NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Imo to tackle unemployment, boost economy through local initiative
General News

Imo to tackle unemployment, boost economy through local initiative

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By Peter Okolie

The Imo Government has recommitted itself to addressing unemployment and boosting economic growth through the implementation of the One Kindred, One Business Initiative (OKOBI).

 

The Chief Economic Adviser to Imo Government, Prof. Kenneth Amaeshi, stated this at the second OKOBI summit and inauguration of OKOBI Students’ Club at Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU) at Ideato.

 

Amaeshi noted that Imo, with a population of approximately 5.5 million, was working to enhance its global visibility and reputation through this initiative.

 

“This OKOBI project is about the story of Imo to the world. It is not limited to just Imo or the South East,” he said.

 

He noted that 50 per cent out of the about 3.5 million young population of the state are jobless.

 

Amaeshi stressed that the state government only employed about 40,000 people which included teachers and civil servants out of the growing number of the unemployed.

 

The professor said: “This is a recipe for disaster, and that is a problem the governor of Imo is bent on solving through the OKOBI programme.

 

“Unemployment is not only the problem of Imo, it is also a problem of Africa.

 

‘’The World Bank data says that about 60 per cent of African youths are unemployed and the population of Africa is well over a billion.

 

“Unemployment figure constitutes what some people have described as social warming just like in the case of global warming for the weather,” he said.

 

He said that Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has started the Skill Up Imo programme and committed to training about 300,000 people with digital skills.

 

According to him, the Skill Up Imo has been used to train over 25,000 people currently.

 

“The governor also came up with OKOBI to support those who do not fit into the digital skill of Skill Up Imo.

 

“The whole idea is to enable unemployed Imo residents who share kindred spirit to create their own businesses. It is a group-based entrepreneurship programme,” he said.

 

The special adviser said the state government had already registered about 400 OKOBI businesses and engaged over 10,000 people within 18 months of the programme.

 

He advised students and other residents of the state to key into the programme, assuring them that the state government was ready to support good business ideas with start-up capital.

 

Amaeshi also commended the Vice Chancellor of KOMU, Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie, for being the first to attract the programme to a tertiary institution and to Orlu Senatorial District.

 

In a welcome address, Dozie said the theme of the summit aimed to explore actionable strategies to expand the reach of the OKOBI movement into Orlu Zone and to foster an environment for sustainable economic growth.

 

He said since assumption of office as substantive vice chancellor in 2021, the institution had recorded numerous achievements under his watch.

 

He highlighted the successful accreditation of programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the graduation of three sets of students and subsequent mobilisation for the National Youth  Service (NYSC) programme.

 

“We have successfully held seven Public Lecture Series and preparations are on-going for the eight lecture.

 

“Indeed, we have restored public confidence in our institution which is reflected by an increase in enrolment from an estimated 320 students in 2021/2022 academic session to about 1,400 students in the 2024/2025 academic session.

 

“These modest achievements were possible with the firm support of the Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, who not only recovered the institution and restored its original status as a public university but has continued to support her growth and development,” he said.

 

He solicited the support of the state government and philanthropists in the areas of transformers, renovation and furnishing of staff quarters, and installation of solar light system on campus.

 

Dozie further solicited assistance in the development of KOMU Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition Centre as well as the donation of vehicles for use of staff and students.

 

Dozie announced the donation of N3 million to the newly inaugurated Club to help them establish businesses and carry out research projects.

 

Highlights of the occasion was the inauguration of the OKOBI Students’ Club as well as presentation of competition grants ranging from N2 million to N500,000 each to nine cooperative groups.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the Summit was “Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ideato Takes OKOBI to Orlu Zone”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

First Lady inaugurates digital centre, e-learning facilities in Oyo
General News

First Lady inaugurates digital centre, e-learning facilities in Oyo

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By Olatunde Ajayi

 

The First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, says more Nigerian women and girls can break traditional barriers and access more opportunities via technology and the digital revolution.

 

The president’s wife said on Tuesday at the inauguration of a digital economy centre and e-learning facilities at Oladipo Alayande School of Science, Ibadan.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is a collaboration between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

 

Tinubu described the initiative as a strategic step toward setting the path for Nigerian youths, especially women and girls, to participate and thrive in the digital revolution.

 

According to her, ICT knowledge is a significant tool for empowering communities, especially women, thus enabling them to break traditional barriers and access new opportunities.

 

“Equipping women and girls with ICT skills can enhance their educational prospects; it will help them to participate in the global economy and support their families.

 

“Today’s commissioning presents us with another opportunity under the mandate of the Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy to further expand digital access to citizens by providing communities with the resources required to develop ICT skills.

 

“This is in line with the priority area of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to accelerate economic diversification through industrialisation and digitalisation,” she said.

 

She noted that the collaboration of NITDA and the Renewed Hope Initiative had led to the construction of four community ICT centres.

 

“This ICT centre we are commissioning today is the third, while the fourth one, located in Benue State, will soon be ready for commissioning.

 

“An additional 10 digital economy centres, spread across the country, would also be ready for commissioning soon,” she said.

 

The Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, described the centre as a core foundational investment infrastructure toward a prosperous digital economy.

 

He charged young people, as direct beneficiaries of the investment, to take advantage of the centre to acquire the skills required to participate in the economy of today and the future.

 

“We are in a world where technology drives progress; this community ICT centre serves as a platform for young people to acquire globally relevant digital skills and create solutions for communities,” he said.

 

Similarly, the Director-General (DG) of NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi, said the centre has been equipped with modern digital equipment to help the students shape their future positively.

 

He noted that the centre was also designed to serve youths in the neighbouring communities.

 

“The centre is designed to unlock opportunities and ignite the potential of youths and students in the state to participate actively in the digital economy.

 

“It is another commitment of President Tinubu to make Nigeria digitally inclusive,” he said.

 

Charging the community members to take full ownership of the centre, he said its success would depend on the active participation and utilisation of the resources at the centre.

 

Earlier in his goodwill message, Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State appreciated the First Lady for bringing the ICT centre to the state.

 

He assured her that the state would take full advantage of the facility.

 

Makinde, noting that natural resources alone could not bring about economic prosperity, underscored the importance of information technology and Artificial Intelligence as pathways to the future.

 

According to him, there must be entrepreneurship, education, human capacity development, and growth opportunities, all based on the global trends. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Moses Solanke

.2bn Q1 FX inflow, success story of Tinubu reforms – TSF
General News

$15.2bn Q1 FX inflow, success story of Tinubu reforms – TSF

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By Salif Atojoko

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has welcomed the latest data indicating that Nigeria recorded a net foreign exchange (FX) inflow of 15.2 billion dollars in the first quarter of 2025.

Mr Ahmad Sajoh, Chairman, TSF, described this feat as a testament to the effectiveness of President Bola Tinubu’s bold economic reforms.

“The figures, presented at the Nigerian Investor Forum on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the World Bank/IMF in Washington DC, clearly show that Nigeria’s FX inflows rose to 28.92 billion dollars in the first quarter.

“This is an 18.68 per cent increase compared to same period in 2024.

“Although FX outflows also rose, the positive net balance of 15.2 billion dollars underscores a strengthened FX liquidity position with Nigeria now better equipped to meet market demand without heavy Central Bank interventions.

“For us, it is yet another indication that Nigeria’s foreign exchange landscape has been transformed into a more transparent, liquid, and competitive environment under the watch of President Tinubu,” Sajoh said.

Sajoh added that the Central Bank’s direct market participation had reduced drastically to just two per cent of turnover, compared to the previous era where it was the dominant supplier.

“This marks a critical step towards the empowerment of private sector participation and the creation of a truly market-driven economy.

“Importantly, this achievement not only builds on the momentum from 2024, where Nigeria attracted a total FX inflow of 99.4 billion dollars, a 44 per cent increase from previous years, but also projects a brighter outlook for the future.

“With investor confidence rising, diaspora inflows expanding, and policy stability assured, we expect these positive trends to accelerate even further in subsequent quarters,” he added.

The TSF chairman reiterated that the improvement was a clear endorsement of President Tinubu’s commitment to restoring macroeconomic stability, enhancing Nigeria’s global financial standing, and creating a resilient economic environment that would benefit all Nigerians.

He added that it was one of the reasons why the international community viewed the Nigerian economy as being on an upward trajectory. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Philanthropies inaugurate 0m initiative to accelerate maternal-newborn survival in Nigeria, Africa
General News

Philanthropies inaugurate $600m initiative to accelerate maternal-newborn survival in Nigeria, Africa

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By Oluwafunke Ishola

 

A coalition of global philanthropies has inaugurated the Beginnings Fund, a new philanthropic initiative committed to accelerating maternal and newborn survival across Nigeria and other African countries.

 

 

 

The Fund, in a statement on Tuesday, said it would work in partnership with African governments, national organisations, and experts to prevent over 300,000 maternal and neonatal deaths.

 

It would also enhance access to quality care for 34 million mothers and babies by 2030 through a focus on sustainability and local ownership.

 

The establishment of the Beginnings Fund is part of a joint philanthropic commitment of nearly $600 million for maternal and newborn survival, including $100 million in direct funding for initiatives that further the Fund’s mission.

 

This joint commitment was enabled by a major grant from the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity that unlocked matched funding from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Delta Philanthropies.

 

 

 

Other funders are the Gates Foundation, The ELMA Foundation, Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, Patchwork Collective, among others.

 

 

 

Over the next five years, the Fund will partner with up to 10 African countries to make targeted investments in the products, people, and systems required to improve and scale maternal and newborn health.

 

These investments will advance maternal and newborn survival in high-burden hospitals, health centres, and referral networks, in which most maternal and newborn deaths – the majority of which are preventable – occur.

 

The Fund will focus on strengthening the workforce and equipping facilities with a bundle of low-cost, evidence-based interventions.

 

 

 

It would achieve this by harnessing innovations, empowering a skilled workforce, and building strong data and referral systems.

 

“The Beginnings Fund aims to support governments in giving mothers and babies the best chance at a healthy future,” the statement said.

 

The Fund will operate in 10 countries – Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe – and continue to pool and invest multi-year funding in collaboration with country-level implementation partners.

 

The initial commitment from its founding philanthropies is designed to catalyse further funding from new donors, ensuring long-term sustainability.

 

 

 

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs in the United Arab Emirates, said, “Through the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, we are honoured to support the Beginnings Fund in giving more mothers and children the opportunity of a healthy start.

 

“In the earliest days of the UAE, our nation faced high maternal and newborn mortality rates.

 

“This journey taught us the profound importance of quality healthcare that is available to all, at every stage of life, and this knowledge continues to guide us today.

 

“Through this partnership, we further our dedication to working hand in hand with governments and partners to build a healthier, more hopeful future for generations to come.”

 

Newborn deaths in the first month of life are the single biggest driver of mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 70 per cent of maternal deaths also occur.

 

Most of these deaths are preventable with trained health workers providing essential care to mothers and babies.

 

 

 

Yet maternal and newborn health remains one of the most addressable, yet underfunded, areas in global health.

 

 

 

Without transformative action, 182,000 women and 1.2 million newborns in Africa will continue to die each year from preventable causes, in addition to 950,000 stillbirths.

 

 

 

“Mothers and newborns should not be dying from causes we know how to prevent,” said Dr Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health for Ethiopia.

 

“We all have a shared responsibility to build resilient and well-resourced health systems that can safeguard the life of every pregnant woman and newborn.

 

“With the right investments and innovations, countries around the world have succeeded in transforming maternal and newborn care.

 

“There is no reason that we cannot do the same.”

 

Alice Kang’ethe, Chief Executive Officer of the Beginnings Fund, said, “African governments, with support from philanthropic and bilateral organisations, are at the forefront of advancing maternal and newborn health and making groundbreaking innovations.

 

 

 

“The continent is making remarkable strides, but achieving lasting change requires collaborative action.

 

 

 

“I would like to express my gratitude to the African governments, national organisations and experts, and our founding investors who are part of this unique collaborative effort to drive lasting change across Africa.”

 

 

 

Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation, said, “In the past decade, researchers have pioneered remarkable new ways to keep mothers and their children alive and healthy – but these solutions still aren’t reaching the people who need them most.

 

“We’re committed to working with government, health workers, and partners like the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, CIFF, Delta Philanthropies, ELMA, and others, to address this unacceptable disparity and accelerate progress on maternal and newborn health.”

 

 

 

Sir Chris Hohn, Founder and Chair of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, said: “Mothers and babies dying in childbirth from preventable causes is a travesty – but ending this travesty is within our reach.

 

 

 

“Working with African governments, the Beginnings Fund will have a profound impact, giving millions of children a healthy start in life.

 

 

 

“However, this should only be the beginning.

 

 

 

“To achieve its ambitious targets for 2030, the Beginnings Fund will need more global funders and philanthropists to step up.

 

 

 

“Most importantly, it will need to work hand in hand with the government to increase funding and improve the delivery of life-saving interventions to ensure African mothers and children survive and thrive.”

 

Momentum is rapidly growing toward achieving global maternal and newborn health goals.

 

The United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set ambitious targets to save the lives of mothers and newborns, and many African countries are advancing plans to accelerate progress.

 

However, achieving these targets requires increased targeted philanthropic funding, and coordinated action.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Beginnings Fund is a unique philanthropic initiative aiming to save more than 300,000 lives and ensure that 34 million women and newborns across Africa receive quality care by 2030.

 

The Fund aims to deploy $500 million in philanthropic funding by 2030, of which 90 per cent has been raised. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Water transportation: FG distributes 42,000 life jackets to states
General News

Water transportation: FG distributes 42,000 life jackets to states

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By Rita Iliya

The Federal Government has begun the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to 12 states across the country to enhance safe water transportation.

Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, commenced the distribution at the 2025 Safety and Sensitisation/Enlightenment Campaign in Minna on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative was to promote the use of life jackets reduce loss of lives and property on inland waterways across country.

“Today’s event embodies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who rely daily on our inland waterways for transportation, commerce, and sustenance,” Oyetola said.

He attributed the rising incidence of boat mishaps to human error, mechanical failures, adverse weather, and poor safety equipment.

The minister added that inland waterway boat mishaps was a complex factor that required urgent action.

He said 3,500 life jackets would be given to each of the states.

Oyetola urged state governments, community leaders, boat operators, and the commuting public to support the deployment, utilisation, and strict enforcement of use of safety gears.

He commended Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger for his efforts toward improving riverine transportation within the state.

He said that the initiative was part of Federal Government’s efforts to develop sustainable solutions to boat mishaps.

He announced the establishment of a Special Committee on Boat mishaps to review incidents, identify systemic deficiencies, and propose measures to eliminate accidents.

In his address, the governor commended the minister for initiating the distribution of life jackets to 12 states starting with Niger.

Bago, represented by Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, Speaker of Niger House of Assembly, said the state had experienced numerous boat accidents in the country.

Bago emphasised the need for safety measures to curtail such incidences and called on the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the life jackets to save lives and promote safety.

Hajiya Hadiza Kuta, Commissioner for Transport in Niger, noted that the state had stationed water marshals in all 25 local government areas of the state.

She said the marshals are to enforce safety regulations and prevent accidents in the waterways across the state.

She emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure the effectiveness of the safety measures.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, expressed gratitude to the minister for the life jacket distribution.

He highlighted the minister’s commitment to service, noting that the initiative was a testament to his dedication to humanity.(NAN)
Edited by Joe Idika

NGEP urges gas reticulation in buildings
General News

NGEP urges gas reticulation in buildings

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By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) has called on stakeholders to promote the integration of gas reticulation systems in estates, districts, and industrial areas, following best practices seen in developed countries.

Chairman of NGEP, Prof. Mohammed Ibrahim, made the call on Tuesday during the Builders’ Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), FCT Chapter, in Abuja.

The conference, themed “Gas Reticulation in Building: Design, Safety, Environmental Compliance and Prospects for Builders,” focused on enhancing energy infrastructure in Nigeria’s built environment.

Ibrahim noted that with Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves, gas reticulation offered a sustainable solution to improve energy accessibility, affordability, and reliability in homes and businesses.

“Gas reticulation in buildings presents a compelling pathway to a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient built environment.

“By prioritising sound design principles and ensuring strict adherence to safety and environmental standards, we can unlock the full potential of natural gas to drive progress,” he said.

He highlighted the key benefits of gas reticulation, including energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, versatility, and reliability.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, Samson Opaluwah, stressed the importance of capacity building for safe and efficient gas distribution.

He said this involved training engineers, technicians, and other professionals in system design, installation, and maintenance, while also strengthening regulatory frameworks and encouraging local innovation and manufacturing.

The Chairman of NIOB, FCT Chapter, Usman Okehi, emphasised the growing need to incorporate gas systems in residential, commercial, and industrial developments across Nigeria due to rising energy demands and gas availability.

According to him, with this advancement comes the need for strict adherence to design standards, rigorous safety protocols, and full environmental compliance.

“It is our responsibility as professionals and regulators to ensure these systems are functional, safe, and environmentally sound,” Okehi said.

He described the conference as a platform where stakeholders could explore the evolving landscape of gas infrastructure in building projects, share best practices, examine safety and environmental considerations, and assess future opportunities for builders in the sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Institute of Building is the professional body for builders in Nigeria. It traces its origins to the Builders’ Society, established in London in 1834.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Buhari mourns Islamic scholar, Hadiyatullah
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Buhari mourns Islamic scholar, Hadiyatullah

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Former President Muhammadu Buhari joins the nation in mourning the demise of Sheikh Abdul Rasheed Hadiyatullah,

 

This is contained in a statement by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

The late Hadiyatullah was the President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN).

 

Hadiyatullah, also the founder and director of Sheikh Ibn Baz Shariah College of Nigeria in Iwo, Osun State, died on Monday at the age of 81.

 

Buhari described the late Muslim leader as a beacon of compassion, spiritual rectitude, and a true leader in Islam.

 

“My heart goes out to Muslims all over Nigeria mourning the death of the great Islamic shepherd who always sided with the truth and doing so with a great sense of humility.

 

“I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship and advice throughout my years in office as president, and well after that.

 

“He will be remembered for calling for peace at all times.

 

“May Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family and followers the fortitude to bear this loss.”

 

The deceased was born in Iwo, in Osun State and was a widely respected Islamic scholar and jurist.

 

He was known for his advocacy for the implementation of Shari’ah law within constitutional frameworks, interfaith dialogue, and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NBS releases first prices data compiled through crowdsourcing
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NBS releases first prices data compiled through crowdsourcing

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has released its first prices data, compiled through a groundbreaking crowd-sourcing initiative.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Folorunso Alesanmi, Head, Public Relations, NBS, issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the innovative approach to data collection marks a significant milestone in the NBS’s efforts, to provide timely and accurate statistical information to policymakers, researchers and the general public.

It said the crowd-sourcing initiative, which started several months ago, aimed to compile price data daily, from a wide range of sources, including open markets and supermarkets.

Other sources, it said, included neighbourhood shops, bulk and discount stores, street outlets and Large Shops.

The statement noted that data released today provided insights into prices of essential food items such as rice (local), beans (white), maize (white), garri, yam and others, commonly consumed by Nigerians, while offering a snapshot of daily food costs.

“The NBS plans to update this data daily, equipping entrepreneurs, policymakers and researchers with a valuable tool for tracking price movements and informing decision-making,” it stated.

The statement added that data collection was done in all the 36 states, the FCT and in all the Senatorial districts.

It noted that by leveraging the power of crowd-sourcing, the bureau was able to collect a vast amount of data that would help provide a more accurate picture of price movements in the economy.

The statement quoted Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation, as saying “we are thrilled to release our first prices data compiled through crowd-sourcing.

“This initiative represents a major step forward in our efforts to harness the power of technology and innovation to improve the quality and timeliness of our statistical data,”.

It added that the crowd-sourced data was accessible to the public through a dedicated public dashboard, where users could view, analyse and download the data in real time, further enhancing transparency and accessibility.

“The NBS crowd-sourcing initiative aims to modernise data collection, providing timely and accurate statistics.

“The bureau hereby invites citizens to participate by submitting price data and feedback to build a robust statistical system for a rapidly changing economy,”the statement said.

According to the statement, the NBS remain committed to ensuring the quality and accuracy of the data collected through crowd-sourcing.

“To this end, the agency has implemented a range of quality control measures, including data validation and verification processes, to ensure that the data is reliable and trustworthy,” it said.

It said the release of the crowd-sourced prices data, was a significant achievement for the NBS and demonstrated the agency’s commitment to innovation and collaboration.

“By working together with citizens and leveraging technology, the NBS can provide more timely and accurate statistical information that will help to drive economic growth and development,” it said.

However, the statement also said that the price data compiled through crowd-sourcing was not the same as the ones compiled for the Consumer Price Index(CPI).

“Prices data for CPI computation are collected on specific or predetermined outlets, every second and third week of the month.

“But, prices data collected via crowd-sourcing, are collected randomly from different respondents everyday.

“As we engage in this collaborative effort with the public, we welcome feedback from stakeholders that will propel us for improvement,” it stated.

The statement urged the public and other stakeholders to visit the NBS website at www.nigerianstat.gov.ng. for more information about the crowd-sourced prices data.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Vivian Ihechu

FIRS inaugurates gender desk to boost equity, inclusive governance
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FIRS inaugurates gender desk to boost equity, inclusive governance

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By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Tuesday inaugurated its Gender Desk and Women Network (WoN) to promote gender equity and inclusive governance.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Chairman, FIRS, Dr Zacch Adedeji, described the inauguration of the desk as a declaration of the service’s resolve to embed equity at the heart of its operations.

Adedeji, who was represented by Dr Dick Irri, the Coordinating Director, Medium and Government Taxpayers Group (M&GTG, FIRS) said the initiative would help to drive inclusive public service.

He said that it would position gender equality as a constitutional right, and as a strategic imperative in governance, especially within the Nigerian tax system.

“Today marks a pivotal milestone, not only in the evolution of our institution, but in reaffirming our national commitment to the ideals of gender equity and inclusive governance.

“As the Patron of the FIRS Women Network, I am deeply committed to this cause, not as a matter of courtesy, but as a fundamental pillar of effective
leadership and transformative service delivery.

“The establishment of the Gender Desk, WoN is a deliberate and strategic step towards mainstreaming gender considerations across all facets of our operations,” the executive secretary said.

He said that it would help in enhancing representation and improving outcomes for all Nigerians, men and women alike.

According to him, the inauguration aligns with the National Gender Policy, the Sustainable Development Goals; particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality); Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 17 (Partnerships).

“It also aligns with Nigeria’s global commitments under various international gender equity frameworks.

“Our mandate is clear: we must not only align in principle but lead in practice,” he said.

Adedeji called on all internal and external stakeholders to collaborate with FIRS in achieving its gender equality mandate.

He underscored the need to collaborate with the Ministers of Women Affairs, Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

He added that the collaboration was to urgently develop and implement a nationally recognised definition of women-owned and women-led businesses.

“This definition must be seamlessly integrated into our business registration and regulatory processes.

“Within FIRS, I hereby direct the immediate adoption of gender-disaggregated data collection, analysis, and reporting across the TaxProMax system and all relevant departments.

“This will better inform our policies and significantly enhance the inclusiveness and responsiveness of our tax administration,” he said.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the event as a defining moment, and a declaration that in Nigeria’s new story, gender equality was not a favour, but a necessity.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that the establishment of the desk was an imperative development, a cornerstone of sustainable progress.

She said that the inauguration was an act of strategic foresight.

The minister commended the FIRS boss for building an institution that understood that companies, agencies and countries that embraced gender equity were more innovative, more competitive, and more resilient.

“You are proving that fiscal systems are not just about revenue, but also about people, about dignity, about equity, about nation-building,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Deji Abdulwahab

Anambra community cries out over erosion menace
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Anambra community cries out over erosion menace

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By Chimezie Anaso

The people of Ekwulummiri Town in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra have raised the alarm over the magnitude of devastation caused by gully erosion in the community.

 

They said that this has jeopardised the lives and livelihood of the people of the agrarian community and led to displacement of families.

 

Mr Chinedu Anyaso, stakeholder in the community, told journalists in Awka that the gully erosion had swept away many economic trees, farmlands and livelihood of families.

 

He said the most affected villages were Umudim, Urueze and Isigwu in order of devastation.

 

Anyaso called on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra and the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP), to come to the aid of the community.

 

He said the gully erosion was caused by flash flood from Igbo Ukwu, Oraeri and other upland communities as well as increased human activities which exacerbated the flows.

 

Anyaso said the road linking the community to Amichi through Ugwuochi had been cut off by the gully erosion, thereby reducing the access of the people to social and economic activities.

 

He called for the urgent intervention of the government to the over 30 years life threatening gully erosion in the community.

 

He said the massive gully was less than 100 metres from the Oba-Nnewi-Uga-Okigwe expressway which was a strategic route for travellers.

 

“We are losing our community to gully erosion, about 15 houses have been lost to this gully, families have been displaced, countless economic trees and large areas of farm lands have been washed off and the federal road that passed here is about being cut off.

 

“We are calling on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to declare a state of emergency on Ekwulummiri gully erosion, we are also calling on the Federal Government and international community to intervene.

 

“As a people, we have carried out control and remedial measures like planting of trees, construction of drainage and creation of catchment pits to reduce the impact but we are facing flood from about four communities from the upland.

 

Also speaking, Chief Clement Ezeifedikwa, said they had cried out over the gully menace but had not had any respite.

 

Ezeifedikwa said government officials had visited the various sites a number of times and gave assurances but nothing had been done to mitigate the disaster or assist the people.

 

“It is getting worse every day, we do not have home any more, people are moving out,” he said

 

Mr Cassidy Ikejiaku, a youth in the community, said the people had taken various measures to combat the gully erosion but they had been overwhelmed by the magnitude.

 

Ikejiaku said they had done some concrete work, planted trees and constructed artificial dams to reduce flood runoff.

 

“As a community, we have made an effort, our brothers both home and abroad have spent huge sums of money on control of the erosion, even the bamboo tree and trees we planted have been swallowed,” he said .

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anambra is considered as the capital of gully erosion in Africa with over 1,000 active erosion sites.

 

The ecological problem has been attributed partly to climate change which comes from high rainfall leading to soil erosion as a result of increased water erosion and runoff.

 

Gully erosion in Anambra is driven by a combination of natural and human induced factors, including topography, soil properties, climate, and land use practices.

 

Prof. Philip Phil-Eze, the Managing Director of Anambra State Erosion, Watershed and Climate Change Agency (ANSEWCCA), said at a workshop recently that about 160 out of the 179 communities in the state were at the risk of gully erosion.

 

Phil-Eze blamed soil erosion in Anambra on natural factors such as high intensity of rainfall, flood/runoff, lithology (loose soil type), topography and scarce vegetation cover.

 

“Man-made causes include the culture of negligence, felling of trees, indiscriminate waste disposal, lack of harvesting rainwater, sand mining, modern roofing styles and interlock tiles.

 

“Others are poor termination of drainage channels, wrong termination/diversion of channels during construction and unhealthy farming practice,” he said.

 

However, the Anambra government has successfully tackled gully erosion in some parts of the state.

 

This was achieved through the Nigeria Erosion Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), a World Bank sponsored project.

 

NEWMAP not only recovered some ravaged gully sites but resettled the victims and empowered them with healthy environmental practice skills.

 

Through NEWMAP, the Anambra government was able to control and stabilise NEROS Plaza, Amachala, Ekwueme Square, Federal High Court Complex all in Awka; some with access roads.

 

Also rescued fully were Urunebo gully in Enugu Ukwu, Umuoji gully, Ojoto, Ire Obosi while Nkpor flyover, Ugamuma Obosi and Abagana are still under threat.

 

In addition to civil control works, NEWMAP also had a resettlement action plan for affected persons and equipped victims with climate change management tips under its project advisory services.

 

Though NEWMAP wound up in 2022 after 10 years intervention activities in Anambra, the people of Ekwulummiri are urging Soludo and the Federal Government to consider them a priority under the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) initiative.

 

They said it was an intervention in the magnitude of the Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) that would redeem them from the gloomy doom.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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