By Sylvester Thompson

Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, Expert Supervisor at Centre for Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) says STI hold key solutions to curbing poverty and economic development challenges.

Akinbo spoke on the role of STI to national development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

“STI have been central in the progress and development of virtually all the nations of the world, contributing immensely to all sectors of the economy.

“STI are intimately connected with development because they have a historical record of bringing advances that have led to healthier, longer, wealthier and more productive lives.

“They are key ingredients to solutions to the most serious poverty alleviation and economic development challenges that we currently face and are likely to face in the future,’’ he said.

According to him, STI has been central in the progress made till date in the fight against poverty and in stimulating economic growth.

Akinbo said that advances in STI were in many ways the ultimate global for good public use, adding, ”because once discovered, their benefits could be extended to additional users at little or no marginal costs.”

He said in most basic and critical areas of human needs, STI have made significant progress till date, and that they hold the best prospects for continued progress, particularly in respect to agriculture, health, energy among others.

Underscoring STI’s role in agriculture, the NEPAD Expert said advances in STI had facilitated higher yields, greater efficiency and nutritional content in the world’s food supply.

He added: “Food production, however, must double in the coming decades to meet rising demand and challenges entailed in inter alia improving resistance to drought, pests, salinity and temperature extremes.”

Akinbo also mentioned raising the nutritional content and reducing post-harvest losses all in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner.

“At the same time, the regulatory challenges of assuring safety in food production and consumption will increase exponentially,’’ he said.

Accordingly, he said that although the necessary technology for increasing agricultural output was available in many developing countries including Nigeria, certain requisites were to be met.

Akinbo said these requisites were the will to advance economically, opportunity and organisation to use technology, elimination of political, social and economic obstacles to development, among others.

Explaining further, he said in the area of food security, advances in STI provided the foundation for the green revolution, and also allowed food prices to remain at historical lows for the past decades.

He stated that improved knowledge of plant biology and breeding techniques led to better seeds and cultivation practices that drastically increased yields.

In the area of economic growth and rural development, Akinbo said STI were tragically important.

He said for many years, policy makers had suspected a close link between economic growth and productive investment in STI, and that now mounting evidence supported this.

He said firstly, since the industrial revolution, developed countries have had the most STI capacity and have been the ones to grow fastest.

“From 1870 to the present, scientifically and technologically advanced countries have become increasingly wealthy, and their rates of growth have not diminished over the years.

“Second, returns to rural development have been shown to be consistently positive and high in countries where science and technology were properly established,’’ Akinbo said.

He added that in such cases, there was always a correlation between innovation and growth. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Ibrahim Kado

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) on Monday commenced a five-day training for 1,235 graduates under the NDE-Enterprise and Finance Counseling Clinic (NDE-efcc).

Malam Abubakar Fikpo, Director General, NDE, disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the training in Yola.

Fikpo, represented by Mr Nuhu Bello, Acting Adamawa State Coordinator, said the training was simultaneously taking place in Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Plateau, Sokoto and Taraba states.

“In all, a total of 1,235 participants have been selected from 18 states at the rate of 65 participants per state.

“The concept of the NDE-efcc was borne out of the desire to provide opportunity for business persons facing challenges to obtain solutions through experience sharing with other businessmen.

“Or through counseling sessions with the established business persons that are part of the facilitators of the training,” he said.

According to him, the clinic also seeks to guide them in solid business management.

He called on the participants to take advantage of the opportunity before them to succeed in life, as there were several persons without white collar jobs.

Ms Chikodi Ike, Head, Small Scale Enterprise, NDE Abuja said, the training developed as part of the effort of the NDE to equip unemployed graduates of tertiary institutions.

Ike, represented by Ms Aishatu Aliyu, Enterprise Development Officer (EDO) of the scheme, said that the training would enhance their capacity to succeed in the chosen businesses.

Mrs Na’amar Jonnah, HOD Small Scale Enterprise, NDE Adamawa, congratulated the beneficiaries and advised them to actively participate throughout the training to acquired business skills.

She encouraged them to also be entrepreneurs and contribute to the socio-economic development of the state and county at large.

Mr Bello Ishaq, who spoke on behalf of the participants, appreciated the Federal Government for the opportunity, and gave assurance that they would do their best and be employers of labour in their communities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the participants were also counseled on the dangers of drug abuse by NDLEA. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Idris Abdulrahman

By Wandoo Sombo/Edith Nwapi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked the Court of Appeal to vary the ex parte order made in favour of Labour Party and the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), with regards to inspection of materials used for the presidential election.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the appellate court had on March 3, granted leave to Atiku Abubakar of the PPD and Mr Peter Obi of Labour Party to inspect election materials used by INEC to conduct the Feb. 25 presidential election.

The court granted the duo permission following two separate ex parte applications filed by Atiku and Obi, who came second and third respectively in the presidential election won by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the application filed by the commission and sighted by NAN, the commission is asking the court to vary the order to allow it to reconfigure its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for the March 11 governorship and state houses of assembly elections.

NAN reports that it is the sole prayer in the application of the electoral umpire filed at the court.

No date has however, been fixed for hearing of the application.

A credible source in the commission had told NAN that the application became necessary following an order restraining it from tampering with the information embedded in the BVAS machines until due inspection was conducted and Certified True Copies of them were issued.

Speaking off camera, the source said that the commission would require sufficient time to reconfigure the BVAS needed to conduct the election that would take place in the 36 states of the federation excluding the FCT.

According to the source, considering the number of BVAS required to conduct the election across the states, INEC needs to reconfigure the BVAS used for the Feb. 25 elections and deploy them to polling units for the March 11 elections.

The source said that the technical team of the commission had to be deployed on time to start the reconfiguration of the devices, which had to be done one by one.

The source said the order was pertinent as not getting it could result to a postponement of the Saturday governorship and state houses of assembly elections. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Lucy Ogalue

An economist, Hannah Ryder, has urged the next World Bank president to focus on infrastructure in its support to the African continent.

According to the economist and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Development Reimagined Firm, infrastructure is crucial to the growth and development of the continent.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the United States has nominated an Indian-American business executive Ajaypal Banga to be the next president of the World Bank.

This makes his appointment by the Bank’s board certain as this makes the development finance community optimistic for indications of his agenda.

According to Ryder, the nominee of the world Bank has never worked in an Multilateral Development Bank (MDB), or ran any before.

She therefore advised him to take a cue from the development oriented and impactful initiatives of the president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina.

“Since Banga has never worked in an MDB, I have one piece of advice for him. Before he decides on his approach, he should speak to Adesina, AfDB president.

“For instance, over the 2019-20 fiscal year (mostly before the COVID-19 pandemic), the world Bank disbursed 14.5 billion dollars to Africa.

“But only a small proportion of this went to building new infrastructure.

“In comparison, the AfDB disbursed 5.1 billion dollars, the vast majority of which went to infrastructure. This was the right thing to do, infrastructure is crucial,” she said.

According to the expert, the continent, in spite of its size still lacks the logistical and energy infrastructure it needs to be able to trade efficiently.

Ryder said Africa also lacked the necessary infrastructure to manufacture pharmaceuticals on the scale that China and India does to ensure their health sovereignty.

“The continent exports more fertiliser than it imports in spite its need to improve the quality of food production.

“This is partly because the existing logistical infrastructure, which the world Bank provides small loans to rehabilitate, is mostly oriented to trade outside Africa.

“It will be crucial for Banga to understand how the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank(AIIB), AfDB and other regional MDBs deliver better finance for their regions in times of crisis.”

On what the AfDB president might tell Banga, the expert said the bank was obliged to rely less on country teams.

According to her, AfDB staff unlike the World bank, are more diverse, with different theories about development, and its board structure is more recipient-dominated.

Ryder restated that learning from regional banks like AfDB would ensure the possibility and feasibility for greater contribution to growing the African continent. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

By Emmanuel Afonne

Oil mogul, Tein Jack-Rich, has congratulated Sen. Bola Tinubu, the President-elect and vice-president elect, Sen. Kashim Shettima, over their victory at the 2023 presidential polls.

Jack-Rich, a frontline aspirant during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary that produced Tinubu as the party’s flag bearer, said this in a congratulatory message on Saturday in Abuja.

The philanthropist who is the Deputy Director of the Council’s Fundraising Committee of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), described Tinubu’s victory as well deserved.

”I write on behalf of my wife, Mrs Elizabeth Jack-Rich, members of the PCC from Rivers State, and the entire APC family in the state, to felicitate with you and the Vice President-elect over your victory.

“It is a well-deserved victory and it was a keenly contested presidential election,” he said.

Jack-Rich also the President/Founder of Belemaoil Producing Ltd., said that Tinubu and Shettima presidency would usher in a new dawn for the country and promote inclusivity in governance for national good.

He expressed optimism that Tinubu would preside over a peaceful and prosperous country given his enviable track record of hard work, devotion and dedication to duties.

Jack-Rich, however, called for the cooperation and support of all Nigerians, including candidates that contested the presidential election, to join hands with him to build an egalitarian country that would work for all and sundry.

According to him, now is the time to build bridges for the good of the country and not plot to tear it apart. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Saturday leave for the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LCDs) in Doha, the capital city of Qatar.

Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said this development followed an invitation by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The conference, which is from March 5 to 9, under the theme: “From Potential to Prosperity,” holds once in a decade.

It provides an opportunity to garner the support of the international community for accelerating sustainable development in the LDCs as well as assist them make progress towards achieving prosperity.

According to Shehu, while in Doha, Buhari will reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to support the most vulnerable countries to meet their development challenges.

The presidential aide revealed that the president would also highlight  areas through which the Nigerian government had provided them with various forms of assistance over time.

”As most of these countries struggle to find sustainable solutions to challenges of poverty, adverse effects of climate change, food and energy crisis as well as high-debt burden among others, the Nigerian leader will vigorously reiterate the need for sustainable solutions for countries facing these severe challenges.”

The Summit will be attended by world leaders, the private sector, civil society and youth organisations.

It aims to share developmental ideas and mobilise political will, solidarity, action and solutions to transform the LDCs, by finding sustainable solutions to the challenges of poverty, food insecurity, hunger and weak or non-existent infrastructure.

The summit will also address the challenges of inadequate health facilities, climate change among others as they struggle to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

The president’s delegation includes some ministers and top government officials who are expected to use the opportunity of the visit to sign some agreements and Memoranda of Understanding with the Qatari government.

The Nigerian leader is expected to return to the country on Monday. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Victor Nwachukwu

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Imo Command, has inaugurated a beach volleyball court for use by its officers and men in the state.

The Controller of NIS in Imo, Mrs Nkechi Ezugwu, while inaugurating the project in Owerri on Friday, said that there are plans to also construct more sports facilities in the command.

Ezugwu thanked the Federal Comptroller of Works in Imo, Mr Dania Dennis for approving the site for the construction of the facility.

The controller who is also the Vice President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVF) promised to ensure its maintenance.

She urged officers of the command to make good use of the facility so as to keep fit for optimal performance.

” It is often said that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. It is against this backdrop that we decided to establish a standard court for officers and men.

“It is a known fact that sports has in no small measure taken people to places of prominence and affluence around the globe,“ she said.

In a remark, the President of NVF, Mr Musa Nimrod, urged the officers and men to utilise the court to keep fit for more effective performance of their duties.

He thanked the state government for its continued commitment to sports development in the state.

Nimrod pledged the federation’s readiness to partner the state for the development of volleyball.

Also speaking, the Chairperson, Association of Heads of Federal Establishments in Imo, Mrs Chisara Egwim-Chima, thanked Ezugwu for the initiative.

She urged members of staff of federal establishments using the secretariat to take advantage of the provision.

“Our jobs are majorly inactive and that is why we need regular exercise. With the provision of this Court, we can now keep fit and maximise our potentials “, she said.

Highlights of the event were the presentation of three balls and other volleyball equipment to Ezugwu by Nimrod, and novelty a match by Heartland beach volleyball team of Owerri.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo who was represented by his Chief of Protocol, Mr Bright Nwelue.

Others are the Imo Commissioner for Sports, Mr Emeka Okonkwo, represented by Mr Chinedu Umeh as well as Heads of military and paramilitary agencies in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Justina Auta

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, says women’s exclusion from the digital world has reduced one trillion dollars from the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of low and middle income countries.

Tallen said at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, ahead of the commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD) that this occurred over the last decade.

The theme of this year’s edition is: “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.

According to her, bringing women and other marginalised groups into technology has greater potential for innovations that meet women’s needs and promote gender equality.

“The lack of women inclusion, by contrast, comes with massive costs and according to the UN Women 2022 Snap Short Report, women’s exclusion from the digital world.

“This has reduced one trillion dollars from the GDP of low- and middle-income countries in the last decade.
“This loss will grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025 without action.

“Reversing this trend according to the report will require tackling the problem of online violence, which 38 per cent of women had personally experienced,” she said.

The minister stressed the need for gender-responsive approach to innovation, technology and digital education that could increase the awareness of women and girls regarding their rights and civic engagement.

She also called for the adoption of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses by girls to address discrimination, gender bias and improve participation in all spheres.

“I therefore ask that, teachers and educational institutions be supported to consciously remove gender biases and stereotypes in our educational environments, textbooks and didactic materials.

“It starts with making women’s contributions to STEM visible, including through connecting young women and girls with STEM professionals and mentors,” she said.

Also, Mr Marthias Schumale, UN resident Coordinator, said they would enhance involvement of women and girls in technology to increase gender inclusion.

“We will continue to invest into technology. And as we do that, we will prioritise women and girls because collectively we can make the world of technology and innovation inclusive by working together,” he said.

Ms Uller Mueller, UNFPA Country Representative, harped on the role technology plays to expand networks, opportunities, and minds.

Mueller, represented by Ms Erika Goldson, UNFPA Deputy Representative, however, noted that technology was increasingly misused and weaponised, with women and girls disproportionately targeted.

“This can take the form of image-based abuse, sextortion, harassment, hate speech, cyberbullying and doxing.

“ Data tell us that 97 per cent of girls between 11 to16 years in Nigeria have experienced unwanted sexual approaches in chat rooms, social networking sites or emails.

“Over 7.89 per cent of this group have been sent sexual images or content, 57 per cent of women have had their videos or images online abused or misused,” she said.

She added that UNFPA was developing safety and ethics guidelines for practitioners designing technology for gender-based violence prevention and response.

Mueller said that technology companies are engaged to involve women in design processes from the outset.

“Technology is essential to advancing gender equality. When women and girls can access and use technology safely, they can amplify their voices and exercise their agency and autonomy.

“This is giving them a platform that can transform their future – and ours,” she said.

Also, Prof. Ibrahim Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, said they would train 200 women on ICT and digital economy in March to reduce the gender gap in technology innovation.

Pantami was represented by Mrs Iklima Musa, Special Assistant to the minister on Strategy and Innovation.

Ms Kemisola Bolarinwa, President, Women in ICT Foundation, launched the prototype of a “Smart Bra Device” to detect abnormalities like cancer cells.

Bolarinwa also added that they invented a wrist watch and necklace to track movement, in a bid to curb insecurity, particularly kidnapping. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Isaac Aregbesola