By Funmilayo Adeyemi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Two years ago, Abubakar Mustapha’s life was filled with uncertainty.

Like many young people in Shuni, a community in Dange-Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, he struggled to find a stable source of income.

However, his fortunes changed when he participated in an empowerment training programme run by UNICEF, with support from the Eleva Foundation.

This initiative marked the beginning of an unforgettable transformation in his life.

At first, Mustapha was unsure of what to expect.

The programme introduced him to the art of shoemaking, a craft he had never considered.

Yet, with patience and dedication, he mastered the skill, turning pieces of leather into finely crafted footwear.

What began as a simple learning opportunity soon became a pathway to financial independence.

But Mustapha’s journey was not just about personal success.

Understanding the power of knowledge, he has since trained four other individuals, passing on the skills that changed his life.

For him, shoemaking is more than just a trade, but a symbol of resilience.

With every pair of shoes he creates, he not only shapes leather but also forges a better future for himself and those he mentors.

“I was an Almajiri, moving from house to house. But that is no longer my reality. I now earn money from the skill I learned, and I have trained other boys”.

His craftsmanship has gained recognition, allowing him to earn ₦11,000 or more per week, enough to sustain his needs and improve his overall well-being.

Similarly, Faiza Bello grew up in a community where opportunities for girls were scarce. She often wondered what the future held for her.

Her life took a new turn when she discovered a child-friendly space centre, established by UNICEF in three Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, with support from the Eleva Foundation.

At the centre, Bello found more than just a place to learn.

She embraced literacy and vocational training programmes, equipping herself with essential skills for a brighter future.

Through mentorship and hands-on training, she gained practical knowledge that enabled her to earn a living.

“The centre has done a lot for adolescent girls in this community. Since UNICEF and the Eleva Foundation came, we have been able to escape challenges like early marriage and poverty.

“We can now stand on our own, run businesses, and even support others. Many girls have come to the centre to receive help,” she said.

Beyond vocational skills, Bello also received training on proper nutrition and healthy eating, ensuring she could take better care of herself and her loved ones.

Also, she was educated on comprehensive sex education and gender-based violence awareness, empowering her to make informed decisions and stand up for her rights.

Likewise, UNICEF’s intervention rescued a 15-year-old girl (name withheld) from an early marriage.

Albeit her young age, her family had arranged the marriage due to financial hardship.

However, swift action by UNICEF and relevant child protection agencies prevented the marriage and ensured she was placed in a safe environment.

As part of the support, she is now enrolled in a child-friendly space centre for vocational training, giving her the opportunity to acquire skills for a better future.

These experiences reflect the impact of UNICEF’s efforts to support Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls in northwest Nigeria.

The Almajiri system, which traditionally involves young boys leaving home to receive Islamic education, often leaves them without access to formal schooling, proper care, or financial security.

Currently, around 10 million children in northern Nigeria are part of the Almajiri system, many of whom lack basic welfare (UNICEF).

A 2024 study found that for every six boys who enter the system, three die, two go missing, and only one survives.

The mortality rate stands at 308 deaths per 1,000 births, significantly higher than the national average of 132 per 1,000 (International Journal Corner).

In Kano city, nearly 1,400 Qur’anic schools accommodate 150,000 Almajiri boys, often in poor sanitary conditions, leading to high rates of open defecation (Sanitation Learning Hub).

Similarly, adolescent girls face numerous barriers to education due to socio-cultural and economic factors.

Recognising these challenges, UNICEF has been working to bridge the gap by equipping children with both academic and vocational skills.

Additionally, the organisation is improving data collection for better planning and resource allocation.

Speaking at a recent media dialogue in Sokoto State, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist Pius Uwamanua emphasised the role of education and skills training in addressing these issues.

He explained that child-friendly space centres serve as comprehensive facilities, offering mentorship, life skills training, and vocational programmes.

According to Uwamanua, these projects are currently being implemented in five North-West states: Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Katsina.

“Despite increased primary school enrolment in Sokoto State, 113,208 Almajiri children, mostly boys, are still living outside of family care, while 136,315 adolescent girls remain out of school”.

The centres provide multi-sectoral training in vocational, digital, and financial literacy skills, empowering Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls to become self-reliant.

The vocational programmes include knitting, cosmetology, tailoring, and shoemaking.

The centres also offer mentorship for children at risk of early marriage and gender-based violence.

“The initiative has created a safe space where children can build trust and receive the necessary support, including legal services and psychosocial assistance,” Uwamanua said.

UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Sokoto, Mr Michael Juma, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working with the Sokoto State Government and other partners to expand education access and support marginalised children.

Juma noted that household data collection on Almajiri children and out-of-school adolescent girls has been instrumental in shaping education programmes.

He however acknowledged that identifying affected households remains a challenge.

“To inform education programme design, we are currently using a mapping technique to identify all out-of-school children. This approach has yielded notable successes, particularly in vocational skills training,” he explained.

He further called for sustained investment in education to reduce the number of out-of-school children and provide them with better opportunities.

Similarly, Mallam Yusuf Ibrahim, Director of Child Development and Protection at the Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, urged the state government to commit to sustaining the skills empowerment centres.

He emphasised the need for revolving funding to ensure long-term sustainability.

“The digital village for Almajiri and out-of-school adolescent girls is a model that the state government can adopt.

“Our ministry is ready to provide leadership, technical expertise, and monitoring to ensure the centres remain effective”.

Addressing the shortage of female teachers, which affects both education access and healthcare delivery, Ibrahim also advocated for the recruitment of more female teachers.

The District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Muhammad Jabbi, urged the government to support initiatives that improve the lives of Almajiri children and out-of-school youths.

He expressed gratitude to UNICEF and the Eleva Foundation for their efforts, noting that their programmes have been instrumental in bridging the education gap for marginalised children.

While acknowledging the impact of these initiatives, he stressed the need for government intervention to ensure their continuity and sustainability.

Analysts say with early marriage and out-of-school adolescents still a prevalent issue, UNICEF’s intervention serves as a beacon of hope.

They opined that with strong government backing, these projects can have a lasting impact, reducing illiteracy and equipping vulnerable children with the skills needed for a better future. (NANFeatures)

By Justina Auta, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BDPA), adopted on Sept. 15, 1995, at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, aims to advance gender equality and empower women globally.

Key areas of focus include promoting women’s economic empowerment, eliminating violence against women, increasing female leadership, and protecting the rights of the girl child.

The declaration emphasises the need to strengthen institutions promoting gender equality, with the goal of creating a more inclusive and just society.

Countries are expected to implement and follow up on these commitments to achieve the outlined objectives.

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) monitors progress and provides guidance.

Signed by 189 governments, Nigeria is a signatory to the BDPA and has committed to implementing its provisions.

Through various policies, programmes, and institutional mechanisms such as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Nigeria has shown a commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Nigeria is also required to submit regular reports to the United Nations CSW on its progress in implementing the BDPA.

Thirty years after the adoption of the BDPA, Nigeria, along with other countries, presented its achievements, challenges, and proposed actions to accelerate implementation at the 69th CSW in New York.

Experts and relevant stakeholders have recognised Nigeria’s progress in certain areas, such as increasing access to education for girls and promoting women’s participation in politics.

However, they have also pointed out that Nigeria still faces significant challenges, including high levels of violence against women, limited access to healthcare and economic opportunities, and persistent gender-based discrimination.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, while marking the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), highlighted the harsh realities faced by women and girls in Nigeria.

She also pointed to several notable policies aimed at achieving the goals of the BDPA.

According to her, the IWD celebration serves as a critical moment to propel gender equality into tangible progress and to rally for bold action to break barriers, close gaps, and empower Nigerian women and girls.

“While Nigeria has made significant progress in enacting gender-responsive laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) and the Child Rights Act, full implementation remains a challenge.

“As of today, 35 states have domesticated the VAPP Act, while 34 states have adopted the Child Rights Act.

“While this is a step in the right direction, we need full compliance, effective enforcement, and accountability to ensure that the rights enshrined in these laws become a lived reality for every Nigerian woman and girl,” she said.

The minister also acknowledged that women drive Nigeria’s informal economy, owning 41 per cent of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“However, barriers such as limited access to finance, markets, and digital literacy hinder their ability to scale their businesses.”

To address this, she mentioned that 4.5 million women nationwide will be supported to bridge this gap, while 500,000 women will benefit from skills development under the MOWA-SARA initiative, supported by WEMA Bank.

Regarding women’s political representation and leadership, she noted that in the 10th National Assembly, only four out of 109 Senators and 17 out of 360 House of Representatives members are women, with 15 states lacking any female representation.

“This stark imbalance is not reflective of a progressive democracy. We must accelerate efforts toward political inclusion, ensuring that women have a seat at the table in governance and development,” she said.

Emphasising the need for accelerated action to create a more inclusive and equitable society, she urged all stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to tackling the challenges hindering the full potential of Nigerian women and girls.

Also, Mrs Beatrice Eyong, UNWomen Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, noted Nigeria’s progress, particularly in women’s political participation over the past three decades.

She commended the increasing confidence of political parties in including women on electoral lists, while also acknowledging the emerging challenges that require collective action for transformative change.

She emphasised that the consultation was vital for ensuring that Nigeria’s national report for CSW 69 reflected the realities of women and girls across the country.

Similarly, Dr Felicia Onibon, International Lead Consultant, presented Nigeria’s Draft BPfA+30, which showed progress in implementing the BPfA over the past 30 years, particularly focusing on the last five years (2020–2025).

Onibon highlighted significant strides, including the development of two laws and the strengthening of two others under the Spotlight Initiative in Nigeria.

She also noted that 99,985 girls and boys had been reached through in-school interventions, with additional outreach to 82,852 out-of-school youths.

“Furthermore, 16,725,584 voices were amplified in communities against gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices.”

Onibon stresses the need to identify gaps and recommends that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs continue collaborating with international development agencies, local partners, and relevant government institutions to accelerate progress.

Other stakeholders echoed the need for stronger policies, increased funding, and enhanced advocacy to tackle issues such as gender-based violence, economic empowerment, political participation, and access to education for women and girls.

Dr Joy Shu’aibu, Sightsavers Country Director, also called for urgent action to improve women’s access to employment, particularly for those with disabilities who face multiple barriers to financial independence.

“In Nigeria, the gender gap in employment is 8.4 per cent. Lack of access to resources and workplace barriers continue to exclude millions of women, particularly those with disabilities, from economic opportunities,” she said.

She urged global leaders attending the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) to commit to disability-inclusive approaches.

She emphasised that such approaches could unlock billions in economic potential.

Additionally, she highlighted that these efforts would contribute to advancing gender equality, ensuring that the rights and opportunities for all women, including those with disabilities, are fully realised.

Similarly, the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), initiated the “Her Seat in Parliament and Governance” campaign.

The campaign aims to increase women’s participation in governance and decision-making across Nigeria.

In partnership with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), the initiative seeks to create more opportunities for women to engage in leadership roles and influence policy decisions at all levels of government.

Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, NAWOJ National President, emphasised that women in Nigeria have long been underrepresented in the legislative system.

Mrs Chizoba Ogbeche, National Vice President of NAWOJ Zone D, said the association was campaigning for more seats to influence policies that affect women and other vulnerable groups.

Miss Grace Sim-Auta, Coordinator of the Gender Unit at Hope For Village Child Foundation, emphasised the need for collaboration among key stakeholders in Nigeria.

She called for joint efforts between the Nigerian government, NGOs, and civil society organisations to tackle the challenges faced by women and girls.

Additionally, she highlighted the importance of involving the private sector in these efforts, stressing that a collective approach was essential for addressing the multifaceted issues impacting women and girls across the country.

She stressed the importance of promoting access to education, economic opportunities, and the representation of women in leadership positions.

As Nigeria celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, it is evident that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain.

To achieve true gender equality and empowerment for women and girls, Nigeria must continue working towards creating a society that values and supports the contributions of all its citizens, regardless of gender.(NANFeatures)

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

By Polycarp Auta, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

While tin mining in Plateau began in 1902 under the British Administration, large-scale mining started in 1905.

The Land Proclamation Acts of 1904 and 1910 and the Mineral Act of 1903 gave British prospectors and mining companies large portions of land for tin mining.

No doubt, the mining industry led to the development of large market centres in Jos, Bukuru, Mangu, and Shendam, among others. History has it that mining activities attracted immigrants to Jos and environs.

Also, the industry had created jobs for the British and few locals and improved foreign exchange for the colonial government.

However, this industry led to serious environmental pollution, including erosion and land devastation. It also reduced the amount of arable land available for crop production.

For years, mining, particularly the illegal operations, had been a double-edged sword.

While it contributed to the economic survival for many, it also left behind a trail of destruction like child labour, and more critically, a surge in insecurity fueled by unregulated foreign miners who troop into the state.

The infiltration of criminal elements had turned the once peaceful mining communities into flashpoints for banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, drug trafficking and proliferation of illegal arms, among other criminal acts.

The crude nature of the mining activities had claimed the lives of many residents, particularly young people who get trapped in the deep holes while in search of the mineral deposits.

Another concern is that the booming illegal mining activities particularly in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Bassa, Mangu, Jos North and Jos South local government areas, also made under-aged children to abandon farming, which they were combining with their academics.

Mr Gyang Gerre, the community leader of Jol, in Riyom LGA, accused some parents of influencing their children’s decision to drop out of school and go into mining.

Gerre, who decried the rising number of out-of-school children in Riyom and other mining communities, said that the ugly situation was posing serious dangers to the growth and development of the society.

“Children in both primary and secondary schools no longer go to school; the number of school dropouts in Riyom is alarming.

“This is not a good omen for us. It has adverse effects on the future of the children and the society in general.

“Most children in Riyom don’t go to school or farm again; majority of them have delved into mining.

“The unfortunate aspect is that most of these kids are being encouraged by their parents because they are making quick and easy money,” he said.

Also speaking on the matter, Mr Jonathan Dangyang, from Gyel Community, Jos South, decried the growing trend of sexual immorality and drug abuse among young people at mining sites.

Dangyang particularly decried the rate of unwanted pregnancies among teenage girls, adding that miners were the ones taking advantage of the young girls and impregnating them without taking responsibility.

“Socially, mining activities have massive devastating effects on our communities.

“Young girls of school age get impregnated at mining sites by people who are not ready to take responsibility.

“There is also an unchecked trend of drug abuse among young people; they consume all kinds of illicit substances.

“Worse still is the increasing rate of adultery among married men and women at the mining sites,” he stated.

Evidently, apart from the educational and social consequences associated with mining, there are health implications and increasing deaths recorded on a daily basis at the mining sites scattered all over the state.

Rev. Fr. Stephen Akpe, the parish priest of St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Du in Jos South LGA, confirmed that many deaths were recorded in recent times at different mining sites.

“Recently, I have conducted burial rites for over 20 persons who died in mining holes just within the Du community.

“And this ugly trend happens on a daily basis at mining sites in Zawan, Shen, Gyel, Kwang, kuru, Doi, Latiya, and many other communities.

“In one of the instances, over fifteen persons were covered in a hole; and they are largely young people,” he said.

A medical expert, Dr Nyam Azi, also decried the health implications associated with the increasing mining activities in the state.

“Because people carry out these mining activities in a crude way, they don’t adhere to safety measures.

“Apart from the physical injuries, a lot of these miners later come down with pneumoconiosis, diseases of the lungs, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

“Other diseases include occupational lung disease, pleural effusions, pleural plaques, silicosis, among others.”

Worried by the trend, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang recently issued an executive order suspending all mining activities in the state.

The decision, he said, was arrived at having consulted with traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, and security agencies, among other critical stakeholders in the state.

Though the order had been greeted by wide criticisms from within and outside the state, the governor insisted that the move was in the best interest of the state.

For instance, some of the critics cited the rate of unemployment in the state, insisting that artisanal mining had over time served as a source of income for the teeming unemployed youths in the state.

But the governor, who maintained that the move was a temporary arrangement, added that the reform in the sector would be more beneficial to the artisanal miners.

Corroborating Gerre’s position, Mutfwang, who also decried that illegal mining, had affected school enrolment, called on community and religions leaders to sensitise their subjects on the impending dangers.

“Our action is no doubt a timely intervention aimed at reversing this dangerous trend; it is for the collective good of all Plateau citizens.

“By suspending mining activities, the government is taking decisive steps to restore order, protect lives, and ensure that mining operations are conducted responsibly.

“We recently conducted research and discovered that school dropouts in communities in Bassa, Riyom, Jos North, Jos South, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi were distressingly high due to the volume of illegal mining activities.

“Schools in these areas are virtually empty because young men and women have abandoned education and opted for mining.

“The infiltration of criminal networks into mining communities has made life unbearable for many residents; a secure Plateau is a thriving Plateau, and this decision is a critical step toward achieving that goal.

“Unregulated mining has left vast lands degraded, water bodies polluted, and farmlands destroyed. Without immediate action, future generations may inherit a barren and toxic Plateau,” the governor maintained.

The governor, who allayed the fears of a negative economic impact, explained that the long-term vision was to regulate and formalise the mining sector for the benefit of all.

“As part of this reform, we are looking forward to reorganising the entire mining sector; that is why we constituted a technical committee to carry out this assignment.

“We plan to have a mining village, where everything that concerns mining activities, including processing, will take place.

“This will enable us to have designated areas where mining activities will take place; this will bring some level of sanity into our state.

“We also intend to profile all miners, and those without licenses will be encouraged to form cooperatives to do the right thing.”

Mutfwang, who called for understanding from residents of the state, advised them to support the move aimed at repositioning the mining sector and making it a more viable and secured venture.

However, only time will tell if these moves will record any success towards achieving the set objectives or not. Though there is no doubt that the success of any reform depends largely on the collective buy-in and support from the public, community leaders, security agencies, and other key stakeholders in the targeted community.(NANFeatures)

Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

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

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi, News Agency of Nigeria

On March 8, annually, the International Women’s Day is celebrated to recognise women’s achievements across various fields.

The commemoration, with the theme “Accelerate Action’’, is designated by the UN to advocate for gender equality and highlight challenges faced by women.

In Nigeria, women play a vital and indispensable role in nation-building; their contributions are multi-faceted.

From technology, economic empowerment, education, healthcare, social cohesion, leadership and decision-making, peace building and conflict resolution as well as cultural preservation–women’s contributions are invaluable.

By demographics, women make up approximately 49 per cent of Nigerian population.

Constituting nearly half of the country’s population, it is imperative that women’s contributions are recognised, valued and appreciated.

In the light of the aforementioned, Huawei Technology recently identified with the 2025 International Women’s Day and honoured female tech enthusiasts.

Huawei organised an event to celebrate outstanding female students who excelled in the Huawei ICT Academy and the Women in Tech training programme.

The programme had the title “Cultivating Talent Through ICT Training for a Prosperous Nigeria.’’

It emphasised the importance of expediting progress toward achieving gender equality and promoting inclusive growth.

The ceremony paid tribute to women who have achieved outstanding success in their ICT training, affording them an opportunity to share their accomplishments and serve as role models, motivating and empowering the next generation of women in technology.

Mr Eric Chen, Huawei Nigeria Strategy Director, said the company provided capacity building and ICT training to more than 70,000 Nigerians since 2018.

Chen said that the breakdown revealed that the beneficiaries comprised more than 30,000 students, 35,000 ICT engineers, 240 female entrepreneurs and more than 3,000 civil servants, showcasing a diverse range of individuals impacted.

He emphasised Huawei’s significant role in supporting the present administration’s Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, primarily through its ICT Academy.

Chen reaffirmed the company’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s digital transformation in agreement with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda which aims at fostering economic growth and development.

The director said the company’s academy provided students with an international platform for healthy competition and exchange of ideas, with special focus on women at the time.

He said that the Women in Tech Training in partnership with the First Lady of Nigeria empowered women entrepreneurs with tech and digital skills for economic growth and development.

“We celebrate the achievements of female participants in our ICT Academy and Women in Tech initiative, in collaboration with the First Lady’s office.

“We remain committed to empowering women in ICT and leveraging their potential to boost Nigeria’s digital growth,” he said.

Mrs Comfort Kabirwa, Director of Policy, Research and Strategy, Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, harped on the crucial need for gender equality in technology.

She urged women to take an active role in ICT to propel Nigeria’s digital economy forward, recognising the immense potential for growth and development that women’s participation in ICT could bring.

According to her, by embracing ICT, women can leverage technology to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic progress, ultimately contributing to a more prosperous and digitally inclusive Nigeria.

Kabirwa pointed out that globally, women make up a mere 26 per cent of the tech workforce, a statistic that highlights the pressing need for greater diversity and inclusion in the industry.

She said there was need for stakeholders to remove obstacles that prevented women from fully participating in the field.

Kabriwa said that by addressing the barriers, stakeholders could create a more inclusive and equitable environment that foster women’s growth and success.

“As we celebrate the achievements of these remarkable women, we must also recognise the challenges that persist.

“Women make up only 26 per cent of the global tech workforce, which means there is still a long way to go in bridging the gender gap.

“The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is committed to supporting programmes that expose women to digital technologies, such as the National ICT Girls Empowerment Competition Programme and our partnership with Huawei Technologies.

“As leaders, educators and advocates, we must continue to dismantle barriers that hinder women from thriving in technology.

“The future of Nigeria’s digital economy depends on the inclusivity of its workforce,” Kabirwa said.

Dr Oyin Abiola, Huawei’s Senior Public Relations Manager, underscored the company’s multi-faceted approach to empowering individuals in the field of ICT.

Abiola said that beyond providing training, Huawei also offered tangible opportunities for outstanding students to apply their skills in real-world settings through employment and internship programmes at the company.

The manager said that the company’s comprehensive effort in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation, closely aligned with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the country’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

Abiola said that by celebrating women who excelled in ICT, Huawei aimed to inspire others to explore opportunities in the field and remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse digital society.

“We have more than 30,000 students in our ICT Academy across 190 universities and have trained no fewer than 240 women in our Women in Tech programme.

“These young women here today were selected for their exceptional performance and their success stories reaffirm our commitment to nurturing ICT talent in Nigeria,” she said.

The public relations manager said that the initiative sought to position Nigeria as an export hub for talent outsourcing in Africa, thereby towing the path of India, Bangladesh, Mexico and The Philippines.

Sharing their experiences, some of the beneficiaries said the training was worthwhile.

Mrs Elizabeth Achimugu, Founder, Protect the Child Foundation, said her participation in the training empowered her with the knowledge to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) in scaling her organisation’s impact, particularly in advocating for children’s welfare.

Achimugu encouraged women to wholeheartedly adopt technology and harness its potential to their advantage.

She said that technology was not a hindrance, but a tool designed to facilitate and augment human capabilities, particularly for women.

“With technology, you will achieve much more than you will do with manual labour,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Olubukola Taiwo, revealed that the programme enabled her to grasp the fundamentals of AI and effectively integrated it into her business operations.

She said she leveraged AI tools to create engaging visual content such as videos, banners, cards and flyers.

On her part, Imafidon Victoria, a 300-Level Cybersecurity undergraduate at Igbinedion University, credited Huawei’s ICT Academy with having a valuable impact on her academic and professional pursuits.

She said the academy’s provision of valuable certifications at no cost had been particularly instrumental in enhancing her career prospects.

Ogomudia Darlene, another 300-level Software Engineering student at the same institution, described her experience with the programme as an engaging and enriching journey.

She said that the training had significantly broadened her technical skills and knowledge.

The event also showcased Huawei’s ongoing commitment to promoting digital inclusivity, closely aligning with Nigeria’s comprehensive national strategy for technological growth and advancement.

Tech analysts say Huawei’s various initiatives, including the development of local cloud infrastructure, support for key government programmes like the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) initiative, the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), among others are commendable.

They say the initiatives are geared towards collaborating with the government to build a digitally inclined nation. (NANFeatures)

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

By Abiemwense Moru, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Unarguably, men’s health often receives less attention than that of women in spite of unique issues that require awareness.

Medical experts say men face key health concerns and are predisposed to heart disease, which develops earlier due to high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking and poor diets.

Prostate cancer, the second most common cancer in men, requires regular screenings while benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can cause urinary issues in older men.

Mental health is also critical, as men are more likely to die by suicide, often showing depression through irritability or risk-taking.

Unfortunately, stigma prevents many men from seeking help.

Testicular cancer, common in men aged 15-35, requires early detection, while erectile dysfunction (ED) is often linked to heart disease and diabetes.

Additionally, men are more prone to accidents and injuries, particularly in high-risk jobs or sports, making safety and prevention crucial.

John, a 55-year-old construction worker, considered himself healthy and rarely visited the doctor, dismissing minor symptoms as part of aging.

However, a routine checkup encouraged by his wife revealed an elevated PSA level, leading to further tests that confirmed prostate cancer.

“I was shocked; I had no symptoms; if my wife had not pushed me to go to the doctor, I would not have known; early detection saved my life,” he said.

John’s story highlights the importance of regular checkups and screenings, even when no symptoms are present.

Experts are calling for a targeted approach to improving men’s physical and mental well-being.

They emphasise the critical role of early detection in the successful treatment of conditions like prostate and testicular cancer.

Medical practitioners also recommend regular checkups, screenings and adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, exercise and smoking cessation.

They say breaking the stigma surrounding discussions of health and mental well-being is essential as workplace health programmes; offering support and screenings can further enhance men’s health.

Organisations such as the Waka Community International Foundation and Novo Health Africa are taking proactive steps to raise awareness of men’s health issues, particularly those related to male reproductive health.

Lorenz Mba, founder of the Waka Community International Foundation, stressed the importance of addressing prostate, testicular, and breast cancers, as well as erectile dysfunction.

Mba highlighted that many men die from these conditions due to their reluctance to seek help or lack of understanding about early detection.

The foundation’s “Waka for Men’s Health” walk aims to raise awareness and encourage early detection.

According to Mba, prostate cancer, which commonly affects men over 40, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men of colour. Testicular cancer, though rarer, is easier to detect through self-examination.

Meanwhile, Dr Dorothy Jeff-Nnamani, Managing Director of Novo Health Africa, harped on the importance of annual checkups for men, particularly starting in their 40s.

She advocates regular screening tests like the PSA test and urges the government to support fitness programmes and health awareness campaigns.

Retired Rear Admiral Chris Ezekobe highlighted the role of exercise in reducing the likelihood of many diseases, including prostate cancer.

He encouraged young men to participate in sports to maintain their health and reduce their susceptibility to various diseases.

A Consultant Psychiatrist, Prof. Taiwo Sheikh, has urged the Federal Government to pay attention to mental health by creating a sustainable mental health delivery system for the country.

Sheikh, the Coordinator of Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, urged the government to ensure that citizens had access to good mental healthcare, which could only be achieved with sustainable mental health delivery system.

According to him, the governments should pay attention to the mental health of the citizens by ensuring the availability of quality mental health facilities and services.

The psychiatrist emphasised that more attention should be given to the mental health of the people to reduce the rate of social vices in the society.

“If the government can pay attention to mental health by providing sustainable and accessible mental health services, citizens will begin to enjoy optimal mental health well-being.

“Implementation of the Mental Health Act, subsidising the drugs and integration of mental health services among others are necessary in order to promote good mental health status for the country.

“These, I believe will invariably reduce the rate of social vices in the country to a great extent.’’

Sheikh, who decried the poor state of the few existing psychiatric hospitals/facilities, urged government at all levels to intensify more efforts toward the establishment of more psychiatric hospitals across the country.

“When you look at mental health programming within Nigeria, traditionally like anywhere else in the world, it has been poorly funded over the years.

“Most states in the country do not have a functional psychiatric hospital, while the few existing psychiatric hospitals are dilapidated, and we have very few specialised cadres.’’

Sheikh said that establishment of more psychiatric hospitals had become necessary due to the increasing cases of mental illness in the country as the mental health facilities available were inadequate to cater to the rising cases.

He lamented that the majority of the health care institutions in the country paid less attention to mental health cases.

According to him, mental health services are barely accessible outside the state capitals, adding that there is urgent need to establish mental healthcare facilities at the grassroots.

“There’s need for the establishment of more mental health facilities, particularly in the rural areas.

“The truth is that the government may not be able to do enough in tackling the menace of mental health because it does not have enough resources for that.

“But, while the government is doing what it can, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and individuals must come together to address the treatment gap in mental health and provide facilities for those who need treatment before they fall into the wrong hands.”

According to him, it is critical that people living with mental health conditions have continued access to treatment and care.

“A failure to take people’s mental and emotional wellbeing seriously will lead to long-term social and economic costs to the economy,” Sheikh said.

Also, the Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF), an NGO, has called for strategies to address systemic inequities in men’s mental health.

LAAF President, Ms Halima Layeni, a global advocate for men’s mental health equity, said it could be achieved by promoting universal access to healthcare and culturally responsive mental health interventions for men.

She lamented that cultural norms often prevent men from seeking help, leading to unaddressed mental health issues and violence.

Layeni also stressed the importance of reshaping societal perceptions of fatherhood and providing men with the tools to thrive mentally and emotionally.

The LAAF president pointed out that men in Nigeria were facing a range of severe and often overlooked issues, including violence—such as domestic abuse and assault—that remained underreported due to entrenched societal stigmas.

“Men also experience alarmingly high rates of depression and suicide, exacerbated by societal expectations and a lack of targeted support.

“Economic instability further compounds these challenges, depriving many men of crucial opportunities for skill development and economic empowerment.

“In spite of these struggles, men continue to fulfill their roles as providers, breadwinners, husbands, and fathers, often shouldering these burdens silently,” she said.

Layeni emphasised the need to identify key challenges, foster collaborations and develop actionable recommendations for policymakers, organisations, and individuals.

She underscored the need for fair legal frameworks that support men’s mental health in family-related matters, calling for collective action to dismantle stigma and ensure men have access to the care they need.

Layeni also emphasised the urgent need for increased funding for accessible mental health services tailored to men’s needs.

She called on both federal and state governments to combat stigma, integrate mental health support into healthcare systems, and prioritise early intervention and community-based support.

Layeni said enhancing economic stability was crucial and involved creating targeted opportunities for skill development, entrepreneurship, and career advancement, which would improve economic prospects for men.

She said that addressing violence against men required the creation of robust mechanisms for reporting and support, ensuring that male victims of violence received necessary protection and justice.

It is stakeholders view that while men strive to live up to their responsibilities, they should adopt healthy lifestyle, take their mental health seriously and seek help when in dire straits. (NANfeatures)

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