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Assessing Yobe’s post-conflict economic recovery programmes

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Assessing Yobe’s post-conflict economic recovery programmes

By Rabiu Sani-Ali, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Yobe located in north-east Nigeria is being ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency, desert encroachment and other environmental challenges, a trend inhibiting sustainable social and economic development of the state.

With an estimated population of 3.6 million according to 2022 official records, over 75 per cent of the people engage in farming and animal rearing.

A substantial number of the inhabitants are engaged in local commercial activities leading to proliferation of village markets across the state.

Trading activities mainly on agricultural produce and livestock, especially in Potiskum, Nguru, Geidam, Yusufari, Gashua and Damaturu attract entrepreneurs from neighbouring states, as well as Niger and Chad.

Potiskum is one of leading cattle markets in West Africa, which suffered the brunt of the insurgents’ attacks in the past 10 years.

However, Yobe is not faring well in terms of the much-needed Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to stimulate infrastructure development to herald industrial and economic growth in spite of huge trade existing in major towns inYobe.

Yobe’s IGR in 2022 was N10.5 billion, making it one of the three lowest-performing states in Nigeria. The IGR has increased from N4.375 billion in 2018, to N8.515 billion in 2019, and N10.5 billion in 2022.

The improvement in IGR is attributable to the tax reforms being implemented by Gov. Mai Mala Buni since assumption of office in 2019.

To further build a sound foundation for rapid economic transformation, Buni initiated viable infrastructure development projects, agriculture and business support as well as youth and women empowerment programmes.

Postiskum

Potiskum modern market

The programmes, an integral part of the post-conflict recovery process, are designed to provide livelihoods, create jobs, reduce poverty and enhance wealth creation in the society, while encouraging industrial growth through public private partnerships.

To actualise his drive to transform the state’s economy via improved trade, the government constructed four modern markets with 3,200 shops in Potiskum, Damaturu, Nguru and Gashua.

Each of the markets was designed with 800 shops; 28 stores, a police station, parking slots, dumping sites, road network, a fire fighing unit, an administration block, etc.

An entrepreneur, Hashim Bomoi, said the establishment of the markets significantly provided an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He said the gesture would also boost trading activities and improved state’s revenue base.

In 2023, the Yobe government expended several billions of Naira on procurement and distribution of fertilisers, inputs, and equipment to small holder farmers across the 17 local government areas of the state.

More than 17,500 farmers each received fertilisers, seeds, chemicals, a planter, a power tiller, and knapsack sprayer, while a fleet of tractors and harvesters had been launched under a subsidised hiring scheme, to encourage agric mechanisation and boost productivity.

To encourage productivity, agriculture value addition, processing and export of cash crops, the Buni administration accomplished yet another milestone project by constructing a cargo airport, to ease transportation of agricultural produce and woo investors to the state.

Buni distributes free inputs/equipment to farmers

It has also completed the construction of a six-tonne per hour capacity sesame aggregation and processing plant in Machina town, while works on three other plants were at various stages of completion at Nguru, Potiskum and Damaturu.

Alhaji Kaigama Umar, Commissioner for Commerce, said that, “this is necessary because Yobe is a leading sesame producer in the country.

“The idea behind the establishment of sesame seed cleaning, processing and packaging factories was conceived by Mai Mala Buni shortly after assuming office.

“Factories like this accelerate industrialisation, which will help our farmers and enhance our IGR,” he said.

According to him, Yobe is the largest producer of sesame in the country, noting that the produce is being cultivated in a commercial quantity in Geidam, Yunusari, Nguru, Machina, among others.

He said sesame farmers in the areas would no longer have to travel to Kano to process their crops as the factory would be at their doorsteps.

“We are also inviting sesame farmers outside the state to come and take advantage of the facility,” he said.

The Buni administration prioritised promoting partnership with development partners, federal agencies and private sector to accelerate industrialisation of the state.

Fleet of tractors/harvesters

In this regard the state government has allocated 300 hectares of land to the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Agency (NEPZA), to support its activities, and establish its office close to the cargo airport.

“You should ensure efficient and speedy use of the land to enhance development.

“Government deliberately allocated the land to the agency close to the Cargo Airport, to stimulate trade and business activities in the state.

“You have great role to play in promoting export of agricultural produce including sesame seeds, gum arabic, livestock and other crops that are produced in great commercial quantities in the state,” Buni said while presenting Certificate-of-Occupancy to the NEPZA, Executive Secretary, Usman Bakori.

To further propel its development programme, the state entered into a similar partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), to enhance job creation for unemployed graduates.

Buni, who has expressed worry and shared the pain of unemployed youths, reiterated commitment to securing employment opportunities to the unemployed graduates, to enable them to meet the expectations of their families and live their lives with dignity and prosperity.

The government, therefore, began massive recruitment of unemployed university graduates, diploma holders, and National Certificate of Education graduates across the 178 wards in the state.

Buni believed that the youths trained by the state in various trades were not only gainfully employed but also employers of labour.

“This partnership occupies a very special place in the heart of our administration, and we are committed to secure more jobs for our youth.

“The government will explore the potential in each of the 17 local government areas to provide means of livelihood and economic prosperity to our youth,” he said.

Farmer support programme

Also, the Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, said the agency would partner the state towards providing employment opportunities for unemployed graduates.

“SMEDAN will drive, stimulate and coordinate development of Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Yobe state, to promote self-sufficiency.

“The partnership will provide the benefitting graduates with skills to accelerate self-employment for economic prosperity,” Odii said during a visit to Buni.

While consolidating on the gains of partnership with SMEDAN, the Buni administration sealed another cooperation agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development (BADEA) on energy and agriculture development.

This followed successful negotiations, which focused on job creation and enhance security and infrastructure in the state.

The agreement seeks to encourage agricultural productivity, vocational training, infrastructural and energy development, as well as quality education and healthcare service delivery, and security to safeguard the environment.

Buni, who spoke at the signing of the agreement, said that, “we are passionate about agriculture being the major preoccupation of our people to improve food sufficiency, food security and economic development.

“Vocational training for our youth is another key sector to provide employment opportunities and economic growth in our reconstruction and recovery programme.

“The state government is also committed to improving the infrastructure to enhance socio-economic development in our quest to recover from the destruction by insurgency”.

He added that in spite of his administration’s huge investment in education, the sector still required more support in view of its capital intensive nature.

Dr Sidi Tah, the president of the bank, expressed satisfaction with the efforts made by the state government in the reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery efforts after decades of Boko Haram insurgency.

“We are impressed with your efforts and commitment to improving the lives of your people, we are ready to partner with your state to improve on the achievements made,” the president assured.

Experts are of the view that the Yobe government needs to initiate comprehensive tax administration reforms, to block leakages and boost state revenue base, to sustain the feat so far achieved in the economic recovery process. (NANFeatures) (www.nannews.ng)

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

Features

Responding to Nigeria’s Mine collapse crisis

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By Martha Agas

In 2024, Nigeria recorded several incidents of mine collapses, where scores of miners were trapped in pits.

Many sustained severe injuries or lost their lives, while others were fortunate to be rescued.

In the second half of the year, three major incidents were reported in Niger, Adamawa, and Plateau states.

In June, 30 miners were trapped in a collapsed mining site at Galkogo community in Shiroro, Niger state.

In November, more than 30 miners were buried in a similar incident at the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, which stretches across Adamawa and Taraba states with 22 reportedly killed.

In the same month, 13 miners were killed in a collapsed mine site in Plateau.

Analysts have largely attributed the situation to the activities of artisanal and illegal mining, where standard regulations were often ignored.

They also noted that the use of outdated equipment, lack of professionalism, and the neglect of safety measures contributed to the disaster.

The collapses were described as risks for which operators should have prepared contingencies.

Following these developments, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, stated that technical reports from field inspections indicated a lack of professional expertise in mine development among artisanal miners.

The report further revealed that illegal miners were primarily responsible for the frequent pit collapses.

Also, Dele Ayankele, the National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), has revealed that illegal mining was a major threat in mining operations, even in more advanced regions.

Simply put, for the mining industry to thrive and become attractive for major players to invest in, there is an urgent need to sanitise the sector.

Experts say this can be achieved by enforcing standard practices and addressing illegal mining, which has been identified as the primary cause of the collapses.

In addition to these factors, challenges such as a lack of quality geological data and insecurity could hinder President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to revitalise the sector.

These issues may also limit its potential to contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

It may be recalled that President Bola Tinubu, upon taking office, declared his commitment to revamp the sector with the aim of improving Nigeria’s economic profile.

The solid minerals minister stated that the sector is targeting to contribute 50 per cent to the nation’s GDP.

Meanwhile, the country must leverage the energy transition and its possession of critical minerals to drive sustainable development.

Stakeholders have acknowledged the minister’s efforts in marketing the sector’s potential at various local and international forums.

They, however, noted that in addition to the move, particularly offering incentives for investors, the government must also address the sector’s challenges to achieve this goal.

To tackle the issue of collapses, stakeholders have called for increased manpower in the sector’s regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with safety measures.

The Miners President emphasised the need to strengthen the manpower of regulatory bodies deployed to mining sites to ensure compliance with safety standards.

He further highlighted the importance of implementing strategic measures to address such incidents and protect both lives and assets.

He urged the government to invest more in improving the human and logistical capacities of the regulatory bodies.

“We counsel mine owners to adhere to the principles of mining best practices in their operations and avoid the temptation to hurriedly get to the levels of the ores without observing minimum operational standards and procedures.

“It is also imperative for the Federal Government to listen to our passionate appeals on the need to invest more to improve the human and logistic capacities of the regulatory bodies.

“In a situation where you have one federal mines officer in a state like Niger, which is equal in size to about five others, with almost zero facilities and field staff for site inspection that would have nipped impending disasters in the bud, what do we expect?

“It is also important that Nigeria small scale mining lease holders need affordable and purposely structured funding interventions to upscale their games, ’’he said.

According to the president, such an intervention will enable mine owners to hire the necessary professionals, and acquire equipment to ensure their operations comply with minimum operational standards, thereby avoiding disasters.

Experts have also recommended measures such as enforcing standard procedures, providing training and capacity building for miners and operators, and adopting modern technology.

Other suggestions include improving emergency preparedness and conducting environmental impact assessments.

Earlier in the year, the Minister of Solid Minerals announced a policy requiring mandatory remedial measures for mining pits as part of the criteria for applying for mining licenses.

The move aimed at minimising incidents such as the collapse of the mining site in Niger.

While responding to the pit collapse in Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Alake also urged relevant local authorities nationwide to increase surveillance in order to monitor and curb illegal mining activities within their jurisdiction.

“To forestall a recurrence, local government authorities should pay more attention to illegal mining activities within their areas,” he said.

He said that the local authorities should work with the state offices of the ministry, to ensure they aligned with the early warning systems put in place to combat illegal mining.

The minister also urged more collaboration between stakeholders in the solid minerals sector to address the menace and curb incidents of mine collapses.

He urged miners to stop endangering their lives through illegal mining and instead form cooperatives to gain legal status.

He added that after establishing the cooperatives, they should approach the ministry for assistance in obtaining mining licenses and permits to operate legally.

While technical inputs have been recommended to address the menace, economic analysts have expressed fear that mining sites will continue to pose a danger due to the high poverty rate in Nigeria.

Currently, it is estimated at 38.9 per cent in 2023.

They noted that massive crowd often gather in mining areas to take up menial jobs, disregarding the threat to their safety due to their financial difficulties.

According to a report, mining communities are experiencing a rise in out of school children due to their pursuit of quick cash through mineral exploration and other activities within the value chain.

This situation highlights the urgent need for the government to address the country’s economic quagmire to improve the standard of living for its people.

While mining stakeholders commend the Tinubu administration’s efforts to secure mining sites through the establishment of Mining Marshals, they anticipate further progress in 2025.

Among their expectations is a huge reduction in environmental and human hazards, which would foster the sector’s development.

These improvements, they believe, will support the success of the administration’s reform policies, contributing to long-term growth and sustainability in the mining sector.

Ultimately, they aim to prevent mine pit collapses. (NANFeatures)

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

Features

Understanding the airpower influence on counter-terrorism operations

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By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Airpower has played a significant role in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations, particularly in the northeastern part of the country.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been instrumental in providing air support to ground troops, conducting reconnaissance missions, and carrying out airstrikes against terrorist targets.

The NAF has also invested in acquiring new platforms, such as the T-129 ATAK helicopters, which have enhanced its operational capabilities. These helicopters have multirole capabilities and are durable with cost-efficient maintenance protocols.

Airpower has been critical in supporting the fundamentals of counterinsurgency warfare, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

It has also enabled the Nigerian military to respond quickly to emerging threats and to conduct operations in remote and inaccessible areas.

The Air Component of the various operations had during the year under review, executed deadly and targeted air strikes on several terrorists’ enclaves and criminal hideouts killing several of them.

The most recent are the devastating airstrikes that destroyed gun trucks, neutralised several fighters and recovered over 20 abandoned motorcycles while pursuing wounded and fleeing terrorists in the Kukawa axis of Borno.

The Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akimboyewa, said that another of such operations led to the destruction of terrorists’ food depot at Jubillaram in the Tumbuns area of Lake Chad Basin in November.

He said the location served as a critical food storage site and a sanctuary for terrorist commanders and fighters, adding that intelligence had previously linked terrorists in the location to recent attacks, including the assault on troops in Kareto on Nov. 16.

However, airpower alone is not sufficient to win a counterinsurgency campaign. It must be integrated with ground operations and other elements of national power to achieve success.

The Nigerian military has recognised this and has been working to develop a more comprehensive approach to counterinsurgency operations.

However, there are key challenges and opportunities such as integrating airpower with ground operations hence the increasing need for the military to continue to work on integrated operations to achieve optimal results.

Also, addressing civilian casualties has always been a challenge that requires the military to take steps to minimise it and ensure that airpower is used in a responsible and discriminate manner.

There is also the need to develop a comprehensive counterinsurgency strategy that integrates airpower with other elements of national power.

In the overall, airpower has played a significant role in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations, and its influence is likely to continue to grow in the future.

The NAF had a remarkable year in 2024, with significant aircraft acquisitions to boost its operational capabilities.

Some of its new acquisitions are 12 advanced aircraft, including two KA-360i aircraft, four DA-62 aircraft, four T-129 helicopters, and two AW-109 Trekker helicopters.

It is also expected that before the end of 2024, the NAF will take additional deliveries of two T-129 helicopters and one KA 360i aircraft.

According to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the NAF is set to receive 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters, 24 M-346FA aircraft, and three CASA – 295 aircraft, as well as 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters in the coming year.

Abubakar also disclosed that the service had increased its effort in fleet modernisation, aimed at enhancing its operational readiness and capabilities.

He recently disclosed that the NAF had acquired a total of 64 brand new aircraft in about three years, with plans to receive an additional 38 platforms in 2025.

The air chief said that a review of their key performance indicators shows that, between June 2023 and September 2024, the NAF conducted 8,665 missions in 9,928 sorties within 15,915 flying hours.

This, according to him, underscores the magnitude of the relentless efforts of our personnel in all theatres of operations including Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Delta Safe, Safe Haven, AWATSE, UDO KA and Whirl Stroke, commending all Air Component Commanders for their exceptional leadership and outstanding performance.

Abubakar said that NAF had gained significant mileage in the area of training during the year, stating that 405 airmen and 186 officers completed various foreign courses, seminars and trips, while 64 are currently on-going.

He added that 5,474 and 1,331 personnel had also completed and were undergoing various local training courses, respectively.

According to him, from January to November 2024, the service has trained 54 Pilots abroad and 43 Pilots locally, while 16 UAV operators were trained locally.

The CAS said the NAF also achieved a commendable milestone in the area of safety in 2024 by recording zero manned-aircraft accidents, a testament to the positive outcomes of its continued investment in safety.

There is no gainsaying that the airpower has provided impetus for the successful military operations in confronting the myriads of security challenges bedevilling our great nation Nigeria.  (NANFeatures)

**If used, please, credit the writer as well as News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Features

Public-Private Partnership regulation effective driver of economic growth

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By Chijioke Okoronkwo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

By many accounts, Public-Private Partnership (PPP), if properly harnessed, can be a veritable driver of economic growth.

Nonetheless, experts say proper regulation is paramount in order to achieve efficiency in PPP arrangements.

Recently, the Federal Government directed that all PPP agreements should adhere to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) Act and its guidelines..

The directive mandated all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with the National Policy on PPP (N4P) and the ICRC Act of 2005 in their 2025 budget proposals concerning PPP arrangements.

The government directed all MDAs to ensure that they align with the provisions of the ICRC Establishment Act (2005) in the preparation and submission of their respective 2025 budget proposals as it relates to PPPs.

“Signing PPP-related Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), Memoranda of Association or contract instruments without following the provisions of the ICRC Act constitutes a violation of the law,’’ the directive reads in part.

The ICRC Act states inter alia: “As from the commencement of this Act, any Federal Government Ministry, Agency, Corporation or body involved in the financing, construction, operation or maintenance of infrastructure, by whatever name called, may enter into a contact with or grant concession to any duly pre-qualified project proponent in the private sector.

“This is for the financing, construction, operation or maintenance of any infrastructure that is financially viable or any development facility of the Federal Government in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

“This Act applies to investment and development projects relating to any infrastructure of any Federal Government Ministry, Agency, Corporation or body.

“Every Federal Government Ministry, Agency, Corporation or body shall prioritise its infrastructure projects and such priority projects may be qualified for concession under this Act.

“The projects mentioned in Subsection (1) of this Section shall be submitted to the Federal Executive Council for approval on the recommendation of the relevant Sector, Ministry or Agency prior to entering into any contract under Section 1 of this Act.

“In entering into any contract or granting any concession under Section 1 of this Act, the Federal Government Ministry, Agency, Corporation or body shall ensure that the project proponent possesses the financial capacity, relevant expertise and experience in undertaking such infrastructure development or maintenance.’’

Stakeholders are of the view that to optimise the benefits of PPP, all requisite regulatory frameworks must be adhered to, just as the ICRC is staying the course.

Dr Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, Director-General, ICRC, on assumption of office  in July, vowed to streamline processes required to deliver Public Private Partnerships (PPP) projects.

This is with a view to accelerate infrastructure development and bridge the attendant gaps and stimulate the economy.

He spoke at a strategic retreat held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom , where he rolled out a six-point policy direction as the new helmsman of the ICRC.

Ewalefoh, said his policy direction aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s charge, added that because of infrastructure gaps in Nigeria, PPP was required in every sector; hence the need for critical steps in advancing its delivery.

He listed the key points of his policy direction to include: Innovative Financing, Service Delivery Optimisation, Project Categorisation, Time Bound Delivery of Projects, Inter-Agency Collaboration as well as Strategic Partnerships.

“With the gap that we have in Nigeria, we need PPPs in almost every area and PPPs go beyond building infrastructure; service is a very key component of Infrastructure building.

“Even if we don’t build infrastructure, if we optimise the existing ones, what we will get will be novel, and the impact we will create will be so huge.’’

Ewalefoh, who is revved up for action, hinted that he was already in talks with potential investors who were interested in knowing how safe and profitable investments would be as well as a possible timeline for delivering the projects.

Citing the Nigeria Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP), he said that the nation’s infrastructure was weak and required financing to revolutionise the economy.

“I am going to be involved in strategic partnerships; I will work closely with ministers, permanent secretaries and chief executive officers of agencies; I am going to lead from the front on most of these partnerships and collaborations.’’

On service delivery, Ewalefoh said that part of his direction would be to optimise the processes of the commission to focus on service delivery.

On already existing PPP projects, the director-general said that the commission would evaluate all concession contracts to ensure the projects were performing optimally, while ensuring the projects were a win-win for both the private investor and the government.

On project categorisation, the director-general reiterated his desire to categorise projects as a means of ensuring more efficient project delivery within improved timelines.

He said that the commission would, within the ambit of the law, resolve all encumbrances that hampered the execution of projects so long as such projects were bankable and viable, important to the Nigerian people and delivered value for money.

In line with a presidential directive, Ewalefoh said that ICRC would begin the issuance of the Outline Business Case (OBC) Certificate of Compliance and the Full Business Case (FBC) Certificate of Compliance within seven days.

More so, in compliance with ICRC’s mandate, Ewalefoh said that the commission would pursue to logical conclusion all PPP projects that had long been approved by the FEC but had yet to commence.

The director-general gave the assurance at a meeting with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola.

Ewalefoh informed the minister that some of the pioneer PPP projects approved as far back as 2006 were under the purview of the ministry and would be re-evaluated.

In his submission, Oyetola attributed most of the projects that had stalled to lack of access to financing due to the dearth of capacity of the private parties.

The aviation sector is one area where effective implementation of PPP could prove vital.

In its bid to unlock the economic potential of the aviation sector through PPPs, the Federal Government has established task forces in ICRC and the Ministry of Aviation.

This was the outcome of Ewelafoh’s courtesy visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo.

Ewalefoh, who highlighted the importance of aviation in galvanizing other sectors to foster the economic potentials of the country, said that the commission had set up its task force to fast-track investment in PPPs.

No doubt, the ICRC is not resting on its oars; it has continued to maximise the multi-sectoral nature of its mandate.

Recently, it honoured the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as PPP icon for attracting over 500 million dollars investment through PPPs.

Ewalefoh, during a visit to the interior minister, said that the Federal Government, through the ICRC, would conduct an audit of all PPP projects.

This move is to ascertain their performance as well as ensure that all the projects were insured as statutorily stipulated in the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission Establishment Act, 2005.

He is upbeat on the 3.5 billion dollars Bakassi Deep Seaport construction.

Ewalefoh, at a High-level Stakeholders’ meeting said that the construction of the 3.5 billion dollars Bakassi Deep Seaport would commence soon under the administration of Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River.

He assured that the project will be completed in record time.

Deserving no less attention in the effort to deploy effective PPP implementation for national growth is science and technology, a critical sector.

Ewalefoh, at a meeting with the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, said the Federal Government would consider using private sector funds through PPP as an option for certain key projects in the sector.

Nnaji, on his part, said that his ministry served as a key enabler of economic growth.

Both parties expressed optimism that ICRC would partner the ministry in doing things right and enabling it to forge a better outlook for most of its projects.

More so, Ewalefoh weighed in on the implications of PPP for the nation’s struggling power sector.

He spoke as a high-level panelist at the recently concluded 30th anniversary of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) with the theme, “Accelerating Infrastructure Development.’’

Ewalefoh said that PPP can solve the infrastructure challenges being experienced in the power sector.

He said that PPP was the best option to build new power infrastructure and also optimise existing ones.

“We have a lot of infrastructure gaps in Nigeria today across all the sectors from transportation, energy, health, housing and other sectors.

“The only way we can bridge the infrastructure gaps that we are having in this country is to harness private sector finance and expertise in building and managing infrastructure,’’ he said.

Still on power, Ewelefoh recently deliberated with the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, on critical PPP issues on the sector. Abuja.

The ICRC boss said that plans were underway by the Federal Government to source from the private sector, part of the 10 billion dollars required to provide regular electricity across Nigeria within the next five to 10 years.

The duo agreed that in view of the funding and technology required to advance the sector, it had become imperative to seek private sector input through Public Private Partnership (PPP).

In his response, Adelabu commended the D-G for the initiative to visit the ministry with the proposal of advancing investment in the power sector through PPPs.

“For us to achieve 24 hours power supply across Nigeria in the next 5 to 10 years, there is a minimum funding requirement of about 10 billion dollars in the next 10 years.

“The government cannot afford that, when there are other critical sectors in need of funding,’’ he said.

The maritime sector is not left out.

The ICRC has also shown commitment to synergising with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to unlock PPP potential in maritime sector

According to Ewelefoh, the potential for NIMASA is huge and untapped; hence, the need for collaboration.

ICRC also recognises the importance of insurance in PPP.

Against the foregoing, ICRC has partnered the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to mandate concessionaires of government assets to procure insurance covers for the assets under PPP arrangements.

Worthy of note, critical stakeholders at the sub-national level have also underscored the pivotal role PPP plays in national growth.

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) recently called for collaborative efforts to scale up PPPs to address the infrastructure gap in Nigeria.

AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, Governor of Kwara, and Chairman of NGF, made the submission at the 2nd Joint PPP Units Consultative Forum (3PUCF) and the Nigeria PPP Network (NPPPN).

Abdulrazaq, represented by Abdulateef Shittu, Director-General, NGF said that there was a 100 billion dollars infrastructure deficit at the subnational level.

“Overall, at the federal and state levels, we have over a 200 billion dollars infrastructure deficit, and because the government cannot foot the bills alone we need collaboration from the private sector,” he said.

Stakeholders say the worthwhile regulation as being provided by ICRC is fundamental to maximising the enormous potential of PPP for national growth and development (NANFeatures)

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

Features

Counting the gains of President Tinubu’s economic renewal

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By Mohammed Idris

As the first full year of President Tinubu’s administration, 2024 has come with its unique share of challenges and triumphs. As we look back at the ongoing year, this is the perfect time to reflect on the President’s vision for a transformed Nigeria and how 2024 has provided numerous opportunities to manifest that vision.

On so many fronts, the outgoing year has brought significant policy and legislative milestones that are helping to cement the very foundations of the President’s grand vision for Nigeria.

Take the examples of the Students Loan Fund and the Consumer Credit Corporation, two institutions targeted at putting more resources in the pockets of the Nigerian people, empowering them to turn their dreams into opportunities.

With the Students Loan Fund, we are seeing, for the first time in decades, Nigerian students at tertiary level, getting targeted federal assistance to pursue their academic ambitions, through long-term loans (and stipends) that are designed to not be burdensome in any way.

In less than one year, more than 300,000 Nigerian students have already benefited.

With the Consumer Credit scheme, we are seeing affordable financing being made available to workers, to enable them afford life’s necessities. Every developed country is built around a functioning credit system that fuels consumer spending and translates into economic growth.

Nigeria is now finally on that path.

Also in 2024, we also saw the first steps in the implementation of a new electricity framework in the country, conferring the State governments with greater agency and responsibility.

Building on a recent constitutional amendment, the President signed into law the 2024 Electricity Act that is now guiding a pioneering set of States into rolling out their own regulated electricity markets.

Indeed, for Nigeria to be truly able to achieve economic development, we must allow the subnational governments more room for real economic impact.

With the new Electricity Act, States can now play a much bigger role in attracting investments into on-grid and off-grid solutions, ensuring that more electricity gets to more Nigerians.

This concept of giving more power and opportunities to the States is one of the defining governing philosophies of President Tinubu – as Governor of Lagos two decades ago he was one of the leading advocates of true federalism in Nigeria.

Now, as President, he has not abandoned those ideals.

In July 2024 we saw the landmark ruling by the Supreme Court, empowering local governments to an extent we have not seen in our recent history.

The President has since empaneled an Inter-Ministerial Committee that will ensure the full enforcement of that judgement.

For the state governments, President Tinubu’s economic reforms have triggered a dramatic surge in revenues, which is allowing the States to do more for their people.

The last FAAC meeting saw the sharing of a record 1.727 Trillion Naira amongst the three tiers of government; these resources are meant to deliver bigger dividends of development to Nigerians.

For those who have taken the effort to be familiar with the ongoing tax reforms, the Bills currently before the National Assembly also represent another fiscal boon for the subnational governments, with the Federal government choosing for example to take an even smaller portion of VAT than it currently gets.

The Presidential Initiative on CNG marked its first year of implementation recently, with the number of vehicle conversion centers in the country rising from fewer than 10 to more than 120.

The goal is to make CNG a fuel of choice for private and commercial transportation in Nigeria, bringing down costs by as much as 50 to 60 per cent.

We are already seeing enthusiastic uptake of the initiative, and the government is supporting this by way of fiscal incentives and subsidized conversions.

The year is closing with the massive news of the final investment decision (FID) by Shell and its partners on the Bonga North deep offshore oil project, which is Nigeria’s first deep offshore FID in over a decade.

This FID was preceded by the one by Total and NNPC Limited on the 300 million cubic feet per day Ubeta gas project.

Together these two projects represent over 5 billion dollars in investment value.

These long-awaited investment decisions have now finally happened because the investors behind them can see, from the President’s policies and actions, that Nigeria is truly serious and ready for oil and gas investment.

A series of presidential directives issued at the beginning of 2024 have unleashed the biggest wave of investor interest in our country’s energy sector in a while.

In 2024, our security forces neutralized more than 8,000 terrorists and bandits, and arrested 11,600 others, with more than 10,000 weapons recovered.

Additionally, about 8,000 kidnap victims were successfully rescued.

The goal is to keep driving down the numbers of victims, while scaling up efforts to make crime and criminality unattractive in Nigeria.

On the foreign affairs front, the 2024 has been a most encouraging year, despite several challenging geopolitical developments around the world, including in our corner of West Africa.

This year Nigeria was awarded the hosting rights for the new African Energy Bank, which will prove to be game-changing for energy financing in Africa.

As we reposition ourselves to be a global energy hub, this is a most fitting complement.

Nigeria is asserting itself as a country that cannot be ignored on the global stage.

In 2024, President Tinubu hosted heads of State and/or government from India, the world’s largest democracy, and from Germany, Europe’s largest economy.

He was welcomed on a State Visit to France, at a very exciting time in the history of mutually-beneficial relations between Nigeria and France.

Nigeria was specially invited to the G20 Summit for the second consecutive year, and we forged deeper relations with South Africa through our joint presidential binational commission.

As we step into a new year, during which we will mark the second anniversary of the Tinubu Administration, we will surely see even more of the positive outcomes of the President’s reforms, in infrastructure, agriculture, security, healthcare, education, creative and digital economy and many other areas.

The tax reforms, when passed into law and assented to, will cut personal and corporate income taxes for tens of millions of Nigerians, while also expanding VAT exemptions.

Consumer credit and student loans will reach many more people.

Important indices such as foreign reserves position, trade surplus, oil production, and GDP growth are set to continue rising, even as greater work going into permanently taming inflation.

The 2025 budget – the very fittingly-themed “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity” – is a convincing pointer of the federal government’s commitment to maintaining the positive course in which we are headed as a nation.

We will continue to seek the understanding of Nigerians on this journey of, in the President’s words in the 2025 budget speech, “economic renewal and institutional development.”

The sacrifices will all surely be rewarded, and we shall surely and steadily advance towards our desired destination – a country where a progressively better life will be guaranteed for everyone, regardless of where in the country they happen to reside.

Under President Tinubu’s watch, 2025 will represent a leap forward, towards that deserved destination.

Mohammed Idris, fnipr, is the Minister of Information and National Orientation.

Features

Repositioning VON for greater global impact

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A News Analysis by Mark Longyen, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

For the first time in 14 years, the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Nigeria’s sole external radio broadcaster, recently held a strategic management retreat.

The landmark event, with the theme: “VON in the 21st Century: Restrategising for Global Impact,” was spearheaded by its Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Malam Jibrin Ndace.

The event was organised to reflect Ndace’s strategic vision and drive as well as to reflect on the agency’s achievements over the years, realign its strategic priorities, and reposition it as a leader in contemporary global broadcasting.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who was the chairman of the occasion, while declaring the event open, described 2025 as a critical year for consolidating President Tinubu’s socio-economic and political reforms.

He underscored VON’s role in amplifying the administration’s achievements and fostering global awareness of Nigeria’s developmental strides under President Tinubu.

Idris urged VON to positively project the key achievements of the administration, such as fiscal reforms; empowering state and local governments; progress in the war on terrorism; and providing education loans for Nigerian youth, globally.

“There’s no doubt that 2025 will consolidate Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is already yielding significant progress across various facets of our national life.

“The Voice of Nigeria must tell the world that Nigeria is working again.

“We are winning the war on terrorism, banditry, and ethnic conflicts.

“We are providing education loans for our youth and transitioning to sustainable energy solutions,” Idris emphasised.

The minister also stressed the importance of combating fake news, adopting innovative digital technologies, and strengthening Nigeria’s image as a regional and global powerhouse.

Idris commended Ndace for his exemplary leadership, adding that VON was becoming a driving force in showcasing Nigeria’s progress.

He also lauded VON’s dedication to promoting Nigeria’s culture, policies, and achievements to a global audience, especially in the 21st Century.

In his opening remarks, Ndace described the retreat as “a transformative milestone in VON’s history.”

He underscored the importance of innovation, collaboration, and strategic planning, stressing that the event was critical in revitalising VON’s mandate of amplifying Nigeria’s voice on the global stage

Ndace expressed his deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and trust in VON’s leadership.

According to him, the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda has inspired the agency’s mission to showcase Nigeria’s progress and leadership across Africa.

He also lauded the Minister of Information and National Orientation for his pivotal role in reshaping VON’s strategic focus.

Ndace appreciated the National Assembly, fellow heads of sister media agencies, including the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), for their unwavering support.

He also outlined his vision for VON, saying it is built on three key pillars – People, Platform, and Partnerships.

On the first pillar, which is the people, he described the workforce as the heartbeat of VON and pledged to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and professional growth.

Recognising the role of younger audiences, he reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to engaging youth and integrating their perspectives into national and global conversations.

On the second pillar, which is platform, the DG stressed the need to modernise, and highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen VON’s digital presence and upgrade its broadcasting infrastructure.

This, he said, would enable the agency to deliver high-quality and impactful content to a diverse global audience.

On strategic partnerships, Ndace celebrated VON’s recent collaborations with key stakeholders, such as the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) and the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM).

“These partnerships are instrumental to enriching VON’s programming, expanding its reach, and promoting Nigeria’s soft power globally,” the DG said.

Ndace further emphasised VON’s commitment to inclusivity through the production of multilingual content, which reflects Nigeria’s rich diversity.

He said that this was the reason for VON’s recent strategic collaborations with the Ministry of Solid Minerals, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), among others.

“This is in line with our restrategising efforts to ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of language or location, are connected to the nation’s progress, and for VON to make global impact in the 21st century,” he said.

While stressing the critical role of strategic innovation, Ndace challenged stakeholders to contribute ideas to reposition VON for greater global relevance.

“This retreat marks a new chapter for VON, and together, we will achieve our vision of becoming a leading voice for Nigeria and Africa.

“There is the need for us to leverage cutting-edge technology, enhance digital content delivery, and amplify narratives that project Nigeria and Africa positively.

“This retreat is a call to action for all of us to reimagine VON’s future and reaffirm its position as a pillar of Nigeria’s soft power,” he said.

Ndace expressed confidence that the insights gained from the retreat would set VON on a renewed path toward greater global relevance and impact.

“This retreat reaffirms VON’s commitment to its mandate of providing a strategic framework to enhance its role as Nigeria’s external broadcaster and project the nation’s success stories to international audiences,” Ndace said. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Features

LNG: Nigeria’s gateway to global energy

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LNG: Nigeria’s gateway to global energy

 

By Yunus Yusuf

Nigeria stands on the brink of energy transformation with the right collaboration and investment strategies.

This allows the country to realise its full potential in the global energy market while transitioning towards sustainable practices.

The recent World LNG Summit and Awards in Berlin, Germany, highlighted the country’s potential as a major player in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector.

The theme, “Achieving the Balance Between Energy Security and Decarbonisation”, resonates well with Nigeria’s aspirations, especially under the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, who emphasises positioning natural gas as a cornerstone of the nation’s energy strategy.

Given the country’s status as one of the largest producers of natural gas globally, the summit provided an essential platform to showcase Nigeria’s untapped reserves and foster international collaboration.

Nigeria has the opportunity to enhance its LNG sector through strategic partnerships with global producers, technology innovators, and financial entities.

Such collaborations can facilitate substantial investment in critical infrastructure, expanding LNG export terminals, and enhancing pipeline systems.

Moreover, embracing advancements in LNG research and technology is crucial as the global market pivots toward sustainable energy solutions.

Addressing the issue of natural gas flaring through innovative technologies and financing strategies was also a significant discussion point at the summit.

This approach not only aligns with environmental goals but can also enhance the country’s reputation in the international energy community.

To further solidify its position as a leading LNG exporter, Nigeria must seek favorable global pricing mechanisms and forge mutually beneficial trade agreements.

The summit also presented credible insight into shifting market trends, including the growing demand for LNG in emerging economies and its future role in developed nations’ energy mixes.

Geopolitically, the disruption caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led many European countries to seek alternatives to Russian fossil fuels.

Nigeria’s LNG could play a crucial role in Europe’s energy future as the summit offered Nigerian delegates insight into the exploration of new export routes and secure long-term contracts, strengthening its position in the global market.

The summit provided Nigerian companies, including startups, with the opportunity to showcase their innovations in LNG, through exposure and international attraction.

This will accelerate the growth of the domestic LNG sector, boosting both economic prosperity and Nigeria’s standing in the global energy market.

With its vast reserves, Nigeria’s LNG exports have been facing stiff competition from other major producers like Qatar, Australia, and the United States.

The post-summit gains should now include focus on global LNG market dynamics, including pricing, supply-demand projections and emerging market trends.

By tapping into cutting-edge technologies and participating in discussions on the future of LNG, Nigeria can significantly benefit from the knowledge shared at this global event.

Some experts believe that with its LNG potentials, Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with but for challenges such as infrastructure limitations, funding gaps, and regulatory hurdles remain.

Mr Dumnam Dekor, Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities, underscored the importance of revisiting policies for a better support for host communities, especially those impacted by LNG facilities.

He highlighted the need for comprehensive policy reforms to align with global trends and ensure that LNG benefits are equitably distributed.

Mr Hart Godwin, another Nigerian lawmaker, emphasised the importance of increased investment in upstream energy projects, particularly in deep-water gas production.

He called for a regulatory environment conducive to competition and stressed the need to address security challenges, which affect production costs.

Godwin also praised President Tinubu’s executive order on oil and gas reforms, which includes tax incentives to boost Nigeria’s LNG competitiveness.

Abdulmalik Halilu, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing global climate goals.

He stressed that Nigeria must view net-zero ambitions from a continental perspective and adopt regulations that foster cooperation within ECOWAS and Africa as a whole.

On the role of financial institutions in funding LNG projects, Halilu explained that environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria were not meant to limit development but to ensure responsible field development that minimises environmental harm.

He advised Nigerian companies to focus on developing indigenous capabilities in LNG infrastructure, reducing reliance on foreign expertise.

In the same vein, Mr Olajide Bamidele, a Director at the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, emphasised the growing dominance of LNG in global energy markets.

He warned that Nigeria must address the challenges related to competition and climate change.

He called for a national focus on alternative energy sources and strategies to maintain LNG’s position in the market for the next 10 to 20 years.

“As the LNG industry evolves, the summit offers critical insights into the global energy transition.

Nigeria’s participation provides opportunities to modernise its LNG sector, forge strategic partnerships, and tap into technological innovations that will shape the future of global energy.

With its vast reserves and commitment to energy transition, Nigeria is well-positioned to harness the full potential of its LNG industry and become a global LNG powerhouse,” he added. (NANFeatures)

**If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)**

 

 

Features

How social media shaped Nigerian expressions in 2024

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How social media shaped Nigerian expressions in 2024

By Folasade Adeniran, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Language is a dynamic tool shaped by interaction, cultural perception, attitudes, and beliefs.

While some see language as a simple system of words, research shows it is a complex set of symbols, expressions, and actions that resonate with specific communities.

In Nigeria, known for its creativity and linguistic diversity, 2024 has seen a surge of new words and phrases popularised through social media.

These expressions are quickly adopted into daily interactions, showcasing the adaptability and creativity of Nigerians.

The year began with the viral slogan ‘no gree for anybody’, translating loosely to ‘don’t back down for anyone’.

This phrase embodies resilience, inspiring Nigerians to stand their ground in all areas of life; religious, academic, professional, and social.

Mass communication expert Ahmed Animashaun noted, “When I first came across the phrase, it motivated me.

“It made me believe that I can be what I want to be, but I was scared that it may cause problems in my interactions if taken wrongly”.

Similarly, agripreneur Jaja Somieibi explained its layered meanings: “It means that if someone does what you don’t like or want, make sure that you get back at the person, probably bigger and better.

“If a person gives you an A, make sure they collect A or AB”.

Counsellor Amina Olalekan offered a more tempered view, saying, “The theme ‘no gree for anybody’ is an indirect way of saying ‘giving up should not be an option’, But if it is taken out of context, it will cause problems for people.

“I understand that to every theme, some people might bring an opposite interpretation, which can lead to toxicity and unruliness, but I believe that at the heart of this slang/theme, it’s a push toward better”.

Another phrase that took Nigeria by storm in 2024 was ‘steeze’.

Originating as slang for effortless style and charisma, steeze has evolved to encompass a broader ethos of composure and self-awareness.

For creative designer Farouq Abdullahi, steeze became a mantra for emotional regulation.

“When I’m on the verge of losing my temper, my friends remind me to ‘maintain steeze’, ‘No fumble’.

“And it went on like that, you know, trying to be composed at all times. Even if someone is trying to take advantage of me, I look for ‘steezy’ ways to handle it,” he shared.

Fashion designer Sylvia Omon, on the other hand, interprets steeze more literally.

“For me, steeze is being stylish, attractive, and standing out. I never knew this word existed until this year, I think April or May. It was a game changer.

“I became intentionally steezy, if that’s a word. It just brought this consciousness of being aware of yourself and the aura you give out.”

The phrase ‘very demure’ has also gained traction, often used to describe someone who is modest, reserved, or composed.

However, Nigerians have added their characteristic flair by exaggerating its usage, transforming it into a humorous compliment or even a subtle critique.

Accountant Favour Osai recounted an amusing encounter while waiting in a bank queue.

“A staff member called me ‘very demure’ for staying calm amidst the chaos. I didn’t know whether to laugh or take it as a compliment.”

Social analyst Onah Reuben drew parallels between ‘very demure’ and ‘steeze’.

“Very demure means being mindful, elegant, and courteous, but steeze means being composed and stylish.

“If you are observant, Nigerians tend to mix these up, thereby making an ordinary English learner and speaker confused.

“But trust Nigerians, they understand themselves, so it’s no issue.”

‘Dey play’, a simple yet impactful phrase, has become a staple of Nigerian slang.

Often used humorously, it serves as a sarcastic retort to someone perceived as unrealistic or overly optimistic.

Artist Sayo Adejare remarked, “I was surprised. I feel it’s not only youths that the slang caught on to. Adults used it too. In fact, as long as you are using social media, that word will sneak into your lips.

“It’s a perfect response to some people’s actions or words, but trust Nigerians to exaggerate it; they can use it as a response to someone who is serious and in touch with reality”.

A teacher, Kunle Fowowe, expressed his admiration for the slang, saying, “I think we have to realise that Nigerians are expressive people, and they will use anything, image, or word to express their sentiments”.

Beyond these trends, social media has reinvigorated more indigenous expressions.

‘Kwechiri’ (Igbo word for astonishment) and coined new ones such as ‘no evidence’ (indicating lack of proof) and ‘no cap’ (a Gen Z phrase meaning truthfulness).

These phrases reflect evolving cultural narratives while showcasing Nigeria’s linguistic creativity in addressing contemporary realities.

As social media continues to shape communication, it enables Nigerians to blend humour, resilience, and tradition into a shared language that transcends boundaries.

Stakeholders argue that the future of Nigerian language trends relies on preserving indigenous languages while fostering creativity through social media and education.

Many believe that tools like ‘memes’ and digital contents can help keep these languages alive, while schools can incorporate slang into their curricula to highlight its cultural significance.

Dr Adebayo Akanji, a linguistics expert, cautions, “Nigerian slang is a powerful medium of expression, but without proper guidance, it can be misinterpreted or misused”.

Akanji, however, urged educators and influencers to provide context to ensure that slang remains inclusive and positive. (NANFeatures)

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

Features

How learning poverty can be eradicated in Oyo State- Stakeholders

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A News Analysis by Ibukun Emiola, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

 

Oyinkansola Ademola and OreOluwami Ajisafe are 11-year-old female Junior Secondary School (JSS) students who have a formal education in Ibadan, Oyo State.

 

While Oyinkansola attends a public school in a semi-urban area, OreOluwami attends a private school in an urban area and both aspire to be medical doctors in the future, yet their learning experiences are not the same.

 

Oyinkansola, during a class exercise given by her teacher on future ambition and why she chose that career, could barely write a sentence legibly and intelligibly.

 

On the other hand, OreOluwami attempted the same exercise brilliantly, specifying her choice specialty, Pediatrics.

 

This scenario above buttresses learning poverty which Gender Responsive Education Sector Planning (GRESP) could address if well implemented in the state according to experts.

 

Although poor learning is not the only factor that contributes to learning poverty, it is one of the key elements.

 

In Nigeria, 70 per cent of children in their 10th year cannot read a simple sentence according to UNICEF but findings on the field in Oyo State revealed that this is not only limited to reading but writing as well.

 

Experts have argued there should be no disparities in the quality of education every child receives, observing that there should be equal access to quality education for all, regardless of location, status, and ethnicity of any child which can be achieved if the Gender Responsive Education Sector Plan (GRESP) is operational.

 

An assessment to determine the Learning Poverty rate (LP) was carried out among 185 students from the JSS arm of two schools in Ibadan; 102 students from a public school and 83 students from a private school located in the interior of Yemetu and Total Garden communities in Ibadan participated respectively.

 

Findings indicate a high LP rate in the public school assessed put at 60 per cent, as opposed to a 10 per cent LP rate in the private school assessed.

 

In the public school where the exercise was done, students in JSS 3 have the highest LP rate, more than 50 per cent of those assessed could not write a sentence intelligibly.

 

Also, a survey was conducted on the free education policy of the Oyo State Government and it shows that 64.52 per cent of respondents agree or strongly agree with the policy, describing it as good.

 

However, they called for the recruitment of more qualified teachers and effective monitoring as well as infrastructure and learning facilities for a robust learning outcome.

 

Respondents believed in equal access to quality education for both males and females, though they knew nothing about the GRESP framework.

 

Miss Tamilore Bode-Are, a graduate who had her teaching practice in Oyo State shared her experience, noting that free education helps to give access to every child regardless of status, ethnicity, and location.

 

She advocated for a good learning environment, training, and support for teachers, adding that parents should support their children and be involved in monitoring them to achieve quality education.

 

“There should be training for teachers from time to time to develop them intellectually and help them pass the right knowledge to students,’’ she said.

 

The Registrar of Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Prof. Olusegun Ajiboye, said that the state “is currently implementing some gender-sensitive projects under the World Bank/Federal Ministry of Education to increase female participation in education.

 

“More sustainable approaches are required to engender balance between male and female participation in education in the state.

 

“Education is capital intensive. Government alone cannot carry the burden. We need private participation to sustain the current achievements in Oyo State. More funding is required both from the government and private sector.

 

“Education infrastructure in the state needs to be revamped to meet the 21st century global standards.

 

“Teacher training and retraining is crucial for sustained achievements. This should also be backed up with teacher motivation and welfare.’’

 

Also, Dr Muyiwa Bamgbose, the Chief Executive Officer of the Education Advancement Centre who had served as a consultant to the Oyo State government in the recruitment of teachers and pioneered a school-on-air initiative just before the Covid-19 pandemic, said that a factor that could help “in the education of children is the parent involvement’’.

 

According to him, to eradicate learning poverty, there must be more qualified teachers and teacher commitment or motivation must be ensured.

 

“But we see that we don’t have enough teachers. We don’t have enough to spread around all the schools, especially the schools in the rural areas, in the suburban, you know, so those places are underserved.

 

“Also, parent involvement is really lacking. One of the problems with parent involvement is the fact that the government is stopping people from paying. They are making politics out of parents paying for education.

 

“This free education policy is like a two-edged sword. It has its own negative repercussions on the attitude of parents and the outcome of learning,’’ Bamgbose said.

 

With parents withdrawing their wards from private schools to public schools due to the prevailing economic situation, Dr Kayode Adeyemi, the National Secretary, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, said “there is a need to balance the fact that parents resort to public schools and the lack of enough capacity to absorb the surge’’.

 

Adeyemi noted that in public schools, students could be up to 70 in a class and oftentimes, many of them might sit under the trees due to infrastructural decay.

 

“Hence the need for the government to intervene and help in building and sustaining the capacity of private schools before the education sector is completely stuck,’’ Adeyemi said.

 

In an interview with the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, he reiterated the commitment of the state government on the platform of its Sustainable Development Agenda, Omituntun 2.0, adding that the bedrock of any development is education.

 

“So, therefore, education plays a strategic and pivotal role in the administration of Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State,” Adelabu said.

 

Adelabu said that in the area of infrastructure, the administration has been doing its best by building model schools and reducing the population in each school.

 

“What we are doing is splitting to give the head of the school, the principal, a manageable number of students. We are also recruiting into our basic education as well as our secondary school.

 

“We are trying as much as possible to remove favouritism and nepotism in our method of recruitment and we are enforcing this on our recruitment policy,” Adelabu said.

 

Stakeholders, nonetheless, believe that making GRESP operational would help to improve the quality of education and reduce learning poverty in the state.(NANFeatures)(www.nannews.ng)

 

**If used, please, credit the writer as well as News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Features

Taking the right path to sustaining HIV/AIDS response

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By Vivian Ihechu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
The first cases of AIDS in Nigeria were diagnosed in 1985 and reported in 1986.
They were a 13-year-old sexually active girl and a female commercial sex worker who arrived in Lagos State, from a neighbouring West African country.
The news of the first cases caused panic and disbelief in Nigeria, as AIDS was reported to be a killer disease without a cure.
The number of people infected with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria has increased rapidly since the first cases. In 1992, 367 new AIDS cases were reported, and by 1994 that number had risen to 1,490.
However, the first national response to the epidemic was the creation of the National Expert Advisory Committee on AIDS (NEACA) in 1987.
Meanwhile, the United States of America Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had on June 5, 1981, reported a rare form of pneumonia in young gay men in California, the first AIDS alert.
CDC in September 1982, about 15 months later, used the term AIDS to describe the disease for the first time.
According to CDC, AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Johns Hopkins University says the virus kills or impairs cells of the immune system and progressively destroys the body’s ability to fight infections and certain cancers.
Through the 1980s and early 1990s, the outbreak of HIV and AIDS swept across the U.S. and the rest of the world, with concerns on how to tackle the disease.
Over the years, the situation looked gloomy with sparse information on the new disease, high mortality incidents and the comorbidities that make the management of the condition more complicated.
Comorbidities is a medical condition that coexist alongside HIV/AIDS, including tuberculosis, cardiovascular disease like hypertension, respiratory diseases like pneumonia, hepatic diseases like hepatitis B and C, as well as mental health challenges.
Globally, work and researches into the disease became intensified with reports saying that HIV/AIDS is transmitted through sexual contact, blood, needles, or from mother to infant of an infected person.
With no clue to the cure for HIV/AIDS in sight, hope came in 1987, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zidovudine (AZT), the first antiretroviral drug used to treat HIV.
FDA also approved, and authorised the sale of male condoms as prevention for HIV.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO’s) report, 88.4 million (71.3–112.8 million) people have been infected with the HIV virus and about 42.3 million (35.7 to 51.1 million) people are reported to have died since the beginning of the epidemic.
The report added that globally, 39.9 million (36.1–44.6 million) people lived with HIV by the year 2023.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, regrettably said, “HIV is a complex health challenge, inseparable from social determinants such as poverty, gender inequality and violence, and complicated by stigma and discrimination, especially among marginal populations.”
However, after years of ravaging and killing millions of people, Moeti acknowledged that a remarkable reduction in the number of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths was being recorded.
But she added that the number of new HIV infections was higher outside of sub-Saharan Africa for the first time in 2023.
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), inspiring global shared vision of zero new HIV infections, is leading the world in achieving the 95-95-95 UNAIDS HIV testing, treatment and viral suppression targets, aimed at closing gaps in treatment coverage and outcomes.
According to her, seven countries have already achieved the targets, with the overall rating for the region currently at 90-82-76, and with about 21.3 million people now on antiretroviral treatment, which raises their life expectancy.
Of interest, Botswana (silver tier status) and Namibia (bronze tier status), have both been recognised for notably curbing mother-to-child HIV transmission rates, achieving the required indicators for the “Path to elimination of HIV” criteria introduced in 2017.
In Nigeria, Dr Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), also gave a ray of hope to
the citizens.
According to her, the country has made notable progress in shaping “our response and strategies to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country.”
At a news conference ahead of the 2024 World AIDS Day, she said about two million people were living with HIV in Nigeria, with approximately 1.6 million out of them currently receiving treatment.
The 2024 World AIDS Theme is: “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!”, a rallying cry for accessible, rights-based healthcare that empowers those affected by HIV/AIDS to live vibrant and fulfilling lives.
However, UNAIDS’s Country Director, Dr Leo Zekeng, painted a gloomy picture, saying the level of progress made to eradicate HIV in the country was not encouraging.
Zekeng disclosed that the world made a commitment to reduce new HIV infection by 83 per cent; that is new infections to 370,000 by 2025, “but the data for 2022 suggests that we have 1.3 million new infections.”
According to him, about 11 countries, mostly from the east and southern Africa, have attained a 66 per cent reduction in HIV infection based on pre-2025 target assessment.
He said the progress attained by the 11 countries served as a testimony and had reinforced the hope that reducing HIV infections was achievable with determination.
Zekeng then noted that achieving the set target by Nigeria was achievable with renewed commitment, political will, increased funding and strengthened efforts at prevention by states and Federal Government.
One of the challenges in AIDS control in Nigeria, according to Ilori, is the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT), with coverage remaining below 33 per cent.
Stigma and discrimination remain
Ilori, who also referenced the stigma barrier, urged Nigerians to join hands with NACA to break the stigma, jinx and embrace equity, to drive collective action to stop HIV, especially among children.
“We must empower every individual, especially women who are most vulnerable to contracting HIV, and other vulnerable populations, to access life-saving services and live with dignity’’.
Also, many young Nigerians lack essential knowledge about HIV prevention, the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023-24 report reveals.
It indicates that only 30 per cent of women and 22 per cent of men aged 15-24 understand effective ways to avoid the virus.
As a result, this knowledge gap is also contributory to the spread of HIV among youths who were particularly vulnerable due to limited access to accurate health information and misconceptions about transmission.
How do persons with HIV/AIDS feel?
The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) decried the high rate of stigmatisation faced by persons living with the virus.
NEPWHAN’s Edo chapter chairman, Mr Christopher Osayande said stigmatisation remained a significant challenge for Persons Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in society.
“Stigmatisation is still high and as a result, persons living with the virus are being denied meaningful employment.
“For those in business, once people know they have the virus they stop patronising their businesses,” he said.
He also cited inadequate support, lack of care and empathy, as well as lack of access to resources/finances to become self-sufficient as some of the inhibiting factors.
According to him, people with HIV/AIDS are a vulnerable group, with the majority being poor, hence the need for the government to make provisions for skills acquisition for PLWHA to enable them to fend for themselves.
“There are still new cases of HIV in the state and the number of people needing care is increasing due to lack of food and transportation.
“As an association, we are trying to see that the viral load reduces, but because most PLWHA do not have means of livelihood, the viral load remains high,” Osayande said.
On ways to end AIDS, Dr Patrick Dakum, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), advocated sustainability, renewed political commitment, and collaborative action to address the challenges ahead.
Funmi Adesanya, Nigeria Country Coordinator for the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), called for the expansion of preventive efforts to end HIV/AIDS and to look beyond 2030.
Adesanya, represented by Deputy Country Coordinator, Mr Emerson Evans, at an event, stressed the need to scale up evidence-based prevention strategies, such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and harm reduction services to often-overlooked populations like children.
“Invest in resilient and inclusive healthcare systems that ensure uninterrupted access to antiretroviral therapy, even in crisis situations.
“Address social determinants like stigma, discrimination, and structural inequalities that hinder access to care, particularly for marginalised groups,” she said.
Adesanya also emphasised the importance of investing in research and development, supporting innovative vaccine development, and creating long-acting treatment regimens to improve outcomes and reduce transmission.
Improved funding is also critical strategy of ending HIV/AIDS
A ray of hope in that direction is the recent proposal by the House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM), of allocation of one per cent of the Federal Government’s Consolidated Revenue to address HIV/AIDS and other public health diseases.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Amobi Ogah, at the end of the committee’s retreat with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), said the decision was aimed at reducing dependency on foreign aid to sustain the fight against public health diseases.
Ogah also called for the amendment of the NACA Establishment Act of 2007 to restructure NACA into a multi-sector agency, enabling it to effectively coordinate responses to HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, buruli ulcer, leprosy, and malaria.
According to him, the committee is committed to reviewing the Anti-Discrimination Act of 2014 to address stigmatisation.
“Other key decisions reached at the retreat that will help toward the goal of ending AIDS include, promoting local production of HIV drugs, ensuring accountability of NGOs, and enhancing NACA’s oversight capabilities,” he said.
Another solution as identified by some clerics is upholding cultural values, including frowning at LBGTQ activities, rape and drugs and substance abuse.
The Chief Imam, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Amidu Sanni, said the whole phenomenon of LBGTQ was a form of violence against established norms.
The General Superintendent, Holy Spirit Mission, Ikeja, Lagos, Bishop Charles Ighale, holds the same view.
“The act, much as it is “abominable’’, also promotes the spread of HIV/AIDS, according to experts, hence, it should not be tolerated,” he said.
“The need to prioritise comprehensive sex education, alongside continuous community and schools sensitisation, is important,” says Dr Ehey Ijezie, Country Programme Director, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).
Prof. Oliver Ezechi, the Director of Research at Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), advocates youth’s involvement in proffering solutions to some health challenges including HIV/AIDS.
He said that the initiatives such as the 21-day boot camp, would serve as a unique research project to raise awareness among youths on HIV self-testing.
“It also serves as a platform to harness the power of young people and local knowledge to tackle some of the country’s biggest health challenges like Hepatitis B, HIV, hypertension and other diseases that are common in Nigeria.”
For Prof. Juliet Ezekwe, a Professor of Medicine from Washington DC, U.S., “Empowering communities will also aid in the fight to manage and stop HIV/AIDS.
“Communities have the first-hand experience, the knowledge, and the resilience to combat health challenges.
“Experts and doctors can provide guidance, but true progress hinges on empowering communities through the youths,” she said.
What is the Government doing?
Illori said NACA had implemented various strategies including combination prevention therapy, HIV self-testing, harm reduction initiatives, treatment as prevention, and the re-evaluation of Nigeria’s HIV epidemic through the NAIIS in 2018, among others.
“Among other initiatives, is the advancement of PMTCT programme in Nigeria, which is key to eliminating new HIV infections among children.
“The federal government has adopted a comprehensive approach for the implementation of PMTCT and this includes: Primary prevention of HIV infection among women of childbearing age.
“NACA has developed the Global Alliance Action Plan to End AIDS in children and established a national-level acceleration committee to track implementation.
“The agency has also engaged stakeholders to co-create a sustainability roadmap, ensuring that gains in the HIV response are sustained and government-mandated structures are in place.
“Also, a new initiative to expand Health Insurance Project access for vulnerable Nigerians including Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) and TB patients, is on ground, to run from 2024 to 2026, across five Nigerian states, namely, Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Lagos,” said Illori.
The Way Forward
Though the fight against HIV/AIDS is not over, Amb. John Nkengasong, said it required sustained global response against the disease.
Nkengasong is the Global Aids Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy, the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
Nkengasong acknowledged that efforts to control HIV/AIDS had recorded tremendous success with lifesaving impacts across communities.
He, however, cautioned that HIV/AIDS should not be seen or termed a disease of the past.
According to Nkengasong, a Virologist, HIV is a hidden pandemic that doesn’t disrupt, warning that it spreads silently in communities.
Nkengasong urged governments to commit their own resources to the fight, advising that programmes should be shaped in a way that they could respond to the needs of today and fill the inequity gap that existed in young children, adolescent girls, young women, and key populations.
All in all, the need for improved multi-sectoral coordination, accountability, and adoption of global best practices in HIV response, is vital to ending HIV/AIDS and prevention of its resurgence. (NANFeatures)
***If used, credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
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