The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with Lelook Bags Academy, has trained 100 Nigeria youths on bag making.
The training is to enable the youths to key into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative for Nigeria, said this at the graduation ceremony of the students in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to Attafuah, the event emphasises the importance of leveraging AfCFTA to foster intra-African trade and economic growth.
While stating the transformative potential of AfCFTA, she said that intra-African trade, remained at a mere 16.6 per cent of the continent’s population of 1.4 billion
She emphasised that Nigeria, as the continent’s largest economy, engaged in only about 10 per cent of this trade, indicating substantial room for growth.
Attafuah stressed the need to connect individuals to opportunities, markets, and knowledge, with a particular focus on supporting women’s roles in trade.
She announced initiatives to link women to essential information, networks and financing, aiming to ensure that AfCFTA served as a practical tool for inclusive development.
Addressing the graduates, Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lelook Bags Academy, emphasised the significance of discipline, continuous learning, and innovation.
She urged them to view their acquired skills as instruments to break cycles of poverty, build generational wealth and create lasting impact.
Ezenwa urged the graduates to be proactive in building opportunities and leading change, emphasising that Africa’s development in trade would be significantly driven by women.
Also, a former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, applauded LeLook Bags’ impactful training of 100 youths in bag manufacturing.
Tallen reiterated the international competitiveness of LeLook’s products and emphasised the importance of such initiatives in providing sustainable livelihoods for young Nigerians.
She urged the public to support locally made products like LeLook bags, which rivals international brands in quality and design.
Dr Asabe Bashir, Director-General of the Mariam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, commended the high standards of LeLook’s products.
Bashir announced plans for collaboration with the Academy to enhance vocational training programmes in the country.
She said that such initiatives not only uplift individuals, but also contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth by fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurship among women and youths.
“These endorsements underscore the critical role of skill acquisition and local manufacturing in driving economic development and reducing unemployment in Nigeria,” she said.
Mr Desmond Toover, one of the graduating students, speaking on behalf of the class, thanked the UNDP and Lelook for the support and opportunity.
” We are more than a graduating class. We are a collective force, each of us bringing unique talents and perspectives that, when combined, can create extraordinary outcomes.
” We are deeply grateful to the phenomenal UNDP and Lelook Bags for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this training,” he said.(NAN)
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has said that the new 120KVA Mini-Grid at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Idu Centre, would enhance the productivity of Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
Ms Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative in Nigeria of the United Nations Development Programme, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
NAN reports that the UNDP in collaboration with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), recently installed a 120KVA solar-powered mini-grid and state-of-the-art makerspace to enhance energy access for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria.
Attafuah said that the mini-grid and the makerspace facility were initiatives aimed to provide uninterrupted, sustainable, and affordable power, addressing one of the most critical challenges faced by entrepreneurs and small businesses in the country.
“This cutting-edge facility will equip MSMEs particularly those in the fashion, leather, circular economy, and creative industries with modern digital tools, machinery, shared production spaces, and business support services.
“It would enable them to scale operations, improve quality, and compete in local and global markets.
“The twin initiatives– sustainable energy access and advanced skills development infrastructure – reflect UNDP’s commitment to fostering a thriving MSME ecosystem, promoting economic resilience, and driving inclusive industrialisation in Nigeria,” she said.
The UNDP representative said that facilities provided offered a new chapter for MSMEs especially those in Abuja to thrive in today’s competitive economy.
According to her, the initiative not only supports local innovation but also links Nigerian businesses to regional and continental trade opportunities.
She said that the refurbishment of the facility was part of UNDP’s broader commitment to strengthening the MSMEs ecosystem in the country and to drive trade within Nigeria and Africa at large.
Attafuah said that by supporting MSMEs and promoting sustainable practices, UNDP and SMEDAN were contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and its integration into regional and global value chains.
She noted that the initiative aligned with UNDP’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and empowering communities.
“Recent interventions at SMEDAN, Idu centre, such as the solarisation of the garment-making section with a 120 KVA Hybrid Mini-grid inverter system with 240 KWH Lithium Battery have significantly improved energy reliability, enabling the fashion hub to thrive.
“Access to renewable energy will enhance productivity while reducing costs, making it easier for fashion entrepreneurs to meet the rising demand for Nigerian-made products, both locally and across African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA),” she said.
In a separate interview, Mr Charles Odii, Director General of SMEDAN, commended the collaboration of the UNDP in provision of the mini-grid and the state of the art markerspace power supply facility.
He said that the facilities marked a critical milestone in SMEDAN’s vision to transform all its centres into one-stop shops for MSMEs in the country.
“These centers will provide entrepreneurs with seamless access to critical resources, including innovative facilities, regulatory support, and capacity-building opportunities.
“Our commitment remains unwavering in creating an enabling environment for MSMEs to thrive, and we will continue to pursue strategic partnerships, like this collaboration with UNDP, to ensure this vision becomes a reality,” he said.
Odii said that the facility had further proven the UNDP’s commitment to supporting innovative solutions and fostering sustainable development, collaborative workspaces equipped with advanced technology and facilities for the benefits of MSMES.
He urged MSMEs within and around Abuja to optimise the facilities provided and available at the SMEDAN Idu center to boost productivity and grow the nation’s economy.
According to him, we expect MSMEs to fully utilise these facilities, it will help them in prototype design and manufacture products, thereby boosting their productivity and competitiveness.
Odii added that the makerspace would serve as a hub where entrepreneurs could access support from SMEDAN and other regulatory agencies, providing a solid foundation for MSMEs to scale their businesses and increase their competitiveness. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Mr Matthew Alao, the Team Lead, Governance, Peace, and Security Unit, United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, has described violent extremism as a complex, multifaceted problem that requires equally nuanced and adaptable solutions.
Alao said this at the graduation ceremony of 32 participants of Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) on Countering Violent Extremism.
The Countering Violent Extremism Course 5, 2024, which started on Oct. 26 ended on Nov. 8, at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA) Lagos.
Participants from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Guinea Bissau, Togo and Liberia took part in the two-week rigorous training.
The team lead called for collaborated efforts from stakeholders to address the challenge, which he said was taking its toll on humanity in general.
He urged the participants to always remember that countering violent extremism was not solely about security measures or law enforcement.
“It is about addressing root causes, fostering inclusive societies, and offering hope where despair once reigned.
“Your role extends beyond tactical responses; you are now architects of resilient communities and advocates for social justice.
“You will face challenges, setbacks and moments of doubt. However, be hopeful; be optimistic because our struggle is not the struggle of a day or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime,” he said.
Alao expressed confidence in the knowledge and skills the participants had acquired, saying that they were not just academic achievements, but the building blocks of resilient communities and sustainable peace.
“Now, you stand ready to return to your respective countries, organisations, and communities as agents of positive change,” the UNDP representative said.
Alao appreciated the Government of Japan, MLAILPKC, the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, and the UNDP for their support which had been instrumental in shaping future leaders.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa, in his remarks stressed the need for partnership and collective efforts to eradicate violent extremism in the country.
Mijinyawa commended the seamless collaboration between MLAILPKC and the Government of Japan, through the UNDP, which resulted to the approval and conduct of the course.
According to him, the strategic partnership serves as beacon of international cooperation which needs to be sustained.
He quoted former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, as saying that the greatest weapon against extremism is collective action.
“This points to the fact that it is only through partnership and collective efforts that we can eradicate the menace of violent extremism in the world,” he said.
The GOC said that violent extremism had continued to threaten world peace and humanity in general, adding that all stakeholders must unite to counter it by addressing the root causes.
“These include support to education, community engagements and creating economic opportunities.
“The training will help to enhance capacity and equip potential peacekeepers with the requisite expertise to handle threats posed by violent extremism.
“It will also enable them to effectively perform their roles in a multidimensional peacekeeping mission,” he said
One of the participants of the training, Lt.-Col. Thomas Nimele, from the Armed Forces of Liberia, said that the course broadened his knowledge regarding peacekeeping in violent extreme situations.
“The training also gave me insight into the drivers that cause violent extremism and how to use non kinetic measures to win the war.
“Countering violent extremism is a holistic approach involving both government institutions and societal institutions, using non kinetic approach to defeat the ideology of violent extremism,” Nimele said.
Also, Maj. Felix Adongo, from the Ghana Army, said that his take home would be to employ the use of more non kinetic measures in countering the extremist agenda rather than always resulting to force.
“It is important that we tackle this menace from this angle by identifying and getting to the root causes of the extremists ideas and agenda,” Adongo said(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has trained 402 participants from the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), Lagos in counter terrorism measures.
The Head of UNDP Lagos office, Mr Williams Tusma, said this at the inauguration of the Counter Violent Extremism (CVE) Course 5/2024, which held at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration (NASFA), Lagos.
Tusma said that beneficiaries from the previous four cohorts of the course were already applying the expertise in their respective places of assignment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CVE programme was organised by MLAILPKC in conjunction with the Government of Japan.
Countries participating in the training include Ghana, Cameroun, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, among others.
According to the UNDP representative, the course, which is the fifth in the series, seeks to boost socio-economic advancement of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region.
“The CVE Course is a testament of our collective resolve to address one of the most pressing contemporary challenges facing humanity and draw participants from six ECOWAS countries.
“It is not debatable that violent extremism poses significant threats to the peace, stability and sustainable development of the ECOWAS sub-region, especially Nigeria.
“The challenges that the menace constitute to the realisation of SDGs and Agenda 2030 in the sub-region are enormous, as such, our response must, be pungent, swift, borderless and unified,” he said.
Mr Tusma receiving a gift from a senior army officer.
Tusma said that the tripartite partnership of MLAILPKC, the Government of Japan and UNDP to counter violent extremism was complementing wider national, regional and continental counter terrorism strategies and frameworks.
“These include the ECOWAS counter-terrorism strategy, and African Union Counter Terrorism Framework, as well as Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Strategy and Terrorism Prevention Act.
“The partnership aims to confront the menace bluntly and mitigate the impact of violent extremism on the continent.
“The course will equip the participants with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the fight against violent extremism in West Africa and Africa continent,” he said.
He urged all the participants to dedicate themselves to the course and acquire requisite knowledge that would engender their contributions to the socio-economic development of the region.
“This requisite knowledge will also help in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and Agenda 2030, as well as African Development Agenda 2063,” he said.
Tusma thanked MLAILPKC, the Government of Japan and the Ministry of Budget and National Planning for their continuous partnership with UNDP and for making the event a reality.
The Defence Attaché to the Nigerian Embassy in Japan, Lt.-Col. Morita Tatsuya, said that Japan remained committed to peace and stability in Africa through human resource development, and in partnership with UN agencies.
Tatsuya said that Japan had consistently shown its commitment to supporting essential training for African-led peace support operations and capacity building in Africa over the years.
“Japan recognises the significant role of African-led Peace Support Operations in maintaining peace and stability in Africa.
“In Nigeria, we have been supporting the Peacekeeping Operation (PKO) training in partnership with the UNDP and PKO training centres for the past six years.
“Over the years, since the first Defence Attaché was attached to our Embassy in 2015, the friendship between Japan and Nigeria in the area of defence has been strengthened,” he said .
Tatsuya said that the training would provide participants with the necessary knowledge to combat violent extremism and to protect people in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.
Also, the Special Guest of Honour, Maj.-Gen. Wisdom Etuk, said that it was only through collective and collaborative actions that the region could address the root causes of violent extremism.
Etuk, who is Commandant, Nigerian Army College of Logistics, Lagos, emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach that encompassed security based counter-terrorism measures and systematic preventive steps to stop violent extremism.
“Violent extremism has continued to threaten global peace, security and human dignity. It exploits fear, ignorance and desperation, leaving destruction and heartbreak in its wake.
“Therefore, to defeat this threat, there is need for concerted efforts through capacity building such as this course in order to promote peace, justice and human dignity.
“The course will help to develop human capacity to understand the complex drivers of violent extremism, develop effective strategies to prevent radicalisation and foster international cooperation and collaboration,” he said.
He urged participants from other West African countries to feel free to share their experiences and insights during the course.
“According to him, that will go a long way to enriching the course.
“It is expected that the knowledge you will gain from this Course will empower you to make positive contributions when the need arises,” he said.
The Commandant, MLAILPKC, Maj.-Gen. Taiwo Adedoja, said that to tackle the scourge of violence extremism, governments, civil society and international organisations must collaborate and coordinate efforts.
Adedoja said that such collaboration would help to address its root causes, share information and engage in capacity building.
“Additionally, the asymmetric nature of modern conflicts has necessitated the training of potential peacekeepers to understand how to effectively counter violent extremism.
“Contemporary peacekeeping environments have become highly complex and volatile with different actors, which necessitated the UN, African Union (AU) and other regional bodies to adopt the integrated approach to Peace Support Operations,” he said.
He said that in recent time, violent extremism had become a gateway to terrorism, fuelling devastating attacks, destabilising communities, spreading hatred and claiming countless innocent lives.
He said that the course was designed in line with the UN’s training standards and qualified participants to be deployed in integrated peacekeeping operations under the auspices of UN, AU and ECOWAS.
“I assure you that the centre has erudite facilitators with world class experiences who will impact the required knowledge on the participants.
“We have invited a retinue of erudite scholars from both within and outside the country who are versed in their various fields to handle some of the topics towards enriching the entire course,” he said.
The commandant said that by the end of the course, participants would have been empowered to impact positive changes and contribute to enhancing peace, security and safety of the citizens in Nigeria and Africa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Kadiri
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