News Agency of Nigeria
Health

Liverpool medical school, Foundation train NPMCN examiners on obstetrics skills

By Aderogba George

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), an NGO, have commenced the second batch training of National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) faculty examiners.

Mrs Adanna Maduka, Director of Policy, Partnerships and Grants, WBFA, made this known in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said that the second batch training on Advanced Obstetrics and Surgical Skills (AOSS) training for NPMCN faculty examiners commenced on Monday June 3, with 24 participants.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the organisers held the first batch of the training in May.

The training is taking place the project’s Centre of Excellence at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

Maduka said that the training was aimed at supporting the NPMCN faculty examiners in training resident doctors in obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGYN), as well as ensuring quality assurance, and evaluating programmes.

She quoted Dr Hauwa Mohammed, Country Director for LSTM Nigeria, as while encouraging participants to engage actively with the training assured them of an enriching training experience.

Dr Helen Allott, the Course Director, said the project was aimed at enhancing maternal and child healthcare outcomes across Nigeria.

Allott said that LSTM’s and WBFA’s were committed in strengthening the healthcare systems as well as to  support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in country.

“This effort underscores the partnering organisations’ response to Nigeria’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates’’, he said.

According to Allott, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that Nigeria has the second-highest maternal death rate globally and one of the highest neonatal mortality rates in Africa.

She quoted the WHO as saying that Nigeria has 800 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and a neonatal mortality rate of 33 per 1,000 live births in 2019.

She said that by advancing AOSS competency-based curriculum for resident doctors in OBGYN at NPMCN, the partners aimed to ensure high-quality healthcare for mothers and newborns.

According to her, the course covers advanced techniques and best practices for managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies, directly contributing to improved healthcare delivery.

The project, according to her, is funded through the Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP), supported by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

It is managed by the Tropical Health and Education Trust (@THETlinks) for the benefit of the UK and partner country health sectors. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Netherlands funded programme unveils phase 2 of climate-smart palm oil initiative
Agriculture

Netherlands funded programme unveils phase 2 of climate-smart palm oil initiative

By Bukola Adewumi

Solidaridad and IDH, a Netherlands funded programme, has unveiled phase two of the National Initiative for Sustainable and Climate Smart Oil Palm Smallholders (NISCOPS).

NISCOPS, which aims to improve the production of oil palm while fostering a climate friendly activity, targets 12,000 oil palm farmers in its phase 2.

Wouter Plomp, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, spoke with journalists at the unveiling of the project on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that unveiling of the second phase was his country’s commitment to sustaining a more environment-friendly.

Plomp said it would also create a social future of the palm oil production in Nigeria.

“You know very well that palm oil is vital for Nigeria’s economy; so is the future of Nigeria’s precious forests and so is equitability in the division of the gains of the palm oil sector.

“So, what we aim to achieve by this project is to have a more sustainable future and a more equitable future for the palm oil production in Nigeria,’’ he said.

The Head of Programmes, Solidaridad in West Africa, Nathaniel Boateng, who represented the Regional Director of Solidaridad, Isaac Gyamfi, said the main focus of the unveiling was to ensure the improvement oil palm within the region.

According to him, it will help the region to feed itself and meet the demand of oil palm; so that the farmers are able to cultivate in a way that does not harm the environment.

“There is the notion that oil palm contributes a lot to deforestation; so, we seek to encourage farmers to invest more within the landscape that they are in to diversify and also enrich their production.

“So, that they get more from what they have instead of expanding into other landscapes or into the forest areas.’’

Boateng explained that the first phase was a test case to prove that indeed if farmers were to intensify, if they were to do best management practices, they could produce more.

“It was a test case with a few farmers; in phase two, we are going to expand to other farmers; we are going to scale and consolidate the results that we have.

“But most importantly is to look for opportunities to also unlock climate finance for the farmers; so, that is a new area that we want to venture in on the NISCOPS phase two.

“So, farmers are able to intensify; do best management practices to reduce emissions and mitigate carbon emissions so that they can unlock climate finance,’’ he said.

The Chairman Executive Board of IDH, Daan Wensing, said IDH was working around the globe to bring the power of the private sector to a sustainable development goal in terms of innovation power and the investment it could make.

He said IDH was in partnership with Solidaridad, the government, public private partnership, farmers and civil societies.

The Programme Manager, Solidaridad, Kene Onukwube, said the second phase of NISCOPS consolidated the achievement of the first phase.

“We have been able to up the yield for oil palm up to 115 tons per hectare and that is a huge gap between where it was before.

“So, we think that best management practices that are contributing to that should be replicated across more locations,” he said.

He further explained that the second phase entailed building the bridge for local and international markets.

Onukwube said from the first phase of NISCOPS, it was realised that very little was understood about issues around the sustainability standards that were the hallmark for the international market.

“So, we want to be able to use this second phase to broaden that perspective; help farmers and communities to begin to take responsibility for the sustainability of their forests, for the forest landscapes vis-a-vis the oil palm landscape.

“The farmers we are going to work with now, we are looking at 12,000 and more,’’ he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

W/Africa’s future millionaires ‘ll emerge from startups- experts
Foreign

W/Africa’s future millionaires ‘ll emerge from startups- experts

By Mark Longyen

Some West African stakeholders are upbeat about the prospects of business startups growing up to become big companies owned by business moguls, complementing today’s major industry players as employers of labour.

They expressed this optimism in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at a preparatory meeting ahead of the second West African startup awards scheduled to hold later in the year.

“Startups are supposed to be unicorns and they’ve dovetailed into becoming future employers of businesses, huge ones.

“They’re not SME’s, but businesses that will have both continental and regional impact.

“We’re trying to build up young ones so that they can go into complementing the current business moguls.

“Those business moguls, who are even the ones to mentor them now, so that they also grow up to do the same things that the big ones are doing.

“So, for me, I think it’s a step in the right direction to create businesses,” ECOWAS Ag.Director, Private Sector, Anthony Elumelu said.

According to Guinea Bissau’s Cesaltina Tavares,  Communications Officer, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) Lomé, Togo, the sky is the limit for the growth of startups.

Tavares said that explained why EBID was prepared to give tremendous financial support to select startups, to enable them to achieve their dreams and boost the ECOWAS private sector.

“My take in this event is that the startups really need institutions like us to improve the work they are doing already.

“They are not just businesses. Startups for private sector is a dream.

“So, on this note, we are here to support them with all our financial power.

“So that we can improve the ECOWAS private sector. I believe that this is just the way forward,” Tavares said.

Also speaking, Chinenye Akandu, Partnerships Executive of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, said that it was in realisation of the great potentials of startups that the foundation came to their rescue.

She disclosed that the foundation had doled out a whooping $100 million  to identify, train, mentor and fund 10,000 young african entrepreneurs over a period of ten years.

“In terms of the collaboration between ECOWAS and other organisations in support of startups and entrepreneurs in West Africa.

“I believe entrepreneurship and startups are like the life wire, the lifelong economic growth and development on the continent.

“We at the Tony Elumelu Fondation are at the forefront in terms of supporting these young African entrepreneurs.

“We believe that private sectors have a huge role to play in terms of economic development and social welfare across the continent. So entrepreneurship to us is the baby.

“We believe that they have a crucial role to play on the continent and everything in terms of economic growth and development, entrepreneurship is the number one.

“They are the live wire. They are the live blood. They are the seeds that you plant, and they are the seeds that will germinate and bring forth growth and development on the continent.

“So, first of all, we started with $100 million commitment to identify, train, mentor and fund 10,000 young African entrepreneurs over a period of ten years.

“And we are actually in our 10th year of the program, the 10th cycle, and we’ve been able to empower and fund over 20,000 young African entrepreneurs,” she said.

Michael Oyeyiola, Ecobank Manager, FCT and Northern Nigeria, said that buoyed by the potential of startups to boost West Africa’s economy, the bank had helped the ecosystem by way of their mentoring and capacity building.

“We were deeply involved in the first part of this program, where we supported the ecosystem in terms of executing this program, financially and otherwise.

“A significant role we actually played was also in terms of the mentoring and capacity development of those people.

“Resourcing is one, but also helping those individuals to be able to navigate necessary partnerships, is necessary,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited the by Isaac Aregbesola

Junkanoo festival: Country rep. advocates peace to drive Nigerian culture
Entertainment

Junkanoo festival: Country rep. advocates peace to drive Nigerian culture

By Aderogba George

Amb. Felix Ihonre, Nigeria’s Country Representative for World Junkanoo Foundation and World Carnival Commission, has called for peace in order to drive Nigeria’s cultural heritage and harness its potential.

Ihonre made the call in Abuja on Monday at a news conference on the upcoming World Junkanoo Festival for Tourism and Culture, scheduled to hold in Vaughan City, Canada, from July 4 to 8, 2024.

The country representative, who said that the culture and tourism activities only thrived in a peaceful society, urged the government at all levels to intensify efforts in their fight against terrorism, kidnaping and other vices.

“I will like to say that since the inception of President’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, there had been a promotional atmosphere of culture and tourism activities in all parts of the country.

“And there is need to intensify the activities to make sure that culture thrives but I will tell you that culture and tourism activities cannot thrive in the mix of terrorism.”

Ihonre added that the cultural activities could not thrive in the mix of violence atmosphere, hunger and poverty.

“That is why today we are happy to say that this present administration has really come up to say we want to fight terrorism and kidnapping. We want to fight every thing that serves as detriment to our cultural heritage.

“The first aspect of our cultural heritage is agriculture and farming. Food security becomes a problem in the country today because there is violence every where.

“Where farmers are supposed to go to farm, they are deprived to farm. This is why we are calling on both federal and state governments to intensify efforts in their fight and approach to reduce or eradicate completely the act of terrorism and kidnapping.

“Herdsmen/farmers crisis should be removed completely. I happen to come from Niger Delta and when there was crisis from Niger Delta, we stood by the then government and we embraced peace in NIger Delta.

“That was why Nigeria started to get good proceeds from the oil that is sustaining the country today. If the Niger Delta youths that have oil are saying yes to peace, northern youths should also embrace peace.”

He called on northern youths to end violence situation in the north, adding that they have capacity to do it.

According to him, when the youths work with this present administration, peace will reign and we will have more foods.

“I will tell you today that I happened to be somebody who grew up in Makurdi, Benue State. Yam happened to be one of our favourite foods, the so called ‘Opa’ happened to come from Benue, fruits and tomatoes that are feeding this country came from Benue State.

“But today, there is violence in Benue State. There is violence in Edo, Maduguri and Bauchi and the rest. Why don’t we call it short and sheath the guns, machetes and fear situation in the area.

“We are saying this because we want the next World Junkanoo festival to be hosted by Nigeria and we cannot host this programme, if there is no peace in this country.

“The whole world will not want to come to Nigeria if there is no peace in this country.”

The country representative said the upcoming Junkanoo festival would provide investment opportunities for Nigeria, saying that Nigeria’s cultural heritage would be showcased to attract people living abroad to invest in the country.

“The festival will provide us opportunities to have our pavilion and showcase Nigerian cultural heritage. This will attract many investors to come and invest in culture, tourism, sports and other sectors of Nigerian economy.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

ECOWAS Court president urges productive dialogue at retreat
Foreign

ECOWAS Court president urges productive dialogue at retreat

By Mark Longyen

President, ECOWAS Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Edward Asante, has called on staff participants to engage in productive dialogue and decision-making at the institution’s 16th administrative and budget retreat.

Justice Asante, who made this known in his address at the event, on Monday, explained that the call was necessary, considering the essential role that budgetary allocations played in the court’s functioning.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat is expected to foster thoughtful discussions, open dialogues, and constructive debates, leveraging participants’ collective wisdom, diverse perspectives, and shared experiences.

“We have to be able to judge all and put our heads together to come up with the best budget.

“When this is presented to the Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) and to the Council of Ministers, they will look at it as a very good budget and approve it for us.

“We know budgetary issues are very important for every institution since that is the mainstay,” he said.

He urged all participants to contribute thoughtfully to the budget discussions, and urged them to deploy collective wisdom and strategic planning during the retreat discussions.

The CCJ President also expressed the court’s intention to advocate for the preservation of its budget, highlighting its reliance on community funding.

According to him, the comprehensive efforts made to collate inputs from all departments and units, will ensure that the proposed budget reflects the diverse needs and priorities of the entire court.

Justice Asante, who also noted that ECOWAS was facing some financial challenges, cautioned participants against overburdening its resources.

He disclosed that administrative and operational costs constituted 80 per cent of CCJ’s budget, leaving limited funds for planned activities, stressing that in spite of the constraints, he reaffirmed the court was committed to its mandate.

“We must all know that the community is now financially weak and therefore we do not have to overburden the Community itself.

“We still have to do our programmes to let people know that the Court is also performing its function.

“Without taking much of our time, I will declare the budget, and administration retreat open,” Asante said.

Also speaking, Dr William Towah, the CCJ’s Director of Administration and Finance, expressed full confidence that the retreat would pave the way for innovative solutions, inspire new ideas, and renew the sense of purpose within the Community Court of Justice.

He said the retreat was a platform to assess the Court’s progress and strategise for the future, and lauded its staff’s collective dedication and diligence, which propelled the institution to new heights, upholding the rule of law.

Towah noted that there were persisting challenges, adding that there was need for continuous improvement, while calling for a critical assessment of the Court’s shortcoming and the identification of areas for enhancement.

“Our collective efforts have earned the respect and trust of our stakeholders, creating a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

“By embracing these challenges, we can further strengthen our foundation and ensure that the Court remains a beacon of justice and fairness,” he added.

NAN reports that the event was attended by the CCJ’s Vice President, judges, and directors, among other members of staff of the court.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

Proposed National WASH policy to reflect MHM concerns- WaterAid
Environment

Proposed National WASH policy to reflect MHM concerns- WaterAid

By Tosin Kolade

WaterAid Nigeria has announced that the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) policy will address all Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) concerns in the country.

The organisation said this would be done through partnership with the Federal Government, key line Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners and the media.

This was the thrust at the 2024 Global Menstrual Health and Hygiene day celebration with the theme, “Together for a Period Friendly World”, which held at the Government Secondary School, Zuba, FCT.

The event was is in partnership with the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).

WaterAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Evelyn Mere, said the WASH policy is aimed at addressing WASH issues including safely managed sanitation, institutional arrangement, sanitation in the rural, peri-urban and urban settings.

This, she noted was in line with the African Sanitation Policy Guidelines (ASPG). 

Mere said the goal would be achieved through policies, programmes, and related budgets for people to get the needed support.

According to her, the goal is to also ensure that public and school toilets cater to the needs of young girls, women, and persons with disabilities.

Mere, represented by Ms. Idowu Adebayo, WaterAid WASH Manager, said the day also coincided with a decade of efforts to bring menstrual health to the forefront and enable women and girls reach their full potential.

She highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by women and girls in accessing menstrual products, facilities, and education due to societal constraints and discriminatory norms.

Mere said the barriers contributed to unhygienic practices, misconceptions, and negative attitudes, often resulting in shaming, bullying, and gender-based violence.

Citing data from the 2021 WASHNORM report, the country director underscored the dire situation in communities lacking proper water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.

“The report revealed that 94 per cent of healthcare facilities, 89 per cent of schools and 96 per cent of markets and motor parks lacked basic water, sanitation and hygiene services.

“This exacerbates the challenges faced by marginalised communities and young women, leading to their exclusion from public spaces and schools during menstruation.

“WaterAid, in partnership with organisations like Cummins, has committed to addressing these issues by providing clean water, sanitation facilities, and raising awareness about menstrual health,’’ she said.

Mere said that the theme was a collaborative approach to combat the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensure universal access to essential products, education, and infrastructure is more urgent than ever.

Mrs Aisha Bakpet, HOD Sanitation, FCT RUWASSA, emphasised the importance of stakeholders uniting to promote menstrual hygiene in schools and communities.

According to her, FCT RUWASSA, in collaboration with WaterAid, is building female-friendly toilets in schools, aiming to destigmatise menstrual hygiene.

Bakpet said the agency had constructed one of such toilet, featuring amenities like mirrors and menstrual pads, saying that plan to replicate the design in other schools they support was ongoing.

She added that the agency was funding hygiene promotion activities to foster a hygienic environment.

Representative of Cummins West Africa, Mrs Alice Akinbode, said the organisation valued the support of women and their children, and acknowledging the vital importance of menstrual hygiene for health and well-being.

She said that menstrual hygiene awareness was important for everyone, regardless of gender.

Akinbode stressed the importance of menstrual hygiene for current and future health, noting that supporting and educating each other createed a healthier environment for everyone.

A representative from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mrs Abasiama Ebreso, educated the school children on the connection between menstrual health hygiene and WASH, emphasising its prioritisation.

According to her, access to WASH is a human rights issue, and its importance cannot be overstated, calling for hygiene promotion at all times.

The Vice Principal Administration of the school, Mr Usman Hayatudeen, commended the dedication to addressing menstrual health challenges and encouraging open discussions that advanced progress and dignity within the communities.

He spoke on the importance of initiatives like installing hand-washing stations in classroom corridors, toilet entrances and administration blocks, which not only aligned with environmental standards, but also elevated hygiene practices throughout the school.

“Nevertheless, we acknowledge the pressing need for additional restroom facilities to accommodate the expanding school population, as well as the critical requirement for a consistent water supply to support sanitation and drinking needs,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness and promoting good menstrual hygiene practices for women and girls around the world.

It is observed on May 28 every year as a reminder of the challenges faced by women and girls in managing their periods; particularly in low-income countries where access to clean water, sanitation, and hygienic products is limited. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

 

Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage meets on Tuesday
General News

Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage meets on Tuesday

By Joan Nwagwu

The Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage (TCNMW), says it will hold its 8th meeting on June 4 to continue negotiations.

Mr Ekpo Nta, member and Secretary of the committee said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

According to Nta, I respectfully invite you to attend the 8th meeting of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage.

“The meeting is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Area 11, Abuja at 10.00 a.m. prompt,’’ he said.

He said that he minutes of the 7th meeting, the draft agenda for the 8th meeting, and the Zoom Link for virtual attendance will be forwarded in due course.

Nta called on the chairman of the committee, members and observers to take note.

It would be recalled that Organised Labour at the 7th TCNMW meeting had expressed disappointment that no governor was present at the last meeting.

Labour had also complained that ministers were absent except the minister of State for Labour and Employment who also doubles as a conciliator.

Labour said that there was none present on the side of the government with appropriate authority to commit them to any outcome.

Meanwhile, labour has begun an indefinite nationwide strike following the Federal Government’s failure to meet their demand on the new minimum wage.

It would be recall that the Federal government was offering N60, 000 as the new national minimum wage for workers in the country while Labour is demanding for N470, 000. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

 

Senior advocate lauds Tinubu for establishing evaluation standards for Ministers
Judiciary

Senior advocate lauds Tinubu for establishing evaluation standards for Ministers

By Ebere Agozie

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Mohammed Ndarani, has commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the evaluation standards for the assessment of his ministers.

Ndarani said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday while reacting to the recent event of presentation of ministerial scorecards demanded by President Bola Tinubu.

He urged strict adherence to them for the good of their ministries, and also for the people of Nigeria as a whole.

“It is only proper that to whom much is entrusted, much is expected, which means that these assessments would in addition keep political appointees on their toes.

“Article 19[1]2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provides a guide for the assessment of ministers and other federal appointees.

“The assessment will help the public to also track the performances of these minsters and know when and how to hold them accountable’’.

He recalled that Tinubu had instructed 47 ministers to present their performance scorecards ahead of his administration’s one-year in office.

Ndarani also commended Tinubu for mandating no fewer than 140 officials to track and assess the performance of all federal ministries, departments, and agencies ahead of the first assessment exercise.

He noted that although some ministers might have embarked on extensive media hype with little to show in real achievement, much might not have be heard of others, who may have performed well.

“Sometimes, it is not the people that you hear of who are the performers in this country, so, nobody can evaluate any minister other than members of the public,’’ he stated.

“They are the ones who would have felt the impact of the ministers’ actions, or the lack thereof’’.

He equally urged the president to consider Section 14[1], 2[a] [c] of the constitution to serve as the foundation during the next ministers’ assessments.

“Section 14[1], 2[a] [c] of the 1999 Constitution says, ‘(a) sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this Constitution derives all its powers and authority; (c) the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in it.

“In the light of the above, it is desirable that citizens’ opinion and assessment is considered, in order to get an accurate rating of the ministers.

“There should be modalities for the assessments, key performance indicators and the reporting mechanisms made available for the public to participate in the exercise’’.

He said that while a few ministers have performed well, others are still learning on the job.

Ndarani suggested that allowing only ministers to evaluate their own performance undermines the objectivity of the assessment as a minister cannot be the judge in his own case.

“We know that sometimes highly placed public officers operate under serious constraints with several factors in play, which revolve around a paucity of funds.

“Nonetheless, the ministers alone cannot be left to make their own assessments, as this would negate the principle of ‘Nemo judex in causa sua’, which simply says that one cannot be a judge in his own cause.

“A scorecard where only the ministers assess themselves and score themselves might be a watered-down exercise which could raise questions as to the objectivity of the assessment.

“There should be an avenue, a mechanism or a survey put in place where people can vote or voice their opinions on the performances of ministers, or public officers, generally.

“Nigerians should be given a voice in the ministers’ assessments since this will improve the outcomes, and bring them into compliance with global best practices. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG secures N20bn FDI on local production of disability assistive devices
General News

FG secures N20bn FDI on local production of disability assistive devices

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Federal Government says it has secured Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the tune N20 billion towards facilitating local production of assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Dr James Lalu, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Lalu said, the need to source for investors in the manufacturing of locally made assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) became necessary, following the high cost of the imported devices.

”Recently, we secured a foreign direct Investment to the tune of N20 billion and the organisation is committed to starting the local manufacturing of assistive devices as an MoU has already been signed.

”The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is going forward to make sure that we provide this opportunity to Nigeria for the manufacturing of local assistive devices.

”This is due to the fact that 99 per cent of our assistive devices are imported and the prices are higher and are now getting out of the reach of the poor.

“Even, the budgetary allocation provided may not be able to provide assistive devices to the disability community across all states of the federation,” he said.

Lalu added that promoting local contents in the manufacturing of assistive devices will go a long way to increase patronage and boost the nation’s economy.

”With the local manufacturing of assistive devices, it will encourage the state governments, local governments and other government agencies to procure and distribute them to the disability communities.

”The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is working already in the area of local manufacturing of assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities.

”These include, wheelchairs, hearing aids and other devices for the blind and the deaf as well as persons with albinism,” he said

The Executive Secretary disclosed that the commission was touting for talent in innovative and creative industry to improve in the production of assistive devices for PwDs.

”Just recently, we saw a video circulating on social media about one person in Kano, who was able to manufacture a digital eye-glass that can assist a blind person to walk around using sensors that will communicate to him through voice.

”When we saw this, we put an invitation to the innovator to come to our head office.

“We are expecting him at our head office on Tuesday and we are going to review his invention, to see what we can do, to partner with the Bank of Industry and NASENI to bring the innovation to reality in Nigeria,” he said.

Lalu noted that Nigeria is a land of great opportunities, adding that the commission will scout for the opportunities in other to bring the disability community into technological era. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Council, partners, launch SMEs’ guidelines for trans-generational businesses
General News

Council, partners, launch SMEs’ guidelines for trans-generational businesses

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) and its partners have launched the Small and Medium Enterprises Corporate Governance Guidelines (SME-CGG) to ensure business sustainability beyond their founders.

FRC launched the Guidelines in collaboration with Integrity Organisation, UN Global Compact Network Nigeria and sponsored by MacArthur Foundation in Abuja.

Dr Rabiu Olowo, Executive Secretary of FRC, at the issuing and unveiling of the guidelines, said that SMEs contribute over 50 per cent to the GDP of the country.

It also employs millions of citizens who are instrumental to innovation, fostering entrepreneurship and growth.

Olowo further said that unlocking the potential of SMEs required good corporate governance practices,involving a structure through which objectives of a company were set.

“SMEs are an incredible sector to improve growth, reduce poverty, and promote social progress.

“We believe that governance to SMES is very key. There is a myth that the problem of SMEs is finance, which is not entirely true.

“A well ran SME is well governed with the principles of succession planning, risk management well put in place which will promote the ability to live in the future.

“We believe that with this SME-CGG, SMEs will live beyond their founders and this document will go a long way to contribute to the future of our SMEs,” he said.

Key components of the SME-CGG, Olowo said, included a  board structure and responsibilities, risk management,corporate governance policies and procedures,financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement.

Other components, he mentioned, were ethical conduct and compliance, succession planning and family-owned enterprises.

The executive secretary added that the guidelines were not mandatory, but would be a key distinguishing factor to access capital, living in short, medium or long term.

“Looking at all of these,even without its mandatory feature,I believe it is a must have for every SMEs.

“By adopting these guidelines, SMEs will be better positioned to attract investment, build trust with stakeholders, and enhance their competitive edge.

“The launch of the Nigeria SME-CGG is an opportunity to set a new standard for how our SMEs are run, ensuring they are well-equipped to compete on a global stage,” Olowo said.

He called on the relevant stakeholders to embrace the guidelines and remain committed to its implementation.

Ms. Ayotola Jagun, Co-Thematic Lead, Anti-Corruption and Governance, UN Global Compact Network Nigeria, said that partners working in synergy could create an ecosystem where responsible business practices and sustainability were not ignored.

“The future of the Nigerian economy rests on the shoulders of these SMEs and by empowering them to be committed and ensure sustainability, we can create a future that is prosperous,equitable and environmentally conscious.

“I urge SMEs and relevant bodies to adopt the SME-CGG to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” Jagun said.

Mr Soji Apampa, Chief Executive Officer of Integrity Organisation, said the guidelines created an opportunity for SMEs to access incentives for their businesses.

Mr Osita Ede, Head of Finance Service Cluster, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said that apart from business capital, investors were also interested in a good governance structure of a business.

“Investors are interested in companies raised on a good track record, equity,a good team, a clear vision and commitment to responsible practices.

“Good governance enables businesses to equally help SMEs to demonstrate these qualities,” he said.

Ede, also Chief Product Officer of Fidelity Bank, pledged LCCI and the bank’s commitment towards creating more awareness on the SME-CGG.

He said that Fidelity Bank was putting measures in place to launch Fidelity SME hub, a one-stop shop for SME solutions.

Ede added that they would incorporate the SME-CGG in their capacity building programmes.

Mr Oryiman Alu, from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, said that the problems of SMEs included access to funding, insecurity,among others.

Alu said there was the need to engage stakeholders at the state levels to be part of the national programme aimed at improving businesses of SMEs, encourage inclusivity and addressing their challenges.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

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