NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Momoh, ICSAN seek sustainable devt. in media, creative industry
Economy/Business

Momoh, ICSAN seek sustainable devt. in media, creative industry

289 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Chairman, Channels Media Group, Dr John Momoh, and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) have called for sustainable development in the country’s media and creative industry.

They made the call at the ICSAN Creative and Media Industries Workshop on Thursday in Lagos.

Momoh stressed the importance of securing the future of one of Nigeria’s most diverse sector, noting that the creative and media industries were powerful engines of economic growth and national identity.

He said both industries must move from potential and inspiration to institutions, by building a strengthened ecosystem that supported it.

Momoh stated that to spur the business angle of the industries, investment from government and private capital both local and global were critical.

“There must also be policies that protect the sector and young creators with supporting digital, legal and educational infrastructure.

“Sustainable growth begins with people and we must empower the next generations of creatives, equip the youths with not just story telling but design, ethical and governance grounding,” he said.

He stressed that Nigeria must be at the fore front of these emerging technologies by making creativity a national assets against being just a passion.

He also advocated the need to sustainably strengthen media independence and integrity.

“This is a call to action as we declare industries that thrive on public trust as your brand is only as strong as your values,” he said.

President, ICSAN, Mrs Funmi Ekundayo, said the event was to generate ideas on how the country’s creative and media industry could consolidate its gains and maintain its fledgling success on sustainable basis.

Ekundayo noted that Nigeria had witnessed phenomenal growth in the industry.

According to her, a sizeable number of youths used their talents for personal success and to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product of the country.

She stated that opportunities abound in the industry with its wide range of economic activities focused on generating and exploiting knowledge and information for innovation and economic growth.

“According to the PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2024-28, Nigerian media industry, encompassing film, music, art, entertainment, and content creation sectors, is the fastest-growing creative industry globally.

“Together, the motion picture and music recording industries contributed approximately 154 billion naira (roughly 96 million euros) to Nigeria’s GDP in 2023.

“The industry’s growth has yet to reach its peak, with PwC projecting it will generate $14.8 billion in revenue by the end of 2025,” she said.

Ekundayo said the institute was committed to driving the expansion of the frontiers of knowledge in the creative and media sector to maximise the potential of the country’s talented youths.

She said ICSAN would continually support young people and help channel their creative energy into national productivity pool.

Dr Nosike Agokei, a governance expert, stressed the importance of good corporate governance and ethical practices in promoting and managing successful ventures in the creative and media industries.

Agokei said effective corporate governance system in both industries had many advantages such as stakeholders’ protection, risk mitigation, accountability, compliance and others.

He stated that sensationalism, privacy, and conflicts of interest were all important ethical considerations for the media.

“By avoiding sensationalism, respecting privacy, and being transparent about potential conflicts of interest, the media can uphold high ethical standards and contribute to a well-informed and democratic society,” he said.

Mrs Cheta Nwabuike, Certified Governance Practitioner, said the journey for transforming the country’s creatives and media industry into Environmental, Governance and Sustainability (ESG) compliant ventures must begin.

According to her, businesses and stakeholders within the global creative and media industries were integrating ESG principles into their strategies, operations, and storytelling. (NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

U.S. seeks Rwandan forces’ withdrawal from occupied DRC territory
Foreign

U.S. seeks Rwandan forces’ withdrawal from occupied DRC territory

268 total views today

By Mark Longyen

The U.S. Government has called for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) occupied territory, and urged the alleged Rwandan-backed M23 rebels to declare a ceasefire.

U.S. Department of State’s Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, made the appeal at a digital news conference following a four-nation East-African trip to DRC, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

According to him, the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from DRC, and laying down of arms by the M23 rebels are crucial to ending the war in the war-ravaged DRC.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Boulos’ visit aimed at supporting efforts to achieve durable peace in eastern DRC, exploring and preserving U.S. private sector investment in the subregion.

DRC has been plagued by conflict for decades, with over 120 armed groups active in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces, including the M23, which has killed and displaced thousands.

The East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which deployed forces to curb the escalating conflict, recently withdrew them, raising concerns about a deepening security vacuum.

Responding to questions on the way out of the deteriorating situation in the Congo, Boulos insisted that war was not the solution to the conflict but dialogue and peace.

The U.S. envoy said that at the moment, an opportunity for peace presented itself, like never before, and urged all parties involved to take bolder steps to make that a reality.

“The U.S. position is that the M23 must lay down their arms, and Rwandan forces must withdraw from the DRC.

“I will also reiterate our position that Rwanda should cease all military support for M23 and withdraw all Rwandan troops from DRC territory.

“We all know that this can only be resolved peacefully. This is not and cannot be won and cannot be concluded with force. This has to be resolved through dialogue and peacefully,” he said.

Boulos disclosed that negotiations between the DRC government and M23 toward achieving a broader peace process had already begun, and expressed optimism that the outcome would be positive.

He appreciated the recent dialogue held by DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi and the M-23 for the first time, saying it was a good step that was successful and fruitful by all counts.

Boulos lauded the EAC, SADC, AU and ECOWAS for their mediation efforts, while also expressing optimism about an AU-led peace process.

“With regards to the EAC and SADC, ECOWAS and the African Union, we highly appreciate their efforts. They’ve been trying and doing their best for a very long time, for many years.

“We are looking forward to building on this towards achieving a final peace and a lasting peace and full stability in the DRC and in the region.

“I must say that ECOWAS, although it’s West Africa, has been a major and key player in the continent, especially with regard to peacekeeping missions and many other things,” he said.

Boulos also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to long-term economic partnerships in Africa, adding that U.S. involvement in the region was not aimed at countering other competing powers like China.

He emphasised that the U.S.’ recent mineral supply chain agreements in DRC were not exclusive to the country but also included neighbouring countries like Angola, Zambia.

These, he explained, were part of broader efforts to diversify critical mineral sources and counter over-reliance on single markets, which would mutually serve U.S. and DRC’s national strategic interests.(NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

LCCI tasks FG on intensified diplomatic efforts on U.S. tariff impositions
Economy/Business

LCCI tasks FG on intensified diplomatic efforts on U.S. tariff impositions

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts through its relevant ministries to address the United States (U.S.) tariff impositions on the country.

Mr Gabriel Idahosa, President, LCCI, gave the advice at a news conference on the chamber’s quarterly state of the economy on Thursday in Lagos.

Idahosa stated the importance of seeking clarity on the rationale for the tariffs and explore pathways for reversal or renegotiation with respect to Nigeria ban on 25 import items from the U.S..

He noted that with escalating tariff wars between the U.S. and the rest of the world, there may soon be higher inflation rates across many economies that were directly affected by the tariffs.

The LCCI president observed that with oil and gas purchases by the U.S. being exempted from the 14 per cent tariff on Nigeria, the economy might record limited impact from the tariffs.

He, however, stated that the tariffs had driven oil prices down, indicating a challenge to Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings from crude.

“With Trump’s tariffs threatening Nigeria’s N323.96 billion in 2024 non-oil, non-energy exports to the U.S., we believe a strategic, measured, and proactive response from the Nigerian government is imperative.

“Nigeria must reduce overdependence on a few trade partners by expanding bilateral trade agreements with emerging economies in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.

“Intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) should be aggressively promoted,” he said.

Idahosa also urged the Federal Government to incentivise local production and value addition in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.

He stated that exporting commodities in their primary state must give way to processed finished Nigerian goods that commanded higher global value.

He also recommended an urgent review of Nigeria’s national trade policy to reflect emerging global realities.

According to him, the country’s trade, tax, and customs regimes must be modernised to align with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules and safeguard Nigerian interests.

Addressing inflation, Idahosa noted that in spite of the rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), inflation remained significantly high.

He urged government and monetary authorities to intensify efforts at controlling inflation through a mix of fiscal, monetary and trade policies.

He said that with the global oil market facing multiple uncertainties and prices trending downwards, government must develop a fiscal response to address potential revenue gaps in the budget.

Idahosa added that government must address the trajectory of the country’s debt and fiscal indiscipline, particularly on the expenditure side.

Mr Ladi Smith, Vice president, LCCI, urged government on greater attempts to protect the various agricultural zones in the country.

He stressed that government should be encouraged to make greater security in areas that surround the nation’s food baskets to further drive down inflation and impact the populace.(NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

CAN urges sacrifice, healing for Northern Nigeria at Easter
Religious

CAN urges sacrifice, healing for Northern Nigeria at Easter

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By Sarafina Christopher

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), representing the 19 Northern States and FCT has called for a renewed and strategic approach to securing lives and property in the North.

CAN made the call in a statement by Rev. John Joseph Hayab, Chairman of CAN 19 Northern States and FCT on Thursday.

The statement which doubles as an Easter Greeting, is tagged: “2025 Easter: A call to Renewed Sacrifice, National Healing, and the Role of Women in Rebuilding Northern Nigeria”.

The statement which is coming as Christians across Nigeria and around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, also called for adequate compensation and rehabilitation for victims of insurgency and violence in the area.

Hayab made case for increased commitment to girl-child education as a foundation for societal progress and the implementation of inclusive policies that uphold justice, equity, and human dignity.

According to him, it is also of utmost importance to establish and support community-based peacebuilding and trauma-healing initiatives, especially for victims of violence and displaced persons.

The CAN chairman who expressed heartfelt Easter greetings to the Christian faithful in particular, and Nigerians in general.

“The Easter season, beyond its profound spiritual depth, presents a powerful opportunity for reflection on the redemptive sacrifice of Christ.

“His sacrifice was grounded in love, compassion, and a deep commitment to the common good of humanity.

“Easter reminds us that even in the face of pain and despair, hope can be reborn.

“It is a celebration of triumph through sacrifice and an invitation for all of us to awaken our collective conscience.”

Hayab said that more than ever before, Nigerians must rise above selfish interests, fear, and disunity, especially as the country, and the northern region in particular grapples with insecurity, moral decline, and leadership challenges.

He stated that in 2025, the northern wing of CAN is emphasising the critical role of women in the journey towards rebuilding the society.

Women, he said, have long stood as the unseen architects of homes, the moral compass of families, and the uncelebrated shapers of communities.

“Both historical and biblical accounts show us that when women are empowered, entire societies experience transformation.

“From the bravery of Queen Esther to the wisdom of Deborah and the unwavering devotion of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, the role of women in defining moments is unmistakable,” Hayab said.

He added that in the present realities of Northern Nigeria, what is need are women who not only nurture life but also shape futures.

He spoke of the need for mothers to raise sons grounded in discipline and daughters prepared for leadership and impact.

“Denying girls access to education does more than limit individual potential.

“It threatens our collective future. A girl who is denied education today may become a mother tomorrow who lacks the capacity to guide her children away from violence, ignorance, and moral collapse.

“It is our shared responsibility to empower women and girls through accessible education, structured mentorship, and real opportunities.

“We must raise daughters who lead with wisdom and integrity. We must invest in women who turn their homes into spaces of peace, their communities into beacons of learning, and their leadership into vehicles of selfless service,” he added.

Hayab urged parents to treat the education and moral upbringing of their children as sacred duties, adding that sending children to school and ensuring they stay until completion is a noble sacrifice that yields lasting rewards.

The CAN chairman advised leaders to be willing to prioritise the well-being of their people above personal interests.

He advised communities to choose unity instead of division, truth in place of convenience, and peace over conflict.

“As we celebrate this Easter, we must also acknowledge the sorrow and grief brought on by the ongoing violence in some parts of Northern Nigeria particularly in Plateau and Benue states.

“This tragic incident is a reminder on the need for urgent action against all forms of criminal activities in northern states and Nigeria at large.

“While communities must play their part, government at both the state and federal levels must not remain indifferent.

“May the risen Christ renew our hope, restore our values, and strengthen our resolve to build a more peaceful Northern Nigeria and a greater nation.

“We wish all Nigerians a joyful and meaningful Easter celebration. May God bless the women of Northern Nigeria and may He continue to bless our country,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Senegal tasks ECOWAS countries on investment promotion
Foreign

Senegal tasks ECOWAS countries on investment promotion

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By Mark Longyen

Senegal has urged Member States of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to step up measures that would promote and attract foreign investments to their respective countries.

Ms Fama Fall from Senegal’s Directorate of Foreign Trade, Investment and Development, made the call in a presentation at the ECOWAS Common Investment Market (ECIM) Technical Committee Council meeting in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised for member states to evaluate regional investment climate and share their knowledge of cross-border investment promotion and efforts.

It also aimed to focus on interrogating policy decisions that would attract both intra-ECOWAS and extra-ECOWAS investment flows, which would trigger subregional economic integration and development.

Fall, who first reviewed Senegal’s investment climate and investment policy reforms over the past three years, also highlighted its investment promotion, facilitation, monitoring, dispute settlement and bilateral agreement efforts.

She disclosed that Senegal’s foreign direct investment hit 2.58 billion dollars in 2022, and 2.64 billion dollars in 2023, when government deliberately put in place some measures to attract foreign investment.

According to her, the country’s strategic sectors include agriculture; information and communication technologies; construction; health; tourism; as well as oil and gas, which all have potential to attract more investment.

“France is the biggest investor in Senegal, but more and more, new investors are coming from other horizons.

“From China (peanuts, industrial products, public works, etc.); Turkey (public works); and the United Arab Emirates (mainly for gold), not to mention countries like Morocco, Indonesia and the United States of America.

“Senegal currently has seven officially-created SEZs (Special Economic Zones), three of which are operational and four under development,” she said.

Fall said the Senegalese government had also set up a legal framework to attract, enhance, facilitate, promote and monitor investments in the country.

She listed the legal frameworks as the Codes on Mining, Oil, Electricity, Customs, Building, General Tax, French Public Procurement, Local Content Law, Public-Private Partnerships.

Others include the ECOWAS Common Investment Code, ECOWAS Energy Protocol, Pan-African Investment Code, FTAA Protocol on Investment, and the Trade and Investment Agreement between the U.S. Government and ECOWAS.

“Senegal has signed several bilateral investment treaties (BITs) with Turkey; India; Spain; France; Mauritius; Italy; Malaysia; South Africa; Qatar; Argentina; Republic of Korea; Tunisia; United States of America; Romania; United Kingdom; Netherlands; Sweden, Germany; Switzerland; Canada; Tunisia; and UNCTAD.

“It is important to note that the new FTAA Protocol on Investment provides for the lapse of all BITs between African countries as soon as the Protocol is adopted.

“On the other hand, BITs signed with non-African countries remain in force insofar as they are not incompatible with the provisions of the AfCFTA Investment Protocol,” Fall further said.

She explained that the latter’s provisions prevail in the event of conflict with BITs signed with countries that have now become third parties vis-à-vis African countries.

The Senegalese official recommended to member states some regional measures aimed at supporting investment promotion and attraction, such as the improvement of coordination and governance of investment management.

Fall suggested the publishing of an annual report on regional investment monitoring, with statistical data on investment flows in ECOWAS.

“Member countries should overhaul their investment governance, particularly with regard to coordination between administrative departments responsible for investment management.

“Each country should complete the “last mile” of transport infrastructure linking all ECOWAS countries.

“Member states should adopt a resolution for the holding of a mandatory ECIM ministerial meeting on the occasion of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary,” she added.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Youth, women vital to advancing irrigated agriculture in Africa – Experts
Agriculture , Food Security

Youth, women vital to advancing irrigated agriculture in Africa – Experts

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By Tosin Kolade

Irrigation and water management experts have called for the inclusion of women and young professionals in advancing irrigated agriculture across Africa.

This call was a central theme at the 6th African Irrigation and Drainage (ARCID) Conference, which concluded with an award ceremony on Wednesday night in Abuja.

Mrs Oyeronke Oluniyi, Chairperson of the Nigerian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (NINCID), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the conference stood out for its strong engagement with young professionals from six African countries.

“The level of participation, knowledge-sharing, and innovation brought by these young professionals was impressive.

“They are no longer just learners; they are ready to lead and drive meaningful change in irrigation development across the continent”.

According to Oluniyi, who is also the Director of Irrigation and Drainage at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, a key highlight of the conference was a field visit to an irrigation site near Keffi, Nasarawa.

She described the visit as “a practical eye-opener” that provided real-world insight into the challenges and opportunities within irrigation practice.

She emphasised the importance of harnessing the creativity and energy of young people to promote sustainable agriculture in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These young minds are well-positioned to contribute to food security, effective water resource management, and increased agricultural productivity,” she said.

Oluniyi also pointed to a pre-conference youth forum, which provided a platform for delegates from various countries to collaborate, network, and exchange ideas.

Their engagement in the main sessions, she said, brought fresh perspectives to the discussions.

She added that it was inspiring to witness Nigerian youth engaging and forming connections with their peers from across the continent.

“The conference also featured a dedicated session on women’s participation in irrigated agriculture, aimed at empowering women and addressing barriers such as limited access to land and other essential resources.

“During the session, two female farmers; one from the Hadejia Valley Irrigation Project in Jigawa and another from the Kano River Irrigation Scheme in Zamfara, shared their personal stories of transformation and empowerment.

“Their journeys demonstrate that when women are supported, they not only thrive but also uplift others in their communities.

“In essence, our youth and women are not merely participants, but are agents of transformation. With the right support, they can help lead Nigeria and Africa towards a more food-secure and climate-resilient future, “Oluniyi said.

Also speaking at the event, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr Marco Arcieri, described the conference as a significant milestone for Africa.

He called for greater collaboration and networking to address shared challenges, including water scarcity and food insecurity.

“There are important lessons to take forward. From now on, we must strengthen cooperation and improve coordination to meet our development goals”.

Arcieri also commended the Nigerian National Committee for hosting the event with the backing of the Federal Government, including support from the Ministries of Water Resources, Agriculture, and the Presidency.

“This conference will leave a lasting impact, and ICID remains committed to supporting future progress,” he added.

Mr Inuwa Musa, Co-chair of the 6th ARCID Task Team noted that while advancements are being made, they must be accelerated to meet the demands of a growing population and the increasing impacts of climate change.

“To ensure food security, irrigation must be prioritised, we cannot break the cycle of poverty by farming for just four months a year. Sustainable, year-round food production depends on effective irrigation systems”.

Kuta, representing the Chairman of the African Regional Working Group, also stressed the importance of regional collaboration, particularly when it comes to managing shared water resources.

“Development does not happen in isolation. We must resolve conflicts over transboundary resources like the Niger Basin. There is enough water to meet our needs, though perhaps not our greed. We must learn to share wisely”.

Similarly, an Irrigation and Drainage Expert Mr Razaq Jimoh noted the urgency of scaling up action.

While acknowledging that Africa is on the right path, he warned that progress remains slow, especially given shifting rainfall patterns and other climate-related challenges.

Jimoh, a former Managing Director/CEO of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, reiterated the need for year-round food production.

“You cannot end poverty by farming for only a few months and surviving on that harvest for the rest of the year.

“The only viable solution is to produce food throughout the year, and that requires functional irrigation systems”.

He also called for an end to disputes over shared water resources, emphasising the need for equitable access and cooperation.

“Most conflicts in inter-basin and transboundary areas stem from unequal access, but there’s enough to meet our collective needs if we prioritise and collaborate”.

In his speech, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasised the need for partnerships and greater investment in irrigation to tackle climate change, population growth, and food insecurity.

Utsev commended the efforts of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), the African Regional Working Group, and all participating countries for their dedication to the conference’s goals.

He noted that their collaborative work would pave the way for developing actionable strategies in the irrigation and drainage sector for both Nigeria and the African continent.

Utsev was represented by Mr Moses Jo-Madugu, Director Reforms Coordination with the ministry.

He stressed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and ensuring accessible water resources for farmers to foster prosperity across Africa.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders across the continent to promote inclusive participation, enhance irrigation infrastructure, and foster regional cooperation to strengthen Africa’s agricultural resilience.

NAN reports that several distinguished individuals were recognised at the award ceremony for their contributions to leadership and governance in the water and agriculture sectors. (NAN)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

NUJ to sponsor media welfare enhancement bill
General News

NUJ to sponsor media welfare enhancement bill

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By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced plans to sponsor the Media Professionals Welfare Enhancement Bill aimed at improving the welfare of its members.

The National President of NUJ, Mr Alhassan Abdulahi, said this during the 2025 Easter Cantata Concert held in Abuja on Tuesday

The concert organised by the NUJ FCT Council, is themed, “Renewal and Hope: Harnessing the Transformation Power of Unity and Progress.”

Abdulahi said that senior colleagues within the profession were working on a media enhancement bill that would soon be presented to the National Assembly for consideration.

He expressed hope that if the bill were passed, it would mark a new beginning for journalism in Nigeria, with improved remuneration for journalists.

He also urged journalists to reflect spiritually during the Easter period and adopt a spirit of forgiveness.

Additionally, he appealed to journalists to prioritise national unity and security issues to ensure a peaceful Nigeria.

Rep. Leke Abejide, Chairman of the House Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, emphasised that NUJ plays a crucial role in the Renewed Hope Agenda, which sought to transform Nigeria into a unified and prosperous nation.

He commended the current administration for its efforts to drive economic development and create a hopeful future for the country.

Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) emphasised the importance of journalists embodying the values of unity and transformation in their reporting.

Ali was represented by Mr Kayode Olaitan, Director of Planning Research and Statistics at NAN.

Ms. Grace Ike, Chairman of NUJ FCT, highlighted that unity was a key driver of progress and urged journalists to use their unique role to share stories that inspire, educate, and unite communities.

Ike said that unity was a catalyst for progress, as it was the foundation on which progress was built.

“It is the glue that holds us together, allowing us to face challenges with strength and resilience.

“As journalists, we have a unique role in promoting unity by sharing stories that inspire, educate, and unite our communities,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Repositioning Technical Education for Nigeria’s development
Features

Repositioning Technical Education for Nigeria’s development

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By Sylvester Thompson, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In today’s evolving global economy, the strategic development of a nation’s technical education sector is a cornerstone for industrial growth and socio-economic advancement.

For Nigeria, a country with a youthful population and vast economic potential, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) offers a viable path to economic transformation, job creation, and technological innovation.

Technical education equips individuals with the practical skills and technological capabilities essential for driving industrialisation.

According to Aniefiok Ukomm and Emmanuel Agha in their book ‘An Evaluation of the Role of Technical Education in Nigeria’s Industrial Development’, it is this technological capability that distinguishes a robust economy from a weak one.

Moreover, it serves as the engine that produces the goods and services necessary for national growth and global competitiveness.

Over the years, technical education has assumed increasing significance in Nigeria’s development discourse.

The Federal Government, through the National Policy on Science and Technology Education (S&TE), has articulated its commitment to empowering citizens via skills acquisition, addressing youth unemployment, reducing social vices, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

At the 61st anniversary and the combined 26th to 29th convocation ceremony of Auchi Polytechnic, President Bola Tinubu affirmed that technical and vocational education is vital in resolving Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

He emphasised its importance in the areas of industrialisation, job creation, and technological advancement.

Tinubu further underscored that technical skills are the backbone of the economy, as they stimulate innovation, boost productivity, and generate employment.

Similarly, on November 27, 2024, the former Minister of Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, during a shareholders’ consultative dialogue in Abuja, outlined a new strategic direction focused on strengthening science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and vocational education.

This initiative aligns with the national development agenda to harness youth potential and build a skilled labour force.

In line with this vision, Dr Benjamin Achiatar, President of the Association of Private Polytechnics in Nigeria (APPN), has also stated the transformative potential of technical education in nation-building.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he outlined its benefits across short, medium, and long-term horizons.

According to him, technical education can reduce youth unemployment in the short term.

“This typically refers to within a government’s fiscal year, it does so by equipping young people with practical skills. These skills enable them to find jobs or start their own businesses.

“As a result, technical education fosters entrepreneurship and promotes self-reliance. It also helps to reduce poverty by expanding economic opportunities and improving living standards”, he said.

In the medium term, which covers a period of up to four years, Achiatar stated that technical education encourages innovation.

“It also supports technological advancement. When implemented effectively, it builds a culture of entrepreneurship.

“Additionally, it reduces the country’s dependence on non-renewable resources. This helps to drive sustainable development”.

Albeit these prospects, there remain many hurdles.

Scholars such as Prof. Reko Okoye and Maxwell Arimonu, in their work ‘Technical and Vocational Education in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and a Way Forward’, observe that TVET programmes have historically failed to reduce poverty and unemployment due to systemic issues.

These include inadequate funding, obsolete infrastructure, poor staff training and retention, a misaligned curriculum, and the apathy of political leaders.

Expressing same concerns, Olusola Alalade, General Secretary of the APPN, lamented that technical graduates in Nigeria are often undervalued and underutilised.

He noted that although polytechnics were initially modelled after the British system post-independence, the lack of incentives and recognition in both government and industry led to their marginalisation.

Consequently, many industries established in the 1970s and 1980s collapsed due to an inability to harness local technical talent effectively.

Alalade further observed a worrying trend, noting that Nigeria has skipped the crucial phase of industrialisation and moved directly from raw material production to service provision.

As a result, the country now largely markets and distributes manufactured goods from other nations instead of producing them domestically.

Notably, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (2023) reveal that Nigeria’s unemployment rate among youth aged 15–34 stood at over 53 per cent.

This figure reflects the urgency of repositioning technical education to address workforce gaps and catalyse economic development.

Given these challenges, stakeholders agree that a multifaceted strategy is required.

Firstly, they argue that improving remuneration and career pathways for technical educators is essential to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Secondly, they suggest that investing in continuous professional development programmes, particularly those focused on digital technologies and pedagogical innovation, can improve teaching quality and relevance.

Furthermore, partnerships between educational institutions and industry are vital.

These collaborations can align curricula with market needs, provide students with hands-on experience, and ensure that graduates possess industry-relevant skills.

Government intervention is also vital in funding infrastructure, upgrading teaching materials, and implementing comprehensive education reforms.

In conclusion, revitalising technical education in Nigeria is not merely an academic exercise, but a national imperative.

By addressing systemic barriers and fostering collaboration, Nigeria can lay the foundation for a strong technical education system.

All in all, treating technical education as a strategic investment will help cultivate a resilient workforce capable of driving industrial prosperity and sustainable development. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

Stakeholders urge investment in fodder, grazing reserves
Agriculture , Food Security

Stakeholders urge investment in fodder, grazing reserves

507 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

Stakeholders in the livestock sector have urged increased investment in pasture development and the revitalisation of grazing reserves.

They said this is essential to ensure sufficient fodder for livestock and help resolve the ongoing farmer-herder crises nationwide.

The call was made on Tuesday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ workshop convened to validate the draft National Animal Feed Policy Document.

Prof. Ari Maikano, President of the Nigerian Food and Fodder Multi-Sector Platform, spoke on the current state of fodder in the country.

He noted that a thorough assessment from the valley regions to the savannah zones reveals the presence of various types of pasture, shrubs, and fodder.

“These reflect our diverse agro-ecological zones. Nigeria is blessed with rich fodder resources that require further development.

“Some countries have sourced their fodder from Nigeria and integrated it into their national agricultural assets.

“Interestingly, we currently have a situation where some areas have abundant fodder production, while others have high utilisation rates.

“One of the strengths of the fodder sector is the potential for robust business-to-business relationships,” he added.

Maikano highlighted the importance of private sector funding in addressing the challenges faced by the livestock industry, emphasising that the sector cannot continue to rely solely on government support.

“It is essential that the sector attracts significant private sector investment. Encouragingly, we are beginning to see data-driven interventions, which are crucial for the growth and development of the sector.

“Historically, the focus has been on feed, but we are now recognising that fodder is a major constraint in Nigeria’s livestock-agriculture system, and it must be prioritised”.

The professor stressed the need for greater engagement with the fodder sector, describing it as central to resolving many of the country’s current security challenges.

He linked the recurring conflicts between farmers and herders to competition over feed resources.

Speaking at the workshop, Maikano said the objective was to appraise and validate the National Animal Feed Policy Document and harmonise ideas on key issues that should be reflected in the final policy.

He identified private sector participation as one of the core themes of the document that would benefit the sector.

Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, described the gathering as a significant step in stakeholders’ collective effort to reposition the livestock sector.

He identified the livestock sector as a vital contributor to national food security, rural livelihoods, and economic diversification.

The minister emphasised that animal feed and fodder form the backbone of any sustainable livestock production system.

He acknowledged that the sector continues to face major challenges, including inadequate feed and fodder supply, poor quality control, weak regulatory frameworks, and limited private sector engagement.

“These gaps have hampered productivity, profitability, and resilience across our livestock value chains,” he said.

“This policy document, which we are here to validate, offers a strategic and inclusive response to those challenges.

“It provides a comprehensive framework for enhancing feed and fodder production, attracting investment, supporting research and development, ensuring quality standards, and improving stakeholder coordination.

“A structured policy for feed and fodder across production, supply, market access, and investment is essential in driving the Ministry’s goal to double our national herd to 398.9 million heads,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

NAFDAC alerts Nigerians to circulation of counterfeit Aflotin drugs
Health

NAFDAC alerts Nigerians to circulation of counterfeit Aflotin drugs

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By Kemi Akintokun

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Tuesday alerted the public of the presence of counterfeit Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets circulating under the brand name Aflotin 20/120 in Nigeria.

The agency said on its twitter handle that the counterfeit product was discovered and reported to the Agency by the genuine manufacturer, Ajanta Pharma Limited from Mumbai, India,

According to NAFDAC, Ajanta Pharma observed that it manufactured the counterfeited product with batch number PA2128L in December 2018, with an expiry date of November 2020.

It said the batch was created for Combisunate 20/120 (Artemether 20mg/Lumefantrine 120mg Tablets), with a pack size of 30 x 24 tablets, but had now been counterfeited and was being sold as Aflotin 20/120mg with a pack size of 1 x 18 tablets.

It added that the overprinted matter did not match Ajanta’s overprinting style.

The agency said the company had confirmed that the Aflotin 20/120mg with Batch No: PA2128L available in the Nigerian market was a counterfeit, as determined by the investigation carried out and observations made on the product.

“The genuine Aflotin 20/120 tablet is a combination of Artemether/Lumefantrine (20mg/120mg) and is primarily used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite,” it said.

The regulatory agency emphasised that counterfeit medicines endanger people’s health because they do not comply with regulatory standards, which meant the safety, quality, and efficacy of these products are not ensured.

“The use of counterfeit medicines often fail to treat diseases or conditions effectively, leading to serious health consequences, including death,” NAFDAC said.

It said all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators had been informed and directed to conduct surveillance and remove any counterfeit products found within their zones and states.

NAFDAC also advised distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals, and caregivers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the distribution, sale, and use of counterfeit products.

It advised that all medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. (NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

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