NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

Global Terrorism Index: Centre calls for action against organised crime

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By Emmanuel Afonne

The Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CeFTIW) has called for enhanced stakeholders’ actions to stem the rising terrorism and crimes following the release of the 2022 Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report.

The index developed by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) using data from Terrorism Tracker and other sources indicated a beehive of terrorism activities in the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa, now seen as the epicenter of terrorism.

Mr Victor Agi, the CeFTIW Public Relations Officer, in a press statement on Friday noted that the situation in the sub-Saharan Africa needs urgent attention to forestall further escalation.

Agi said that escalation could descend to a state of statelessness in the worst affected countries.

Citing the report of the GTI, Agi said: “with 8.065 per cent score, Nigeria is now the eighth most terrorised country in the world.

He said this was as the bordering countries to Nigeria from the north, east and west have also increasingly become notorious for terrorism, with Niger ranking 10th with 7.616 per cent.

Agi noted that Cameroon and Chad took 11th (7.347 per cent) and 19th (6.168 per cent) positions respectively; and Benin 28th position (4.840 per cent).

“Only Guinea to the east is safe as per the recently released index which analysed the impact of terrorism across nations and covers 99.7 per cent of the total world’s population,” he said.

Agi, therefore, called for an intergovernmental collaboration in order to address the rising cases of terrorism which he said had assumed a transnational dimension like every other organised crime.

“This empirical insight into terrorism activities means that countries in the region must, as a matter of necessity come together and proffer practical solutions that will address the aforementioned factors that continue to fuel terrorism.

“The situation in the tri-border area of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger needs to be swiftly subdued for the security of civilians and state security actors,” Agi said.

He called on the Nigerian government to strengthen the implementation of legal framework, especially the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act which President Muhammad Buhari signed into law, in May 2022.

“For instance, Part X (Section 63-75) provide measures for investigating and prosecuting of terrorism offences; we are therefore calling for an aggressive implementation of the law.

“Although Nigeria’s 2022 ranking was considered an improvement in comparison with 2021, as it drops by two places, increasing terrorism activities in the Sahel region calls for concern.

“Islamic State of West Africa (ISWA), Boko Haram, and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) also made it to the top 10 deadliest terrorist organisations in the world in 2022, ranking six, seven and 10 respectively.

“Sahel region is accounting for more terrorism deaths in 2022 than both South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) combined.

“Terrorism-related death in the region accounted for 43 per cent of the global figure, and a seven percent increase from 2021,” Agi said.

He urged regional leaders to tackle complex and systemic underlying issues of weak governance, ethnic polarisation, ecological insecurity, abuses by state security, pastoral conflict, political instability and transnational crime.

Agi also called on leaders to tackle food insecurity, the growth of transnational and geopolitical competition which were identified as causative factors to the rise of terrorism in the region. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

General News

World Sleep Day: If you can’t sleep, find out why – Neurologist

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By Joy Odigie

Prof. Frank Imarhiagbe, a Consultant Neurologist, has advised Nigerians going through sleepless nights to seek medical care instead of resorting to sleeping pills.

Imarhiagbe, a consultant at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, gave the advice during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Benin.

The consultant, who spoke on the occasion of the 2023 World Sleep Day, said that taking drugs like Valium and Lexotan were not remedy for sleeplessness.

He said, “‘If you can’t sleep, something must be underlining. Going to take pills to sleep is not the answer to your problem.

“if you can’t sleep for a night or two, consult a doctor to help you find out the cause of the sleeplessness.

“Find the cause, don’t resort to Valium, Lexotan; you are postponing the evil day and compounding the problem”, he said.

The Neurologist said that there were different causes of lack of sleep, which include disturbed mind, drug abuse, medical condition, psychiatric illness, abusing sleeping pills and genetic condition.

According to him, sleep is the brain-controlled natural unconsciousness that is timed and fixed.

“Sleep is not optional, it is a basic requirement to maintain life. It is usually regulated to the night time according to the body’s biological clock.

“When the sun begins to set, some chemicals are released to the brain that tells the body that it is time to sleep; when you are at sleep the body rearranges itself for the next day”.

He advised people who do night shifts to always make up for the sleep loss by sleeping during the day, noting that sleep is essential for healthy living.

Imarhiagbe also recommended good sleep hygiene, including keeping television set and reading tables away from the bedroom.

“The bedroom should be made comfortable for sleeping; avoid too bright lights, put cell phones off the bed and have a good sleeping position”.

NAN reports that World Sleep Day is an annual event that is held the Friday before Spring Vernal Equinox (The Spring Vernal Equinox occurs on March 20th or 21st of every year) with the 2023 celebration falling on March 17.

The theme for the 2023 World Sleep Day is “Sleep is Essential for health”.

The day aims to reduce the burden of sleep disorders on society by promoting better prevention and management. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Oluwole Sogunle

General News

NCWS tasks Nigerians on violence-free polls

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By Dorcas Jonah

The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has called on Nigerians to ensure peaceful atmosphere during the governorship and Houses of Assembly Elections.

The national president of NCWS, Hajiya Lami Lau, made the call in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

She urged women and youths to come out en masse to exercise their civic responsibility and not to be intimidated during the polls.

Lau urged youths to denounce violence during and after the elections, adding that the Presidential and National Assembly elections recorded some decree of violence in some states.

“I want Nigerians to stand united against violence and activities that will jeopardise the elections.

“I advise all Nigerians, specifically women and youths, to work together towards free and fair elections regardless of party affiliations.

“As women, we are the worst hit in times of violence; our collective goal should be a better Nigeria,’’ she said.

Lau discouraged Nigerians from engaging in vote-buying and selling or mortgaging their conscience and future for mundane things.

She advised youths against being used by selfish politicians to disrupt elections as thugs or engaging in other unpatriotic activities.

According to her no nation can move forward without active participation of women in politics.

“If we must move the country forward we must position women to contribute meaningfully to national development.

“Leadership must be inclusive, creating equal opportunities for women to function in key positions both at the federal and state levels,” she said.

This, she said represents the best practices and standards for sustainable development, gender equity and justice.

“It cannot be denied that the democracy practiced in Nigeria for many years has not met the full ideals because of its lack of inclusion of women in important decision making processes.

“For Nigerian women, democracy is seen as retrogressing with the dwindling number of women in governance in Nigeria.

“However, not voting will not only worsen the situation, but tactically widen the gender gap in politics and leadership hence women are advised to go all out and support every female candidate,” she said.

Lau said that voting women into elective positions will greatly enhance the quality of lives of women in terms of healthcare, agriculture, procurement, business; access to funds, grants and loans.

She called on the public to support INEC and urged the commission to be open to comments from Nigerians that would help in achieving its set objectives.

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Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Uche Anunne

General News

Sustain apolitical posture in March 18 elections – COAS to commanders

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has directed formation and unit commanders to ensure that troops remain professional and apolitical during Saturday’s Gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections.

Yahaya gave the directive while addressing formation and unit commanders across the country on Thursday, prelude to the March 18 polls.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made this known in a statement in Abuja.

The COAS commended the troops for their overall performance in the provision of security during the Presidential and National Assembly polls on Feb. 25.

He admonished them to shun all forms of inducement, enticement or cajoling that could compromise the security of the polls, adding that a secure and safe atmosphere must be provided for the citizenry to exercise their civic responsibility of choosing their leaders.

Yahaya also charged the troops to adhere strictly to the guidelines in the Code of Conduct for Operation Safe Conduct, warning that any contravention will attract dire consequences.

He urged the commanders to intensify efforts at providing security support for the elections and be ready to respond promptly to any emergency situation, while prioritising the protection of key national infrastructure.

The Army chief also reminded the commanders of the oath of allegiance they swore to defend the sovereignty of Nigeria, adding that the Nigerian army must be seen by all to stand in defence of Nigeria’s democracy.

Meanwhile, the army authority has updated its list of hotlines for monitoring and reporting of emergencies and acts capable of disrupting the coming elections.

The Nigerian army had prior to the Feb. 25 polls, released a set of contact numbers as part of measures to support the Police in establishing a conducive environment for the successful conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections.

The authority therefore urged members of the public to call the phone numbers below in their various states and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja to report any security breach during the elections:

  1. ABIA STATE    –            09029568595 & 07067880707
  2. ADAMAWA      –            08022750987
  3. AKWA IBOM STATE  – 09070077175 & 08163256562
  4. ANAMBRA STATE –     08030881453
  5. BAUCHI STATE –           08128063675
  6. BAYELSA STATE –        08107855752 & 08143247308
  7. BENUE STATE –            08080754339
  8. BORNO STATE –           09099616160 & 08086987079
  9. CROSS RIVER  –           08037084192l
  10. DELTA STATE –            09044400064 & 08158274048
  11. EDO STATE –                09066325953
  12. EKITI STATE  –            08037851448
  13. ENUGU STATE –          09032102212 & 08023097458
  14. GOMBE STATE –         07063908779 &  08082557782
  15. IMO STATE –                08069587883 & 08164120381
  16. JIGAWA STATE –         07017791414
  17. KADUNA STATE  –      07031544227; 08028580978; 08028580978;                                                    08035242633; 08035242633; 08028580978 &                                                  0803524263
  18. KANO STATE  –            08038432656
  19. KATSINA STATE –        08108854061; 0901299805 & 09012998054
  20. KEBBI STATE   –            09130213661
  21. KOGI STATE –                08033217964
  22. KWARA STATE  –           09060001270
  23. LAGOS STATE  –            07034769430 & 09127604098
  24. NASARAWA STATE –    09051009404
  25. NIGER STATE   –            07031346425
  26. OGUN STATE   –            09116589494 & 08032466245
  27. ONDO STATE  –            08036130535
  28. OSUN STATE  –            09019683922
  29. OYO STATE     –            07047703000
  30. PLATEAU STATE –      08037116395 & 07031260622
  31. RIVERS STATE –          08064274222
  32. SOKOTO STATE –       07069084570; 07052693532 &  08136913284
  33. TARABA STATE  –      08136728969 & 08060902363
  34. YOBE STATE  –            08061397656
  35. ZAMFARA STATE –   08140075541
  36. FCT – 09114913164; 08186690471; 08079153860; 08164304255 & 09159793968. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)                                                                                                                                                         Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola
General News

PS tasks committee on making MoD technologically driven

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PS tasks committee to make MoD technologically driven

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar-Kana; Director (HRM) Hassan Baba; Director (Reforms, Coord & SI) Ms Susan Ochida; Director (Press & PR) Mrs Victoria Agba-Attah at the inauguration of the ministry’s Core Performance Management Team, at Ship House Abuja.

Performance

By Deborah Coker

Abuja, March 17, 2023 (NAN) The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has inaugurated a performance management team for proper assessment of staff, so as to make the ministry more professional and technologically driven.

A statement issued in Abuja on Friday by Mrs Victoria Agba-Attah, Director Press and Public Relations, said the Core Performance Management Team was inaugurated by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Kana.

Kana said that the team was set up in line with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025.

He added that the target was to boost staff performance and galvanise them to transcend from analog to digital in their operations.

According to him, the team was inaugurated following a directive from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

He said it was to drive the process of implementing the Performance Management System (PMS) as enshrined in the new Public Service Rule.

According to him, the team will develop Sector Strategic Plan, job description template for each cadre, assign supervisors to officers, ensure training for supervisors and develop appropriate performance plans for the ministry.

Earlier, Mr Hassan Ibrahim, Director, Human Resources, said that the civil service was transiting from the old Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER) framework to the new Performance Management System.

Ibrahim said promotion would now be based on performance, not quota system, adding that the PMS is a new method of evaluating staff based on tasks carried out.

Similarly, Mr Olusa Joseph, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, said the performance management team would ensure that all staff of the ministry were acquainted with the new performance appraisal system.

A representative of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Fumilola Salawu said the PMS will involve monthly performance review, performance improvement planning, reward and recognition.

She added that the PMS assessment method also involved coaching and mentorship, as well as team management and sanctions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

General News

BPSR, UNILAG sign MoU to train elected governors, others on good governance

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By Bridget Ikyado

The Bureau of Public Service Reforms and University of Lagos (UNILAG) Consult have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) towards building capacities for elected public office holders to entrench ethos of good governance.

The MoU was signed on Friday in Abuja on behalf of BPSR by its Director-General, Mr Dasuki Arabi, while Prof. Mohammed Usman, the Managing Director, University of Lagos Consult signed for UNILAG Consult.

“The initiative is inspired on the need to ensure that newly elected officers are properly prepared for assumption of office,” Arabi said after signing the agreement.

He said that the public officers would be taken through rigorous training in rudimentary governance procedures and practices.

Arabi said that this was necessary to equip them and understand the operations of the public service.

The director-general said that the MoU was in line with the mandate of the Bureau, especially the implementation of the National Strategy for Public Service Reforms, which includes induction training for top government officials.

“The idea is to ensure that given the background of some of the appointees who were mainly drawn from the private sector, they are acquainted with the rudimentary knowledge on public governance in respect to their roles, relationship and responsibilities.

“This informed the decision of the Bureau to quickly embrace the proposal from the UNILAG Consult to conduct a wider training that will involve the induction of elected public officers such as state governors, deputies as well as members of state assemblies.”

According to him, the induction will ensure seamless take-off on their assumption of duties, as well as assist them on the expectations of their new offices.

“Modern governance requires a lot of tasks owing to the vulnerability across the globe. It is therefore apt that elected public officers are properly up skilled on modern governance practices and challenges,” he added.

He said that already, the Bureau had written to the SGF for approval to organise Post-Election Mandatory Leadership training for the newly elected governors, deputies, lawmakers and elected local government officials.

“The proposed induction involving newly elected governors and deputies is expected to hold in the first week of May in Abuja, while that of the members of state assemblies will follow subsequently across the various geo-political zones.

“Curriculum for the training has been carefully selected to cover multi-disciplinary areas such as Procurement, Public Governance, Economic and Financial Crimes.

Others are E- Governance, Freedom of Information, Investment and Internally Generated Revenue and the Open Government Partnership,” he added.

Responding, Usman, who was also the Chairman of the Technical Committee for the event, thanked all members and urged them to put out in their best for effective public service delivery.

He said so far, four sub-committees had been formed and they were performing excellently to ensure public service delivered on their mandate.

He named the committees to include that of Finance, Technical, Logistics and Publicity.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Grace Yussuf

General News

Polls: Coalition tasks INEC on functionality of BVAS, IReV

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By Angela Atabo

National Voters Drive Coalition (NVDC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address lapses recorded in the Feb. 25 elections and guarantee functionality and effectiveness of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

The Coalition is made up of the African Primary Healthcare Foundation (APHF),Nigerian Physicians Advocacy Group (NPAG), The Compatriots ,Ready to Lead Africa (RTLA), Progressives Abia Youths (PAY) and   Shift Nigeria .

Other supporting groups include Connected Development (CODE) and Accountability Lab.

Mr Godbless Otubure, President, Ready to Lead Africa, who made the call this at a news conference in Abuja, also urged INEC to ensure results were uploaded on INEC Result Viewing portal (IReV).

“Having acknowledged the importance of technology in our electoral system, we call on INEC to fully utilise the BVAS in accreditation and transmission and ensure professional conduct of its staff in organisation of the Governorship and House of Assembly elections.

“INEC staff should endeavour to arrive at the polling units ahead of time for an on time start,” he said.

Otubure said that the Feb. 25 election was widely anticipated given the unprecedented number of major contenders and the promise of more transparency with the BVAS.

A member of NVDC, Ekejimba Kingsley, said the the coalition applaud the work of INEC.

Ekejimba, however,  said the group  was not  blinded to the logistical challenges such as delayed arrival of INEC staff in over 75 PUs ,lack of preparedness such that electorate had to purchase inks and markers for INEC officials.

“Failure of Presiding Officers to upload PU results to BVAS, delay in transmission of PU results to INEC Result Viewing Portal.

“We hope that there have been lessons learnt and that necessary steps are in place to avoid a repeat of logistical shortcomings,” he said.

Ekejimba  called on Nigerians to come out en mass to vote and monitor their votes to avoid result manipulation and to elect leaders that would be more accountable to the people regardless of age ,gender ,ethnicity among others .

He also appealed to security agencies saddled with the responsibility of ensuring a hitch free election to discharge their duties with diligence and honour.

Mr Hamzat Lawal ,Chief Executive ,CODE, said that the March 18 elections had given Nigerians another opportunity to decide who would lead them at the state level, urging citizens to make the most of it and make the elections a reflection of their wishes.

“We must not give up on this key assignment Go out on election day ,cast your votes and stay peacefully ,let us all be part of rebuilding our nation,” he said.

Ms Chiamaka Jonathan, Program Manager, Ready to Lead Africa (RLA), urged citizens to come en mass to excercise their civic rights adding that their votes would count.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that NVDC is a non-partisan citizen-led Coalition created to address voter apathy in Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

General News

Maritime women groups partner to drive policy for growth

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By Chiazo Ogbolu

Three maritime women associations on Thursday advocated for equity, technological advancement and inclusion of the gender in the digital space, to boost the maritime industry in Nigeria.

The associations include African Women in Maritime (WIMA), Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) and Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA), all Nigeria chapter.

They made that call at the celebration of the International Women’s Day in Lagos, jointly organised by the three association, with the theme; ‘DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’.

They noted that instead of fragmenting activities, they decided to collaborate to stand as a stronger voice for the good of women and the girl-child.

Speaking, Mrs Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore, Chairman, Zoe Maritime Resources Ltd., noted that the meeting had been a success because of the belief in the saying that goes, ‘united we stand’ and ‘the more the merrier’.

She noted that the associations coming together would give them strength to pursue their purpose with vigour and be determined to progress.

According to Edodo-Emore, also the President of Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) Nigeria, these women association all aim the same thing, the development and empowerment of women in the industry.

“Individually, pursuing these objectives, one has not achieved much but putting the association together means that we have a stronger body speaking with one voice in front of government, industry and others.

“We will be able to drive policy towards things that will be advantageous to women and be able to call funding that will support women’s project and education.

“We believe that in going forward, we will begin to see the practical results and effect of this collaboration,” she said.

She pointed out that the collaboration had come to stay as they planned to take opportunities in decision-making bodies and places in the country.

Also contributing, Mrs Eunice Ezeoke, WISTA Nigeria President, noted that part of the challenge they had experienced made them to discuss collaborating and staying under one umbrella.

“This conversation started with the former Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, on the need for them to have one voice, be taken seriously and be able to have financial and sponsorship assistance.

“In getting assistance, when the assistance is fragmented, it makes no meaning, less impact and will not go far and so this led to the birthing of the Women in Maritime Network,” she said.

Ezeoke said that some African countries women associations, like theirs, get backing from their governments, noting that unfortunately, not so in their home government.

“We need financial help and assistance, especially in attending international conferences where we can network for the good of our country.

“ In a recent meeting with the permanent secretary, we were told that the budget for associations were scrapped for years and that the associations should start sourcing for funds.

“Women cannot be left on their own without support, it would appreciate even if it’s just moral support from the government,” she said.

Mrs Rollens Macfoy, President, WIMA Nigeria, said if the network succeeds by the end of the year, she will see power, force of gravity and women being given a voice and attention.

Macfoy, also the Managing Director of OceanDeep Services Ltd., said that success had no gender, urging women to strive hard to be the best.

According to her, if one is not allowed to strive after values are made known by your doggedness and of course humility, that is when you can say you are being marginalised.

“This is why we say there a lot of women who are technological and professionally advanced and not given the right opportunity.

“Now we have women truck drivers, pilots, working in vessels, mechanics, they should not be shut down but be given an equal opportunity. Let their substance speak for them,” she said.

A cadet, Ms Peace Moulders, said that innovation and technology would play a critical role in addressing the world challenges from climate change to healthcare and other.

According to Moulders, however, it is not enough to simply wait for the technology to emerge, women must actively embrace and promote them to drive positive change.

She said that some challenges faced by women in technology and innovation are gender bias, unequal pay, lack of access to funding, limited networking opportunities and others.

“A call for action for individuals and organisation is to foster a culture of innovation by encouraging risk taking, invest in research and development, promote ethical considerations and advocate for policy changes.

`|Government and organisation should remove barriers to innovation, because by embracing them there would be better future for the girls, communities,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi

General News

IWD: FG commits to promoting, developing women businesses

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to prioritise, promote and develop Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly women-owned ones in the country.

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mariam Katagum, said this at the 2023 International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event has as its theme, “DigitAll: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality”.

“Gender equity is a smart venture; however, involving women in innovation and technology is even much smarter.

“Collaboration must be done across all government, civil society, private sector and the technical community to ensure that the benefits of digital technology are equally distributed.

“Let me reiterate the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to prioritise, promote and develop MSMEs, particularly women-owned businesses.

“I am optimistic that the crop of discussions and participants at this event would come up with a set of recommendations that will facilitate the deepening of innovative services.

“To the benefit of women-owned enterprises and to the benefit of the nation at large,’’ Katagum said.

According to the minister, the theme of the event is appropriate considering the current global realities where communication, transportation, healthcare and connectivity have been made better through technology.

“This event serves as an important reminder of the immense potential that the digital transformation holds for accelerating gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“But also of the risk it bears for repeating and amplifying existing patterns of gender inequality.

“As the world is becoming digital, we must ensure that we keep up with the pace and unleash the potential of women and girls to become active agents of change in this transformation,’’ she said.

While reiterating the importance of internet, Katagum underscored the need for more investments geared toward increasing women and girls digital literacy and familiarity with technology.

She said this would enable them to participate effectively in the digital economy and gain access to digital services such as education, healthcare, and online banking.

The minister recognised that women-owned enterprises had progressively increased over the years, and urged women to embrace technology and innovation in their businesses.

According to her, these technologies continue to be influential and have the potential to enhance growth and expand the opportunities for realising women’s rights in Africa.

On policy, Katagum said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration enacted and implemented the Nigeria Startup Act, which provided an enabling environment for the establishment, development and operation of startups in Nigeria.

“It will also facilitate development and growth of technology-related talent and position Nigeria’s startup ecosystem as a leading digital technology hub in Africa.

“It is therefore, expected that the startup act will present a partway toward creating an equal playing field for women by closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship.

“And I expect that women folk will seize this opportunity to the fullest,’’ the minister said.

Dr Abdulrashid Yerima, the President/Chairman of Governing Council, NASME, restated the association’s commitment to leverage technology to advance the cause of women in business.

“Our goal is to help women entrepreneurs overcome the barriers they face and achieve their full potential.

“We also recognise that our efforts are crucial in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030, particularly SDG 5 on gender equality.

“I want to thank everyone for being part of this event and for your commitment to promoting gender equality. Let us continue to work together to create a world where women have equal opportunities to succeed and thrive in business,’’ Yerima said.

The Chairman Board of Trustees, NASME, Ubadigbo Okonkwo, said there was growing evidence that gender inequality was a major drawback to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development.

Emphasising the need to interrogate the silent dimensions of gender inequality in Nigeria and proffer solutions, Okonkwo said sufficient women’s representation in national and state assemblies was critical.

“Multiple studies and surveys have highlighted a significant gender gap in financial inclusion and national political representation in Nigeria.

According to a recent study, financial exclusion is estimated at 36 per cent for women and 24 per cent for men, with a gender gap of 33 per cent.

“What this means is that access to money, operating a bank account, women are excluded more than men and that shouldn’t happen in these days of cashless society.

“The study found out that part of this gap can be explained by women’s loyal levels of income, education and trust in financial institutions.

“The deployment of technology and innovation particularly the digital financial services and payment platforms can contribute to the reduction of gender gap in financial inclusion,’’ Okonkwo said.

He said the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections on Feb. 25, demonstrated poor national political representation for women.

“Out of 360 members of the House of Representatives, the number of females remains about the same, a small increase from 13 in the 9th Assembly to 14 in the 10th. Assembly.

“It is worse in the Senate; out of 109 members, the number of females dropped from eight to three; these numbers do not do justice to the gap and inequality.

“In the House of Representatives, the 14 new female members represent less than four per cent of the 360 members.

“The three senators represent less than three per cent of the 109 senators.

“There is a serious problem in national representation, and it is difficult to mainstream and implement gender equality without sufficient representation of women in the national and state assemblies,’’ Okonkwo said.

Stakeholders, public and private sector representatives, and partners in the MSMEs sub-sector, among others attended the event. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ese E. Eniola Williams

General News

Election: Yiaga Africa charges INEC on tackling logistics, delays

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By Angela Atabo

Yiaga Africa, a Civil Society Organisation, on Thursday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure proper coordination and communication with transport companies and unions providing logistics support, to ensure early deployment of materials and personnel on election day.

Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, Board Member, Yiaga Africa, said this during the group’s preliminary statement on the conduct of the Governorship and House of Assembly Elections, with support from European Union through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN).

Nwagwu said that Yiaga Africa believes that taking such measures would break the trend of late commencement of polls.

According to him, it was observed during the Presidential election that logistics challenges and disregard for the electoral guidelines undermined public confidence in the electoral process and outcome.

“INEC must ensure the shortcomings observed in the Feb .25 elections are properly addressed ahead of the governorship elections.

“This also includes the need to ensure that only trained ad-hoc officials are deployed on election day; contingency plans in situations where respective transport unions /companies withdraw from the contract or fail to deploy.

“INEC should ensure proper and timely communication with stakeholders on the election day process, challenges experienced and immediate plans to address those challenges to inspire citizens’ confidence in the process,” he said.

Nwagwu called on the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Elections Security (ICCES) to ensure that security personnel deployed comply with the code of conduct on election security.

He said this included professionalism in their conduct, arrest of electoral offenders and respect for the rights of citizens, media, and observers, including the right to freedom of movement on election day for duly accredited observers and media practitioners.

He also called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to commit to peaceful campaigns ahead of the election and on election day as well as refrain from vote-buying and compromising the secrecy of the ballot.

He urged voters to resist efforts to purchase their votes, to turn out in their numbers and vote according to their preferences on March 18 and remain peaceful during the election.

Nwagwu said that Yiaga Africa would deploy a total of 1,547 duly trained and accredited stationary and roving observers to observe the conduct of the governorship election in 28 states.

He added that Yiaga Africa would be deploying the Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) methodology to observe the governorship elections in Benue, Delta and Kano states.

He said this would involve deploying 900 stationary observers to a representative, randomly selected sample of 300 polling units for each of the states.

He said that Yiaga Africa would also be deploying 97 roving observers in the three states, 517 stationary observers and 33 roving observers in the other 25 states where the governorship elections would be held, to observe and report on the entire election day process.

Nwagwu said that so far, the team had reviewed reports of voter inducement in form of gift items, distribution of money and food items by political parties.

He listed other incidences that might affect the election as Naira scarcity, religious and ethnic tension, as well as low voter turnout, among others, and called on relevant stakeholders to do the needful. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Folasade Adeniran

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