NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Nigeria’s inflation rate hits 33.69% in April- NBS
Economy/Business

Nigeria’s inflation rate hits 33.69% in April- NBS

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), says Nigeria’s headline inflation rate increased to 33.69 per cent in April 2024.

The NBS said this in its Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Inflation Report for April, which was released in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the report, the figure is 0.49 per cent points higher compared to the 33.20 per cent recorded in March 2024.

It said on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate in April 2024 was 11.47 per cent higher than the rate recorded in April 2023 at 22.22 per cent.

In addition, the report said, on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in April 2024 was 2.29 per cent, which was 0.73 per cent lower than the rate recorded in March 2024 at 3.02 per cent.

“This means that in April 2024, the rate of increase in the average price level is less than the rate of increase in the average price level in March 2024.”

The report said the increase in the headline index for April 2024 on a year-on-year basis and month-on-month basis was attributed to the increase in some items in the basket of goods and services at the divisional level.

It said these increases were observed in food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuel, clothing and footwear, and transport.

Others were furnishings, household equipment and maintenance, education, health, miscellaneous goods and services, restaurants and hotels, alcoholic beverage, tobacco and kola, recreation and culture, and communication.

It said the percentage change in the average CPI for the 12 months ending April 2024 over the average of the CPI for the previous corresponding 12-month period was 28.10 per cent.

“This indicates a 7.28 per cent increase compared to 20.82 per cent recorded in April 2023.”

The report said the food inflation rate in April 2024 increased to 40. 53 per cent on a year-on-year basis, which was 15.92 per cent higher compared to the rate recorded in April 2023 at 24.61 per cent.

“The rise in food inflation on a year-on-year basis is caused by increases in prices of Garri, Millet, Akpu Uncooked Fermented (which are under the Bread and Cereals class), Yam Tuber, and Water Yam, CocoYam

“Others are Dried Fish Sadine, Dried Catfish, Mudfish Dried, Palm Oil, Vegetable Oil, Coconut Oil , Beef Feet, Beef Head, Liver, Frozen Chicken.

“Others are Mango, Banana, Grapefruit, Coconut, Water Melon, Lipton Tea, Bournvita, and Milo.”

It said on a month-on-month basis, the food inflation rate in April was 2.50 per cent, which was a 1.11 per cent decreaese compared to the rate recorded in March 2024 at 3.62 per cent.

“The fall in food inflation on a month-on-month basis was caused by a decrease in the average prices of Guinea corn flour, Plantain Flour etc (under Bread and Cereals class); Yam, Water Yam, Irish Potato, and CocoYam.

“Others are Beer, Loacl Beer, Milo, Bournvita, Nescafe, Groundnut oil, Palm oil, egg, fresh milk, powdered milk, Tin Milk, Soft drinks, wine and fruits. ”

The report said that “all items less farm produce and energy’’ or core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce and energy, stood at 26.84 per cent in April on a year-on-year basis.

“This increased by 6.87 per cent compared to 19.96 per cent recorded in April 2023.’’

“The exclusion of the PMS is due to the deregulation of the commodity by removal of subsidy.”

It said the highest increases were recorded in prices of Actual and Imputed Rentals for Housing, Journey by motorcycle, Bus Journey within a city, Consultation Fee of a medical doctor, X-ray photography among others.

The NBS said on a month-on-month basis, the core inflation rate was 2.20 per cent in April 2024.

“This indicates a 0.24 per cent decrease compared to what was recorded in March 2024 at 2.54 per cent.”

“The average 12-month annual inflation rate was 22.84 per cent for the 12 months ending April 2024, this was 5.15 per cent points higher than the 17.70 per cent recorded in April 2023.”

The report said on a year-on-year basis in April 2024, the urban inflation rate was 36 per cent, which was 12.61 per cent higher compared to the 23.39 per cent recorded in April 2023.

“On a month-on-month basis, the uban inflation rate was 2.67 per cent, which decreased by 0.50 per cent compared to March 2024 at 3.17 per cent.’’

The report said on a year-on-year basis in April 2024, the rural inflation rate was 31.64 per cent, which was 10.50 per cent higher compared to the 21.14 per cent recorded in April 2023.

“On a month-on-month basis, the rural inflation rate was 1.92 per cent, which decreased by 0.95 per cent compared to March 2024 at per cent.’’

On states’ profile analysis, the report showed in April that all items inflation rate on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kogi at 40.84 per cent, followed by Bauchi at 39.91 per cent, and Oyo at 38.37 per cent.

It, however, said the slowest rise in headline inflation on a year-on-year basis was recorded in Borno at 26.09 per cent, followed by Benue at 27.53 per cent, and Taraba at 28.69 per cent.

The report, however, said in April 2024, all items inflation rate on a month-on-month basis was highest in Lagos at 4.52 per cent, followed by Ondo at 3.35 per cent, and Edo at 3.27 per cent.

“Kano at 0.30 per cent, followed by Ebonyi at 0.97 per cent and Adamawa at 1.27 per cent recorded the slowest rise in month-on-month inflation.”

The report said on a year-on-year basis, food inflation was highest in Kogi at 48.62 per cent, followed by Kwara at 46.73 per cent, and Ondo at 45.88 per cent.

“Adamawa at 33.61 per cent, followed by Bauchi at 33.85 per cent and Nasarawa at 34.03 per cent recorded the slowest rise in food inflation on a year-on-year basis.’’

The report, however, said on a month-on-month basis, food inflation was highest in Lagos at 4.74 per cent, followed by Edo at 4.06 per cent, and Yobe at 3.99 per cent.

“While Kano at 0.47 per cent, followed by Adamawa at 0.98per cent and Zamfara at 1.50 per cent, recorded the slowest rise in inflation on a month-on-month basis.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

BOI launches RAPID initiative to empower rural businesses
Business , Economy/Business

BOI launches RAPID initiative to empower rural businesses

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has introduced the Rural Area Programme on Investment and Development (RAPID), which aims to empower youth and women-led businesses in underserved regions.

RAPID is to provide capital and opportunities to rural communities, in addressing challenges like rural-urban migration.

The Managing Director of BOI, Dr Olasupo Olusi, during the launch in Lagos on Tuesday, said that RAPID was designed to foster economic inclusion by providing rural dwellers with equitable access to capital.

Olusi stated that this access to capital was crucial to enhance commercial and economic activities as well as address the inadequacies in existing intervention programmes, primarily favoured urban areas.

He said that the initiative offered substantial financial support, with potential funding of up to 10 million naira per project.

He added that RAPID targeted existing small businesses seeking expansion capacity and new startups with a focus on youth and women-owned businesses.

According to him, the terms include a three-year repayment plan with a six-month moratorium at a concessionary interest rate of five per cent.

“As a pilot launch, it is limited to 10 beneficiaries per state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) totalling 370 beneficiaries.

“The grant component is developed to incentivise good repayment and businesses with significant social impact in employment generation for women and youth.

“To ensure the programme’s accessibility, applications can be submitted via a dedicated online portal or physically at any BOI district office nationwide starting May 15,” he said.

The Executive Director of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, BOI, Mr Omar Shekarau, said that RAPID, covers all 36 states and the FCT.

According to him, it will focus on sectors like agriculture, textiles, garment manufacturing, leather goods, and food processing and preservation.

He said this comprehensive coverage would ensure that the benefits of economic growth were felt across the country, transforming rural areas into burgeoning economic hubs.

Shekarau added that beyond financial support, capacity building was a critical component of the initiative.

He said by empowering entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and skills, RAPID aimed to ensure sustainable development and long-term self-sufficiency for rural businesses.

“As RAPID rolls out, the BOI anticipates significant improvements in job creation, financial inclusion, and economic diversification, which are expected to contribute to national prosperity and stem the tide of migration from rural areas to cities.

“The programme not only represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s rural economies but also serves as a model for future initiatives.

This aims to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable development across West Africa,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

EU ambassador says global partnership crucial to tackling terror
Foreign

EU ambassador says global partnership crucial to tackling terror

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By Maureen Okon

Ms. Samuela Isopi, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and the ECOWAS on Wednesday, identified global partnership as an ingredient for successful peace-building and the fight against terrorism.

The envoy expressed the thoughts in Abuja, at the Road to Schuman Security and Defence Forum 2024, organised by the EU, in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The event had the theme, “Reducing Vulnerabilities Through Partnerships- a Stakeholders’ Engagement’’ on regional defence and security perspectives.

Isopi said, “We live in a single security theatre, where crises and conflicts travel at the speed of light and what emerges locally becomes global with far-reaching effects.”

She quoted Josep Borrell, the European Union High Representative Vice President (HRVP) as saying at one time that “No country or institution, acting alone, can address challenges such as the weakening of multilateralism.

“The return of power in politics across the world, the renewed assertiveness of authoritarian regimes, and the mix of conventional and hybrid threats that we are facing ”

The envoy added that ‘’ this is why the EU has launched the Schuman forum and invited under the leadership of the EU HRVP, Josep Borrell and the 27 member states, and over 60 partner countries and international organisations in Brussels from May 28 to May 29.

“The Schuman forum will have three objectives which are to listen to our partners on peace, security, and defence issues.

“To jointly assess the threats and challenges we face, and to explore ways for deeper cooperation,’’ she said.

According to her, the EU is Africa’s leading partner in peace and security.

Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mr Nuhu Ribadu, said the forum was organised to engender effective partnership in the changing security dynamics.

Ribadu who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator for NCT, said “the event is noting the crucial situation of our country, Nigeria, with the multi-faceted security challenges confronting it.

“ Therefore, the employment of whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches toward enhancing national responses to these emergent security threats in the country.

“This becomes a critical objective which we must pursue to enhance national development, not only in the country but the ECOWAS sub-region as a whole.

“The scourge of terrorism is a menace which affects Nigeria and other countries around the globe,’’ he said.

Speaking also at the same event, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, represented by Dr Ibrahim Kanami, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, described terrorism as a global challenge to national security.

He added that the collaboration with the EU and Nigeria would surmount the security threats such as Boko Haram and its likes in the near future.

Badaru also said that the world is a global village and this is a time for the world to come together to address the scourge.

“But now, Nigeria is faced with these security challenges with different issues surrounding the causes of the rising challenges. But our dream and desire is for Africa to be a united force as the EU bloc,’’ he said.

He emphasised that job creation can create lasting peace and is key to curbing most of the security challenges faced in Africa. (NAN) (www.nan.ng)

(Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Emmanuel Yashim)

FG inaugurates 3 gas infrastructure in Delta, Imo to boost economy
Oil & Gas

FG inaugurates 3 gas infrastructure in Delta, Imo to boost economy

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government on Wednesday inaugurated three critical gas infrastructure projects in Imo and Delta to drive the country’s gas sector.

President Bola Tinubu, while inaugurating the projects virtually, expressed delight and congratulated Nigerians for the achievements recorded within months of his administration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president inaugurated the ANOH-OB3 CTMS gas pipeline and ANOH gas processing plant in Assa, Ohaji/Egbema in Imo State.

Tinubu also inaugurated the expansion of the AHL gas processing plant 2 gas project in Kwale in Delta.

The projects are being undertaken by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and partners in line with Tinubu’s commitment to leverage gas to grow the economy.

According to the NNPC Ltd., the projects will add 500MMscf/d gas production capacity to the country and also increase the available gas pipeline network by 23.3 kilometres

Tinubu said: “this inauguration is highly significant to our country as it demonstrates the administration’s concerted efforts to accelerate the development of critical gas infrastructures.

“It is also geared at significantly enhancing the supply of energy to boost industrial growth and create employment opportunities.

“Also, the projects are fully in line with the decade of gas initiative, and the Federal Government’s quest to grow value from the Nation’s abundant gas assets.

“While concurrently eliminating gas flaring and accelerating industrialisation,” he said.

The president said approximately 500MMscf of gas in aggregate would be supplied to the domestic market from these two Gas Processing Plants, which represented more than 25 per cent incremental growth in gas supply.

Tinubu said: ”in practical terms, this is more gas to the power sector, gas-based industries and other critical segments of the economy.

”I, therefore, commend the strategic vision of the NNPC Ltd. and its partners Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) and Seplat Energy Plc for this laudable and value-adding projects.”

The President, while reiterating the desire of his administration to diversify from petrol and diesel, said significant progress had also been recorded in incentivising gas development through Presidential Executive Orders.

He assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to step up its coordination of other landmark projects and initiatives that would ensure the earliest realisation of gas-fueled prosperity in Nigeria.

Similarly, the president assured investors in the energy space that his government would not relent in facilitating the ease of doing business.

He said that the theme of the commissioning – “from Gas to Prosperity; Renewed Hope”, must be adopted by all gas sector participants and would-be investors.

“As a clarion call to ramp up efforts to accelerate investment and developments of projects in the gas sector on a win-win basis.”

The president commended the efforts of NNPC Ltd., alongside SEEPCO and Seplat Energy on the business partnership while congratulating Nigerians on the successful implementation of the three projects

”I want to reiterate the Federal Government’s resolve to continue to provide support in deepening domestic gas utilisation.

“To increase national power generation capacity, revitalise industries and create multiple job opportunities for economic growth.

“I have the singular honour to inaugurate the expansion of the projects in line with this administration’s resolve to provide energy for Nigerians.

“I urge NNPC ltd. as our national energy company of choice to continue its relentless efforts and record more successes in the energy sector for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.

Earlier, the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., Mele Kyari, re-assured of the company’s commitment to maintain energy security by continuing to execute more strategic gas projects for the benefit of Nigerians.

“The three infrastructure projects will enable additional gas processing capacity and also increase the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), thereby reducing the dependency on importation.

“Also, the projects are fully in line with the Federal Government’s quest to derive value from the Nation’s gas assets while eliminating gas flaring and moving towards environmentally friendly energy sources.

“Nigeria is endowed with significant natural gas resources of over 209TCF of proven gas reserves, with the potential to grow to over 600TCF.

“As a commercial enterprise, these milestone projects present an opportunity to monetise our abundant natural gas resources, by expanding access to energy to support economic growth, industrialisation, and job creation,” he said.

While reiterating efforts of the corporation to drive the sector, Kyari said NNPC was deploying CNG delivery installations in its retail stations across the country.

He then, appreciated the support of its various stakeholders in ensuring achievement of these projects.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, reiterated that the projects would enhance domestic gas availability, boost power generation and hasten industrialisation in Nigeria.

He said the administration’s effort in keeping with the climate control accord would move the nation towards achieving green energy sufficiency by 2060.

He commended the president for his futuristic leadership and encouragement which had helped in achieving the projects being inaugurated.

NAN reports that the event was attended by senior government officials, partners and stakeholders in the sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Ese E. Eniola Williams

FG begins 2024 oil block bidding round
Oil & Gas

FG begins 2024 oil block bidding round

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on Tuesday announced the commencement of the 2024 oil block licensing round.

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive, NUPRC, announced this at the Miami, Florida International Roadshow for the 2024 licensing round, hosted by the NUPRC, in collaboration with Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN).

The commission said the 2024 block licensing round would last for approximately nine months.

Komolafe, while unveiling the bidding round, said the exercise which was initially announced in April 29, 2024, was a significant leap in the strategic hydrocarbons development initiative.

He said the round would introduce 12 meticulously selected blocks across diverse geological spectra from the fertile onshore basins to the promising continental shelves and the untapped depths of Nigeria’s deep offshore territories.

“Each block has been chosen for its potential to bolster our national reserves and stimulate economic vitality.

“The NUPRC on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is committed to conducting the licensing round in a fair, competitive and transparent manner, ensuring a level playing field for both indigenous and international investors.

“Our approach is underpinned by the robust legal framework of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 (PIA), which ensures compliance with best practices to boost investors’confidence.

“In keeping with the provisions of the PIA and regulations made under the Act, the commission has issued a licensing round guideline and published a licensing round plan for the twelve blocks.

“The blocks are PPL 300-CS; PPL 301-CS, PPL 3008, PPL 3009, PPL 2001, PPL 2002, PML 51, PPL 267, PPL 268, PPL 269, PPL 270, and PPL 271,” he said.

He said the seven deep offshore blocks from the 2022 mini-bid round exercise which covered an area of approximately 6,700 km2 in water depths of 1,150m to 3,100m would be concluded along with this licensing round.

He said rhe blocks on offer had extensive 2D and 3D seismic data coverage, including multi-beam and analogue data.

“Additionally, a 3D reprocessed Pre-stack Time Migration of remarkable quality is also available to prospective bidders.

“The availability of advanced seismic datasets and analytical tools via our dedicated portals exemplifies our commitment to excellence and technological advancement,” he said.

According to Komolafe, the licencing round is indeed expected to be a huge success for Nigeria and is a big step towards growing the nation’s oil and gas reserves.

This, he said would be through aggressive exploration and development efforts, boosting production, expanding opportunities for gas utilisation and end-to-end development across the value chain.

“In addition, the licencing round presents us with the opportunity to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to openness and transparency in line with the principles of the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI),” he said.

On the global scale, Komolafe said the licensing round would no doubt be beneficial to all stakeholders, add6that in the long run it would contribute to long-term global energy sufficiency.

“The implementation process will, in addition to technical and commercial considerations, pay requisite attention to strategies, processes and implementable plans consistent with net zero carbon emission targets, eliminating gas flares”.

He said competitive entry fees that were responsive to prevailing realities would be adopted in the 2024 block licensing round.

Komolafe said that considerations for the commerciality of projects would be made on a case-by-case basis for the determination of appropriate entry fees.

The 2024 block licensing round is scheduled to last for approximately nine months and interested parties should visit the dedicated NUPRC portal for details on how to participate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Lawmaker warns parents against overindulging children with technology
General News

Lawmaker warns parents against overindulging children with technology

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By Aderogba George

Hon. Stanley Olajide (PDP Oyo State), a member of the House of Representatives, has issued a caution to parents regarding the excessive use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) by their children.

Olajide, representing Ibadan Northwest/Southwest Constituency, delivered the advice during the 4th stakeholders dialogue on “Child Protection” organised by the Hope for Second Chance Foundation (HOSEC), an NGO.

The event, themed “Safeguarding Our Future: Nurturing Safe Digital Spaces for Nigerian Child,” aimed to address concerns surrounding child safety in the digital age.

Olajide emphasised the importance of implementing proper controls when allowing children to use ICT devices, noting the potential risks associated with unrestricted access to the digital space.

He warned that without appropriate measures in place, the rapid expansion of the digital landscape could pose more harm than good to children.

Olajide revealed that legislative efforts are underway to regulate the use of ICT, underscoring the need for parents to fulfill their responsibilities in guiding their children’s technology usage.

He urged parents to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their children’s well-being amidst the evolving digital landscape.

“People are using the children through the cyberspace to perpetrate crime. There are organ harvesters on the internet, they are everywhere now.

“Parents must stop indulging their children in ICT use, but if you must do so, put the right control in place.

“Technology as a tool is more powerful than the friends we keep, we must be cautious.”

The lawmaker also advised children to be contented with whatever their parents gave them, saying “some parents are really struggling for their children.”

Mrs Ibukunoluwa Otesile, the Executive Director, HOSEC, said that the safety of the digital space is the responsibility of all and sundry.

She lamented that if Nigerians are not careful with the use of technology, the country may have corrupt children.

“We must all lend our voice to this call, that is the whole essence of this event, all voices must be amplified, the digital space must be safe for children, ” she said.

On his part, Prof. Adebusuyi Adeniran, the Head of Sociology and Information Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, emphasised the need to control the cyberspace.

He said that “the problem can be better addressed through primary socialisation, as parents must think of the message they are passing to their children with the use of ICT.

“There is no way ICT use can be stopped in Nigeria, but we can have control over it on children.

“We must make internet align with the country’s cultural practices. The Church, Mosque and school cannot train our children for us, the onus is on us to do it ourselves,” Olajide said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

NGO offers ,000 grant to boost agritech entrepreneurship in Nigeria
Agriculture , Science & Tech

NGO offers $40,000 grant to boost agritech entrepreneurship in Nigeria

532 total views today

By Justina Auta

Heifer International, an NGO, has offered 40, 000 dollar grant to youths and women to engage in the 2024 AYuTe Africa Challenge Nigeria to promote innovative and technology-driven agri-centric enterprises.

Dr Lekan Tobe, Country Director (Interim), Heifer International, disclosed this at the unveiling of the 2024 AYuTe Africa Challenge Nigeria, an initiative of the organisation on Tuesday in Abuja.

Tobe described the challenge as an enterprise development programme to identify, nurture and support innovative, relevant and technology-driven agri-centric enterprises to grow, scale and thrive.

According to him, the gesture will go a long way in addressing food insecurity.

He said the challenge would identify outstanding young agritech innovators, assisting in the formation of strong partnerships for increased visibility, growth and improvement in smallholder farmers’ productivity.

“If we are going to transform agriculture and food system in Nigeria and Africa at large, then we have to look at Youth and technology because youths will not do agriculture without technology and innovation.

“The acronym, AYuTe means Agriculture Youths and Technology; we have women in that midst because women make up 50 per cent of our population.

“If we neglect those two demographic (youths and women), then we are not ready for agriculture transformation and food security in our country.

While urging eligible agripreneurs to apply and be part of the challenge, he explained that the project would empower them with innovative solutions to impact significantly on smallholder farmers.

“We are deepening our commitment to supporting agritech innovation and youth entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

“We believe that this challenge will not only empower young entrepreneurs but also contribute to the transformation of the agricultural sector and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers,” he said.

Chuba Eziegwe, Communications Manager, Heifer International, Nigeria, said the group had been supporting small holder farmers to bridge the living income gap across the world, touching the lives of 40 million people until date.

“Agriculture in Africa is seen as a career for the aged; but we see the revolution that happened in other sectors leveraging on young people like fintech, health tech and others.

“So we needed to create a platform, where young agripreneurs can be supported with grants, business mentorship and business incubation.

“This will enable them to grow their ideas; innovations and scale it up to the extent that it is affordable for those at the bottom of the pyramid, small holder farmers, key players in the market and ecosystems to leverage these technologies and ensure food security across Africa,’’ he said.

Also, Tajudeen Yahaya, Chief Executive Officer, Extension Africa and 2023 winner of the AYuTe Africa Challenge, Nigeria, advised applicants to be focused and make their work simple and clear.

“The platform is huge for agritechs; so you have the opportunity to meet like-minded people and mentors to help you build your ideas and scale it up.

“You also have opportunities to work with partners to see how you can scale up not just in Nigeria, but other African country as well,” he said.

On his part, Mustapha Abokede, Venture Lead, Wennovation, an implementing partner of the challenge, encouraged women to participate in the challenge towards accelerating agritech entrepreneurship in Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

UN, Foundation offers GBV toll free helpline
Gender

UN, Foundation offers GBV toll free helpline

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By Justina Auta

The UN Trust Fund in collaboration with the Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF), have partnered to offer toll free helpline to report Gender Based Violence (GBV) and improve virtual management of cases in Nigeria.

 

Mrs Tayo Erinle, Executive Director, TCF during the project dissemination and closeout event of the Flashlight Actions on Girls Safety (FLAGS) project on Tuesday in Abuja said the GBV helpline would assist in ending GBV and ensure justice for survivors.

 

“The GBV free toll helpline that were disseminated today keeps FLAGS project flying because even though FLAGS is closing out GBV has not ended.

 

“So to keep it flying, we have got this toll free line supported by the UNTrust Fund for people to reach us, flag up cases, set up virtual management and increase stakeholders that we have been working with.

 

“This will help us manage cases at one sitting to avoid re-traumatisation of the survivor and be able to proffer next steps to take,” she said.

 

According to her, in the past three years of the project has supported 750 girls in 10 communities within Nasarawa, Niger and the FCT.

 

“We have been able to build the capacity of 750 girls in 30 safe spaces in Nasarawa, Niger and FCT to prevent, respond and refer GBV cases.

 

“The girls are more aware, they are confident and know that anyone can be a perpetrator and know what to do and where to go if they are violated or know someone who has been violated.”

 

According to her, the major outcome of the project was the virtual case management, which is a girl centered multi sectoral approach to GBV.

 

“We have been able to meet and handle 162 cases, two are in courts, two are in shelter, some are going through psychosocial support,” she said.

 

Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria, commended TCF for the successes recorded in implementing the FLAGS project and reducing GBV in the country.

 

Eyong, represented by Patience Ekechukwu, Programme Officer for Women’s Economic Empowerment, noted that in spite of existing legal frameworks and policies, GBV and harmful traditional practices against women and girls still exist.

 

“Ending violence against women and girls that is why we are gathered here to look at issues and solutions and what we can do to ensure that women and girls in Nigeria live free from violence.

 

“UN Women is committed to working with government agencies, CSOs, traditional and religious organisations to prevent the violence that affects millions of women around the world.

 

“We all have critical role to play in ending violence against women and girls. We must speak out against harassment, violence in our work places, various religious platforms, through the media.

 

“We need to lend our voices to be heard to ensure that the world is free from violence against women and girls,” she said.

 

Other highlights of the event were the presentation of excellence awards to notable persons and communities for their supports in ensuring the success of the FLAGS project.

 

Others include: fireside chats with project beneficiaries and stakeholders, as well as the launch of the TCF GBV Helpline, 0800 0040 404. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

IPCR urges FG, stakeholders’ synergy in tackling insecurity
General News

IPCR urges FG, stakeholders’ synergy in tackling insecurity

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By Sarafina Christopher

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation(GPF) Nigeria, has called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to work collectively towards tackling insecurity.

Dr Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General, lPCR, spoke on Tuesday at one-day High-Level Dialogue Conference with the theme “Promoting Collective Responsibility for Peace and Security in Abuja.”

He said that in recent times, citizens had witnessed an alarming escalation in security incidents in Abuja.

Ochogwu said that if the security challenges were not addressed collectively and urgently, they could undermine the shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous city.

“Persistent insecurity can deter socio-economic development, discourage investment and exacerbate poverty and inequality.

“There is a need for collective responsibility between the government and this entire society to build peace and ensure security for the people in Abuja.

“We believe that once we are able to build peace and establish some good level of security in this place, it will boost investors’ confidence and encourage trust.”

Ochogwu said that in order to proffer solutions to rising crime, the Institute conducted a study titled “Presentation on Spatial Analysis of Crime in Abuja City Centre,” he said.

According to him, the study is not just an academic exercise; it is a crucial early warning tool that can guide strategies and actions in tackling the security challenges.

Rev. John Hayab, the Country Director, GPF Nigeria, said that sustainable peace could not be easily achieved through a top-down approach but through the active participation of all sections of society.

“Both a government official, security personnel, religious leader, community leaders or citizen–all have a vital role to play in building a safer and more secure society for today and future generations,’’ he said.

Hayab also reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment towards partnering with the government, security agencies, civil society organisations, community leaders and individuals in the quest for peace and security in Abuja and the country.

In his remarks, Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity in Nigeria.

“Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, efforts and strategies are being put in place to combat the various security challenges facing the nation,”Goronyo said.

On his part, Ogundele Ayodeji, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Zone 7, Abuja, pledged police’s commitment to tackling kidnapping, ‘one chance’ robbery and other crimes in FCT.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Nigerian Army conducts medical outreach in Nigerian-Cameroon border community
Defence/Security

Nigerian Army conducts medical outreach in Nigerian-Cameroon border community

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By Christian Njoku
The Nigerian Army on Tuesday conducted a free medical outreach in Belegete, a border community with Cameroon, in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach is part of the army’s non kinetic effort in communities.

NAN also reports that services carried out during the outreach include consultations, test for malaria, typhoid fevers, blood sugar and pressure as well as the distribution of drugs.

Belegete is a border community with Cameroon and one of the hard-to-reach areas in Cross River with undulating terrain, no access road, telecommunication network or electricity.

Speaking on the outreach, Brig.-Gen. Muftau Ibrahim, the Commander 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar, said it was conducted in order to provide medical services for residents of the community.

Ibrahim also said that it was organised to reassure residents in the Nigerian-Cameroon border communities that the Nigerian Army was ready to stop the illicit activities of rebels on the country’s territory.

”In line with Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and deterring violent aggression, troops of 13 Brigade conducted series of operations along the Nigerian-Cameroon border.

”This is to check incursions into Nigerian territory.

”The Nigerian Army operations have successfully denied the rebels freedom of action, leading to an effective containment of the Ambazonia threat in Nigerian border communities in spite of its difficult topography,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Simon Akor, the community’s leader, disclosed that some pregnant women as well as sick people had been lost due to non-accessibility of medical care occasioned by the difficult terrain.

Akor expressed appreciation to the Nigerian army for carrying out the outreach in Belegete.

He added that residents of the community had suffered seriously because of the difficult terrain.

”When a woman is pregnant or someone is sick, he or she is carried by the villagers to climb the hill and valleys through the forest to get to town where you can find a health facility, most times, the patients die on their way.

”We are happy that for the first time the Nigerian Army came here with good drugs and professionals to take care of our health and know how we are doing especially as the community had been attacked in the past by Ambazonians.

”We don’t know who represents us in the Cross River House of Assembly, but we want to use this medium to appeal to the government that we need access road, telecommunication network and a health facility,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs Maria Olia, the Women Leader of the community, said that though there were Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) who help women in the community, there were challenges of moving them when there were complications.

Olia also said that, for the children, they relied on herbs as there was no access road through the forest to town.

Mr Aku Collins, a youth who spoke to NAN, also said that before the outreach they relied on some quack medicine dealers who came from time to time.

He added that though their services were unprofessional, the residents relied on those quacks as they had no choice.

NAN reports that it takes approximately six to eight hours to move from Butatong, the last town before Belegete, to maneuver through the mountainous terrain and thick rain forest to access Belegete. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Dianabasi Effiong

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