NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Coalition advocates education, economic opportunities for girls
Gender

Coalition advocates education, economic opportunities for girls

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By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The National Coalition of Civil Society to End Child Marriage has urged stakeholders to ensure girls have access to education, economic opportunities, and autonomy.

Mr Olorunfemi Olusegun, Co-chair of the FCT Coalition, made this call during a courtesy visit to the Community Leader of Gwarinpa in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was part of the FCT chapter’s activities marking the “16 Days of Activism” campaign against sexual and gender-based violence.

The “16 Days of Activism” is an annual campaign held from November 25 to December 10 to raise awareness and mobilise action to end violence against women and girls.

Olusegun noted that violence against women occurs across all countries and cultures, affecting millions of women and girls.

He described child marriage as a complex issue requiring a comprehensive approach to prevention and response.

“Young girls need access to quality education and empowerment opportunities to support their families and reduce the likelihood of child marriage.

“Girls without education are more likely to be married off at a young age. Engaging with communities and changing social norms can help prevent child marriage,” he said.

Mrs Chinyere Eyoh, Co-chair of the coalition, stated that the organisation is working across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones on various thematic areas to accelerate efforts to end child marriage.

Eyoh explained that their advocacy and interventions span local, state, and national levels.

She emphasised the importance of collaborating with community leaders including traditional, religious, and peer group leaders to address child marriage and violence against women and girls.

Mrs Patience Aliede, Safeguarding Officer for Girl Child Freedom at the Grassroots, noted that tackling gender-based violence requires a multi-faceted approach.

“This includes not only legal and institutional reforms but also cultural and societal changes to address underlying norms”.

The District Head of Gwarinpa, Malam Umar Bayero, commended the coalition’s efforts and called for more collaboration to empower women and girls.

He noted that there were no recorded cases of child marriage in the community.

Mrs Oluchi Uzodimma, Secretary to the Coalition, assured that women and girls would be supported in pursuing positive opportunities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

South Africa relaxes visa rules for Nigerians
General News

South Africa relaxes visa rules for Nigerians

1,302 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has announced that Nigerian tourists can now apply for visas without the need to submit their passports.

He made this declaration on Tuesday during the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, which was attended by President Bola Tinubu.

Ramaphosa stated that South Africa has simplified its visa processes to encourage travel for Nigerian businesspeople and tourists.

Among the measures introduced is the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas.

Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, revealed this in a statement.

“Our efforts to create a favourable environment include the simplification of visa processes for Nigerian businesspeople travelling to South Africa.

“Qualifying Nigerian businesspeople can now obtain five-year multiple-entry visas,” Ramaphosa said.

He further pledged South Africa’s commitment to addressing the barriers to greater investment and resolving challenges faced by businesses in both nations.

“As we commemorate 30 years of diplomatic relations, we envision a bright future for our partnership. The strong bonds of friendship between our countries form a solid foundation for deeper economic cooperation.

“Nigeria hosts several South African companies, and South Africa remains open to Nigerian businesses, as demonstrated by the significant investments and operations established here.

“However, more work needs to be done. We must eliminate the remaining barriers to increased investment and address the challenges that companies have encountered,” he said.

President Ramaphosa also recognised the Nigerian government’s reforms aimed at enhancing a business-friendly environment and providing greater assurance to investors, including those from South Africa.

“Our government continues to work on improving the ease of doing business in South Africa. We aim to enable investors to operate, trade, and pursue opportunities across various sectors.

“We look forward to welcoming more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa,” he added.

The South African President also noted Africa’s development and the challenges facing countries in the Global South as priorities for the G20 agenda.

“For the first time, the G20 Leaders’ Summit will be hosted on African soil. We will seek to galvanise support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063 as we advance an inclusive global agenda.

“For South Africa, it is crucial that global discussions and programmes are designed to ensure no one in our societies is left behind,” he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

FG hosts candlelight memorial for HIV/AIDS victims
Health

FG hosts candlelight memorial for HIV/AIDS victims

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By Justina Auta

The Federal Government, in partnership with stakeholders, hosted a candlelight memorial to honour those lost to HIV/AIDS-related causes.

Dr Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), on Monday stated that the event aimed to raise awareness about the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT).

It is targeted at strengthening community and national dedication to eradicating AIDS.

“We want to ensure a generation free of HIV and achieve the global target of ending HIV as an epidemic by 2030.

“This gathering is both a commemoration and a tribute to those we’ve lost in the battle against HIV,” she said.

Ilori expressed concern over the estimated 15,000 children who died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2023, calling the figure alarming.

“This is deeply troubling, but together, we can reverse this trend and create a brighter future”.

She stressed the importance of ending stigma against people living with HIV, urging them to access care, adhere to treatment, and continue medication to suppress their viral load.

She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending the epidemic, noting increased domestic resource mobilisation and funding for HIV/AIDS programmes.

Mr Abdulkadir Ibrahim, National Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), noted the need to celebrate individuals and organisations dedicated to combating the epidemic.

Represented by Nicholas Ugbenyen, NEPWHAN’s National Secretary, Ibrahim advocated for policy changes, increased funding, and innovative approaches to eliminate HIV in children and end AIDS by 2030.

“We call on all stakeholders to support policies and funding that prioritise prevention and treatment of HIV in children.

“Sustainable practices, community advocacy, and grassroots engagement are essential to addressing the epidemic and ensuring children’s voices are heard”.

He further emphasised the need for accessible PMTCT services, including antenatal care, testing, and treatment for pregnant women living with HIV, to prevent the transmission of the virus to their children.

Dr Esther Hindi, National Coordinator of the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASHWAN), pledged to continue raising awareness about PMTCT efforts across the country.

Other stakeholders, including Ms Funmi Adesanya from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and Dr Leo Zekeng, UNAIDS Country Director, also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight to end AIDS. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Abienwense Moru

I-G orders probe into alleged police brutality
Defence/Security

I-G orders probe into alleged police brutality

329 total views today

By Monday Ijeh

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr Olukayode Egbetokun, has directed a thorough investigation into allegations of police misconduct during the #EndBadGovernance protests on August 1.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

He said the investigation follows a report by Amnesty International accusing the Nigeria Police Force of excessive force, wrongful arrests, and culpability in protester deaths.

Adejobi stated that the inquiry seeks to identify any breaches of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and rules of engagement.

He said Commissioners of Police in the affected states have been instructed to submit comprehensive reports within a week.

While refuting the allegations, Adejobi described Amnesty International’s claims as baseless, misleading, and inconsistent with reports from state police commands.

He stated that the police avoided live ammunition, upheld standards, and acted professionally despite facing attacks.

He reiterated that the police operated within established rules, providing security for peaceful protesters throughout the demonstrations.

The IGP assured the public that the findings of the investigation would guide subsequent actions.

He reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to upholding citizens’ rights, enforcing the rule of law, and improving operational practices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tax reforms not targeted at regions- Presidency
General News

Tax reforms not targeted at regions- Presidency

476 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

The Presidency has dismissed allegations that the tax reform bills before the National Assembly are designed to impoverish certain regions.

In a statement on Monday, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy stated that the bills aim to improve the lives of disadvantaged Nigerians without harming any region’s economy.

Onanuga stressed that the tax reform bills would not disproportionately benefit Lagos or Rivers states at the expense of other regions.

He criticised some commentators for spreading misinformation and attempting to incite public opposition to lawmakers.

He further explained that the bills do not propose the abolition of agencies such as NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA.

Instead, they seek to consolidate earmarked taxes into a single tax that will be shared with these key agencies as beneficiaries.

“President Bola Tinubu initiated the Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms to streamline tax administration, create a more conducive environment for businesses, and address the issue of multiple taxes, which have complicated the economic landscape,” Onanuga stated.

He urged stakeholders and public analysts to familiarise themselves with the contents of the bills and refrain from misleading the public.

Onanuga welcomed the public interest generated by the proposed reforms and encouraged leaders and stakeholders to participate in the Public Hearings organised by the National Assembly to share their views on the bills. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Agency celebrates 171 ODF communities in Kwali council
Environment

Agency celebrates 171 ODF communities in Kwali council

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By Akpan Glory

Abuja, Dec. 2, 2024 (NAN) The FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has commended the efforts of 171 communities in Kwali Area Council that have achieved Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status.

Mr Luke Ulom, the overseeing director of FCT RUWASSA, praised these communities during an event marking World Toilet Day 2024, held in collaboration with UNICEF in Abuja on Monday.

He commended the people of Kwali for their commitment to ending open defecation and urged them to continue adopting hygienic practices.

He stated, “This milestone demonstrates that behavioural change, driven by consistent sensitisation, is achievable”.

Mrs Aisha Bakpet from the Sanitation Department at FCT RUWASSA said that 171 communities in Kwali had been certified ODF following two years of sustained campaigns.

She noted the success of the pilot programme in Kwali, which will now be extended to other area councils within the FCT.

She explained that young people in all ten wards of Kwali have been trained as Toilet Business Owners to help sustain these achievements.

According to her, they are responsible for constructing toilets and educating their communities on the importance of sanitation.

Mr Sakiru Otusanya, UNICEF’s WASH Consultant, praised the collaboration between RUWASSA and the people of Kwali, urging residents to maintain their progress in sanitation.

Alhaji Abubakar Pai, the Emir of Pai, called for stronger stakeholder involvement to eliminate open defecation.

Similarly, Abdulaziz Usman, the Emir of Wako, encouraged household heads to prioritise the construction and use of toilets, emphasising the need for stricter sanitation laws to ensure compliance.

The Etsu of Kwali, Ayedo Luka Nizassan II, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and RUWASSA for constructing public toilets in schools and health centres.

He urged residents to continue their efforts to eradicate open defecation.

Mr Daniel Elisha, Head of Administration for Kwali Area Council, assured the public that sensitisation efforts would be strengthened to ensure lasting progress.

The event concluded with the recognition of Gumbo, Pai, and Kwali Central as the wards with the highest number of certified open defecation-free communities.

Signposts were installed in these wards to commemorate the achievement, and committees were established to ensure ongoing progress.

This year’s World Toilet Day, themed ‘Toilet: A Place for Peace’, highlighted the critical role of sanitation in promoting healthier communities.

Established by the UN General Assembly in 2013, the annual observance addresses global sanitation challenges. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

GDP: Nigeria’s economy making some progress- Don
Economy/Business

GDP: Nigeria’s economy making some progress- Don

454 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

An Analyst, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi has stated that Nigeria’s economy is showing progress, although not yet reflected in the living standards of the population.

Adeniyi, who is the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies at Baze University Abuja, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

He was responding to the release of the Q3 2024 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which revealed a 3.46 per cent growth in Nigeria’s GDP in real terms.

According to the report, this growth rate surpassed the 2.54 per cent recorded in Q3 2023 and the 3.19 per cent achieved in Q2 2024.

The report shows that GDP performance in Q3 2024 was driven by contributions from both the oil and non-oil sectors, with the service sector leading the way, growing by 5.19 per cent and contributing 53.58 per cent to the total GDP.

The service sector includes banking and finance, trade, tourism, real estate, telecommunications, information and communication technology, arts, entertainment, recreation, and education.

Adeniyi explained that the growth is a monetary policy indicator, which may not be reflecting fiscal policy measures.

He noted that since the manufacturing and production sectors are declining, the service sector is the primary contributor to Nigeria’s GDP growth, as shown in the report.

“Yes, we need to acknowledge that there is growth, even though it is still marginal and not yet significant enough to impact people’s lives or living standards.

“However, this does not change the fact that there is growth in our GDP.

“There is growth, but what we need to do is ensure alignment between fiscal and monetary policies, and between the macroeconomic variant of GDP and macroeconomic indices.

“Once this alignment occurs, we can expect the improvements to be reflected in people’s standards of living”.

Adeniyi also stated that the cost of living crisis could begin to ease once the economy shows recovery in both statistical and practical terms.

He emphasised that Nigeria is on the right track in spite the marginal growth.

“Although the changes we want to see are not yet evident, we must recognise the progress being made, no matter how small,” he said.

He urged the government to maintain consistency in its policies to achieve economic stability and sustainability.

“We need policy consistency, not just in words but in actions, transparency, accountability, and conduct. Once these elements are visible, we can be confident that we are on the right track,” he added.

(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

AI revolutionalising risk management- Institute
Economy/Business

AI revolutionalising risk management- Institute

414 total views today

By Nana Musa

Dr Harriet Akubuiro, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria (CILRMN), has stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming risk management practices.

Speaking at the 14th Annual Risk Professionals International Conference held in Abuja on Saturday, Akubuiro noted the increasing influence of AI in modern risk management strategies.

The theme of the conference was “AI: An Essential Factor in Risk Management Practice”.

“AI is quietly shaping the future of risk management, a summary of what we are looking at through this theme is how to optimise risk management using AI.

“AI is revolutionising risk management; it is very useful in fraud detection, improves accuracy and efficiency, enhances risk management practices, and provides simulation capabilities.

“It also reduces risks in credit decisions and modelling, assists in analysing big data, and enables financial disclosure and consequent risk quantum,” she added.

Akubuiro noted that the future of risk management extends beyond mitigating threats to leveraging AI for opportunities.

Prof Linus Osuagwu, Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies at Veritas University, Abuja, underscored the importance of AI in risk management.

He described it as a systematic process involving the identification, assessment, mitigation, monitoring, and control of potential risks.

“AI encompasses a portfolio of technologies, including machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and predictive analytics.

“In risk management, AI facilitates the analysis of large datasets, identification of complex patterns, and generation of predictive insights that enhance organisational decision-making processes.

“Some of the applications of AI in risk management include credit risk assessment, fraud detection and prevention, marketing risk analysis, operational risk management, cybersecurity threat detection, supply chain risk management, and environmental risk assessment”.

According to Osuagwu, the integration of AI into risk management provides several benefits, including enhanced accuracy, real-time monitoring, scalability, and cost efficiency.

However, he acknowledged that the adoption of AI also presents challenges.

“Some of these challenges include data quality and availability, model interpretability, regulatory compliance, ethical implications, integration with existing systems, dependence on technological infrastructure, cybersecurity risks, as well as cost and resource requirements,” he said.

Mrs Salamatu Ahmed, Executive Secretary of the Federal Government of Nigeria Housing Loan Board, emphasised the role of the institute in promoting professionalism in risk management.

Represented by the Director of Administration, Mrs Monica Igwe, Ahmed described the institute as a non-profit and non-political independent body committed to advancing best practices in risk management.

She also highlighted the mandate of the Housing Loan Board to manage a revolving fund for granting soft loans to federal public servants to own homes, thereby addressing the nation’s housing deficit.

“The institute is always ready to partner with dynamic risk management institutions to advance itself with best practices.

“The board will continue to partner with the institute in capacity building for its personnel to ensure effective and efficient management of the housing loan scheme for the benefit of all federal public servants,” she added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

NAN to commence broadcast in local languages in 2025 – MD
General News

NAN to commence broadcast in local languages in 2025 – MD

507 total views today

By EricJames Ochigbo

The Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali, says the agency will commence broadcast in local languages before the end of 2025.

Ali made this known on Wednesday in Abuja at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Special Committee on Restructuring Federal Government Agencies.

NAN reports that the hearing was on the need to scrap outdated agencies and ensuring merger of government agencies with similar mandates.

Ali said with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), NAN was set to inaugurate portals to broadcast in the three major languages of Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo – before the end of 2025.

According to the managing director, Immersive Journalism (IJ) has come into the media space and it is taking over jobs, while many people are not aware.

NAN reports that IJ is a news reporting style that uses technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) to create a first-person experience for the audience.

The goal is to help the audience to understand and empathise with a story by placing them within the device.

Ali said that the commencement of broadcast in local languages was part of ongoing reforms in the agency to bring it up-to-date and ahead of the current trends.

According to him, NAN is not afraid of competition, given its large workforce, partnership and professionalism.

“We have already started in Hausa; Hausa is the largest spoken language in West Africa; we have 88 million speakers in Nigeria, according to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

“Hausa is about the only non-ethnic language; people who are not necessarily Hausa speak and understand the language.

“Early next year, we are hoping to launch the Yoruba portal and by the middle of the year, we will have the Igbo portal; it is work in progress.

“We are asking our reporters to study other foreign languages like Arabic and French because we have to reposition the agency,” he said.

On revenue generation, the managing director said that NAN generated N215 million in 2024, stressing that NAN was already going into digital marketing to add to the revenue being generated from subscription.

Aside the contents to sell on social media like Facebook, Tiktok and X, he said,  NAN was also consolidating its revenue generation like other media organisations.

The committee commended the agency for the professionalism and high standards in news reporting.

Rep. Ademorin Kuye (APC-Lagos) said that in spite of current challenges, NAN had remained impressive in its news reporting.

Kuye said NAN had been patriotic and optimistic in its news gathering and dissemination.

The committee ruled that the management should furnish the committee with areas of NAN Establishment Act that required amendment to enable the agency to perform optimally. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Geospatial data crucial to security, development- Goronyo
General News

Geospatial data crucial to security, development- Goronyo

365 total views today

By Ahmed Musa/Angela Atabo

Dr Mohammed Goronyo, Minister of State for Works, has emphasised the role of geospatial data in advancing Nigeria’s security and socio-economic development.

During his visit to the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation in Abuja on Wednesday, Goronyo noted the importance of developing data infrastructure as a cornerstone of the nation’s progress.

“We must develop our data infrastructure to succeed as a nation because accurate data is essential for achieving our goals,” he stated.

The minister observed that although the Office of the Surveyor-General has been operational for over 100 years, its equipment has become outdated due to rapid technological advancements.

He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to prioritising data utilisation to drive its security and socio-economic agenda.

He added that accurate data is indispensable for agencies involved in technology, mechanised agriculture, and security.

Goronyo also called for increased support for the Office of the Surveyor-General to enable it to effectively fulfil its mandate.

He acknowledged the office’s efforts in spite huge challenges related to funding and resources.

Earlier, the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Mr AbdulGaniyu Adebomehin, identified inadequate funding as a major obstacle to the agency’s operations.

Adebomehin revealed that the agency currently has only two drones to cover the six geopolitical zones, severely limiting its capacity to execute projects efficiently.

The minister however assured that the government would address the issues raised, including improving staff welfare and providing additional geospatial equipment to enhance the agency’s coverage. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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