.

“As Nigeria’s health system is strengthened, this important work will be led by government and engagement with the private sector to sustain the gains,” the ambassador emphasised.

He recalled that such commitment was reinforced during the recent visit to Nigeria of Dr John Nkengasong, U.S. Department of State’s Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy.

The envoy said that Nkengasong held discussions with Nigerian health officials focusing on how the Nigerian Government would sustain the HIV health programs with strengthened Nigerian leadership and local ownership.

Speaking on transparency as a critical element of good governance, Mills said that positive health outcomes depended on good governance. 

“When medical supplies are diverted, when healthcare workers go unpaid, when facilities buy dangerous, counterfeit medications or lack resources due to mismanaged funds, it costs lives.

“This is why the United States supports numerous initiatives, not only in the health sector, to enhance transparency and accountability in Nigeria. 

“Our programmes work directly with government agencies and civil society organisations to strengthen fiscal responsibility with the goal of the state ensuring resources reach their intended beneficiaries,” he said.

On strengthening human rights, Ambassador Mills said that the success of the aforementioned efforts rested on respect for human rights and civic engagement. 

He said that this often happened when members of marginalised communities faced discrimination in accessing healthcare; when citizens feared reporting corruption; and when vulnerable populations could not advocate for their needs. 

“Through our partnership with Nigeria, we promote the rights of every person to access essential services and enjoy fundamental freedoms without fear or discrimination.

“Our human rights programming has empowered civil society organisations to advocate for marginalised communities, leading to better access to health services. 

“Our health system investments have created platforms for transparency that benefit all sectors.  

“Nigerians are both more frequently refusing to pay bribes and reporting bribe seekers to investigative journalists and rule of law authorities — a shift in norms is beginning to take root and must continue,” he said. 

The ambassador further said that the U.S. Embassy was ready to support Nigerian voices pressing the fight against corruption in Nigeria. 

Mills said that the U.S. was inspired by the dedication of Nigerian government officials, civil society leaders, healthcare workers, and citizens to build a stronger nation.

“Together, we can continue to advance the interconnected goals of better health outcomes, good governance, and human rights for all Nigerians. 

“Challenges remain, but the work we’ve done together shows what could be possible on a larger scale across these crucial domains.

“The United States continues to stand with the Nigerian people as they carry out this essential work with their elected government,” he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)


Edited by Sadiya Hamza 

LASG, private sector unveil library to boost reading culture
Education

LASG, private sector unveil library to boost reading culture

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By Rukayat Moisemhe/ Oluwatope Lawanson

Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, has joined private sector stakeholders on Friday in unveiling a free, soundproof library and a recreational park.

This initiative aims to foster a reading culture among the youth and provide them with a sense of community.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the library and the recreational park in Ogba area of Lagos was built and donated by Mrs Funlayo Bakare-Okeowo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), FAE envelopes.

The Lagos head of service at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos said that children and youths had stopped reading books and gardening and were more inclined to spending long hours on social media.

He said this had led to a dying reading culture, death of valuable information and a disconnect from a proper social ecosystem.

Agoro urged the business community and other philanthropists to replicate the initiative and pledged the state’s commitment to creating more spaces for private sector players to build.

“Children have stopped reading books, hence creating a library is very important. It encourages them to read physical books, builds their minds and take them away from societal and social media vices.

“Gardening is also an important part of the ecosystem. The initiatives are laudable and they resonate with community building.

In her remarks, Bakare-Okeowo said the initiative was part of her company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the community’s youths to enable them believe in themselves instead of embracing the ‘JAPA’ syndrome.

She noted that the Ogba community library was envisioned as a hub of enlightenment, where curiosity meets opportunity.

She said nestled alongside the library is the community garden where nature, learn and purpose seamlessly come together.

According to her, the space which once filled will hoodlums, is now designed for students yearning for academic excellence, professionals seeking knowledge, and dreamers with stories yet to be written.

Bakare-Okeowo said in a world where information shaped destinies, the library would serve as a bridge connecting young minds to their futures, adults to lifelong learning, and our entire community to the power of literacy.

She noted that Nigerians, who are hardworking and intelligent, need a conducive environment for youths to display their talents.

She added that the library in this age of digitalisation would provide the less privilege without data or internet access the opportunity to walk into the library, read, and access 24 hrs WiFi for research and personal growth.

“The space reflects our commitment to sustainability, education, and fostering a sense of community pride.

“This project is our collective way of giving back to a community that has given us. Ogba is a place of resilience, strength, and boundless potential.

“It is our hope that this library will inspire education by providing access to books, technology, and resources for learning, imagination, by encouraging young readers to explore the limitless worlds that books can offer.

“Together, we are planting not just trees and books but hope, knowledge, and opportunities for generations to come,” she said.

Mr Gabriel Idahosa, President, LCCI, said that the initiative was significant; planting a tree that will grow to become a mighty oak for resources and future generations of children that willbgrow in the community.

He noted that the children and youth would have access to internet, excluded from the noise and able to express themselves at anytime.

Idahosa said the library and park are places of refuge and solace where children would be able to build themselves beyond what they have in their homes, irrespective of their parents’ income levels.

“Every single business should do something like this for the future generation to benefit the community.

“This is the type of philanthropic activity that should be put on the front row of anybody that is thinking CSR,” he said.

Mrs Onikepo Akande, former Minister of Trade and Industry, described the philanthropist as a great industrialist that has touched many lives.

She also pledged to donate books to the facility and urged the youth to embrace reading as a culture for personal growth and development.

A student of Babs Fafunwa Millennium Secondary School, Mr Oladejo Farook, said the library, a home of resources and treasures, laid a foundation of the students’ success in the community.

“Having a library in this community is a huge development as it would give students from every background the opportunity to read quietly away from home distraction.

“It is also a good opportunity for those preparing for exams and we appreciate this huge opportunity,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

LCCI anticipates positive growth, seeks policies to boost projections
Economy/Business

LCCI anticipates positive growth, seeks policies to boost projections

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed belief that the economy would end the current year in positive growth of three to four per cent.

LCCI president, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, said this at the chamber’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday in Lagos.

He, however, said that achieving faster recovery required the fiscal and monetary sides of the economy to promote policies that would encourage private capital flows to the economy.

According to him, fiscal and monetary authorities need to develop a medium-term growth plan anchored on boosting local production, supporting ease of doing business and attracting private investment.

Idahosa said the plan should also focus on developing infrastructure, business-friendly regulatory policies, economic diversification, and employment generation.

“Nigeria is presently confronted with a myriad of challenges including sustained double-digit inflation, a steadily rising debt profile, revenue mobilisation challenges and others.

“We have advocated for a well-coordinated synergy between the fiscal and monetary authorities in engagement with the private sector to navigate the uncertain economic terrain.

“We will continue to engage with government in creating an enabling business environment where the private sector is empowered to grow, create jobs and generate revenue for the government,” he said.

Addressing some economic indices, the LCCI president noted that the private sector was currently plagued with increased borrowing costs and a pressured foreign exchange market.

He said recent hikes in Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) had directly translated to higher interest rates, making it more expensive for businesses to access credit for working capital, expansion, and sustainability.

He said that rate hikes alone would not curb inflation without resolving the challenges of the real sector of the economy.

Idahosa added that the country needed to diversify its exports by boosting local crude refining capacity production of petrochemical products and accelerating reforms in the and gas sector.

“The chamber looks forward to the sustained implementation of naira payments for crude oil sales to the Dangote refinery and other local refineries, which started on Oct. 1, 2024.

“We urge government to summon the courage to be consistent with the oil and gas sector reforms and implement the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) fully.

“We see the long-term gains of these reforms if they are implemented under a conducive regulatory environment,” he said.

On the projected N47.9 trillion 2025 budget to run the economy, Idahosa said the key parameters and assumptions on which the budget was proposed was too optimistic in face of some economic and social indicators.

Dr Chinyere Almona, Director General, LCCI, urged government to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive to enhance their productivity and contribute more meaningfully to the economy.

She noted that while the last one year was filled with very difficult reforms, businesses should stay the course on these reforms and things would improve.

Almona urged businesses to think of alternatives to improve efficiency, attract finance and be more productive, while hoping for the next year to be better.

She also called on authorities to focus on non-oil exports to attract more foreign exchange.

“When we talk of exports, we are not just talking of exporting raw materials but processing materials to command top dollar in the export market.

“At the chamber, we are looking for how we can improve our export and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) groups to improve their capacity and productivity to export more, ” he said.

He said they would continue to advocate on bottlenecks that government needed to address while working to educate them on standards, parameters and packaging of products across the borders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Oluwole Sogunle

€4.8m disability project targets Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina states
General News

€4.8m disability project targets Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina states

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By Diana Omueza

The Christian Blind Mission (CBM) has announced that Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina states will benefit from a 4.8 million euro disability-focused project funded by the German Government through its Humanitarian Assistance programme.

Dr Rainer Brockhaus, Chief Executive Officer of CBM, made the announcement on Wednesday in Abuja during the launch of a five-year initiative titled ‘Resilience Strengthening for an Inclusive Life in Northwest Nigeria’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project aims to enhance the resilience of conflict-affected communities in the three states.

It will run from November 2024 to December 2028.

The project focuses on supporting vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, both with and without disabilities, who are affected by sexual, gender-based, or disability-related violence.

“The project will bridge immediate assistance with long-term development and contribute to global discussions on addressing interconnected humanitarian and development challenges.

“For many years, humanitarian efforts in Nigeria have focused on the Northeast due to its prominence in global media coverage.

“However, the Northwest also faces significant challenges, including insecurity, displacement, and a lack of access to essential support systems.

“Addressing these growing issues and building resilience in the region is critical,” Brockhaus said.

He added that the five-year project is designed to foster sustainable and lasting change, strengthening the resilience of individuals and local structures to overcome and resolve crises in the region.

Mr Samuel Omoi, CBM’s Country Director, described the initiative as more than just a development project, calling it a shared vision for an empowered Northwest where no one is left behind.

Omoi expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and other stakeholders for enabling the project’s implementation in the region.

Mr Bright Ekweremadu, Regional Hub Director for Africa (West and Central), urged both public and private project partners to utilise the funds effectively and uphold principles of transparency, accessibility, and accountability to the funders.

“These principles are essential tools for securing future grants, as well as ensuring successful project implementation and execution,” he said.

Mrs Nike Abimbola, Head of Development Programmes and Partnerships at the NCPWD commended the initiative, stating that it would address the challenges faced by Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

She added that the project would also alleviate poverty and combat harmful and discriminatory practices against PWDs in the region. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Lagos, Rivers, Ekiti rank highest in GBV response – Report
General News

Lagos, Rivers, Ekiti rank highest in GBV response – Report

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By Justina Auta

The 2024 Womanity Index report has revealed that Lagos, Rivers, and Ekiti states recorded the highest responses to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harmful practices against women and girls.

The report was released on Wednesday in Abuja by Invictus Africa, a civic organisation promoting human rights and gender equality.

Ms Bukky Shonibare, Executive Director of Invictus Africa, stated that the findings were based on responses from 18,500 participants nationwide, compared to 5,800 respondents in 2023.

She explained that the survey was conducted to assess the progress of subnational governments in preventing and responding to GBV, as well as in promoting gender equality.

She said that the report worked around five indexes.

She listed the indexes of laws and policy; access to legal justice; support services for survivors, information and awareness, as well as budget and spending.

According to her, the states were colour coded and graded based on their performance and progress, which include blue, green, amber, and red.

“The blue states are the ones that are really advancing, amber states are evolving, green states are performing, while red states are still struggling on each of those five indexes.

“This year, we have three states that are now blue states. Lagos is still a blue state, River and Ekiti states are now blue states.

“We have more states that moved from red to amber this year, like Katsina state, and they are now amber state,” she said.

Shonibare said that one of the things that Katsina state did well was to have passed the VAPP Act, which upped its mark in the laws and policies index.

“One of Katsina’s achievement was passing the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which improved its score in the laws and policies index.

“Additionally, the state established and launched its sexual assault referral centre, which contributed to its progress,” she explained.

Shonibare added that while some states maintained their previous scores, many moved from amber to green.

She expressed the organisation’s goal for all states to attain blue status.

The Womanity Index also revealed that 63 per cent of Nigerians reported either experiencing GBV or knowing someone who had.

“This means only 37 per cent have neither experienced GBV nor know someone who has.

“When we speak of GBV, we are not limited to sexual violence, such as rape or assault, but also include physical, emotional, economic, mental, and psychological violence,” she said.

Domestic or intimate partner violence was identified as the most prevalent form of GBV, followed by physical violence.

Other forms included mental or psychological violence, sexual violence, and economic violence.

“Data shows that 70 per cent of Nigerians who experience GBV face it at home, followed by public spaces such as markets, schools, workplaces, and religious institutions.

“Over 34 per cent sought help first from family members or relatives, followed by law enforcement,” she noted.

Shonibare emphasised that law enforcement agencies should ideally be the first point of contact.

“However, when asked why people choose specific sources of help, the primary factor was trust.

“This underscores the need for law enforcement and the judiciary to build trust so they can become the first port of call for survivors,” she said.

Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum and First Lady of Kwara State, noted the value of the annual ranking in tracking progress and identifying areas needing attention to combat GBV.

“The data is important. This tracks work. It lets us know how we are faring, what we are doing.,” she said.

She urged people to speak out against violence.

“Break the culture of silence, stop stigmatisation, seek law enforcement help and increase women’s representation to end all forms of violence,” she said.

Dr Chichi Aniagolu, Regional Director of the Ford Foundation in West Africa, stressed the importance of data in monitoring progress against GBV.

Rev. Fr. George Ehusani of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation emphasised the impact of GBV on national development.

“A society cannot progress if one in three women and girls are reportedly sexually violated or suffer domestic violence.

“If half of the population; women suffer such violations, the country’s development is hindered.

“The Invictus Womanity Index is not just for women and girls; it is for everyone,” he said.

He called for increased awareness of GBV prevention and urged the strengthening of law enforcement and judicial systems to ensure justice for survivors. (NAN) www.nannews.ng.com

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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