NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

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Tag Empowerment

Defence/Security

Women group hails military wive’s empowerment of youth, women

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Women Economic and Security Protection Group, an NGO, has commended the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) for empowering women and youths in barracks to be self-reliant.

The President of the group, Mrs Fatima Bello, in a statement on Tuesday, also commended the new DEPOWA President, Mrs Oghogho Musa for sustaining the empowerment programmes of the association.

Bello said the recent graduation of some youths trained on various vocational trades, and presentation of food items to about 60 widows, will boost the morale of troops engaged in operations across the country.

She said the skill acquisition programme sponsored by DEPOWA in Abuja, featured training in cosmetology, make-up, and gele tying, as well as production of cosmetics and detergent, among others.

Bello added that this would reassure troops in the frontline to sacrifice more for peace to reign in the country, as the skills acquired by the beneficiaries would enable them create a better future for themselves and their families.

She appreciated the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa for supporting DEPOWA, saying it was an indication of his continuous cordial relationship with troops as seen during his time in the North-East.

“This is a clear message from DEPOWA and the CDS to troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria that their sacrifices were well appreciated.

“It is also a message that widows and family members of departed personnel of the AFN will not be abandoned.

“We however continue to pray that our troops making sacrifices for peace and stability will return home safely after their stay in the battlefield,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Saidu Adamu/Maharazu Ahmed

General News

We’ll continue to empower Nigerian women – Buhari

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigerian women will continue to have pride of place in his administration.

The president stated this when he hosted the Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Mrs Winnie Byanyima, at State House, Abuja, on Tuesday.

He said:“Women hold strategic positions in this administration. The Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning is headed by a woman.

”The Civil Service of the Federation is headed by a woman. And many others like that. We will continue to do our best to empower our women.”

On infrastructure renewal, he noted that the country lost good opportunities, ‘but we can’t continue to cry over spill milk. We are now doing our best in concert with some developed countries.”

The UNAIDS Executive Director described President Buhari as “a Nigerian and African hero”, noting that exploits by Nigeria in the control of the COVID-19 pandemic and HIV/AIDS were quite commendable.

“I salute your leadership in Nigeria and Africa. It is very robust. I praise you for it,” Byanyima added.

She implored Nigeria to be represented at the very highest level during the special meeting on HIV/AIDS by the United Nations in June.

According to her, the meeting, which holds every five years, is meant to renew the resolve by the world to eliminate AIDS by 2030.

The Executive Director asked that more women be helped to take part in active politics.

“Nigeria has great women. I admire this country. Please open more space for them in active politics,” she further said. (NAN)

General News

Osinbajo@64: Group to honour health workers

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

A group, “Friends of Prof.” has announced the commencement of the 2021 edition of its empowerment programme in honour of Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s 64th Birthday.

The group, which comprises friends and associates of Osinbajo, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said it was building on the success recorded in 2020 with an expansion in the scope of the programme.

It called on young Nigerians to use the opportunity created by the group to benefit from the programmes.

On Osinbajo’s 63rd birthday, 100 young entrepreneurs received grants of N1 million each to help grow and advance their businesses, among other incubator support services from the group.

The “Friends of Prof’ conceptualised ‘The March 8th Initiative” to inspire and promote communal, entrepreneurial and public-spirited endeavours within Nigeria to celebrate the birthday of Osinbajo.

It said that in addition to the Entrepreneurship Development Programme, the March 8th Initiative would recognise health workers nationwide.

According to the statement, health workers to be recognised were those, who in the face of a global pandemic, demonstrated exemplary courage and professionalism in carrying out their duties.

“The March 8th Initiative” is expanding its reach and scope with a view to impacting a broader spectrum of Nigerians.

“First, the Annual Entrepreneurship Development Programme has been reorganised into four categories providing more opportunities for young Nigerians between 18 and 35 years old, giving one-off business grants, ranging from N100,000 to N1 million to small businesses in Nigeria.

“The four categories cover varying stages of small business growth as follows: Big Idea Business Challenge, Business Support Challenge, Catalyst Support Challenge and the Bold Innovation Challenge.”

“Individuals are requested to nominate any health worker who has shown these qualities for a reward of N1 million under a Health Grant Reward Category that acknowledges their invaluable service to our communities.

“Additionally, the “March 8th Initiative” is undertaking a nationwide Ophthalmological intervention to provide succour in the form of surgeries and other therapeutic care for cataract and other eye defects.”

It said that entries would open at 12.00am on March 8, and close at 11:59pm on March 14.

The statement said that all the entries except those for “My Big Idea Business Challenge” must be submitted at www.march8th.ng.

“The group is calling on Nigerians to visit the website to nominate the deserving health worker of their choice, as well as to apply for any of the grant categories that is applicable to them.”

It said that other activities lined up at different locations across the country, included an empowerment scheme for the poor and vulnerable in Lafia.

The statement added that there would also be an inauguration of four borehole projects in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on March 8 all in honour of the vice president. (NAN)

General News

NGO empowers 600 girls in Ibadan

By Ibukun Emiola

Dr Adepeju Oti, Executive Director, Global Youth Leadership and Girl-child Foundation,  said the NGO had empowered more than 600 girls in Ibadan through mentorship.

Oti disclosed this on Wednesday in Ibadan at the Raising Girls Ambition (RAGA) Award and Prize presentation at the Ministry of Education Conference Hall.

She said that the vision of the NGO has been to help the girl-child complete her education and economically empower her either through paid employment or having a business of her own.

“For them to be part of a responsive and responsible Nigerian community, we realised that without education, which is the bedrock, most people can’t go anywhere.

“She (the girl-child) needs to know her left from her right.

“We don’t want to raise girls who cannot stand up for themselves, this is why we have come as an organisation to focus on the girl-child and encourage her in her education and other related things.

“We engage them in co-curricular and extra curricular activities that will prepare them for that competition in the real world,’’ she said.

Oti explained that the annual international interdisciplinary conference on RAGA held in 2020 and more than 600 girls were impacted positively but the prize and award ceremony was delayed till now due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is the second of a series that started in 2020. What we are doing today is to bring all the winners at RAGA 2020 event; the debate, the essay, the creative arts and other competition together and give them prizes so that they know that they are being recognised.

“We want the Ministry of Education to know that there is a group of people working in tandem with the government and we are helping the government to handle parts of their responsibility.

”Government is not just the governor but all of us together,” Oti said.

Some of the awardees were Prof Jide Owoeye, Proprietor of the Lead City University, Mrs Charlotte Sanginga wife of the IITA director and Dr Olu Ojedokun, a lecturer of politics and international relations at Lead City University.

Mrs Magaret Olaoluwa, who represented Charlotte Sanginga, wife of the IITA director enjoined the beneficiaries of RAGA to pass on the knowledge gained to other girls.

“Tell other girls about the essence of reading, believing in oneself, the essence of being busy and not lazy.

“Encourage those that can be encouraged, don’t think they cannot listen. If you think you cannot talk to them, show them examples by your conduct, she said.

Ojedokun remarked:“Our society will not be complete until every girl has the same ambition as the boys of her age, that is what the programme is meant to do.”

One of the beneficiaries of RAGA, Kimberley Dirisu, a student of the Lead City School, Ibadan, said she had attended the RAGA conference for three years and had learned something new each time.  (NAN)

Economy/Business

Youths to get N8m in Stanel Empowerment Masterclass

Masterclass
By Ifeanyi Nwoko
Four lucky Nigerians are set to win Two Million Naira each in the Stanel Youth Empowerment Master Class organised by Stanel Group and set to hold in Awka on Friday.

The lucky participants that include youths across the country will be part of the empowerment programme initiated by Dr Stanley Uzochukwu, the Chairman of the group.

A statement issued in Abuja on Monday by Mr David Abakpa, Media Aide to Uzochukwu, said that the empowerment programme tagged ‘Access More with Stanel’ is being co-sponsored by Access Bank and the Anambra State Government.

The event which will hold at the Stanel Dome in Awka, Anambra will feature political and business leaders, while offering prizes to participants.

“In the 2021 edition, various attractive prizes will be won, including Dr Stanley Uzochukwu empowerment grants of two million Naira for four lucky registered participants of the Master Class who meet requirement.

“In the 2019 edition, a brand new car manufactured by Innoson Motors was won along with other prices.

“The Master Class shall be declared open by the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, while Senate Whip, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu and a former Senate President, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim will be special guests,” the statement said.

Obi of Onitsha HRM Nnaemeka Achebe is expected as the Guest Speaker.

Participants will also listen to addresses from business leaders, including the Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe; Chairman of Air Peace Airlines, Dr Allen Onyema and Chairman of COSCHARIS, Dr Cosmas Maduka.

“Other speakers are former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Charles Soludo, CEO of Centre for Values in Leadership; Prof. Pat Utomi and CEO of KEMAPO Management Consulting Group, Prof. Lilian Orogbu.

“Actor Richard Mofe Damijo, Love Idoko Uloko, George Omoraro, Linus Idahosa, Kene Mkparu, Arch. Apeh Harrison and Kingsley Eze will serve as panelists,” the statement said.

There would also be a concert where renowned artists like Patoranking, Flavour, Funny bone, Slow dog, Umu Obiligbo, Zoro, Akpororo, Teni and Kcee will perform.

“Participants are strictly advised to observe all COVID-19 protocols and safety guidelines as directed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

“Stanel has made adequate provision for free face masks, hand sanitizers, sanitised T-Shirts, face caps and all participants shall be compelled to temperature checks and walk through sanitising boots,” it said.

General News

FG empowers 18,000 youths in Ondo State

By Ayodeji Alabi

No fewer than 18,000 youths from Ondo State will be empowered under the Federal Government’s Extended Special Public Works (ESPW) designed to cushion the effects of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Mallam Abubarkar Fikpo, Acting Director General, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), disclosed this on Friday in Akure at the inauguration of the programme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government on Jan. 5, introduced the 774,000 jobs saying 1,000 youths in each local government area of the federation would benefit from it.

Fikpo, who was represented by Mrs Funmilayo Kila, Deputy Director, Small Scale Enterprise Department of NDE, said that the 774,000 jobs were borne out of the need to address some of the hardships associated with the pandemic.

According to him, the programme is a special public works designed to create transient jobs for unskilled, semi-skilled and even graduates of tertiary institutions.

“It seeks to engage participants during dry season/off season in menial jobs ranging from utility, environmental, infrastructural to sanitation. It is essentially labour-based-light-equipment programme.

“The programme will last three months and each participant is entitled to N60,000 at N20,000 monthly payment,” he said.

Earlier, Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State had lauded the Federal Government for its various intervention programmes that led to the creation of jobs and the empowerment of the unemployed persons.

The governor called on beneficiaries to work hard at achieving the objectives of the programmes.

He said that his administration would continue to put in place poverty alleviating and job creating programmes to ensure that the unemployed in the state were productively engaged.

Akeredolu said his administration had leveraged on the state’s agrarian potential to engage several unemployed youths in its Youth Agricultural Employment programmes, while others went into Entrepreneurship Skill Acquisition programmes.

Also speaking with newsmen, Mr Tayo Alasoadura, the Minister of State for Niger Delta, said that President Muhammadu Buhari was uncomfortable with the poverty level in the country.

“Mr President is desirous of taking 100 million people out of poverty in this country. You will notice that all that he is doing are all palliatives and not permanent.

“As soon as the economy improves, more concrete things will be done. Buhari is concerned about the poverty level in this country,” he said.

A beneficiary, Mr Bamidele Babasuyi from Okitipupa , speaking with NAN, described the programme as a laudable one with a transparent selection process.

According to him, the selection is apolitical because he does not belong to any party, yet he was chosen as a beneficiary.

He also advised co-beneficiaries to take the work seriously as it could change their lives forever. (NAN)

General News

Gov. Bagudu approves N464m for women empowerment, others

By Ibrahim Bello

The Kebbi governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, has approved N468.5 million for the execution of projects and empowerment programmes under the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

Hajiya Aisha Maikurata, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, made this known while briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

She said,”As part of Gov. Atiku Bagudu’s continuous efforts to reduce poverty and uplift the standard of living of the people, especially the vulnerable in the state, the governor has approved the execution of projects worth N468.5 million for the ministry.

“The ministry of women affairs and social development will be fully involved in executing the projects in critical areas in 11 local government areas identified by the Kebbi state House of Assembly.”

According to her, the local government areas identified for the projects include, Gwandu,Koko/Besse, Aliero, Maiyama, Jega, Bagudo, Fakai, Ngaski, Argungu, Danko/Wasagu and Yauri.

She explained that the aim of the projects was to empower farmers, widows, orphans and youths as well as vulnerable women involved in economic activities in the local government areas.

“The money to be expended by the ministry on the execution of projects is part of the N2 billion released by the governor for constituency projects throughout the state,” she said.

Maikurata also said the government recently provided incentives to 350 women in tomatoes business across the state for economic empowerment.

“This is among other various economic empowerment programmes initiated in the state in which they received N30,000 each,” she said.

The permanent secretary appreciated the unwaivering support to the ministry by the governor and his unrelenting show of concern and love to orphans and the less-privileged people in the state. (NAN).

General News

FG’s ESPW programme will impact Delta positively —Okowa

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has commended the Federal Government for the Extended Special Public Works (ESPW) programme, saying it will positively impact the state.

He gave the commendation on Tuesday in Asaba, during the flag-off of the 774,000 ESPW jobs programme of the Federal Government for the 774 Local Government Areas of the country.

Okowa was represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu.

He said that though each participant would be taking N20, 000 monthly stipend for the programme that would last for three months, the programme had the capacity of injecting about N500 million monthly into the state economy.

While thanking the Federal Government for the programme, he tasked the beneficiaries to effectively utilize the proceeds to build their future from little beginnings, and not to become reckless.

He said that the programme conformed with the State Empowerment programme, and was being executed without political party bias.

“What we have seen happen here today is that after the politicking that precedes an electioneering campaign is governance, and governance has no political coloration.

“Today’s programme is conceived by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government at the national level but it trickled down, irrespective of the party at the state level, such that the beneficiaries are Nigerians, because hunger does not know a political party.

“The more number of people you are able to empower, the more you take away crime and criminality.

“If you have in the case of Delta about N20 million going into a local government monthly, then escalate it to 25, 000 poor persons in the 25 LGAs, that brings it to N500 million monthly being injected into the state economy,” he said.

The governor said that given the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the multiplier effect of the Federal Government programme was capable of healing the present recession in the country.

He said this was if the beneficiaries could effectively utilise the opportunity to invest their money.

In a keynote address, Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, said that the extended special public works programme was borne out the pilot programme approved by President Muhammadu Buhari and implemented by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) early in 2020.

The minister, represented by Mr Victor Ochie, Executive Director, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said the strategy was adopted by the Federal Government to fast- track the achievement of Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (2017 to 2020).

“The pilot programme was implemented in eight states in order to gauge its impact on addressing the ballooning population of unemployed and rising insecurity in some parts of the country.

“However, with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr President directed the Economic Sustainability Committee, China’s aired by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to craft economic measures to cushion the adverse socio -econimic effect of the pandemic.

“The need to quickly address the above, informed the decision to implement the ESPW,” he said.

The Acting Director, NDE, Malam Abubakar Fikpo, represented by the State Coordinator, Mr Tony Olu, lauded the Federal Government for giving the directorate opportunity to execute the programme.

According to Fikpo, the ESPW prpgramme is a very significant step in Nigeria to win the war against mass unemployment as well as to ameliorate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that all the participants were duly documented and their details captured by designated banks to guarantee a fraud free, transparent and fair service delivery and to ensure effective monitoring.

The acting director charged the participants to reciprocate the gesture by diligently executing their assigned tasks throughout the three months duration.

Prof. Kelly Ejumudu, Chairman, State Selection Committee, charged the participants to see the gesture as a clarion call to serve the country.

He said that no government in the world could totally eliminate poverty and unemployment, but alleviate it.

“This is the first time that a government programme has cut through the entire 774 LGAs in the country, it is meant for the poor, not for the elite.

“This project is not for grabs, it is intended to benefit the poor in the society to enable them better their life, and at the end, the entire society will be better off.

“Participants should work, earn and develop a good investment culture and not to spend the money lavishly,” he cautioned.

Responding on behalf of the participants, Ms. Charity Okonkwo thanked the Federal Government for the programme, while promising their resolve to work, earn and manage their monies effectively.

She, however, join other stakeholders to call for government to evaluate and extend the programme beyond three months.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants were equipped with the necessary gadgets and materials to enable them keep and maintain a clean environment across the 25 LGAs of Delta. (NAN)