By Ruth Oketunde

A development expert and researcher, Dr Nkemdilim Ene, has advised the in-coming administration to leverage on women to take development faster to grassroots communities in Nigeria.

Ene gave the advice in Abuja on Sunday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the expectations of Nigerian women as the country gets set to inaugurate a new government on May 29.

On Feb. 25, Nigeria held a landmark presidential election, to keep democracy going in Africa’s most populous nation, which returned to elective governance in 1999 after years of military rule.

“Research has shown that the inclusion of women in leadership has contributed significantly to socio-economic growth.

“This shows that sustainable national development requires the contributions of women,’’ said Ene, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Preston Associates International Development Ltd., an Abuja-based think-thank.

She described womenfolk as the magic wand that could be used by the government to engender development and make Nigeria to rise above its current challenges.

“I appeal to government to be deliberate in encouraging women and girls to partake in digital opportunities available to them because this can change lives of women and that of their immediate communities.’’

The researcher said that government should also find ways to utilise the opportunities offered by technology as a tool in promoting gender equality in Nigeria.

“It can be as simple as increasing access to smart phones, cash transfers and digital financial literacy skills that can strengthen women’s decision-making abilities and enhance bargaining power in their homes,’’ Ene advised.

Commenting on the just-concluded International Women’s Day, Ene said that the lot of women in Nigeria was getting brighter, “although a lot still has to be done.

“The theme for this year’s celebration – `DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’ underscores the need to equip our women with technological know-how,’’ she stated.

The youthful Ene, who holds a bachelor of medicine and surgery degree also has expansive experience in public health and gender issues. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Silas Nwoha

By Taiye Agbaje/Philomina Attah

The absence of the four children of Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, former Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in a Federal High Court, Abuja, stalled their arraignment on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had earlier reported that Ojerinde and his children; Mary Funmilola, Olumide Abiodun, Adedayo and Oluwaseun Adeniyi, alongside their companies, were to be arraigned before the court.
Olumide Abiodun Ojerinde was a member House of Representatives at 9th Assembly representing Irepo/Orelope/Olorunsogo Constituency of Oyo State.
The Federal Government, through the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), had, in a charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/119/23, sued the Ojerindes on 17 counts bordering on money laundering.
NAN also reports that Ojerinde and his companies are currently facing a money laundering trial before Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
The former JAMB boss was on Jan. 26, re-arrested by the operatives of the anti-graft commission while he was heading to his car with one of his sons, after trial Justice Egwuatu adjourned further proceedings in the charge preferred against him.
ICPC lawyer, Ebenezer Shogunle had, on Feb. 15, notified Egwuatu that Ojerinde was re-arrested on suspicion that he might have committed some other offences not unconnected with the present charges before the court.
He said for this reason, the commission obtained a warrant of the court dated Dec.6, 2022 for his re-arrest.
But Ojerinde, in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/179/2023, sued the commission for alleged unlawful detention and breach of his fundamental rights.
NAN reports that while Ojerinde’s suit before Justice Egwuatu was adjourned until May 4 for mention, his trial was fixed for the same date for hearing continuation.
The fresh criminal charge against Ojerinde and his children before Justice Ekwo, NAN gathered, was connected to the latest finding by the anti-graft commission.
While the Federal Government is the complainant, Ojerinde, Doyin Ogbohi Petroleum Ltd, Cheng Marbles Ltd, Sapati International Schools Ltd, Trillium Learnings Centre Ltd,, Standout Institutes Ltd and Esli Perfect Security Partners are 1st to 7th defendants respectively.
Mary, Olumide, Adedayo and Oluwaseun are 8th to 11th defendants in the trial.
Although they were not in court, they were represented by a lawyer, Ajibola Bello.
Upon resumed hearing, ICPC’s counsel, Henry Emore, informed the court that the matter was slated for the defendants to take their plea.
He said the 2nd to 7th defendants were corporate persons while the 8th to 11th defendants were natural persons.
Emore said though the defendants were to be arraigned, the 8th to 11 defendants were not in court.
He said the matter was filed on Monday and the court, on Wednesday, graciously gave them today for the defendants to take their plea.
He, however, said they were unable to serve the 8th to 11th defendants.
The lawyer prayed the court for a short adjournment.
Justice Ekwo directed Emore to serve their lawyer in open court since he was present.
“I grant you a leave to serve them now through their counsel. Let the court record shows that this is by leave of court.
“When a lawyer is representing defendants in court, it means that the lawyer knows the contact of the defendants and can reach them,” he said.
The judge, who adjourned the matter until April 19, said: “there shall be consequence if the defendants are not in court in the next adjourned date.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Sumaila Ogbaje

A Chieftain of the ruling APC, Mr Austin Oleho, says the victory of Bola Tinubu and Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia will change the economic landscape of the country and promote  rapid economic growth.

Oleho said this in his congratulatory message to the President-elect Bola Tinubu and Benue State Governor-elect, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia on their victory at the polls.

He also congratulated the Vice President-elect, Sen. Kashim Shettima, as well as the Benue State Deputy Governor-elect, Dr Sam Ode.

Oleho, who was a major contender in the race for the Benue South Senatorial race under the APC, expressed confidence that Tinubu would waste no time in uniting the nation while giving everyone a sense of belonging.

He described Bola Tinubu as a dogged fighter and democrat who left footprint on the sands of time owing to his antecedents.

The APC chieftain expressed hope that Nigeria would finally see the light at the end of the tunnel as the economic realities being faced by the citizens would become history.

He called on aggrieved parties to close ranks and work with the incoming administration so that the dividends of democracy would be evenly distributed.

Oleho, while extolling the virtues of the Benue State Governor-elect, Alia, noted that “when the righteous are on the throne, the people rejoice”.

He expressed confidence that Alia had the requisite capacity to lead the state out of the present quagmire into an era of rapid economic growth by harnessing the state’s enormous potentials for meaningful development.

He advised the party hierarchy to consolidate on the victory, by carrying everyone along while rewarding those who have contributed immensely to the growth success of the party. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Idris Abdulrahman

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By Justina Auta

The UN Women on Thursday showcased various technological innovations by young women and men that advanced gender equality and women’s empowerment in Nigeria.

Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the event was part of activities to mark the International Women’s month, with a theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality,” in Abuja.

Eyong noted the wide gender gap in employment and education in the technological sector in Nigeria, with women making up only 22 per cent of the total engineering and technology university graduates annually.

“This is due to gender stereotypes and social norms that still categories jobs in these sectors as “men’s jobs”, which inhibits women from applying to study and demonstrate interest in such subjects.

“It also prevents companies from hiring qualified women for these roles.”

According to her, the showcase will demonstrate young women and men in Nigeria digital and innovative solutions to a variety of issues across a number of sectors in the society.

Also speaking, Mr Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said the organisation through its several policies and strategies had trained over 200,000 young people on ICT to bridge gender divide.

“We trained no fewer than 222,000 Young people in ICT and we believe that we have a growing population, vibrant entrepreneurial and expanding tech eco-system, which if we leverage can provide an opportunity for us to achieve Gender Equality and women empowerment.”

Similarly, Mrs Pauline Tallen, Minister of Women Affairs, stressed the need for women and young girls to leverage on technological innovations to improve their lives and bridge the gender disparity in all sectors.

Tallen, represented by Mrs Funke Oladipo, Director, Women Development also highlighted the need to empower women and girls on digital skills, access to technology and support women-led businesses.

Also, Mrs Ola Williams, Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria said the organisation had partnered with the Federal Government to skill five million youths through the ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to improve on technological innovations.

Williams said these would improve access to jobs, right tools and resources, as well as markets for their business.

“Because the world has become a global village, any technology developed today can actually be accessed by anyone in the world.

“So that is why beyond just providing skilling mentoring, we are also providing means to employability,” she said.

Other highlights of the events include exhibition of technological innovations by young women and men on gender issues, tech-apps, amongst others.

Ms Edeh Catherine-Chinyere,a legal practioner and a hearing impaired person, developed an app, “Voice of Disability Initiative” an audio translator app that coverts audio to text for persons with heading impairment.

Also, Ms Fatima Haliru-Yahaya, “Honor of Haven,” e-platform was developed to support women and girls in reporting incidents of sexual and gender based violence.

Also, the UN women launched an app, Buy-from women digital platform to link women farmers and entrepreneurs to markets, information and finance. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Kingsley Okoye

An Entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer, Sotab Continental Limited, Dr Adesote Adebowale, has won a Yoruba youths group 2022/2023 humanitarian Icon award.

The President of Yoruba Youth Assembly (YYA), Mr Olarinde Thomas, in a statement on Friday, said Adebowale was selected for the award based on his giant strides on youth empowerment in Yoruba communities.

He also disclosed that Adebowale had been inducted into YYA 2023 Hall of Fame, given his outstanding humanitarian services.

YYA is an umbrella body of Yoruba youth groups globally, with 38 affiliates in Nigeria and the Diaspora.

It is a socio-cultural youth organisation designed to champion the unity, development and emancipation of young people of Yoruba nation, both home and in Diaspora.

YYA is a body that is founded on the principle of patriotism, justice, equity and egalitarianism to actualise harmonious, indivisible and indissoluble Yoruba nation, championed by the younger generation of Yoruba in consonance with the dreams and inspiration of Yoruba founding fathers.

Thomas said final results on the list of nominees’ indicated that Adebowale was the most outstanding personality amongst the pool of humanitarians nominated for the award in humanitarian services and societal development per excellence.

He described him as a man with love and passion for youth empowerment, having specifically empowered and mentored many youths in real estates, providing employment in construction sector for welders, bricklayers among many other artisans and business people.

He urged the awardee to continue his selfless service of uplifting humanity globally and the Yoruba youths in particular.

Adebowale thanked the YYA for finding him worthy to receive the award, saying it would spur him to continue his humanitarian services in greater dimension, especially to the downtrodden in the society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Joan Nwagwu

The Federal Government is ready to fulfill the Paris Agreement on Climate Change to ensure effective gender inclusion.

Sen. Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment stated this during the inauguration and inception workshop of the project in Abuja on Thursday.

The protect is tagged: “The Nigeria Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT), Just and Gender Inclusive Transition (JGIT) Project’’.

The project is aimed at helping countries to better assess the impacts of their climate policies and actions and fulfill their transparency commitments.

Ngige said the objective of the inception meeting was to launch the ICAT Just Transition project and increase awareness among the national stakeholders for better understanding of its implementation.

He said that ICAT, an International multi-stakeholder partnership of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) was supporting Nigeria to set up Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of a Just and Gender Inclusive Transition(JGIT).

The minister, represented by Ms Daju Kachollom, Permanent Secretary in the ministry said Nigeria had signed a Project Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with the UNOPS, represented by the ICAT management.

According to him, the PCA is to firm up the process leading to the take off and implementation of the project over a 12 months period.

‘`The objectives of the project among others include, to develop JGIT monitoring, MRV and ensure it links with the sectoral MRV system.

”Another objective is to Enhance Transparency Framework (ETF) implemented by the Federal Ministry of Environment to achieve synergy, institutional memory and stakeholder inclusion and cooperation.

“It will further enable a tripartite cooperation between government, labour and employer associations, to achieve a Just and Gender Inclusive Transition going forward with the implementation of the Paris agreement,” he said.

The minister said that ICAT project would be implemented by a team of national experts and international ICAT consultants under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Dr Yerima Tarfa, ICAT, JGIT Project Team Lead said the initiative would help to increase the overall transparence capacities of countries and assess the contribution of policies and development objectives.

According to him, this is by providing appropriate methodological information and tools to support evidence–based policymaking.

Tarfa noted that Nigeria was the largest economy and leading oil producer and most populous in Africa.

“It faces the unique challenge of having to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas and increasingly, coal) while responding to the unmet energy needs of its growing population.

“Nonetheless, Nigeria is turning this challenge into an opportunity by increasing the use of renewable energy, reducing its carbon footprints and eliminating gas flaring.

“Nigeria’s National Determined Contributions (NDCs) is committed to a 20 per cent emission reduction by 2030 unconditionally and 45 per cent conditional, with focus on power and electricity, oil and gas,” he said.

The team lead said the highlights of the NDCs include ending gas flaring by 2030 and 30 per cent energy efficiency level by 2030.

He said the inauguration of the inception workshop would provide the opportunity to create awareness and build a national cross knowledge sharing that would provide a platform for key stakeholder to facilitate the implementation of the Nigeria ICAT JGIT Project.

He added that this would further set up an MRV of Just and Gender Inclusive Transition and its Roadmap for implementation in Nigeria. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Grace Yussuf

By Felicia Imohimi

Dr Musa Mohammed, Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON), has tasked stakeholders in veterinary practice to develop a robust database on animal health that would improved food safety.

Mohammed made the call in Abuja on Thursday at the technical committee meeting for development of database on Veterinary Services and Trans-boundary Animal Diseases in Nigeria.

He said that such data provided good evidence on livestock health and gave more insights needed for disease prevalence and production burdens, incidence of zoonotic diseases, economic impacts of diseases and the costs and benefits of interventions.

“It will improve food safety and enhance food security and international trade in livestock products in the country.

“The technical meeting on the development of data base is critical to harness vast volumes of animal health-related data from live bird markets, livestock markets, abattoir, veterinary practices, livestock farms and other relevant sources.

“These data will be used for planning and implementation of intervention programmes from time to time,” he said.

Mohammed noted that the existence of volumes of data on animal health and veterinary sub-sector from live birds, livestock markets, veterinary practices, farms and laboratories could be used to identify animal health-related risks, risk mitigation and management.

According to him, such data can be used in monitoring livestock trades, development of animal disease emergency preparedness planning, disease reporting and proof of freedom from diseases.

Dr George Uzoaga, Head, Epidemiology Division, Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services (DVPCS), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the transformation of animal health resources systems demanded new institutions and policy.

Uzoaga said it also demanded structural changes in existing institutions that generated, manage and disseminated agricultural information.

He said the new direction should be geared toward partnerships and collaboration arrangement between Federal, States, private, farmers associations and development partners.

The DVPCS head said there was urgent need to initiate mechanisms and processes that would develop a system of continuous generation, analysis and integration of data in the veterinary and livestock domain generally.

“To accelerate the process, there is an urgent need for a policy dialogue among stakeholders that will lead to development of appropriate strategies of investment in terms of finance and capacity to rapidly develop a database.

“The database will be called National Animal Health Resource Information System and will contain qualitative and quantitative information.

The meeting was organised by the National Animal Health Resources Information System and hosted by the DVPCS Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Participants were drawn from animal health related organisations which included the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services, and National Veterinary Research Institute and VOM.

Others included Directors of Veterinary Services from selected states, Federal Epidemiology Officers from states and private veterinary practitioners. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Vivian Ihechu

By Fortune Abang

Toastmasters (TM) International Club, a non-profit organisation, has underscored the need for adequate investment in skills development, particularly for women, to achieve meaningful growth in Nigeria.

Mr Jude Nnadozie, President, Hatlab TM Club, District 94, Division E, Area 30, Abuja, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He spoke against the backdrop of the Club’s bi-monthly meeting, with the theme: “The leading edge”, in commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD).

Nnadozie said, “When you join platforms like TM, you will meet other people and develop your skills which is important. So, the things we learn are enormous.

“This is why we have special meetings where we celebrate great women. By our theme, we put spotlight on things women who succeeded in their chosen career have done to succeed.

“Today, we brought together lots of distinguished women on the platform of TM, because they have been there for a while and conquered many grounds we look forward to conquer in life.

“Not just women and girls, but generally on what people can do to succeed in various endeavors.”

In her general evaluation, Mrs Stella George, Division E Director of Toastmasters International, urged people to always participate in meetings to imbibe modern skills which could enable them tackle modern challenges.

The division director quoted Mahatma Ghandi, saying: “The best way to gain yourself is to lose yourself to serving other people” to reiterate the importance of leadership.

According to her, Toastmasters International is a place people could build noble character and become more productive.

“Here you learn about emotional intelligence, interpersonal communication skills, quick thinking, and the ability to organise a group of people.

“You need to build capacity and support others; this is what makes the world go round because you never get tired doing what you love while serving humanity,” she said.

High point of the event was recitation of “Resilience” as key word of the day and panel discussion on gender equity being moderated by Udanga Jarigbe, a Toastmaster.

The discussion by Distinguished Toastmasters Stella George (Division Director), Toju Cole, Soji Salu, Alhassan Mohammed and Titi Ojo, stressed the need for people to understand and be dedicated to core values to achieve success in their career.

The event also featured general evaluation, introduction of table topics by Mr Ifeanyi Nwoko, Vice President of Hatlab Toastmasters Club, and cutting of cake to commemorate the IWD.

NAN reports that TM International Club promotes improvement in public speaking, self-confidence, leadership and networking skills. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne/Vincent Obi

By Grace Alegba

The Lagos State Government has advised secondary school students to come up with innovations to address water, sanitation and hygiene issues.

The Managing Director, Lagos Water Corporation (LWC), Mr Muminu Badmus, made the call on Wednesday at the Grand Finale and Maiden Annual Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Essay Competition.

The event, which was part of activities to mark World Water Day, was organised by the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) in collaboration with LWC and held at Victoria Island.

It had over 80 schools and representatives from six education districts in Lagos in attendance.

Badmus commended participants in the essay competition, saying the students must go beyond classroom knowledge to providing solutions.

The managing director said analytical skills would help the students to become game changers and pledged continuous support for the essay competition.

He urged secondary school students to keep participating in the competition to boost their knowledge, exposure and get important research skills to become solution providers.

Badmus cited example of Ansar-udeen Grammar School, ‘ADGS’ Surulere which invented a water Filtration and Purification system a few years ago, which won them the Nigerian Stockholm Junior Water Prize.

He said that the winners went on to represent Nigeria later that year in Sweden and were commended for their innovation.

“By asking the right questions, you can develop analytical skills and Investigate effects by digging deep into their causes.

“When you know the cause of a problem, the solution would easily fall on our laps,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Miss Chioma Joseph, SS2 student of Keke Senior High School, Ifako Ijaye, clinched the overall best position in the senior category.

Vetland Senior Grammar School’s Olaoluwa Olaniyn came second while Oyewole Egunjobi of Ayangburen Senior High School and Josephine Hunpe of Lagos State Senior Model College, Kankon Badagry both came third place.

In the Junior Secondary category, Miss Chisom Ezeanya, Lagos State Junior Model College Ojo came first; Esther Ajileye, Eva Adelaja Junior Girls Secondary School came second while Blessing Nwabueze of District Junior College Agege, came third.

NAN reports that winners were given laptops and other educational gift items while some schools also received cash donations.

The National Chairman, NIMechE, Dr Funmilade Akingbagbohun, said over 80 schools from six education districts participated in the essay writing on topics related to water, sanitation and hygiene.

Akingbagbohun said the competition was organised to address a lacuna in the space of water sanitation and hygiene in Nigeria and engineering is about problem solving.

She thanked the Lagos State Water Corporation for supporting the programme, and commended all the six education districts that participated.

The chairman said 20 out of 80 schools qualified for the grand finale, with seven emerging as winners.

She said all hands must be on deck for effective collaboration towards achieving a clean environment.

The Chairman said everyone had a role to play in ensuring improved water and sanitation facilities, to promote hand washing and prevent diseases.

Akingbagbohun said that every aspect of life required water.

She said the use of polluted drinking water and poor sanitary conditions in Nigeria had increased water-borne diseases including diarrhea and cholera.

The chairman gave statistics on the consequences of poor sanitation and water and the need to target the youth as game changers to provide solutions.

The guest speaker, Ms Cherish Jefferson, said the problems of water required multi-sectoral solution because its impact affected every sector and segment of life.

Jefferson, a 500 level student of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos, called for collective action, saying SDG 6 was the most important which must be pursued to solve societal problems.

She said SDG 6 stated that everyone should have safely managed water, good hygiene and sanitation and focused on ending open defecation by 2030.

Jefferson called for deliberate efforts towards conserving water to mitigate the impact of climate change.

“Simple action like turning off a tap is important,” she said.

She also called for recycling of water, volunteering to support community-led initiatives for change and increased awareness campaigns.

Dr Adetola Salau, Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on STEM Education said 1,000 children die daily from bad water, sanitation and hygiene, hence the need for creative ways for water conservation.

Salau promised to join the Lagos Water Corporation in the partnership, while urging the students to create prototypes on ideas they have toward solving problems in their communities.

She enumerated various aspects of engineering the students could explore while reeling out examples of teenagers providing solutions in some countries.

Other speakers, including the representative of the United Nations and the Commissioner for the Environment, explained measures and solutions being provided for flooding, and how STEM education was aiding creativity.

They enumerated challenges of COVID-19, hand washing, scarcity of drinking water, poor sanitation, among others.(NAN)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle