FG urges collective effort to bridge adult literacy gap
By Funmilayo Adeyemi
The Federal Government has solicited stakeholders’ collective engagement to close the literacy gaps among youths and adults in the country.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, made the appeal at a National Stakeholders’ Engagement on Achieving Youth and Adult Literacy in Abuja.
The event, organised by the National Commission For Mass Literacy, Adult and Non- Formal Education (NMEC) has the theme: “Addressing the Challenges of Data Collection, Out-of-School Children/Youths.”
A report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that Yobe had the lowest literacy level of 7.23 per cent in 2017, Zamfara 19.16 per cent, Katsina 10.36 per cent and Sokoto 15.01 per cent.
The report shows that Southern states were far better with Imo the highest with 96.43 per cent, Lagos 96.3 per cent, Ekiti 95.79 per cent, and Rivers 95.76 per cent.
The minister, however, said that there must be an holistic approach towards improving the quality of knowledge and certificate given to the adults and non-formal schools.
“The stakeholders engagement is to carry everybody along and get the buying in of all Nigerians.
“The way forward for us is to pay attention to education and this is not only for children but holistic in adults and non-formal education and this education must be backed with certification.
”We are trying to see how we can improve the quality of knowledge and certificate that can be given to our adults and non-formal schools.
“We also want to incorporate skills acquisition into it so that they can also have skills,” he said.
Sununu added that there was the need to begin to create awareness campaign that would help parents appreciate the importance of an educated society.
“For you to have an educated children, you must have an educated family.
“There is a direct relationship of the education of the offsprings to that of the parent,” he said.
The minister said that with President Bola Tinubu’s attention on education advancement, low literacy level would be eradicated in the country.
According to him, the president has achieved relative success in this with the return of over 2 million children back to school.
Also, the Executive Secretary of NMEC, Prof. Simon Akpama, said the roadmap for the Nigerian Education Sector had provided a strategic framework to tackle illiteracy challenges head-on.
Akpama urged stakeholders to harness the diverse expertise and resources to create inclusive and effective educative programmes that would enhance unhindered access to quality education.
“The population increase contributes to increasing number of out-of-school children and once parental illiteracy is high, it will contribute to increasing the number.
“We must support government in funding adequately youth and adult literacy. Except this commission is properly funded, we will continue to compound the problem of out-of-school children,” he said.
The Chairman, House Committee on Alternative Education, Mr Ibrahim Mustapha, commended the political will of the President towards changing the literacy narrative of the country.
Mustapha also expressed the commitment and support of the National Assembly in achieving an educated society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bayo Sekoni
NGOs, OXFAM train women on agriculture, climate change
By Abigael Joshua
The Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), in partnership with OXFAM, have launched a training programme for women on agriculture and climate change.
Dr Michael David, Executive Director of GIFSEP, announced this at a workshop on Female Food Heroes (Ogbonge), Women on Climate Change, and Access to Climate Finance on Tuesday in Abuja.
David noted the importance of the training, saying that female farmers produce much of the food consumed in the country.
“Climate change is affecting how they grow their food. Given the food inflation the country is experiencing, we can attribute climate change as one of the causes of this issue,” David said.
He stressed the need to train farmers to become change agents in their communities and states, enable them to teach others how to build resilience to climate change and implement simple adaptation techniques.
David also called on the Federal Government to support smallholder farmers with interventions that would ensure bumper harvests.
“To achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2030, we must empower small-scale farmers. We need to train more women, not just the ‘Ogbonge’ women, to help our country attain food sovereignty,” he said.
Similarly, Peggy Maimaji, Project Coordinator of Together Against Poverty at OXFAM, stated that the project addresses issues crucial to female farmers, especially the impacts of climate change on farming.
She assured that the project would continue to address issues of access to land and finance, noting that OXFAM has awarded no fewer than 12 women farmers every year since 2012 through the Female Food Hero project.
Monica Maigari, a participant from Kaduna State who was awarded by OXFAM in 2014 for her achievements, praised the NGOs for the training.
Maigari said she had learned how to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo
Reps seek budget increase for science, technology research
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
The House of Representatives Committee on Science and Engineering has called on the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation to science and technology research to boost the country’s socio-economic development.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Inuwa Garba, made the call during the oversight visit to Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) in Abuja.
“We are not impressed by what we are seeing here because as a research complex, the government should make a very robust and effective budget system to this institution to make it work.
“We all see the kind of investment that is here, running into billions of naira but nothing positive is happening, maybe due to lack of proper funding or other issues,” he said.
Garba said that based on what the committee had observed at the complex, there was the need for discussing how to ensure proper functionality of the institution, in line with international best practices.
“Looking at what is happening globally in the area of science and technology, Nigeria should not be left behind because that is what is moving the entire world now.
“Without research, there will be no development; without development, there will be no positive change in any country,” he said.
Garba stressed the need for taking science research seriously, stressing that the complex was a good initiative but that due to negligence, it had not achieved its purpose.
He said that science research was important in the area of agriculture, healthcare, housing and automobile industry, adding that it also enhanced opportunities to solve problems.
The lawmaker called for strategic approach to addressing the challenges in the science and technology sector.
The Director-General of SHESTCO, Prof. Paul Onyenekwe, commended the committee for their visit, expressing the hope that they would address the pressing challenges of the institution.
He commended the committee for its objectivity, dedication and passion for science research in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
Nigeria has 40.2m agriculture households – NBS
By Okeoghene Akubuike
Nigeria has about 40.2 million agricultural households, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.
This was made known at the unveiling of the National Agricultural Sample Census (NASC) 2022 in Abuja on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the census was conducted by the NBS in partnership with the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The report revealed that out of the 91 per cent of agricultural households that cultivated crops, 35 per cent practised only crop cultivation while 48 per cent reported raising any type of livestock.
It showed that 16 per cent of the households raised 58 million cattle, while 41.2 per cent raised about 124 million goats.
“While 42.5 per cent raised poultry, most commonly chickens, while five per cent practised fisheries.”
The report showed that the lowest percentage of agricultural households into Crop Cultivation was recorded in Lagos State at 48.0 per cent, while Ebonyi recorded the highest at 99.5 per cent.
It showed the highest percentage of agricultural households engaged in Livestock Production was reported in Jigawa at 84.2 per cent, followed by Bauchi at 79.7 per cent .
The report said for Poultry, the highest percentage of agricultural households was recorded in Benue at 65.2 per cent, followed by Ebonyi State at 63.3 per cent.
Bishop Ohioma, Assistant Director, Agricultural and Business Enterprises Statistics Department, NBS, while giving an overview of the report, said the survey has two components which include the listing component and the sample survey component.
Ohioma said the listing component was what was being unveiled while the sample survey component would be unveiled in a few months.
He said the census provided a robust dataset that would support agricultural interventions programmes, enhance food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
He said the NASC listing was conducted using digitised Enumeration Area (EA) maps in all the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT.
Ohioma said 767 Local Government Areas (LGAS) in the country were canvassed, however, seven LGAs were not covered as at the time of the Census, following insecurity concerns.
He said the uncovered LGAs were four LGAs in Imo state and three LGAs in Borno state.
Ohioma said 40 EAs were covered in each LGA and the number of EAs covered varied by state, both urban and rural EAs were covered.
“In all, 30,546 EAs were covered nationwide out of the proposed 30,960. ”
He said one of the recommendations from the report include the need for Government to allocate more resources to support the conduct of the quarterly and annual National Agricultural Sample Survey (NASS).
Ohioma said the report also recommended Technical and financial Partners to sustain support in the conduct of quarterly and annual surveys.
“Technical and financial Partners to continuously provide support to build capacity of staff of the NBS in agricultural statistics production.
“All hands must be on deck to ensure the sustainability of the NASC in Nigeria.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Renewing hope for Persons with Disabilities
A News Analysis by Ahmed Ubandoma, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities is a non-governmental organisation that has, on many occasions, raised concerns about the population of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the country.
The argument of the organisation has been that without an accurate figure on PwDs, it will be difficult to make adequate plans for their wellness.
It alleges that the 2006 Nigerian census recorded 3.2 million people as living with disabilities, or 2.32 per cent of the total population of 140 million people in that year which, according to it is inaccurate.
It then enjoined the National Population Commission to cooperate with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for a fair capturing of the PwDs in future census.
Concerned persons living with disabilities have also observed that the ratified United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of 2007 and its Optional Protocol in 2010 have no any impacts on the management of PwDs across the country.
According to them, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, charged with submitting reports on progress might not have been doing so, thus limiting the understanding of disability to a treatise of welfare and charity, resulting in total neglect of the several rights of the PwDs.
For instance, Mr James David Lalu, the pioneer Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, explains that it takes 20 years struggle to recognise the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in the country.
“There are a lot of things to put in place in a particular building before you can achieve an effective accessibility.
”One of the efforts we are making is to create a programme to bring together experts on accessibility, within and outside the country’’, he explains.
Similarly, Mr Abdullahi Usman, President, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, notes that many PwDs are live in abject poverty “and if you go to some parts of the country, they engaged in street begging because they are not educated enough to know the dangers of it.
“Our members needs skills acquisition training. If the Federal Government can help us to admit our members into skills centres to acquire different skills, we will appreciate that’’.
Concerned by this condition of the people living with disabilities, President Bola Tinubu’s administration through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, announced a new policy direction under the Renewed Hope Agenda that in every social intervention programme undertaken by government, 10 per cent of such would be reserved for PwDs.
Suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Betta Edu, who announced the new policy while inaugurating various empowerment programmes for persons with disabilities in Abuja, said that the President directed that the disability community should be given priority in all intervention programmes of government.
“Already, we are into conditional cash transfers for 15 million households; out of this figure, 10 per cent is reserved for the disability.
“So, we are happy and very proud of the disability commission for pushing on all fronts to ensure that the Renewed Hope Agenda is actually achieved,’’ she noted.
“We are providing Point Of Sales (POS) machines to persons with disability across the country so that they can be the last mile distributors of the funds to people living in villages and hard-to-reach areas.
“We also gave N130, 000 each, as scholarship to some physically challenged students in tertiary institutions.
“Beyond this, we have also been able to bring officials of the Corporate Affairs Commission to carry out proper registration of their businesses and N20 million has been released for that purpose.
“We are having several other interventions such as giving out grants to associations linked to persons with disabilities,” she said.
Edu said that the Federal Government would be committed to supporting the educational needs of citizens, persons with disabilities inclusive.
She also said that the ministry would collaborate with the Ministries of Finance, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, among others, to eradicate poverty in the country.
“Some people are poor because they do not have access to education while others are poor because they do not have access to quality healthcare services or are poor because they do not have access to jobs,’’ she observed.
She said that the ministry had been given a full department to coordinate the overall national responses on issues relating to persons with disabilities in the country.
Sharing similar sentiments, Mr Abdullahi Usman, President, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, therefore, commended the president for the gesture and for rectifying the African Charter on Human Rights and the rights of persons with disabilities in the country.
Usman, however, decried the slow level of implementation of the presidential directive which he said that only half of his members had so far benefited from the intervention programme.
“First, we must appreciate the government of Tinubu with the Renewed Hope Agenda and for his wonderful job of ensuring that there is equal opportunity for all citizens.
“All we are asking for is to have equal opportunity where inclusive society will be guaranteed because nothing about us is without us,’’ Usman pleaded.
Ms Chisom Onyekwere, one of the beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope intervention programme that got POS machine, also expressed gratitude for the gesture.
“I am a living witness of the Renewed Hope intervention programme and for me, the president has made impact in this one year of his government because I was given POS machine and a token of N100,000 to startup my business through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs,’’ she said.
Mr Halilu Gayam, Chairman, Nasarawa State Association of the Deaf, however said that his members had yet to feel the impact of the Renewed Hope intervention programme.
“We in Nasarawa State have yet to feel the impact of president’s intervention but we use to see in television as other states benefit and we hope our turn will come.
“Majority of our members in Nasarawa State are well educated because we have special needs school and the areas we would need Federal Government support is job opportunities,’’ he said.
Also, Ms Brisca Aaron, Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, said that the state had benefited from the Federal Government’s intervention programmes.
“The policy has been implemented in Bauchi State because the state is benefiting from the relief materials and other social interventions of the Federal Government to persons with disabilities under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
“Bauch is the first in the North-East region of the country to domesticate the discrimination against Persons with Disabilities Law and we have strong synergy with the Federal Government in promoting disability inclusive projects, especially as it relates to their education, health and social wellbeing,’’ she said.
Observers, nonetheless, believe that Tinubu means his promise on the Renewed Hope Agenda when he said that it would leverage the nation’s population and resources with main focus on unleashing the nation’s full economic potential. (NANFeatures)
**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
NGO hosts inter-school debate to inspire youth environmental action
By Tosin Kolade and Kehinde Akpan
The C-Circle Research Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment, an NGO, has conducted an inter-school debate competition to promote environmental sustainability and awareness among young people.
The founder of the NGO, Dr Chimere Ohajinwa, stated that the event was part of activities commemorating the 2024 World Environment Day, themed “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.”
The event, which held in Abuja on Thursday was in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro and other partners.
Ohajinwa, an Environmental Toxicologist and a Public Health Expert, said that 10 schools participated, engaging in discussions on climate change, environmental impacts, policy solutions, and sustainable practices.
According to her, the debate competition is a way to broaden children’s knowledge about the environment, climate change, and their impacts.
“The debate also aims to improve public speaking and critical thinking skills in the students.
“The competition is planned to be held three times a year, with other topics organised for debate.
“From the presentations, tree planting is used to control erosion, prevent deforestation, and mitigate other natural disasters.”
Dr Ohajinwa explained that the second discussion concluded that both infrastructure and public awareness were important for effective waste management.
She further said that the event would educate participants, raise awareness, and inspire proactive measures among the younger generation.
On his part, Oritsejolomi Ayomike, the President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro, said Rotary is a humanitarian organisation that collaborates with the government and educational institutions.
According to him, the club works to create public awareness about harmful environmental practices and their health implications, such as open defecation and deforestation.
Ayomike emphasised that the goal was not to determine the best school but to raise awareness and educate students about environmental maintenance and its health implications.
“Our focus areas are the environment and basic education, which led to bringing students from different schools to debate environmental issues,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 10 schools were invited, but nine participated in the competition.
The debate topics were “Tree Planting Improves Restoration and Reduces Desertification” and “Is the biggest challenge to effective waste management in Nigeria as a result of lack of infrastructure or lack of Public Awareness”.
Regina Pacis College Garki, Abuja won first place, followed by Government Secondary School, Gwagwa, in second place.
Bristol Academy, Karu, took third place, and Government Secondary School, Life-Camp, secured fourth place.
The schools received drought-resistance trees donated by Ecosmart Climate Action Initiatives.
The trees would be planted in the schools to commemorate World Environment Day 2024.
It would be monitored by C-Circle Research, a sister organisation to C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment.
NAN also reports that World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, encourages awareness and action for environmental protection.
It is supported by numerous non-governmental organisations, businesses, and government entities and represents the primary United Nations outreach day for the environment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
FAO distributes farm inputs to 187,250 farmers in 3 states
By Talatu Maiwada
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has commenced the distribution of farm inputs to 187,250 farmers in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
Mr Dominique Kouacou, FAO’s Nigeria/ECOWAS Representative, said at the event on Thursday at Jabbi-Lamba, Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa, that the intervention followed the seeming escalation of food insecurity in the country.
Represented by Mr Luc Manga, Head of Office, North-East, Kouacou, said that a large population of people in the North-East were at the risk of facing food insecurity.
Kouacou said that the intervention, supported by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), USAID, Norway’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, and Swiss Development and Cooperation was targeted at benefiting about 26,750 households.
“In all, the intervention will benefit no fewer than 187,250 individuals across the the three states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe,” he said.
The FAO representative, said that a total of 5,350 households and 37,450 individuals would benefit from the programme in Guyuk, Madagali, Michika and Girei areas of Adamawa.
“They will receive essential inputs such as cereal seeds, legume seeds, vegetable seeds and NPK fertilisers.
“This collaborative effort is geared towards restoring and strengthening food security in the state.
“It is also aimed at supporting the communities to restart their individual means of livelihood, improve food production and foster economic resilience,” he said.
Earlier, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, said that the collaboration was a significant milestone in the effort to transform agriculture in the state and the North-East region at large
Represented by Prof. David Jatau, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Fintiri commended FAO for the support, describing it as timely and impactful.
“Agriculture is not just a sector, it is a way of life. Your support has been instrumental in building resilience in our agriculture sector and ensuring food security.
“From these initiatives, the farmers will receive high quality seeds, fertiliser and other inputs that will help to produce high yielding crops,” he said.
The governor said that the state government was already providing training supports to farmers to improve their skills and competence.
“Our intention is to develop sustainable agricultural practices that will ensure long-term food security for our people,” he said.
Halilu Bello, a beneficiary, appreciated FAO and the state government for the initiative, saying that the inputs would help the farmers to eliminate hunger and rebuild their sources of livelihood.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that is leading international efforts to eliminate hunger. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Florence Onuegbu and Azubuike Okeh
FG begins water quality analysis to curtail cholera outbreak
By Tosin Kolade
The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has initiated a water quality analysis following a cholera outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of 30 people across several states.
Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that this was necessary following continued reports of outbreak in many parts of the country.
According to him, the ministry’s concern highlights the severity of the waterborne disease, which is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and spreads rapidly through contaminated water or food.
He said the symptoms of cholera include vomiting, severe dehydration, and diarrhea, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
“In response to the outbreak, teams from the National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Lagos, Enugu, and Sokoto have been dispatched to collect water samples and investigate the presence of Vibrio cholerae in the affected areas.
“Additionally, the ministry is coordinating with State Technical Working Groups and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies (RUWASSAs) through the WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group (WiETWG) to address the outbreak comprehensively”.
Shinkafi said that before the outbreak, the National WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group had already trained state working groups on preparedness, prevention, and response strategies, as well as hygiene promotion and water safety planning.
These states, he said have now intensified their community sensitisation efforts to reduce cholera cases and are promoting campaigns against open defecation, a known transmission route for the disease.
He however urged Nigerians to take precautions to protect themselves and their families by boiling or treating drinking water before consumption.
The permanent secretary called on all Nigerians to always wash ehands with soap under clean, running water regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
He said the ministry will continue to provide updates in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as the situation evolves.
“Let’s wash fruits and vegetables with safe water and salt before eating.
“Let’s also seek medical attention immediately if experiencing symptoms of cholera, such as vomiting, severe dehydration, and diarrhea.
“Together, we can overcome this challenge and prevent further loss of lives”.
NAN quotes the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention as saying “as of 11 June 2024, 1,141 suspected cholera cases had been recorded across 30 states in Nigeria since January 2024.’’
The 10 states that recorded 90 per cent of the cases are mostly located in the South (Bayelsa—over 400 cases, Lagos, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Imo States), with some situated further north (Katsina, Nasarawa, Zamfara.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Musawa pledges to promote Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage
By Femi Ogunshola
The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has pledged to promote Nigeria’s diverse heritage in a bid to sustain the culture of the people.
This is contained in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Sub-National Engagement and Partnership, Mr Abiola Abdulkareem, in Abuja on Thursday.
The minister’s promise was made at the 2024 Emirate Durbar in Ilorin and other parts of the country after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Abdulkareem quoted Musawa as saying that her commitment underscored the ministry’s dedication to fostering critical partnerships at both the national and grassroots levels to celebrate and elevate the country’s diverse heritage.
“I will continue to support and partner players both at the national and grassroot levels to fashion our new ways to promote and celebrate the beauty of our diverse heritage,” she said.
Musawa emphasised the importance of the Emirate Durbar, not only as a cultural event but as a vital symbol of Nigeria’s historical and social unity.
She said that the durbar, renowned for its vibrant display of horse-riding regalia, traditional music, and dance, served as a powerful reminder of the nation’s rich and diverse cultural history.
“The Emirate Durbar in Ilorin is a cornerstone of our cultural heritage.
“Our ministry is committed to ensuring that such events receive the recognition and support they deserve.
“We believe that by partnering with local and national stakeholders, we can create new avenues to showcase the beauty of our traditions and bring them to the forefront of national consciousness,” she said.
Musawa said that the pledge was part of a broader initiative by the ministry to integrate cultural heritage into the national development agenda.
According to her, by supporting traditional events like the emirate durbar, the ministry aims to foster unity, national pride, and cultural awareness among Nigerians.
She said that the initiative would boost the local economy by attracting tourism and providing opportunities for local artisans and performers.
Musawa highlighted the ministry’s strategic plan to collaborate with state governments, traditional leaders, and cultural organisations to create sustainable frameworks for cultural preservation and promotion.
According to her, the plan includes capacity-building programmes, financial support for cultural events, and the development of cultural infrastructure across the country.
“Promoting our cultural heritage is not just about preserving the past; it’s about creating a vibrant future where our traditions can thrive and inspire future generations.
“The Emirate Durbar is a testament to our rich cultural diversity, and we are committed to making it a landmark event on both the national and international stage,” Musawa added.
She promised to promote cultural celebrations in Nigeria, where the beauty and diversity of the nation’s heritage will be honored and cherished.
She stated that through these efforts, the ministry would position itself as a strong player in the cultural sector, dedicated to nurturing and promoting Nigeria’s rich heritage.
She added that the commitment would not only help to celebrate the past but also paved way for a culturally-enriched future in the country.
She commended the organisers for a great job and the wonderful hospitality experienced at the event.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bashir Rabe Mani
