By Justina Auta

Oxfam Nigeria and Women in Information Technology and Communication (ICT), have advocated for more women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-related fields to advance gender equity.

They made the call during an event, tagged “SHESHINES’’, to create more awareness on gender and creativity in Abuja.

The President, Women in ICT, Ms Kemisola Bolarinwa, stressed the need to encourage the society dismantle stereotypes and long-held beliefs on perceived appropriate careers meant for women and men.

According to her, women are often more productive in every areas, hence the need to increase their presence in technology, which will increase the turnout of inventions, innovative solutions and breakthrough in sciences.

Bolarinwa cited recent breakthrough in the early detection of cancer through the early cancer detection smart brassiere by her Women in ICT team as a perfect example of how creative women in the innovation space could be.

“Right now, the invention of the smart bra detects cancer.

“This cancer has been a disease that has been there for a very long time but even though we have a lot of men in the sciences, they couldn’t think through to solve women’s problem through technological invention.

“These are part of reasons why we need more women in STEM space generally,” she said.

She explained that the smartbra safely detects and monitors potential cancerous cells at an early form, which will reduce death rate by 80 per cent by 2030.

Prof. Olabisi Aina, Researcher and Lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, said the National Gender Policy aims to promote gender equality, women empowerment and human rights.

Aina, who led the 2006 Gender Policy for Nigeria, added that it would also provide platforms for more sectors of the economy such as the sciences, to key into the drive for gender mainstreaming.

“The National Gender Policy is an umbrella policy to which we expect that every sector, whether it is labour, environment, health and others, to key into and look at gender issues in their sectors and then draw policy guidelines in order to mainstream gender into what they do.

“Women are now competing with men in the workplace and do a variety of jobs from ICT to high profile corporate work.

“But in all of this, the environment of work is said for a long time to be very masculinised because men are in majority.

“Now that women are entering the labour sector, we recognise the need to make that workplace comfortable for men and women to work,’’ she said.

Also, Ms Esohe Ahior, a legal Practitioner and Head of Department, Poise Graduate Finishing Academy, highlighted the need to upscale youth in technology and innovation to advance their livelihood and enable them contribute to the economy.

Ahior revealed that through the support of OXFAM, they worked with Project Alliance Project to train girls in sectors like graphic design, reproductive health, among others to improve more participation of women in STEM fields as part of the International Women’s month.

According to her, over 190 marginalised girls who have been abused and who have become early mothers, and girls the economy has set aside as not being able to do things, have benefitted from the training.

“This training will help upscale girls in the technological field. Because in my organisation, women are doing more things in tech than men. Women are the lead trainers in tech, graphic designers, photographers.

“It is an eye opener and shows that women are just as hungry to be in tech space like the men, and some are even surpassing the men,’’ she said.

She added that women in STEM field have shown the strength, commitment and tenacity to even supercede societal expectations and the men in technology innovation.

NAN reports that other highlights were poetry recitations, music performances and presentations by various outstanding women and female groups. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Fabian Ekeruche

Wild Africa Fund has launched a new wildlife-focused television series, Dr Mark Animal TV Show, for kids between ages seven and 14.

This is contained in a statement by Wild Africa Fund Nigeria’s Representative, Mr Festus Iyorah, on Saturday in Lagos.

“The kiddies show premieres this Saturday and every other Saturday at 8.45 a.m. on Silverbird TV DSTV channel 252, StarTimes Channel 109, and GOTV channel 92/192.

“The show will educate children between ages seven and 14 on Nigeria’s amazing wildlife and the need to protect them,” the statement said.

It said that Nigeria had become a transit hub for the illegal wildlife trade of pangolin scales and ivory in the last few years.

The statement noted that the Nigeria Customs Service had made four major seizures of pangolin scales, ivory, and other wildlife parts in the last 13 months.

It added that there was a growing appetite for bushmeat consumption, especially among urban dwellers in Nigeria.

“Conservationists say illegal wildlife trade and a demand for bushmeat have sharply declined Nigeria’s wildlife and biodiversity.

“They estimate that Nigeria has fewer than 50 lions, 100 gorillas, 500 elephants, and 2,300 chimpanzees left in the wild.

“Generally, ignorance and low awareness about Nigeria’s amazing biodiversity and the importance wild animals play in the environment have contributed to the continuous destruction of Nigeria’s wildlife.

“These existential challenges have inspired the need for public awareness and educational materials that educate the general public, especially young people who are best equipped to save our environment for future generations,” it said.

The statement quoted Mr Peter Knights, Founder of Wild Africa Fund and the Executive producer of the new TV show as saying that kids would enjoy the show.

“We hope that kids will be excited to learn about these animals and how we must protect them for their futures,” Knights said.

The statement added that Mark’s Animal TV show would enlighten children on the human and ecological importance of wild animals such as pangolins, lions and African grey parrots, among others.

It said that the children would also learn fun facts about these animals including domestic animals like dogs.

The statement said that a quiz competition had been scheduled to inspire retentive knowledge in kids at the end of the show.

It said that the animal show comes at a time local content for children, especially on the environment, is nonexistent.

The statement also quoted Iyorah as saying that Wild African Fund would continue to invest in educational wildlife content.

“We plan to invest in educational wildlife content that will empower children as the next generation of wildlife ambassadors.

“We expect children to impact their cycle of influence with what they learnt from watching the show,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

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