By Femi Ogunshola

The Forum of the 19 Northern States Governors’ Wives has endorsed the Drug Prevention, Treatment, and Care strategy of the Re-Orientation Advocacy of Nigeria (RAN).

Mr Charles Folayan, Executive Director of RAN, announced this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

He stated that the partnership followed the Northern Governors Wives Forum stakeholders’ meeting on Substance Abuse, held in Gombe on May 14 at the Government House.

Folayan mentioned that RAN presented on the successes and aspirations of the organisation in their efforts to prevent drug abuse, particularly in the 19 Northern states.

Folayan said that the Chairperson of the Forum, Hajia Asmau Inuwa-Yahaya called on all stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to support their efforts on rehabilitation and reintegration of people with drug use disorder.

Folayan called for treatment and care of victims of drugs, adding that RAN focuses on the wives of the Governor in the region to end drug abuse.

He said RAN is currently working with two of the governor’s wives in the region.

The director said that RAN is seeking the involvement of others in the establishment of modern social and rehabilitation centres in their various states.

According to him, some of the Governor’s wives who responded to the partnership proposal of RAN, agreed on the need to step up prevention and treatment programmes in Nigeria.

“They expressed their acceptance to work with RAN and their partners on the project.

“RAN earlier in the year entered into partnership with Annmom Foundation USA, and formed a joint task with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on drug prevention

He said the organisation is also in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant government agencies, on drug prevention, treatment and care programmes.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Veronica Dariya

10,000 residents from four communities in the Bwari Area Council of the FCT have gained access to clean water thanks to the WaterAid Nigeria intervention project and its partners.

Mr Williams Kolo, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Coordinator for Bwari Area Council, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a WaterAid Project Close-Out meeting for the 14-month intervention project.

The meeting, tagged “Strengthening Water and Sanitation Delivery Project in Bwari Area Council,” was organised by WaterAid Nigeria in collaboration with the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other partners in the project included Bwari Area Council and were funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

While presenting an overview of the project’s outcomes, Kolo stated that 10,000 residents now have access to clean water, WASH management skills, and sanitation promotion messages.

“10,000 people gained access to clean water, 647 people gained access to safely managed sanitation facilities, and 3,500 people, including women and children, were reached with sanitation promotion messages.

“The organisation constructed and rehabilitated 10,000-liter and 20,000-liter capacity solar/electric powered water boreholes in four communities and one school, including water kiosks.

“Additionally, 115 members, comprising 67 males and 48 females of WASH management structures and hygiene promoters, were trained across the four beneficiary communities.

“It is also notable that these water points have been certified to have zero coliform levels in the five water facilities procured in the four communities and the school.”

The beneficiary communities listed were Baran-goni, Zuma II, Sabon-Gari, Dakwa, and LEA Primary School, Tudun-fulani.

Kolo further stated that to sustain and replicate the intervention, an investment plan has been mapped out by the partners to help the council construct more infrastructure in other communities.

This, he added, was to ensure other communities in the council gain access to clean water, while assuring that the WASH unit would help ensure funds for such projects were included in the council’s subsequent budget.

Speaking with NAN on the progress of the project, Mr Nanpet Chuktu, Head of Programmes, WaterAid Nigeria said that the 14 month project was aimed to strengthen WASH delivery in selected communities in the council.

This, he further said was designed to complement the efforts of government in addressing access to WASH services, while improving hygiene behaviours and outcomes among target population.

The project, he added, focused on increasing access to WASH services by constructing and rehabilitating water facilities in the selected communities and providing gender-inclusive public sanitation facilities and participation.

He said: ” Today’s meeting with partners and WASH committee representatives is to close out a one year mini project we currently have in the council.

“It is to show accountability and say we started this last year, this is what we promised and this is what we delivered.

“Bwari Area Council is still a work in progress, the council and RUWASSA are the key institutions we are supporting, and therefore, we are still on ground with similar projects.

“This is to first demonstrate a model they can use to improve the status of WASH in the communities and at the same time charge government to use the models to grow.

“We will like to see that by the next budget cycle, the council has dedicated funding for similar projects in other communities and not just rely on donor organisations.”

He also praised the council’s inclusion of 40 percent women in the WASH committee, noting that their active participation was impressive.

One of the committee members, Mrs. Safiya Rafiu from Baran-goni community, appreciated the effort by the partners and prayed for God’s blessings on all who worked to bring smiles to the faces of the people.

She said that the initiative had not only improved sanitation in her community but had also helped the WASH committee sell water at a subsidized rate to residents to maintain and sustain the facility.

NAN reports that the meeting, which had all partners and committee members of the project in attendance, also included the presentation of maintenance kits to representatives of all the beneficiary communities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has appealed to the National Assembly to pass the Bill for the establishment of Disability Trust Fund before it.

The Executive Secretary, Dr James Lalu, made the appeal at a two-day sensitisation of stakeholders on Disability Accessibility Regulations, in Abuja on Wednesday.

The event was organised by the NCPWD, in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme.

Lalu explained that the fund, if established, would enable the commission to implement disability-inclusive programmes and interventions to leave no one behind.

He added that the fund would also enable the commission to support states that were yet to domesticate the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (prohibition) Act, 2018, to do so.

He also said that the Act, if domesticated across the states, would also make provisions for the Disability Trust Fund at the state level.

This, according to him, will encourage the states to implement their peculiar disability inclusive programmes, especially the enforcement of disability accessibility regulations.

“Most of the states have domesticated the disability law. Some even established agencies for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), but ensuring disability inclusion and accessibility for PwDs is capital intensive.

“In fact, some states have established disability institutions, but our interest in the disability trust fund is to raise funds to support states that are yet to domesticate the Act to do so,” he said.

In her remarks, Ms Brisca Aaron, the Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Agency for the Disabled Persons, pointed out that the state had already domesticated the disability prohibition act.

Aaron added that the state government had equally implemented the five percent employment quota for PwDs and commenced enforcement of the accessibility law.

According to her, the law was designed to ensures PwDs’ access to public infrastructure in the state.

Also speaking, Mr Monu El-Dad, Chairman, Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders to advance the course of PwDs in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Philip Yatai

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Federal Government has promised to provide effective social care system to about 16.8 million aged population in the country.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr Abel Enitan, made the promise on Wednesday during the unveiling of the Older Persons’ Social Care in Nigeria.

The event with the theme: ”Geriatric Social Care and Value Chain: A Case for Social Investment in Abuja” was organised by the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured the inauguration and certification of 20 healthcare institutions across some states which will serve as older persons care centres in the country.

Represented by Mrs Agnes Aneke, the Director, Special Duties in the Ministry,  Enitan said that the aged population was estimated to be more than 16.8 million by the year 2025.

Enitan explained that government was working towards developing effective policy guidelines on ageing, to address some of the challenges associated with the population in the country.

He said, the growing number of ageing population in the country remained a source of concern to government.

”It is essential to note that older persons population in Nigeria is estimated to reach more than 16.8 million by the year 2025 with an increasing incidence and prevalence of multiple and chronic health conditions.
‘‘These conditions, indeed, require new ways to address them” he said.

On her part, the Director-General, National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) Dr Emem Omokaro, said, the national action plan on ageing had developed a well-paid skilled workforce for geriatric social care sector.

”We are gathered here today to witness the foundation laying of what would be a journey to building an expansive Older Persons Social Care Quality Assurance System which is the bedrock of  a very multi-dimensional  care industry.

”This development aims to ensure that the care workforce has the knowledge, skills and competencies to enable the workers to practice older-person centered care.

”It is also to build a paid quality social care workforce to ensure reduction of negative stereotypes about care giving to older people.

”This is in line with the job creation, improved productivity and inclusion in line with the deliverables of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Deborah Coker/Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

Prof. John Peters, a faculty of the United Kingdom leadership development organisation, TEXEM, says CEOs and directors know that in the present turbulent times, organizations face multiple global and local challenges.

Answering questions on TEXEM’s website, www.texem.co.uk, on the coming programme of the organization billed for Manchester, Peters says the million dollar question is, how can they win in these turbulent times?

The TEXEM faculty asserts that Nigerian executives need strategic leadership and paradigm shift to thrive in such uncertain glocal business landscape.

He said the programme, “Strategic Leadership Unleashed: Thriving In An Uncertain GLOCAL World” will equip Nigerian and global leaders with the agility and foresight to navigate complexity successfully.

“Through this framework, leaders can anticipate market shifts, harness global opportunities, and address local nuances adeptly.

“For instance, adept strategic leaders can leverage cross-cultural insights to expand operations internationally while remaining rooted in local values, thus fostering sustainable growth.

“A prime example of a company embodying these principles is Dangote Group, which, under the strategic leadership of Aliko Dangote, has successfully expanded its footprint continent-wide while maintaining its Nigerian roots,” Peters said.

According to him, these topics and more will be covered during the forthcoming TEXEM programme, which will be held in Manchester between May 26 and May 30.

John Peters, former Chair of the Association of MBAs (an organisation that accredits Harvard, Stanford, Wharton and IMD), is a top world leadership speaker and survivor par excellence. He was a Prisoner of War during the Gulf War 1.

He will be among the three faculty members delivering the TEXEM programme titled ‘Strategic Leadership Unleashed: Thriving In An Uncertain GLOCAL World’, which is billed for Manchester.

Other faculty members include Prof. Rodria Laline (the inventor of the IP being used on all ATMs globally, Former SVP for Oracle in Asia Pacific and Harvard, INSEAD & IMD Professor)

Prof. Paul Griffith (the World’s first Professor of Management to lead a team to launch a rocket into space) is also a faculty on this programme.

Peters says understanding the changing roles of strategic leaders in these increasingly disruptive global and local times enables leaders to adopt a more holistic approach to decision-making to win.

He added that it enables balancing short-term objectives with long-term considerations, creating value for all stakeholders, and ensuring the resilience and longevity of their organisations.

Peters further explained how pressure can be utilised as a catalyst for innovation in problem-solving within an organisation.

“Pressure can be a powerful catalyst for innovation in problem-solving within an organisation by fostering urgency, resourcefulness, adaptive thinking, risk-taking, collaboration, learning, adaptation, and motivation among individuals and teams.

“When harnessed effectively, pressure can fuel creativity and drive positive change, leading to breakthrough solutions that propel the organisation forward,” he said.

Peters said leaders can employ several strategies to recognise a crisis as an opportunity for transformation and organisational excellence.

According to the faculty, one of the strategies
is to embrace a growth mindset, by reframing challenges as opportunities and building the organisation’s core competence to respond to external threats.

Peters says in this way, leaders can inspire a culture of resilience and creativity within the organisation.

He said another strategy is to stay agile and adaptive explaining that by staying nimble and open to new possibilities, leaders can identify opportunities for transformation and guide the organisation towards excellence.

Peters also prescribed encouragement of innovation saying by fostering a culture of innovation, leaders can harness the collective intelligence of their workforce to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

Focusing on purpose and values is another strategy prescribed by the TEXEM faculty.

According to Peters, by anchoring decision-making and actions in core principles, leaders can ensure alignment and coherence across the organisation.

He said they can also guide efforts towards transformative outcomes that uphold the organisation’s mission and vision.

Peters suggested communicating transparently, explaining that transparent communication fosters trust, builds resilience, and encourages collective problem-solving, laying the foundation for organisational excellence.

He urged leaders and executives to empower and support employees saying by investing in employee well-being and development, leaders can foster a motivated and resilient workforce capable of driving transformation.

Peters advised them to learn from adversity asserting that by embracing a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, leaders can leverage crises as catalysts for organisational excellence.

“For example renowned organisations such as Disney, Microsoft, Uber and Airbnb were all founded during economic crises.

“If they can thrive despite the challenging external environment so can Nigerian organisations,” the faculty said.

Another strategy he prescribed for the leaders is to lead by example saying by embodying the values and behaviours they wish to see in others, leaders can inspire confidence, foster trust, and galvanise collective action towards transformative outcomes.

“By attending the forthcoming TEXEM programme you will be able to glean fresh insights into how to win in these volatile times,” Peters said.

He offered some insights from Nigerian organisations and how their experiences can offer some lessons applicable to other contexts.

Referring to the Dangote Group again, he said that one key strategy that has contributed to the group’s resilience is diversification.

“The lesson here is the importance of diversification in building resilience and sustaining growth, particularly in volatile environments.

“Another is Guaranty Trust Bank: GTBank has leveraged technology to expand its reach and offer customers innovative financial products and services.

“The lesson here is the importance of embracing digital transformation and innovation to adapt to changing market conditions and meet customers’ evolving needs,” Peters said.

He also mentioned the Lagos State Government as another Nigerian entity with commendable core competence.

“The Lagos State Government has implemented various initiatives to ameliorate challenges such as traffic congestion, infrastructure deficits, and environmental degradation.

“The lesson here is the importance of proactive governance, strategic planning, and public-private partnerships in addressing complex challenges and driving sustainable development.

“Overall, many Nigerian organisations have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and adaptability in navigating crises, uncertainties and challenges,” Peters said.

He said the key lessons from their experiences include the importance of diversification, digital transformation, innovation, collaboration, and proactive governance in building resilience and sustaining growth in uncertain environments.

“While these lessons can be applied to challenges of the past, there is an urgent need to glean new insights on how to address present and future challenges such as how does geopolitics affect organisation’s particularly in emerging markets and how can leaders turn these headwinds to tailwinds,” Peters said.

Peters, Laline and Griffith will leverage TEXEM’s tested and proven methodology that makes learning engaging, experiential, actionable and beneficial at the programme. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi

By Franca Ofili

The Federal Government has begun the review of the Youth Development Policy to comprehensively address the challenges being faced by young people in the country.

Dr Jamila Ibrahim, the Minister of Youth Development, said this in Abuja on Wednesday during a meeting with critical stakeholders from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The meeting with the theme: ‘Leadership and Public Policy: Grassroot Mobilisers – The Challenges and Remedies through Remodeling’, highlighted the government’s commitment to youth development.

Ibrahim emphasised the need for inputs from all stakeholders before presenting the draft of the policy to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

According to her, the government’s aim is to involve all relevant parties in the process of establishing sustainable solutions to the prevalent issues, particularly by ensuring accessible financial resources for the younger generation.

“Meaningful inclusion of the youth and addressing the requirements of individuals with special needs.

“We cannot progress without a comprehensive policy. Upon our arrival, we encountered an outdated policy, prompting us to devise programmes and initiatives that actively engage young people and allow them to influence policy decisions.

“The current administration is committed to fostering trust between young people and the government.

“To achieve this synergy, we must wholeheartedly be committed to delivering on President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Initiatives” as promised,” she said.

Abbah Isah, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on People with Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, emphasised that 40 per cent of Nigerian youth living with disabilities face hardships.

According to him, the hardships are limited access to basic social amenities, economic instability leading to financial hardship, and inadequate healthcare services.

Abah expressed his appreciation for Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to ensure that all segments of society receive the necessary support and attention within the framework of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of his administration.

In his closing remarks, Dr Dunoma Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry thanked the participants, adding that the meeting would be a continuous engagement with critical stakeholders across the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

===========
Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

By Aderogba George

Hon. Stanley Olajide (PDP Oyo State), a member of the House of Representatives, has issued a caution to parents regarding the excessive use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) by their children.

Olajide, representing Ibadan Northwest/Southwest Constituency, delivered the advice during the 4th stakeholders dialogue on “Child Protection” organised by the Hope for Second Chance Foundation (HOSEC), an NGO.

The event, themed “Safeguarding Our Future: Nurturing Safe Digital Spaces for Nigerian Child,” aimed to address concerns surrounding child safety in the digital age.

Olajide emphasised the importance of implementing proper controls when allowing children to use ICT devices, noting the potential risks associated with unrestricted access to the digital space.

He warned that without appropriate measures in place, the rapid expansion of the digital landscape could pose more harm than good to children.

Olajide revealed that legislative efforts are underway to regulate the use of ICT, underscoring the need for parents to fulfill their responsibilities in guiding their children’s technology usage.

He urged parents to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their children’s well-being amidst the evolving digital landscape.

“People are using the children through the cyberspace to perpetrate crime. There are organ harvesters on the internet, they are everywhere now.

“Parents must stop indulging their children in ICT use, but if you must do so, put the right control in place.

“Technology as a tool is more powerful than the friends we keep, we must be cautious.”

The lawmaker also advised children to be contented with whatever their parents gave them, saying “some parents are really struggling for their children.”

Mrs Ibukunoluwa Otesile, the Executive Director, HOSEC, said that the safety of the digital space is the responsibility of all and sundry.

She lamented that if Nigerians are not careful with the use of technology, the country may have corrupt children.

“We must all lend our voice to this call, that is the whole essence of this event, all voices must be amplified, the digital space must be safe for children, ” she said.

On his part, Prof. Adebusuyi Adeniran, the Head of Sociology and Information Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, emphasised the need to control the cyberspace.

He said that “the problem can be better addressed through primary socialisation, as parents must think of the message they are passing to their children with the use of ICT.

“There is no way ICT use can be stopped in Nigeria, but we can have control over it on children.

“We must make internet align with the country’s cultural practices. The Church, Mosque and school cannot train our children for us, the onus is on us to do it ourselves,” Olajide said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Sarafina Christopher

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation(GPF) Nigeria, has called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to work collectively towards tackling insecurity.

Dr Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General, lPCR, spoke on Tuesday at one-day High-Level Dialogue Conference with the theme “Promoting Collective Responsibility for Peace and Security in Abuja.”

He said that in recent times, citizens had witnessed an alarming escalation in security incidents in Abuja.

Ochogwu said that if the security challenges were not addressed collectively and urgently, they could undermine the shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous city.

“Persistent insecurity can deter socio-economic development, discourage investment and exacerbate poverty and inequality.

“There is a need for collective responsibility between the government and this entire society to build peace and ensure security for the people in Abuja.

“We believe that once we are able to build peace and establish some good level of security in this place, it will boost investors’ confidence and encourage trust.”

Ochogwu said that in order to proffer solutions to rising crime, the Institute conducted a study titled “Presentation on Spatial Analysis of Crime in Abuja City Centre,” he said.

According to him, the study is not just an academic exercise; it is a crucial early warning tool that can guide strategies and actions in tackling the security challenges.

Rev. John Hayab, the Country Director, GPF Nigeria, said that sustainable peace could not be easily achieved through a top-down approach but through the active participation of all sections of society.

“Both a government official, security personnel, religious leader, community leaders or citizen–all have a vital role to play in building a safer and more secure society for today and future generations,’’ he said.

Hayab also reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment towards partnering with the government, security agencies, civil society organisations, community leaders and individuals in the quest for peace and security in Abuja and the country.

In his remarks, Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity in Nigeria.

“Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, efforts and strategies are being put in place to combat the various security challenges facing the nation,”Goronyo said.

On his part, Ogundele Ayodeji, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Zone 7, Abuja, pledged police’s commitment to tackling kidnapping, ‘one chance’ robbery and other crimes in FCT.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo