NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
.2bn Q1 FX inflow, success story of Tinubu reforms – TSF

$15.2bn Q1 FX inflow, success story of Tinubu reforms – TSF

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By Salif Atojoko

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has welcomed the latest data indicating that Nigeria recorded a net foreign exchange (FX) inflow of 15.2 billion dollars in the first quarter of 2025.

Mr Ahmad Sajoh, Chairman, TSF, described this feat as a testament to the effectiveness of President Bola Tinubu’s bold economic reforms.

“The figures, presented at the Nigerian Investor Forum on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the World Bank/IMF in Washington DC, clearly show that Nigeria’s FX inflows rose to 28.92 billion dollars in the first quarter.

“This is an 18.68 per cent increase compared to same period in 2024.

“Although FX outflows also rose, the positive net balance of 15.2 billion dollars underscores a strengthened FX liquidity position with Nigeria now better equipped to meet market demand without heavy Central Bank interventions.

“For us, it is yet another indication that Nigeria’s foreign exchange landscape has been transformed into a more transparent, liquid, and competitive environment under the watch of President Tinubu,” Sajoh said.

Sajoh added that the Central Bank’s direct market participation had reduced drastically to just two per cent of turnover, compared to the previous era where it was the dominant supplier.

“This marks a critical step towards the empowerment of private sector participation and the creation of a truly market-driven economy.

“Importantly, this achievement not only builds on the momentum from 2024, where Nigeria attracted a total FX inflow of 99.4 billion dollars, a 44 per cent increase from previous years, but also projects a brighter outlook for the future.

“With investor confidence rising, diaspora inflows expanding, and policy stability assured, we expect these positive trends to accelerate even further in subsequent quarters,” he added.

The TSF chairman reiterated that the improvement was a clear endorsement of President Tinubu’s commitment to restoring macroeconomic stability, enhancing Nigeria’s global financial standing, and creating a resilient economic environment that would benefit all Nigerians.

He added that it was one of the reasons why the international community viewed the Nigerian economy as being on an upward trajectory. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Jigawa Govt approves N615m for youths in date palm production

Jigawa Govt approves N615m for youths in date palm production

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The Jigawa Government has approved N615million to empower youths in date palm production.
The state Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports, Mr Sagir Musa, made this known on Wednesday while briefing newsmen after the weekly executive council meeting.
The initiative, he said, aims to boost the state’s agricultural sector, particularly date palm cultivation, and create employment opportunities for the youth.
“The project is expected to engage youth for an intensive training on date palm cultivation, aimed at providing direct and indirect employment to 5,000 youths.
“This is part of Gov. Umar Namadi’s administration’s commitment, to reposition Jigawa as a key player in agriculture, especially in date production and to enhance its contribution to Nigeria’s economy,” the commissioner said.
Musa said that a Date Palm Plantation Committee set up by the state government, identified six sites based on the availability and suitability for the propagation of the date plantation across the state.
The project according to him, will also serve as an economically driven strategy for climate change mitigation, preventing of desert encroachment and poverty alleviation in the state.
Meanwhile, the commissioner said that the state executive council received a progress report from a committee on the Retrieval of Farmland Allocations led by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim.
The report, he said, has details of the committee’s ongoing efforts to recover unauthorised occupation of government owned lands and encroachment of reserves across the state in line with the state’s development agenda.
“It has outlined significant strides made in identifying and reclaiming farmlands that were previously illegally allocated but left undeveloped or misused.
“This initiative is part of the administration’s broader strategy, to ensure that all available agricultural resources are fully utilised to support food security, create employment and promote sustainable economic growth across the state.
“It will also safeguard the integrity of all grazing reserves and protect the gazette forest reserves across the state and beyond,” Musa said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Taiwan: Nigeria recognises One-China policy— Rep. Committee 

Taiwan: Nigeria recognises One-China policy— Rep. Committee 

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By Sarafina Christopher

Rep. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations, says Nigeria recognises only China as a sovereign state, while Taiwan a non-independent Chinese territory.

Yakubu explained that Nigeria was resolutely committed to the principle of One-China as the cornerstone of her diplomatic relations with China, and only recognised Taiwan as part of China.

Reacting on Tuesday to remarks made by a fellow lawmaker that the House of Reps sought “Taiwanese government’s” support to boost palm oil production, he described the comments as misleading.

He said that the comments made during a workshop organised by the Taiwan Trade Office did not align with Nigeria’s official foreign policy position on Sino-Nigerian diplomatic relations.

“Nigeria recognises the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China and firmly upholds that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.

“Our committee strongly opposes any form of Taiwanese independence or actions that suggest recognition of Taiwan as a separate entity.

“We will continue to promote and strengthen the robust partnership between Nigeria and China for the mutual benefit of both nations,” he said.

The committee chairman further clarified that the Taiwanese Trade Office in Lagos was just a commercial, non-diplomatic entity, which did not represent a government.

“Nigeria does not recognise any entity called the Taiwanese government. The Taiwan Trade Office in Lagos operates solely as a non-diplomatic, commercial entity and does not represent a government.

“Taiwan is an integral part of China, and any suggestion otherwise contradicts Nigeria’s foreign policy and undermines our strong bilateral ties with the People’s Republic of China,” he said.

Yakubu urged public officials to exercise caution in their comments to avoid misrepresentation that could jeopardise Nigeria’s strategic partnership with China, a key ally since diplomatic relations were established in 1971.

“China has been a reliable partner in Nigeria’s development, supporting critical sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and technology.

“Agricultural advancements, including palm oil production, should be pursued through legitimate channels, such as cooperation with China or other recognised international partners, in alignment with Nigeria’s diplomatic stance,” he noted.

The lawmaker reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Principle, emphasising that it remained the cornerstone of Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Mark Longyen

Rise above adversities to accomplish your divine purpose, Ndukuba urges youths

Rise above adversities to accomplish your divine purpose, Ndukuba urges youths

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By Angela Atabo

The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has urged the youth to keep hope alive and rise above adversities to accomplish their divine purpose.

Ndukuba made the call at the 5th Joshua Generation International Youth Conference themed “Ambassadors for Christ” in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 20,000 young people attended the conference.

The clergyman said, “Many youths are weighed down by unemployment, insecurity, corruption, moral decay, and the discouragement is widespread within the church and the society and many complain and lose heart.

“However, like Joshua and Caleb, you are called not to lose hope; instead, you must rise up and engage the challenges spiritually, socially, economically and politically.

“You must reach out to fellow youths, extending the hands of reconciliation, hope and courage. You are the hope of the church and the nation.

“Stand strong in your convictions; uphold righteousness in the midst of corruption, and defend truth when it is unpopular, reject vices that entangle your generation, keep hope alive, believing that with God, all things are possible.”

Ndukuba underscored the importance of faith in driving meaningful change, asserting that the power of God surpasses all earthly powers, including political and economic influence.

The clergyman, while citing 2 Corinthians 5:20, encouraged youths to remain steadfast in their faith in spite of the challenges facing Nigeria.

He said the youth should be ambassadors of Christ, reminding them of their potential to make positive impact.

“The Joshua Generation is not merely a name but a divine mandate; it represents the church’s mission to the youth and with the youth.

“It is a sacred call to mobilise and empower young Christians to become transformative leaders in both spiritual and socio-economic spheres.

“Inspired by the examples of Joshua and Caleb, who refused to be discouraged by the challenges before them, you, the youth of today, are called to rise to the challenges of your time.

You can lead the church, the nation and indeed the world into the full possession of God’s promises.”

Ndukuba advised youths to be doers and transformers like Joshua and Caleb by occupying the seven mountains of influence of religion, family, education, media and entertainment, economy and government.

“We want to lift the banner of the Lord Jesus, the word of God, the promises of He who by His power sustains His creation and He is also commissioning these young ones.

“We are trusting God that these young ones will not only stand up for themselves but also pull their friends, trust God and see the possibility of God, and this network will bring about a move and a change as the future of the family, church and nation.”

The primate added that it would take the power of God to unleash what God had prepared for them especially because of the challenges facing the nation.

“That was why the Joshua Generation was more than a conference but is a movement for empowering the next generation for destiny, and it has recorded some significant events.

He said more than 5,000 youths have committed to Christ and 3,000 were volunteering for missionary work and 400 persons had been trained for missions with 35 currently serving as full time missionaries.

Ndukuba added that 1,932 young people were trained in ICT, 50 young persons were trained in music academy, and junior and senior football teams were established with over 120 youths benefitting from the sport investment.

He said the aim was to have a N5 billion endowment fund for youth development in skills infrastructure and career advancement.

“We aim to expand global participation, fostering partnerships with international youth organisations.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Philanthropies inaugurate 0m initiative to accelerate maternal-newborn survival in Nigeria, Africa

Philanthropies inaugurate $600m initiative to accelerate maternal-newborn survival in Nigeria, Africa

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By Oluwafunke Ishola

 

A coalition of global philanthropies has inaugurated the Beginnings Fund, a new philanthropic initiative committed to accelerating maternal and newborn survival across Nigeria and other African countries.

 

 

 

The Fund, in a statement on Tuesday, said it would work in partnership with African governments, national organisations, and experts to prevent over 300,000 maternal and neonatal deaths.

 

It would also enhance access to quality care for 34 million mothers and babies by 2030 through a focus on sustainability and local ownership.

 

The establishment of the Beginnings Fund is part of a joint philanthropic commitment of nearly $600 million for maternal and newborn survival, including $100 million in direct funding for initiatives that further the Fund’s mission.

 

This joint commitment was enabled by a major grant from the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity that unlocked matched funding from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Delta Philanthropies.

 

 

 

Other funders are the Gates Foundation, The ELMA Foundation, Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, Patchwork Collective, among others.

 

 

 

Over the next five years, the Fund will partner with up to 10 African countries to make targeted investments in the products, people, and systems required to improve and scale maternal and newborn health.

 

These investments will advance maternal and newborn survival in high-burden hospitals, health centres, and referral networks, in which most maternal and newborn deaths – the majority of which are preventable – occur.

 

The Fund will focus on strengthening the workforce and equipping facilities with a bundle of low-cost, evidence-based interventions.

 

 

 

It would achieve this by harnessing innovations, empowering a skilled workforce, and building strong data and referral systems.

 

“The Beginnings Fund aims to support governments in giving mothers and babies the best chance at a healthy future,” the statement said.

 

The Fund will operate in 10 countries – Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe – and continue to pool and invest multi-year funding in collaboration with country-level implementation partners.

 

The initial commitment from its founding philanthropies is designed to catalyse further funding from new donors, ensuring long-term sustainability.

 

 

 

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs in the United Arab Emirates, said, “Through the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, we are honoured to support the Beginnings Fund in giving more mothers and children the opportunity of a healthy start.

 

“In the earliest days of the UAE, our nation faced high maternal and newborn mortality rates.

 

“This journey taught us the profound importance of quality healthcare that is available to all, at every stage of life, and this knowledge continues to guide us today.

 

“Through this partnership, we further our dedication to working hand in hand with governments and partners to build a healthier, more hopeful future for generations to come.”

 

Newborn deaths in the first month of life are the single biggest driver of mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 70 per cent of maternal deaths also occur.

 

Most of these deaths are preventable with trained health workers providing essential care to mothers and babies.

 

 

 

Yet maternal and newborn health remains one of the most addressable, yet underfunded, areas in global health.

 

 

 

Without transformative action, 182,000 women and 1.2 million newborns in Africa will continue to die each year from preventable causes, in addition to 950,000 stillbirths.

 

 

 

“Mothers and newborns should not be dying from causes we know how to prevent,” said Dr Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health for Ethiopia.

 

“We all have a shared responsibility to build resilient and well-resourced health systems that can safeguard the life of every pregnant woman and newborn.

 

“With the right investments and innovations, countries around the world have succeeded in transforming maternal and newborn care.

 

“There is no reason that we cannot do the same.”

 

Alice Kang’ethe, Chief Executive Officer of the Beginnings Fund, said, “African governments, with support from philanthropic and bilateral organisations, are at the forefront of advancing maternal and newborn health and making groundbreaking innovations.

 

 

 

“The continent is making remarkable strides, but achieving lasting change requires collaborative action.

 

 

 

“I would like to express my gratitude to the African governments, national organisations and experts, and our founding investors who are part of this unique collaborative effort to drive lasting change across Africa.”

 

 

 

Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation, said, “In the past decade, researchers have pioneered remarkable new ways to keep mothers and their children alive and healthy – but these solutions still aren’t reaching the people who need them most.

 

“We’re committed to working with government, health workers, and partners like the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, CIFF, Delta Philanthropies, ELMA, and others, to address this unacceptable disparity and accelerate progress on maternal and newborn health.”

 

 

 

Sir Chris Hohn, Founder and Chair of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, said: “Mothers and babies dying in childbirth from preventable causes is a travesty – but ending this travesty is within our reach.

 

 

 

“Working with African governments, the Beginnings Fund will have a profound impact, giving millions of children a healthy start in life.

 

 

 

“However, this should only be the beginning.

 

 

 

“To achieve its ambitious targets for 2030, the Beginnings Fund will need more global funders and philanthropists to step up.

 

 

 

“Most importantly, it will need to work hand in hand with the government to increase funding and improve the delivery of life-saving interventions to ensure African mothers and children survive and thrive.”

 

Momentum is rapidly growing toward achieving global maternal and newborn health goals.

 

The United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set ambitious targets to save the lives of mothers and newborns, and many African countries are advancing plans to accelerate progress.

 

However, achieving these targets requires increased targeted philanthropic funding, and coordinated action.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Beginnings Fund is a unique philanthropic initiative aiming to save more than 300,000 lives and ensure that 34 million women and newborns across Africa receive quality care by 2030.

 

The Fund aims to deploy $500 million in philanthropic funding by 2030, of which 90 per cent has been raised. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Lack of access to economic resources fuels poverty among women – Don

Lack of access to economic resources fuels poverty among women – Don

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By Henry Oladele

A Professor of Comparative Study of Religions and Gender Studies, Adepeju Johnson-Bashua, on Tuesday said lack of access to economic resources contributed  much to poverty among women in Africa.

 

Johnson-Bashua made the assertion while delivering the 105th Inaugural Lecture of Lagos State University (LASU) at the Ojo campus of the university.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Johnson-Bashua teaches at the Department of Religious and Peace Studies Facaulty of Arts, LASU.

 

The 105th inaugural lecture was entitled ‘Historicising, Contextualising and Justifying Women’s Aluta Continua in United Religious Spaces’.

 

The professor said: “Women’s poverty in African countries is directly related to the absence of economic opportunities and autonomy, and lack of access to economic resources including credit, land ownership and inheritance.

 

“Others are lack of access to education and support services and their minimal participation in decision-making process.”

 

She added that men enjoyed better economy, making poverty the root of gender discrimination in the society.

 

“Men still enjoy a larger share of the economy; thus, poverty stands at the root of gender discrimination in our patriarchal society, and the economic dependence on the male counterpart is itself a cause of gender disparity.

 

“Eradicating poverty should be a priority for all sectors of society, with the main concerns focused on womnen.

 

“The government should implement programmes that are inclusive and transparent,” she said.

 

The inaugural lecturer said the title explored the challenges and resistance faced by women in patriarchal religious settings.

 

“It traces the historical origins of women’s activism, “aluta continua” (the struggle continues) against gender-based marginalisation within faith communities.”

 

She said that while religions could provide spiritual comfort, they frequently reinforced unequal power dynamics to the disadvantage  of women.

 

“This lecture emphasises the global context particularly in areas where religion significantly influences societal norms and gender relations.

 

“It argues for the need for gender equity advocacy in these spaces, illustrating women’s collective actions that challenge oppressive interpretations of religious doctrines and promote more inclusive faith practices,” she said.

 

She added that it was necessary to understand the status of women within the context of African society.

 

“Despite African people’s exposure to Western civilisation and modernisation, there are still firm beliefs in cultural and religious practices which shape their worldview.

 

“Many people still hold to the belief that women are subservient to men in all ramifications.

 

“The traditional laws usually are more favourable to men, while they are stringent for women.

 

“Women may be sentenced to death based on adultery or pregnancy outside of marriage, while the men involved could be acquitted for lack of evidence,” she said.

 

She said it would be fair to say that women, in the traditional African societies, were born without the power to alter their circumstances or realise their full potential due to the dictates of tradition.

 

“These include early marriage, which interrupts their education, and inheritance laws that exclude women from receiving any inheritance.

 

“Others are widowhood customs that strip women of social and economic rights, female genital mutilation, and a societal preference for male children over females.

 

“The persistent use of culture, sexuality, and religion to justify the unequal treatment of women has drawn significant criticism from human rights activists and feminist movements.

 

“These activists highlight these practices as discriminatory and degrading,”she said.

Johnson-Bashua said that a significant proportion of African women were illiterate.

 

“In terms of education, a significant proportion of African women are illiterate.

 

“Cultural attitudes toward women, held by both men and women, have frequently hindered their development and advancement.

 

“Many parents show little support for their daughters’ formal education.

 

“There is a prevailing belief that the only education women require is cultural education, which focuses on character development, nurturing intent and physical skills, preparing for motherhood, and promoting cultural heritage.”

 

She recommended  more commitment from all stakeholders toward transformative gender equality for women.

 

“The United Nations General Assembly should reaffirm its Convention on Eliminating all forms of Discrimination Against Women.

 

“This makes it compulsory for all nations of the world to adopt this policy as a cardinal objective of their constitutions.

 

“Violation of this convention in any form should be met with stricter sanctions.

 

“This way, women’s personalities and aspirations will be respected in all sectors,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

2025 OSOM Games: Police emerge champions

2025 OSOM Games: Police emerge champions

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By Aderonke Ojo

The Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday emerged overall winner of the 6th edition of the One Service One Medal (OSOM) Games in Abuja, securing 43 gold, 38 silver, and 34 bronze medals.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) finished as runners-up with 30 gold, 24 silver, and 25 bronze medals, while the Nigeria Army came third with 15 gold, 34 silver, and 31 bronze medals.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to CPL Dorcas Eworo of the Nigeria Police Force, who clinched nine gold and one silver medal.

The Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko while declaring the Games closed at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja commended the organisation of the event.

He stated that the event had undoubtedly surpassed expectations with some records broken.

“With our technical team on the ground monitoring performances, we have witnessed athletes shatter national and international records.

“It’s exciting to see them push their limits, and it’s likely that many will achieve their personal bests.

“If we continue to nurture and support these athletes over the next six months or year, the possibilities are endless,” he said.

Dikko said that the impact of the Games was already evident, with a significant number of participants demonstrating enthusiasm and dedication.

“This event has successfully achieved both its social and sporting objectives,” he added

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the OSOM Games bring together all service agencies—both military and paramilitary—to compete in a fair and competitive atmosphere.

The Games which began on April 24 ended on Tuesday with a colourful closing ceremony graced by sports stakeholders, military and para-military officials

The Games aim to strengthen inter-agency relationships among the Police, Military, and Paramilitary agencies in Nigeria to enhance service delivery through sports

No fewer than 12 military and para-military agencies competed in the six-day competition.

The agencies include; the Nigeria Police Force( NPF), Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCOS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC).

Others are; Nigeria Army, DSS, EFCC, Fire Service, NIA, ICPC, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

NSC DG tasks sports federations’ secretaries on innovative approach

NSC DG tasks sports federations’ secretaries on innovative approach

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade has charged Secretary Generals of various Sports Federations to have an innovative approach in the discharge of their duties.

Olopade gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja at a strategic meeting with all the various Secretaries of the National Sports Federations.

” I must first of all say that am very impressed with the professional qualities of all of you.

“You all are some of the best Sports brains we have in this country and we are proud to have you”.

” But as we know there is always room for improvement and that is why I have called for this meeting to spur you for bigger challenges ahead”.

” An Innovative mind is very vital for growth, therefore I am challenging your intelligent minds to look inwards and come up with concepts that will enhance your output and the qualities of the Federations,” he said.

The DG also reiterated the Commission’s Reset, Refocus and Relaunch mandate to the secretaries and the need for them to apply it in the organisation of their activities, especially at regards athletes welfare.

” The welfarism of Nigerian athletes is of utmost importance to the Commission and that is why we established the Elite and Podium board which we have started seeing their work in the area of grading our top athletes for different categories of Training Grants.

” And it is therefore important for the various Secretary Generals to know that the way we fly and dress our athletes for international competitions is also very important in high performance,’ he said.

Olopade said that all top Nigerian athletes will now fly business class for international competitions as part of the Commission’s welfare package and in line with international best practices.

“All our top Athletes in Category A of the Podium Board rankings will no longer fly anything less than a business class for International Competitions.

“No more jamboree travelling but we must scientifically look at the way we run our sports for high performance results,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Water transportation: FG distributes 42,000 life jackets to states

Water transportation: FG distributes 42,000 life jackets to states

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By Rita Iliya

The Federal Government has begun the distribution of 42,000 life jackets to 12 states across the country to enhance safe water transportation.

Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, commenced the distribution at the 2025 Safety and Sensitisation/Enlightenment Campaign in Minna on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative was to promote the use of life jackets reduce loss of lives and property on inland waterways across country.

“Today’s event embodies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians who rely daily on our inland waterways for transportation, commerce, and sustenance,” Oyetola said.

He attributed the rising incidence of boat mishaps to human error, mechanical failures, adverse weather, and poor safety equipment.

The minister added that inland waterway boat mishaps was a complex factor that required urgent action.

He said 3,500 life jackets would be given to each of the states.

Oyetola urged state governments, community leaders, boat operators, and the commuting public to support the deployment, utilisation, and strict enforcement of use of safety gears.

He commended Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger for his efforts toward improving riverine transportation within the state.

He said that the initiative was part of Federal Government’s efforts to develop sustainable solutions to boat mishaps.

He announced the establishment of a Special Committee on Boat mishaps to review incidents, identify systemic deficiencies, and propose measures to eliminate accidents.

In his address, the governor commended the minister for initiating the distribution of life jackets to 12 states starting with Niger.

Bago, represented by Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, Speaker of Niger House of Assembly, said the state had experienced numerous boat accidents in the country.

Bago emphasised the need for safety measures to curtail such incidences and called on the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the life jackets to save lives and promote safety.

Hajiya Hadiza Kuta, Commissioner for Transport in Niger, noted that the state had stationed water marshals in all 25 local government areas of the state.

She said the marshals are to enforce safety regulations and prevent accidents in the waterways across the state.

She emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to ensure the effectiveness of the safety measures.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, expressed gratitude to the minister for the life jacket distribution.

He highlighted the minister’s commitment to service, noting that the initiative was a testament to his dedication to humanity.(NAN)
Edited by Joe Idika

LASUBEB Chairman advocates school furniture maintenance

LASUBEB Chairman advocates school furniture maintenance

299 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

 

The Chairman of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Dr Hakeem Shittu, has urged school management to adopt a maintenance culture for school furniture.

 

 

 

Shittu made this appeal during the official handover of a new classroom block at Anglican Primary School, Ebute Afuye, Epe.

 

 

 

He described the event as “a significant step towards enhancing basic education in Lagos State.”

 

 

 

According to him, the newly built classroom block is expected to accommodate hundreds of pupils, improve learning outcomes, and support the government’s vision for universal basic education.

 

 

 

Shittu advised, “Maintain the furniture and promptly attend to minor repairs to ensure longevity.”

 

 

 

Shittu was represented by Mr Adewale Jimoh, a Board Member at LASUBEB.

 

 

 

The completed project was officially handed over to the Lagos State Government through LASUBEB.

 

 

 

He emphasised the importance of investing in infrastructure to create an enabling learning environment. “Education is the foundation of societal development,” he said.

 

 

 

According to him, the new classrooms will reduce overcrowding and offer a more conducive learning space for children in Epe.

 

 

 

“Improved focus, comfortable classrooms, and better ventilation will help students concentrate, create an interactive environment, and enhance information retention,” he added.

 

 

 

He also praised the initiative, stating that collaboration between government levels and stakeholders will lead to more achievements in education.

 

 

 

“This project reflects our collective commitment to improving access and quality in education. We appreciate this impactful initiative,” Shittu said.

 

 

 

The event was attended by Mr Wale Raji, Member of the House of Representatives for Epe Federal Constituency, who facilitated the project and presented the buildings to the state.

 

 

 

Also present were the Chairman of Epe Local Government, Mrs Surah Animashaun, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, and other dignitaries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

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