NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FCT rural women seek inclusion in governance, politics
Gender

FCT rural women seek inclusion in governance, politics

267 total views today

 

By Justina Auta

Some rural women in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) communities have sought for inclusion in  leadership positions in the country.

The women made the call at a two-day capacity building workshop for women in leadership positions in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT.

The workshop was organised by an NGO, 100 Women Lobby Group, at an event to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day with a theme “Empowering Women for a Sustainable future.

Mrs Olabisi Ogedengbe, Leader of women farmers in Gwagwalada Area council, noted the challenges women face in accessing political and leadership positions, in spite of their qualification, experience, zeal and commitment to the cause.

“We have women that are qualified and have the experience and passion to lead in any political position.

“We are often neglected and not given a level playing ground for our potentials to be harnessed,” she said.

Ogedenge attributed the barrier to cultural and religious stereotypes, lack of financial resources, poor leadership skills, Gender Based Violence (GBV)and lack of media exposure as hindrances affecting their participation.

She therefore, stressed the need for mentorship, capacity building, access to funds and full implementation of policies and laws towards protecting the rights of women.

Also speaking, Mrs Sarauniya Erondu of the FCT Market Women Association,  said  some of the political office holders elected or appointed make themselves inaccessible and refuse to keep to their campaign promises of carrying women along during their tenure in office.

She explained that the immense contributions women make in political, economic and social development of the nation are yet to be recognised or reciprocated by giving them the chance to harness their potentials in politics.

“They reach out to us during campaigns because they need our votes.

“Immediately they win, they make themselves inaccessible and refuse to keep to their campaign promises or even address some of the challenges affecting women.

“Even to give our unemployed children jobs, they don’t consider us when they have opportunities to assist” she said.

She urged women to invest in themselves by acquiring skills, engage in politics, and hold their political leaders accountable to ensure they fulfill all their campaign promises.

In her contribution, Mrs Dudu Manuga, the Gombe State Coordinator of the group who doubles as the State APC Woman Leader, stressed the need to empower women in rural areas to engage in politics and leadership positions.

“Let us go down to the women in the communities who want to run for council and local government chairman, let us empower them also”

“We need to empower them because we are leaving the grassroots behind. And if we can carry the grassroots, the numbers will change.

“They will grow to begin to enter into bigger offices at the state and national level to represent our interest”

“Women need to identify those vying for positions in their constituencies and to stand with them,” she said.

Manuga also encouraged women to strategise and plan ahead, acquire public speaking skills, mobilise funds, engage the media and support qualified female candidates vying for various positions.

Mrs Felicia Onibon, National Coordinator of the Group, said the workshop aims at empowering grassroot women to be politically inclined and participate in politics, governance and decision making at the local government and state levels.

“Our own area of interest is governance in politics. By creating opportunities for women, giving them the chance to come out of their shells and be able to participate effectively in governance.

“The outcome of today’s meeting was that some of the participants who want to contest in politics, but can not speak in the public now realise that talking and expressing oneself is actually the ace to it and have acquired public speaking skills.

“So with these programmes in different communities, their mindset will change and when they see a woman contesting, they will see reasons why they should support her,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Sadiya Hamza

Tinubu disappoints naysayers over Qatar visit– Analyst
Politics , General News

Tinubu disappoints naysayers over Qatar visit– Analyst

212 total views today
By Chioma Ugboma
An Abuja-based Public Affairs Analyst,  Mr Chukwudi Enekwechi, says President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Qatar  disappointed naysayers as it offered vistas of opportunities for Nigerians.
Enekwechi in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos said  the visit  offered opportunities for citizens of both countries in tourism and business events.
“It also offered a memorandum of understanding in combating illicit drug trade and psychotropic substances.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Tinubu  honoured an invitation by His Highness, Sheikh Tamim Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, to visit the country.
The  President departed  Lagos State on a two-day official visit to the State of Qatar on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, to further strengthen cooperation between the two nations.
The trade and investments visit to Qatar, according to Enekwechi, contrary to opinions that the trip will not hold, became a huge success.
“All hell was let loose as some naysayers opined that the trip will  no longer hold as the Qatari emirate/government had declined the invitation.
“This negative narrative was gaining traction in the media space until the Federal Government debunked the storyline, and reassured Nigerians that the President was still on his way to the Middle East country.
“The government was ultimately proved right as President Tinubu, along with his team visited Qatar on a two-day visit and met with the highest authority in the country, Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
“He also had audience with some senior members of the Qatar government, with all the meetings targeted at stimulating foreign direct investments to Nigeria.
“Regardless of the hullabaloo in the media about the trip, it has turned out to be fruitful and beneficial to the country. In multiple bilateral agreements signed by both countries,” he said.
He said that not only was the visit  a gateway for promoting cooperation in different areas, agreements were also signed by Nigeria and Qatar in the areas of education and regulation of employment of workers.
“Furthermore, both countries signed an agreement to establish a Joint Business Council (JBC), between the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
“This is apart from the one in the field of youths and sports.”
According to him, in our quest for growth and development, the role of foreign direct investors is a necessity, and President Tinubu has used the opportunity of the Qatar visit to announce readiness of Nigeria to welcome foreign investors.
“Also his tendency to use such visits to promote the vitality of Nigeria youths, as well as the strength they possess in driving the growth of the country is quite encouraging.”
He noted that the trip which had a retinue of cabinet members covering the relevant sectors, could be described as a showpiece of several businesses and investment opportunities in Nigeria.
“Having set the ball rolling, I believe that the Qatari business community will in no distant time,  begin to tap into the vast investment potentials in Nigeria.
“With such move, the President has also demonstrated that  the doubts that were raised before the trip have been dispelled and the cynics have swallowed their words.”
Enekwechi added that  with the numerous transformative policies enunciated and being implemented by the Tinubu administration, foreign investors would soon choose Nigeria as their destination.
“The Nigeria economy will once again witness a boost. It is, therefore, imperative that  citizens keep hope alive, and give the Federal Government the requisite support to enable it succeed.
“The cynics should exercise restraint in projecting their country in bad light to the outside world,” he added. (NAN)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
FG trains 57 front line health workers to address nutrition problem
Forum , General News , Health

FG trains 57 front line health workers to address nutrition problem

187 total views today

By Franca Ofili

The Federal Government has trained 57 front line health workers on nutrition to enhance optimal Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) communication and services to Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was funded by the World Bank at the tune of 232 million dollars.

NAN reports that the world bank in partnership with the government is implementing a five year nutrition programme called the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN).

The aim of the project was to increase quality and cost-effective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and children under five years of age.

Mrs Lawal-Aiyedum Olubunmi, Chief Executive Officer, Maternal Adolescent and Reproductive Child Healthcare (MARCH) initiative, told NAN that she would promote and support breastfeeding at the grassroots.

According to her, as a Pediatric Nurse, she would work with some of the participants to train the nurses on proper information on nutrition

“I want to focus on the nurses because they are the foundation of health care system.

“So, when they get it right everybody will get it right because nurses play a vital role in the area of communication and counselling the mothers.

” The nurses work starts from antenatal, delivering of the baby, immunisation and postnatal which is the right avenue to educate mothers on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding,” Olubunmi said.

She promised to cooperate with the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives and the National Association of Pediatric Nurses Practitioners to achieve her goal on addressing nutrition problems in Nigeria.

According to her, she planned to train student nurses because they need to have the skills earlier.

Olubunmi advocated the establishment of creches for breastfeeding mothers within the informal sectors to enable them practice exclusive breastfeeding.

“We need to educate women on what is called early initiation of exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding for two years or beyond,” she said.

Olubunmi called on wives of the governors and other women associations to ensure they educate mothers whenever they have programme.

According to her, she will partner with stakeholders to address the needs of children leaving with special needs.

“For children with abnormalities feeding them is a different thing,” she said.

Also, Mr Abba Kyari, Nutrition Officer, NPHCDA, a participant said that complementary feeding has to be age appropriate.

Kyari said that the frequency of giving appropriate food with two to three snacks four times a day was learnt.

He said, “When the child keeps growing the feeding pattern also changes, that means density of the food giving to the child changes.”

Kyari said that he would ensure that healthcare workers are trained on the new ways of practicing exclusive breastfeeding.

He said the training was an eye opener as a lot of new things were learnt.

“The training will help us draw an action plan to various agencies and ministries to see how we can collaborate with the ministry of health to implement various programmes in the community to reduce malnutrition in the country.

“We will ensure that training will be cascaded at the state level, local government level and the health care workers.

” The healthcare workers are at the frontline that will be responsible for providing counselling to the mothers and caregivers and also at the community level,” he said.

Mrs Sarah Ohuche, NPHCDA, also a participant, said that what she knew before was different from what was taught.

Ohuche said that the training would be extended to the health workers, down to the local government and the health facilities to teach them what she learnt

According to her, the new methods that are being used now is WHO standard and I hope to cascaded to the local and state level.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir  Rabe Mani

Homeownership: Lagos residents seek more accessible NHF
General News , Economy/Business

Homeownership: Lagos residents seek more accessible NHF

193 total views today

 

By Lydia Ngwakwe

Some Lagos residents have appealed to the Federal Government to make the National Housing Fund (NHF)  more accessible and smoother to help people achieve homeownership

The residents disclosed this in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos, while reacting to the rising price of cement in the country.

They said in spite of the agreement between the Federal Government and manufacturers to sell a bag of 50kg cement at a retail price between N7,000 and N8,000, cement was still sold at exorbitant rates.

They noted that the inflated price of cement had made it hard for them to build or renovate their homes.

They, however, called on the government to streamline the NHF to allow for a hassle-free experience.

Mr Obot Akpanim, a federal civil servant, who did not want to disclose the name of his ministry, said, “Sometimes, I feel the government creates rules and programmes that make it hard for the poor people to improve their situation.

“I have applied severally for the NHF mortgage since 2022, as we speak, I’m not able to access it due to its complex application process.

“At my age (55years), I am still not able to build a room for myself. Now, look at what the price of cement is talking.’’

Mrs Felicitas Igbodo, a business owner, urged the government to further bring down the NHF mortgage rates so as to allow low income earners benefit from the scheme.

Igbodo also enjoined the government to come up with other initiatives that would make homeownership more accessible for the people.

According to her, the government can help low-income earners understand budgeting, saving, and responsible homeownership practices.

Mr Paul Ibeano, a former employee of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), urged the government to address the issue of limited availability of funds in the scheme.

“Once this is addressed, a good number of Nigerians will own a home of their own.

“I am a beneficiary of that scheme, though it took me a very long time to achieve it due to high demand and limitations on the amount of funds available.

“This made me wait a longer time before I got this two-bedroom apartment that I am living with my family today in FESTAC Town.

“Though looking rough, this is because the price of cement made it so. You can see that I’m placing plywood on the floor of my balcony because of the holes.

“You can also see the crack on my wall on my balcony, due to the high price, I’m not able to renovate the dwarf wall and the floor,’’ he said.

Mrs Chijindu Okoye, a civil servant, called on the government to embrace policies that would tackle inflation in the country.

Okoye also urged government to make the environment more friendly for businesses to thrive.

Meanwhile, a check by NAN revealed that the retailers around Ikotun, Idimu and Egbeda axis of Lagos, were still not following the agreed-upon price range.

They still sold at a high rate such as N10, 000 to N14, 000 per 50kg bag in these areas, depending on the brand.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

FG should not stop funding secondary education commission – NUT
Education

FG should not stop funding secondary education commission – NUT

244 total views today

By Philomina Attah

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), has raised concerns over the Federal Government’s plan to stop funding the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC).

Its Secretary-General, Dr Mike Ike-Ene, expressed the teachers’ concerns at a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.

“The withdrawal will pose a huge threat to the education sector.

“Education stands as a cornerstone for national development. In Nigeria, NSSEC plays a pivotal role in shaping the secondary education space.

“The NSSEC, being a creation of the National Assembly(NASS), must be funded by the Federal Government.

“We want the NASS to intervene and prevent the NSSEC from being financially strangled.

“NSSEC is a legal entity created by an Act of the National Assembly of Nigeria which makes it imperative to be funded by the Federal Government.

“There is no executive power or office that can abrogate the eexistence of an Act of NASS without first of all returning to it for legislative proceedings,” he said.

He expressed fears of dire consequences for Nigeria’s educational system if the funding was halted, pointing out that federal funding was crucial for educational standards, teachers training and updating of curricula.

“Without federal support, the NSSEC may struggle to bridge educational disparities between states, leading to a decline in the quality of education.”

He also spoke of challenges in the areas of infrastructure development, teacher motivation, curriculum development, educational research and innovation.

He called for careful consideration of the implications of excluding the NSSEC from federal funding, urging policymakers to prioritise the nation’s educational development and future stability.

“As Nigeria navigates through her educational course, diligent discrete consideration of the implications of such decisions are compelling.

“This is to ensure that the nation’s educational space is sustained, stabilised, reinforced, made robust, equitable and conducive for national building and in furtherance of the Renewed Hope of the Federal Government,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Indigenous oil coy performs 90,000 eye surgeries in 12 years
Health , Generative AI , Oil & Gas

Indigenous oil coy performs 90,000 eye surgeries in 12 years

250 total views today

By Nefishetu Yakubu

Seplat Energy JV/ NNPC E&P Limited on Wednesday disclosed that it had undertaken more than 90,000 eye surgeries in the last 12 years in its host communities of Edo, Delta and Imo.

Mr Emmanuel Otokhine, Base Manager, Western Asset, Seplat Energy, made this known during the opening of the 2024 Seplat/NNPC E&P Limited “Eye Can See” programme at the Oba’s Palace in Benin.

Otokhine said the initiative was part of Seplat’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme in areas where it operated.

He said that the programme was designed to provide eye care, visual aid and surgical treatment for cataract, glaucoma and other diseases that could lead to eye problems.

He said that the lives of many residents in its host communities had greatly been impacted positively since the inception of the programme, adding that more than 45,000 reading glasses and drugs had been dispensed.

“The programme is just beginning today and it will be difficult to give you the number of people who have benefited for this year.

“But we are targeting treating about 5000 people. We started by performing 19 surgeries yesterday and we hope to do more as we proceed in the weeklong medical care,” he said.

In her remarks, Mrs Faith Otitinor, representative of NNPC E&P Limited, Community Liason Officer, NEPL, Benin, thanked the various communities present for their cooperation over the years.

Otitinor said that the NNPC Ltd. and Seplat had partnered with highly qualified medical practitioners who had proven themselves in the field of optical care to deploy the programme since 2012.

In the same vein, the representative of the Oba of Benin, Chief Isaac Oghafua Oyeoba, the Oyeoba of Benin, thanked Seplat JV and NNPC E&P Limited for the kind gesture, saying that it had impacted positively on the people. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Deborah Coker/Christiana Fadare

Nigeria must adopt PPP model for accelerated development, unity – Experts
General News

Nigeria must adopt PPP model for accelerated development, unity – Experts

174 total views today

 

By Grace Alegba

Some tourism and health stakeholders have called for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) toward accelerated development and unity of the nation.

They made the call at the “All Eyes Open Conference/Film Preview Awards”, held on Wednesday at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Victoria Island in Lagos.

The event with the theme: “Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Nigeria for Effective Governance and Socio-Economic Growth” was organised by the LCCI Hotel and Tourism Sector and LCCI Medical Sector.

The event was also used to preview a movie produced by Dr Tunde Lawrenson, which captures actual experiences of COVID-19 victims and those of health and hospitality experts as well as other stakeholders.

The movie records other challenges and solutions which resulted in success formula for taming Coronavirus in Lagos to prevent and reduce deaths.

The stakeholders at the event discussed Coronavirus in Lagos as a case study of how PPP can deliver success, national cohesion and economic growth.

Dr Tunde Lawrenson, Director/Producer of the movie, “All Eyes Open”, to premier soon, explained how dialogue and advocacy for partnership could help resolve all the nation’s crisis.

“We have greater things that can keep us together than the minor things that are trying to tear us apart,” he said.

He said Nigerians won the fight against coronavirus because of collaboration and partnership which should be continued for all round progress.

The President and Chairman of the Council of LCCI, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, said LCCI hosted the initial preview of the movie to support the work against coronavirus as future reference materials.

Deliverying a keynote address , Idahosa said public-private partnerships  were important instruments for driving inclusive growth, fostering innovation, and delivering efficient and effective public services.

He explained how public-private partnerships could enhance growth of tourism and health sectors while reeling out measures for both sectors.

“By leveraging the complementary strengths of both sectors, we can address some of the most pressing challenges facing our society, from healthcare and education to infrastructure development and job creation.

“Today’s conference and film preview awards serve as a platform to highlight the transformative power of PPPs in Nigeria.

“We will explore best practices, share insights, and showcase success stories that demonstrate the tangible impact of collaborative efforts between government entities, businesses, and civil society organisations like the LCCI,” he said.

He explained need to ramp up investment toward reducing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit.

He reeled out measures on how to boost tourism and health infrastructure to promote growth through strategic partnerships.

Also, Mrs Sally Upko, Chairperson, LCCI Hotel and Tourism Group, said Lagos became reference point for taming coronavirus because despite the small landmass and explosive population, it tamed the pandemic.

She said the movie was an eye-opener to the public that COVID-19 did not ravage Nigeria as expected because of the special efforts of Lagos State to curtail the pandemic.

According to Dr Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, COVID-19 is an example of how government and private sector can achieve exceptional results through partnership.

L-R: The President and Chairman of the Council of LCCI, Mr Gabriel Idahosa; Mrs Abosede Okeyemi, Director of Membership, LCCI and Dr Tunde Lawrenson, Director/Producer of the movie “All Eyes Open” during “All Eyes Open Conference/Film Preview Awards” held at LCCI, Victoria Island in Lagos on Wednesday

Represented by Dr Bamidele Mutiu, Ogboye explained how the government through PPP used both public facilities and private labs for testing of different categories of residents through an efficient digital portal.

He said 70 per cent tests were done in private laboratories and 30 per cent in public laboratories, adding that collaboration ensured timely attendance to samples to deliver test results.

The Guest Speaker, Director, Prima Garnet Africa, Mr Dapo Daramola, explained how media could use timely accurate information to transform the society.

He gave a detailed history of the evolution and growth of the media in Nigeria as well as listing the importance of the media to the society.

He recalled and listed various occurrences and incidents including coronavirus and how government was able to use the media to correct misinformation and disinformation during the disasters and emergencies.

“Media if not well used will create a negative perception,” he said.

On his part, Mr Michael Osagie, who spoke on behalf of the awardees at the event explained the functions of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), urging the public to take advantage of the commission’s free services.

Osagie, a Director in PCC, explained how the commission was able to trace and get out trapped funds of 3,117 COVID-19 vaccinators and ensured they were all paid.

Other stakeholders made recommendations and presentations on health and tourism collaborations during the dreadful coronavirus era.

They spoke on how nations that developed fast now being called Asian Tigers were able to grow fast through public-private partnerships and how Nigeria needs to adopt the model.

They identified collaboration as the way forward and missing link to Nigeria’s revolutionary advancement. (NAN)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Aig-Imoukhuede, pioneer Access Bank CEO, returns to holdings as chairman
Banking

Aig-Imoukhuede, pioneer Access Bank CEO, returns to holdings as chairman

364 total views today
By Rukayat Adeyemi
Access Holdings Plc has announced Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Access Bank pioneer Group Chief Executive Officer (Group CEO), as its Non-Executive Chairman.
Mr Sunday Ekwochi, Company Secretary, Access Holdings, said this in a disclosure sent to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) on Wenesday in Lagos.
Ekwochi said that Aig-Imoukhuede would replace Mr Abubakar Jimoh, the erstwhile Chairman of the Holdings, who remains on the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
He stated that return of Aig-Imoukhuede was in response to the untimely passing of the immediate past Group CEO of Access Holdings, Dr Herbert Wigwe.
According to him, following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, the Holdings Board unanimously decided to invite Aig-Imoukhuede to the helm of governance of the group.
Ekwochi said: “This visionary and accomplished leader is bringing an outstanding record of accomplishments, wealth of expertise and leadership to guide the group into a new era of success.
“With an illustrious career spanning several decades in the banking and finance sector, Aig-Imoukhuede has proven to be an exceptional and influential leader.
“Having admirably laid a solid foundation for Access Bank’s success as Group CEO between 2002 and 2013, ably supported by his partner and deputy, the late Dr Herbert Wigwe, who later succeeded him.
According to him, under Aig-Imoukhuede’s leadership, Access Bank experienced remarkable growth and established itself as a trusted financial institution within the community.
The company secretary noted that the bank transformed from a minor player into one of Nigeria’s top five banks with presence in nine other African countries and the United Kingdom.
Ekwochi revealed that under Aig-Imoukhuede’s stewardship, Access Bank grew its customer base from 10 thousand to over six million with more than 5,000 employees and an asset base of 12 billion US dollars.
He said Access Bank, under the pioneer Group CEO, achieved numerous milestones and became a globally recognised name, adding that Aig-Imoukhuede’s
strategic vision, innovative thinking, and deep market insight were instrumental to shaping the bank’s success.
“Following Aig-Imoukhuede’s retirement as the bank’s CEO in December 2013, he co-founded the Tengen Family Office Ltd. The office oversees a significant portfolio of investments and businesses in banking, finance, insurance, technology, real estate, and energy.
“Through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, he is focused on building Nigeria’s next generation of government leaders, helping transform public sector effectiveness, and improving access to quality primary health care.
“The decision to bring back Aig-Imoukhuede as the Group’s Non-Executive Chairman reflects the Board’s commitment to our core values and determination to build upon the strong foundation, he jointly established with Wigwe.
“With his return, Access Holdings aims to leverage his extensive experience, industry knowledge, and exceptional leadership skills to consolidate on the growth and accomplishments recorded under Wigwe’s leadership.
“In his new role as Non-Executive Chairman, Aig-Imoukhuede will collaborate with the Board of Directors to oversee strategy and provide guidance to the executive management team.
“His return is not only a testament to his unwavering dedication to Access Group but also a clear demonstration of the Board’s confidence in his ability to lead the Group to new heights,” the company secretary said.
According to him, the entire Access Group family, including employees, customers, and stakeholders, eagerly anticipates Aig-Imoukhuede’s return and looks forward to a promising future under his leadership.
Ekwochi said that with Aig-Imoukhuede’s
expertise, passion, and commitment, the Access Group is poised to embark on a new chapter of impact and sustainable success.
In his reaction, Mr Abubakar Jimoh, past Chairman, Access Holdings expressed his excitement on the development.
Jimoh stated that Aig-Imoukhuede’s appointment to the Board and subsequent election as chairman is a landmark development for Access Holdings, as the board members are excited about their future with the firm.
Commenting, Aig-Imoukhuede said he was thrilled to be back in active service to the Access Group ecosystem.
He expressed that the determined shared vision which Wigwe gave everything for, will be realised.
“I am confident that working with our directors, our exceptional team of executives and our best-in-class banking and finance professionals, we will deliver outstanding value to our esteemed stakeholders,” he said.
Access Holdings Plc operates through a network of more than 600 branches and service outlets, spanning three continents, 18 countries and over 60 million customers.
The company serves its various markets through four business segments namely: Retail Business, Commercial and Corporate, and has enjoyed what is Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last twenty years. (NAN)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
Stakeholders advocate empowerment of women through media, information literacy
Gender , General News

Stakeholders advocate empowerment of women through media, information literacy

254 total views today

By Angela Atabo/Perpetua Onuegbu

Stakeholders at a dialogue held in Abuja have advocated for the empowerment of women through Media and Information Literacy (MIL).

The stakeholders made the call at an Intergenerational Dialogue, which is part of the activities to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day.

They maintained that MIL was a sure way towards achieving gender equality in Nigerian politics and governance.

The theme of the dialogue was, “Media and Information Literacy: A Tool for Enhancing Women’s Inclusion in Politics and Governance’’.

The event was organised by the Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue Foundation (MILID Foundation).

The keynote Speaker, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, said that gender inclusion in politics was faced with several challenges in the country.

Olorunyomi, the Publisher, Premium Times, said that despite constituting more than 50 per cent of the population, females held less than seven per cent of elective positions.

He added in his presentation entitled, “Enhancing Women’s Inclusion through Media and Information Literacy” that women still experienced discrimination while seeking for employment.

“Women lag behind in education and legal support, and they face broader social and economic inequalities, including limited access to resources, healthcare among others.

“MIL can empower women by helping them to gain access to diverse sources for information, building their skills and helping them to mobilise support, raise awareness and facilitate networking among women,” Olorunyomi said.

Mr Zissimos Vergo, Deputy Head of Delegation, Head of Politics, Press and Information Section, Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, reiterated the commitment of EU to inclusive governance in Nigeria.

Vergo said that the EU would assist Nigeria through electoral reforms and to ensure that gender bills are reintroduced to the 10th assembly.

“This will go a long way to increase the participation of women in politics, especially increasing the number of women in parliament across Nigeria.

“The number of women in parliament is low and some state houses of assembly do not even have a single woman,” Vergo noted.

Ms Chiamaka Okafor, Executive Director, MILID, said that the Foundation organised the dialogue to discuss and understand how the media was affecting women’s inclusion in politics and governance in Nigeria.

According to Okafor, the media plays a dominant role in defining the subordinate role that women play in politics and governance.

Ms Linda Akhigbe, Journalist and Special Adviser to the President on Strategic Communications, said MIL needed to be supported to address women’s needs.

Akhigbe called for consistent and deliberate action to always bring the issues of women to the limelight and to put activities in place to educate women, especially at the grassroots.

“Women need to be educated on how to talk to the press, there is also need to put policies and reforms in place to empower women.

“This is the time to that we need to begin to lobby lawmakers, traditional and religious rulers and make sure that these gender bills are passed to ensure more women in politics,” Akhigbe said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Christiana Fadare

DEPOWA empowers 102 barracks youths with skills
Defence/Security

DEPOWA empowers 102 barracks youths with skills

200 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA),  on Wednesday, graduated 102 barracks youths from its Skills Acquisition Centre as part of its empowerment programmes for the vulnerable in the society.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the association graduated three batches of trainees nominated by the various officers wives associations under defence.

The trainees were taught on various aspects of skills such as catering services, fashion designing, hair making/gele tying, bag making, computer appreciation, barbing and household items production.

The President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, said the graduation was an affirmation of DEPOWA’s well-known passion and commitment towards empowering the women, youths and other vulnerable members of the barracks and beyond.

Musa said it was in line with her vision of “Seeing Women and Girls Become Productive and Contributors to Family and Society Driven by Deep Sense of Values and Hard-working Spirit”.

She said the trainees were inaugurated on the Oct. 9, 2023 with 106 beneficiaries comprising 84 women and 22 men.

According to her, each of the participant’s training was fully funded by DEPOWA and all of them were provided with essential basic training materials and placed on monthly stipends of N10,000 to cater for their logistics and personal needs.

“It is also noteworthy that in spite of the limited funds at our disposal, we had to undertake a thorough renovation of the Centre and provided it with new equipment to ensure conducive learning environment prior to commencement of the training.

“This was necessary in view of the fact that all the departments of the Centre were in a deplorable state and with obsolete facilities.

“Permit me to further inform you that  Batches 14, 15 and 16 of 2023 trainees who are graduating today were nominated from the various sister-associations under DEPOWA.

“Considerations were, however, given to wives of fallen heroes and vulnerable youths within and outside the barrack community.

“They were exposed to intensive trainings based on the reviewed training curriculum of the Centre.

“The curriculum review was necessitated by the need to ensure that our trainees were adequately equipped with the right knowledge and contemporary skills to enable them have comparative advantage with their counterparts when they leave this centre,” she said.

DEPOWA president expressed confidence that the graduating trainees had all acquired requisite skills in their chosen areas of endeavor.

According to her, the training will guarantee them self-sustenance, assist their families in the nearest future and ultimately become useful members of the society.

She thanked the service chiefs and all the senior officers who contributed to the success of the skills acquisition trainings and all other DEPOWA endeavors.

Mrs Musa urged the trainees to make sure that they fully and responsibly utilise every opportunity that comes their way as well as being bold, brave, disciplined and continue to improve upon the crafts they have learnt from the centre.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said the graduation marked a significant milestone in the lives of the beneficiaries, saying they stand on the threshold of a new chapter filled with opportunities and possibilities.

Musa commended the graduating trainees for their hard work, dedication and perseverance, adding that the graduation was a testament to their commitment to personal and professional growth.

He also commended the president of DEPOWA and wives of service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police for their determination to assist the wives of fallen heroes and the vulnerable in the barrack community and beyond.

He lauded DEPOWA for nurturing talents and fostering a conducive learning environment that has played a pivotal role in shaping the future leaders and innovators.

The CDS enjoined the trainees to embrace the journey ahead with courage, passion and resilience.

In her remarks, the First President of DEPOWA, Mrs Esther Bali, expressed delight with the progress so far made by the successive leadership of DEPOWA and their commitment to its vision.

Bali congratulated the trainees for successfully passing through the training and urged them to utilize the knowledge acquired for the betterment of the future

She said that while academic qualifications were important, it would be sufficient to complement them with diverse set skills.

She said the combination would enable individuals to successfully navigate the job market as both jobs seekers and successful independent entrepreneurs in respective skills.

According to her, the solution of unemployment and empowerment lies in entrepreneurship and self-made business through skills acquisition. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Isaac Aregbesola

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