The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has started developing its Agricultural Policy and Implementation Plan to guide interventions toward increasing food production in the FCT.
Mr Umar Malamiyo, acting Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, said this at an event in Gwagwalada on Wednesday, adding that the goal was to enhance food security.
Malamiyo was represented at the event by Mr Agu Igwe, the Deputy Director, Public Private Partnership in the Secretariat.
He said the engagement would help government officials and stakeholders to identify key areas that could help farmers to grow major crops in large quantities.
He pointed out that most farmers in the territory lack basic knowledge on irrigation activities and cultivation of certain food crops.
According to him, the policy, when developed, will help FCT to achieve its aims of ensuring food security through adoption of best agricultural practices in food production.
He expressed optimism that the policy document, expected to be ready in six months, would offer solutions to all challenges affecting the agricultural sector in the territory.
Malamiyo said that the FCT Administration does not have a specific policy on agriculture to provide a sense of direction towards achieving good security for residents of the territory.
“Therefore, this exercise is geared toward developing a policy that will guide us on how best to support our farmers to boost agricultural productivity,” he said.
One of the resource persons, Prof. Oyinkan Tasie, said that the policy document would capture strategic areas in the FCT agriculture sector.
Tasie added that the move would deepen the knowledge of farmers in adopting best agricultural practices.
“We are working with the FCT Administration to develop an agriculture policy. This will be the first of its kind since the creation of the FCT.
“Through the policy, the Administration will be able to articulate its vision in the area of agriculture, and in the long run, address hunger and other challenges affecting the attainment of food security” Tasie said.(NAN)
Dr Patricia Ukegbu, Head of the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, has called for the inclusion of adolescent nutrition considerations in the National Policy on Food and Nutrition (NPFN).
Ukegbu, an Associate Professor at the university, stated that such a move would help reduce the long-term burden of stunting and contribute to achieving nutrition security in Nigeria.
She made the recommendation on Tuesday during the first-quarter coordination meeting of the National Committee on Food and Nutrition (NCFN) in Auta-balefi, Nasarawa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ukegbu is a Policy Fellow of the Gender Responsive Agriculture Systems Policy (GRASP), an initiative of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD).
She delivered a presentation titled “Integrating Gender-Responsive Adolescent Nutrition Considerations into the NPFN”.
She explained that although the current policy acknowledges gender inequalities, it lacks specific provisions to address disparities related to adolescent nutrition.
She identified these inequalities as relating to food and nutrition security, access to healthcare services, educational resources, social protection, and empowerment.
“The NPFN contains no specific national provisions for younger adolescent females (aged 10–14) and males in general (aged 10–19),” she noted.
“The policy rightly focuses on children under five and women of reproductive age. However, it inadequately engages adolescents in interventions designed to meet their distinct nutritional needs”.
Ukegbu advocated for a review of the 2016 NPFN to incorporate gender-responsive strategies on adolescent nutrition, including the promotion of adolescent participation in policymaking processes.
She also recommended the development of clear objectives, targets, and strategies to improve adolescents’ nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviours.
According to her, these measures are critical to ensuring adequate nutrition for the nation’s adolescent population.
Ukegbu highlighted the opportunities for strengthening gender-responsive adolescent nutrition in Nigeria, including policy, programme, and legal frameworks.
She cited existing programmes such as school feeding, food fortification, dietary diversity, and biofortification.
The nutrition expert outlined key challenges facing adolescent nutrition, including inadequate diets, malnutrition, food insecurity, and the absence of gender-responsive policies and programmes.
She also mentioned the lack of national age- and gender-disaggregated data on adolescents’ nutritional status, food consumption, and nutrition knowledge.
She noted that most existing programmes targeting adolescents are primarily focused on reproductive health.
Also speaking at the event, Prof. Ngozi Nnam, an expert in Community and Public Health and Paediatric Nutrition at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, advocated for a life-cycle approach to nutrition.
Nnam emphasised the need to prioritise nutrition at every life stage from early childhood through adolescence and into old age.
She said: “Adolescence is a critical developmental phase.
“While most development occurs from conception through the first 1,000 days, the adolescent stage is another key window when substantial physical and cognitive growth takes place.
“If nutrition is properly addressed during adolescence, it can help correct some deficits incurred earlier in life”.
Dr Victor Ajieroh, a nutrition expert and AWARD mentee to Ukegbu, described the advocacy for adolescent nutrition inclusion in the NPFN as timely.
He stressed that such inclusion would allow the country to maximise the benefits of its demographic structure.
Ajieroh maintained that while the nutrition of mothers and children under five must remain a priority, strategic attention should also be paid to adolescents aged 10 to 14.
“The school feeding programme should be expanded to include this age group.
“We must strengthen school-based health, nutrition, and agricultural programmes, especially in secondary schools, to prepare adolescents for their most productive years.
“Once they leave school, they enter the workforce and become part of the nation’s productive population.
“From a reproductive health standpoint, as they transition into early adulthood, many begin to marry and start families.
“If we want future generations of healthy children, we must first ensure that today’s adolescents are well-nourished and healthy.
“We must equip them with the knowledge and habits that promote good nutrition, not only for themselves, but also for their future families, “he added.
NAN reports that participants at the meeting included representatives from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, civil society organisations, and development partners. (NAN)
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, African women in land professions have called for policies that would boost women’s access to land and remove gender disparity.
They also called for the involvement of more women in land management across the African continent.
The women’s demands are part of the resolutions of the First African Women Land Professionals Associations (AWLPA) Conference held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Conference was convened by the International Federation of Surveyors-African Regional Network (FIG-ARN).
The communique made available to NAN, was signed by Ambassador Mohammed Kabir, the Chairperson of FIG-ARN, and Mr Izuegbu Uju, Conference Secretary.
The conference called for more land rights programmes to promote public awareness, eliminate gender disparity, and increase the number and visibility of women in land management in Africa.
It encouraged all stakeholders to sustain the push for policy, legal and institutional reforms to increase women leadership positions in land governance.
It also advocated the adoption of a whole-of-the community approach in addressing the challenges faced by women in African societies.
The conference, which witnessed a series of presentations, deliberations, panel and brainstorming sessions, advocated the development of a Strategic Capacity Development Framework (SCDF) for African women land professionals.
“The framework shall focus on e-learning, training, coaching, mentoring, digital skill acquisition and support programmes to empower women in land professions in Africa,” the communique said.
It urged FIG-ARN to collaborate with relevant stakeholders such as UN Women and the African Union Land Governance Strategy, on advocacy and implementation of frameworks for gender equality in land governance.
It suggested the introduction of gender quota to address disparities in land allocation in African communities.
The conference emphasised that the FIG-ARN should seek support of the African Union(AU), and other relevant stakeholders to develop an African cross-border knowledge transfer platform and other programmes for the empowerment of women land professionals.
It also emphasised the need for the promotion and integration of women education and industry in Africa.
The conference participants urged Universities and institutions of higher learning in Africa to improve their curricula and provide practical support toward promoting and integrating the womenfolk.
They urged FIG-ARN to develop and support actionable strategies within the framework of the African Union Land Governance Strategy, with focus on women land rights clinic days.
Some of the participants at the First African Women Land Professionals Associations Conference held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
FIG-ARN was also urged to champion community-level awareness campaigns for guaranteeing equal rights to land, protecting women’s land tenure security, and respecting women’s independent decisions on land matters in Africa.
The conference pressed for coordinated international and regional support to African countries to adopt and implement a fit-for-purpose approach to land administration.
Such approach, it said, should ensure affordable land recordation and facilitate registration of continuum of land rights, particularly on issues that are of critical concern to women.
It urged donor agencies to increase funding in support of women’s land rights programmes for promoting public awareness and eliminating gender disparity while increasing the number and visibility of women in land management.
It encouraged stakeholders to sustain the push for institutional reforms to have more women in the making of government decisions that affect land governance.
It also advocated a more positive approach to the challenges faced by women in African societies.
The conference called on African women land professional associations to foster closer collaboration with international, regional, and community women’s rights groups.
It identified the groups to include UN Women, Landesa, Stand for Her Land Campaign, and International Land Coalition.
“The partnership should focus on benchmarking, capacity building, and implementation of gender-specific projects,” the communique added.
It noted the resolve of the Tanzanian government toward implementing positive policies for gender balance and equal representation in both elective and appointive offices, and particularly appreciated the attempts at extending those policies into the land governance sector.
NAN reports that the conference formed the Network of African Women Land Professional Associations (NAWLPA), under the auspices of the FIG-ARN, to manage and coordinate the implementation of the resolutions.
The election of its leadership is to be held at the AU Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during the 2nd AWLPA Conference slated to hold from 10 to14 November, 2025.
Among delegates at the Conference were the President of FIG, Dr. D. A. Dumashie, and the representative of AU Commission, Dr Janet Edeme.
Also at the Conference was Mr Hans Ni, Secretary-General of the Working Committee on International Exchange and Cooperation of China Association for Geospatial Industry and Sciences. (NAN)
By Cecilia Ologunagba, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
When the Federal Executive Council approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, it was welcomed with excitement by many Nigerians.
The new policy, which was unveiled by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, aims to address the japa syndrome among healthcare professionals and build a spirited and well-incentivised healthcare system.
“The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration is a comprehensive strategy to manage and reverse the migration of healthcare professionals.
“It aims to create a robust healthcare system where workers are well-supported and adequately rewarded and optimally utilised to meet the healthcare needs of all Nigerians.
“Central to this vision is the Nigeria Human Health Resource Program, which sets a framework for regular reviews of working conditions, ensuring that health workers, especially in rural areas, receive the recognition and rewards they deserve,” Pate said.
Worthy of note, the Federal Government has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), Canada, to train Nigerian nurses on the best practice guidelines of the profession.
With the tag, “Best Practice Spotlight Organisation (BPSO)”, the “training the trainers” programme is aimed at providing a structured pathway to adopt and implement best practice guidelines.
Ms Daju Kachollom, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said that with the training, nurses would be equipped to deliver evidence-based, culturally sensitive and patient-centered care.
Kachollom said that the approach would undoubtedly contribute to the realisation of the minister’s four-point health agenda and global sustainable goals.
“Nigeria is the first country in Africa to identify with RNAO, becoming the first BPSO designated host.
“This, for us, is remarkable as we recognise the place of nurses to achieve the mandate of the Nigeria healthcare system.
“As the ministry emphasises on improving the population health outcomes and unlocking healthcare value chains, the Nigerian BPSO initiative is a step forward in fostering a healthcare system that prioritises the highest standards of care,” Kachollom said.
She added that the training was a critical component of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance the skills and expertise of nurses and other healthcare workers, equipping them with the tools needed to meet the evolving challenges in healthcare delivery.
Policy analysts hold that the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, which will be cascaded to the grassroots, should give premium to the celebration of retiring medical professionals who had left exceptional footprints.
They say those, who in spite of brighter prospects in other climes, stayed back and contributed their quota to the growth of Nigeria’s healthcare sector, should be celebrated.
The tone was set recently in Lagos State.
Hundreds of nurses, family members, and friends recently gathered at the General Hospital Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos State, to celebrate the retirement of Chief Nursing Officer Mrs Folasade Okare, marking her 35 years of dedicated service and her 60th birthday.
Okare’s retirement was celebrated not only for her years of service but for the indelible mark she left on her colleagues and the nursing profession.
Over the years, Okare has become a role model for young nurses, and her passion and commitment to the profession have been widely recognised.
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) presented her with a Retirement Award on February 11, acknowledging her dedication to the nursing field.
This recognition added to other accolades she has received, including the Best Worker Merit Award (Senior Category) in 2024 from the Chief Executive Officer of General Hospital Ifako Ijaiye, Dr Bamidele Mustapha, and the Long Service Merit Award from the Lagos State Government in 2021.
At a reception organised in Okare’s honour, Mrs Olufumilayo Ojo, the Apex Nurse of GHII, encouraged other nurses to emulate Okare’s exemplary work ethic.
“The battle is on you; you need to do it as she has left it for you to continue the good job she has done,” Ojo said.
Dr Wemimo Hally, a Principal Medical Officer at the hospital, described Okare as a dedicated, firm, and meticulous professional, noting her calm demeanour in spite of her unwavering commitment to excellence.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Executive Chairman of Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, Mr Usman Hamzat and the Vice Chairman, Mrs Oluwatoyin Akererele.
Family members also lauded Okare for her dedication, emphasising the lasting impact she has had on the healthcare system and on the lives of those around her.
“Aunty Sade is indeed very motherly to all of us. She is a role model to every single one of us,” said Gboyega Adejuwon, a cousin to Okare.
Okare, visibly moved by the celebration, expressed her gratitude to her colleagues, family and friends.
“Nursing has not just been a job for me, I’ve gained a family along the way, and I couldn’t have asked for better people to share this journey with.”
Her children, Damilola and Ayo, shared their pride and admiration for their mother’s dedication.
Chief Nursing Officer Folasade Okare poses with her husband and two children as General Hospital Ifako Ijaiye (GHII) celebrates her 35 years meritorious retirement and 60th birthday) credit: Daramola Oluwafernmi Black_Chicagofilms
“I am just so proud of my mum; you can tell by the hundreds of people gathered here today that she is loved,” said Damilola.
Her daughter Ayo, who was especially touched by the celebration, added, “The way her colleagues have praised her, danced with her, and even cried today really shows how much of an impact she made in people’s lives.”
Okare’ passion for nursing began her early life.
After completing her basic nursing education at Ondo State School of Nursing in Akure, she pursued a specialisation in midwifery at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, where she trained from 1988 to 1989.
Upon becoming a Registered Nurse and Midwife, she began her professional career at General Hospital Ikere Ekiti in 1990.
Over the next decades, Okare worked across various healthcare institutions in Lagos, including Onikan Health Centre, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Orile Agege General Hospital, and Gbagada General Hospital.
In 2017, she joined General Hospital Ifako Ijaiye, where she worked until her retirement.
Throughout her career, Okare rose to the position of Chief Nursing Officer, driven by her deep passion for patient care and her unwavering commitment to the nursing profession.
“If there’s one thing about Sade, she is committed; she is reliable,” said her husband, Mr Fidelis Okare.
In spite of the challenges in the healthcare system, Okare remained dedicated to her work and persevered.
As she retires at the age of 60 after a remarkable 35-year career, Okare leaves behind a legacy of excellence, compassion, and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of nurses.
“I see my achievements and challenges as resources to mentor younger professionals,” Okare said.
She pledged to continue offering volunteer nursing care to the elderly and sick in her retirement.
By many accounts, Okare’s legacy will inspire future nurses and her contributions to the healthcare system will not be forgotten. (NANFeatures)
***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.
A lawyer and policy strategist, Dr Oracle Nwala, says Nigeria needs a disruptive strategy to achieve its governance and development goals for the benefits of all citizens.
Nwala stated this at the official unveiling of his book entitled, “Disruptive Strategies: Unveiling Personal Definitive Strategists”, in Abuja on Wednesday.
The author, an eminent member of the global legal community with over 25 years of experience in Nigeria’s legal and policy space, said that disruptive strategy would move the country forward.
Nwala, a member of the Senior Executive Course 43, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, defined disruptive strategy as essentially doing something the way it works with no regard to laid down procedures.
He added that it also entails looking at a system and taking decisions that work to get the needed results.
He recalled that President Bola Tinubu had disrupted Nigeria’s economy with the removal of fuel subsidy on the day he was inaugurated as president of the country.
Nwala said that the action was paying off with the economy gradually picking up and things getting better by the day.
According to him, what Nigerians need is continued disruption.
“Let us disrupt things that are not working; let’s disrupt things that are not helping us. The philosophy, the ideas and everything we have thought about and are not working let’s jettison them.
“Artificial Intelligence has disrupted the technology space and now young people are doing much more than we have ever done – this is disruption,” he said.
At a personal level, the author said that the book unveils the untapped potential within each individual to chart a unique path to success and fulfilment.
He added that by advocating a paradigm shift, the book underscores the importance of prioritising personal strategy alongside traditional business approaches to succeed.
“Disruptive Strategy empowers readers to confront life’s challenges with confidence and resilience, unlocking their full potential and achieving lasting fulfilment.
“Serving as a roadmap for those ready to break free from the ordinary, transcend limitations and embrace a life of purpose and achievement, the book is an invitation to seize control of your personal journey and thrive in the modern world.
“Whether redefining your personal or professional path, disruptive strategy combines real-world insights, practical tools and a deeply personal methodology to help you build resilience, think strategically and dominate your niche,” he said.
The book reviewer, Prof. Ahmed Okene, Provost, National Defence College, Abuja, said that disruptive strategy was simply querying existing norms or methods to achieve results.
Okene said that the book, made up of 12 chapters and 331 pages, provides a step-by-step guide on how to adopt disruptive strategy to achieve personal, governance, entrepreneurship, economy and other goals.
“In terms of governance and leadership, applying disruptive strategy means you will have to question the existing status quo to achieve desired results.
“People are used to doing things in a certain way; the way it is done but with disruptive strategy, you will have to query what you see; disorganise the system to reorganise it for it to work.
“In governance, you will have to think from a perspective that others have not thought of before,” he said.
One of Nwala’s coursemates at the National Institute, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, described the book as an eye opener in governance, leadership and personal life.
Galadima, the Director of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said: “What the book is simply saying is, don’t always follow protocol. Whatever will give you results, do it.
“The most important thing is getting the desired results.
“The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, my boss, is applying this disruptive strategy and you can see the results,” he said. (NAN)
Mr Vincent Egbe, Managing Director, GB Foods, has called on the Federal Government to ensure effective implementation of the National Tomato Policy to enhance development of the tomato ecosystem and support its competitiveness.
Egbe made the call during a three-day industrial tour by the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, on Wednesday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Tomato Policy (2022–2026) is designed to cut down on post-harvest losses.
It will also curb import of tomato concentrates through increased import tariff from five per cent to 50 per cent and an additional $1,500 levy per metric tonne.
The GB Foods Managing Director said that Nigeria had a shortfall in tomatoes supply in spite of being the 13th largest producer of tomatoes in the world.
He said that, to be fully self-sufficient, Nigeria should be producing a total 10 to 12 million metric tonnes of tomato annually.
Egbe said the company would continue to embrace innovations targeted at celebrating local tomato flavours.
He, however, noted some shortfalls that had plagued the tomatoes industry, such as low production levels, poor infrastructure, weak market linkage and poor access to finance.
He emphasised the need to address the sector’s key challenges and secure essential support for its progress.
This, he said, could be achieved by stopping disruptions from regulatory authorities, providing incentives and fiscal support for local manufacturers and infrastructure support.
“One hundred per cent of everything done in Nigeria is manufactured in Nigeria with 55 per cent local sourcing of Nigerian ingredients.
“We would continue to invest to feed the consuming population, seeing that government is looking to grow the production base of manufacturing.
“We would continue to key into the agenda of government to accelerate contributions to the country’s economy,” he said.
Egbe also revealed the company’s plan to establish Nigeria as an industrial hub for West African markets with ongoing tomatoes distribution and logistics investments, and tomato processing expansion.
He reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainability by fostering right nutrition, preserving environmental balance and investing in local communities’ prosperity.
“We see Nigeria as the future driver of a prosperous Africa, and so we are investing here on a rate of 7:3 i.e. seven here in Nigeria and 3 in other parts of Africa.
“What we are doing in Nigeria is consistent with who we are and we would continue investing in tomatoes backward integration to develop the tomatoes ecosystem in Nigeria,” he said.
Responding, the minister said that the company occupied a critical space in the food industry.
He said that while Nigeria might be passing through a phase, it still had opportunities.
Enoh assured that the Federal Government would continue to support local manufacturers and made in Nigeria goods.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Farmers Aggregators Initiative of Nigeria (FAIN), an NGO, and other stakeholders have called for a comprehensive review of existing gender policies and laws on agricultural export.
They made the call at a summit on Mainstreaming Gender in Agriculture organised by FAINin Abuja.
The theme of the summit is “Mainstreaming Gender into the Agricultural Sector for Women and Youth Empowerment: Developing a Roadmap for Understanding Gender Policy and Export Trade in Line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).’’
Mr Cornelius Agenyi, Chief Executive Officer, FAIN, said the summit was aimed at enhancing gender mainstreaming within agriculture by promoting the active participation of women and youths, addressing vital sectoral issues and contributing to the fight against food insecurity.
Agenyi called for the collaboration of government, international organisations and private sector to ensure that gender-sensitive policies were not just in place but effectively implemented.
He specifically urged them to prioritise land rights, access to finance and equal representation in leadership roles.
According to him, the summit will also provide a platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing experiences and discussing best practices.
He said that FAIN was committed to empowering women and youth through modern agricultural practices that fostered sustainable livelihoods, thereby aligning with SDGs 1, 2 and 5.
Agenyi said that the initiative collaborated with more than 41 MDAs and government agencies and was endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as well as the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
“Mainstreaming gender was more than just a policy, but a mindset, an approach that seeks to remove barriers and create an environment where both women and men could contribute equitably to agricultural development.
“Incorporating gender perspectives in agricultural business is not only a matter of justice; it is a strategic economic move.
“Studies have shown that when women have equal access to resources; they invest their earnings in their families, communities and economy, fostering greater growth and development.
“By empowering women in agriculture, we unlock untapped potential that drives productivity, innovation and sustainable development,” he said.
Col. Abdulmumini Aminu(retired), Chairman, Board of Trustees, FAIN, called for decisive actions towards visible support for Nigerian women to succeed in agricultural sector.
Aminu, who was represented by Mrs Modupe Jemibewon, Secretary to the board, identified funding as a major challenge to efforts in boosting women farmers’ participation in agriculture.
He, however, urged President Bola Tinubu to take up the challenge of maintaining gender into agricultural business in line with the renewed hope agenda.
Mrs Folashade Joseph, Managing Director, Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), identified women as indispensable to achieving food security, yet their potential remained underutilised due to systemic barriers.
According to her, empowering women societies can only be achieved by improving food security and addressing broader goals of poverty reduction, gender equality and sustainable development.
She listed some objective areas towards SDGs as improved or enhanced stakeholders understanding of gender policies and their impact on agriculture and export trade as well as promoting gender equality and increased women participation.
Joseph, however, said there was need to conduct a comprehensive review of existing gender policies and laws relating to agriculture and trade.
“In viewing gender policy, there is need for stakeholders’ engagement including government officials, farmers, exporters, women and youth to raise awareness and gather input; to provide tracing and capacity building programmes for stakeholders on gender sensitive agriculture and export trade practices,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Former member of the House of Representatives, Sam Oniugbo, has urged African nations to be consistent in the implementation of policies aimed at mitigating the impact of climate change.
The climate change advocate, who participated in the just-concluded CoP29, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He said that many African countries were trying to enact Climate Change Acts, to guide them in policy directives.
“More importantly, there must be consistency in policy pronunciation and implementation. To avoid policy somersault there must be a framework to guide its implementation,“ he said.
He said that African nations went to the CoP29, to negotiate for a good deal and not to beg for money.
The former lawmaker said to have access to money from the international bodies, it was important to follow due process and stringent conditions.
Onuigbo said that the 54 African nations contribute only three per cent to climate change, but they bore the brunt of climate change.
“Africans are on the disadvantage side, we are not supposed to be bearing the devastation coming from climate change.
“Climate change is human activities like pushing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This has been done by developed countries who have been using coal and fossil fuel over the years,“ he said.
He said that Africa and other developing nations at CoP29 demanded the developed world to contribute 1.23 trillion dollars per annum to tackle the issues of climate change.
“After a long negotiation what was approved was 1billion dollars per annum and to now work to attain the 1.23 trillion over a period of time,“ he said.
On the part of Nigeria, he said President Bola Tinubu was working assiduously to mitigate the impact of climate change on Nigeria.
“Tinubu had clearly said that Nigeria will use climate change to attract investments to the country
“He also said that the developed world must bring money to the activities of climate change,“ he said.
Onuigbo said that to achieve that he had attended several meetings in Dubai on the issue of tripling renewables and activities of the carbon market.
He said the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) policy of the current government was a far-reaching action to tackle climate change impact on the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Onuigbo sponsored the Climate Act in the 9th National Assembly. It provides the legal and administrative framework for Nigeria’s climate change policies and actions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Federal Government has restated its commitment to strengthening national policy towards sustainable growth in transportation sector.
Dr Segun Obayendo, the Chairman Governing Council, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA), said this at a news conference on the forthcoming 6th National Transport Conference in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference, which has “Sustainable Transportation in a Disruptive Era: The Challenges of Developing Economy” as its theme, is scheduled for Nov.12 to Nov. 13 in Abuja
Obayendo said the effective policy and regulatory framework would be institutionalised to advance transportation sector in the nation to reduce congestion and enhancing urban and rural connectivity.
He added that such effort would tackle current challenges and promote sustainable growth in the transportation sector.
“The theme itself encapsulates the dual challenge of maintaining sustainability while navigating through a period of unprecedented disruption in the transport sector.
“We are at a juncture where traditional methods meet innovative technology, where the environmental imperatives intersect with economic growth and where policy meets practice.
“This summit will dissect these layers, offering insights from global experts, local innovators, and policymakers, “ he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s roads and highways form the backbone of the country’s transport network, as these arteries handle 90 per cent of all passengers and freight traffic.
He said the government had also determined to have robust national data bank of the transportation sector.
“This data bank will serve as a hub for collecting, analysing, and disseminating transport-related data to support informed decision-making and policy formulation in the transport sector.
“The objectives include monitoring of transport and logistics activities in Nigeria, providing transport intelligence to stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Transport and its agencies.
“Other are to offer data analytic services to support evidence-based planning and policy decisions.”
He said the data bank would enhance transport planning and policy formulation, improved transport infrastructure development, increased efficiency in transport operations and better decision-making for stakeholders.
In his remarks, Prof. Samuel Odewumi, Chairman, Planning Committee for the upcoming 6th National Transport Conference, said the conference aimed to revamp transportation infrastructure in developing economies like Nigeria.
According to him, conference aims to be a platform for robust discussions as the resource persons would present case studies, data-driven analysis and forward-thinking solution.
“ The stakeholders will also deepen efforts to propel transportation sector into a new era of efficiency, sustainability and inclusiveness, “ he said.
According to him, the major focus of the conference would be current state of transportation in developing countries; human and cultural issues in transportation as well as destructive technologies, innovations and governance. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) on Monday in Abuja emphasised the need for a National Information Policy as a foundation to guide ethical and responsible broadcasting across the country.
Mr Ismail Sani, Vice-President (North-Central Zone), of the SNB, in a statement, said that such policy would ensure consistent and fair dissemination of accurate information to the public.
He said it would also ensure equal access to reliable information across regions of Nigeria, including rural areas.
“It will also promote media independence balanced with accountability to support the industry’s role in national development,” he said.
Sani said that the SNB, at its recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Lafia, resolved to collaborate with government bodies, regulatory authorities and private sector partners.
He said the essence was to advocate for priorities to create a broadcasting environment that would serve public interest, support national development goals and uphold the integrity of the Nigerian media on local and international platforms.
“While recognising the risks associated with the profession, the SNB called for stronger security measures to protect broadcasters, including physical security, for those working in challenging or high-risk environments.
“The SNG also called for cyber-security measures to protect data and infrastructure from digital threats, safeguarding the integrity of information,” he said.
He reiterated SNB’s commitment to welfare and continuous professional training programmes to equip broadcasters with skills in emerging technologies, ethical journalism and industry best practices.
Sani assured Nigerians that the society would pursue welfare initiatives aimed at supporting broadcasters’ well-being, enhanced job security and improved working conditions to promote motivation and long-term dedication to the profession.
He appealed to government at all levels to provide appropriate incentives to media houses to ameliorate the cost of energy that had forced some broadcasting stations to reduce hours of transmission.(NAN)
Edited by Ephraims Sheyin
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