By Oluwakemi Oladipo

Mr Matthias Schmale, United Nation Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, says there is the need for accelerated efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country.

Schmale said this at the national conference on agenda 2030 and the SDGs organised by the Lagos State University Centre for the Actualisation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (LASU-SDG) on Monday in Lagos.

The conference with the theme: “At the Midpoint of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals:Which away Nigeria and Africa?” was organised by LASU-SDG in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre(UNIC), Abuja.

The coordinator said it was imperative that the 2030 agenda deadline of the SDGs is achieved with no one left behind.

According to him, in Nigeria, 133 million people face multidimensional poverty and more than 20 million are unemployed without urgent action.

“The 2030 agenda will become no more than a broken promise to the world’s most vulnerable people despite these many challenges.

“Africa remains a continent of hope and Nigeria a country of hope, because the long term structural endowments of Africa are strong. Africa also is the best investment proposition of the 21st century,” he said.

He noted that universities could be catalytic in three important ways because they have the largest youth population in Africa.

He noted that academia would have the opportunity to shape the design of solutions and policies that could have genuine social impacts.

“The outcomes from this conference will undoubtedly support collective rescue efforts and lay the ground work for the Nigeria’s preparation for next month Global SDGs Summit in New York.

“The UN and Nigeria hope that it will be possible for the Nigerian government to announce further initiatives in New York aimed at creating a social impact friendly environment,”Schmale said.

Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice- Chancellor, LASU, in her remarks urged the university community to make the best use of the opportunity offered by the conference, saying it would be a catalyst for transformative change to achieve the SDGs.

Similarly, Prof. Tayo Ajayi, Director of Centre, LASU-SDG, said that the 2030 agenda for sustainable development envisions a present and future that are economically sustainable, socially inclusive and environmentally resilient.

Ajayi said that the SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, safeguard the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by the year 2030.

“The SDGs agenda covers a wide range of interconnected social, economic and environmental challenges; and the unique functions and expertise of universities are critical for overcoming all of these.

“Arguably, none of the SDGs can be achieved without the universities because they occupy a unique position within the society.

“As such, universities have a critical role in the achievement of the SDGs,” he said.

He added that LASU had keyed into this vision as a teaching and research centre with responsibilities of contributing to the growth and development of students, workers, stakeholders, governments and making global impacts. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Julius Toba-Jegede

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria will not sustain failed economic theory that wasted 90 per cent of revenue in the servicing of external debts that can be used for development.

The president gave the assurance during the opening of the Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association at the Chief MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Tinubu said that prosperity would only occur once poverty is banished from the society with the cooperation of Nigeria’s private sector leaders.

“Can we continue to service external debts with 90 per cent of our revenue? It is a path to destruction. It is not sustainable.

‘’We must make the very difficult changes that are necessary for our country to get up from slumber and be respected among the great nations of the world,” he said.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Getting it Right: Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation-Building,” Tinubu said that decisions must be taken to set the country on a growth path.

“We cannot have the country we desire without the reforms we have initiated. It is painful at the beginning, in the short and medium term, but we must do what we have to do to take this nation to its great destiny.

‘’It is not about you and it is not about me. It is about our generations yet unborn, for whom we must bequeath a great and prosperous country,” he said.

Against the backdrop of the judicial reforms he undertook as Lagos State Governor, Tinubu renewed his commitment to conclude the issue of remuneration for judicial officers and legal practitioners.

He noted that true justice reform must begin with world-class salaries and benefits for legal professionals in Nigeria.

“You are learned. I want to learn. Why are we so blessed and we are still lacking? We must have a change of attitude and a change of our mind set.

We accuse our nation and its previous leaders. We complain a lot of the past. Is that the solution? No! Let us look forward and be determined! God has given us what we need.

‘’We must work hard with determination to make our country great and it begins with you who are seated here with me,” he said.

Referring to an address by the Chairman of UBA Plc and Heirs Holdings, Mr Tony Elumelu, the president decried the inability of the country to eradicate poverty and tackle poor electricity supply.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensure that Nigeria generates and distributes the needed electricity for economic development.

“Yes, it is a shame not to have adequate electricity for the mass majority of homes in Nigeria and to power our industries. How can we address poverty without electricity?

‘’We can take many people out of poverty with uninterrupted electricity supply. Poverty is not acceptable, and we must banish it,” the President said.

The NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, expressed the confidence of the body in the ability of the President to deliver good governance to Nigeria.

He said this was because of Tinubu’s pedigree and past track record of excellent performance in Lagos State, where he was the governor between 1999 and 2007.

“President Tinubu got it right in Lagos, and it is our considered expectation that as President of Nigeria, you will not only replicate your achievements in Lagos, but surpass them for our country.”

The conference, attended by over 16,190 lawyers, include the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila and Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.

Others are the Minister of Sports, Sen. John Enoh; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, past NBA Presidents and senior government officials. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Taiye Agbaje
A former member of the House of Representatives, Robinson Uwak, on Sunday, commended President Bola Tinubu on his move to resolve Nigeria’s dispute with the United Arab Emirate (UAE)’s Airline and its visa issuance.
Uwak, in a statement, said President Tinubu’s move would reopen that corridor for Nigerians, who usually visit UAE for business and leisure and deepen the cooperation between both nations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Emirates Airline had, in October 2022, suspended its operations in Nigeria over allegations that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) failed to approve for the repatriation of backlog of funds accruing to its operations in the country.
Tinubu had, on Aug. 25, while receiving the ambassador of the UAE, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi in Abuja, promised to personally intervene in the dispute and amicably resolve it.
Uwak said the two countries ought to sustain their cooperation with reference to the reports that Nigerians spend an estimated N3.3 billion weekly ($381m per year) on flights to the UAE with Emirates Airlines, the UAE flag carrier, having the lion’s share of that amount.
“Nigeria as a leading market in Africa should have equal access to the other big markets in the globe for trade and investment and leisure activities,” he said.
NAN reports that President Tinubu, while receiving Al-Shamsi, had said: “We must work together. We need to agree on core aviation and immigration issues,” in a statement signed by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale.
Al-Shamsi was also quoted in the same statement to have said: “We are getting somewhere. These are small issues, all within a family, and they will be resolved.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
======
Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Stephen Adeleye

Some media experts have urged journalists to embrace data journalism to enhance citizens access to the right information.

The experts gave the task at a day workshop organised for journalists on “Data Journalism and Media Standards,” on Saturday in Lokoja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by Stallion Times Media Services with support from the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, and funded by MacArthur Foundation.

Mr Charles Mbah, a journalisr and Data Analyst, who is a Facilitator at the workshop, said data journalism would help to reduce the skill of misinformation and disinformation.

He added that data journalism, which represented facts, would help citizens to get the right information that they could use to hold government accountable.

Mbah enjoined journalists to be intentional about using data journalism to drive their profession whether in broadcast or investigative journalism, among others.

“Journalists should be intentional about data journalism; though it could be time consuming.

“They should make it a gradual process, because it is very important as we are in the age of misinformation and disinformation,” Mbah said.

On his part, Mr Isiyaku Ahmed, the Project Coordinator of Get Involved, Dialogue and Improve Project (GDRIP), said data journalism present information in a visual form, making it easier for people to understand.

Ahmed, who doubles as the Editor-In-Chief of Stallion Times, stressed the need for journalists to maintain “Media Standards” in carrying out their duties.

“The workshop is just to remind ourselves of what are those standards that we practice as professional media that make us to stand out as journalists.

“The media standards are enshrined in the Press Freedom and Code of Ethics for any practicing journalist,” he said.

Ahmed therefore enjoined journalists not to restrict themselves only to the Code of Ethics in journalism, but they should also make use of the instrument of press freedom.

According to him, journalists should know the roles their organisations want them to play as well as seeing the obligation they have for the community, and put them side by side their constitutional role, which is holding government accountable. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Ruth Oketunde

Some parents in Kubwa, a suburb in the Federal Capital Territory, have called on the federal and state governments to develop bicycle lanes on roads for students who have bicycles to ride to schools and other places safe.

They made the call at the second edition of a 10-kilometre cycling competition organised for students Abuja.

The competition tagged “Bikers Race: Cycling is Fun”, was organised by Apexdotcom in collaboration with Dynamic Women on Point.

Mrs Marian Oluwapidan, a parent and one of the organisers of the competition, said that the competition would encourage children to take themselves to school or go on errands.

She explained that the competition would also build confidence, stamina and a better mental capabilities of the students.

“With this fuel subsidy removal, they will not need school bus, with their bicycles, they can actually ride to school.

“When they get to school they can park their bicycles and when they are done, they take their bikes and go back home.

“This will reduce the stress on the parents trying to pay for school bus or trying to pay for commercial motorcycles, but once they have a proper bicycle, they can ride to school,” she said.

Another parent and one of the organisers, Mrs Gloria Eloho-Uduokhia, observed that the initiative was to enhance the wellbeing and physical fitness of the students.

“The economic situation in the country is something else as fuel price is on the high side.

“We organised this competition so that the students prefer to ride their bikes to schools.

“With this, we are also calling on the government to create lanes on the roads for students to be able to ride their bicycles safely,” she said.

Master Dominion Caleb, who emerged over all winner of the competition, appreciated the group for coming up with the competition.

“It was a good experience and I want to thank God for making me come first,” he said.

At the end of the competition, prizes were given to the winners and runner-up participants in each category.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

========

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

By Yakubu Uba

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has announced the donation of N36 million to be shared at N30,000 each to the 1,215 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to the state.

A statement on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau, said that Zulum made the donation during his visit to the NYSC orientation camp in Maiduguri.

Gusau said that Zulum also allocated 100 bags of rice, 10 cows, 10 bags of 100 kg of beans and 10 gallons of cooking oil for special meals to be prepared for the corps members during their ongoing three weeks orientation.

“We want to extend palliatives to members of the National Youth Service Corps.

“Each one of you will receive the sum of N30,000, that amount will be credited to your accounts as soon as your bank details are provided to me.

“In addition to that, we have provided you with 100 bags of rice, 10 bags of 100kg beans, 10 gallons of cooking oil and 10 bulls,” Zulum was quoted as saying.

He urged the corp members to adhere to camp rules by living peacefully among themselves and engaging in acts that would foster peace in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NYSC orientation resumed last week in Borno after 13 years of suspension due to insurgency.

During the swearing-in ceremony at the orientation camp, Zulum announced the commitment of his administration to make the state the most friendly to corps members.

He also assured them that they would have good memories to share about Borno after their service year. (NAN)

By Peter Uwumarogie

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State says the state government has so far spent N7.6 billion on constructing and equipping the ultra-modern motor park in the state.

Yahaya stated this while inspecting facilities at the park on Saturday.

He queried the contractor for working behind schedule saying that such would no longer be condoned by the state government as his administration is eager to ensure the utilisation of the project for the benefits of the people.

“We have invested N7.6 billion on this project and the contractor had been lagging behind and that would no longer be tolerated.

“We are eager to put the facility to use for the benefit of our people,” he said.

On the contractor’s pledge to deliver the project by September, Yahaya said “I will charge you if you don’t deliver by September ending because N7.6 billion is no small money.

“We are not owing you a kobo and so there is no reason why you shouldn’t deliver by that September,” he added.

The governor said that the state government had set up a committee to ensure seamless relocation of all existing parks in the metropolis, hence the need for the contractor to deliver by the September deadline.

He said that critical stakeholders in the transport sector in the state had given their supports as the project would be beneficial to them, create more jobs and make movement in the state easier.

According to him, the relocation of the Bauchi motor park was to give room for more developmental projects in the state, adding that a three arm zone would be cited at the location after its relocation.

“Once the motor parks are out, we shall see where we will utilise to take care of the interest of everyone as we are expanding and growing towards making Gombe a modern city,” he said.

On how the state government raised the N7.6 billion, Yahaya said the project was financed through a bond, adding that the government had commenced a post-dated payment and had been paying in installments.

He stated that the management of the motor park had been ceded to Gombe Revenue Optimisation Company Limited to work with the unions in the transport sector to recoup the money over time.

He said that the investment in the project is huge and expected to benefit the people of the state and impact positively on the economy.

Yahaya also inspected ongoing projects in the state capital which include the ongoing construction of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Bauchi Motor Park and some road projects in Gombe metropolis.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor had on Thursday set up a taskforce to facilitate the smooth transition of operations from three major motor parks to the ultra-modern park.

The three major motor parks to be relocated to the new park along Dukku Road when completed are Bauchi Motor Park, Dukku Motor Park and Dadinkowa Motor Park.

The ultra modern motor park has the following facilities: road networks, 250 shops, clinic, hotel with 100 people capacity, fire service station, trailer park which can contain 2,500 trailers at a time, police outpost amongst others.

The project, awarded by Ibrahim Dankwambo’s administration since 2012 at the initial contract sum of 3.2 billion naira is said to have gulped almost 2.8 billion billion naira and attained 43 per cent completion status before being allegedly abandoned.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Bridget Ikyado

Victims of rape and other forms of gender-based violence have been asked d to report to the relevant authorities to get help and justice.

Ms Elizabeth Bumkeng, a victim of rape and author, made the call at her book launch in Abuja on Saturday.

The book is titled: “Healing from Within… Reclaiming Life After Sexual and Gender – Based Violence”.

Bumkeng said that not reporting the matter and seeking appropriate help could lead to depression and further complications.

She said that after she was abused, she was traumatised, scared and would always have nightmares and a feeling the culprit will walk away and do same to other girls.

According to her, part of her healing process was reporting the person who abused her; which she described as a step forward towards healing for her.

Bumkeng called on all stakeholders to join in the fight against gender-based violence in the society.

“This is a clarion call for everybody, the civil societies, the community leaders, the village chiefs, the government, the lawmakers, everyone in office in whatever capacity that you are.

“This is a sole responsibility for you and I as a person to fight against sexual and gender-based violence.

“This is not a fight for me alone; as Elizabeth I have started my fight, I have written a book and this book covers ways to help survivors.

“The next step for every one of us here is to spread the news and to help join the fight. This means if you hear someone doing this, you have the right to stop any one.

“Do not say it does not concern me. It concerns each and every one of us,” she said.

She explained that the book talks about how to get healing, the relevant government agencies and their roles, the law and stipulated punishments for offenders.

“So this book is informative and I recommend it for every child, every family, every community, every government agencies, I recommend it to everyone because you need to know about the do’s and don’ts about the laws, the persecution and everything,” she said.

The chief launcher of the book, Mr Nuhu Kwajafa, said the most effective way of helping victims is by punishing the offenders.

He said that the first step is to make the police see the need to take sexual harassment very seriously.

According to him, the police take armed robbery more seriously than rape; whereas in the western world a first time robber without criminal record can be pardoned but nothing of such for a rapist.

“I have dealt with so many cases of rape where the police will tell you openly that your family should go and settle the matter at home.

“So the only way government can support the victim is that government needs to put things in place that will tackle those who are involved in

“This is because there’s no way somebody can heal when the person who committed the crime is walking free.

“Everyone has to support and play their own role. I mean, everyone has a responsibility.

“The media needs to shout it out, the media needs to call the authorities out, the media needs to bring it out that 80 per cent of sexual harassment cases are being killed by the police,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)