September 12, 2024

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

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Breaking News

1 Group uses drama to tackle child marriage in Abuja community

2 Why gas flaring persists in Nigeria – Expert

3 Enhance $700m SURWASH programme implementation, FG tells states

4 Tinubu’ll land Nigeria safely from turbulence- Akume

5 Stakeholders seek multi-sectoral approach to nutrition outcomes

Foreign , Metro

Wike signs MoU with Chinese companies on electricity, water supply

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese corporations to improve electricity and water supply in the territory.

Wike disclosed this in a statement signed by Mr Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press, Office of the Minister, issued in Abuja on Sunday.

The minister said that the MoU was signed in Beijing, China, on Saturday, with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction (CGCOC) Group.

He said that the MoU was signed on the sideline of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China, to attend the Asian country’s Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held in Beijing.

He disclosed that Tinubu pushed for the projects at the summit, as part of his agenda to renew the hope of Abuja residents on the government, through execution of people-oriented projects.

Wike assured that the projects would be completed in 2025 and would be inaugurated as parts of activities to celebrate FCT’s 50 Anniversary.

On electricity, Wike said: “One key project which is very dear to us and one of the reasons why we are here today is to light up Abuja.

“We want Abuja to be like other cities, like what we see in Beijing. We have gone round, and we have seen light everywhere; that is how we want Abuja to be.

“Therefore, the whole area of Maitama; the whole area of Asokoro, Wuse, Central Business District, and Airport Road, down to Bill Clinton Drive will be handled by CCECC, while CGCOC Group would handle the districts of Mabushi, Katampe and Garki.

From Left: Chairman, CGCOC Group, Mr Lan Meizhong; FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike signing an MOU in Beijing, for the provision of water to rural areas in the FCT, while Executive Director, FCT Rural Water and Sanitation Agency RUWASA, Dr Mohamed Dan Hassan looks on.

“On the need to equally ensure water supply in the satellite areas of the FCT, we are keeping up with the idea that there is a need to have satellite town water supply in Gwagwalada, Kwali and Kuje as directed by Tinubu.

“We have now signed the MoU with CGCOC Group for them to carry out this assignment.”

Wike further said that the Greater Abuja Water Works, being handled by CGCOC Group, had reached 75 per cent completion and expressed confidence that it would be completed in December 2024.

While thanking Tinubu for granting the FCT Administration approval for the projects, the Minister urged the CGCOC Group to ensure quick delivery of the project.

This, according to him, would ensure that water supply in satellite towns becomes a reality.

In their separate remarks, the President of CCECC, Mr Chen Sichang and the Chairman of CGCOC Group, Mr Lan Meizhong, thanked Wike for the confidence bestowed on the companies to deliver the projects.

They assured the minister of quality and timely delivery of the projects.

On the Minister’s entourage were the Permanent Secretary, Treasury, Alhaji Adamu Wanki; Executive Director, Rural Water and Sanitation Agency, Dr Mohammed Dan Hassan; Director of Procurement, Alhaji Musa Idris; and other senior officials of the FCTA. (NAN)

Edited by Benson Iziama and Abiemwense moru

Metro

Lottery Trust Fund seeks partnership with NAN on publicity

By Yahaya Isah/Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) has sought for partnership with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the effective coverage of its activities in its quest to deliver on its mandate.

The Executive Secretary of the fund, Mr Tosin Adeyanju, made the request when he led the management team on a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of NAN, on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, the mandate of NLTF is to intervene on good causes such as education, sports, water, disaster management, as well as vulnerable Nigerians.

“We have intervened in several causes in over 365 projects by impacting lives across the country.

“Since I came on board, we have continued the drive to make sure that we intervene in critical sectors of the country, and support the “renewed hope agenda” of President Bola Tinubu.

“Therefore, we need the cooperation of NAN to drive home all our interventions and activities across the country,” he said.

The Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali (right) presenting plaque to the Executive Secretary, National Lottery Trust Fund, Mr Tosin Adeyanju, on Friday in Abuja.

Adeyanju said that there was practically no alternative to NAN in terms of coverage and publicity, because of the agency’s reach and presence globally.

“So, we deemed it necessary to be here to partner with you on areas that have to do with good courses,’’ he said.

He further said that with such collaboration, people would feel the positive impact of what the government had done so far and still doing.

While noting the significance of information, Adeyanju said that a lot had been done by Tinubu that was under reported, hence the need to partner with NAN for adequate reportage.

He expressed confidence that the partnership would go a long way to impact positively on the activities of NLTF.

Responding, the Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali, said that NAN prides itself as the biggest news content provider on the continent of Africa.

“We have over 500 reporters spread across the country, and beyond. We have offices in some selected African countries, and even in Europe.

“Right now, we are the only resident news agency or wire service from the West African coast in the UN.

“We also have offices in South Africa, Abidjan, Addis Abba, and some other places.

“So, with a work force like this, we welcome the partnership. Your people and my people will sit down and discuss how we can partner for better,’’ Ali said.

The NAN boss also highlighted other services rendered by the agency with the recent being the introduction of Hausa News portal while that of Yoruba and Igbo would follow shortly.

“For instance, we have started the news portal in Hausa language, being one of the three major languages in Nigeria; so the next will be Yoruba and Igbo languages in that order,” he said.

Ali explained that all these efforts were geared toward ensuring that activities of the Federal Government were properly covered.

“Your request for partnership is a welcome development, and we wish you a successful tenure in office,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Environment , Metro

Flood: NEMA raises alert of possible hazards in 7 states

By Philomina Attah

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised states in the central and southern parts of the country to prepare for potential floods that would soon affect downstream communities.

The states, according to NEMA, include Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa.

NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, disclosed this in a statement by the Head of Press Unit, Mr Manzo Ezekiel, in Abuja.

She said that the alert followed the recent flood that impacted many communities across some states and the rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger.

“The advice has become imperative to activate the state, local government authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding.

“It is also important to avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted.

“Such areas have suffered misfortune including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant damage to property and infrastructures,” Umar said.

She listed some of the actions to be taken to include immediate clearing of blocked drainages, constructing temporary flood barriers, and evacuating from flood plains to safe higher grounds.

The D-G advised communities to stay informed through weather updates and flood warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

“Residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, relocate from flood-prone zones, and cooperate with local emergency services,” she said.

Umar said that NEMA was working closely with state emergency management agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that necessary support, including rescue and relief operations, were available to affected communities.

She said that the  collaboration with  relevant  stakeholders was through the National Emergency Operations Centre situated in the agency’s headquarters.

She emphasised the importance of early action and community vigilance.

“We urge all residents, especially in vulnerable areas, to heed our warnings and take immediate preventive measures to safeguard lives and property.

“Preparedness is key to reducing the impact of flooding,” Umar said. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Agriculture , Metro

FCT Fadama CARES distributes agric. inputs to 9,170 farmers

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has distributed agricultural inputs as grants, to 9,170 beneficiaries, under the FCT Fadama CARES programme, within one year of President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, disclosed this while inaugurating the distribution of the grant to the fourth batch of 6,020 beneficiaries in Gwagwalada on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the inputs distributed included fertilisers, seeds, agrochemicals, sprayers and personal protective equipment for crop farmers.

Also distributed were day old chicks and feeds to poultry farmers; juvenile fish and feeds for fish farmers; goats for livestock farmers and grinding machines for women agriculture products processors.

Mahmoud explained that 3,150 farmers had benefited in the third phase in December 2023, to support dry season farming, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 9,170 in one year.

This, according to her, represents a 216 per cent achievement when compared with the disbursement of the grant to 4,233 beneficiaries in about two years, prior to Tinubu administration.

She said that the FCT Fadama CARES programme, under the Work Bank-supported Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES), was designed to increase food security and safe functioning of the food supply chain in the FCT.

“The programme is deliberately designed to support the recovery of livelihood activities of poor and vulnerable persons engaged in agricultural value chains, with special consideration to women and unemployed youths.

“Its implementation will be anchored on the World Bank community driven development approach for deployment of programme investments at the community level,” she said.

The minister described the programme as a significant indicator of the unflinching commitment of President Tinubu, towards ensuring sustainable food production through his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She added that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration, had committed significant resources towards ensuring sustainable agriculture production in line with the vision of Tinubu.

This, according to her, is a panacea for poverty reduction and improvement of livelihoods for poor and vulnerable agricultural households in the FCT, through the FCT Fadama CARES programme.

“This, indeed, is a clear indication of our administration’s commitment towards ensuring sustainable agricultural production for the attainment of food and nutritional security, poverty reduction and improved livelihoods.”

Mahmoud also disclosed that the FCTA Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat was leveraging the Fadama CARES programme to provide starter packs to 94 trainees of FCT – Leventis Foundation School of Agriculture, Yaba, for years 2022 and 2023.

“This is part of the youth empowerment component of the Fadama CARES programme, to enable the trainees to put into practice what they studied in school,” she explained.

Some of the agricultural inputs distributed to FCT farmers under the Fadama CARES programme in Gwagwalada on Thursday.

On his part, Mr Lawan Geidam, the Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, explained that the 6,020 beneficiaries, under the fourth batch, were selected from 82 farming community associations across the six area councils of the FCT.

Geidam identified the inputs disbursed within the year as 12,436 bags of NPK and 6218 bags of Urea fertiliser, 18,654 litres of agro chemicals, and 43,526 kg of assorted seeds, under Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI) 2.1.

Other inputs, he said, included 55,400 day old chicks, 7,756 bags of poultry feed, 81,800 juvenile (catfish) fish and 2,045 bags of fish feed.

He further identified the inputs disbursed under DLI 2.3, as 3690 goats, 3,212 sets of farm assets, such as sprayers, personal protective equipment, and water pumps and accessories.

Others, according to him, are 1006 grinding machines and 22 units of 2MT/hour multipurpose threshers, while water and sanitation facilities have been provided in 10 wet markets across the six area councils. (NAN)

Abiemwense Moru

 

Metro

COREN inaugurates council to bridge engineering gap, enhance workforce skills

By Angela Atabo

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), has inaugurated the Sector Skills Council for Engineering (SSC4E) to  bridge engineering gaps and enhance workforce skills in Nigeria.

Ms Abiola Arogundade, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, inaugurated the council at the 32nd COREN Engineering Family Forum in Abuja.

Arogundade, represented by Prof Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), said that with the inauguration, the SSC4E had joined 19 others in the Nigerian skills ecosystem.

“The SSCs under the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) are industry-led and are assigned the responsibility to identify the skill gaps in our industries.

“They are to develop occupational standards, ensure quality assurance and issue certification for those skills through the awarding body.

“The Chair of the Sector Skill Council for Engineering has been accepted graciously by the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE),  while COREN is the Awarding Body.

“The SSC shall promote the Nigerian Skills Qualification (NSQ), which has nine levels as approved by the National Council on Skills,” he said.

Arogundade said that the greatest challenge facing the SSC4E was repositioning the pyramid of the cadres of engineering.

“That is why we are today importing skilled artisans from Benin and Togo in the construction industry, Chinese artisans in railway expansion, Indian technicians and artisans in the celebrated Dangote refinery.

“If care is not taken, history will repeat itself when it comes to the Mambilla Power Project, and the Trans African Gas Pipeline to deliver Nigerian Natural Gas to Europe,” she  said.

She urged  the SSC4E to also  engage the informal sector and formalise the training.

She added that Nigeria’s economy is 75 per cent informal and thus can not be ignored.

“Panteka in Kaduna, Ariaria shoe market in Aba, Computer Village in Ikeja, Kofar Ruwa Market in Kano, Apo Mechanic Village in Abuja, the road-side welders all over the country are typical examples.

“They are individually offering massive training to youths informally.

“By engaging them, we can standardise the training, offer them NSQ certification, train the Master Craftsmen as Quality Assurance Assessors, and eventually COREN could licence those with NSQ to operate.

“These licensed artisans can be deployed into national infrastructure projects instead of importing labour from ECOWAS or Asia, “she said.

Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, President and Chairman of the Council, said that the key roles and responsibilities of the SSC4E was provided for in the National Skills Qualification Framework approved by the Federal Executive Council.

He said that these included  identifying skill development needs and cataloguing skill  ,addressing the skills gap and promoting the development of a highly skilled and competent workforce.

He said SSC4E is expected to develop occupational standards in the trade areas levels one to five covering the different engineering trades/services/consulting/repairs and maintenance, ventoring, fabrication.

Abubakar said that SSC4E would  facilitate the development of industry-driven training programmes and  develop a comprehensive plan to upskill and train the teeming artisans in the engineering endeavours.

He reiterated COREN’s commitment to working with the SSC4E to facilitate the development of a comprehensive training and certification program.

This, he said, would  address the specific needs of engineering artisans in the relevant sectors of the economy.

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Metro

Shettima advocates strong alliance to end poverty, improve lives of Nigerians

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called for a formidable alliance among key players in governance to wriggle Nigerians out of poverty and enhance the quality of lives of all citizens.

Shettima spoke on Wednesday during the 144th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He also emphasised the need for those in the business of governance to collaborate to create an environment where every Nigerians have the opportunity to thrive.

Shettima, however, acknowledged that Nigerians are in urgent need of quick and impactful measures, which President Bola Tinubu was solving through the implementations of long-term solutions.

“Our commitment to alleviating poverty and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians will never materialize if we do not align with one another.

” We must strive to create an environment where every Nigerian has the opportunity to thrive.

“This includes not only addressing immediate needs but also building sustainable systems that empower our citizens to become self-reliant and prosperous.”

He commended the efforts of development partners, particularly the co-chairman of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Bill Gates.

He also applauded the Chairman of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who were at the NEC meeting.

He described Dangote and Gates as “two distinguished individuals whose commitment to Nigeria’s progress is unparalleled”.

He said that the two have invested enormous resources into the welfare of Nigerians, spanning critical areas such as health, nutrition, agriculture, and education.

” Their philanthropy is not seasonal but a steadfast commitment that continues to shape our nation’s future.

” We did not survive the lowest points of our journey as a nation by the proactivity of the government alone; we did so because we remained partners in rain and sunshine.

“So, permit me to once again extend the nation’s deepest gratitude to our guests, whose empathy has always shone through whenever they are needed.

” Mr Gates, in particular, has been a steadfast friend of Nigeria, contributing immensely to our nation’s inclusive economic growth and the well-being of our people in both tumult and tranquility.

” The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has recently approved a significant investment—the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator (NCIA).

” This initiative, championed by my office and hosted by the Lagos Business School in partnership with the Boston Consulting Group, sets out to revolutionize our cassava industry, an essential pillar of our economy and food security.”

Shettima described sub-nationals in the federation as stakeholders in redefining the future of Nigeria.

” We are gathered here because none of us can fulfill the goals of guaranteeing the survival of our people in isolation.

” Whether by expanding access to quality education, improving healthcare, or offering skills training and job opportunities, it is clear that each one of us has the power to influence policy and decisions at various levels.

” Our success relies on recognizing the socio-economic threats that have pulled us down the development index and, more importantly, on our resolve to walk the talk.”

Shettima expressed delight with the efforts and reforms made so far by state governors to boost agriculture.

” However, we must not overlook the state of nutrition in our nation, which has led to stunting and other health challenges.

” This is a crisis that demands our unified attention and action. The future of this nation hinges on the health and well-being of our children,” he added.

On his part, Mr Gates reiterated his bet on the incredible potential of Nigerians, noting that “Nigeria’s economic leaders have done some difficult, but necessary things, like unifying the exchange rate.

“The next great hurdle is raising revenue. I understand this is a politically sensitive area where Nigerians are struggling. Incomes have fallen.

” Prices have soared. And like in many other countries, people are protesting.”

He described Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda as ambitious.

Gate, however, said the Nigerian leader has assembled a cabinet ready to meet the challenge, adding that “with limited resources, putting the funds to the best possible use is key”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Accountant General of the Federation provided the council with an update on the Excess Crude Account.

According to him, the account currently stands at $473,754.57, the Natural Resources Fund has a balance of N3,451,078,538.57, and the Stabilisation Account holds N33,875,398,389.75. (https://www.nannews.ng)(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Metro

Birthday: Shettima asks well-wishers to shelve congratulatory adverts

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has appealed to fellow compatriots, associates and numerous well-wishers across the country not to place congratulatory adverts on his 58th birthday.

He made the appeal in a statement issued by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vice-president will turn 58 years old on Monday, Sept. 2.

Shettima, therefore, implored friends and associates who may wish to place goodwill messages as advertisements to kindly donate the funds to charity organisations and vulnerable citizens instead.

The vice-president insisted that he would not want an elaborate pomp marking the day.

“As this auspicious moment draws closer, V-P Shettima fervently implores family members, friends and associates who may wish to place goodwill messages as advertisements to kindly donate the funds to charity organisations and vulnerable citizens instead.

“This aligns with the commitment of the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Tinubu to address issues of development and economic growth, as well as improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

“The vice president remains ever grateful for the goodwill he enjoys from Nigerians, demonstrated toward him over the years.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

 

Metro

Hajj: Gbajabiamila canvasses better treatment for pilgrims

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, has empahaised the need for reforms within the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to curb financial mismanagement, negligence and maltreatment of pilgrims.

Gbajabiamila made the call on Wednesday during a fact-finding visit to NAHCON headquarters in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was part of efforts to engage with government agencies under the supervision of State House.

He said NAHCON should not be involved in any controversy because of its mandate and what it represented.

“It’s a religious commission. It’s a commission that was set up to fulfill religious and spiritual obligations for men and women of faith.

“Pilgrims travel every year to fulfill an Islamic obligation. Not only that, when they’re there, they’re there as ambassadors of Nigeria.

“As ambassadors of Nigeria, it is expected that they will carry the emblem and the flag of Nigeria on their full chest to represent, and to show both in demeanour and conduct, who and what we are.

“We regret the fact that quite often pilgrims are maltreated due to improper organisation by NAHCON during hajj operations,” he said.

According to him, pilgrims end up sometimes not conducting themselves appropriately, and that the Commission must accept responsibility for the the conduct of pilgrims both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

He urged the management and staff of the Commission to work closely with the Office of the Vice-President, which oversees the agency, to identify past mistakes, make corrections and ensure seamless operations for pilgrims.

“What happened has happened and we are here to chart a way forward.

“It is time that the system of the commission is reformed in such a way that it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

Also, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, echoed the Chief of Staff’s position, emphasising the need for early preparation for Hajj.

“Hajj is essentially a big-logistics operation. I was involved in the 2024 operation, and one of the key lessons learnt is the need for early preparation.

“Nigeria has the largest quota of pilgrims from Africa, and we have countries whose quota is less than the number from a state in Nigeria.

“The Hajj Commission also needs to be more transparent in informing pilgrims what they are paying for,” Hadeija said.

Responding, Prince Aliu Abdulrazak, NAHCON’s Executive Commissioner, Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, called for an overhaul of the commission’s accounting system.

He also called for an improvement of federal character representation within the organisation.

“The Commission is described as a national entity, but federal character is not fully represented.

“If you go through the nominal roll, it is dominated by a particular region,” Abdulrazak said.

Similarly, the Chief of Staff visited the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and stressed the need to shift disaster management from a reactive to a proactive approach.

He emphasised the importance of prevention over mitigation, and noted that many disasters in the country could be avoided with better preparation and early warnings.

“The mandate NEMA has is two pronged: prevention of disaster and mitigation of disaster.

“But it appears that we concentrate more on mitigation and leave the other side of the mandate, which is prevention.

“We must look more closely at the area of prevention because a lot of these disasters can be prevented,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

Metro

First Lady disburses N65m to 1,300 women traders in FCT

By Philip Yatai

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has disbursed N65 million grant to 1,300 women petty traders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Mrs Tinubu explained during the event in Abuja on Thursday, that each of the women would receive N50,000 to grow and recapitalise their businesses.

The first Lady was represented at the event by Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCT Administration.

She said that the grant was to assist women petty traders in overcoming some of their business challenges, expand their businesses, create more jobs, and contribute more robustly to the nation`s economy.

She explained that the recapitalisation grant was under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme.

“This is commitment towards economic growth, towards better life for families.

“We are all aware of the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises, especially our petty traders, who form the backbone of our local economy

“These challenges, however, have not deterred the strength of our women. I salute you all and celebrate your resilience and courage that keep you going to put food on the table for your families,” she said.

She explained that a total of N1.85 billion was being disbursed to 37,000 women petty traders across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

She said that economic empowerment remained the core object of the Renewed Hope Initiative and had delivered on this promise for both women and youth across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

This, according to her, was to support the economic reforms of resident Bola Tinubu.

“We recognise that empowering women economically is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one.

“When women thrive, their families thrive, and by extension, our communities and nation prosper.”

Speaking in her capacity as the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat and FCT Coordinator of RHI, Benjamins-laniyi assured FCT women entrepreneurs of initiative’s continued support.

The mandate secretary disclosed that the UN Women supported the initiative with N15 million to cover 300 additional women.

This increased the amount from N50 million to N65 million and number of beneficiaries from 1000 to 1,300.

Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the programme as a significant stride towards empowering women entrepreneurs and enhancing their economic resilience.

Represented by Hajiya Majidda Musa, FCT Coordinator, Social Investment Programme, the minister commended the first lady for her dedication in putting smiles on faces of Nigerian women.

She expressed hope that the grants would undoubtedly provide the much-needed support in helping women petty traders expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

“By investing in women’s growth, the government is creating opportunities for a brighter future,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries Mrs Maimuna Erondi, who sells fish and groundnut cake, thanked the first lady for the support, adding that it would significantly increase her capital.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Veronica Olajide, who sells women shoes, described the gesture as life impacting, stressing that the N50, 000 grant would enable her to expand her business. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

FG inaugurates committee on national housing data centre 

By Angela Atabo

The Federal Government has inaugurated a Joint Steering Committee on National Housing Data Centre, to develop and implement a blueprint for ensuring transparency and easy access to housing.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa,  inaugurated the centre on Tuesday in Abuja.

Dangiwa said that  the centre would be useful for policy and decision making towards affordable housing and the well-being of Nigerians.

He said that the measure was imperative in order to meet the housing needs of Nigerians and unleash the sector’s potential as an enabler of economic growth.

According to him, there are many issues in the sector that need fixing.

“The lack of credible, scientific, and verifiable data on the state of housing in our country stands out as the most pressing and embarrassing.

“This is because, without data, we cannot know the magnitude of the problem we are facing, and the resources we need to allocate.

“This is coupled with the challenge of substandard houses that do not meet the conditions of safety,  security and other parameters as set out by the UN and the World Health Organisation (WHO),’’ he said.

Dangiwa added that there was no industry-accepted data to guide the government, housing agencies, and financial institutions in planning and outlining strategies to fix Nigeria’s housing problems.

“What we have had over the decades are speculations and estimates.

“At the Ministry, we consider this a national emergency for the housing sector and as a government, we can not allow it to continue.

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, for housing and urban development, fixing Nigeria’s housing data problem is a top priority, ” he said.

The minister said it was as a result of the challenges  that they were inaugurating the Joint Steering Committee on National Housing Data.

“The Committee has been established as a strategic partnership among key stakeholders in Nigeria’s housing market.

“The mandate is to develop and implement a blueprint for ensuring transparency and ease of access to housing data in Nigeria.

“It will be essential for policy and decision-making towards affordable housing and the well-being of Nigerians,”he said

Dangiwa said that key deliverables of the committee would be to develop the framework and modalities for setting up the National Housing Data Centre (NHDC).

He said that the committee would  cover technical requirements, specifications, including transactional and legal documentation

“It will also create a framework for data gathering channels from public and private institutions.

“It will design a framework for distributing housing data to institutional and retail investors in the Nigerian financial market, ” he said.

The minister said that the committee would develop a framework for data distribution to all participants in the housing market and establish the framework and timelines for setting up a mortgage exchange.

Mr Kehinde Ogundimu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), pledged the commitment of the committee to deliver on the mandate.

“We will work together and put forth something that will be credible, reliable, and  that people can use to make informed decisions,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that membership of the committee includes a representative from Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to serve as the Chairman

Others are representatives from National Population Commission, National Bureau of Statistics, Central Bank of Nigeria, NMRC,  and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

Also included are Federal Housing Authority, Family Homes Funds Limited, Mortgage Bankers Association of Nigeria, Housing Development Association of Nigeria, among others.NAN)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Kadiri Abdulrahman

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