NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG, Brazilian coy sign MoU to boost agribusiness
Gender , General News

FG, Brazilian coy sign MoU to boost agribusiness

516 total views today

By Salif Atojoko


The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) of Brazil have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost fertiliser production, hybrid seed technology and agricultural finance.

The MoU was signed on behalf of the Federal Government by Mr Temitope Fashedemi, Permanent Secretary at the ministry, and Prof. Carlos Leal, the President of FGV, on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil.

Fashedemi explained that with the MOU, private-sector projects on fertiliser production, hybrid seed technology and agricultural financing were projected to attract 4.3 billion dollars in private-sector investment. 

According to him, the project will identify and support one agribusiness in Nigeria’s 774 local government areas with technical and financial resources, driving sustainable development and economic growth over the next five years.

“This partnership paves the way for Brazil to engage with Nigeria’s dynamic and rapidly growing agricultural sector.

“Together with FGV, we are poised to unlock the potential of private sector investment in key areas critical to our food security,” said Fashedemi. 

He said the agreement marked a new phase of strategic collaboration between Nigeria and FGV, the Green Imperative Project (GIP) lead implementer, one of the largest international agricultural technology transfer initiatives. 

“Conceived in 2018, GIP is a 1.2 billion dollar cooperative effort between Brazil and Nigeria, designed to modernise Nigeria’s agricultural sector through Brazilian expertise in tropical agriculture. 

“Since the MoU was conceived in 2018, both parties have engaged in many meaningful discussions to advance its design and implementation.

“The project, supported by Deutsche Bank, aims to deliver transformative agricultural technologies and knowledge transfer over its 10-year duration,” Fashedemi stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Stakeholders urge FG to prioritise girl-child education policies
Gender , General News

Stakeholders urge FG to prioritise girl-child education policies

542 total views today

By Justina Auta

Education stakeholders have called for the implementation of policies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promote girl-child education, and reduce Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases.

The stakeholders made the call on Thursday at the 2024 Girls Education Summit (GES’24), organised by the Girls Education Access Initiative (GEAI) and the Network of Youths for Sustainable Development Goals (NGYouthSDGs) in Abuja.

Mrs Kemi Gbadamosi-Braimah, Founder of GEAI, highlighted the alarming figure of over 10 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, with girls and young women accounting for more than 60 per cent of the total.

“Nigeria faces a crisis of uneducated girls. If unaddressed, this will lead to a generation of women lacking literacy. Educating girls with at least 12 years of quality education can bring trillions in development gains,” she said.

Gbadamosi-Braimah stressed the need for collective implementation and strengthening of policies and practices to address this challenge.

She also called on community leaders, NGOs, and stakeholders to champion girls’ rights and education policies.

She noted that GEAI has empowered over 200 young girls and women through improved access to education, skills training, and community mobilisation on girls’ rights.

James O’Donoghue, First Secretary for Development Diplomacy and Education at the British High Commission, reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s education sector.

He described girls’ education as a transformative investment that boosts economic and social development, alleviates generational poverty, and contributes to national GDP growth.

“It also reduces child marriage and maternal mortality rates,” he added.

Mrs Christina Uzo-Okamgba, Founder of the Tabitha Empowerment Centre (TEC), identified child marriage, harmful cultural practices, patriarchal norms, and sexual violence as key barriers to girls’ education.

“These vices deprive girls of their right to education and limit their potential to contribute meaningfully to their communities and national development,” she said,

She also urged stakeholders to ensure inclusive education for vulnerable children, especially survivors of GBV.

Speaking on behalf of traditional leaders, Alhaji Yunusa Bako-Abdullahi, District Head of Karonmajiji community in Abuja, appreciated the organisations for their role in promoting girl-child education.

He was represented by Alhaji Mohammed Gidado.

The summit also featured panel discussions on bridging policy and practice in girls’ education and addressing barriers to education with strategic recommendations.

Students from Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Local Education Authority (LEA), Kpegi, shared how GEAI projects in their community had motivated them to return to school and complete their education. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Glovo, LASG, She Code Africa unveil initiative for tech women
Gender

Glovo, LASG, She Code Africa unveil initiative for tech women

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

Glovo, a pioneering multi-category app, has unveiled its Women in Tech Bootcamp with the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and investment and She Code Africa to promote technology infusion for women.

Mrs Lamide Akinola, the General Manager, Glovo Nigeria, at the launch on Friday in Lagos, said the bootcamp was to empower the next generation of female leaders in technology.

Akinola said the initiative not only aimed to foster technology inclusion but to also provide skills training, and empower women to build successful careers in technology.

Akinola said the event which brought together industry leaders, government officials, European diplomatic community reinforced Glovo’s commitment to bridging the gender gap in the tech industry.

She added that it would advance gender diversity, create pathways for women to thrive in tech-driven roles and make a lasting impact in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

“At Glovo, we believe in a future where women are integral drivers of innovation, especially in technology.

“We recognise that the challenges women face in technology go beyond technical skills; they include barriers rooted in access, opportunity, and sometimes, the confidence to take bold steps.

“Today’s event is our way of saying we see those barriers, and we are here to help break them down with you.

“At Glovo, we believe that empowering women with digital skills is essential, not only for driving innovation and growth but for building communities where everyone can thrive,” she said.

Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Commissioner, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Lagos State, underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in unlocking opportunities for women.

Ambrose-Medebem quoted that studies showed that bridging the gender gap in technology could add up to $12 trillion to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025.

She said the figure showed that empowering women in technology was not just a moral imperative but an economic necessity.

She said Lagos State, a hub of innovation and economic activity, understood that inclusion was a catalyst for sustainable growth.

“However, achieving this requires intentional strategies and robust partnerships.

“Today’s gathering signifies more than just advocacy; it is a rallying cry to reimagine the future of innovation by ensuring no one is left behind, particularly women, who represent half of our population.

“We are excited to work with Glovo and She Code Africa to deliver a program that opens doors for women to excel, innovate, and lead.

“This initiative also aligns with the mandate of the ministry to foster innovation, encourage entrepreneurship, and support the development of skilled talent across industries,” she said.

Ada Oyom, Founder, She Code Africa, said her organisation as the technical partners of the Women in Tech Bootcamp Programme, was very enthusiasm about the outcome of the partnership.

Oyom said the collaboration with Glovo and the Lagos State Government to run the 12-week intensive programme would create impactful pathways for women in tech.

She noted that Glovo’s commitment to gender diversity was commendable, and urged like-minded companies to invest in initiatives that empower the future of women in technology.

“Together, we can build a more inclusive and innovative tech ecosystem,” she said.

Also, Shiro Theuri, Glovo’s Chief Technology Officer, restated the brand’s steadfast commitment to diversity in technology, saying its possibilities and impact of fostering inclusive environments was enormous.

She said the company’s dedication to “walking the talk” was evident in its strategic efforts to create opportunities for women across its operations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

She said the initiative aimed to ignite interest in technology careers by highlighting the flexibility, creativity, and impact of a modern technology environment.

“To achieve this, Glovo focuses on three pillars: facilitating bootcamps for women without technical backgrounds to prepare them for junior tech roles.

“The second pillar is breaking gender stereotypes through community engagement, such as office visits that inspire young girls with female role models; and acting as a career catalyst by offering internships to top bootcamp participants.

“This initiative also ensures that, even after completing the bootcamp, participants will have ongoing access to mentorship, supporting their journey toward careers in technology.

“This mentorship aligns closely with the broader goals of Glovo’s Women in Tech initiative across the globe, which aims to make an impact by empowering the next generation of women in technology,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Menopause: FCTA rallies support for women to promote households’ stability, happiness
Gender , Health

Menopause: FCTA rallies support for women to promote households’ stability, happiness

603 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has begun mobilising support for women, experiencing menopause for households’ stability and general wellbeing of families.

The Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, said that the move was part of the secretariat’s efforts to promote emotional stability in households.

Benjamins-Laniyi spoke on the topic “We Factor”, at a one-day Menopause Awareness programme in Abuja on Wednesday, organised by the secretariat for couples in the FCT.

She explained that the We-Factor embodies the essence of community, support, and shared experiences, particularly during menopause.

She described menopause as the stage in a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop permanently, and she can no longer get pregnant.

The mandate secretary said that for some women, the menopausal transition could bring various symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, joint and muscle discomfort, and pain during sex.

Other symptoms, she said, may include moodiness and irritability, forgetfulness, difficultly concentrating, or a combination of all the signs.

According to her, a woman’s emotional instability will affect the husband, the family and if not handled well, will affect family finances and happiness.

“The woman’s emotional state may affect the overall wellbeing of the family, but a happy woman will translate to a happy home.”

She stressed the need for collective support for women experiencing menopause, particularly from men to maintain their emotional stability needed to ensure a happy household.

She said that menopause, often perceived as a solitary journey and a transition that women face independently but doesn’t have to be so.

According to her, happy people are healthy people, and healthy people create wealth and create a strong economy.

“We have come with a message of advocacy, the advocacy of caring, sharing, collective responsibility.

“Let us support our women, care for them and support them to first care for themselves before extending the same to the rest of the family.

“This is because women find it very easy to kind of keep deferring their own self-care in the name of caring for the family and caring for the community.

“So, you have to make sure that as her husband, you help her to care for herself.”

The acting Director, Women Development Department in the secretariat, Mrs Aina Sani, said that the awareness creation was organised because of the effect of menopause on women, homes and workplaces.

“Menopause is affecting women in their offices and homes in the way they do things, and that is why we want people to be aware and support women during this period.

“We also invited their spouses to know how to assist women during this stage in their lives and know what to do to support their wives during this period,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Intensify media campaign against FGM, don urges FG
Education , Gender

Intensify media campaign against FGM, don urges FG

530 total views today

By Emmanuel Afonne

Eserinune Mojaye, a Professor of Communication at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has urged the Federal Government to intensify campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) to protect the future of the girl-child.

Mojaye made the call in Abuja at the 29th inaugural lecture of the university with the theme: “Constructing and Deconstructing Journalism Practice and Communication Research in Nigeria: A 40-Year Experience.”

He stressed the need for information and communication as the enduring solution to the problem.

“Rather than legal prohibition, many studies have suggested that information and communication are more likely to provide an effective and enduring solution to the problem,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the United Nations Children’s Fund and the United Nations Fund for Population Activities rolled out a plan in 1997 to eliminate the practice of FGM within three generation.

The plan emphasised the need for all governments in Africa to legislate against the practice and enforce national plans to it.

Mojaye said that rather than using a legal approach to deal with the matter, governments at all levels should focus on using effective communication to address the matter.

According to him, communication plays a vital role in health promotion and health education.

He noted that effective communication empowers people to seek what is best for their health and to exercise their right of good quality health care.

“Communication is also a vital tool in the promotion of behaviour change in all areas of health, including reproductive health.

“In many countries of the world, communication has made open discussion about reproductive health issues possible.

“However, in Nigeria, communication campaigns have not been well utilised in the crusade for the abandonment of FGM.

“My studies on FGM show that the mass media have not been effectively used to inform and educate people on the dangers and health consequences of FGM.

“As I found out in my studies, more impact would be made in the crusade for the abandonment of FGM if the mass media were used to disseminate messages and create awareness about the negative health consequences of the practice.

“I, therefore, recommended in my studies that mass media messages, especially those aimed at informing and educating, should be an integral part of any effort to eradicate the practice of FGM,” Mojaye said.

He noted that while communication had shaped how people conduct their daily lives, it had also transformed the lives of individuals and society at large.

The Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, commended Mojaye for his vision, noting that communication could affect people’s way of living.

Peters, who was represented by Prof. Isaac Butswat, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, NOUN, said the lecture was a significant event in the professors’ career, where they share research, achievements and other engagements with the larger society.

He assured that the institution would continue to invest in research and development of its workforce. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

WIMBIZ, stakeholders urge women to dream big, challenge stereotypes
Gender

WIMBIZ, stakeholders urge women to dream big, challenge stereotypes

512 total views today

By Joan Odafe

Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) and other stakeholders have encouraged women to go beyond dreaming and take concrete actions to unlock their potential.

They emphasised that women need to adopt a positive mindset, avoid distractions, and be bold in pursuing their dreams without limitations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this call was made at the 23rd Annual Conference of WIMBIZ on Thursday in Lagos.

The event was themed ‘Dream. Dare. Do’.

Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, Chairperson of the conference and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, stated that the conference provided a platform for women from diverse backgrounds to share experiences and motivate each other.

She said the event aimed to equip participants with the tools to turn their dreams into reality.

Speaking on the theme, Ogunsola stressed the importance of going beyond dreaming to take bold actions, especially in the face of societal stereotypes and constraints.

“We need to dream beyond the limits set by society or even by ourselves. Our country needs us in all areas of development, politics, business, management, public service, education, health, and entertainment.

“It is crucial that we are present when decisions are made and that our voices are heard,” she said.

She also noted that many women hesitate to dream beyond their immediate environments due to societal resistance, fear of failure, rejection, and reputational risk.

She emphasised that women need to pursue leadership roles where they can impact decisions that affect them and drawing on leadership skills developed in their daily lives.

“We learn how to manage people and encourage them to do their best while balancing multiple roles. But often, we don’t put ourselves forward unless we are specifically noticed.

“When it comes to networking or taking up leadership roles, many of us hesitate, saying we are too busy. Busy doing what?” she asked.

Ogunsola urged women to dream big, even if the size of those dreams feels intimidating, and to break out of their comfort zones to challenge strong stereotypes.

Prof. Aisha Maikudi, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, also encouraged women to set goals to achieve their dreams, highlighting the importance of remaining focused.

She stated that many challenges in her career journey stemmed from societal and cultural barriers but that having a strong foundation, support, and mentors were key factors in her success.

Mr John Obaro, Group Managing Director of SystemSpecs, urged participants to cultivate the right mindset, believe in themselves, and maintain faith in God to achieve their goals.

He warned that there would be discouraging voices, even from people with valid reasons, but emphasized the importance of challenging limiting beliefs to stay focused on their aspirations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

SWEDI donates dignity packs to celebrate school girls in Abuja
Gender

SWEDI donates dignity packs to celebrate school girls in Abuja

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By Philip Yatai

An NGO, Safe World Empowerment and Development Initiative (SWEDI), has donated dignitary packs to school girls to commemorate 2024 International Day of the Girl Child in Abuja.

Some of the items include sanitary pads, toothbrush and paste, toilet paper, bathing soap and vaseline among others.

The founder and Executive Director of the NGO, Ms Sewuese Asa, led the distribution on Friday, at Junior Secondary School, Kabusa, in Abuja Municipal Area Council.

Asa said that the support was in line with the 2024 theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future”, to empower young girls through the SWEDI Care programme.

She said that the initiative was designed to support girls’ menstrual health, through sensitisation on menstrual hygiene and distribution of dignity packs.

This, she said, would ensure that no girl is held back by menstrual period.

She explained that the school outreach was to support girls’ menstrual hygiene and overall well-being, in line with the NGO’s vision of creating lasting change for women and girls across Nigeria.

The executive director also emphasised the importance of girls’ education, health and leadership training to enable them to contribute to the advancement of the society.

“SWEDI Care is more than just  products; it is about ensuring that every girl can continue to dream, learn, and lead with confidence and dignity.

“The outreach has attracted the attention of stakeholders to the critical issue of menstrual hygiene among young girls.

She reaffirmed SWEDI’s commitment to continue advocating for girls’ rights and well-being.

One of the school girls, Fatima Mohammed Fatima, described the outreach as simply “informative and impactful.”

Mohammed, who is the Head Girl of the school, thanked SWEDI for the enlightenment, saying, “we have learnt about the importance of menstrual hygiene and how to take care of ourselves, especially during menstrual period.

“The dignity packs we received from SWEDI Care are going to help us to stay confident and comfortable in school.

“I have learnt that having a menstrual period is normal and nothing to be ashamed of, and with the dignity pack from SWEDI, I now have the things I need to manage my period properly, even when I am at school.

“This programme has made me feel more confident about myself.

“I will share this knowledge with my friends and younger girls, so they don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed when they are menstruating.

“They need to know how to take care of themselves. We all deserve to feel strong and proud; no matter what,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Girl child central to Nigeria’s growth, dev’t – Stakeholders
Gender

Girl child central to Nigeria’s growth, dev’t – Stakeholders

1,176 total views today

By Philip Yatai

Stakeholders promoting gender equality and women empowerment have said that the girl child represents a central factor in Nigeria’s growth and development processes.

The stakeholders stated this at an Adolescents’ Town Hall and Mentorship Day, organised to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, on Thursday in Abuja.

The event themed: “Girls’ Vision for the Feature,” was organised for about 500 children from different schools, organisations and orphanages across the six area councils of the FCT.

It was organised by She Forum Africa, an NGO, in collaboration with Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration, the Embassy of Finland and Pathfinder International.

The founder of She Forum Africa, Ms Inimfon Etuk, said that to get the best of the girl child, they must be harnessed early; groomed early, and supported early.

This, she said, would enable young girls to reach their full potential.

According to her, accelerating actions to ensure equity for the girl child is hinged on education, a foundation that must remain a priority.

“Education must remain a priority because it is central to integrated and all-round development of the girl child and all children.

“Every year, we bring girls from different backgrounds, particularly adolescent girls because they represent the future.

“There is so much grooming, capacity building and knowledge exchange that need to happen for adolescent girls,” she said.

Etuk stressed the need to prioritise the dreams and aspirations of adolescent girls at par with that of the boys.

Also, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCT Administration, said that “every girl is unique and should have a very safe and conducive environment to thrive.

The mandate secretary, who was represented by the Head of Adolescent Department, Dr Hauwa Amina, added that the girl child must be supported to realise their full potential as members of the society.

On her part, Mrs Toyin Saraki, the founder and President, Wellbeing Foundation Africa, urged stakeholders to invest in the girl child within and outside families, schools and communities.

This, according to Saraki, will make sure that the female gender contributes to nation building.

She explained that the Wellbeing Foundation Africa was working on the health and wellbeing of women, children and families in communities across Nigeria and the world.

She said that the foundation was reaching out to adolescent girls under its Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education programme, and its Water Sanitation and Hygiene training.

The presidents said that the foundation had reached 57,900 Nigerian girls from January to date and hoped to reach 248,000 girls before the end of 2024.

“Our goal is to reach six million children by 2025,” she said.

The Etsu of Kwali, Mr Luka Nizassan, Etsu of Kwali, said that girls were made vulnerable by culture and tradition in the society and called for collective efforts to turn the tide around.

Nizassan promised to promote cultural ideas that promote the growth of girls in his domain. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Girl-Child: NGO unveils ‘Bloom Impact Fund’ for leadership skills
Gender

Girl-Child: NGO unveils ‘Bloom Impact Fund’ for leadership skills

707 total views today

 

By Joan Odafe
A Non-Governmental Organisation, The Bloom Africa (TBA), says it has unveiled a fund targeted at transforming the future of African and Diasporan women, by bridging the gap in access to education and resources for girls across various industries.

 

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos, Tosin Durotoye, Founder, TBA, said this was in commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC).

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that IDGC is an annual event celebrated worldwide on Oct. 11 to promote girls’ empowerment, education and rights.

 

Durotoye said that the initiative tagged “Bloom Impact Fund” cuts across various industries including tech, personal development, mentorship and empowerment.

 

“I am particularly excited about the launch of the Bloom Impact Fund. Our mission is to ensure that every woman and girl, regardless of her location or circumstance, has the tools and support she needs to not only dream but to catalyse real, lasting change in her community and beyond,” she said.

 

She said it would empower girls and young women with leadership skills and tools to enable them embrace their potential and effect meaningful change in their communities.

 

According to her, the NGO’s upcoming ‘Girl in Bloom’ summit encourages girls to break throughpersonal, professional, and societal limits, transcending barriers to unlock new opportunities.

 

“The summit has a lineup of speakers, who will their journeys, insights and strategies for overcoming challenges, fostering resilience and leading with purpose.

 

Durotoye said the summit was also aimed at providing an avenue to empower the next generation of female African leaders to thrive, grow and discover their immense potential.

 

She said: “I strongly believe that when African and Diasporan women come together, their collective strength becomes a powerful force for change.

 

“TBA commits to the Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5, which focuses on quality and inclusive education, and gender equality, respectively.

 

“Through our initiatives, including ‘Girl in the Bloom’, the NGO has empowered about 1,500 girls across nine African and Diasporan countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, United States of America and Canada.” (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Foundation calls for end to femicide in Nigeria
Gender

Foundation calls for end to femicide in Nigeria

667 total views today

By Mercy Eletta

Fame Foundation, a gender biased Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called for an end to all forms of femicide in Nigeria.

Femicide is the act of killing a woman by a domestic partner or a member of a criminal enterprise.

The Executive Director of the Foundation, Aderonke Atoyebi, at a news conference in Abuja, stressed the need for government and all stakeholders to collectively fight it in Nigeria.

She decried the fact that femicide is often concealed in Nigeria due to societal stigma, fear of retaliation, while emphasising the need to change the narrative.

Atoyebi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the foundation was working round the clock to raise awareness about the problem and also advocating for stronger legal protections for women and girls.

“The girl child, young women, young female adults are endangered in Nigeria.

“Femicide has become a pandemic and a state of emergency needs to be declared on this often-overlooked issue. Victim blaming must end,” she said.

Atoyebi said that over 89,000 women were killed globally in 2020 and at least 401 deaths recorded from sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) in 2022.

“The situation of femicide is now critical, as the Federal government has recorded 27,698 SGBV cases in the last three years in Nigeria.

“At least five female murder cases recorded from different states this year were highlighted, some of the cases got justice while some didn’t get till date,” she said.

Atoyebi, therefore, stressed the need to strengthen existing laws that address SGBV and ensure its enforcement, while stressing the need for perpetrators of femicide to be adequately punished to deter future crimes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Joseph Edeh

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