By Ruth Oketunde

The Mastercard Foundation, in collaboration with its Impact Partner Organisations (IPOs), has trained 11 young Nigerians on monitoring and evaluation practices to enhance positive growth in the sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IPOs included Preston Associates for International Development (PAID), Cloneshouse, ITAD, and Global Integrity.

Dr Nkemdilim Ene, Chief Executive Officer, Preston Associates for International Development (PAID), said this at the graduation ceremony for the Youth Impact Associates Cohort 1, in Abuja.

She explained that the foundation and its implementing partners saw the need to build the capacities of young people in the country hence the training.

She said that using a multidimensional approach to the various aspects of monitoring and evaluation, the effects of various policies on Nigerians would be known.

“The young graduates have been clear as to where they are going; they are focused on what the immediate future holds, and the alumni platform, which will be launched today, is another platform to make their contributions more cohesively noticed,” she said.

She added that the beneficiaries had in the last twelve months been prepared on how to engage with Nigeria and the continent on how to look at evidence differently.

According to her, Nigerians are always talking about policies, but interpreting those policies into evidence has continued to be a significant struggle in this country.

“We want to see those beautifully crafted policies become real strategies that will unfold in the communities that the government is serving,” she said.

Similarly, the Country Director, Mastercard Foundation Nigeria, Rosy Fynn, said the event wasn’t just a graduation but a testament to the power of young minds to shaping the future.

“Through dedication, learning, and collaboration, these young men and women have embraced the challenge of improving monitoring, evaluation, and learning practices in Nigeria and together with other young impact associates in different countries across Africa.

“They have harnessed fresh knowledge and transformed it into actionable solutions, lighting the way for a brighter continent,” she said.

In the same vein, Mr Oludotun Babayemi, Chief Executive Officer, Cloneshouse, said that the project focused on providing technical knowledge on monitoring and evaluation for young people between the ages of 25 and 35.

He said that the project aimed at creating opportunities to access decent jobs for young people and set them up for leadership positions in the field of evaluation.

“The field of monitoring and evaluation is relatively new and growing in Nigeria, therefore, what it means is that there is need for more people to be able to drive change within the evaluation community,” he said.

He lauded the new legal framework for monitoring and evaluation in the country, adding that it would help strengthen policies at several levels.

“These young people will be the drivers of Nigeria’s evaluation and monitoring policy because once we can monitor, then we can evaluate the programmes, policies, and projects better,” he added.

One of the graduates, Mr Emeka Nwankwo, appreciated the IPOs for the privilege, adding that the exercise had increased his confidence in the monitoring and evaluation space.

“We understand the need in Africa’s evaluation space, and we want to carry this knowledge into society to promote indigenous ways of monitoring and evaluation,” Nwankwo said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Sadiya Hamza

By Victor Nwachukwu

The Rescue Nigeria Global Network (RNGN) has urged the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to boost development and end criminality in the South-East.

Dr Michael Chukwujekwu, Global Coordinator, RNGN, said the Federal Government should consider releasing Kanu to stop criminal groups from using the detention as an excuse to perpetuate crime and insecurity in the zone.

Chukwujekwu said in a statement made available to NAN from United Kingdom, that it had become pertinent for the Federal Government to urgently intervene for the benefit of the nation’s economy.

He expressed displeasure over the inability of government to release the IPOB leader, saying that many lives and property have been lost due to his continued detention.

“Pathetically, the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has ended, yet Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not released not withstanding the court’s ruling.

“If the executive made her claims and passed the responsibility of releasing Nnamdi Kanu to the Judiciary and judiciary had played their role by granting judgement for his release, should the Legislators at the NASS also need to play their own role too?

“Nigeria is at the point where rule of law should not to be ignored; the country needs to proactively release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“Inaction could seem enabling the sit-at-home, obviously, a sabotage to the business, education, industry, economy and development of the South-East and Nigeria.

“Could the way forward for Nigerian, South-East (Ndigbo) be to tackle this main issue about sit-at-home that leads to destruction of life and properties, as well as business, and end it?

“In doing the needful, could we be avoiding the chance for another person rising even if Simon Ekpa is silenced,” Chukwujekwu said.

He said that allowing insecurity to fester anywhere in the country would not augur well with the country’s economy.

Chukwujekwu added that the clamour for arrest and extradition of Simon Ekpa, for instigating the sit-at-home may not end the trouble the country and people in South-East found themselves in.

“The question is, if Simon Ekpo is arrested or extradited will it solve the problem?

“Will the killings and destruction of properties in the South-East due to sit-at-home stop or will another person assume such leadership of Simon Ekpa?

“What actually is the main prayer of the perpetrators of the sit-at-home that is leading to the destruction of lives and properties in the South-East of Nigeria?

“There is an urgent need for Nigeria and Ndigbo to look into the cause of the sit-at-home critically and deal with it,” he asked. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Gov Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Tuesday approved the grading and upgrading of 300 traditional stools in Kogi

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the approval was part of the outcome of the Executive Council meeting held at the Lugard House in Lokoja on Tuesday.

Bello, who presided over the meeting, said the grading and upgrading of the stools became imperative in view of the important roles the traditional rulers played in enhancing peaceful coexistence amongst citizens.

The governor, in a statement  by his media aide, Onogwu Muhammed, upgraded Akinrin of Ekinrin from none-class to 1st class, Ohireba of Ebiraland from non-class to 1st class and Obaje Otalu-Atabaka from 2nd class to first class.

“The grading and upgrading of the 300 traditional stools in Kogi is part of our decisions at today’s executive council meeting, ” he said.

The council also approved a Bill for a Law to establish the Kogi State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, KOSOPADEC.

Also approved was a Bill for a Law to establish the Kogi State Meat Hygiene and Inspection for the safety of lives of residents of the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu has urged the Muslims to use the period of Eid-el-Maulud celebration for deep introspection and fervent prayers for the country.

The President made the call in a statement on Tuesday by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, in Abuja.

The President, while congratulating Muslims in Nigeria and beyond on this year’s Eid-el-Maulud celebration, urged them to live by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

“Adherents should make deliberate efforts to adhere to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

“There are great lessons of devotion, perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness that we can all learn from the life of the Prophet,” the President said.

Tinubu urged religious leaders to use the period to pray for the country and to admonish their followers to take the appropriate lessons from Prophet Muhammad’s life in their commitment to the country.

“Nigeria has arrived at an important juncture.

“While the government is taking all necessary measures to make the country secure and economically viable, we need the full support of the citizenry in the form of patriotism, patience, and prayers.

“The light is certainly bright at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

The President also urged Muslims celebrating the Maulud festival to extend their hand of fellowship to the needy and vulnerable in the spirit of the season while praying for the country and her leaders at all levels.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Maulud, also known as Eid-el-Maulud Nabiy, is the Islamic observation of the day when the Prophet Muhammad was born.

It is commemorated in Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar and Muslims commemorate this day by sending blessings to Prophet Muhammad with recitations of praises and blessings. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Hogan Bassey

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, has urged the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) to avail itself with the documents of Nigeria Agenda 2050.

A statement by Chinem Pressley, Media Consultant to the minister, indicated that Bagudu gave the advice when ICAN officials paid him a courtesy call in Abuja.

The minister also urged the institute to align itself with the country’s national development plan so that provisions made could be included in training programmes and other activities of the institute for greater achievement.

Bagudu said the ministry had a clear mandate to cooperate with all groups to seek their help in interrogating what the ministry did so that it could do better.

According to him, one element of the mandate is a periodic assessment of the skills gap in the country; which to an extent, showed the relevance of ICAN, as the institute had the responsibility of ensuring that accountants possessed the required skills to practice in Nigeria.

He added that ICAN has a prominent role to play in supporting the government in terms of building consensus for greater mileage.

Earlier, the President of ICAN, Mr Innocent Okwuosa noted that the institute has consistently provided a professional viewpoint on various government economic policies and the prospects of such policies.

He also said that it was ready to work closely with the government to redefine national values, set economic priorities, and resource utilisation strategies with the aim of lifting Nigerians out of poverty.

Okwuosa drew the attention of the minister to the two initiatives of the institute that had impacted significantly, in shaping fiscal policy in Nigeria, namely: The ICAN Budget Symposium and the Mid-Year Economic Discourse.

He highlighted the significant impact of previous symposia and economic discourses, which have resulted in notable fiscal policy changes in the country.

The ICAN president explained that his delegation was at the ministry to appeal to the minister to declare their upcoming budget symposium open, and for him to appoint a contact person within the ministry to be the liaison officer on the budget symposium and economic discourse.

He added that the visit was to make the minister see reasons why its members should be considered for appointments into the boards of ministries, departments, and agencies under the ministry.

He said doing so would help the present administration deliver on its Renewed Hope Initiative.

The ICAN president expressed keen interest in entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the ministry to enable the institute to offer technical assistance to enhance the nation’s budgeting process.

He added that the visit was to extend an invitation to the minister to the 53rd Annual Accountant’s Conference with the theme, ‘Nigeria: Imparatives for Inclusive Development, which will be held from Oct. 9 to 13, 2023 in Abuja. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

President Bola Tinubu has approved payment for the procurement of 12 attack helicopters for the Nigerian Army.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, made this known at the opening of the maiden Nigerian Army Aviation Seminar, on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that the 12 MD 530F Cayuse attack helicopters would operationalise the Nigerian army aviation unit, which was set up to improve ground troops’ agility, responsiveness, and efficacy during operations.

The COAS added that it would also contribute to the overall operational success of joint and coalition troops.

Lagbaja explained that the army aviation was generally separate from a nation’s dedicated air force, but usually equipped with helicopters and light support fixed-wing aircraft.

He appreciated the president for buying into the aspiration of the Nigerian army to have an equipped aviation unit, which would  support ground troops as they focus on tactical and operational engagements.

According to him, the experiences of nations like the United States, Pakistan, Colombia, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda are instructive in this area.

“The army aviation arms of these countries have shown effectiveness in countering contemporary security threats and providing vital support to ground forces.

“In view of the need to realize this, and in its bid to appropriately respond to contemporary and emerging security threats, the Nigerian Army resuscitated its aviation aspiration in 2014.

“I am happy to inform this gathering that the Nigerian army is willing to learn from the army aviation journeys of the countries mentioned earlier.

“Our willingness to learn from them is to adapt their best practices to suit our unique operational environment and avoid their mistakes.

“I can proudly report that since 2014, the Nigerian Army has made commendable progress in training pilots, aircraft engineers, technicians, and other ground support crew,” he said.

The COAS said that the army had submitted the aviation outfit to the Nigerian Air Force for proper mentoring.

On the seminar, Lagbaja said it was to discuss likely challenges the unit may face and proffer innovative solutions.

“Therefore, this seminar is a platform for us to deliberate on critical issues and share invaluable insights regarding the future of the Nigerian army aviation, even before that future comes upon us.

“Ideas generated from our deliberations are expected to help strengthen the capabilities through capacity building, infrastructure development and guide further acquisition of cutting-edge platforms and technologies,” he added.

The Acting Coordinator, Nigerian Army Aviation, Brig.-Gen. Musa Alkali, said the unit would play pivotal role in bolstering ground operations and addressing the current security challenges confronting the nation.

Alkali said the reestablishment of army aviation was a decisive step towards enhancing operational reach and effectiveness in countering contemporary threats to Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security.

He added that the seminar was significant to the continuous efforts to operationalise the aviation unit. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Martha Agas
Plateau Government says it will shore up efforts to check the increasing  trend of child trafficking in the state.

The Plateau Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Musa Ashoms, said this at a press briefing at the end of the state executive council meeting presided by Gov. Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday in Jos.

Ashoms said that the commitment was sequel to reports that described Plateau as a ‘point of source for domestic servitude’.

He said that the council resolved to strengthen relevant government agencies to perform their constitutional duties of checking the menace.

“There was a documentary in Ebonyi which stated that 40 per cent of those who were trafficked these days are from Plateau.

“We are putting in mechanisms to check all of these issues to stop this trend.

“ So, we are going to do a lot of sensitisation, we are going to meet gatekeepers, village heads, kings, and then community leaders and religious bodies.

“So that this menace will be nipped in the bud,” he said.

Ashoms said that the council also deliberated on the influx of commercial motorcyclists into Jos and Bukuru metropolis in spite of the ban on their activities as part of security measures.

“There is a law banning it, so we cannot afford in our own time to continue to have this.

“And, again on tricycles, the law is still intact, that they start at 6am and close at 6pm.

“So, there is going to be enforcement very soon,” he said.

According to him, the council also appraised their efforts on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people aimed at strengthening its modalities.

Ashoms said that the council had set up a committee to review the nomenclatures of matched ministries to ensure they reflect modern trends and issues.

He further explained that some ministries such as that of agriculture would be unbundled in to ministries of Plant and livestock.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Ruth Oketunde

Mrs Shola Adeleke, Incoming President, Rotary Club of Abuja Asokoro Diamond, has said that the club would continue to provide selfless services to humanity and vulnerable people in communities.

She said this at her investiture ceremony as the 9th President of the club in Abuja.

Adeleke said that Rotary International was committed to providing for the less privileged in the society, as such it would not relent in making positive impacts in the lives of the unreached.

According  to her, the purpose of Rotary is to create hope for the society and the world at large as we are always striving to execute purposeful and impactful projects.

“These projects cuts across our seven area of focus which include basic education and literacy, economic and community development, peace and conflict resolution, water and sanitation.

“Other areas are disease prevention and control, maternal and child health and support for environment in both host and adapted communities.

“We are all aware that this great task and the challenges in doing all these are great but the potential for meeting them exists in us, hence, success is attainable.

“I want to charge my fellow Rotarians to brace up and strive to truly create hope for the down trodden and the less privileged around them.

“As volunteers, we have chosen to put our resources, time and talent together to serve humanity and I also seek support, committment and unrelenting selfless service so that our club will not be left behind,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Adeleke Stephen, immediate Past President of the club, urged the newly inaugurated President to work in synergy with other Rotarians to serve humanity more.

He also called on the members of the club to provide support to the incoming President as they focused on providing more valuable services to the less privileged.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Sadiya Hamza