September 16, 2024

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1 Author advocates more attention to children’s development

2 Fuel hike: Abuja motorists opt for compact cars

3 Culture: China reaffirms commitment to strengthen ties with Nigeria

4 Nigeria’s road to vaccine self-sufficiency: The challenges, prospects

5 Foundation urges government to address hospital malnutrition

Science & Tech

Expose children to technopreneurial skills for national, economic development – Expert

By Perpetua Onuegbu

Dr Eugenia Ndukwe, Executive Director, Young Global Leadership (YGL) Network, an NGO, says young leaders’ exposure to technopreneurial skills will ensure a stable economy and contribute to the county’s development.

Ndukwe said this at the opening of the 2024 Young Global Leadership Annual Diplomacy, Entrepreneurship and Technopreneurship programme held on Tuesday in Abuja.

She said that YGL in partnership with a consulting firm, XEM Ltd. had designed the programme/bootcamp to empower the next generation of Nigerian leaders and entrepreneurs.

”The bootcamp is hosting talented young people aged 8-15, offering them a unique opportunity to develop critical diplomacy, entrepreneurship and technology skills,” she said.

Ndukwe said the bootcamp was necessary in view of the desire of many parents to have their children travel abroad to study and become global citizens, not being mindful of them having a global mindset.

“Entrepreneurship has come into play because if you look at what is happening especially with fresh graduates, you will see that everybody wants to work but is working sustainable?.

“The easier way for you to make it in life today is to commercialise your skill and knowledge; when you commercialise your skill and knowledge, you attain self satisfaction and financial sustainability.

“We started the leadership and entrepreneurship programme to see how to help the young ones take advantage of the opportunities that are available in the world of technology. Life is not just about socialising.

“We prepare our young leaders to be the agents of global impact and national development.

“We have to teach them how to be responsible and also be contributory citizens in their immediate community by first identifying their weaknesses and their strengths, and then harnessing the knowledge into something useful,” Ndukwe said.

According to her, YGL is determined to ensure that young ones identify their talents and as such decided to build the child’s self esteem and public speaking confidence.

Ndukwe added that for young leaders to be outstanding, they have to be taught about diplomacy, to understand the culture or the global environment.

“When they are not intentionally raised to know these things they are faced with emotional challenges, cultural challenges as well as psychological issues.

“So the bootcamp through interactive sessions and hands-on projects, participants will gain insights into global affairs, leadership, innovation, technopreneurship and the importance of social responsibility.

“The programme is designed to equip young minds with tools to become proactive citizens and fulfil their potential,” Ndukwe said.

She therefore called for parents to support the children, noting that most parents only believe in a conventional school environment.

The expert also appealed for government’s support, as reputable resource persons were usually engaged to mentor the children, since the organisation was contributing to social cohesion, societal integration and national development.

On his part, the programme’s coordinator, Mr Samuel Chukwu said the children were being mentored to be future leaders.

“We have realised that what a country needs to be a world power or to survive is leadership and a strong economy.

“That is why we have classified this bootcamp under leadership and entrepreneurship.

“We believe in catching them young; we don’t believe anybody is too small, so all we can do is to give them every skill they need to become leaders of tomorrow.

“So, I encourage parents to embrace this because the world is a global village and your children need all the support they need to get.

“Bring them to this programme and let us help you nurture Nigeria citizens that are positive contributors,” Chukwu said.

One of the young leaders, David Chigozirim, a Junior Secondary School (JSS 2) student, and a third time participant, said that he learnt about public speaking and could now speak boldly and confidently in the crowd.

He further said he learnt so much about technopreneurship using the internet to create business ideas and popularise them worldwide.

On her part Fatima Sagir, a Grade 4 pupil, said she had learnt about diplomacy and international interactions, especially how to relate with other citizens of other countries.

Sagir said she also learnt about emotional intelligence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bootcamp tagged “Diplomacy and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp” will end on Aug. 23. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Science & Tech

FG mulls indigenous blockchain technology dev’t

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Federal Government has announced plans to develop a home grown blockchain technology to ensure protection of the national database for enhance security.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said this on Thursday when he received a delegation from the Law School of University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that part of the proposal of the group was engagement of the private sector to develop a home grown blockchain ‘Nigerium.’

Inuwa saud the agency had reconstituted the National Blockchain Policy Steering Committee (NBP-SC) in May this year, to domesticate the technology according to the country’s needs.

“Blockchain technology is evolving and have increasingly transformative application and we are leveraging its dynamic potential.

“We have the steering committee which you’ve consulted. It’s good you present this research to the steering committee, get their buy in for adoption and further implementation,’’ he said.

The Team Lead, Ms Chanu Kuppuswamy said that an indigenous blockchain technology system would ensure the interest and decisions about the country’s national database, were not compromised by foreign co-developers.

Kuppuswamy said an indigenous blockchain was like having a completely customised new product that is for the Nigerian terrain.

“The product in this case happens to be a new blockchain itself, which you can either take an existing blockchain and do a smart contract on it.

“In this case, the smart contract is controlled by Nigerian government on behalf of the Nigerian people.

“In the situation where the underlying blockchain is not controlled by the Nigerian government or written with the interest of people at heart, it is basically a commercial product,’’ she said.

According to her, interest of the developer will always be considered to benefit the commercial developers.

She recommended for Nigeria to develop an equivalent of Ethereum, adding that, “we hope that NITDA can consider developing an indigenous blockchain whereby we can collaboratively enlist all the public service and the land registries of the 36 states and the FCT.

Also, Dr Bukola Faturoti, a member of the delegation, said that Nigeria was due for a data embassy to back up her national data.

Faturoti explained that a data embassy was a server hosted in third party country, likened to Nigerian embassies in different countries.

“This time, Nigerian data is located in foreign countries, whereby the law of your country is what is operational in that place.

“A data embassy will ensure digital continuity because the data of your country is susceptible to attack and it can also be affected by natural disaster and other activities such as cyber-attack.’’ (NAN)”www.nannews.ng”

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Science & Tech

Reps seek budget increase for science, technology research

By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The House of Representatives Committee on Science and Engineering has called on the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation to science and technology research to boost the country’s socio-economic development.

Chairman of the committee, Rep. Inuwa Garba, made the call during the oversight visit to Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) in Abuja.

“We are not impressed by what we are seeing here because as a research complex, the government should make a very robust and effective budget system to this institution to make it work.

“We all see the kind of investment that is here, running into billions of naira but nothing positive is happening, maybe due to lack of proper funding or other issues,” he said.

Garba said that based on what the committee had observed at the complex, there was the need for discussing how to ensure proper functionality of the institution, in line with international best practices.

“Looking at what is happening globally in the area of science and technology, Nigeria should not be left behind because that is what is moving the entire world now.

“Without research, there will be no development; without development, there will be no positive change in any country,” he said.

Garba stressed the need for taking science research seriously, stressing that the complex was a good initiative but that due to negligence, it had not achieved its purpose.

He said that science research was important in the area of agriculture, healthcare, housing and automobile industry, adding that it also enhanced opportunities to solve problems.

The lawmaker called for strategic approach to addressing the challenges in the science and technology sector.

The Director-General of SHESTCO, Prof. Paul Onyenekwe, commended the committee for their visit, expressing the hope that they would address the pressing challenges of the institution.

He commended the committee for its objectivity, dedication and passion for science research in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Health

Use of technology will increase access to mental care— Psychiatrist

 

By Kemi Akintokun

Leveraging technology in mental health care is important as it will increase accessibility as well as enhance diagnosis and monitoring, says Dr Olusola Olowookere, a Consultant Psychiatrist.

Olowookere, the Chief Executive Officer of GreyHub Therapeutic Centre, Lagos, made the assertion at a programme organised by the centre to commemorate 2024 Mental Health Awareness Month.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mental Health Awareness Month is observed  yearly every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being.

He explained that the ratio of mental health experts to the population of country had denied many Nigerians the opportunity to have quick and easy access to mental care.

“Statistics show that one in every four person will experience one form of mental health issue, either diagnosed or undiagnosed problem.

“In Nigeria, we have about 150 psychiatrists to over 200 million people and that is why people don’t have quick and easy access to care.

“We have to start leveraging on technology to be able to have wider access for patients to quick help.

“For instance, patients can complete few sessions online and can be screened for common mental health  problems by talking to a certified therapist or psychologist online”.

Olowookere, who is also a Forensic Medical Examiner, said the programme with the theme “Wellness Wonderland”, was organised to create awareness on mental health related issues.

According to him, mental health plays a core and important role in the overall wellness of people, depending also on various factors including family background, trauma, life experience, relationship among others.

“The whole concept of this gathering is to raise awareness about emotional and mental health problem in our society.

“Over the years, the conversation had not be heard enough and that is why we are using every space and opportunity we have to pass the message across about emotional awareness.

“This aspect of human health is central to stigma and this has prevented a lot of people to seek help from the right people,” he said.

The CEO added that the 2023 a Mental health bill passed by former President Muhammadu Buhari – led administration would help to increase access to fund , community intervention and access to prompt services.

Speaking also, Dr Tolu Ajomale, the Director in Charge of Special Project and Mental Health at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, said the state had put in place measure to address mental health related issues.

Ajomale said: “The Lagos State government has been in the forefront of addressing mental related issues.

“The state passed a mental bill in 2019 and that happens to be the first in Nigeria as a way of providing help to people who needs it.

“A helpline was created so that people struggling with their mental health can speak to people who can manage their issues.

“The state has done a lot of training for emergency medical personnel to guard them on how to de-escalate issues related to it,” he said. (NAN)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Defence/Security

We must deploy technology to combat security challenges – COAS

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says security forces must remain proactive in the use of technology to address the nation’s security challenges.

Lagbaja said this when he received members of the Technical Committee established by the Ministry of Defense and Office of the National Security Advisor (ONSA) on Thursday in Abuja.

The committee is to advise on the way forward in combating security challenges confronting northern Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team was led by the Chairman of the committee, retired Maj.-Gen. Ahmed-Tijani Jibril.

Lagbaja said the Nigerian Army had been engaged in its constitutional roles of protecting the country against external aggression and internal subversion with troops deployed in all the 36 states of the federation, including Federal Capital Territory.

He said the service had identified that the changing nature and character of conflicts was driven largely by technology.

“We are glad that this committee set up by the Ministry of Defence and ONSA has been tasked to identify how we can be a step ahead of the adversary in terms of technology so that we can quickly win all our battles and engagements.

“So, I want to appreciate the committee looking in that direction and we have also understood through our review that the military effort, the kinetic, will not win this war alone.

“So, we need all the support, technical or otherwise because the Nigerian Army has a lot of capability,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, retired Maj.-Gen. Jibrin, said the committee visited the army headquarters to get their inputs and further suggestions on how to address the challenges.

He said the committee had the task of identifying the technological gaps that needed to be closed to be able to win the war against insecurity in northern Nigeria.

He urged the COAS and the senior officers to be frank in making their suggestions and inputs. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

OYS/KOO/SA

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Salif Atojoko

A group photograph with Director-General of NITDA, Directors of the agency and journalists
General News , Science & Tech

FG plans to reposition Nigeria’s technology ecosystem

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says it plans to reposition Nigeria’s technology ecosystem to emerge as a global digital talent power house.

NITDA Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, said this on Wednesday in Abuja at a media parley with the theme ”Exceptional Media Relations, Strengthening Bonds Beyond Headlines”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the media parley was organised to discuss NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan for 2024-2027.

Inuwa said the roadmap was designed in line with President Bola Tinubu’s eight priority areas targeted at diversifying the nation’s economy.

He added that the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy also rolled out five strategic objectives to achieve development in the IT sector.

The NITDA boss said the agency crafted the eight pillars Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan as a comprehensive document that reflected commitment to uplifting Nigeria to a premier status in the global digital economy.

He said this would be done by harnessing the potential of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Inuwa said the agency had also developed the National Digital Literacy Framework in line with the first pillar, which was aimed at fostering digital literacy and cultivation of talents.

According to him, the framework has an ambitious target of achieving 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030, and that can make us surpass India in technology, among other initiatives.

“We are working with the Ministry of Education to review the curriculum across the formal education, from nursery to university so that we can infuse digital literacy in our formal education.

“By doing that, we can empower Nigerians to have digital skills before graduating.

“We are also conceptualising other initiatives which include the Digital Literacy for All Initiative which will be unveiled soon,” director-general said.

He added that the initiative would ensure Nigerians were educated on IT outside the formal education and have access to quality digital content.

“This can help them have the knowledge to navigate around digital technology and digital economy.

“The talents and digital literacy are quick wins and can easily create value for our citizens, but for the future, we need to invest heavily in research.”

The director-general said that apart from digital literacy, the agency was working to ensure digital sovereignty, to develop all digital innovation in the country.

“We conducted skills gap assessment to identify skills in high demand locally and globally, and based on that, we have identified 12 tech skills in high demand and we used that to design three million tech talent initiative.

“The initiative is to train three million Nigerians on those 12 identified tech talents in high demand.

“The idea is that when we train them, some will be able to serve local market and some leave Nigeria to get job somewhere for brain export not brain drain,” Inuwa said.

He recalled that India started brain export about 20 years ago, adding that” presently, almost 25 per cent of sea level executives in big technology companies are Indians and they have dominated the global technology ecosystem.

“Nigeria can do same because we have even more competitive advantage than India. We have the population, better accent, better time zone and if we position ourselves, we can beat India in technology.”

The NITDA boss added that the agency had a mid-term target of achieving 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027.

He said that the strategic plan intended to position Nigeria as a digitally inclined nation in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the present administration.

He added that IT was an enabler that would ensure development in other sectors.

He said the pillars of the strategic plan included building a robust technology research ecosystem, strengthening policy implementation and legal frameworks as well as promotion of inclusive access to digital infrastructure and services.

“Others are strengthening cybersecurity and enhancing digital trust, nurturing an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem, forging strategic partnerships and collaborations, as well as cultivating a vibrant organisational culture and an agile workforce in NITDA. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==========
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Agriculture

Alumni association says poised to lead technological revolution in agriculture

By Felicia Imohimi

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Alumni Association (FVMUNNAA), says it is positioned to lead technological revolution in agriculture across the country.

Prof. Lawrence Okonkwo, National President of the association, communicated this at the maiden National Symposium and Annual General Meeting of FVMUNNAA in Abuja.

The theme of the symposium is “Adopting Technological Innovations in Veterinary Practice, Livestock Production and General Agricultural Practices for food security, Economic Growth, Poverty Alleviation, Youth Empowerment and National Security.”

               Local Organising Committee

Okonkwo said the association would collaborate with researchers, policymakers and leaders of industries to create scalable agricultural systems that respected the planet’s limits while feeding its inhabitants.

“Our education has equipped us with tools to innovate, challenge the status quo and drive the required change.

“We are committed to promoting the new culture by providing the necessary public education, partnering with government agencies and departments and more specifically encouraging our members and the public.

“The commitment is geared toward investment in technologically driven veterinary practice, livestock production and general agriculture by all and sundry.

“Collaboration of the alumni with researchers and others can help shape a future where technology and agriculture coexist in harmony, ensuring food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability for generations to come.’’

The president said the pathway to economic growth and national security was through farming and scientific innovations.

Okonkwo, however, urged all stakeholders to commit to supporting the agricultural sector with the needed technology in order for the sector to thrive.

“Together we can create a future where everyone has access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food and where our nation stands strong, self-sufficient and secure,’’ he said.

He called on all tiers of government to prioritise innovative and technologically driven agricultural practices by procuring modern agricultural equipment and as well set out effective and efficient modalities for easy access by farmers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam  and Chijioke Okoronkwo

Education

FG vows to foster youth talent via Tech advancement

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Government on Monday reiterated its commitment to nurture young talents by fostering technological advancements.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, made this commitment at the Award Ceremony of the 2024 Rwanda International Competition and the USA World Robotics Festival held in Abuja.

Mamman emphasised the importance of recognising and supporting the nation’s young heroes.

He acknowledged the outstanding accomplishments of students from Federal Government College, Ikirun, and the Federal Government College, Oyo, who excelled in the international competitions.

The minister said the achievements of the young talents at the competition was a great feat for the nation.

“The achievements of our young innovators reflect our commitment to providing a technology-driven educational environment.

“We are dedicated to nurturing critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity from the foundation level, and ensuring that every child in Nigeria has access to opportunities in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence,” he said.

Mamman stressed that the ministry would continue to support the development of young talents, and ensure equitable access to educational opportunities nationwide.

In a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, celebrated the spirit of collaboration and innovation showcased by the winners.

Presentation of award by the Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman to Federal Government Girls College Oyo.

Walson-Jack, represented by the Director of Special Duties, Alhaji Zubairu Abdullahi, praised the dedication of the innovators, while also underscoring the transformative potential of Robotics in shaping the future of society.

The Deputy Director, Technology and Science Education in the ministry, Dr Stella Uhuegbu, provided insight into the international competitions, highlighting the unprecedented success of Nigerian schools on the global stage.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the winning teams, symbolising the culmination of their hard work, creativity, and determination. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

General News , Science & Tech

Expert advocates removal of cultural norms barring women, girls in STEM disciplines

 

ICT
ICT

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Mr Jide Awe, an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) expert, has advocated the removal of cultural norms and stereotypes that discourage women and girls from pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

Awe made the call in Abuja on Thursday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the commemoration of the 2024 International Girls in ICT Day, slated for April 25.

NAN reports that the day aims to encourage young women and girls to build careers in ICT and also bridge gender gap in the tech industry, inspire girls to achieve their full potential in STEM.

The expert said there was a digital gender divide that had stunted the growth of the tech industry and the overall development of societies.

According to him, celebrating the day annually should not just be a slogan but should centre around how young women and girls can use ICT to solve problems and realise their dreams.

“Essentially, this entails addressing how girls and young women can be empowered to develop careers in the field of ICT.

“There can be no real change until girls and young women invest significantly in ICT careers and education.

“In addition to technical capacity, we must change culture in the ICT sector, stop the stereotypes and biases in the tech industry because the field is about solving problems and not a male field.

“The technology ecosystem is a space for everyone and in this regard, strong female role models and mentors in the ICT field are encouraged to speak on their experiences and provide guidance to young girls and women,” he said.

The expert said that the world needed the talents, ideas of the women, adding that a more diverse and inclusive tech industry would help everyone towards shaping the future of technology.

He added that young women and girls should be encouraged and inspired to take up ICT careers and pursue STEM education.

“Beyond talk, society must walk the talk by equipping and supporting young women and girls by providing them with access to training, career information, opportunities and resources needed to become successful ICT professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Science & Tech

FG, Association partner to modernise orphanages and childcare services

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Federal Government has partnered with the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON) to transform the orphanages and childcare services in Nigeria.

The initiative seeks to leverage technology to streamline data management and enhance support for vulnerable children across the nation.

During a consultative forum held in Abuja, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, unveiled plans to implement a software solution in partnership with Both Ends Believing (BEB), an international organisation.

This innovative approach aims to provide comprehensive data on orphanages and vulnerable children, facilitating informed decision-making and improving child protection procedures.

The Children First Software (CFS), developed by BEB, will serve as a vital tool in this endeavor.

Designed as a mobile app and web-based platform, the software enables real-time tracking of vulnerable children within orphanage facilities, from their admission to eventual placement.

Representing the Minister at the forum, Mr Eligius Nobis, Assistant Director of Child Development, emphasised the significance of this partnership in addressing the challenges faced by the childcare sector.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to working with ASOHON and BEB to eradicate illegal orphanage operations, commonly referred to as “baby factories.”

Kennedy-Ohanenye underscored the importance of accurate data in guiding policy formulation and enforcement within the childcare sector.

She commended ASOHON for its role in facilitating this collaboration and urged regional chapters to actively participate in identifying and shutting down illegal childcare facilities.

Dr Gabriel Oyediji, National President of ASOHON, emphasised the urgency of updating existing data on vulnerable children, citing outdated statistics from 2007.

He noted the role of BEB’s CFS in addressing this gap and reiterated the association’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of children under their care.

“As we embark on this journey of collaboration and dialogue, let us reflect on the profound impact our collective actions can have on the lives of these children.

“By working hand-in-hand, we can ensure that they receive love, care and support they deserve to thrive and fulfil their potential,’’ Oyediji said.

The national president, encouraged the government to prioritise social welfare funding, data coherency and ensure conclusive projects on assembling data which had failed in the past.

According to him, until the budget for social care and welfare is improved, things will not get better, because people working in this sector are discouraged.

Mr Kenneth Ayebazibwe, African Regional Director for BEB, emphasised the software’s role in promoting transparency and accountability within the childcare system.

He outlined the benefits of the CFS, including improved coordination among stakeholders and streamlined licensing procedures for orphanages.

Ms Yonpan Dariem, a representative of BEB Nigeria, while presenting the findings from homes on the pilot project, said out of over 500 homes registered with ASOHON, they assessed 90.

Dariem said that from the assessment, children brought into childcare services were either partial/total orphans, had shelter issues, abandoned, faced extreme poverty, dissatisfied about basic needs, abused, among other reasons.

She also mentioned that some were kept in home due to disability and out of 3,753 assessed, 13 of them were children with disabilities. 

Other assessment criteria included children in residential care by age, sex, parental status, children with up-to-date care plan, among other conditions. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Jacinta Nwachukwu/Deji Abdulwahab

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