Features - News Agency Of Nigeria

Philip Daniel Yatai
May, Wed, 2025

Wings of Pride: Celebrating Nigerian Air Force at 61

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By Sumaila Ogbaje, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Since its establishment on April 18, 1963, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has played a vital role in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its airspace, and contributing to regional stability.

By many accounts, the NAF has demonstrated remarkable commitment to its mission, with personnel displaying exceptional bravery, skill, and professionalism.

From counter-insurgency operations to humanitarian assistance, the NAF has consistently risen to the challenge, putting the nation’s interests above all else.

The NAF has played a crucial role in supporting ground troops in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups, and has also provided critical support during natural disasters, evacuating citizens and delivering aid to affected areas.

It has contributed to regional stability through its participation in peacekeeping missions and joint exercises with neighbouring countries.

As the NAF celebrates its 61st anniversary, it continues to modernise and adapt to emerging challenges.

The acquisition of new aircraft, upgrade of existing platforms, and investment in cutting-edge technology are some of the initiatives aimed at enhancing the NAF’s operational capabilities.

At the event commemorating NAF’s 61st anniversary, it showcased a lot of breakthroughs in platforms procurement and advancement in Research and Development (R&D) efforts as well as induction of the first batch of the newly acquired Agusta 109 Trekka Helicopters by President Bola Tinubu.

The president, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, said he was very emphatic on assumption of office that security would be a top priority of his administration, as neither economic prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.

He said the induction of the new combat helicopters marked another milestone in his unwavering commitment to strengthen the nation’s armed forces, particularly the Air Force towards a more secure Nigeria.

Tinubu said the acquisition was made alongside orders like the Diamond 62 Surveillance Aircraft, the T-129 Attack Helicopters, the King Air 360 aircraft, as well as others that will be delivered in the coming months.

“Let me use this opportunity to assure you all that my administration will continue to support the Nigerian Air Force and indeed other security agencies by giving due attention and priority to fleet modernisation as well as training and welfare of our men and women in uniform.

“As your commander-in-chief, I understand that a well-equipped military is essential not only for securing our nation but also for preserving our democracy.

“A democratically stable Nigeria is fundamental to our national progress and regional peace and the defence of democracy requires a military that is well-prepared, well-trained and well-equipped,’’ he said.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the dynamic security landscape of the nation demands an agile, well-equipped and responsive air force capable of rapid deployment across multiple theatres.

He said the reality underscored the need for continuous investments in modern platforms to bolster the Nigerian Air Force’s capacity to deliver air power across all spectrums of warfare.

Abubakar said the successful acquisition of the Augusta Westland 109 Trekka helicopter was a significant leap in our modernisation efforts of the NAF.

The air chief said the helicopter was designed to operate in challenging environments, providing critical support to both military and civil operations, including disaster relief and humanitarian missions.

“By inducting this platform into the NAF, the service is further strengthening its multi-domain operational capability, making us more responsive and efficient in the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“It is noteworthy that from 2024 to date, NAF has received a total of nine brand-new aircraft into its inventory, comprising four C-129 attack helicopters, three King Air 360 aircraft, as well as the two Agusta 109 trekker helicopters being inducted.”

Abubakar said the NAF was poised to receive 49 more aircraft within the next two years, in line with Mr President’s firm commitment towards Nigerian security.

He said the 49 aircraft being expected included 10 additional A-109S trekkers, 12 AH-1 Zulu attack helicopters, 24 M-346 attack and ground attack aircraft, and three Kata 295 medium airlift aircraft.

According to him, the acquisitions will significantly bolster precision strike, ground attack, and air mobility capabilities, to support counter terrorism, and counterinsurgency operations.

In the area of building local capacity through research and development, the air chief said the NAF was optimising strategic partnerships in artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicle research and development, small arms and rocket developments, as well as radar enhancements.

He said that NAF’s various research and development institutions, such as the Air Force Institute of Technology, were partnering with universities and government institutions towards accelerating their research and development capabilities.

“As part of efforts to optimise our employment of NAF platforms, we have recorded research and development breakthroughs, such as revalidation of the Alpha Jet aircraft ejection seats, retrofitting of unserviceable 68mm rockets, and the development of a test kit for determining the specific impulse of pyro cartridges, amongst several others.

“Also, just two weeks ago, I inaugurated a research committee tasked with initiating the local production of the C-5 57mm rockets integral to some of our attack platforms.

“These achievements highlight our shift towards self-reliance and resilience in defence technology,’’ he said.

During the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), with Lagos State University and a local defence firm, EPAIL Nigeria, the CAS expressed the desire of the NAF to pursue locally driven solutions in addressing the nation’s security challenges.

According to him, in a rapidly changing world, the ability to continue to anticipate, rapidly adapt and innovate is imperative for the transformation of the NAF into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the air power demands of national security in all operational environments.

Abubakar said the NAF had since 2015, flown over 8,000, conducted more than 80,000 sorties with only few verified incidences of collateral damage.

He said it represented an occurrence rate of less than 0.005 per cent, an exceptional record by global standards, particularly within the complexities of asymmetric warfare.

The CAS said that in the few instances where civilian casualties were reported, the NAF had promptly conducted investigations, accepted responsibility with deep regret, and taken necessary corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.

According to him, the service has proactively invested in advanced technologies and robust protocols aimed at preventing civilian casualties.

In his remarks, the Vice President, Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN), Ade Ogundeyin, commended the NAF for its continuous efforts in modernising air operations, enhancing research and development, and fostering civil military cooperation.

Ogundeyin said that DIAN was established to promote local industry, defence manufacturing, and enhance Nigeria’s military industrial capabilities, aimed to advance indigenous defence technology through innovation and strategic partnerships.

He said that by fostering partnerships between defence industries and institutions, research bodies, and the academia and private industries, Nigeria was positioning itself for self-sufficiency in aerospace technology and defence manufacturing.

Available data indicates that the NAF has contributed to UN peacekeeping operations, providing air support and transportation services to peacekeeping troops in addition to its internal security operations over the years.

By participating in global and regional security initiatives, the NAF has demonstrated its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s interests and contributing to international peace and security.

The NAF’s global ranking is 54th in terms of airpower, according to the Global Firepower Index 2025 while ranking third in Africa, behind Egypt and Algeria, with a firepower index of 0.5771.

As part of measures to mitigate civilian casualties during air operations, the NAF also unveiled the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plans Document during the NAF Day 2025 Seminar.

The seminar was part of activities marking NAF’s 61st anniversary in Abuja.

Experts are of the view that with continuous training of its personnel, systematic upgrading and acquisition of modern combat equipment, the NAF will continue to prove its mettle in protecting Nigeria’s airspace. (NANFeatures)

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

ECOWAS @50: Achievements, challenges and future directions

Ismail Abdulaziz
May, Wed, 2025

Features

ECOWAS @50: Achievements, challenges and future directions

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By Angela Atabo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

50 years ago, in May 1975, 15 West African countries came together and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was birthed with the Treaty of Lagos.

The vision was bold–to create a strong, integrated regional bloc that would promote economic development, political cooperation, social solidarity, and peace across the subcontinent.

Half a century later, ECOWAS stands as both a testament to regional solidarity and a mirror reflecting the complexities of post-colonial Africa.

As ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary, observers say it is time to assess its journey, celebrating achievements, confronting challenges, and mapping a future that serves the people of West Africa.

They say the regional bloc has achieved some feats in terms of peace and security using ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), for peacekeeping in stabilising conflict zones.

According to them, ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons has enabled millions of West Africans to travel, trade, and seek work across borders without visas.

More so, stakeholders highlight ECOWAS’ strides toward economic integration through initiatives like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and efforts to create a common currency, external tariff among other achievements.

Regrettably, analysts say the sub-region has also experienced some road blocks to unity and political stability amid the rise of terrorism and armed insurgency in the Sahel.

In recent years, a resurgence of military coups in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger has challenged ECOWAS’s democratic credentials.

As ECOWAS clocks 50, the need for reforms and renewal is urgent.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently highlighted several challenges facing ECOWAS to include political instability, economic disparities, and the need for stronger regional integration.

Specifically, Tinubu emphasised the threats of unconstitutional rule, violent extremism, and the ongoing struggle to address poverty, lack of access to quality education, and unemployment and noted the need for ECOWAS to refocus on its people, invest in education and innovation, and strengthen its commitment to democracy and good governance.

As part of effort to address these challenges; Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) who have continued to contribute significantly to conflict prevention, peace building, and the overall development agenda of ECOWAS are speaking up.

They are of the opinion that the regional bloc was in need of reforms among other things to strengthen the region in all spheres.

CSOs like the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Ghana and Nigeria, as well as other stakeholders who have been playing vital roles in ECOWAS, have lent their voices.

CDD Senior Fellow, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, said that recent developments, including military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea, posed significant challenges to the bloc’s unity.

Ibrahim said that although ECOWAS had been instrumental in deepening democracy in the region; yet, the emergence of unconstitutional regimes threatened the unity and progress it had achieved.

“We are facing a major crisis, especially following the emergence of coup d’etat in the region, specifically in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea.

“This is a huge challenge which eventually led to the emergence of a different organisation for the Sahelian countries.

“We feel that we must take the long view and that long view means, first and foremost to remain on the path of democratic consolidation for West Africa.”

Ibrahim said there was need to continue to talk to the Sahelians countries that left democracy to see the value of democracy in the medium term and on the basis of that rescinded their decision.

He explained that one of ECOWAS’s core reasons for existence was promoting regional integration and the Sahelian countries that opted out have no access to the sea.

He said that the inability of many ECOWAS member states to generate sustainable employment, particularly for the youths was fueling disillusionment and instability.

Ibrahim said there was need to deepen the democracy of the region through various reforms.

“ECOWAS has been good for West Africa and West Africa has been good for ECOWAS.

“It has been a very positive force for West Africa and we do not want ECOWAS to disintegrate; we feel that we must remain on the path of democratic consolidation for West Africa,’’ he said.

In his opinion, the Director of CDD West Africa, Dr Dauda Garuba, said ECOWAS was still serving the needs of West Africa in spite of the challenges although more needs to be done.

“We need to redefine the treaties and protocols; we also need to create a situation where democracy will continue to flourish in this region for prosperity.

“This will lead to full regional integration and also achieve what we call the developmental regionalism that is a dream of our time,’’ he said

Stressing the need for reforms, the Project Coordinator of WADEMOS, Paul Osei-Kuffour, said the challenges faced by the regional bloc had made it imperative for innovative reforms.

“Indeed, the need for ECOWAS is even more demanding to ensure a coordinated and harmonised response, cooperation and solidarity in countering cross-border security threats fuelling instability and roll back deteriorating democratic norms and governance in the region,’’ he said.

He commended ECOWAS for being reconciliatory and exhibiting statesmanship with its position and response to the Alliance of Sahel State (AES) countries following the Jan 29th deadline, which contributed to mitigating public anxiety and apprehension at the time.

Osei-Kuffour called on AES to prioritise its engagement with ECOWAS within the transition period, particularly on matters of security and trade in the wider interest of cooperation and the stability of West Africa.

The Chairman of the CDD Board, John Odah, called on civil society organisations to critically evaluate the bloc’s successes and shortcomings and to actively support the vision of regional integration.

“ECOWAS was established to integrate 15 sub-Saharan African countries socially, economically, culturally, and politically, so it imperative for civil society to ensure that the dream of ECOWAS integration is not aborted.

“Democracy in West Africa deepens when democracy in the individual countries in West Africa deepens; we have had some challenges in some of our West African countries where the democratic regime has encountered significant challenges.

“However, we feel it is important for all of us as citizens of our own countries to try to engage political actors to remain on the path of democracy and that by deepening democracy at the country level, we can deepen democracy at the regional level,’’ he said.

The WADEMOS Advocacy officer, Austin Aigbe, said there had been democratic backsliding in the West African region that if not addressed could lead to more coups.

“We have come to know that disintegration is not an option because of the huge opportunity that the ECOWAS bloc provides.

“As a West African citizen you can travel around the region without passport; that is an advantage that ECOWAS brings to the table but however with the exit of some countries, it reduces that number.

“This is weird for us so we need to get them back.

“There is also a challenge that needs attention, this is with the countries that extend their tenure and change their constitution; we call it constitutional coup.”

According to Aigbe, if military coups are criticised, then civilian coup of tenure elongation should also be condemned .

He said there was need to continue with the ideology of ECOWAS but by rethinking reforms to properly position it as a stronger institution, the pride of Africa.

“The democratic backsliding must be tackled because we do not want ECOWAS to disintegrate especially because of its free movement, beyond that, there is need to enforce the ECOWAS protocol of good governance and democracy,” he said.

For ECOWAS to survive and be strengthened going forward, experts advise that it rebuilds trust and democratic norms by revisiting governance protocols and strengthening democratic institutions.(NANFeatures)

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

Muhyideen Jimoh
May, Tue, 2025

Features

Rethinking cocoa

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By Chijioke Okoronkwo

In the pre-independence Nigeria, agriculture, especially cocoa farming, was one of the mainstays of the nation’s economy.

The top five cocoa producing states in Nigeria are Ondo, Osun, Cross River, Oyo, and Ogun, while Edo, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Delta, Abia, Enugu and Akwa Ibom produce in a smaller scale.

Regrettably, as oil production and exportation gained momentum, there was a significant shift from agriculture, including cocoa farming, as investment in it waned.

In recent years, there have been a resurgence of cocoa farming and increased trading in the commodity as well as rise in the price – bringing hope and excitement to stakeholders.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed a significant surge in Nigeria’s cocoa exports, with the country exporting N1.2 trillion in 2024 and up from N171 billion in 2023, representing an impressive 606 per cent increase in the fourth quarter of 2024 alone.

This surge is attributed to a combination of favourable market conditions and the impact of seasonality, as well as unfavourable weather patterns affecting major global cocoa producers, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana.

“Nigeria’s cocoa exports recorded a 92 per cent rise from N624.71 billion in the third quarter of 2024, fueled by cocoa price rally.

“As prices soared, Nigerian cocoa farmers and exporters took advantage of the opportunity, reviving old cocoa plantations and planting new cocoa trees to tap into the lucrative cash crop value chain,’’ AgroNigeria has reported.

From cocoa butter, chocolate liquor, chocolate cake and cocoa powder to animal feed and pectin, among others, cocoa had been very useful to the medical, confectionary and food industry.

Economic experts say the global resurgence of the cocoa trade must be optimally harnessed by Nigeria, the fourth largest producer of cocoa in the world.

Recently, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the draft bill for the establishment of the National Cocoa Management Board (NCMB) in order to revamp Nigeria’s cocoa industry.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who conveyed the decision, said the initiative was aimed at establishing Nigeria as a key player in the global cocoa market while enhancing the welfare of cocoa farmers nationwide.

According to him, the decision is in tandem with broader goals to ensure sustainable practices and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers who are crucial to the industry.

Kyari said that NCMB would be empowered to regulate the cocoa sub-sector, rehabilitate plantations, provide soft credit facilities to farmers, and enforce market standards.

“The board is expected to drive a sustainable cocoa economy that will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s gross domestic product by boosting domestic consumption, attracting youths into agriculture, and increasing foreign exchange earnings through export of premium-quality cocoa products.

“In 2023, Nigeria generated N356.16 billion from cocoa beans and allied products. With this new framework, we will be competing directly with top global producers such as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire,” he said.

At the subnational, cocoa stakeholders and farmers are making the resurgence count.

A cocoa farmer at Erunmu in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr Taofeek Adesola, said he returned to his village in 2020 to take care of his late father’s cocoa farm after he lost his job in Lagos State.

Adesola said that the decision had changed his economic status.

“I have renovated my late father’s house at Lalupon and equally started building my own house from cocoa beans proceeds,” he said.

He spoke on his plan to start cultivating more high-yielding seedlings to replace old cocoa trees in his late father’s farm in the coming season.

A cocoa produce buyer in the state, Chief Ezekiel Olagunju, also confirmed the development, attributing it to poor Naira exchange rate with the dollar.

According to him, the exchange rate favours cocoa exporters as they get more Naira from export of cocoa beans.

Olagunju further attributed the boom to the shortfall in cocoa production in Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana as a result of unfavourable weather in the two countries.

According to him, the two countries are the top cocoa growers in West Africa, and a shortfall in the countries’ supplies resulted in high demand from Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Enugu State Government, in collaboration with a private investor, WhiteRabbit Agro Ltd., has embarked on establishing cocoa plantations in the state for massive production and processing.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Mr Patrick Ubru, said that the pilot plantation of 20 hectares was located in Nkanu East Local Government Area of the state.

“In line with Gov. Peter Mbah’s vision, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation is in partnership with a private investor, WhiteRabbit Agro Ltd., to develop the state government’s Cocoa Initiative and make the state a mass cocoa producer and processor.

“The ministry will also push to spread the initiative to five other local government areas surrounding Nkanu East LGA due to their similarities in topography and soil type.

“We are reaching out to local government areas within that topography and soil type such as Nkanu West, Isi-Uzo, Oji-River, Aninri and Awgu to, at least, do a pilot of 100 hectares of cocoa plantation in each.

“We are pursuing it with the vigour it deserves and we want to ensure that we encourage our people to take to cocoa farming and have large cocoa plantations of their own,” he said.

The commissioner said that the partners in the project were already developing 100,000 high-yielding and early-producing cocoa varieties obtained from Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan.

Ubru said that the cocoa nursery was located at Amaechi Idodo community in Nkanu East Local Government Area.

“One tonne of cocoa today in the international market goes for 10,500 dollars; in naira, the value is about N16.3 million.

“The governor gave a mandate to the ministry, when we came on board, to develop cocoa farming, and we are head-on doing it and collaborating with all stakeholders,’’ he said.

In Cross River, the cocoa renaissance tune is also reverberating.

Recently, the A A Universal Agro Company, said that Nigeria could earn N900 billion annually from the Ikom Cocoa Export Processing Plant in Cross River when fully operational.

The Managing Director of the agro company, Mr Chris Agara, whose firm is the concessionaire of the cocoa processing plant, said he was in partnership with an Israeli compan, B and Co., a member of the LR Group, to turn around Nigeria’s cocoa industry.

“My firm has a contract grant agreement between the U.S. Government through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).

“The contract is to carry out feasibility study and bankable business plan to farm and develop cocoa and cassava farms and value chains from farm to table, to international standards and best practice.

“It will be for local uses and export purposes,” he said.

The industrialist said that adopting the firm’s protocols and methodology would increase cocoa yield from its present 400kg per hectare to 3.5 tonnes per hectare.

He urged the Federal Government to give support the firm to enable it to access funds from the International Finance Institute.

“The Federal Government should support us because this funding we are trying to raise is from the International Finance Institute.

“We need guarantee from the Federal Government for this funding.

“We also need guarantee from the state government through a policy, to ensure that Cross River cocoa is processed in Cross River, because most of our cocoa is taken out of the state by merchants.

“Our foreign partner is one of the largest agro companies in Israel; their technology can improve our cocoa farm yields from less than half a tonne to 3.5 or four tonnes, which we want to introduce to farmers.”

Agara said that the organisation would also help farmers to regenerate their farms ttoa higher and better production level.

It is noteworthy that cocoa prices can fluctuate.

Data from AFEX indicates that cocoa prices plunged by 25.73 per cent in early May having hit a historic high of N15, 900 per kilogramme.

Reports also show that the commodity currently sells dor about ₦10,000 per kilogramme after an 18-week low of ₦9,500.

Analysts are optimistic that Nigeria will do more to revamp its cocoa industry to boost foreign exchange, create jobs and improve the economy. (NANFeartures)

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

Breaking the chain of human trafficking in Edo via a student-led initiative

Magdalene Ukuedojor
May, Mon, 2025

Features

Breaking the chain of human trafficking in Edo via a student-led initiative

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Breaking the chain of human trafficking in Edo via a student-led initiative

L-R: Mr Sam Offiah, Zonal Commander of NAPTIP in Benin presenting advocacy materials to students of YWCA Secondary School, Benin during the inauguration of anti-human trafficking vanguard club in the school

By Usman Aliyu, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In the heartbeat of the nation, Edo, once infamously known as the epicentre of human trafficking in Nigeria, a new kind of resistance is taking root.

Not in courtrooms or campaign offices, but in classrooms.

A fresh, student-driven initiative is emerging to challenge the longstanding menace of human trafficking.

Through the launch of Anti-Human Trafficking and Violence Against Persons (A.TIPVAP) Vanguard Clubs in 50 public secondary schools across the state, young people are being empowered to become frontline advocates in a battle that has stolen the futures of countless boys and girls.

This bold move is part of the School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP), a collaborative effort between the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), with funding support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The launch events brought together a diverse coalition of stakeholders, government officials, security agencies, educators, students, and civil society actors, united by a shared urgency and a common cause.

And for Edo, the time for action is now.

According to the Global Slavery Index 2023, over 1.6 million people are estimated to be living in modern slavery in Nigeria, with Edo featuring prominently in national and international trafficking networks.

These figures underscore the urgent need for early intervention and targeted awareness campaigns—particularly among young people, who remain the primary targets of traffickers.

At the inauguration of the Vanguard clubs, NAPTIP’s Zonal Commander in Benin, Mr Sam Offiah, delivered a sobering address.

Speaking directly to the students, he warned of the deceptive tactics traffickers often employed to lure victims.

“Human trafficking is dehumanising. It reduces you to a commodity,” he said with conviction.

“Anyone who asks you to leave school and promises you freedom, riches abroad, or a better life without informing your parents is a trafficker.”

A lawyer by profession, Offiah recounted harrowing tales of young girls seduced by fake job offers, only to find themselves trapped in cycles of sexual exploitation, forced labour, or even organ harvesting.

His message was clear: awareness is the first line of defence, and education is the most powerful weapon in this fight.

Students showing red card to human trafficking in Edo shortly after their inauguration as members of anti-human trafficking vanguard club

“We are here to inaugurate this vanguard so that you know these dangers and help spread the message. You are not meant to feed your parents. You are meant to stay in school and pursue your dreams,” he said.

The NAPTIP boss emphasised the critical role of students in spreading awareness; hence the decision to come up with the initiative.

“You must take the message home, to your classmates and your friends. When you hear someone promise jobs in Europe through Libya, tell them the truth.

“Over 80 per cent die crossing the Sahara. Some drink their urine. Some are never buried. Vultures feast on their remains,” he asserted.

He also alerted the public to the new trends in human trafficking, “which is exploiting the digital space to lure young Nigerians into ‘modern-day’ slavery.

“We are seeing an upsurge in internet trafficking. Traffickers now use fake online profiles, phishing tactics, and blackmail with nude photos to manipulate and coerce victims,” he said.

Representing ICMPD, Elvis Ederibhalo, Project Officer of STEAP for Edo, explained the broader objective of the initiative.

“We are here because we believe that education is the strongest weapon we have to prevent trafficking. The vanguard you are joining today is not just a club. It’s a movement.

“You will be trained to identify trafficking tactics, speak up, and protect yourselves and others,” he told the students.

Ederibhalo explained how a recent survey by the ICMPD revealed that 75 per cent of rescued victims of human trafficking were school-age children, which underscored the need to cut it from the root.

Members of the anti-human trafficking vanguard club in Ihogbe Secondary School, Benin City

On the part of the government, Mrs Mercy Imasuen-Isibor, Desk Officer for STEAP at the Edo State Ministry of Education, hailed the project as a strategic step in combating the state’s reputation as a trafficking hub.

“This campaign is timely and crucial. By establishing these vanguards, we now have in-school ambassadors who will carry out sensitisation activities.

“They will be trained to recognise trafficking strategies and report suspicious movements.

“We are deliberately involving school authorities, parents, and community leaders so that the message goes beyond school walls,” she said.

Imasuen-Isibor further explained that the ministry of education would ensure the sustainability of the clubs by monitoring their activities and integrating the anti-trafficking agenda into existing school support frameworks.

“With 50 schools in this first phase, our goal is to eventually expand to every school in Edo State. This way, we can ensure a systemic cultural change,” the ministry official said.

Representing the Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Mr Blessing Agbebaku, his aide Mr Benedict Omordon described the initiative as a welcome development.

“If you don’t inform the youth, you deform them. The Assembly takes trafficking seriously and is working on laws to protect the vulnerable.

“Human trafficking is not always about being taken abroad. It also happens within our neighbourhoods.

“Anyone forced into begging, street hawking, or house help without consent is a victim,” he said.

In the same vein, the principals of participating schools are not left out as they also welcomed the vanguard clubs enthusiastically.

Rev. Victor Orumwense, Principal of Oba Ewuare Grammar School, called the move “historic and transformative.”

“Human trafficking is a crime against humanity,” he told students during the launch.

“It strips people of their decency. These clubs will help build student consciousness and resilience. I hope every student here will see themselves as an ambassador of light against this darkness.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by other principals in Emotan College, Oredo Girls, Oba Akenzua II, Ihogbe, Egor, Angelican Girls and YWCA schools among others, who pledged institutional support to sustain the vanguard activities.

Perhaps, the most powerful testimony came from Excellence Osamuyimen, President of the new anti-trafficking club at Oredo Girls Secondary School. In a stirring speech, she called on her peers to stay vigilant.

“We understand the hard choices out there. But human trafficking is a crime that ruins dreams. It dehumanises. It promises freedom but brings death and disease.

“Our parents should not be our reason to fall victim. We must finish school, become professionals, and help others rise,” he said.

Osamuyimen applauded NAPTIP, ICMPD, and the ministry of education for choosing her school, saying “we will not disappoint you. We will take this message to every corner.”

While the launch of anti-trafficking clubs in Edo schools is an encouraging step, stakeholders agree—it is only the beginning.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, 46 per cent of detected victims in West Africa are children, with girls especially vulnerable.

Many fall prey to traffickers under the weight of poverty, peer pressure, family expectations, or manipulation.

STEAP’s approach, rooted in education, peer-to-peer advocacy, and school-community partnerships. offers a promising, sustainable path forward.

With sustained support from NAPTIP, ICMPD, and international partners like the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the hope is that today’s students will rise as tomorrow’s defenders: informed, resilient, and unwavering in their stand against exploitation.

If Edo succeeds, it could become a model for other regions across Nigeria, where trafficking networks continue to adapt and evolve.

For now, a seed has been planted in 50 schools. And in those classrooms, among chalkboards, uniforms, and morning assemblies, a quiet resistance is growing.

One student at a time. One voice at a time. Until the chain is finally broken.(NANFeatures)

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

Scaling-up Nigeria/Pakistan bilateral relations

Muhyideen Jimoh
May, Sat, 2025

Features , Foreign

Scaling-up Nigeria/Pakistan bilateral relations

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By Maureen Okon

Nigeria and Pakistan, both members of the Commonwealth of Nations and Developing-8, have enjoyed blossoming diplomatic and bilateral relations over the years.

The relations established on March 22, 1961, spans from trade to defence and cultural exchanges; it is growing deeper, with both countries building strong ties.

In 2023, Pakistani exports to Nigeria was approximated at 39.8 million dollars, consisting mainly of packaged medicaments, synthetic fabrics, and vinyl chloride polymers.

Pakistani imports from Nigeria are worth 565.09 million dollars in 2024, according to the UN COMTRADE database on international trade.

Some Pakistani imports from Nigeria are mineral fuels, oils, distillation products, oil seed, oleagic fruits, grain, seed, fruits, wastes of food industry, animal fodder, cotton, raw hides and skins, among others.

Both countries have benefited through the trade relationship and are working to strengthen their ties through trade delegations and business liaison.

In 2021, Pakistan energised its relations with Nigeria and Africa through the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), using the ‘’Engage Africa Policy’’ platform.

The policy, which was implemented to strengthen trade and economic ties with Nigeria, then went further to extend the relationship to other Africa countries by opening five new diplomatic missions in; Rwanda, Ivory Coast, Uganda, Djibouti, and Ghana.

Weighing in on the relations, Retired Maj.-Gen. Sohail Khan, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, said that his country’s historical relationship with Nigeria continued to deepen with engagement in trade, cultural and military exchanges.

Khan said that both countries would continue to strive harder to further improve their bilateral ties.

In 2024, Pakistan collaborated with Beauty West Africa (BWA) exhibition held in Lagos, where the Pakistani ambassador said that the collaboration between his country and Nigeria on raw material for beauty products should be strengthened to enhance investments both countries.

The BWA seventh edition was termed as the biggest beauty exhibition of its kind in recent times which had in attendance more than 300 exhibitors from 52 countries.

Khan said the collaboration between his country and Nigeria on raw material for beauty products should be strengthened to enhance investments in the country.

The 7th edition of the beauty show was termed as the biggest of its kind in recent times, and it had more than 300 exhibitors from 52 countries in attendance.

The countries included Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Korea, Egypt, China, India, Europe, the Middle East, and South America, among others.

According to Khan, the collaboration is a win-win situation where the exchange of goods and services is the bedrock of the relationship of Nigeria and Pakistan.

“Nigeria has got a lot of stuff available in terms of raw materials for the beauty products, hence the need for collaboration; Pakistani investors can come and make investments over here.

“They can establish some small manufacturing units, which in turn both countries can benefit from this kind of joint ventures and joint collaboration, so it has to be a win-win situation for both sides,” Khan said.

The envoy said that the existing cultural similarities between both countries for ages had created the platform for the exchange at the BWA show.

Some Pakistani exhibitors lauded the organisers of the exhibition for creating a platform for more than 52 countries to showcase their beauty products in Nigeria.

They said that the platform provided opportunities to connect and network with one another.

Worthy of mention, Nigeria and Pakistan have forged strategic bonds in counter-terrorism, and border security to reinforce bilateral military relations.

Recently, Gen. Shahir Mirza, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan, paid a strategic visit to Gen. Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff.

The strategic meeting marked a significant step toward reinforcing military cooperation, specifically in the areas of training, intelligence sharing and counterterrorism.

The collaboration saw both countries training over 2,000 Nigerian military officers who received training from various Pakistani military institutions, as part of the collaboration to boost defence capabilities of both countries.

The training initiative aims to enhance Nigeria’s military operations against insurgency and terrorism.

Mirza said that Nigeria was a continental powerhouse with geo-strategic importance to Pakistan.

He expressed his country’s readiness to further collaborate with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

On his part, Musa said that the Nigerian Military would continue to build its capacity in collaboration with the Pakistani Armed Forces.

The chief of defence staff empahsised the importance of having a strategic collaboration between both countries in the area of training, particularly, Special Forces training; management of veteran affairs, border security and intelligence.

He added that these collaborative efforts had birthed the training of over two thousand officers in various Pakistani military institutions.

The Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that Mirza met with Nigeria’s defense minister as well as the chiefs of the army, navy and air force.

“The meetings focused on challenges faced by both countries, especially in the domain of counterterrorism, as well as broader defense cooperation and regional security.

“During the separately-held meetings, both sides engaged in discussions on challenges faced by both countries especially in the domain of Counter Terrorism (CT) and areas of mutual interest, including security, defense cooperation, and the evolving international / regional landscape.

“Both sides reaffirmed the resolve to further enhance defense and military collaboration between both militaries,” ISPR said.

The two countries enjoy excellent relations in defence and military domains. Nigerian Air Force has inducted 3 JF-17 thunder jets and 10 Super Mushak aircrafts in their fleet procured from Pakistan.

Under Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme, Pakistan offers scholarships to Nigerian students; there are approximately 2500 Pakistanis living in Nigeria.

In the light of similar security and economic challenges faced by Nigeria and Pakistan, analysts say deepening bilateral relations between the two countries will be mutually beneficial.

They say enhancing counter-terrorism and defence cooperation has become imperative as both nations battle onslaughts from insurgents.(NANFeatures)

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

Diversifying investment portfolio, infrastructure development via Sovereign Sukuk

Muhyideen Jimoh
May, Wed, 2025

Features

Diversifying investment portfolio, infrastructure development via Sovereign Sukuk

466 total views today

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

With the rapid growth of Nigeria’s population and the attendant need for development, it has become imperative for government to build infrastructure at minimal cost.

Stakeholders posit that bad infrastructure is one of the country’s biggest roadblocks to smooth corporate operations and capital inflows.

They say the present mode of financing infrastructure is usually marred due to high cost of servicing the debt secured to finance the infrastructure deficit in Nigeria.

Experts say Sukuk financing is one of the effective alternatives and strategies for enhancing growth and development through capital project financing.

Recently, the Debt Management Office (DMO) hosted an investor meeting for the N300 billion series seven Sovereign Sukuk issuance in Abuja.

The DMO had earlier hosted an all parties meeting on March 26 in Lagos, in preparation for the Sukuk issuance.

The Director-General of the DMO, Patience Oniha, said that the Federal Government had been able to raise a total of N1.09 trillion through the Sovereign Sukuk since 2017, to support infrastructure development.

Since 2017, the DMO has completed six Sukuk issuances, raising N1.092 trillion to fund road and bridge projects.

Oniha recalled that the first Sukuk was issued in September, 2017.

She said that after extensive marketing, the offer, which was for N100 billion with a tenor of seven years, received a total subscription of N105.878 billion.

Oniha said that following the modest success of the first Sukuk and the achievement recorded from Sept. 2017 to Dec. 2023 when the last Sukuk was issued, the DMO had raised a total of N1.09 trillion.

“With this amount, over 4,100 km of roads and nine bridges across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory have either been constructed or rehabilitated.’’

Oniha said that the projects had brought substantial benefits, including reduced travel time improved road safety and job creation.

She said that the projects also created improved access to markets for remote farmers, increased access to public services like education and healthcare, and economic development as a whole.

“In addition to those benefits, other reasons for the sustained issuance are the fact that the Sukuk is project-tied, promotes financial inclusion and contributes to the development of the domestic financial market.

“Sukuk has been well accepted as demonstrated by the level of subscription received in the past.

“Investors get fulfillment of contributing to infrastructure development, and also getting a return in terms of income which is paid every six months,” Oniha said.

Experts say that if alternatives sources with minimum cost are pursued, Sukuk can be a viable option for funding large-scale infrastructure investments in Nigeria.

They urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to increase non-Muslim awareness of Sukuk by engaging in more interactions with the public, to improve capital market intermediation and stimulate the issuance of more Sukuk as a reliable source of funding.

According to them, Sovereign Sukuk has contributed to financial inclusion and economic growth by providing Shariah-compliant investment opportunities, catering to certain underserved populations.

“It also attracts diverse investors, including Islamic finance institutions, broadening the investor base and deepening financial markets.

“Sukuk injects liquidity into the economy, promoting economic activity and growth.

“These contributions can have a positive impact on overall economic growth and development,’’ an economist said.

For investors, Sukuk provides a sense of project ownership and ensures that economic activities are based on tangible assets, giving investors a secure foundation for their investments.

For the government, Sukuk can be an effective financing instrument for infrastructure development and economic growth, as seen in countries like Indonesia.

However, experts advise government to establish a comprehensive approach to assist working units in technical ministries in project preparation, development, and service delivery.

They call for support and guidance for instrumental stakeholders like technical ministries to have the authority and tools to achieve Sukuk project success.

Sukuk can contribute to achieving sustainable development by benefiting individuals, institutions, societies, and the country as a whole.

Investors in Nigeria see Sukuk as an attractive option for diversifying their portfolios and supporting infrastructure development.

However, industry analysts believe that Sukuk, as a source of financing infrastructural deficit in Nigeria, needs to attract young retail investors.

They believe that Nigeria can benefit immensely from deep capital for financing infrastructure through Sukuk.

Uche Uwaleke, a Professor of Capital Market at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, said that Sukuk was the route to go by the Federal Government in obtaining project-tied credit facilities.

According to Uwaleke, the issuance of N300 billion Sukuk by the DMO on behalf of the Fededal Government is highly commendable.

“Recall that when the Federal Government first entered the Sukuk market in 2017, only N100 billion worth of Sukuk was issued.

“So, the current one represents an improvement as investors are given more room to diversify their portfolio.

“I am particularly happy that the government is upscaling the use of Sukuk in plugging the infrastructure gap in Nigeria.

“The advantage that Sukuk has over the conventional bond is that it is asset-backed.’’

Uwaleke said that Sukuk proceeds must be tied to infrastructure which was why proceeds had been applied to road construction.

“Given that it is an infrastructure based bond, Sukuk represents a critical instrument for Nigeria’s economic development.”

The expert, however, said that the Sukuk market size in Nigeria was still very small despite the potentials

He urged governments, both at the federal and sub-national levels to utilise more of Sukuk when raising funds from the domestic capital market considering the huge infrastructural gap in the country.

“It is by so doing that government borrowing can be more impactful and also work to reduce the country’s debt burden,” he said.

He urged members of the public to take advantage the opportunity and invest in Sukuk because, unlike conventional bonds, as it was tax- free with a predictable and stable return.

Attahiru Machido, a stockbroker, said that the idea of Sovereign Sukuk was informed by the need to bridge infrastructure deficit in the country.

Machido said that the roads constructed with the proceeds of Sukuk would be effectively supervised to ensure that they meet the required standard.

“The roads must remain usable throughout the lifespan of the Sukuk ” he said.

Olalade Agboola, bank executive, said that Sukuk, like all other government securities, was backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government and charged upon the general assets of Nigeria.

“It also qualifies as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustees Investment Act.

“It qualifies as government securities within the meaning of the Company Income Tax Act and Personal Income Tax Act for tax exemption and pension funds, amongst other investors,” she said.

As the Federal Government continues to explore funding options to bridge the wide infrastructure gap, experts hold that a cost effective, project-tied credit option like the Sovereign Sukuk is a veritable choice.(NANFeatures)

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

Magdalene Ukuedojor
May, Mon, 2025

Features

JAMB and 2025 UTME: Matters arising

553 total views today

By Kayode Adebiyi, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) released the results of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) a few days after the Computer-Based Test (CTB) was written across the country.

The results indicate that more than 1.5 million candidates who sat for the matriculation exam scored below 200, out of the total 1,955,069 candidates.

For context, this means that 420,415 candidates scored above 200—that is, around 25 per cent—while less than 1 per cent scored above 300.

Other statistics were revealed, including the 40,247 underage candidates who were permitted to demonstrate their exceptional abilities, with only 467 (or 1.16 per cent) achieving “scores that meet the threshold for exceptional ability as defined for the UTME”.

The outcome of the examination and the preceding circumstances are eliciting concerns from some stakeholders.

Ike Onyechere, Founder, Exam Ethics Marshall International (EEMI), said that the outcome was not surprising.

According to Onyechere, the examination is now being administered with ethics and professionalism hence the massive failure.

He added that the massive failure had exposed the deep-rooted problems in the nation’s education system.

“JAMB has made commendable efforts to ensure the integrity of the examination process by reducing opportunities for malpractice.

“I do not think the JAMB statistical analysis should surprise anybody.’’

He emphasised that universities were increasingly alarmed by the academic quality of incoming students, noting that many of them lacked basic foundational knowledge necessary for tertiary education.

Onyechere attributed the trend to systemic issues, including inadequate preparation, the inclusion of underqualified candidates, and a widespread cultural dependence on exam fraud.

“There is moral infrastructure decadence in the system; it is not just about the students; it involves stakeholders, schools, parents, and the government.

“Many students rely on fraudulent means to pass, and now that JAMB has blocked those avenues, their lack of preparedness is glaring.’’

He said that many candidates were not academically ready, as some were still in SS2 or underage, having not completed the syllabus.

He proposed a reform in the registration process, suggesting that only candidates with five credits in WAEC or NECO be allowed to sit in future for the UTME.

According to him, this will significantly reduce the number of applicants from nearly 2 million to about 1 million and ensure a more qualified candidate pool.

He also dismissed claims that the CBT format could be a barrier to performance.

“The CBT is easier in many ways; it is mostly objective, and technology is now part of everyday life, even market women are technologically inclined; we can’t blame CBT for the poor results.”

Onyechere urged students to focus on talent discovery and career alignment rather than chasing certificates.

“Exams are not rocket science; it is about working hard and understanding your strengths; education should be a journey of self-discovery, not just certification,” he said.

As JAMB itself acknowledged, 71,701 candidates were absent, and many candidates faced “biometric challenges”, making them unable to participate.

The board said it was investigating the matter, “and those who are cleared will be rescheduled for examination at designated centres”.

Some significant aspects of the 2025 UTME some parents, candidates and other stakeholders criticised are the registration process, CBT format and early timing.

They argue that, while the CBT format offers advantages such as faster grading and reduced instances of malpractice, it also presents challenges for some candidates.

“Access to reliable computer systems and internet connectivity was a concern at many centres at the just-concluded UTME, particularly for students in rural areas or those from less privileged backgrounds.

“The truth is that digital literacy of some candidates can also be a challenge, potentially placing them at a disadvantage compared to their more tech-savvy peers,” an educationist said.

Meanwhile, JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made some clarifications.

Oloyode said the performance statistics for the 2025 UTME were in line with results recorded over the past 12 years.

He said that out of the 1.9 million candidates who sat for the UTME, approximately 1.5 million scored below 200.

The JAMB boss emphasised, however, that such results were not unusual and aligned with historical patterns.

“This is not peculiar to this year; the performance statistics are consistent with those of the last 12 years,’’ he said.

More so, some stakeholders say Oloyede, known for his uprightness, courage, and forward thinking, should continue to address the challenges faced by candidates and their sponsors and strive for continuous improvement.

They call on Oloyode and his team to enhance the robustness of JAMB’s registration platform, ensure equitable access to CBT facilities, and implement effective measures to prevent technical glitches during examinations.

They said Oloyede pioneered the use of the CBT format when he was Vice Chancellor at the University of Ilorin, and therefore, it is understandable to see his passion for it.

Nonetheless, JAMB’s Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said the board had begun an investigation into the alleged technical glitches, following widespread complaints about poor performance in the 2025 UTME.

Benjamin said the board was also collaborating with vice-chancellors and IT experts to determine the root cause and ensure that affected candidates receive appropriate remedies if any errors were confirmed.

He said the board was also expediting its annual system review, a comprehensive post-mortem of the examination process, typically conducted months after the exercise.

According to him, the review will cover three key stages comprising registration, examination, and result of the investigation.

He added that the board was particularly concerned about unusual complaints originating from a few states and scrutinising the issues in detail to identify and resolve any technical faults.

“To assist in this process, we have engaged several experts, including members of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, Chief External Examiners (who are heads of tertiary institutions), the Educational Assessment and Research Network in Africa, measurement experts, and Vice Chancellors from various institutions.

“If it is determined that there were indeed glitches, we will implement appropriate remedial measures promptly, as we do in the case of the examinations themselves,” he said.

Education stakeholders say a hybrid conduct of the UMTE could help in such a way that some candidates are allowed to use pencil and paper so that less tech-savvy candidates in rural areas are not schemed out of admission opportunities.

They opine that while there is no easy fix regarding poor performance, the contributions of other stakeholders can further strengthen JAMB’s role in facilitating fair and transparent access to tertiary education.(NANFeatures)

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

PETAN: Driving local content partnerships, sustainable energy transition

Folashade Adeniran
May, Mon, 2025

Features , Oil & Gas

PETAN: Driving local content partnerships, sustainable energy transition

446 total views today

By Yunus Yusuf (News Agency of Nigeria)

Africa stands at a critical juncture in the global energy landscape, rich in hydrocarbon reserves but burdened by energy poverty, foreign dependency, and the pressures of a shifting global energy paradigm.

At the forefront of Africa’s strategy to address these issues is the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), a consortium of indigenous oilfield service companies leading a continental push toward local content development and strategic energy partnerships.

Founded in 1990, PETAN has evolved from advocating equitable opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to exporting oilfield expertise across Africa.

Its blueprint—built on indigenous capacity and regional collaboration—offers a practical path to energy independence and sustainable economic growth.

As more African nations discover oil and gas resources, the PETAN model is increasingly seen as a template for success.

In spite of persistent challenges such as regulatory uncertainty, limited access to finance, and technology gaps, PETAN remains resolute.

Its presence at global conferences like the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston has significantly amplified Nigeria’s footprint in the global energy space.

Through the Nigerian Pavilion at OTC 2025, PETAN showcased indigenous capabilities, fostered international partnerships, and reinforced its commitment to local content development.

With over 70 Nigerian participants and 30 Nigerian companies participating, the event marked a milestone in the country’s drive to position local firms on the global stage.

Mr Emeka Ene, a former PETAN Chairman, described the significance of the platform.

Ene said: “The OTC pavilion has become a viable platform for exhibitors to showcase their innovations and attract investment into the Nigerian oil and gas industry.”

According to PETAN’s Publicity Secretary, Dr Innocent Akuvue, this visibility underscores Nigeria’s growing technical capacity and PETAN’s role in transforming policy into tangible outcomes.

“PETAN has been instrumental in translating the Local Content Act from policy to practice.

“We’ve moved from rhetoric to real capacity development; training engineers, fabricators, and service providers who now compete globally, ” Akuvue said.

He said that PETAN member companies had invested significantly in technology transfer, infrastructure, and training.

“From developing fabrication yards to certifying technicians, their efforts have created jobs, retained in-country value, and enhanced technical resilience,” he added.

Chairman of PETAN, Mr Wole Ogunsanya, emphasised that local content is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s a business imperative.

Ogunsanya said, “We see local content not just as compliance but as a strategy for sustainable growth.

“It’s about nurturing ecosystems where local innovation thrives and drives Africa’s energy future.”

Ogunsanya highlighted PETAN’s broader continental ambitions.

He said that through engagement in international forums like OTC and African Energy Week, PETAN had emerged as a pan-African voice for indigenous capacity.

“In 2023, the association hosted the inaugural African Local Content Roundtable in Lagos, drawing stakeholders from Ghana, Angola, Uganda, and Mozambique,” he explained.

Ogunsanya noted, “Discussions centred on harmonising local content frameworks, regional training standards, and cross-border partnerships.

“One notable outcome has been PETAN’s technical support in Ghana and Equatorial Guinea, where Nigerian firms now collaborate with local companies to deliver oilfield services—strengthening intra-African cooperation and reducing dependence on foreign contractors.”

The chairman said that as the global energy landscape transitions, PETAN was aligning with the future.

He added that while hydrocarbons remain vital for Africa’s development, PETAN was actively investing in gas monetisation, renewable energy integration, and emission reduction technologies.

Ogunsanya stressed, “Gas is our transition fuel.

“Through investments in LPG distribution, flare reduction, and gas processing, PETAN companies are enabling cleaner energy solutions while driving inclusive growth.”

Ogunsanya said that to support this shift, PETAN gad been working closely with the African Energy Chamber and the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) to shape balanced energy policies that address both sustainability and development.

“Our mission is to build an Africa where energy drives development, not dependency.

“And we’re doing it—one partnership at a time,” Ogunsanya affirmed.

An energy law expert, Dr Ayodele Oni of Bloomfield Law Practice, commended PETAN’s regional approach:

“PETAN understands that Africa’s energy sustainability depends on integration.

“They’re not just promoting Nigerian capacity but advocating for a continental ecosystem where African companies support African projects,” he explained.

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

One year after fire, Dosunmu Market traders rebuild dreams with bank’s support

Magdalene Ukuedojor
May, Sun, 2025

Features

One year after fire, Dosunmu Market traders rebuild dreams with bank’s support

456 total views today

By Grace Alegba

A year after flames swept through the bustling Dosunmu Market in Lagos Island, some traders are slowly rising from the ashes; one bank loan, one rebuilt shop, one act of resilience at a time.

The fire, which tore through 14 buildings on April 9, 2024, turned thriving businesses and decades of hard work into smouldering ruins, leaving behind heartbreak, loss, and uncertainty.

But amid the wreckage, stories of survival and new beginnings are emerging.

Alhaja Modinat Bakare, a tailoring accessories importer and long-time trader, had just stocked her warehouses when disaster struck.

“Everything I worked for over 40 years was gone in a day,” she said, her voice still heavy with emotion, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Bakare told NAN that the fire wasn’t her first heartbreak; months earlier, she had lost another shipment in a friend’s warehouse. But the April inferno was the final blow.

“I watched my two warehouses burn, powerless,” she said. “I had loans to repay and no business left.”

Through the intervention of IBILE Microfinance Bank Ltd., Bakare received a lifeline.

The bank helped clear her existing loans and granted her fresh credit at a lower interest rate. She is now back in business—cautious but grateful.

“I am not fully recovered, but IBILE saved me. Without their help, I don’t know where I would be,” she told NAN.

For Mr Olabanji Raheem, who deals in baby care products, the fire didn’t just destroy goods; it erased a legacy.

“I lost 24 shops, a building, everything,” he said. “It was a dark moment.”

Today, Raheem leads the Moshalashi Traders Association, advocating for insurance awareness among fellow traders.

He credits IBILE Microfinance and its insurance partners for helping him get back on his feet.

“We don’t think about insurance until tragedy hits,” he said.

“This experience taught us that lesson the hard way.

“Not everyone was as lucky.”

Chima Nwakwo, an importer, is still reeling from the loss of goods worth hundreds of millions of naira.

“The government gave out funds. Some got N2million, N1.5 million, or N500,000. I got nothing,” he said.

“I had to fall back on another business investment to start again.”

The silence in his voice speaks louder than words; survival in a system that sometimes forgets those it should protect.

Mr Emmanuel Nnoli, another tailoring accessories dealer, believes that rebuilding should include structural safety.

“We need fire stations inside our markets,” he told NAN in an interview.

“The recent fire was contained only because traders acted fast. Next time, we may not be so lucky.”

He also didn’t benefit from IBILE’s low-interest loans and found himself entangled in a high-interest debt trap.

“If I had known about the bank’s offer earlier, things might be easier,” he said.

At the heart of this recovery effort is IBILE Microfinance Bank Ltd.

NAN reports that the acronym IBILE represents the five divisions in Lagos State: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe respectively.

The Managing Director of the bank, Mr Adegboyega Kazeem, said the bank’s rapid intervention was driven by the need to protect Small Media Enterprises, the backbone of Lagos’ economy.

“We didn’t just give loans,” he said. “We walked with our customers, offering financial guidance, insurance education, and constant support.”

The bank, established by the Lagos State Government in 2017, continues to work with traders to ensure financial inclusion, especially in underserved communities.

For the traders of Dosunmu Market, rebuilding has gone beyond restoring shops, it has become a story of resilience, collective support, and the power of second chances.

“Everything I have now,” Bakare said, “is from starting again. And I’m still standing.”(NANFeatures) (www.nannews.ng)

**If used, kindly credit the Writer and News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Magdalene Ukuedojor
May, Thu, 2025

Features

Tackling obstetric fistula in Nigeria

449 total views today

By Abiemwense Moru, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In Nigeria, the battle against obstetric fistula, a painful and debilitating condition caused by prolonged and obstructed labour, has seen promising strides.

The progress so far is attributable to both government initiatives and inputs from non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

One of the most significant government interventions is by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which has expanded its coverage to include care for Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) patients.

In the light of this, the NHIA Coordinator in Kwara, Hajiya Idayat Bello-Olaitan, said no fewer than 71 women in the state had benefited from the NHIA’s Free Fistula Programme (FFP), with 31 enrolled under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

VVF is an abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina, causing continuous urinary incontinence; it is one of the most distressing complications of gynecologic and obstetric procedures.

The government aims to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity through programmes such as the NHIA-FFP and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care (CEmOC).

According to Bello-Olaitan, women undergoing fistula treatment under these schemes receive free, comprehensive care, including surgery, feeding, transportation, and family planning counseling, thus eliminating the burden of out-of-pocket expenses.

Fistula survivors like Mrs Safiyanu Moses illustrate the success of these interventions; once ostracised due to the stigma of her condition, Moses now shares her journey of recovery and empowerment.

“I was ignored because of the smell, but today I am fine, like everyone else,” she said.

Empowerment initiatives such as NHIA’s FFP and community-based projects not only provide medical treatment but also offer vocational training, helping survivors rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

In Minna, the Raised Foundation has conducted more than 800 successful surgeries since 2017, restoring hope and dignity to affected women.

According to the Foundation’s Communications Officer, Ruth Mamman-Jiya, the goal is to ensure that no woman endures the suffering of obstetric fistula while trying to give birth.

In a similar effort, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Government of Norway, has empowered 50 rehabilitated survivors in Gombe State through a programme that combines surgery, vocational training, and economic empowerment.

During a graduation ceremony for the 50 survivors, Dr Bajowa Lanre, UNFPA’s Sexual Reproductive Health Analyst, reiterated the agency’s commitment to ending obstetric fistula, describing it as a condition with severe stigma and life-altering consequences.

He said that women should never have to endure such experiences as UNFPA had provided life-transforming surgeries and support across Nigeria.

Lanre said with backing from the Norwegian Government, the programme was also helping women reintegrate into their communities with renewed dignity and economic potential.

The Gombe Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Ms. Asmau’u Iganus, highlighted that the support improved not only the social status of the survivors but also their economic well-being.

On his part, Dr Musa Issa, Founder of Fistula Foundation Nigeria, said that the treatment and empowerment of survivors turned them into role models within their communities.

Survivors like Moses now express hope and joy at their recovery and view themselves as ambassadors committed to helping other women seek treatment.

In Kaduna, Abuja, and Zamfara, the Bashir Foundation for Fistula and Women’s Health (BFFWH) is also working to provide both surgical repair and post-operative rehabilitation.

According to Ibukun Ogundare, Director of Media and Technology at BFFWH, the programmes focus on underserved communities and include post-surgery support such as psychological counselling and vocational training.

He said the efforts were part of a broader national movement to eliminate obstetric fistula and improve maternal health.

These combined efforts reflect a growing national and international commitment to ending obstetric fistula in Nigeria.

Through collaboration between government bodies, NGOs like the Raised Foundation and BFFWH, and international partners such as UNFPA, significant progress is being made.

For example, in southern Nigeria, Prof. Johnson Obuna, Medical Director of the National Obstetric Fistula Centre (NOFIC), pointed out that many VVF cases were caused by poor Caesarean sections, highlighting the need for quality maternal care and skilled birth attendants.

To address such challenges, the Nigerian Government had unveiled initiatives like the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) project, offering free caesarean sections and improving access to skilled delivery services.

Since its inception, more than 4,000 women have benefited, contributing to a measurable decline in maternal mortality and morbidity.

Government support plays a critical role in combating maternal mortality and morbidity through policies like the free caesarean section initiative, which has already benefited more than 4,000 women.

The ongoing MAMII project is a key component of this national effort, aiming to reduce maternal deaths by improving access to essential healthcare services.

Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Pate announced key achievements in Nigeria’s fight against maternal health issues, including the expansion of the Free Fistula Programme, now active in 15 healthcare facilities nationwide.

He said that the initiative provides free fistula repair, care, and transportation to affected women, significantly improving access to treatment for this debilitating childbirth-related condition.

As part of broader reforms under MAMII, the government also unveiled a National Training Manual for Obstetric Fistula Management, reinforcing its commitment to long-term fistula prevention and care.

Observers say the efforts mark a critical step in addressing obstetric fistula and promoting safer childbirth for vulnerable women across Nigeria.

Expanded health insurance coverage now includes maternal care, providing critical services to women in underserved areas and helping to prevent complications like VVF.

Empowerment and reintegration are essential for long-term recovery.

Programmes that include vocational training and start-up support restore not just health but also dignity and independence.

Testimonies from survivors like Mrs Gladys Nwachi, who lived with VVF for 18 years, highlight the life-changing impact of these efforts.

Her story and others like hers underscore the importance of continued investment in prevention, treatment, and survivor support.

Ultimately, experts say tackling obstetric fistula in Nigeria requires a comprehensive approach, combining free surgical interventions, preventive maternal care, and post-operative empowerment.

It is experts’ view that the goal of eliminating obstetric fistula and improving maternal health outcomes across the country is within reach due to sustained commitment from both local and international stakeholders.(NANFeatures)

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