NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

Foundation plans fundraising for Africa’s out-of-school children

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By Mark Longyen

A UK-registered Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), IA-Foundation, will  hold a charity fundraising gala in London on Saturday.

This is aimed at tackling the growing crisis of out-of-school children in Africa.

This is contained in a statement issued by the leadership of the organisation, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

It said that the event tagged the 2025 Charity Gala, would take place at the elegant DoubleTree by Hilton, London Docklands Riverside.

The foundation’s leadership said it planned to build on the success of its March 2023 major fundraising event in London to make this one more successful.

It added that it raised 24,000 pounds two years ago, and explained that the goal was to drive lasting change through education for underprivileged children across Africa.

“This isn’t just a night out; it’s a movement. Every ticket bought is an investment in a child’s future, a step toward a better Africa,” the IA-Foundation’s leadership said.

Dignitaries expected at the event include Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to the UK, who will deliver a keynote address, and the Chairperson of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Also expected to attend the fundraising gala is the Foundation’s patron, Chief Femi Falana and high profile UK diaspora individuals, including mayors and councillors from several London boroughs.

“The gala will also feature exciting highlights such as a thrilling American auction, raffle draws with fantastic prizes, live entertainment, fine dining, and inspirational storytelling.

“This gala is one of the foundation’s major drives to scale up its impact. It has also distributed more than 5,000 educational materials to students in slums and underserved communities.

“With tickets already in high demand, attendees are encouraged to buy their tickets now before they sell out.

”All proceeds go directly toward the foundation’s mission of drastically reducing the number of out-of-school children in Africa,” the leadership said.

Founded in 2019, IA-Foundation has already supported over 100 children back into classrooms, it added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Eddited by ISmail Abdulaziz

Science & Tech

NITDA, UK mulls building resilient national cybersecurity architecture

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the United Kingdom are partnering on the UK/Nigeria Inward CyberTrade Mission to build a National Cybersecurity Architecture.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, at the meeting with some UK delegates on Monday in Abuja, said that President Bola Tinubu was committed to economic reforms and transformation, which digitisation could drive.

Inuwa noted that their Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0, would enhance the digitisation of the country by ensuring a digitally literate populace who are abreast of cybersecurity concerns.

He said the Federal Government was working towards embedding cybersecurity in every aspect of general activities, adding that 95 per cent of cyber breaches were as a result of human errors.

“We need to educate both the users and operators on cybersecurity, which is part of what we do and we have a target of achieving 95 per cent digital literacy level now.

“We are looking at building expertise and we are working on training our people on how to safeguard our digital space,” he said.

He added that they were conducting some research on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Blockchain, Robotics and additive manufacturing.

Inuwa explained that as emerging technologies evolved, there was need for cybersecurity to also evolve.

“We need to evolve in the way we talk about cybersecurity and the way we secure the system we are building,” he said.

He added that in the past the use of AI never posed a threat but presently it required explainability to avoid misuse of the technology.

Inuwa added that issues about cybersecurity was a global concern and addressing it would require strategic partnerships and working as a global ecosystem to gain cyber diplomacy.

He added that it was collaborating with other countries who would be working with local businesses to build security systems according to Nigeria’s cyber landscape.

Mr Mark Smithson, Country Director, Department of Business and Trade (DBT), UK, said the relationship between Nigeria and the UK was valued at 7.5 billion pounds and it was committed to continue strengthening it through building safe cyber spaces.

“The UK remains firmly committed to supporting Nigeria in tackling cyber security challenges and harnessing the opportunities of the digital age as global threads evolve.

“Our partnership is more crucial than ever in ensuring a safe and resilient cyberspace for businesses, governments and citizens alike.

“The UK is proud to bring world class expertise in cyber security to Nigeria, from cutting-edge technology, to capacity building initiatives because our strong track record in cyber resilience, threat intelligence and innovation presents valuable opportunity.

“We look forward to expanding our cooperation, sharing knowledge, deepening our bilateral trade and building a secure digital future together,” Smithson said.

Dr Lawan Mohammed, Director, Cybersecurity, said the country would need expertise collaboration to build a strong cybersecurity infrastructure, especially on the effective implementation of cybersecurity frameworks.

Other areas of expertise intervention, he mentioned were in building capacity of cybersecurity experts, which, he said, were about 8,300 and were insufficient to address cyber threats across the country.

He added that the Federal Government would require expertise to develop threat intelligence, identify vulnerabilities, preserve Public Key Infrastructure and a resilient National Cybersecurity Architecture, among other areas.

Mr Ross Gill, another member of the delegation, recognised that there are growing threats across the globe, saying that partnerships and sharing best practices could help build better defenses. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Agriculture

UK pledges £204m for Nigeria’s agriculture growth

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UK

By Abbas Bamalli

The United Kingdom (UK) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has expressed readiness to leverage 204 million pounds in private sector finance and investment into agriculture in Nigeria.

Mrs Adiya Ode, Country Representative for Propcom+, a programme funded by the UK FCDO, disclosed this in Katsina on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting.

According to her, Propcom+ is UK Aid’s eight-year climate-resilient agricultural market development programme.

It aims to support economic growth for smallholders and SMEs in conflict- and climate-affected regions.

“We’re improving the resilience of smallholders and small-scale entrepreneurs to climate change while increasing productivity and incomes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining natural ecosystems.

“The programme, which runs from 2023 to 2030, supports climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture and forestry that benefits people, the climate and nature.

“It also aims to transform Nigeria’s rural economy by addressing environmental, social and economic challenges in the country’s food and land-use system,” Ode said.

Ode explained that the programme will achieve this by increasing productivity, improving nutrition and food security, enhancing climate resilience, reducing emissions, and protecting nature.

“It will also help tackle some of Nigeria’s underlying drivers of conflict and insecurity, supporting sustainable, pro-poor, climate-resilient growth in selected rural markets.

“We work as a ‘market facilitator’, identifying constraints in market systems and enabling changes that help rural markets benefit poor and climate-vulnerable smallholders and entrepreneurs.

“Propcom+ aims to increase the incomes and climate resilience of 3.79 million poor and vulnerable Nigerians, 50 per cent of whom will be women.

“The programme aims to support over four million people in adopting sustainable agricultural practices while about £95 million was earmarked for the programme,” she added.

She revealed that the programme is already active in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, Plateau, Gombe and Adamawa. Katsina has just been approved as a beneficiary.

Ode said this development followed a meeting between Gov. Dikko Radda and the FCDO, where they discussed the programme’s implementation in Katsina.

“Today, we had a very good meeting with farmers, businessmen, processors, academics, women’s groups and cooperatives.

“They support the decision to implement the programme in Katsina.

“In the coming days, we’ll meet government officials to better understand the challenges and how we can address them,” Ode stated.

According to her, Propcom+ aims to tackle three major challenges: low agricultural productivity, conflict over natural resources, and the impact of climate change.

She noted that the programme seeks to transform the rural economy and increase smallholder farmers’ and SMEs’ incomes, ensuring people can earn a decent living and reduce poverty. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Defence/Security

UK reaffirms strong defence ties with Nigeria

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By Hamza Suleiman

UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker has reaffirmed the longstanding defence partnership between his country and Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and counter insurgency operation in the North-East.

Coaker, who is on a working visit to Nigeria, stated this at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

The minister accompanied by other senior officials of the UK government, highlited the importance of the bilateral relationship between the two countries to address security challenges.

“The presence of the Honour Guard was a moving experience, symbolising the respect and partnership between the Nigerian and British militaries.

“His Majesty’s Government recognises Nigeria as a key ally and a leader in West Africa. Together, we stand for democracy, human rights and the rule of law,” Coaker said.

 

UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker visits Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Theater Commander, Joint Task Force OPHK

The minister reiterated the UK government commitment to support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and shared impact of global security challenges.

“Your conflict is our conflict and your security is our security. The work you are doing to combat terrorism, particularly through initiatives like Operation Hadin Kai, is commendable.

“We are proud to provide training, expertise and equipment to support your efforts,” he said.

Coaker listed the UK’s contributions to counter-insurgency operations to include counter improvised explosive devices training, provision of equipment, and mentorship towards the establishment of the Counter-IED Coordination Cell in the North-East.

Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Theatre Commander, OPHK, commended the UK for its sustained support in combating insurgency in the region.

UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker visits headquarters of the Joint Task Force OPHK in Maiduguri

He described the visit as a testament to the longstanding cordial relationship between Nigeria and the UK.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Lord Vernon Coaker and his distinguished entourage to Maiduguri, the ‘Home of Peace,’ which also hosts the Headquarters of JTF (NE) OPHK.

“This visit validates the strong partnership between our nations.”

Shaibu said the mandate of the task force was to restore normalcy to the region, provide enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive, as well as resettlement of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

He noted that the fulfilment of the task force mandate required not only material resources but also regular training and retraining of troops to keep them updated on evolving security challenges.

Technical session during the UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker visit to the Joint Task Force OPHK in Maiduguri

The commander lauded the establishment of the Counter-IED Coordination Cell, supported by the UK, which became a hub for intelligence gathering and dismantling insurgent IED networks.

“This hub, equipped with detection tools, laptops, tactical intelligence kits, and other resources, has been vital in detecting, neutralising, and disarming IEDs effectively,” he said.

Shaibu also commended the Instructor Development Programme being implemented in collaboration with BDS-WA, to fast track training of personnel from Nigeria and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

UK Minister of State for Defence, Lord Vernon Coaker visits Joint Task Force OPHK in Maiduguri

“The programme fosters synergy and camaraderie among troops from the Lake Chad Basin countries, strengthening regional cooperation,” he said, adding that the UK government’s timely and relevant support were imperative towards achieving the task force mandate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

HMS/ISHO/ RSA

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Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Rabiu Sani-Ali

Features

UK expert tasks leaders on organisational confidence

353 total views today

 

By Hafsah Tilde

Caroline Lucas, Director Special Projects, TEXEM, has urged leaders to imbibe organisation confidence in their activities.

 

She said that this would engender the building of the much needed successful organisation and a motivated workforce.

 

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, Lucas said that stakeholder confidence is the cornerstone of organisational success.

 

She added that in times of volatility, confidence can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving.

 

She said that The TEXEM programme, Resilience in a Volatile World: Inspiring Transformation Successfully would prepare leaders to inspire trust and build alignment among stakeholders.

 

Lucas said that the programme running from Feb. 8 to Feb. 22 would ensure organisational resilience and growth among participants.

 

‘’The programme combines self-paced virtual learning with dynamic live sessions led by globally recognised faculty.

 

‘’Participants begin with one-hour daily activities, such as reading case studies and reflecting on practical scenarios, earning points that are displayed on a leaderboard.

 

‘’This competitive, gamified system drives engagement and fosters a culture of continuous learning.

 

‘’Weekly live sessions provide a platform to delve deeper into key themes, offering participants actionable strategies to enhance their leadership capabilities.’’

 

Lucas said that Ambassador Charles Crawford’s sessions would focus on the art of communication and influence.

 

Drawing from his extensive experience as a diplomat, she said that Crawford would equip participants with tools to build trust and inspire confidence among diverse stakeholders.

 

‘’For example, leaders learn how to communicate a compelling vision that aligns their teams and secures buy-in from investors, even in the face of economic uncertainty.

 

‘’Bradley Jones complements this with insights into strategic decision-making and stakeholder management.

 

‘’His sessions explore how to engage stakeholders in collaborative problem-solving, ensuring that decisions are not only effective but also widely supported.

 

‘’By fostering a sense of shared ownership, leaders can build coalitions that drive organisational resilience.’’

 

She said that another lead speaker, Dr TB McClelland Jr., would address the behavioral aspects of stakeholder engagement, focusing on empathy, adaptability and active listening.

 

Lucas said that the participants would learn how to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics, ensuring alignment even when interests diverge.

 

‘’For example, McClelland highlights the importance of understanding stakeholder motivations and tailoring communication strategies to address their concerns.

 

‘’The programme’s emphasis on practical application ensures that participants leave with actionable tools to influence effectively.

 

‘’Through scenario-based exercises, leaders explore how to navigate high-stakes challenges, such as talent scarcity or rising operational costs.’’

 

Lucas added that the framework of the programme would allow participants to develop a stakeholder engagement strategy to support a major organisational transformation.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Agriculture , Food Security

University of Plymouth, NWRI partner to advance climate-smart agriculture

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By Tosin Kolade

The University of Plymouth in the UK and the National Water Resources Institute (NWRI) in Kaduna, have announced a new partnership to advance research on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Nigeria and Ghana.

The announcement was made at the Soil Health for Productivity and Climate Resilience Workshop in Abuja on Thursday.

Prof. William Blake, the Director of the Sustainable Earth Institute at the University of Plymouth, stressed the importance of international collaboration toward tackling global challenges such as food security and climate change.

He said “this partnership underscores the growing importance of cross-border cooperation to address critical issues like sustainable land management and water resources.

“By focusing on Climate-Smart Agriculture, we aim to boost agricultural productivity, while adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.”

According to him, the workshop focuses on strategies to improve soil health and adopt sustainable water management practices to boost agricultural productivity and enhance climate resilience.

Blake also stressed the importance of research that supports CSA at both small and large scales, from farm to river basin, ensuring sustainability across different levels.

He added that “this collaboration is particularly important for West Africa, where shared climate challenges demand locally-adaptable solutions.

“Our goal is to develop solutions that address food security while also building resilience to climate change.”

Prof. Kevin Jones, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the Plymouth University, emphasised the institution’s long-standing commitment to addressing global challenges through practical research.

Jones noted the university’s focus on environmental sustainability, particularly in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and its ongoing work in marine and maritime sectors.

He also emphasised the importance of scientific and technological advances in ensuring sustainable agriculture for the future.

This, he said, include focusing on soil health, ensuring productive crops and knowledge sharing to tackle environmental issues globally.

Jones also identified Nigeria as key partner in these efforts, pointing out the potential for UK-Nigeria collaboration to produce innovative solutions with global applications.

He said “global partnerships are crucial for the future. The challenges we face today are global in nature, and we need to bring together the best expertise from around the world to ensure the planet’s future is in good hands.”

Dr Omogbemi Yaya, the Director of the Regional Centre for Integrated River Basin Management at NWRI, explained that the partnership is supported by the UNESCO-affiliated Regional Centre for Integrated Rural Business Management.

He said the collaboration would focus on shared priorities, including rural business management, capacity building and sustainable development, with emphasis on research and teaching.

He added that “this strategic partnership between NWRI and the University of Plymouth will leverage the strength of both institutions in water resources and academic research.

“Our goal is to collaborate on research that addresses key challenges faced by rural communities.

“The partnership reflects the institute’s commitment to global collaborations and supports the university’s mission to influence sustainable development.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop brought together researchers, policymakers and practitioners to discuss strategies toward
tackling food security and climate resilience in West Africa.

The partnership is funded with £30,000 under the Innovate UK Scoping Project for Climate-Smart Agriculture Partnerships: UK-Brazil-Africa.

The National Water Resources Institute, a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, was established in 1979.

It is tasked with training and retraining water engineers, technologists and technicians in the water resources sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)


Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

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