Prof. Bashiru Aremu

By Patricia Amogu

Prof. Bashiru Aremu, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Laureate, has been appointed as the Global Secretary General, Board of Trustees, World Sustainable Development Goals Organisations (WSDGOs).

Aremu, who is also the World Grand President, International Chartered World Learned Society (ICWLS), U.S., commended the global leadership of WSDGOs, an official partner of the UN, on his appointment.

Aremu’s appreciation was conveyed in a statement signed by his Executive Assistance on Media, Publicity and Communication Matters, Bieni Emenike, on Wednesday in Abuja.

He expressed delight over his recognition by the global SDGs body, the World Vice-chancellor Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc., U.S.

Aremu, had in response to his appointment, promised to make positive impacts towards the achievements of our group’s objectives.

“The confidence and responsibility and most importantly the monitoring and regulatory functions as bestowed on me will not be taken for granted as I will work hard and in togetherness we shall achieve our global objectives,’’ Aremu said.

He also commended WSDGOs’ Global Founder, Emmanuel Daudu, group’s Global Secretary General, Advisory Council,  Wajdi  Moukarim, on the appointment.

Aremu is the World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor and Editorial Board Member, Cambridge Publishing, UK.

He is globally recognised as World Acclaimed Distinguished Universities Research Professor of Computer Science, Information Communication Technology in different global and Nigerian Universities.

WSDGOs was established under the Article 7in the UN Charter in 1945.

It supports the UN Initiative in dealing with humanitarian issues, UN Global Goals, issues of crisis, conflict resolution and the 17 Global Goals founded and domiciled in the United Nations (UN 2015 Conventions)(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chijioke OKoronkwo

By Veronica Dariya

WaterAid Nigeria, an international NGO, and Bwari Area Council on Tuesday, inaugurated a Coordination Forum to sustain Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) issues in communities within the area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was held in Bwari, in partnership with the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).

In his remarks, Mr Nanpet Chuktu, Head of Programmes, WaterAid Nigeria, said the forum would be fully set up by the council administration and facilitated by WaterAid.

Chuktu explained that the forum would be composed of the health, environment, education, and other related departments of the council to ensure proper coordination concerning happenings in the various fields and sectors.

“By so doing, you will be able to be privy to information concerning the investments in boreholes, toilets, and other facilities that have already been put in place for efficient WASH activities.

“ This is so that the commitment of both the council and donors of these facilities do not become scattered and wasted and so, it is important for the council to keep its eyes on these investments.

“It will be proper to strengthen the WASH Committee (WASHCOM) in the communities where the facilities are provided to ensure they are working properly and if spoilt or have issues, immediate action and solution would be taken,” he said.

The WaterAid official also urged the council to use the WASH committee and the sub-committees to attract more donors and collaborators in the area to achieve a more hygienic environment.

Mr Eli Kadanya, the Bwari Area Council Secretary, who represented the council chairman at the event, assured stakeholders in the project of its unrelenting support to ensure that the goals of WASH in the area were achieved.

In her remarks, Ms Nanbam Michael, the Project Manager, WaterAid Nigeria, noted that the projects to be implemented in the area included construction and rehabilitation of water facilities.

Others, she enumerated, include gender-inclusive sanitation and hygiene facilities such as toilets in schools, awareness campaign on hygiene behavioural change in Primary Healthcare Centres.

Micheal added that strengthening WASH institutions in the form of cooperative groups in the communities is, among other things, part of the agenda.

She noted that one of the objectives of the forum was to support the development and implementation of a comprehensive WASH strategy at the local level, in line with national and regional WASH goals.

NAN reports that some of the committee’s terms of reference are Leadership and Facilitation by the council’s WASH department and Information Sharing.

Some others are Joint Planning and Strategy Development, Resource Mobilisation, Monitoring and Evaluation, as well as Advocacy and Capacity Building for WASH actors.

Members of the committee are representatives from the Environment, Health, Education, Works, Information, and Finance departments of the council.

Traditional and religious leaders in the area are also part of the committee. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/ Halima Sheji

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Federal Government has warned that unauthorised disclosure or leakage of official documents, capable of impacting the country negatively, is a punishable offence.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja, at a workshop organised by the Bureau for Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF)

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the workshop is: “Renewing hope and strengthening of national unity through effective communication and the role of the Official Secret Acts in maintaining confidentiality and national security.’’

Represented by Dr Nnamdi Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the SGF, Akume said unauthorised leakage of sensitive official document constitutes felony and there is no defence for such, either in the Constitution  or Freedom of Information Act.

NAN reports that Section 97 (2) of the Criminal Code Act of Nigeria, provides: “Any person who, being employed in the public service, without proper authority abstracts, or makes a copy of, any document the property of his employer is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for one year”.

Akume recalled that government had devised measures in the past to contain the leakage of sensitive official information in MDAs through the issuance of service-wide circulars by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation in August 2021.

“This was reinforced by the issuance of another service-wide circular in February 2024 on the unauthorised circulation of official documents with information on social media.

“This was done to re-emphasise other extant regulations prohibiting unauthorised disclosure or leakage of official documents

“There is the need to regulate the activities of the civil society organisations who use the Freedom of Information Act to harass, intimidate and siphon resources from public officers through the dissemination of fake and unfounded information.

“This should be properly addressed by all the practitioners in the communication and related industries,’’ he said.

Akume commended the BPSR for organising the workshop, saying its underlines the importance government places on the dissemination of correct and truthful information.

The Director-General of Bureau, Dr Dasuki Arabi, urged participants to equip themselves with the Official Secrets Act and effectively communicate government policies and programmes to the public.

“Your role as communication managers in MDAs is crucial, especially in our increasingly complex information ecosystem.

“In today’s environment, communications and platforms are highly fragmented. The government cannot afford to be reactive.

“It must lead the communication landscape to prevent misinformation and ensure that citizens are all informed about the activities, objectives of government and benefits of its policies and programmes to the citizens of the country.

“Accurate and prompt information delivery is essential and cannot be compromised as its impact on service delivery and governance is profound,” he said.

Arabi tasked the communication managers to take advantage of the training to use the traditional and social media platforms to ensure the public is well informed about government initiatives, programmes and services. FG(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Yusuf Yunus

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and ensuring the safety of products in the market.

Its Acting Executive Chairman, Dr Adamu Abdullahi, gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen after a surveillance exercise by the commission at some steel companies in Lagos State and Ogun.

The companies include African Foundries, Monarch Steel Mill Ltd., and Kam Steel Integrated Company, all on Ikorodu-Sagamu Expressway.

The FCCPC boss said that intelligence and surveillance reports obtained by the commission indicated that certain companies were involved in anti-competitive behaviour.

“This is why we decided to visit three of these companies to examine their operations and review their records, as well as analyse ten of their products.

“We aim to identify any false, misleading, and deceptive practices that could harm consumers,” he stated.

He said that one major concern noted was the discrepancy in product specifications.

“For instance, consumers purchasing 12mm rods often receive 10mm rods instead, which contributes to the building collapses we frequently witness.

“Ensuring the safety of our people is a core responsibility, and these deceptive practices are unacceptable,” said Abdullahi.

He stressed the need for thorough inspections and transparency.

“We are looking at their processes to determine if any corners are being cut. If we find evidence of such practices, we will apply the full extent of the law,” he added.

Abdullahi, also said that the companies visited cooperated with the commission’s officials by providing information needed during the surveillance exercises.

He said, “So far, they have been very cooperative. They consulted their lawyers, who advised them to comply with our investigation, and they have provided us with the required information.”

On collaboration with relevant industry bodies, he said that FCCPC had been working with the Steel Manufacturing Association, the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, among others.

He also said that the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) had provided technical advice, ensuring the commision was guided by industry standards.

Addressing the timeline for the investigation, he explained, “The duration depends on the volume of information gathered.

“Some investigations have taken longer due to the sheer amount of data involved.

“We assure you that we will work diligently to conclude as quickly as possible and publish our findings.”

Regarding market impact and potential punitive measures, he noted that sanctions depend on the nature of the offence and would be on strictly adhering to the guidelines set out in the FCCPC Act.(NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Tosin Kolade

The European Union (EU) has urged the Federal and state governments to increase funding for social protection interventions, emphasising its importance in reducing poverty nationwide.

Mr Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation for the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made the call in a communiqué at the end of the 3rd edition of the Social Protection Cross-Learning Summit (SPECS) in Abuja.

He described social protection as a crucial support system for vulnerable and poor households, providing both a safety net and hope.

The summit was organised by the Federal Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Social Protection Development Partner Group (DPG) under the theme “Social Protection Towards Human Capital Development.”

De Luca stressed that social protection plays a vital role in human capital development by ensuring access to essential services such as education, health, and nutrition.

According to De Luca, this contributes to economic stability, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth, forming a strong foundation for the country’s overall development.

Referencing a World Bank report that estimated Nigeria’s poor population at 104 million, or 46 per cent, in 2023, De Luca stated, “Investing in social protection means investing in our collective future and fostering resilience”.

He said it would ensure that every individual had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society in spite of background, location, or uncertainties.

He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to collaborate with the Nigerian government to address poverty.

“The EU is supporting Nigeria’s social protection sector with 46 million Euro in its 2021 to 2027 programming, aimed at system strengthening and the design of social safety net programmes.

“We are finalising processes with UNICEF and GIZ to implement the project in the focal states,” he said.

De Luca added that the intervention would enhance the social protection system, focusing on the interoperability of related databases, maintaining a functional shock-responsive social register.

He added that the initiative was also supporting safety net programmes in three North East states targeting communities affected by climate change. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Peter Okolie
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down two sachet water factories in Owerri for operating in unhygienic environments.

The agency further cautioned another factory during the routine inspection carried out on Friday in the Imo capital city.

The two affected factories included Elmabo Table Water and Sylchap Enterprise Table Water, while Giver Table Water was cautioned over minor issues.

In an interview with newsmen at the end of the enforcement, the Imo NAFDAC Coordinator, Mrs Mercy Ndukwe, said the factories were sealed for poor manufacturing practices.

Ndukwe said: “We have invited them all to visit NAFDAC office with their licences for verification.

“Looking at the factories we visited, the agency is not happy seeing the environment they were operating on.

“NAFDAC’s minimum requirement is four to five rooms for small scale operators to operate a water production facility.

“At the time we registered them, these rooms were available but today, most of the rooms have been converted to other uses, like living rooms and other businesses.”

The NAFDAC chief expressed concern that cholera and other diseases could breakout from such unhygienic environments, if not given proper attention.

Ndukwe recalled that the agency, about three weeks ago, directed the water association in the state to close all operations for two days for proper cleaning and sanitisation of factories to avert cholera outbreak.

“In spite of the directive, we are very sad to see the environment where they operate in to be unhygienic,” she said.

She cautioned other producers “to sit up and conduct self sanitisation of their premises.”

“They should ensure that those they leave their businesses to run adhere strictly to the directives of NAFDAC.

“Our aim is not to close down factories or push them out of business but to ensure that Nigerians consume wholesale and hygienic food and water,”
Ndukwe further said.

She expressed the willingness of the agency to organise free trainings for the operators of table water factories in the state on the best practices.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the enforcement was carried out by NAFDAC, in collaboration with the Imo House of Assembly Committee on Health and Environment as well as the state chapter of the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP).

The Vice Chairman of ATWAP, Mrs Joy Uwakwe, expressed the support of her association to the enforcement by the agency.

“The association is in support of ensuring that water sold to consumers are clean and treated for consumption for Imo residents.

“The most unfortunate thing that happened today is that the sealed factories are not members of ATWAP,” Uwakwe said .

Also, the chairman, Imo House of Assembly Taskforce on Health and Environment, Chief Odyssey Obioha, expressed concern that the test conducted for quality at the facilities showed that the water was not safe for drinking.

Obioha said that a similar test was conducted on different sachets of water at the Imo State House of Assembly where it was discovered that most of them were unsafe for consumption.

“The discovery necessitated the inspection of water production facilities in the state, in collaboration with NAFDAC and ATWAP.

“The outbreak of cholera in the country has become an issue and the State Government is determined to ensure that Imo is free from cholera,” Obioha said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sam Oditah

Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, during the award presentation.

By Salif Atojoko

Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has been conferred with a National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, (MSMEs) award by the Office of the Vice President on the World MSME Day for his outstandin contributions to the sub-sector in his state.

Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, in a statement on Friday, said Mbah had impressed with his leadership capacity.

According to the statement, the award was presented to Mbah on Thursday on behalf of the Vice President during this year’s National MSME Awards held at the Presidential Villa.

“The recipient is someone my principal described as changing the leadership strategy, not only in Enugu State, but in the whole of the South East.

“Dr Peter Mbah is also one of the most IT-savvy individuals I have ever met and he is putting a lot of that experience and knowledge into governance in Enugu State.

“And he also recognises the impact that MSMEs have, not just on the labour market, but on productivity and increase in economic activities in his state.

“On behalf of the Vice President, I have the honour to present you with the MSME Award for 2024,” said Hadejia.

Mbah said the award was an elixir to do more, describing MSMEs as the lifeblood of any economic development.

He described Kashim Shettima as a champion of MSMEs, commending his tireless commitment to the Light-Up Nigeria Project, which he said would help to ramp up power supply to industrial clusters in the South East.

“Let me, on behalf of the government and people of Enugu State, express our profound gratitude to the Office of the Vice President for recognising our modest effort in supporting the growth of MSMEs in our state.

“MSMEs are the lifeblood of economic development. But as desirous as they may be, their success is no chance occurrence. They thrive only through painstaking policies that enhance the ease-of-doing-business climate.

“We believe that governments thrive when MSMEs are in good shape. So, starting a business does not have to seem like a leap of faith. Neither is it a zero-sum game, because small businesses create jobs, thus reducing the social burden typically created by huge unemployment rate,” he said.

He said from the outset, his government recognised that its goal to substantially grow Enugu State’s economy from 4.4 billion dollars to 30 billion dollars in the next four to eight years was closely-tied to the viability of MSMEs.

“These, roughly summarise the context behind the various incentives and projects we have implemented to aid the growth of small businesses through the Enugu SME Centre and Office of Digital Economy, fuelled by the commitment to upskill 40,000 youth annually in digital and vocational skills,” Mbah said.

He said his administration had equally provided one billion Naira in Venture Capital Funds under the auspices of the soon to be launched  Enugu State and SMEDAN Joint Matching Funds for Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to boost MSMEs growth in the state.

“Our other efforts to boost MSMEs in the state include the creation of the Enugu State Fashion and Garment Hub and training of 5,000 youths on fashion skills in three years, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice-President and private sector partners.

“The Enugu Skill Acquisition Masterclass, an intensive training module that provides essential resources and insights to digital entrepreneurs and startups.

“Training of MSMEs and Startups in tech skills from software engineering, product design. Web 3 amongst others to imbue them with skills consistent with demands of the 21st century,” said the governor.

He explained that the creation of a world-class innovation and entrepreneurship hub focused on supporting entrepreneurs who tackled societal challenges.

“The Enugu NG-CARES Programme has supported over 4,000 MSMEs with operational and IT Equipment grants worth over one billion naira.

“Transforming Nigeria Youth Programme, an initiative that has supported over 7,000 women-led microenterprises with enhanced entrepreneurial skills and cash grants for business expansion.

“We are also in the process of transforming Enugu into a premier outsourcing destination, leveraging untapped infrastructure and skilled talent to emulate India’s Business Process Outsourcing and IT-Enabled Outsourcing success,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Olatunde Ajayi

Prof. Antonia Simbine, Director-General (D-G), Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), has emphasised the need for gender inclusiveness approach in the fight against corruption.

Simbine said this in Ibadan on Thursday at the Actualizing Behaviour Change (ABC) Series, an ongoing NISER and Macarthur Foundation Project, entitled “Research Support for Corruption Control through Behaviour Change”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Thursday’s series, however, focused on the theme, “A Gender-Lensed View Citizens’ Lived Experiences of Corrupt Behaviour in Nigeria”.

According to Simbine, the past application of one-size-fits-all solutions to the problems of corruption in Nigeria may be the reason it has not been completely successful.

“In the previous series, we have been looking at all aspects of corruption issues, behavioural aspects of corruption.

“Now, we are considering how it relates to women and men differently, but much more with regards to women; all toward finding solutions for corruption,” she said.

The D-G added that the organisation of anti-corruption agencies should have a gender perspective and be better positioned to address the issues of people’s behaviour toward corruption.

“The second aspect is that, in the programmes of anti-corruption agencies, they need to now understand the various aspects of behaviour or reaction of people to the issue of corruption and then target their programmes in that direction.

“They must be able to analyse what a corrupt man or woman does, how they do it, what pushed them to do it, what is their reaction, and then we may be saying we are fighting corruption,” she said.

Dr Temitayo Adeyemo, a Lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, said research had shown that women exhibit different experiences of corrupt behaviours when interacting with government agencies.

For an effective anti-corruption campaign, she called for gender inclusion and mainstreaming in corruption control policies and the structure of the institutions.

“We must incorporate gendered themes in the corruption campaign to enable voicing out for the vulnerable victims,” she said.

Similarly, Dr Safiya Ahmad-Nuhu, Director, Centre for Gender Studies, Bayero University, Kano, said corruption should be seen as a cross-cutting issue when viewed through a gender lens.

“There are different experiences of men and women about corrupt practices but at the core of it, is a governance issue that affects development.

“Gender inclusion is a critical issue for sustainable development. As a nation, working toward the discussion on sustainable development cannot be done in rhetoric.

“If the country really wants to move forward, we need to consider all the various components of the SDGs in terms of where women fit.

“It is not just in respect of a particular issue, but all the 17 goals; women’s role in those goals has to be included,” she said.

NAN reports that the ABC platform provides the opportunity for debate and cross-fertilisation of ideas among scholars, policymakers and practitioners. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Moses Solanke