NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FCTA building inclusive, accessible territory for PwDs
Health

FCTA building inclusive, accessible territory for PwDs

210 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) with support from the World Bank is building an inclusive and accessible capital territory with equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, stated this in Abuja on Thursday, at the close of a three-day workshop on right-based approaches to disability-inclusive development, governance and public policy.

Represented by her Special Assistant on Social Investment, Hajiya Maijidda Kuku, the minister said that the FCT was strongly working towards an inclusive governance that leaves no one behind.

Mahmoud said that the FCT Administration would achieve this through the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

She said that the workshop had not only strengthened the technical capacity of the participants but renewed collective resolve to break down barriers and promote inclusive governance.

“As we close, I urge all participants to translate the knowledge gained into concrete actions within their respective institutions.

“Together, we can build an FCT that truly reflects the values of inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all,” she said.

The minister commended President Bola Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and dignity for all, especially for women and persons with disabilities.

She added that the workshop aligned with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a more inclusive Nigeria.

She thanked the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat for championing the disability inclusion and the World Bank for its continuous support towards social inclusion programmes in the territory.

Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, said that the workshop was part of efforts toward the domestication and implementation of UN Conventions on disability inclusion and the disability Act 2018.

Benjamins-Laniyi said that the workshop was organised with support from the World Bank to ensure the inclusion of persons with disability in all spheres of life in the FCT.

She added that following the workshop, the FCT Administration had been able to establish a framework for collective action on disability inclusion to be championed by the women affairs secretariat.

She pointed out that what began as a disability desk in the women affairs secretariat, had become a disability action for implementation, through collaboration and partnership.

She said that the women secretariat would work closely with the existing structure of the FCT Social Development Secretariat.

According to her, the platform represents a superstructure towards addressing concerns of persons with disability from the FCT Administration down to the area councils and rural communities.

“The multi-sectoral structure cut across all the secretariats of the FCT Administration with representatives from the six area councils and communities.

“The membership includes wives of the council chairmen, wives of traditional and religious leaders, women and youth groups, community structures, Civil Society Organisations (CSO) and media.

“This will represent a disability convention in FCT, that brings together all the stakeholders – the administration, international collaboration, community and CSOs partnership

“This is a very crucial model to ensure full implementation of the disability Act in all the nukes and crannies of the FCT.”

She said that the move aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu’s administration

“For us, this is not just a slogan but a renewed hope of clearly articulated and intentional political will to impact all communities and leave no one behind, particularly persons with disabilities,” she added. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

ACCI trains women, youths on skills acquisition for self reliance
Economy/Business

ACCI trains women, youths on skills acquisition for self reliance

150 total views today

By Vivian Emoni

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) says it has trained women and youths on various skills acquisition to help them become self-reliant and contribute to national development.

Mr Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of ACCI, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Jideani said that the chamber trained the women in digital technology, welding, networking opportunities, digital marketing and other vocational trainings.

He said that the training was aimed at ensuring that the women and youths had strong means of livelihood to enable them support their families.

“The ACCI is committed to ensuring that we give our people, especially the women, adequate training in various fields through which they can then raise economic status of their families.

“The essence is to bring out the potential in women, to seize their economic opportunities by learning how to boost their productivity and maximise income.

“This effort will help them become financially stable, as joblessness is a major cause of insecurity in the country.

“Women have good potentials for greatness but they need a little push. The training will also support them to have viable source of livelihood,” he said.

The ACCI boss said that the chamber believed it was important to help women and youths acquire skills so that they will not consider anti-social behaviours or crime as an option for their daily survival.

He said that a lot of women were passing through challenges, hence the need for such economic impact training.

Jideani said that ACCI was planning to run an international women trade forum.

“This forum is specifically for women. The chamber is out to support women in business and in marketing,” he said.

The D-G said that ACCI had collaborated with various international organisations, adding that the essence was to strengthen the forum.

He said that the ACCI had succeeded in sending about 12 women to Canada for training and business.

“We took them for business and for an exhibition, to go and see what they had learned, exhibit their potentials and acquire more knowledge.

“We are helping them to be able to internationalise and support their products.

“The effort is for the women to see the good thing others are doing, emulate them, learn more and teach people,” he said.

Jideani also said that the ACCI had a “Best Centre”, where women and youths were trained on better ways to cultivate and succeed in farming.

He said that the chamber would ensure that the people were registered before offering them the training.

“We have trained a lot of women and youths, both in the FCT and outside the city.

“As part of efforts to enhance entrepreneurship development among women in small and medium enterprises, the ACCI will continue to support them in marketing, digital sales and business networking to improve their capability,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Constance Athekame/Kadiri Abdulrahman

FG pledges youth-centered policies to end irregular migration
Metro

FG pledges youth-centered policies to end irregular migration

182 total views today

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Federal Government has pledged to implement   sustained youth-centered policies to end irregular migration and its attendant dangers.

Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction made the pledge at the closing of the  first thematic meeting of the Rabat Process in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports  the Rabat Process is a key Euro-African dialogue on migration and development.

NAN also reports that Nigeria, the incumbent chairman of the Rabat Process hosted its thematic.meeting themed, Youth, Education and Innovation – Driving the Future of Migration, with over 100 delegates from 57 partner countries in attendance.

Yilwatda assured that the government would prioritise skills, mobility, and dignity, advancing innovation in migration governance, to nip irregular migration in the bud.

He described the exploration of youth innovation and education as drivers of sustainable migration systems.

The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to lead the Rabat process with empathy, data, and integrity, emphasising the need for effective partnerships to achieve the desired migration governance.

“The meeting has addressed the influence of conflict, climate change, and economic disparity on migration, emphasising the need for a more just and humane future for migration in Europe and Africa.

“In the meeting I acknowledged the hard truths about migration, including the global narrative that casts migration in the language of fear and the limited opportunities for young people,” he added.

He said that migration should be seen as legal, dignified, and voluntary, with skills shared and youths running towards purpose, rather than from lack.

While appreciating the Kingdom of Spain for its support and partnership, the minister urged the development partners and the private sector to support skills programmes that link education with employability, especially in fragile and climate-affected regions.

He, therefore, called for shared frameworks that recognised qualifications, return talents, and open safe pathways for migration.

According to the minister, migration should be seen as the expression of choice, ability, and vision, not the consequence of despair.

Yilwatda said there was a need to give youths more than sympathy as they need structures and access.

Speaking in the same vein, Pilar Jimenez, Ambassador-at-Large- for Migration Affairs of Spain, promised to keep exploring ways to make more sustainable youths’ participation in the Rabat process.

Jimenez noted that there was a need to move from inclusion to the co-creation of a space of dialogue in migration governance.

“The representatives of the Nigerian youth said that they are a part of a solution. I think that youths are the solution.

“Youth is the driver of the future, and the future just started here in Abuja within the Rabat process,” she added.(NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

ROSOWA takes war against drunk driving to Abuja motor park
Defence/Security

ROSOWA takes war against drunk driving to Abuja motor park

154 total views today

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association (ROSOWA) on Thursday launched a nationwide special motor park campaign to address reckless driving and substance abuse among commercial drivers.

Speaking during the campaign in Abuja, ROSOWA National President, Dr Nafisat Shehu-Mohammed, said the initiative was aimed at tackling the rising cases of road crashes linked to drug and alcohol use.

Shehu-Mohammed emphasised the need for drivers to ensure safety and protect the rights of pedestrians, cyclists and female drivers.

The ROSOWA president maintained that the campaign became necessary to create awareness of the dangers of reckless driving on the road.

Shehu-Mohammed appealed to commuters and motorists to always obey traffic rules and avoid intake of alcoholic drinks.

She described over-speeding and driving under the influence of drugs as leading causes of highway accidents, and urged motorists to always obey traffic regulations.

“Our aim is to protect the most vulnerable on the roads which are the pedestrians, cyclists, and especially female drivers who are often ignored or mistreated by motorists.

“We have also come to realise that driving under the influence of illicit drugs and over speeding were the major factors causing accidents on the highway.

“We have seen too many tragedies caused by careless behaviour on our roads. This campaign is a wake-up call to everyone to take responsibility for their actions behind the wheel.

“Passengers should hold drivers accountable. Do not get into a vehicle if the driver is intoxicated or reckless. Your safety depends on you as much as on the driver.

“Road safety is not a one-person job. It requires the combined effort of government agencies, community groups, women’s organisations, and every road user, ” she added.

The ROSOWA President said that the association would take road safety education to schools to promote safe road behaviour from an early age.

She said “road safety begins with awareness. That is why we are also taking this message to schools to shape a new generation that values life and respects traffic laws.

“We believe in catching them young and that will be taken to both public and private schools to build a culture of safety among our children.”

Speaking, President, National Council For Women Society, (NCWS), Mrs Edna Azura, said that women groups across the country would support every initiative towards protecting the rights of women and children on the road.

Azura passionately appealed to commercial drivers to give necessary assistance to women whenever the need arises.

“We will rally all women groups across the country to support this cause. Protecting women and children on the road is a collective duty.

“Commercial drivers should also learn to show empathy by assisting women in distress, especially pregnant women, nursing mothers, and school children, ” she said.

In his opening remark, the FCT Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Chorrie Muta’a commended ROSOWA for its unwavering commitment to advancing road safety advocacy.

Muta’a assured that the corps would continue to appreciate the programme aligning with FRSC’s vision to create a safe motoring environment towards achieving Zero Road Traffic Death.

Representative of the Area One Garki Central Park, Ishaya Ibrahim, urged the management of FRSC to assist in checking sales of alcoholic drinks in their park.

This, he said, had become a great problem in checking consumption of illicit drugs in most of the motor parks in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign, held at Area One Garki Motor Park in Abuja, was part of activities to mark the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week awareness.

The theme is STREETS FOR LIFE: Making Walking Safe, Make Cycling Safe. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

NGO inaugurates centre to empower women, drive economic inclusion
General News

NGO inaugurates centre to empower women, drive economic inclusion

160 total views today

By Justina Auta

The Entrepreneurship Centre for Women Development (ECWD), a non-governmental organisation, has been inaugurated to promote inclusive economic growth and empower women across Nigeria.

Dr Eunice Emmanuel, President and Chief Executive Officer of ECWD, during the inauguration in Abuja, described the initiative as a symbol of hope, empowerment, and the dawn of a new era of opportunities for women.

“This centre represents more than just a physical structure, it is a dream realised, a vision fulfilled, and a promise kept.

“It stands as a symbol of our collective commitment to uplifting women and ensuring they are equipped with the skills, tools, resources, and support needed to thrive in business, leadership, and all facets of society,” she said.

Emmanuel noted that although women had long contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth, many still face barriers to financial independence and entrepreneurial success.

“ECWD is here to break those barriers, offering hands-on training, mentorship, access to markets and finance, and unwavering support to help women not just survive, but thrive and lead in various industries,” she added.

Encouraging women, she stated: “This is your space, a space for creativity, innovation, and excellence.

“Whether you are launching a startup, scaling a business, or simply exploring your potential, ECWD is here to guide, support, and walk with you every step of the way.”

Alhaji Abubakar Barau-Abdullahi, Grand Patron of ECWD and Danmadamin Zuru of Kebbi State, described women as an underutilised economic asset in Africa.

“No society can claim progress while half of its population remains economically excluded or structurally disadvantaged.

“Entrepreneurship is not just a means of livelihood; it is a tool for liberation. It gives women voice, agency, and independence.

“It allows mothers to become investors, daughters to become employers, and wives to become innovators,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of making empowerment initiatives deliberate, strategic, and sustainable.

“The ECWD is a sanctuary of dreams, a launchpad for startups, a clinic for ideas, a university of enterprise, and above all, a hub for dignity.

“The centre will serve as a platform for women to build businesses, for girls to receive mentorship, and for rural entrepreneurs to gain access to markets, technology, and capital, transforming survivors of hardship into champions of industry.

“Let us all pledge today that from ECWD will emerge the next generation of Nigerian Dangotes, Adenugas, Ibukuns, Okonjo-Iwealas, and Amina Mohammeds, powered by passion, built with purpose, and driven by resilience,” he added.

Also speaking, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), represented by Mr Kayode Olaitan, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting women’s issues.

He stated that NAN remained dedicated to promoting women-focused initiatives, empowerment programmes and inclusive development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Abiemwense Moru

Seplat’s production, reserves double post Mobil acquisition – Chairman
Oil & Gas

Seplat’s production, reserves double post Mobil acquisition – Chairman

262 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

 

 

Seplat Energy Plc says its acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) in 2024 has doubled the company’s oil and gas production and also expanded its reserves.

 

Its Chairman, Mr Udoma Udo Udoma, during the company’s 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos on Wednesday, said this marked a significant milestone in the company’s growth and expansion in the oil and gas sector.

 

Udoma reaffirmed the company’s commitment to further invest in production growth to ultimately benefit stakeholders.

 

He said, “The acquired assets have a world-class history as some of Nigeria’s most important oil fields, and as the new operator of these assets, we intend to invest to increase production for the benefit of all our stakeholders.

 

“The performance of the business met and even surpassed the board’s expectations.

 

“We delivered a year of strong production, with revenues over one billion dollars, at $1.116 billion. This was achieved through safe and reliable operations, with 11 million man-hours without any lost-time injury (LTI).

 

“It was also a transformational year for the development of our business due to the completion of the acquisition of MPNU. This acquisition more than doubled our production and increased our reserves.”

 

The chairman explained that merging the acquired business, which is now called Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU), with Seplat Energy had created a Nigerian energy powerhouse.

 

He said the acquisition of the entire share capital of MPNU significantly advanced Seplat Energy’s ambition of being Nigeria’s leading independent energy company.

 

“I am especially pleased to report that the closing cash consideration of $800 million at completion was funded entirely from cash, new and available debt facilities, with no dilution of shareholdings.

 

“This speaks volumes to the strength of our business.

 

“Merging SEPNU with Seplat Energy has created a Nigerian energy powerhouse with pro-forma production of 118 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day and pro-forma combined reserves of 886 million barrels of oil equivalent.

 

“This is an 85 per cent increase in reserves,” he said.

 

Going forward, Udoma said that the company plans to invest in both its onshore and SEPNU businesses to increase production in both divisions.

 

According to him, the company will also invest in maintenance and integrity activities to ensure the infrastructure will continue to support production well into the future.

 

“Our gas division will grow rapidly with the enormous gas resources offshore, as well as the already established gas business onshore,” he added.

 

Speaking on the long-term sustainability of the business, Udoma said Seplat Energy would continue to focus on three key areas that are driving social development.

 

He said the focus would be on environmental care, reporting, and maximising returns for all stakeholders.

 

Also speaking, Mr Roger Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy, expressed excitement over the company’s performance in 2024.

 

He said that Seplat Energy, having transformed from a 100 per cent onshore operator, now has about 70 per cent of its production offshore and exported through three terminals operated by Seplat.

 

“The increased reserves and production that the SEPNU assets add to Seplat Energy’s operations are significant.

 

“This is making us consolidate our position as the leader, and this is a significant responsibility of stewardship of Nigeria’s natural resources, which we do not take lightly.

 

“Along with the oil and gas producing assets, we have gained operating control of dedicated shallow water infrastructure and three export terminals.

 

“These are namely: Qua Iboe Terminal, Bonny River Terminal, and the Yoho Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) facility, as well as Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plants at East Area Project (EAP) and Oso.

 

“The improved security and higher volumes passing through Qua Iboe and Yoho will improve revenue assurance and diversify our export infrastructure in the Niger Delta,” he said.

 

Brown maintained that with the addition of about a thousand skilled staff, Seplat Energy would strive to excel in production operations, boost production, and create value for stakeholders.

 

He said that the company had embarked on a new integration project after successfully bringing together Seplat and SEPNU.

 

He added that the goal was to enhance capabilities, drive growth, and leverage combined strengths, all under the oversight of the newly established Integration Management Office (IMO).  (N

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

NSF: FCT FA boss urges football team to go for gold
Sports

NSF: FCT FA boss urges football team to go for gold

187 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Chairman of the FCT Football Association (FCT FA), Mouktar Mohammed has charged the FCT Football team to go all out and win the football gold at the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun.

Mohammed, who was represented by Patrick Bassey, head of the technical committee and a board member of the FA, said this while speaking to the team ahead of their departure for the Games.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 22nd NSF tagged “Gateway Games” is scheduled for May 16 to May 30.

‘The Chairman is excited that you qualified for the football category and has assured of his continued support for team FCT who have always done well at the festival over the years.

‘We thank you for all the work you put in,we see your commitment and it will never go unnoticed.

“As you travel, be good ambassadors of FCT and make us proud by winning gold as your hard work during the preparation will not go unrewarded, ” he said.

The chairman also uses the occasion to donate jerseys, balls, hose and officials wear for the team to encourage them.

The captain of the team, Aliyu Abubakar assured the FA that they will give it their all in Ogun when they compete.

‘We thank the FCT FA chairman who has always supported and encouraged us, we will do our best like always and bring back gold for the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Team FCT won the silver medal at the last festival hosted by Delta state in 2022.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Cooperative education, management crucial for MSMEs growth – Sanwo-Olu  
General News

Cooperative education, management crucial for MSMEs growth – Sanwo-Olu  

177 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Oluwatope Lawanson

 

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed commitment to cooperative education and management in recognition of cooperative societies ‘ critical role in nurturing nano, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

 

Sanwo-Olu made the reaffirmation at the Second Convocation Ceremony of the Lagos State Cooperative College (LASCOCO), on Wednesday in Agege.

 

The event had the theme: “Cooperative Management: The Development and Transformation of Nano Enterprises in Lagos State”.

 

Sanwo-Olu was represented by the state Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investments, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem.

 

He said that nano and MSMEs were drivers of the economy of the state.

 

“As a government, we recognise that unlocking the full potential of these enterprises is pivotal to realising our THEMES Plus Agenda,” he said.

 

The governor said that the enterprises constituted over 70% of commercial activities in Lagos.

 

He said that the enterprises faced structural barriers to growth.

 

According to him, the barriers include limited access to finance, inadequate skills, and exclusion from formal markets.

 

He said that cooperatives provided a bridge to overcome the barriers.

 

“The Lagos State Cooperative College occupies a strategic position in this ecosystem.

 

“Through continuous training, the college equips cooperative leaders and MSMEs with the tools to transform survivalist ventures into sustainable enterprises,” Sanwo-Olu said.

 

He highlighted the state’s initiatives to support cooperatives, including Five Billion Naira Nano Enterprise Fund, cooperative digital hubs, and public-private partnerships to provide accessible technology and financing solutions.

 

The governor urged the graduands to use their knowledge and skills to ignite change, foster entrepreneurship and build resilient communities.

 

“Every nano enterprise you nurture, every cooperative you strengthen, contributes to the larger tapestry of economic prosperity of Lagos,” he said.

 

The governor congratulated the graduands and praised the leadership of the state Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, and the management of LASCOCO for much efforts.

 

 

 

Sanwo-Olu noted that LASCOCO had achieved full accreditation of its programmes.

 

He added that the college had forged strategic collaborations and provided technical and vocational training for youths, contributing significantly to building a resilient workforce for a 21st Century economy.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 153 persons graduated from the college at the event.

 

Eighteen graduated with distinction and 67 with upper credit, while 54 had lower credit and 18, pass.

 

Five distinguished personalities were given honorary awards at the ceremony.

 

They include a former Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Lanre Fagbohun, and Lagos State Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Sam Egube.

 

The highpoint of the event was inauguration of an Information and Communication Technology Compliance Building of LASCOCO, by the governor.

 

The governor said the well-equipped building and air-conditioned classrooms would empower students with practical skills.

 

He described the facility as a milestone toward educational advancement and economic empowerment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Aiyedatiwa backs Aiyenuro’s 7-day Guinness barbing marathon record bid
General News

Aiyedatiwa backs Aiyenuro’s 7-day Guinness barbing marathon record bid

206 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher

Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has pledged his support for Joshua Aiyenuro, Chief Executive Officer, T-Jos Signature, as he embarks on a Guinness World Record attempt for the Longest Haircut Marathon.

The governor, who made the pledge on Thursday at a meeting in his Abuja Lodge, expressed enthusiasm for the project and promised to back Aiyenuro’s efforts to bring the title back to Ondo State.

Aiyenuro, the Official Barber of the Super Eagles, was unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja by the leadership of the African Civil Society Forum (AFRICSOF) in collaboration with T-Jos Signature.

“Beyond the record attempt, Aiyenuro’s vision is to empower thousands of Nigerians with cutting-edge barbering skills, providing them with a valuable trade and gainful employment opportunities.

“His ambitious project aims to establish over 10,000 barbing points across the country, creating a vast network of jobs for young people.

“This initiative promises to have a profound impact on the nation, not only by creating jobs but also by combating social vices and steering young people towards a brighter future.

“By engaging youth in meaningful activities, T-Jos’s project seeks to foster a more productive and positive society.

“This phenomenal feat is set to showcase Joshua’s exceptional barbering skills and unwavering endurance.”

AFRICSOF said that with the attempt, Joshua aimed to make history and inspire a nation and Africa at large.

“His dedication to his craft and his passion for excellence make him the perfect candidate for this record-breaking endeavour,” the forum said.

The barbing marathon has been scheduled to hold between June 10 and June 17 at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited Chijoke Okoronkwo

Stakeholders urge climate action for rural women farmers
Agriculture , Environment

Stakeholders urge climate action for rural women farmers

239 total views today

By Victor Adeoti

Stakeholders have called for the inclusion of rural small scale women farmers in climate change action plan.

They said that amplifying the voices of rural women farmers, who stand at the frontline of climate impacts, was not only timely but essential for equitable and sustainable development.

The stakeholders made the remarks at a one-day workshop on Drafting and Validation of Rural Agricultural Women’s Perspective On State’s Climate Action Plan on Wednesday in Osogbo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Advocate For Sustainable and Inclusive Community Development, with the support of Urgent Action Fund Africa, for rural women farmers in Osun.

The state Commissioner For Environment and Sanitation, Mr Mayowa Adejoorin, said the crucial perspectives and experiences of rural women farmers, who were mostly affected by climate change, had been neglected for too long.

Adejoorin, represented by Mr Samuel Ogunleye, Director of Climate Change and Renewable Energy in the ministry, said the state government recognised that a truly effective and sustainable climate action plan could not be formulated in isolation.

“You (women) are the custodians of our land, the backbone of our food security, and the first to witness and adapt to the shifting patterns of our climate.

“Your deep understanding of local ecosystems, traditional farming practices, and the subtle changes in weather patterns is not just scientific enough; it is critical data that must inform our strategies and actions.

“This is why your participation in this process is not merely symbolic, it is fundamental to the success of this endeavor.

“Climate change presents unique challenges to our rural women farmers”, he said.

Also, Prof. Opeyemi Ekundayo, the Director of Centre For Gender and Social Policy Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, said that climate change was not gender-neutral.

Ekundayo said that women farmers were already contending with systemic barriers, such as limited access to resources, decision-making exclusion, gender-based violence, among others.

She, however, said that a climate policy that failed to integrate the views and experiences of women farmers risked perpetrating the aforementioned barriers.
Ekundayo said that the initiative of the NGO to mobilise women’s groups and demand gender sensitive policies was a powerful step towards ensuring women farmers inclusion in climate change policy.

In her remarks, the NGO’s Executive Director, Chioma Otugo, said that the organisation was galvanising movement of women’s group to demand inclusion of gender issues in the proposed climate plan actions by the state government.

Otugo noted that the organisation was currently implementing a project on a gender reflective policy for the state climate change policy.

She said the policy was a critical document that would impact women farmers, businesses and environmentalist in the state.

“Women farmers already facing severe economic barriers, decision-making power and climate change challenges exacerbates these inequalities
“Our mission is to enhance the lives of women, girls, and youth by promoting gender equality, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth.

“Our goal is to foster sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to advocate for their rights and contribute to social and economic progress”, she said.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Abimbola Babatunde, said the workshop was timely, as it reflected a deep understanding that climate action must be inclusive to be effective.

Babatunde, represented by Mrs Olufunmilola Adewale, Director of Gender Affair in the ministry, said that rural women farmers were among the most vulnerable yet most resilient in the face of climate challenges.
She said the farmers desired a prominent voice in shaping policies that affect their livelihood.

“As a ministry, we are steadfast in our commitment to promoting gender-responsive climate action”, she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi

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