By Patricia Amogu

Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI ) for reporters without borders has emphasised the need to build trust and set credibility standards for better media empowerment .

African Director/Regional Manager of the initiative, Marc Abuflan, underscored the need at a workshop on certification tools for newsrooms across Africa, organised in Abuja to build the capacity of journalists in selected newsrooms across television, radio, online, and print media outfits.

According to Abuflan, newsrooms struggle a lot to show their credibility and the quality of work they do everyday, especially with the influence of social media globally.

“In Africa today, journalistic content is in direct competition on platforms with any other type of content.

“It is important to find structural solutions to give journalism the needed structure to compete favourably.

“There is a need to bring identifiable credibility to the media, and the JTI certification will give not just credibility but integrity and build trust for better revenue generation for media outfits in Africa.

“It is about giving back to Journalism its competitive advantage in the global space.

“We developed this tool for self assessment, transparency checks in order to show how the media houses work, how they are structured and help them earn certification from approved accreditation bodies before certification.

“We want the media to be certified in line with best practices, good standards, and good journalism,” he added.

The regional manager said the process would consequently help them generate revenue from advertisements, increase their search engines optimisation while easily giving credibility approval for grants from recognised donor bodies.

“We are here to drive the course of the best newsrooms. We came to have a discussion, access and proffer market-driven solutions to newsrooms across Africa.

“(At least) 1500 media outfits such as media development organisations, advertisement outlets, media affiliates, and regulatory bodies have joined this global network.

“The first and second stages are free, but the certification which has a cost has been provided as grant for the purpose of the certification to interested media outfits during this workshop.

Kazeem Biriowo, Senior Correspondent, Tribune Newspaper, a participant said part of the take away from the workshop is how journalism can have best practices.

Biriowo said that media organisations and journalists can actually do their jobs with self-respect and motivation to eradicate brown envelope syndromes plaguing media spaces.

He added that this will go a long way in giving journalism and journalists the much needed credibility that must be intentional.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Journalism Trust Initiative, a tool to promote the trustworthiness of information and fight disinformation is coming to Nigeria for the first time today. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

By Cecilia Ologunagba

Nigeria and the African Group on Thursday called for an equitable and fair international tax system toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The representatives of the group made the call at a news conference on, “Promotion of Inclusive and Effective International Tax Cooperation at the United Nations,” in New York.

Nigeria had, during the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), presented a historic resolution, which laid the foundation for the creation of a new system of international tax cooperation that should be universal in scope and approach.

With this, member states agreed for the first time to have a convention on tax cooperation and to annually discuss global tax issues and review progress.

The motion, submitted for consideration by Nigeria on behalf of 54-member African Group of States, was adopted by consensus after some discussions on a failed amendment.

The envoys, however, expressed optimism that promotion of inclusive International Tax Cooperation remained a critical step in the attainment of the 2030 SDGs.

The Chair of the African Group, Amb. Chola Milambo, said the resolution was a step toward a future where sustainable development, encompassing economic growth and environmental stewardship, wwnt hand-in-hand.

“In essence, this Convention is about humanising our approach to global economics. It’s about creating a system that serves not just economies but the people at their core.

“It represents a commitment to a future where every nation, regardless of its economic stature, can thrive.

“On behalf of the African Group, I appeal for collaborative effort and consensus in realising this Convention.

“Together, we can forge a global tax system that is truly representative, fair and effective, benefiting every nation and every citizen,” he said.

Milambo, who is the Permanent Representative to the Republic of Zambia to the UN, said the Group had taken a significant step forward with the proposal of a Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.

“This Framework Convention is not merely a policy document; it is a beacon of hope for developing countries that have long sought a voice in the shaping of international tax norms.

“It addresses the critical shortcomings of the current system, which often sidelines the unique challenges and perspectives of developing nations.

“Our proposal acknowledges the contributions of existing bodies like the OECD and the UN Tax Committee, while also recognising their limitations in fully representing the interests of all nations, particularly those in the developing world,” he said.

According to him, the convention’s primary goal is to ensure that all countries, regardless of their size or economic power, have an equal seat at the table in setting the agenda for international tax cooperation.

“This is a step toward rectifying the historical imbalance in global tax governance, offering a more equitable platform for dialogue and decision-making.

“By establishing a more equitable tax system, we unlock greater potential for spending in critical sectors like healthcare and education, pivotal for Africa and the Global South,” he said.

The envoy said the increased revenue generated would enable countries allocate resources where they were most needed, supporting sustainable growth and development.

He said the approach was encompassed under the umbrella of ‘sustainable development,’ ensuring that initiatives directly contributed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting shared commitment to a future where holistic progress and well-being were accessible to all.

“The human aspect of this Convention cannot be overstated. By reforming the international financial systems and ensuring fair taxation, we can significantly reduce the strain on international aid.

“More revenue for the Global South translates to less dependence on Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), fostering a more self-reliant and resilient world economy.

“To our partners in the OECD, the EU, the US and the UK, I appeal to your understanding of our shared humanity.

“This Convention is not just a fiscal tool; it is a lifeline to millions who aspire for better healthcare, education and a life of dignity. Your support is crucial in turning this vision into a reality,” the envoy said.

Similarly, Permanent Representative of Eritrea to the UN, Amb. Sophia Tesfamariam, said adopting the resolution would create an avenue for providing resources to finance the SDGs.

According to her, political will is needed to finance the SDGs.

“We need the political will to finance our SDGs and we’re confident that the many groups, especially in the Global South and our friends from the global north will see the value in having comprehensive tax supports.

“It is very important that the revenues that came from our countries, from our own resources, from our own development is what creates development on the ground.

“ODA is great, but what we do on the ground for our people with our resources is what translates into basic standards of living food security, water, education and health,” she said.

Tesfamariam said the African Group had gathered the support of various groups on the resolution, citing G77 and China.

“I think we would do more than advocacy, for lack of a better word. I think we can get what we want,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannew.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Emmanuel Afonne

Ms Ijeoma Akwara, the National Coordinator, National Festival of Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence Programme, has described tolerance as the key to sustainable peace and unity in Nigeria.

Akwara said this on Thursday in commemoration of the National Festival of Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence day celebrated worldwide every November 16.

She said the group would be marking the day in Nigeria on a later date alongside the National Values Charter which centred on belief.

Akwara said the festival was initiated to promote values through variety of impact oriented activities.

According to her, the activities will include seminars, educational and cultural events, among others.

Akwara who commended the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Malam Lanre Onilu, for supporting the programme, reiterated the imperatives of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

She described Onilu as a committed man who had shown interest in the unity of the country.

“The National Value Charter is a testament to the Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Malam Lanre Onilu‘s, commitment to building on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative vision.

“The renewed hope agenda endeavouring to make the promise of democracy a reality for all Nigerians, irrespective of their tribal affiliation or religious beliefs.

“This charter is not just a document; I believe that it is a call to action for all Nigerians to embrace the values of tolerance, respect, and understanding that are essential for building a just and equitable society.

“I believe that the National Value Charter will play a vital role in promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

“Tolerance and peaceful coexistence are essential for the development of a harmonious and prosperous Nigerian society,” Akwara said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has called for more investment in digital infrastructure by the Federal Government.

Mr Rodger Voorhies, the President, Global Growth and Opportunity, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation stated this his presentation at a meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Abuja.

“Nigeria has made some progress in this regard, but more investment is needed because the current systems—digital payments and ID—exist in silos.

“Nigeria should make DPI a growth opportunity by connecting these systems and improving on them.

“In this way, it can expand the geographic reach of digital payments infrastructure, streamline digital IDs, and see greater socio-economic gains.

“A robust DPI would also enable Nigeria to deliver essential services and create economic opportunity across many sectors—including finance, health, agriculture, social protection, public financial management, and more,” he said.
He added: “This type of digital infrastructure should also be underpinned by the proper regulations to safeguard privacy and encourage vital data- sharing, which are essential for long-term gains.”

He said that the foundation was working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other key stakeholders on financial inclusion in Nigeria .

He said that digital financial inclusion could benefit billions of people by spurring inclusive growth that adds US3.7 trillion dollars to the GDP of emerging economies within a decade.

“For Nigeria, it is estimated financial inclusion could help boost DGP by 12 per cent in this way,” he said.

Voorhies added that there were also strong evidence that digital financial services accelerated the welfare of women and their contribution to the economy.

“Progress in financial inclusion is uneven across the country. In some geo-political zones about 17 per cent of the adult population are financially excluded while in another zone that figure is 68 per cent .

“States and geo-political zones with large urban centers and with high levels of infrastructure tend to have higher rates of inclusion.

“The foundation has extensive experience in supporting governments accelerate financial inclusion,” he said.

Voorhies expressed commitment to support efforts by the federal government to achieve large scale food fortification in the country.

He said the foundation’s focus in Nigeria were in healthcare, financial inclusion for the poor, agriculture, women’s economic empowerment, and recently enabling digital capabilities.

“At the Gates Foundation, we stand behind the efforts and commitment of Nigeria towards large scale food fortification.

“We seek to leverage the power of fortification as one of the most cost- effective interventions for a basic supply of micronutrients to the population, particularly preschool children, women of reproductive age and those who are at greatest risk of nutrient deficiency.

“The Nigerian government continues to lead an evidence-based agenda, and we are excited that after 20 years, the next Nigerian Food Consumption and Micronutrient Status survey is expected to be soon released.

“This will provide critical data on dietary intake, malnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies among sub-groups in the population, which will help inform Government policies,” Voorhies said.

He added that millers played a key role in addressing global malnutrition yet face multiple challenges across the world, including in Nigeria.

Voorhies commended how Nigeria demonstrate an early commitment to that through increased interest from millers to participate in the Micronutrient Fortification Index, a self-regulatory platform that can inspire other millers to join the fortification efforts.

He said that the successes in Nigeria had led to a wider coalition called Millers for Nutrition which now spaned across eight countries across Africa and Asia.

“This has provides a platform for millers to be encouraged, championed, and enabled to fortify. We continue to support this initiative.

“As an important member of the National Council on Nutrition, the NGF can leverage its voice to prioritize fortification as a key nutrition intervention in Nigeria.

“The NGF is also well-placed to ensure that fortified food is made available to Nigerian citizens across the different states through the incorporation of fortified foods into social programs that supply food products.

“The incorporation of fortified rice into school feeding programs is a good example that can be expanded for increased impact,” Voorhies said.

He said that the foundation agriculture investment footprints in Nigeria had progressively matured, covering different facets concerned with seeds systems development, and varietal improvements.

He said that was done working jointly with some Nigerian institutions including National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike (NCRI), Institute of Agricultural Research, Zaria (IAR), and other international research institutes, to drive innovation in developing new varieties.

He said that the foundation looked forward to further collaboration in agricultural policy formulation, and implementation of creative climate adaptation approaches.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba Inuwa

Dr Patti Hill, Worldwide President of Lions Club International visit to Nigeria

By Yusuf Yunus

A non-governmental organisation, the Lions Club International, has commissioned some health facilities at Federal Medical Center, Yaba, Lagos.

The club also donated some equipment to the hospital for the use of community members and improvement of the health status of the people.

Dr Patti Hill, the President of Lions Club International, in an interview at the ceremony on Wednesday in Lagos applauded the club for impacting massively on community development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project, alongside others at different locations in Lagos was commissioned by Hill.

The Lions Club Worldwide President and her spouse Greg Holmes, were welcomed with cultural display of the Nigerian culture.

Showing appreciation, she commended the Lagos State government for the well-kept venue of the event.

She expressed optimism that the projects, including the childhood cancer caregivers center would provide relief for families for their children’s treatment for childhood cancer.

“Well, when I visit Lions here in Nigeria, I expect them to show me their projects for vision for the environment, diabetes awareness, and of course, we do a lot of work around the on-going issue of food insecurity and hunger.

“But what’s really exciting here in Nigeria is that the Lions Clubs and our youth movement, the Leo Clubs, are growing and expanding.

“We are so excited that your people are keen to be volunteers within the Lions movement,” she said.

The visitor is expected to pay a courtesy call on the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu to acquaint him about the activities of the Club and solicit for cooperation.

Mr Samson Abodunrin, the District Governor of 404B4 Nigeria, revealed the level of outreach, and humanitarian service that had been executed by the organisation.

“Currently, not far away from Ikeja, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, we have a Diagnostic Center that we built, equipped with modern equipment to screen, and test people with diabetes.

“We also have the Eye Center that we built, which she visited.

“By the special grace of God, and on Monday, she (Dr Hill) was able to commission an ultra-modern Caregivers home that we built in Federal Medical Center.

“This Caregivers Home facility was built for people who have cancer, especially children with cancer.

According to him, the organisation has donated N2.5 million to the Paediatric Cancer Department at Ebute-metta Federal Medical Centre, and has buil facility with more than 40 rooms, ensuite, with modern beds and facilities to help treat children with cancer.

“We are putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged, and the blind as well, which is why we are popularly referred to as knights of the Blind.

“We have them in mind, and on our daily activities. We remember the children that are going to school without shoes, without books, without desks, and without uniforms. This is what we are doing.

“We have decided, and we have started the program. We are feeding 9,000 people in public schools.

“Children who could not eat from home, we are providing food for them in the 10 regions in my district. And we are also providing 6,000 households with food items.

“No doubt, we are close to Christmas. Some have nothing to eat. We have started that program and we are distributing food items. Rice, spaghetti, macaroni, semovita etc… This is what we are reaching out to the less privileged with.” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Ibukun Emiola

The University of Ibadan (UI) has awarded Bachelor’s Degree to a popular Fuji musician, Saheed Osupa and other students who satisfied its graduation criteria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the second day of the 2023 Convocation Ceremony of the institution had 1,590 first degree graduands from eight faculties.

The faculties included those of Agriculture, Social Sciences, Education, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine and Technology.

Osupa, whose real name is Akorede Babatunde Okunola, bagged Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc) in Political Science with Second Class Honour, Upper Division.

The ace musician, while speaking on his feat, commended the institution for the comprehensive training he had in the Department of Political Science.

He said it would help him to maximise his potential.

The Fuji musician who finished with a Second Class Honours in the Upper Division said the void in his heart had just been filled with the academic feat.

“Now I am feeling fulfilled. Before, I felt that there is something missing in my life.

“Then, I don’t want to be segregated anywhere I go. I want to fit into everywhere I find myself.”

In her lecture at the occasion, Dr Osasuyi Dirisu, an alumnus of UI and Executive Director, Policy Innovation Centre in Abuja, charged the graduands not to be deterred by failures.

“Failure is a stepping stone to the best version of you. Failure is never final, it provides a learning opportunity for growth and, as you learn, you change for better.”

Dirisu enjoined them to develop a purpose-driven outlook to life and not rely on external validation.

Earlier in his address, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, said the degrees awarded were a testimonial that the graduands have been found worthy both in character and learning.

“And on that account you are released into the world to arise and shine.

“Not only are we celebrating your graduation today, but we are also celebrating the 75 years of the establishment of the University of Ibadan.

“This is a milestone in the rich history of our great University.

“It is a time to reflect on all the amazing contributions the University of Ibadan has made over the years to service delivery, community service, education, learning and research in Nigeria and across the globe.

“Our University has come a long way in the face of economic realities, harsh conditions and dwindling resources. We are immensely proud of our rich heritage, culture, tradition, and values,” Adebowale said. (NAN)

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(Edited by Abdulfatai Beki and Olawale Alabi)