News Agency of Nigeria
FG unveils new policy to regulate non-state schools
General News

FG unveils new policy to regulate non-state schools

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive policy on non-state schools, setting clear guidelines for infrastructure, teacher quality, curriculum delivery, and accountability standards.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, at the event in Abuja on Wednesday, said it was aimed at improving quality and promoting greater accountability across Nigeria’s diverse education landscape.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the policy was developed with support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) under the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) programme.

Alausa said the initiative was part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which prioritises education as a key driver of national development.

He underscored the vital role non-state schools play in expanding access to education.

“By harnessing the potential of non-state schools, we can increase access to quality education, improve learning outcomes, and promote economic growth,” he said.

The minister explained that the policy outlines minimum standards for infrastructure, curriculum, and teacher quality. It also provides a framework for collaboration between non-state providers and the government.

Citing recent data, Alausa said between 2017 and 2022, non-state schools grew by approximately 39 per cent, compared to 3.5 per cent and 6.3 per cent growth in government-run primary and junior secondary schools, respectively.

“As our population continues to grow, non-state schools are helping to fill the gap.

While we appreciate their role, we are determined to ensure better regulation, accountability, and support so they can deliver higher-quality education to our children,” he added.

He further announced that the government would roll out practical incentives for private school operators, including indirect reimbursement for enrolling out-of-school children, with implementation slated for the 2025–2026 academic session.

Additionally, direct grants and vouchers will be made available through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to support privately owned early childhood development centres.

Also speaking, the Senior Education Adviser at the British High Commission, Mr Ian Attfield, commended Nigeria for its commitment to addressing the educational needs of underserved learners.

He recalled the early work of UK academic Prof. James Tooley, whose book The Beautiful Tree documented the rise of private schools operating beyond the reach of government regulation.

“That research highlighted a basic economic reality, when demand for education outstrips government provision, alternative forms of schooling emerge organically,” he said.

Attfield said the UK had long partnered with Nigeria to develop progressive education policies, noting that the explosive urban growth in cities like Lagos had far outpaced the expansion of public schools.

The Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Dr Ronke Soyombo, disclosed that a recent survey showed over 85 per cent of those in the teaching profession were not registered.

She said the new policy mandates that non-state school teachers must be registered, certified, and licensed by TRCN.

“In readiness to address the implementation of the non-state schools policy, the TRCN is working to make registration, certification, and licensing seamless for non-state school teachers nationwide,” she assured.

NAN reports that the policy includes robust quality assurance measures and aims to hold non-state schools accountable for performance and transparency.

Non-state schools in Nigeria include faith-based institutions, private schools, home schooling centres, tutorial/adult learning centres, voluntary/charity schools, and community schools. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

U.S. announces visa policy review for Nigeria, others
Foreign

U.S. announces visa policy review for Nigeria, others

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By Mark Longyen

The United States (U.S.) Government has announced the review of its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy for Nigeria and other countries.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Embassy, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Titled, “Revised Visa Reciprocity for Nigeria”, the statement explained that the visa policy review, would impact several countries, including Nigeria, and would take effect immediately.

“Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.

“Those U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.

“We wish to underscore, that as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process, and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity,” it said.

It further explained that U.S. visa criteria and standards were designed to protect the integrity of U.S. immigration systems, and the standards were based on global technical and security benchmarks.

The embassy urged prospective U.S. visa applicants to view the latest information on visa reciprocity schedules for all countries at travel.state.gov.

It also said that the U.S. Mission was already working with the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria met the standard criteria, which it enumerated below.

The first standard criteria, the government said, is the “Secure Travel Documents”, by which individual countries are required to issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.

Another standard criteria is that of “Visa Overstay Management”, which requires the implementation of measures to limit overstays by travelers on U.S. visas.

It also listed “Information Sharing” as one of the standard criteria, which required the sharing of relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.

“The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria, and remains committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity, keeping both our countries safer and stronger.

“We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices.

“We continue to engage with Nigerian government officials to address the remaining challenges,” it said.

The U.S. Government, therefore, encouraged Nigerian travelers to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date.

It assured that United States would remain a committed partner in deepening people-to-people ties with Nigeria via business, educational, and cultural exchanges.

“We look forward to continued cooperation at all levels with the Nigerian public and government officials to ensure safe and lawful travel between the United States and all countries,” the statement added.(NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

FG adopts national policy to tackle flood disasters Flood
Environment

FG adopts national policy to tackle flood disasters Flood

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By Abigael Joshua

The Federal Government has adopted a National Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP) aimed at addressing the growing threat of flood-related disasters across the country.

The initiative was announced on Thursday in Abuja during the Technical Committee Meeting (TCM) on the Development of the National Flood Insurance Policy and Implementation Framework.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr Mahmud Kambari, said the policy would reduce the financial burden on both federal and state governments currently allocated to emergency relief and post-disaster reconstruction.

Kambari, who was represented by Mr Kunle Awojemila, Deputy Director in the Department of Flood Erosion Control and Coastal Management, said the NFIP is a proactive response to the increasing frequency and severity of flooding in Nigeria.

“The time has come to shift from reactive responses to proactive and sustainable flood risk management.

“The establishment of a National Flood Insurance Programme as outlined in Section Four of the National Erosion and Flood Control Policy (NEFCOP) is central to this strategy,” he said.

He added that the NFIP would serve as a financial safety net for individuals, businesses, and communities, enabling swift recovery from flood-induced losses and ensuring long-term resilience.

The technical committee, he noted, would define clear timelines, assign responsibilities, and develop monitoring mechanisms to ensure the policy’s effective implementation.

Also speaking, Mrs Rukayat El Rufai, Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council and Climate Change, stressed the need to prioritise flood insurance to secure a more resilient future for Nigerians.

El Rufai, represented by Mrs Inna Audu, Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs, noted that many communities along the River Benue, River Niger, and their tributaries are primarily agrarian and suffer devastating losses due to seasonal flooding.

“When you talk about insurance, it is not something to be done after disaster strikes. It is a preparedness mechanism, an anticipated action. Contributions must be made in advance to create a fund for emergencies,” she said.

She lamented the enormous economic and human toll of recurring floods in Nigeria, adding: “We can only estimate the trillions of naira lost to flooding in recent years, losses to farms, properties, and lives.

“While lives cannot be quantified in naira, we can protect the most vulnerable from financial ruin”.

El Rufai observed that current insurance policies often bundle flood coverage under general packages, which fail to adequately address specific flood risks.

She advocated for standalone flood insurance policies, which she said offer clearer and more comprehensive protection, promote better risk management, and support disaster recovery efforts.

Earlier, Mr Usman Bokani, Director of the Erosion and Coastal Zone Management Department, said the national framework would guide the implementation of a robust and inclusive flood insurance system.

Bokani, represented by Mr Abdullahi Atta, Assistant Director, Coastal Zone Management, said the policy aims to protect vulnerable populations, support rapid post-flood recovery, and enhance national resilience.

“We will explore models for financing, risk pooling, regulatory alignment, and delivery mechanisms at the community level,” he said.

(NAN)www.nannews.ngr

Edited by Tosin Kolade

FG unveils revised National Migration Policy
Metro

FG unveils revised National Migration Policy

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By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), in collaboration with other development partners, has unveiled the revised 2025 National Migration Policy to address the evolving migration challenges in the country.

During the unveiling on Tuesday in Abuja, the Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Mr Tijani Ahmed, emphasised that the policy aimed to strike a balance between the opportunities and risks associated with migration.

Ahmed explained that the revised policy would ensure Nigerian migration practices aligned with global standards, such as the UN’s Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, reflecting the country’s commitment to international migration frameworks.

“This update marks a significant step toward modernising Nigeria’s migration governance, especially with the validation of the 2025 National Migration Policy.

“The policy, first adopted in 2015, has now been updated to address emerging migration realities, including economic shifts, conflict-driven displacement, and human trafficking.

“The review process was led by the NCFRMI and involved a 19-member Policy Review Committee, representing government agencies, civil society, academia, and international partners.

“The updated policy also responds to new challenges and is designed to offer practical solutions, ensuring its effectiveness in managing migration,” Ahmed stated.

Ahmed noted the importance of the integrated approach, which ensured that Nigeria’s policy was not only locally relevant but also aligned with global migration governance standards.

In his remarks, Dr Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, highlighted the policy’s focus on addressing the loss of skilled professionals, especially in healthcare.

Sununu stated that the policy would encourage “brain circulation” through partnerships between Nigerian and international universities.

“More than 1.4 million Nigerians have emigrated in recent years, with 51 per cent of them holding tertiary education credentials.

“Initiatives like transnational education agreements aim to retain academic and medical talent while fostering knowledge exchange,” he said.

Sununu further noted that the revised policy reflected Nigeria’s commitment to proactive migration management amid a rapidly changing global landscape.

“Once approved by the Federal Executive Council, the policy will see state governments, civil society, and international partners working together under a coordinated strategy.

“Education on the risks of irregular migration is crucial, as this has contributed to insecurity within the country.

“The document provides a holistic approach to addressing these issues and, when fully implemented, should significantly reduce irregular migration,” Sununu emphasised.

Sununu also touched on ongoing agricultural empowerment initiatives for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and partnerships aimed at delivering essential services such as healthcare and education.

He commended the NCFRMI’s leadership and the contributions of all stakeholders, stressing the government’s readiness to present the revised policy for adoption by the Federal Executive Council.

He underscored the importance of collaboration at all levels to ensure a coordinated, rights-based approach to migration, reintegration, and poverty reduction in Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Abiemwense Moru

FCTA develops agric. policy to boost food security
Agriculture

FCTA develops agric. policy to boost food security

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By Philip Yatai

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)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Expert urges inclusion of adolescent nutrition in national policy
Agriculture , Food Security

Expert urges inclusion of adolescent nutrition in national policy

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By Felicia Imohimi

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)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

African women land professionals kick against gender disparity in land ownership, management
Gender

African women land professionals kick against gender disparity in land ownership, management

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By Polycarp Auta 

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)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Lagos: Celebrating excellence in nursing
Features

Lagos: Celebrating excellence in nursing

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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.

Nigeria needs disruptive strategy to make significant progress – Nwala
General News

Nigeria needs disruptive strategy to make significant progress – Nwala

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By Philip Yatai

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)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

GB Foods tasks FG on continued support for tomato policy
Agriculture , Food Security

GB Foods tasks FG on continued support for tomato policy

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

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)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

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