By Okon Okon

Sen. George Akume, Secretary to  Government of the Federation (SGF), says President Bola Tinubu’s administration is supportive of autonomy for Local Government Areas in the country.

Akume said this during the Ministerial Press Briefing on Wednesday in Abuja to mark Tinubu’s one year anniversary in office.

The SGF said that Tinubu was commitment to rules of law and constitution of the country and had also shown good faith towards true fiscal federalism since he assumed office.

Akume gave the assurance that the administration would continue from where previous government stopped on autonomy of the local governments.

“On the need for national dialogue for local government autonomy, I think that the National Assembly has done quite a lot on that issue.

“I remember the last administration also came up with some executive orders to enhance independence of the local governments and the national assembly is very supportive of that.

“The present government is also supportive of that, we believe and strongly too, that we will continue to improve on the questions of autonomy for the local government areas in Nigeria.”

According to him, the present administration has recognised the fact that local government areas are the closest tier of government to the people at the grassroots in particular.

“In a typical federal set up, you have tiers of governments and these tiers of governments are also independent.

“One of them have access to the federation account which goes to each state and it is under the control of the governors of those states and the legislators of that state.

“The money going to the state was supposed to be applied prudently, efficiently for the benefit of the people. It is true that the bulk of people live in the state and local government levels,” he said.

According to him, the purpose of sharing the nation’s wealth is to ensure that the welfare of the people is enhanced.

The SGF, however, commended some state governors for their efforts at ensuring that people at the grassroots feel the impacts of government through ‘People Oriented Projects’.

“I want to state here that many of the states are also doing their best for the people and therefore, we will continue to give governors the chance to do their best for their people.

“I am aware that people feel they are not doing their best, the legislators are also there to ensure that people feel impacts of governance at the local government levels,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ismail Abdulaziz

By Kemi Akintokun and Aderonke Ojediran

The Lagos State Ministry of Women and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) says it received a total of 662 domestic violence cases in the last one year.

The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, disclosed this at the 2024 Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the first year anniversary of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

Dada said that WAPA received direct reports of domestic violence from 247 women and 27 men, while it received 324 reports of domestic violence from women and 43 cases from men through WAPA 767 toll free line for domestic violence victims.

According to her, 592 cases out of the total cases reported were dealt with while 88 were referred to the Office of the State Public Defender (OPD) for persecution.

She reiterated the commitment of the state government to empowering and engaging more indigent and vulnerable women in skills acquisition through WAPA.

“Women who are not empowered are more vulnerable to domestic violence and that is why the state government has put in place empowerment programmes to engage women in various skills for financial dependency,” she said.

Dada said the ministry had aligned its programmes with the T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to promote social inclusion by ensuring that no one is left out in the economic cold.

She noted that the state government, through WAPA, trained 13,500 women and men, through its Short Term Skills Acquisition Programme.

“The four-week programme is an empowerment scheme with the goal of alleviating the challenges faced by indigent residents through skills acquisition and sundry vocational trainings.

“In order to promote women focused programmes through our various initiatives as well as delivering on our mandates on intervention programmes, citizens are trained and supported with startup packs in different skills of their choice.

“There are 19 Skills Acquisition Centres across three Senatorial Districts of the state with 20 vocation taught-courses ranging from hair and wig making, barbing, soap, pomade, insecticide production, tie & dye, cake, snacks and beverages production.

“The locations of the centres are in Ibike – Isheri Olowora, Badagry Division, Ikeja, Lagos Island and Epe-Division and you can walk in and make inquiries on all our programmes/vocations which are tuition free,” she said.

Dada commended the state government for providing prompt resources and support to WAPA.

The commissioner said the ministry would continue to collaborate with both local and international bodies to empower more women in Lagos. (NAN)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Vivian Ihechu

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) has called on the Federal Government to complement security interventions aimed at rebuilding trust with communities in the South-East for peace and development.

Nike Babalola, Head, Communications and Public Relations OSPRE, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said the advocacy was made at a two-day workshop on peace held in Awka, Anambra.

The workshop was in collaboration with the Anambra Government, the West African Network for Peace building (WANEP) and the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund.

Babalola said the workshop with the theme “Sustainable Peace, Inclusive Recovery and Durable Security” brought together a host of state actors and civil society organisations from across the zone.

The Director General OSPRE, Mr Chris Ngwodo, pledged the commitment of OSPRE to collaboratively develop multidimensional solutions to the multifaceted challenges of the zone with its partners.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, commended OSPRE for the initiative and noted its many areas of convergence with the Peace in the South-East Project (PISE-P) recently flagged off by his office.

The deputy speaker, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr Sam Hart, expressed his commitment to collaborating with OSPRE to advance the cause of peace in the zone.

In his remarks, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Gilbert Ibezim, said there was need to collaborate and engage with all critical stakeholders, including government, traditional rulers, security agencies and academics.

He also highlighted the need to address the root causes of conflict and the importance of dialogue and reconciliation.

Soludo commended the efforts of OSPRE in promoting peace and urged all stakeholders to continue their efforts towards resolving the challenges in the Southeast region.

“In recent years, the South-East zone has been plagued by the activities of violent criminal gangs and a secessionist insurgency.

“Attacks on police officers, the military, and other security institutions across the region have heightened a climate of insecurity,’’ he said.

The Chairman of the Anambra Truth, Justice and Peace Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, highlighted the importance of acknowledging the economic effects of the insecurity on the people of the region.

He also called for a sustained effort to address the situation in the Southeast which he described as “complex.”

The Executive Director of WANEP, Dr Chukwuemeka Eze, called for greater interplay “between civil society, policymakers, and international partners” anchored to “an efficient, collective, and holistic strategy.

He said such synergy would address the situation in the Southeast and the country at large.

Inaugurated in December 2022, the Concord Initiative, OSPRE’s flagship national peace-building programme is a convening of early warning, early response, peace, security and development actors.

The initiative, established in 2022, focuses on addressing human security crises in various conflict-affected locales across the federation.(NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is set to host the 6th edition of the African Education Conference (Edutech), aimed at proffering solutions on revitalising the education system using technology and innovations.

The Chairman, Board of Trustee, Education First Nigeria, Dr Macjohn Nwabiaola, who disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, underscored the importance of technology in up-scaling educational needs of the people.

Nwabiaola said there was the need to come up in speed with global trend as well as change the narratives in the nation’s educational pursuit.

“We are in a world, where things are changing and we must ensure that our children can be enabled to compete globally when it comes to education.

“Some years ago, when our students sit for JAMB, it was paper and pencil examination but gradually we made it a Computer Based Test (CBT) which was criticised, but here we are, CBT has come to stay.

“Edutech is very critical and we need to look at our policies in education, we need to bring all stakeholders and it will be holistic as children with special needs will be involved,’’ he said.

Nwabiaola, who is also the former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, said the education sector is faced with a lot of challenges that must be solved through collaborations.

Also, Founder, Education First Nigeria, Moses Imayi, said the organisation and Skool Media had supported over 110 educational institutions through setting up of their digital centres.

Imayi said the goal was to put technology at the heart of learning in schools across the country, noting that the centres had helped to bridge digital gaps.

“The conference will serve as a platform to mobilise every stakeholders to begin to popularise the importance of education,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, the Coordinator, UBEC Digital Resource Centre, Prof. Bashir Galandaci, said the commission underscored the importance of technology in learning which crystalised the basis for hosting the conference.

Galandaci said UBEC had introduced several digital programmes with the aim of radically transforming basic education in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference with the theme: Building an Effective African Edutech Ecosystem for Global Impact, will take place in Abuja, between Oct. 29 and Oct. 31. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

Malam Mohammed Isa, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, has lauded the translation of the Disability Laws into Sign and local languages.
Isa gave the commendation on Tuesday in Abuja at the unveiling of Simplified Version of The Discrimination against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in Sign Language and Audio version in Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the launch of the law was put together by The Leprosy Mission (TLM), Nigeria in collaboration with National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD).
“Today further demonstrates the passion, dedication and commitment of this administration to support every initiative and intervention that promote inclusion and participation of Persons With Disabilities and Special Needs.
“President Tinubu believes that nobody should be left behind in the scheme of things, regardless of individual abilities.
“The launch is a crucial step in enhancing awareness and understanding of this landmark legislation within our rural communities.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to TLM for its unwavering commitment and tireless efforts toward making this vision a reality.
“The initiative to translate the Disability Act into Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, and to produce these translations in audio format for our visually impaired brothers and sisters, as well as into sign language for our deaf community, is both commendable and transformative,” Isa said.
NAN reports that Isa was represented by the Director of Media and Publicity in his office, Mr Lanre Oloyede.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Mr James Lalu, commended TLM and the CEO of Qualitative Magazine, Mr Chris Agbo, for their efforts in making the translated disability law a reality.
According to him, the initiative is to enable relevant stakeholders within the disability community understand the relevant provisions of the law and defend their rights as citizens of Nigeria.
“I am a beneficiary of this law in sign language: producing this version into sign language is one of the important steps toward bringing the content of the law to the deaf community.
“One of the gaps we realise is the necessary awareness creation for the disability community to understand their own rights and dignity as contained in the law.
“It is when you understand your right that you can demand for it.
“I want to appreciate President Tinubu for his support at ensuring that the NCPWD delivers on its mandate.
“We’re empowered by Section 38 of the disability Law and, on that, we are committed to protecting the rights of PWDs as we work with security and other relevant agencies,” Lalu said.
Similarly, the National Director of LMN, Dr Sunday Udo, represented by the Head of Programmes, Mr Pius Sunday, said the mission would continue to ensure that no one is left behind.
“This unveiling is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of his or her abilities, has access to justice, equality and dignity.
“By translating this law into our local languages, we are making it accessible to all Nigerians. This inclusivity ensures that everyone, regardless of literacy level or language spoken, can
understand his or her rights as& enshrined in the law.
“It challenges stereotypes and breaks down the societal barriers that have long exclude people with disabilities from achieving their full potentials.
“We must remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring that the rights enshrined in this law are realised in every corner of our nation,” Udo said.
Meanwhile, the consultant and CEO of Qualitative Magazine, Chris Agbo, who drove the process, has said that the aim was to make the law accessible to enable PWDs seek for their rights.
‘I want to believe that the NCPWD will take it upon itself to spread and distribute these version. I also call on the Orientation Agency to play its role here.
“I urge the media to create awareness for PWDs so that there will be space for them in the scheme of affairs in the country,” Agbo said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

==============
Edited by Chioma Ugboma

By Ifeanyi Olannye

By Yetunde Fatungase/ Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for collaborative efforts against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection among girls and women in the country.

Dr Ijeoma Agbo, UNICEF Health Specialist, made the call during a two-day media dialogue on HPV vaccine on Tuesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dialogue has the theme: “Combating The Most Preventable Form Of Deadly Cancer Affecting Women and Girls Through Vaccination”.

Agbo said that HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract and caused more than 95 per cent of cases of cervical cancer.

The UNICEF health specialist, who noted that HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and free, said there was an urgent need for all stakeholders to come together to sensitise Nigerians on its importance.

According to her, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally and the second most common cancer affecting women in Nigeria.

“There are over 100 HPV types that have been identified to date, and two human Papillomavirus types (16 and 18) account for about 70 per cent of all cervical cancer cases.

“It is estimated that 604,000 new cases with 342,000 deaths occurred globally in 2020 and an estimated 12,075 cases and 7,968 deaths recorded in Nigeria,” she said

Agbo also said that the high burden of cervical cancer is attributed to several factors, which include poor access to HPV vaccination services, poor screening and treatment as well as low awareness among others.

Agbo, however, said that vaccination against HPV had shown to be effective in preventing persistent infection with high-risk types, which are the primary cause of cervical cancer.

On the objective of the HPV vaccine in Nigeria, Agbo said that the main goal is to reduce morbidity and mortality of cervical cancer by providing HPV vaccine to girls between ages nine and 14.

She also said that the targeted audience for the vaccine is on girls aged 9-14, who can be found in schools, out of schools, places of religious worship, special population settings and groups, among others.

In his remarks, Mr Muhammad Okorie, Programme Manager, UNICEF, highlighted that the media dialogue was an opportunity to sensitise the public about the advantages of proven global interventions in the prevention of HPV through vaccination.

Okorie said it was also an opportunity to reach more people through the media and dissuade the minds of the people on any misgivings about the vaccine.

He appreciated the role of the media in creating awareness about the HPV vaccine and called for more synergy to make the vaccination programme successful.

Also, Dr Adetola Akinpelu, Immunisation Programmes Coordinator, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, said the state was targeting 80 per cent vaccination of girls between nine and 14 years old by December 2024.

Akinpelu said the state had so far recorded success stories with the campaign, and vaccinated 44.8 per cent of the targeted population. (NAN)

Edited by Victor Adeoti/Folasade Adeniran

By Chinenye Offor

The German government has said that poverty is not responsible for illegal migration to Europe.

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Annett Gunther, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

According to her, poverty cannot be the root cause of irregular migration because people who migrate to Europe are not the poorest citing the North East as an example.

“The people who migrate to Europe are not the poorest.

“You have a situation where people from the very poor like in North East Nigeria where there is conflict and poverty, amongst others.

“What happens there is displacement; regional migration.

“They go to neighbouring countries because they cannot afford to go to Europe.

“They do not have the money for the agents who smuggle them through illegal routes.

“The people who have the money and decide to go to Europe are usually kind of educated and have some money. They’re not the poorest.

“I will not say poverty is the root cause of migration either legal or illegal.

“Many people who migrate – even if they are not the poorest – are still looking for a better life – better life for their children, better education and others,” she said

She stressed the need for the government to address the shortage or lack of basic amenities such as health, education, security, and jobs, to tackle illegal migration to Europe.

She said that the provision of basic social amenities would reduce the desire by young people to risk their lives going through the wrong and dangerous routes to get to Europe in search of greener pastures.

“I think we have to work on that – what we can call the root causes of illegal migration. The government should try to give them what they are looking for.

“And I think the current government is very much aware of these problems and is working on them.

“These are the areas we have to work on, to provide the services that these people are looking for in their country, to develop the Nigerian economy and also provide those jobs that the young people are looking for in Europe,” she said.

Speaking further, the envoy stated that Germany is exploring legal ways by which migrants can come to the country.

“Legal migration is perfectly okay because Germany is also looking to boost its workforce.

“That is why we want to open up more legal ways to prevent people from taking the risk and following those potentially deadly routes through the Mediterranean Sea and others. ( NAN) (www.nan.ng )

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)