News Agency of Nigeria
Niger assembly approves governor’s N70bn bond request
Economy/Business

Niger assembly approves governor’s N70bn bond request

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By Rita Iliya

The Niger State House of Assembly has approved a ₦70 billion bond request by Gov. Umaru Bago to finance infrastructure projects in the state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bond was approved during the plenary session in Minna on Tuesday following its review by the House Committee on Finance, which presented its report to the House.

 

Chairman of the Committee, Aliyu Wushishi, said the bond request was part of a planned ₦100 billion Private Bond issuance for 10 years.

 

The House unanimously adopted the committee recommendation and approved the request of its report

 

The Speaker of the House, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, directed the Clerk of the House to transmit the formal approval to the executive.

 

NAN recalls that the house had on May 15 during its plenary session presided by Afiniki Dauda, Deputy Speaker, read the executive correspondence announcing Bago’s desire to seek the bond.

 

The correspondence revealed that the State Executive Council, at its 55th sitting on April 22, approved the issuance of the N70 billion out of the N100 billion Niger State 2025 bond raise programme.

 

In the letter to the House, the governor disclosed that the bond issue aimed to finance critical projects in healthcare, education, infrastructure, water supply, and inter- and intra-state connectivity. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Ismail Abdulaziz

Niger trains 6,000 youths on financial literacy 
General News

Niger trains 6,000 youths on financial literacy 

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By Rita Iliya

Niger government has commenced a financial literacy training programme for 6,000 young entrepreneurs across the 25 local governments in the state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports in Minna on Tuesday that the training was part of the government’s efforts to empower youths with skills and knowledge to enhance their businesses and productivity.

 

The training is being conducted by the Niger state government in partnerships with MasterCard Foundation and Enterprise Development Centre.

 

The online and offline training tagged: ‘Transforming Nigerian Youth Programme (TNY), was launched in March.

 

The programme is to train 10,000 youths, particularly young women, between the ages of 18 and 35.

 

Hajiya Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser to Niger Governor on Social Investment Programme, advised the beneficiaries to take the training seriously and make the most of the opportunity to better their lots.

 

“A door has been opened, and they should grab it and better their future,” she said.

 

She urged them to concentrate and be attentive, noting that there were many opportunities coming up with the training session.

 

According to her, human capital development is part of the vision of Gov. Mohammed Bago to build a new Niger, adding that the youths are the drivers of development.

 

Also speaking, Lady Helen Umaru, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Micro-Small Enterprise, emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship in today’s world.

 

She advised the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the programme to empower themselves and better their livelihoods.

 

In her remarks, Mrs Mary Berje, Special Adviser to Niger Governor on Women and Affirmative Action, said the programme was aimed at empowering women to promote economic growth and development.

 

Berje expressed optimism that the programme would provide the youths with opportunities to improve their economic status.

 

Similarly, Malam Ahmed Gwada, Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprise and Micro Finance Agency, explained that the training focuses on women to improve their capabilities on business development.

 

Fatima Rufai and Aisha Bosso, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the state government for the opportunity, adding that the programme would improve their skill on how to start and manage a business. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

W/Africa risks increased climate-related disasters — Minister
Foreign

W/Africa risks increased climate-related disasters — Minister

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By Mark Longyen

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has warned that West Africa and the entire African continent are at risk of severe climate-related disasters.

Keyamo raised the alarm, while declaring open a regional workshop of ECOWAS Directors of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, climate-induced disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, with vulnerable communities often bearing most of the impacts.

He said that the challenges had far-reaching implications for food security, water availability, public health, transportation, energy systems, livelihoods, national security and overall socio-economic stability.

“Now, more than ever in recorded history, West Africa is faced with various weather and climate-related threats.

“These include erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, heavy thunderstorms, destructive windstorms, intense flooding, increasing temperatures and rising sea levels.

“This further highlights the enormity of the challenge facing the entire continent and the ECOWAS region in particular.

“This meeting couldn’t have come at a better time and provides the opportunity for us to assess the readiness of the region to meet its early warning target,” he said.

Keyamo said the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) 2023 State of the Climate Report states that climate-related hazards cause African countries to lose two to five per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP) annually.

According to him, the report says many West African countries divert up to nine per cent of their budgets to respond to climate extremes as rainfall deficits led to localised shortfalls in agricultural production in 2023.

“In the face of these realities, the work of our meteorological and hydrological services has become indispensable.

“The need for accurate, timely, and actionable weather and climate information has never been more critical to saving lives, securing livelihoods, and driving sustainable development across the region.

“In recognition of these important roles, Nigeria established the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in 2003 and was amended in 2022,” he said.

The minister explained that ”NiMet’s mandate is to provide weather, climate, and hydrometeorological information for the safety of lives and property, and socio-economic development across all sectors.”

He said that NiMet, whose contributions to the development and practice of meteorology in the ECOWAS region covered a wide range of areas, had evolved into a modern, science-driven agency.

Keyamo said that NiMet had become not only the authoritative source of meteorological information for Nigeria but also a trusted partner and leader in West Africa and beyond.

He noted that the agency’s pioneering work on Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) had become a template for other Meteorological Services in the region.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has remained firmly committed to strengthening NiMet’s operational capacity, expanding its reach, and promoting regional collaboration.

“Investments in modernisation, human capital development, and international partnerships continue to reflect our firm belief that weather, climate and hydrological information is vital to national and regional development.

“Recall that at the launch of the Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative, the United Nations had set an ambitious target of ensuring that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027,” Keyamo said.

Keyamo said that Nigeria was fully committed to supporting not only NiMet but also the wider ECOWAS community in its shared quest to build a climate-smart, weather-ready West African region.

“This meeting reflects our shared commitment to regional cooperation as well as a clear indication of the growing recognition of the critical role that meteorological and hydrological services play in our pursuit of sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation and mitigation among others.

“I want to implore all of us to see this meeting as a means of exploring new and innovative ways to deepen cooperation, share best practices, and harmonise efforts for the collective benefit of our people.

“The challenges we face are common, and so too must be our solutions,” the minister added.

Speaking earlier, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure-Litse, noted that West Africa was one of the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change.

She, however, said the region was one of the least equipped with the data, infrastructure, and systems required for effective climate resilience.

“Recent data from the ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Network (ECOWARN) showed that between 2021 and 2024, the region experienced a 47 per cent increase in flood-related incidents, affecting over 5 million people, with damages estimated at over 1.3 billion dollars.

“A recent ECOWAS study handled by WASCAL found that climate-related disruptions reduced agricultural productivity in the region by up to 10 per cent in 2024, contributing to food insecurity and inflationary pressures.

“This situation will be worst if nothing is done in terms of mitigation and global temperatures reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 as forecast,” Toure-Litse, represented by Mr Bernard Koffi, said.

The commissioner emphasised the importance of generating climate forecast information from meteorological and hydrological directorates and their transfer to relevant national development agencies and dissemination towards rural and urban populations are critical.

This, she said, underscored the urgent need for enhanced hydrological and meteorological capacity that were now referred to collectively as hydromet services.

Toure-Litse encouraged the meteorological and hydrological directors to fulfill their role according to the regular and urgent needs from populations.

“Our populations, particularly those who live in rural areas need accurate and timely meteorological data and information to adapt.

“The accessibility to data and information is a critical issue that was emphasised by African ministers while they were adopting the African Meteorological Strategy.

“According to the World Bank, every dollar invested in early warning systems can yield up to 9 dollars in benefits, including avoided losses and enhanced productivity,” she added.

Also speaking, Prof. Charles Anosike, NiMet Director-General, said the event was an opportunity for participants to agree on practical measures to improve the performance of meteorological and hydrological services within the region.

He emphasised the importance of leveraging technology for enhanced service delivery.

“Through artificial intelligence, enhanced satellite technology, big data integration and collaborative partnerships, meteorology is witnessing a renaissance that promises to improve predictive accuracy and user engagement.

“The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather and climate events ranging from floods and droughts to heat waves and storms pose significant challenges to our economies, aviation safety, food security, water resources, national security and overall well-being of our people,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Rethinking cocoa
Features

Rethinking cocoa

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By Chijioke Okoronkwo

In the pre-independence Nigeria, agriculture, especially cocoa farming, was one of the mainstays of the nation’s economy.

The top five cocoa producing states in Nigeria are Ondo, Osun, Cross River, Oyo, and Ogun, while Edo, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Delta, Abia, Enugu and Akwa Ibom produce in a smaller scale.

Regrettably, as oil production and exportation gained momentum, there was a significant shift from agriculture, including cocoa farming, as investment in it waned.

In recent years, there have been a resurgence of cocoa farming and increased trading in the commodity as well as rise in the price – bringing hope and excitement to stakeholders.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed a significant surge in Nigeria’s cocoa exports, with the country exporting N1.2 trillion in 2024 and up from N171 billion in 2023, representing an impressive 606 per cent increase in the fourth quarter of 2024 alone.

This surge is attributed to a combination of favourable market conditions and the impact of seasonality, as well as unfavourable weather patterns affecting major global cocoa producers, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana.

“Nigeria’s cocoa exports recorded a 92 per cent rise from N624.71 billion in the third quarter of 2024, fueled by cocoa price rally.

“As prices soared, Nigerian cocoa farmers and exporters took advantage of the opportunity, reviving old cocoa plantations and planting new cocoa trees to tap into the lucrative cash crop value chain,’’ AgroNigeria has reported.

From cocoa butter, chocolate liquor, chocolate cake and cocoa powder to animal feed and pectin, among others, cocoa had been very useful to the medical, confectionary and food industry.

Economic experts say the global resurgence of the cocoa trade must be optimally harnessed by Nigeria, the fourth largest producer of cocoa in the world.

Recently, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the draft bill for the establishment of the National Cocoa Management Board (NCMB) in order to revamp Nigeria’s cocoa industry.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who conveyed the decision, said the initiative was aimed at establishing Nigeria as a key player in the global cocoa market while enhancing the welfare of cocoa farmers nationwide.

According to him, the decision is in tandem with broader goals to ensure sustainable practices and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers who are crucial to the industry.

Kyari said that NCMB would be empowered to regulate the cocoa sub-sector, rehabilitate plantations, provide soft credit facilities to farmers, and enforce market standards.

“The board is expected to drive a sustainable cocoa economy that will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s gross domestic product by boosting domestic consumption, attracting youths into agriculture, and increasing foreign exchange earnings through export of premium-quality cocoa products.

“In 2023, Nigeria generated N356.16 billion from cocoa beans and allied products. With this new framework, we will be competing directly with top global producers such as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire,” he said.

At the subnational, cocoa stakeholders and farmers are making the resurgence count.

A cocoa farmer at Erunmu in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr Taofeek Adesola, said he returned to his village in 2020 to take care of his late father’s cocoa farm after he lost his job in Lagos State.

Adesola said that the decision had changed his economic status.

“I have renovated my late father’s house at Lalupon and equally started building my own house from cocoa beans proceeds,” he said.

He spoke on his plan to start cultivating more high-yielding seedlings to replace old cocoa trees in his late father’s farm in the coming season.

A cocoa produce buyer in the state, Chief Ezekiel Olagunju, also confirmed the development, attributing it to poor Naira exchange rate with the dollar.

According to him, the exchange rate favours cocoa exporters as they get more Naira from export of cocoa beans.

Olagunju further attributed the boom to the shortfall in cocoa production in Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana as a result of unfavourable weather in the two countries.

According to him, the two countries are the top cocoa growers in West Africa, and a shortfall in the countries’ supplies resulted in high demand from Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Enugu State Government, in collaboration with a private investor, WhiteRabbit Agro Ltd., has embarked on establishing cocoa plantations in the state for massive production and processing.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Mr Patrick Ubru, said that the pilot plantation of 20 hectares was located in Nkanu East Local Government Area of the state.

“In line with Gov. Peter Mbah’s vision, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation is in partnership with a private investor, WhiteRabbit Agro Ltd., to develop the state government’s Cocoa Initiative and make the state a mass cocoa producer and processor.

“The ministry will also push to spread the initiative to five other local government areas surrounding Nkanu East LGA due to their similarities in topography and soil type.

“We are reaching out to local government areas within that topography and soil type such as Nkanu West, Isi-Uzo, Oji-River, Aninri and Awgu to, at least, do a pilot of 100 hectares of cocoa plantation in each.

“We are pursuing it with the vigour it deserves and we want to ensure that we encourage our people to take to cocoa farming and have large cocoa plantations of their own,” he said.

The commissioner said that the partners in the project were already developing 100,000 high-yielding and early-producing cocoa varieties obtained from Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan.

Ubru said that the cocoa nursery was located at Amaechi Idodo community in Nkanu East Local Government Area.

“One tonne of cocoa today in the international market goes for 10,500 dollars; in naira, the value is about N16.3 million.

“The governor gave a mandate to the ministry, when we came on board, to develop cocoa farming, and we are head-on doing it and collaborating with all stakeholders,’’ he said.

In Cross River, the cocoa renaissance tune is also reverberating.

Recently, the A A Universal Agro Company, said that Nigeria could earn N900 billion annually from the Ikom Cocoa Export Processing Plant in Cross River when fully operational.

The Managing Director of the agro company, Mr Chris Agara, whose firm is the concessionaire of the cocoa processing plant, said he was in partnership with an Israeli compan, B and Co., a member of the LR Group, to turn around Nigeria’s cocoa industry.

“My firm has a contract grant agreement between the U.S. Government through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).

“The contract is to carry out feasibility study and bankable business plan to farm and develop cocoa and cassava farms and value chains from farm to table, to international standards and best practice.

“It will be for local uses and export purposes,” he said.

The industrialist said that adopting the firm’s protocols and methodology would increase cocoa yield from its present 400kg per hectare to 3.5 tonnes per hectare.

He urged the Federal Government to give support the firm to enable it to access funds from the International Finance Institute.

“The Federal Government should support us because this funding we are trying to raise is from the International Finance Institute.

“We need guarantee from the Federal Government for this funding.

“We also need guarantee from the state government through a policy, to ensure that Cross River cocoa is processed in Cross River, because most of our cocoa is taken out of the state by merchants.

“Our foreign partner is one of the largest agro companies in Israel; their technology can improve our cocoa farm yields from less than half a tonne to 3.5 or four tonnes, which we want to introduce to farmers.”

Agara said that the organisation would also help farmers to regenerate their farms ttoa higher and better production level.

It is noteworthy that cocoa prices can fluctuate.

Data from AFEX indicates that cocoa prices plunged by 25.73 per cent in early May having hit a historic high of N15, 900 per kilogramme.

Reports also show that the commodity currently sells dor about ₦10,000 per kilogramme after an 18-week low of ₦9,500.

Analysts are optimistic that Nigeria will do more to revamp its cocoa industry to boost foreign exchange, create jobs and improve the economy. (NANFeartures)

***if used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria

ECOWAS Parliament tasks members on regional integration
Foreign

ECOWAS Parliament tasks members on regional integration

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Participants at the First Ordinary Session of the 2025 ECOWAS Parliament on Tuesday in Abuja. (NAN)

 

By Mark Longyen

Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament Memounatou Ibrahima has urged member states to deliberately embrace, cultivate, and reinvent the institution’s integration agenda as it marks its 50th anniversary in May.

Ibrahima made the plea on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2025 First Ordinary Session of the regional parliament, which also heralded the activities lined up for the parliament’s 25th anniversary in November.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the parliament’s 25th anniversary celebrations mark the beginning of a series of activities aimed at promoting regional integration and cooperation among ECOWAS member states.

According to her, there is the need for collective efforts by all ECOWAS institutions and member states to build a more integrated and prosperous West African economic bloc.

Ibrahima, therefore, called on member states to work together to address common challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality for economic growth and development.

“This silver jubilee that we are celebrating must remind us that integration is not an inevitable destiny but a daily choice that we must make to constantly cultivate and reinvent.

“The progress made together and the results obtained so far are still confronted with so many challenges that we have to meet for the well-being of our fellow citizens.

“Integration and community life is a long-term and everyday task that we must continue relentlessly. However, we must celebrate our victories in an inclusive manner alongside other sister ECOWAS Institutions,” she said.

While paying tribute to ECOWAS’ founding fathers, Ibrahima enumerated the parliament’s achievements over the years to include its promoting of parliamentary cooperation, managing of political crises, and enhancing of regional integration.

The speaker unveiled the activities lined up for the anniversary to include seminars, workshops, and other events that would bring together stakeholders to brainstorm on the bloc’s shared vision and challenges.

“One of the key areas of focus for the parliament’s anniversary celebrations will be the promotion of economic integration and trade among member states.

“The ECOWAS Parliament’s 25th anniversary celebrations will also provide an opportunity for the community to reflect on its achievements and challenges over the past five decades.

“The community has made significant progress in promoting regional integration and cooperation, but there is still much work to be done to achieve its vision of a united and prosperous West Africa,” she said.

She said that the parliament would continue to play a vital role in promoting regional integration and cooperation while prioritising the people’s collective economic growth and development.

Dr Omar Touray, President, ECOWAS Commission, said that the parliament occupied a strategic position in ECOWAS integration process, with its members being the representatives of the Community citizens.

He said that the event had a two-fold significance, that is, the withdrawal of three member states with its potential impact on integration, and ECOWAS’ Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Touray said that ECOWAS would commence direct discussions with the three withdrawn Sahel countries on the methodology of the negotiations regarding the contingency plan for their complete withdrawal this week.

According to him, the position of ECOWAS is that the separation of the three countries should not come at the expense of the community citizens.

He said that the celebration was not only a moment of rejoicing but above all a moment of reflection and introspection on ECOWAS’ achievements and prospects.

“In this regard, a Summit on the Future of West Africa will be held for our member states to agree on a compact on the future of the Community.

“The summit will be preceded by series of discussions and reflections by diverse stakeholders within the community and beyond.

“Therefore, while we celebrate our achievements, we will reflect deeply on what has worked well and what has not worked well over the past fifty years.

“This is as much in terms of the pursuit of security and political stability as in terms of socio-economic and infrastructural development,” he said.

In a message of goodwill, President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, stressed the need to deepen collaboration between the Court and Parliament towards promoting regional integration and justice to achieve ECOWAS Vision 2050.

He said while the Parliament was crucial in amplifying Community citizens’ voices and ensuring that their aspirations and concerns were translated into policies and actions, the Court upheld the rule of law and promoted human rights.

Gonçalves said the year 2025 had been significant because it marked the 25th anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament and the 50th anniversary of the ECOWAS as a bloc.

According to the Community Court’s President, the milestones are presenting an opportunity for the bloc to reflect on its progress and reaffirm its commitment to the ideals of regional integration, peace, and justice. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

China etches global impact in currency
Foreign

China etches global impact in currency

310 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Busayo Onijala

 

A new book, Chinese Imprints on World Currency, highlights China’s growing global partnerships and infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

 

 

 

Launched on Monday in Beijing, the book showcases 121 coins and banknotes from 58 countries marking key Chinese-built infrastructure projects.

 

 

 

China’s Assistant Foreign Minister, Hong Lei, described the book as a tribute to the nation’s contributions and efforts toward a shared future for humanity.

 

 

 

“This collection highlights the achievements of Chinese enterprises and our commitment to a more connected and prosperous world,” Hong stated.

 

 

 

He added that through global infrastructure efforts, China promotes peace, prosperity, and long-term international cooperation.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book reflects three themes: large-scale construction, environmental protection, and diplomatic collaboration.

 

 

 

Author Du Xiaojian expressed pride in China’s impact and growing recognition on the global stage through cooperation and shared development.

 

 

 

“With China’s achievements and vision, the world becomes more deeply connected,” Du said during his address.

 

 

 

A key feature is the global currency collection showcasing infrastructure built by Chinese companies.

 

 

 

For instance, Jamaica’s 5,000-dollar banknote features the North-South highway, built by China Harbour Engineering Company.

 

 

 

Croatia’s 25-kuna 2022 commemorative coin displays the Pelješac Bridge, constructed by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

 

 

 

The bridge represents the largest transportation project since diplomatic ties were established between China and Croatia.

 

 

 

Sri Lanka’s 20-rupee note celebrates the Colombo Port project, jointly undertaken with China under the BRI.

 

 

 

CCCC President Wang Haihuai said the Colombo Port City project will generate 140,000 direct jobs, boosting Sri Lanka’s economy.

 

 

 

CCCC, one of China’s top international contractors, has worked in 158 countries, executing over 18 major global infrastructure projects.

 

 

 

Wang emphasised that these developments are more than physical works; they are economic lifelines for host nations.

 

 

 

“The appearance of Chinese-built infrastructure on world currency shows win-win cooperation and honours Chinese enterprise,” Wang remarked.

 

 

 

He added that these currencies symbolise China’s tangible investments and the mutual respect between partner countries.

 

 

 

Beyond infrastructure, Chinese firms also support education and talent development globally.

 

 

 

With nearly 90,000 overseas staff, CCCC has created thousands of jobs and sponsored over 400 students to study in China.

 

 

 

Wang noted that investing in people ensures lasting benefits for partner nations and their projects.

 

 

 

The event also reaffirmed China’s diplomatic values of peace, mutual respect, and non-interference in other nations’ internal affairs.

 

 

 

President Xi Jinping’s vision of multilateralism and inclusive development was echoed throughout the launch.

 

 

 

As China expands globally through the BRI, Global Development Initiative, and Global Security Initiative, the book highlights its leadership role.

 

 

 

NAN also reports that ambassadors from over 10 countries, including Sri Lanka and Egypt, attended the ceremony.

 

 

 

The envoys praised the BRI’s impact and pledged to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation with China. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Oropo

Physicians advocate integrating mental health services in primary care
Health

Physicians advocate integrating mental health services in primary care

381 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

 

 

 

The Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON) says integrating mental health services into primary care, through the efforts of family physicians, is crucial for improving mental health outcomes of patients.

 

Its President, Dr Blessing Chukwukelu, said this on Monday during a news conference in commemoration of World Family Doctor Day.

 

The World Family Doctor Day, celebrated globally on May 19, aims to highlight the vital role family doctors play in mental wellness, emphasising the interdependence between doctors’ well-being and ability to care for patients.

 

 

 

The theme of the 2025 celebration is “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World”.

 

Chukwukelu noted that primary care, with its emphasis on long-term relationships, continuity of care, and a person-centred approach, is uniquely positioned to promote mental wellness.

 

She emphasised that integrating primary care aligned with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) for low and middle-income countries like Nigeria, as a foundation for improving mental health outcomes.

 

According to her, this approach to care enables early diagnosis and treatment for mental health conditions before they escalate to crises.

 

 

 

“The burden of mental illness in Nigeria is substantial, a fact that is often obscured by the pervasive stigma that surrounds mental health issues.

 

 

 

“This stigma, this reluctance to acknowledge and address mental health challenges, prevents countless individuals from seeking the help they need.

 

“It leads to delay in diagnosis, hinders access to treatment, and it perpetuates a cycle of suffering that can have devastating consequences,” she said.

 

Chukwukelu highlighted that the shortage in the number of psychiatrists, a ratio put at one psychiatrist to 700,000 patients, was a major impediment to access specialised care, especially in rural and underserved areas.

 

 

 

The president noted that routine screening for mental health conditions in primary care settings is unmet due to the absence of standardised screening tools that are culturally appropriate for the Nigerian context.

 

 

 

She lamented that the situation is further complicated by the lack of adequate training in mental healthcare for primary care staff.

 

 

 

“This lack of training leaves a significant gap in the early identification and management of common mental disorders at the community level, where family physicians are often the only healthcare providers readily accessible.

 

“It is against this backdrop that the role of the family physician becomes even more critical.

 

“We, as family doctors, are strategically positioned to address these challenges, to bridge these gaps, and to make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health conditions.

 

“As the first point of contact in the healthcare system, we have the opportunity to conduct initial mental health screening, using validated tools such as the General Health Questionnaire (GHO-12) or the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHO-9), which have been successfully piloted in some Nigerian primary care settings,” she said.

 

 

 

She emphasised that these screenings can help to identify individuals who may be at risk of mental health problems, allowing for early intervention and timely referral to specialised services when needed.

 

Chukwukelu noted that family doctors’ presence and proximity in communities allow them to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce the stigma that surrounds it and encourage individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.

 

She added that through targeted training in mental health, family physicians acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to manage common mental disorders effectively.

 

“We are not just treating illnesses; we are caring for people. We are not just addressing symptoms; we are understanding the context of their lives.

 

“Life, as we all know, can be incredibly stressful and uncertain. Individuals everywhere are grappling with a wide range of challenges, from anxiety and depression to grief and the everyday pressures of modern life.

 

 

 

“Family Doctors, with their holistic understanding of their patients’ lives, are able to identify and address these challenges early, before they escalate into a full-blown crisis,” she said.

 

According to her, SOFPON is championing conversation from an unattainable idea of perfect mental health to one of building resilience, adaptability, and balance in an ever-changing world.

 

She acknowledged the challenges of mental health care, however, noted that they are surmountable through collaborating across sectors and harnessing the power of collective expertise.

 

 

 

“We can create a society that not only supports mental health but also fosters resilience, enabling individuals to live fulfilling lives, to reach their full potential, and to contribute meaningfully to their communities,” she said.

 

 

 

Similarly, Dr Sixtus Ozuomba, Lagos State Chairman of SOFPON, urged family doctors to prioritise their mental wellness to enable them to function effectively for their patients.

 

According to Ozuomba, doctors aren’t immuned to social and economic challenges, which could affect their mental health.

 

According to him, paying proper attention to mental well-being enables both doctors and patients to thrive together, creating a healthier and more resilient healthcare system.

 

He disclosed that SOFPON was collaborating with R-Jolad Hospital to celebrate the World Family Doctor’s Day with an awareness walk and free health outreach for the public. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Reps moves to rejuvenate Nigeria’s textile industry
Politics

Reps moves to rejuvenate Nigeria’s textile industry

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By EricJames Ochigbo

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to ban importation of foreign textiles as a way of rejuvenating the production of local textile materials in the country.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep. Garba Muhammad (NNPP-Kano) at the plenary on Tuesday.

Moving the motion, Muhammad said that the Nigerian textile industry, with over 180 mills in operation in the 1960s and 1980s, had significantly impacted the manufacturing sector.

He said that the sector employed no fewer than 450,000 people and generated 67 per cent of annual growth, thus making it the highest employer of labour.

According to him, Nigeria possesses ample raw materials, such as cotton and wool for textile production, which can boost local productivity and the economy.

“Revitalising the textile industry will create employment, reduce social issues, boost revenue, diversify the economy and enhance socio-economic development in the country.

“The significant decline in the textile industry over the last two decades, resulting in the lay-off of thousands of workers from companies like Kaduna Textile, Kano Textile, Aba Textile, United Nigeria Textile and First Spinners, among others calls for concern.

“The discovery of oil in Nigeria resulted in decreased cotton production, a crucial raw material for the textile industry, thereby significantly impacting the textile sector.

“Government policies, such as higher taxation, expensive production costs and trade liberalisation, leading to extensive importation of textile materials, which had had a negative impact on the production of local textiles, calls for worry,” he said.

The house, therefore, urged the Federal Ministry of Power to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to provide necessary facilities, especially power supply, to local textile manufacturing companies to enhance quality outputs.

The lawmakers further urged the Federal Ministries of Finance, Industry, Trade and Investment and other related agencies to encourage local textiles by providing soft loans and easy access to credit facilities through Bank of Industry.

In his ruling, the Speaker of the House, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

He also directed the Committees on Industry and Commerce to conduct public hearing with relevant stakeholders in textile industries to review the challenges currently confronting the textile sector.

He said that the committee should submit its report within four weeks for further legislative action. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

TUC, PENGASSAN, protest over unpaid entitlement
Economy/Business

TUC, PENGASSAN, protest over unpaid entitlement

317 total views today
By Nana Musa
The Secretary, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nuhu Toro, has appealed to the Federal Government to pay all the unions’ entitlement yet to be paid since February.
The unions are: Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN); Construction Workers Association; Kaduna Zonal Council of PENGASSAN, among others.
Toro made the appeal on Tuesday during a peaceful protest organised by some union members at the Federal Ministry of Finance, in Abuja.
He alleged that the minister was yet to attend to their files, while expressing dismay also over the value of the naira and the purchasing power.
Responding, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Mr Raymond Omachi, said the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, had approved their requests.
He assured the aggrieved protesters that the matter would be addressed within 48 hours. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Ekemini Ladejobi

NSF: Edo bags 18 medals as weightlifters, kung fu fighters shine
Sports

NSF: Edo bags 18 medals as weightlifters, kung fu fighters shine

282 total views today

By Usman Aliyu

Team Edo has kicked off its campaign at the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun with an impressive medal haul, already securing 18 medals in the first three days of the competition.

The state’s athletes delivered a remarkable performance across key sports, particularly in weightlifting and Kung Fu, underlining Edo’s continued dominance in national sports.

Leading the charge was weightlifter John Aladetun, who bagged 2 gold and 1 silver medal in the fiercely contested men’s 67 kg category.

His performance set the tone for the rest of the contingent, who were eventually inspired to success.

Other weightlifters contributed to winning additional five silver and one bronze medals, bringing the total so far to 2 gold, 6 silver, and 1 bronze.

In the Kung Fu category, the team also made significant gains with Kelly Alonge claiming 1 gold medal in the Tahulo category.

The rest of the team secured 1 silver and 7 bronze medals, to make a mark in the martial art.

The development brings Edo’s total medal count so far to 18, comprising 3 gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze.

Reacting to the development, Amadin Enabulele, Executive Chairman of the Edo Sports Commission, commended the athletes for their impressive start, describing their performance as a testament to hard work, discipline and determination.

“We are extremely proud of Team Edo athletes. The athletes have shown exceptional resilience and skill, which reflects the level of preparation they underwent before coming to this festival,” he said.

Enabulele noted that the early results were encouraging and pledged the state’s continued support to ensure athletes remained focused and motivated throughout the competition.

“Edo State is committed to sports excellence. Our goal is not just participation, but to dominate and win. We will continue to encourage and reward our athletes as they strive for podium finishes,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

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