NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Metro

AEPB takes campaign against open defecation to FCT suburbs

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By Philip Yatai

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has taken its campaign against open defecation to the suburbs of the territory.

The Director of the board, Mr Osilama Braimah, stated this during the campaign at Bmuko and Dutse Makaranta in Bwari Area Council of the FCT on Tuesday.

Braimah explained that the campaign was organised to commemorate the 2024 World Toilet Day, with the theme, “Toilets are a Place for Peace.”

According to him, the move is part of efforts to entrench good hygiene practices among rural dwellers across the FCT.

He said that the AEPB, through the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, had been organising awareness campaigns in rural communities across the FCT on the health risk of open defecation.

He stressed the need for every household to have a functional toilet and imbibe good hygiene practices for the health wellbeing of families and communities.

He said that the world toilet day was being observed on Nov. 19 of every year to celebrate toilets and raise awareness of people living without access to safely managed sanitation.

“The whole idea is to prevent health challenges such as cholera, diphtheria, diarrhoea, and other diseases associated with open defecation in communities.

“When people have access to clean and safe toilets, they are protected from preventable diseases associated with poor hygiene practices,” he said.

The director assured the commitment of AEPB in maintaining a clean, safe and hygienic environment across the territory.

He added that the FCT Administration, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has been providing public toilets in schools, parks, markets and other public spaces to ensure accessible and dignified sanitation facilities for all.

Braimah also said that the board was equally engaging school children in the campaign to catch them young.

“We are trying to inculcate in these young ones the habit of proper sanitation and hygiene by enlightening them on the importance of using the toilet.

“It is always easy when people learn good habits at an early stage of their lives so that they will grow with it,” he said.

Also speaking, Mrs Kate Ogbonna, Director, Environmental Health and Safety Department, said access to clean and safe sanitation was a right of every individual.

Ogbonna urged FCT residents to work with relevant government agencies and critical stakeholders towards addressing sanitation crises in communities through collaborative efforts, policy innovation and public awareness.

She said that the awareness campaign was organised to educate the residents of Bmuko and Dutse Makaranta on the need to own functional toilet facilities.

The Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Mr John Gabaya, commended the AEPB for ensuring rural communities across the FCT were free from environmental hazards that could lead to outbreak of diseases.

Gabaya, who was represented by the Councillor on Environment, Mr Saliu Matthew pledged the council’s maximum support and cooperation toward ensuring safe environments for all.

Similarly, the Chief of Bmuko Community, Ibrahim Dangana, called for closed monitoring of the toilet facilities installed in schools and public places to ensure effective and efficient use of the facilities.

Dangana, who was represented by one of his aides, Alhaji Ahmad Olajire, also called for improved security in rural communities to ensure the safety of lives and properties. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Metro

FG to establish national youth development bank

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government on Tuesday revealed plan to establish a National Youth Development Bank and a Youth Data Bank.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by his vice, Kashim Shettima, disclosed this at a Stakeholders Roundtable on Northern Youth Development organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, in Abuja,

The President described the banks as crucial tools for “providing financial and informational support to young Nigerians.”

He said since assumption of office, his administration unveiled a comprehensive youth development strategy spanning multiple key sectors to drive Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Tinubu extolled the legacy of the late Sardauna of Sokoto and former Premier of Northern Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello

” The late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, was one of the towering giants on whose shoulders we have ascended as a nation.

” His vision was clear: the North cannot progress in isolation, and Nigeria cannot prosper unless every part of this nation thrives,” he said.

Tinubu declared that the development of Northern Nigeria remains fundamental to the nation’s prosperity.

According to him, “whatever disrupts the growth of one region sets back the entire nation.

“For far too long, we have been taunted as a nation with the most children out of school—a reality that should not elicit pride but provoke urgent action.

“This alarming statistic has turned the promise of our population into a challenge rather than the dividend it ought to be,” he added.

Tinubu re-echoed his administration’s pioneering youth development initiatives, including the three million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme and the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters.

“Our creative and digital economy is another goldmine,” the President said, outlining programmes such as the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP).

He listed other programmes to include the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for higher education access, Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) for digital entrepreneurship.

They also included, Outsource to Nigeria Initiative (OTNI) for global market participation, Youth Enterprise Clusters for business development, and the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme to address accommodation needs.

On agriculture, the President said that investments in the sector and industrialisation would further position the North as Nigeria’s foremost agricultural hub.

Addressing the region’s security challenges, Tinubu further outlined measures “to restore stability to the North.

” The measures include strengthening community policing, rehabilitating displaced persons, and addressing cross-border challenges like smuggling and insurgency.”

He emphasised the urgency of the moment, saying ” By 2050, Nigeria will become the third-largest nation globally, with three-quarters of our citizens under the age of 21.

“Our challenge here is to engineer a transition towards a federation defined by order, stability, and safety,” he added, noting that “this task is both urgent and achievable.”

The President also made a direct challenge to young Nigerians: “You are not just the future of this nation—you are its present.

” Your energy, ideas, and determination are already shaping our policies and programmes.”

“Our commitment is to provide you with the skill set and opportunities to thrive in a competitive world”.

He assured that the administration would unlock the potential of the Nigerian youth, ensuring that their dreams transform the country into an enduring symbol of democracy, development, and progress.

Speaking in the same vein, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, emphasised the critical role of youth education in national development.

‘ Our youths are the foundation of any development we envisage in our society. They are not just leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today,” he said.

The Sultan further highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue with the youth, stating that “forums like this must be held continuously to dialogue with our youths across the northern states.”

He emphasised the primacy of education, asserting that it “is the strongest legacy any leader can leave to society.

“Without education, you are a nobody. I believe in infrastructural development like roads and bridges but more money should be spent educating our children.

“That is why we need to dwell more on how we can ensure that our children are educated.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, Muazu Babangida, noted that the event marked the foundation’s 15th anniversary.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Metro

‘Seek robust solutions to northern problems’, Tinubu to leaders

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday urged Northern leaders to seek robust solutions to the numerous challenges confronting the region.

Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the call at a stakeholders’ roundtable on Northern Nigerian Youth Development, organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Abuja.

The theme of the roundtable was ‘Empowering the Next Generation: Strategies for Sustainable Youth Development in Northern Nigeria’.

He said that the legacies of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of Northern Nigeria, reinforced the conviction that the development of the North is central to the prosperity of Nigeria.

According to the President, Nigeria cannot prosper unless every part of the country thrives.

“Whatever disrupts the growth of one region sets back the entire nation.

“Unless we as leaders wear our thinking caps and come up with robust solutions to Northern Nigeria’s problems, it is not beyond us. It is not rocket science; we can do it.

“This is why we prioritise initiatives such as the Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Commission, which collaborates with all levels of government to ensure that every child has access to quality education.

“For the dividends of democracy to reach every corner of our nation, we must empower local governments to serve as pipelines of governance.

“This is why we have prioritised Local Government Autonomy, enabling them to receive their full entitlements and improve primary education funding.

“But governance is a shared responsibility, and citizens must hold their leaders accountable to ensure that every child is given a fighting chance,” Tinubu added.

Tinubu urged Northerners, especially the youth, to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, work, and worship as embraced by the late Sardauna of Sokoto.

He said that the energy, creativity, and ingenuity of Nigerian youth offer the chance to not only transform Nigeria, but also to lead Africa into a new era of growth and innovation.

“The challenge we must confront with urgency, compassion, and resolve is investing in the education of our younger ones. Either we take care of them, or they will take care of us down the line.

“We can afford to send our wards to private schools, but the children of the poor that we leave behind will certainly chase us out of this land,” Tinubu said.

Earlier, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), advised governments at all levels to increase funding for education.

“Let’s see how we can help our children, take them off the street, build schools, bring qualified teachers, and involve traditional leaders across the country to really sit with the people and discuss some of these issues,” he said.

The Sultan commended the Federal Government for establishing the Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Commission, describing it as a crucial initiative.

“The commission has been going around, talking to us. All of us must work together to ensure this commission achieves its goals,” he said.

Also, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Muazu Babangida, explained that the foundation was established to promote good governance in the country.

“Over the past 15 years, the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation has made significant strides in fulfilling its mandate of promoting sustainable development and social progress in Northern Nigeria, particularly in education,” he said.

Babangida added that the roundtable was organised to find a lasting solution to youth restiveness and the increasing number of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria.

He urged the government to take the recommendations from the discussions seriously for the progress and well-being of the region.

The roundtable was attended by serving and former governors, executives of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), leaders of youth organisations, and other critical stakeholders in Nigeria. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Metro

Nigeria, India vow spike in economic, defence, other ties

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to a robust strategic partnership.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both countries also pledged to strengthen ties in key areas including economic development, defence, healthcare and food security, among others.

This is contained in a joint statement issued on Sunday in Abuja at the conclusion of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Nigeria at the invitation of President Bola Tinubu.

NAN reports that the Indian prime minister received a formal welcome, including a 21-artillery gun salute at the Presidential Villa.

Tinubu and Modi went into a tete-a-tete, and later jointly presided over an expanded bilateral and political talks.

During their bilateral discussion, the two leaders agreed to a greater collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, and intelligence sharing.

With growing threats in the Gulf of Guinea and the Indian Ocean, they also agreed to coordinated actions to safeguard maritime trade routes and combat piracy.

The two countries pledged to continue regular naval exercises and joint anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea to safeguard critical maritime routes.

‘” The leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including the cross-border movement of terrorists and terror financing networks and safe havens.

‘” They called for zero tolerance to terrorism and expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International terrorism in the UN Framework.

“They also called for the implementation of the UNGA and the UNSC resolutions on countering terrorism and violent extremism.

”It was agreed to enhance cooperation in the area of counter terrorism,” the joint statement said.

Modi reiterated India’s readiness to support Nigeria’s defence modernisation efforts, highlighting India’s emergence as a trusted defence manufacturer.

Similarly, the two leaders also highlighted the vibrant economic relationship between India and Nigeria, with India positioned as Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a significant contributor to its economy.

Nigeria commended the contributions of over 200 Indian companies operating in the country, which have generated substantial employment and investment opportunities.

On bilateral trade expansion, both leaders directed their officials to finalise pending agreements.

” These include the Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA), Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), and the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), to boost trade and investment.

” The fruitification of some of the investments” agreed to by the Indian companies during the visit of President Tinubu to India in September 2023, and committed to facilitating early finalization of the remaining investments.

On the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit held from September 9th-10th, 2023, in New Delhi, the Nigeria-India Presidential Roundtable and Business Conference had taken place.

During the conference, Indian investors pledged a combined total of over $14 billion across critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The investments were targeted on industrialisation, energy, telecommunications, and defence sectors

On infrastructure Development, the joint statement added that India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development priorities through concessional Lines of credit and technical expertise.

On energy, Nigeria and India agreed on long-term contracts for crude oil and LNG supply and technical support in pipeline transmission security, CNG conversion and LPG bottling distribution.

The two leaders also discussed broader collaboration on food security and agriculture, health, education, and cultural exchanges.

Also, on food security, the leaders agreed that it remains a priority for developing countries especially with bigger populations.

”Nigeria thanked India for providing the necessary concessions sought for in the supply of rice at the time of their need.

”They agreed to enhance collaboration in the area of agriculture from agricultural machinery, high yield seeds to sharing technical expertise, know-how and technologies and agreed to identify ways of cooperation in these areas.

”The Indian side thanked the Nigerian side for supporting the Indian Resolution at the UN to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

” And agreed to increase collaboration between India and Nigeria in the area of Millets, ” the joint statement said.

On healthcare sector, Nigeria and India pledged to deepen their collaboration focusing on the establishment of hospitals and diagnostic centers, as well as the deployment of innovative health management systems.

Both sides acknowledged the ongoing efforts by Indian hospitals operating in Nigeria and highlighted the vast potential for further collaboration to enhance healthcare delivery across the country.

The Indian Government offered to share its CoWIN digital platform, an open-source health management infrastructure that has revolutionised vaccination campaigns and health data management in India.

It said, ” This system is expected to support Nigeria’s healthcare system by improving the efficiency and accessibility of vaccination programs and other health initiatives. ”

The Indian government also extended its commitment to supply high-quality generic pharmaceutical products to Nigeria at economical rates under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme.

The scheme is a campaign launched by India’s Department of Pharmaceuticals to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses.

The statement said,” The initiative is aimed at making essential medicines more affordable, particularly for vulnerable populations, and supporting Nigerian public hospital procurement processes.”

Nigeria and India reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on education, cultural exchanges, and fostering strong people-to-people contacts, building on longstanding historical ties and mutual aspirations.

India was acknowledged as a significant partner in Nigeria’s human resource development through various scholarship programs, including the eVBAB scheme, which facilitates virtual learning opportunities.

Both sides agreed to work together to encourage more Nigerian students to leverage these scholarship programmes.

Tinubu and Modi applauded the vibrant cultural and academic exchanges between the two nations, which have included visits by cultural troupes, participation in film and literary festivals, and other collaborative activities.

They underscored the importance of further widening these exchanges to promote mutual understanding and shared heritage.

The leaders recognised the role of tourism in enhancing people-to-people connections and emphasised the need to explore opportunities for promoting travel and cultural interaction between Nigeria and India.

On working together through its membership in international organisations, India commended Nigeria for its reciprocal support of non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for 2028-2029.

The two countries reiterated their joint commitment to UN Security Council reform and mutual support for permanent and non-permanent memberships.

They also pledged cooperation on regional peace and security, particularly in West Africa.

Nigeria ‘took note’ of India’s invitation to join the Global Biofuel Alliance and Global Rivers Cities Alliance.

It said, ”As members of International Solar Alliance (ISA), both sides agreed to intensify their cooperation in establishing solar parks and to work towards increasing the share of the renewable energy in their energy portfolio.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Metro

FCT reopens barricaded slip road, begins dry season sensitisation

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has reopened the barricaded slip road connecting Goodluck Jonathan Expressway with Ring Road II at Galadimawa Interchange.

The acting Director-General of the Department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, explained that the slip road was barricaded on June 25 to mitigate flooding during the rainy season.

Mohammed stated that the road was reopened to ease traffic flow, as the rainy season had ended.

“The onset of the rain in Abuja is usually in the month of May and the slip road is usually flooded every raining season, hence the need to barricade the road.

“To the glory of God, no life was lost in this area since 2020 because we made it a tradition to block the road during the rainy season,” he said.

He commended residents and stakeholders for their understanding and support throughout the rainy season.

The acting D-G also announced the commencement of the 2024 dry season sensitisation campaign against incessant fire outbreaks in the FCT.

Mohammed advised residents to be cautious while handling cooking gas, petroleum products, electrical appliances, and other inflatable items or chemicals.

He urged residents to keep cooking gas outside their kitchens and avoid storing petrol or inflammable chemicals in cars and in their homes.

He also advised residents to make sure they have fire extinguisher in their cars, homes and offices to control fire during outbreak.

He further urged residents to be careful when burning bushes, adding that anyone who wishes to do so, for whatever reason, should monitor it to prevent spreading to unintended areas.

Mr Richard Dauda, Director of Engineering Services, Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCDA), stated that the slip road was part of old road infrastructure in the area.

Dauda explained that the road would be reconstructed and elevated to solve the problem permanently.

He explained that once the ongoing construction of Galadimawa Interchange was completed, a bridge would be constructed to replace the temporary culvert contributing to flooding of the road.”(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Health , Metro

Milwaukee mayor donates hospital equipment to AMAC

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By Philomina Attah

The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) on Thursday received hospital equipment donated to the Council by the Mayor of Milwaukee, U.S., Calvalier Johnson.

AMAC Chairman, Mr Christopher Maikalangu, while receiving the items in Abuja, promised to ensure that the equipment are distributed to clinics in need, with careful inventory management.

Maikalangu expressed his gratitude, emphasising the critical need for such equipment in local clinics.

“Today is my happy day because we are receiving a generous donation of hospital equipment from the United States.

“This donation, facilitated by the government of Wisconsin and the mayor of Milwaukee, Calvary Johnson, is a beacon of hope for grassroots clinics lacking essential medical facilities.

“In a step towards improving healthcare access for residents of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, I visited the Mayor in December 2023.

“I told him about the challenges those at the grassroots are facing in terms of accessing good hospitals within AMAC.

“We are glad that we are receiving a trunk load of these items today. This showcased the impact of international collaboration on local communities,” he said

He assured that measures have been put in place to ensure the items are not diverted to private hospitals.

Recognising the high value of the equipment, the AMAC boss said that personnel would be trained in their proper use to ensure effective healthcare delivery.

“One of these items donated to us cost about N160 million. So, I will distribute these items myself to ensure they are channeled to the rightful purposes,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the hospital equipment donated to AMAC include; 61 adult respiratory and antiseptic, 117 bandages, and dressing clinic supplies.

Others are; 10 dental and diabetes equipment, 108 gastrointestinal and gloves, 108 surgery syringe, 38 Tubing urology, 164 orthopedic appliances, 170-20 hoyer lift two, 171 commodes, 174 oxygen carts and orthopedic supplies among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Metro

ASIS International lauds Wike’s commitment to addressing insecurity in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

The world’s largest association for security professionals, ASIS International, has commended the commitment of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in addressing insecurity in the territory.

The Chairman of the Abuja Branch 273, Mr Edward Orim, gave the commendation during the association’s 2024 Annual General Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

Orim, who was re-elected to serve for another year, said that Nigeria has the capacity to adopt the use of technology to strengthen the fight against insecurity.

He, however, added that the absence of political will was a serious challenge to deepening the use of technology to tackle insecurity across the country.

He said that Wike, on the other hand, had in the last one year demonstrated the capacity and the political will to address insecurity and make FCT a great and secured capital city for all.

He said that the minister’s support to security agencies, particularly operational vehicles fitted with latest technology equipment, was a game changer in the fight against insecurity in FCT.

“The FCT Minister is providing the needed support, including technological equipment to strengthen the fight against insecurity with a view to keeping residents of FCT safe,” he said.

He added that Mr Adamu Gwary, Director, FCT Administration’s Security Services Department, was presented with a Certificate of Excellence, in recognition of his support and contributions to the growth of ASIS International in Abuja.

The chairman said that the association would be looking forward to a stronger partnership with the FCTA to improve security in the nation’s capital.

He said that the association has made significant strides in Nigeria’s security sector through impactful initiatives and strategic outreach in 2024.

“The chapter also advanced professional development through its Women in Security webinar, which strengthened engagement among security professionals.

“In line with ASIS International commitment to humanitarian efforts and gender inclusion, Women in Security provided aid to flood victims in Borno State and championed career growth for women on the International Day of the Girl Child.

“For the next one year, we will be looking forward to deepening the use of technology in addressing insecurity, through collaboration and partnership with critical stakeholders,” he said.

Responding, Gwary thanked the association for the recognition, adding that the FCTA was open to more collaboration to strengthen the FCT’s security framework.

Gwari, who was represented by Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, FCTA’s Command and Control Centre, noted that in a global community, security was everybody’s responsibility.

“We are happy that ASIS is contributing to addressing insecurity in the FCT.

“The FCT minister has established a robust and standard Command and Control Centre in the territory to respond effectively to security threats.

“The control system will be equipped with the latest and necessary technology to fight insecurity,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that also elected was Mr Jacob Akinola as Vice Chairman, Amos Itodo as Secretary and Ms Jane Wilson as Treasurer. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Metro

Tinubu entrenching good governance through renewed hope agenda – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says President Bola Tinubu is entrenching good governance through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, when he inspected the ongoing construction of five-kilometre Saburi – Dei Dei road, awarded to Lubrik Construction Company in February.

He said that Tinubu made promises to satisfy the needs of the people, adding that the promises were being fulfilled and the hope of Nigerians was being renewed.

This, according to him, is good governance.

“Good governance is inclusive of provision of basic infrastructure, being transparent and accountable, providing security and providing quality health and education to the people.

“All the things that we have been doing in FCT are part of good governance.”

The minister expressed joy that the people were happy with what the Tinubu-led administration was doing in FCT to transform their lives.

He said that the people of Saburi and Dei Dei would be happier by the time the road project was completed in December.

“We are happy that the people appreciate what we are doing. This is very important to us that the people are happy.”

The minister also disclosed that the procurement processes for the construction of 17-kilometre Life Camp – Dei Dei road had reached 80 per cent.

He added that the FCT Administration was awaiting the certificate of no objection from the Bureau for Public Procurement.

“If that happens, we will go to the Federal Executive Council for approval and continue from there,” he said.

On the clamp down on scavengers and beggars, Wike said that a combined security team was working day and night, arresting and prosecuting scavengers that were arrested.

He said that the security operative had been clearing Abuja roads of the people who claimed to be beggars but were not actually beggars.

“It is not easy, but we are going to achieve it,” the minister said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

Minister tasks corps members on creativity, innovation to serve communities better

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By Philip Yatai

Dr Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has urged prospective graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to be creative and innovative to serve communities better.

Mahmoud made the call during the NYSC pre-mobilisation workshop in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said the world is changing and the needs of communities are equally evolving rapidly.

She stressed the need for prospective youth corps members to be prepared to meet the challenges with creativity, resilience and innovation.

She, however, added that “stakeholders must play a critical role in shaping the experiences of young Nigerian graduates.

“We must ensure that the graduates are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and mindset to contribute positively to the society.”

She described the NYSC as “cornerstone” of national integration and development since its inception in 1973, to foster unity among young Nigerians.

Mahmoud said the pre-mobilisation workshop provides an opportunity to share best practices, explore new ideas, and collaborate on
strategies that would enhance the effectiveness of the scheme.

She noted that the theme of the workshop “Strengthening the NYSC Mobilisation Process for Effective Service Delivery”, resonates deeply with the aspirations of the national vision.

She commended the leadership of the NYSC for the unwavering commitment to improving the quality of service rendered by youth corps members.

She said, “your dedication to training and preparing our youth for the responsibilities they will undertake is commendable.

“By investing in their development, we are investing in the future of Nigeria.”

The NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, said the scheme had been the vanguard of nation building, fostering unity among different nationalities, as well as playing critical role in national development.

According to him, the imprints of the scheme are all over the landscape of the nation from the mega cities to every rural community.

Ahmed explained that the mobilisation process is a critical component of the service year that deserved all seriousness.

He pledged the management’s commitment to ensuring that the right things were done at all times for Nigerians to get the best out of the scheme. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Metro

Brunel University, FCTA partner to commercialise students’ entrepreneurial ideas

146 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Education Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Brunel Business School, Brunel University, London, have partnered to strengthen entrepreneurship among secondary school students.

Ainurul Rosli, Professor of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Brunel University, stated this in Abuja on Monday, at the unveiling of the Brunel-FCT Innovation Challenge, towards building a better Abuja.

Rosli said that the partnership was designed to transform students’ ideas to bankable products that solved societal problems.

She explained that the challenge was to encourage young Nigerians in Abuja to explore their local environment, identify needs and gaps and develop innovative solutions to improve their community.

“The students will assess what their local area offers, identify what is missing, and propose improvements or future development for the community to benefit through entrepreneurship.

“They will also explore science and technology-based products, services and innovations to address local challenges.

“The main goal is towards building a better Abuja for everyone, making it a safer, fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all Nigerians,” she said.

She said that the programme, which would run from January to March 2025, would be opened to all secondary schools in FCT.

According to her, the students will work in groups of five, to find solutions to local problems entrepreneurly.

Rosli added that Brunel team would mentor the students, through monthly online sessions, and guide the teachers and the students to upgrade and make their ideas commercial.

“The goal is to make sure that our students are equipped to become entrepreneurs by choice.

“This will not only support the economy of Nigeria but also empower communities to collaborate in solving local problems.

“Nigerian students have spectacular ideas, but the next step is how to support them to grow these ideas – how can we commercialise it; how can we make it better, and I think that is what we came here to do,” she said.

She said that making a better Abuja and better Nigeria was not only about coming up with a product, but the product that addressed community needs.

She, however, said that in doing this, the product should not hurt the environment and the people it was designed to help.

According to her, most of the previous entrepreneurship narrative is all about coming up with products to make money.

“I think entrepreneurship for better Nigerian and better Abuja is about the community and about the heart of Nigeria, in line with the nation’s anthem.

“If we can get children to solve the problems at the heart of Nigeria in Abuja, we will see a better Abuja and a better Nigeria.”

She disclosed that the partnership had also reached out to several partners, such as banks, government agencies, Abuja Chambers of Commerce, and Lagos Chambers of Commerce among others.

“These are the intermediary partners that we will be working with, and hopefully, some of the pitch that the students would come up with, would be commercialised with their support,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Olobashola Kolawale, Director, Science, Technology and Innovation, FCTA Education Secretariat, said that the partnership had reinforced entrepreneurship training in FCT secondary schools.

Kolawale noted that entrepreneurship training in FCT schools was not yielding the desired results because of the gap between transforming ideas to reality.

He said that principals of secondary schools had been trained under the partnership on how to entrench practical aspects of entrepreneurship training in secondary schools.

“The partnership with Brunel University is already changing this narrative, because it has equipped us with practical knowledge on how to support students bring their ideas to fruition,” he said.

One of the trainees, Mr Musa Zuru, Principal, Government Secondary School, Kubwa, said that the training had helped him to support students to practicalise what they have learned.

“Now our students are thinking and promising solutions to environmental and community challenges profitably,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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