Day: June 16, 2024

A Non-Governmental Advocacy Group, Feminism Lab, has called for social justice and political advancement of women to ensure gender development in Nigeria's politics. The group, in conjunction with Friedrich-Ebert-Stitung Nigeria, made the call during an inter-generational dialogue to promote political gender progress and social justice on Friday in Abuja. Leonard Oestergaard, Resident Representative, Friedrich-Ebert-Stitung Nigeria, encouraged women to demand for favourable gender principles that would promote social justice and create access to gender justice. Oestergaard urged leaders in the feminist struggle to articulate compelling vision of inclusive governance and gender parity. According to him, this will give women opportunities to occupy key policy-making positions, as well as access to essential service. 'Gender justice is both a question of representation in government and political spheres. It is not only about number or percentage of women in parliament, it is more than that. 'Over the year s we realised that it is not necessarily skills that are lacking in the struggle for gender development but more of the political economy that is not correct. 'For us to make impact on this journey is to create alliances, not only to work with similar people but to form an alliance or create an alliance that fights for gender and social justice,' he said. Austin Aigbe of West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network, during the panel session, affirmed the need for equal representation and opportunity for gender equality. Aigbe called for reforms that would address the issue of feminism appropriately. See also Nigeria records 57% violence, harassment at workplaces - Solidarity Centre According to him, each time women are empowered without creating a place for the man, it creates disaster for the future. 'This will create a situation where men will have no knowledge about the conversation on feminism,' he said. Aigbe said there was need for affirmative action, adding that 'if there is no law in place, it will be extremely difficult to address the issue of gender equality in politics. 'But by passing a single gender and equal opportunity law, this will increase participation of women in governance and that is the way to go,' he said. Earlier, Vina Adams of Feminism Lab, said the dialogue brought together diverse and dynamic coalition of feminists and community leaders to discuss, understand and promote progressive feminist discourse. Adam said the dialogue was a deliberate effort to pass down feminist skills and knowledge to the younger generation in confronting and overcoming discrimination, building resilience, and engaging in protests and activism for emancipation. 'One of the most significant aspects of this initiative is its emphasis on bridging the generational gap by bringing together feminists of all ages and backgrounds, to foster a rich environment of mutual learning and support. 'We decided to host this intergenerational dialogue to interrogate the misconception and misunderstanding of feminism, and to connect the theory and practice of feminism especially in Nigeria. 'The dialogue will lay emphasis on the importance of feminism, the history of different feminist movements, and some of the most famous types of feminism. 'Also, it will help us to understand how continued engagement with feminist theory and practice will mitigate the challenges of misconception and misunderstanding of feminism in Nigeria, ' he said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has trained 500 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to promote digital learning in schools across 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Adamawa. UNICEF Education Specialist, Mr Abdurahman Ibrahim, said this on Saturday during a two-day training session for the corps members on the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP) in Yola. Ibrahim explained that the NLP, a digital learning platform, was developed to enhance digital learning for both in-school and out-of-school children. 'The NLP platform offers over 15,000 learning materials. Our goal is to ensure that every child enrolls, registers for courses, and completes them. 'During COVID-19, educational activities were halted, prompting us to create an alternative learning program.' He noted that engaging 500 corps members, who serve as teachers in schools throughout the state, aims to address the shortage of teachers on the NLP platform. 'We are leveraging the one-year service experience of corps members, particularly those in schools, to enhance learning among children,' Ibrahim said. 'Each corps member will be introduced to the NLP, enabling them to register more learners and guide them through their courses.' He added that this initiative will increase the number of teachers and improve learning outcomes for children in the state. The NLP includes various components that address the educational needs of schoolchildren, including non-formal education and integrated Quranic education, targeting both primary and secondary levels. 'We have begun implementing the program in some schools, distributing tablets, routers for internet access, and projectors to support the NLP platform in classrooms,' Ibrahim said. See also 16 million COVID-19 vaccines to arrive in Nigeria soon - UNICEF 'We encourage parents to engage their children with the learning platform and reduce their time spent playing games.' Addressing the distribution of tablets and internet access in rural schools, Ibrahim mentioned that various partners are supporti ng the programme. 'We have partners in Adamawa providing essential items like tablets, routers, and projectors to schools to bridge the educational gap in the state,' he said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

As Muslims prepare for Eid-el Kabir festival commencing on Sunday, Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta), has called for more devotion to the teachings of the religion and total obedience to the Will of Allah. Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, gave the charge in his Eid-el Kabir message to the Muslim faithful on Saturday in Abuja. He urged Nigerians not to despair as the leadership of the country was not unaware of their sacrifices and resilience. He noted that Eid-el Kabir symbolises and commemorates the ultimate act of willingness, devotion and obedience to Almighty Allah, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim. According to him, the act holds profound meaning and significance for Muslims. 'I charge my Muslim brothers and sisters as well as every Nigerian to be devoted and obedient to the Almighty Allah. 'I urge our Muslim faithful to come together and let love lead as we mark Eid-el Kabir, otherwise known as the feast of sacrifice. 'I assure Nigerians that their sacrifices and resilience are n ot unnoticed and, in due course, they shall reap the benefits.' The lawmaker urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country so that the challenges bedeviling it would be surmounted. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hajiya Ireti Kingibe, has urged leaders in all spheres of life to sacrifice for the good of the country. Kingibe made the call on Sunday in Abuja, in a statement issued by Mr Kennedy Mbele, her Senior Special Assistant on Media, while felicitating Muslim faithfuls on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir celebration. She called on leaders to emulate the virtues and sacrifices of holy Prophet Ibrahim, noting that for progress to be made in life, leaders must give up some valuables for the sake of others. Kingibe recalled the way holy Prophet Mohammed wanted to sacrifice his only son, Issah, without hesitation and the manner in which Allah later blessed him exceedingly by making him the father of all nations. The senator frowned at what she described as the 'inexplicable gap between the rich and the poor in the country', saying the rich must make some meaningful sacrifices to reduce the vast gap. Kingibe commended her constituents, the FCT residents, for their accommodating nature. She noted that being one another's keeper was imperative in achieving peace anywhere, especially in a heterogeneous setting like the nation's capital, Abuja. She prayed for Muslim faithful on pilgrimage in Mecca and wished everyone a peaceful and unifying Eid-el-Kabir celebration,' she said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended troops of the Nigerian Army for their commitment and gallantry in confronting the security challenges and threats in the country. Lagbaja gave the commendation on Sunday in Abuja, in his goodwill message to the troops and their families on the occasion of the Eid-el Kabir celebration. He described the Eid-el-Kabir as a significant festival depicting the important place of sacrifice in humanity and divinity. The COAS said the 2024 Eid-el Kabir celebration was also remarkable, as it coincided with the completion of his first year in office as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff. He expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and the relative peace restored in many troubled parts of the country. He acknowledged the enormous sacrifice made by the army, both in human and logistics resources, in the ongoing battle against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, secessionist agitations and sundry crimes. Lagbaja said the troops had displayed unalloy ed loyalty, extraordinary courage and faith in the nation, thereby, emerging victorious in the face of grave danger. He added that many of them currently bore the badge of courage and bravery in the form of battle scars and injuries, while others carried the memories and stories of their sacrifices for the country. The COAS enjoined all Nigerians to show collective understanding and support for the government's efforts to implement necessary reforms to restore economic prosperity. He also urged all personnel and their families to renew their commitment to selflessness and patriotism for the growth and development of the country. See also Troops kill 185 terrorists, apprehend 212 others in 1 week - DHQ The army chief, however, reaffirmed his dedication to providing visionary and inclusive leadership needed for effective training, robust living standards and operational effectiveness. He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, for his unflinching support and leadership. Lagbaja also ext ended appreciation to the National Assembly, Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff, for their strategic guidance. He lauded Nigerians and the international community for their continuous support and belief in the Nigerian Army. According to him, the Nigerian Army looks forward to continued collaboration to end security challenges and create an enabling environment for economic prosperity and other democratic dividends. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

SOS Children's Villages Nigeria, a child-centered international organisation, has advocated urgent need to find solutions to barriers that keep millions of Nigerian children out-of-school. Mr Eghosa Erhumwunse, National Director, SOS Children's Villages in Nigeria, made the call on Sunday in Abuja, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Erhumwunse said an urgent collective effort was required to ensure that every Nigerian child had access to quality education in the safest environment. He said the call was imperative as the world celebrates the International Day of the African Child, with the theme 'Education for All: The Time is Now.' 'There is a dire need to re-evaluate the concerns of education and the growing number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. 'According to a recent report from UNICEF, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with about 18.4 million children out of school in Nigeria. 'What is the fate of the Nigerian child if 1 in 3 Nigerian ch ildren is out of school and 12.4 million children have never seen the inside of a classroom,' he said. The director further said that 5.9 million children leave school earlier than the stipulated graduation time. He stressed that Nigeria accounts for 15 per cent of the global total of out-of-school children according to a 2022 UNICEF report. Erhumwunse listed the barriers as conflict and insecurity, vulnerability and scarce resources, cultural and gender norms, effects of climate change, limited infrastructure and accessibility challenges. 'Education is not just about knowledge acquisition; it is a fundamental right and a catalyst for breaking the cycle of poverty as seen in many other countries. See also Out-of-school crisis: UK charity to build entrepreneurial centres across Nigeria 'Nigeria, as a country, must double its efforts in tackling the issues of out-of-school children in society, especially in rural communities,' he said. Erhumwunse said that SOS Children's Villages prioritise the education needs of children through numerous programmes. The SOS Children's Villages director in Nigeria therefore urged governments to increase reinvestment in actionable policies and implementations that would take children off the streets. He said that families' economic capacities needed to be strengthened to meet the education and other needs of their young ones. Erhumwunse said all hands must be on deck to ensure safe and peaceful atmosphere in schools through full implementation of the Safe School Declaration across states and communities. He also said that communities and relevant stakeholders should create awareness on the importance of education for children. He also emphasised the need to implement children's right to education as contained in the Child Rights Act. 'Providing alternative care for children in emergencies reduces the number of out-of-school children. 'This method provides psychosocial and educational support for children who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. 'It ensures that they grow in a loving environment fit and mentally ready for school and the society,' he said Erhumwunse also urged policymakers, educators, civil society, and individuals to renew their dedication to creating conducive environment for children to dream and aspire regardless of their circumstances. He said such environments would empower future generations to build a brighter and more equitable world. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Contrary to the narrative of John Grisham's fictional thriller, The Racketeer, this was a real-life, long-overdue gesture of genuine friendship and partnership, a testament to the shared interest in combating trans-border crimes that pose a significant global threat. The visit of one of the longest-serving Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) directors, Mr. Christopher Wray, to Nigeria last week signalled a new era in cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. With the increase in the growth and sophistication of trans-border crimes and criminal networks in such crimes as cybercrimes, online fraud, trafficking in illicit drugs and money laundering and illicit transactions, government agencies across the world are working closer for solutions. Wray's historic visit to Nigeria, marked by his courtesy calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, was a significant milestone. This was not only his first visit to Africa in his seven years as FBI director but also a testament to the growing importance of Nigeria in the global fight against trans-border crimes. Equally significant was Wray's inaugural visit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he held a crucial meeting with the Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede. This meeting, the first of its kind, underscored the importance of international cooperation in combating trans-border crimes and the confidence in the EFCC's renewed anti-corruption efforts under Olukoyede's leadership. There are perhaps a dozen anti-corruption agencies in Africa, notable among them the EFCC, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks; the Kenyan Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC); the Ghanian Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO); and the Sierra Leonean Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), among others. Wray, however, visited only two - the EFCC and the EACC. See also U.S. forecasts $100bn revenue for Nigeria's creative industries by 2030 Wray's visit also aims to strengthen the partnership b etween the FBI and the EFCC. In his remark during the visit, Wray said: 'We have had a relationship over the years, and this is a reflection of how stronger than ever we are looking forward to taking our partnership to higher and higher levels in tackling threats that affect the people of Nigeria and the people of the United States.' In response, Olukoyede said in the fight against the 'bad guys' and trans-border crimes, the Commission was 'willing to continue and develop ideas that would be of mutual benefit to both agencies and ensure that the issue of cybercrime will take utmost priority in our scale of preference and also ensure that sextortion that has become a major challenge to us is taken very seriously.' Wray's visit takes on a special meaning in the context of statistics showing that apart from rising cybercrimes, illicit drugs and small arms, illicit financial flows also cost Africa around 88.6 billion dollars yearly. Security analysts hope a deeper collaboration between the FBI and the EFCC wil l improve capacity building and intelligence sharing. This genuine collaborate among the two agencies will mean that the Malcolm Bannisters of this world, the fictional character in Grisham's book, will have a hard time in the future.(NANFeatures) **If used, please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Prof. Uche Uwaleke, the President of Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, has advised the Federal Government to initiate more strategies to tackle rising food inflation. Uwaleke gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos. He reacted to the May inflation figure. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria's headline inflation rate increased to 33.95 per cent in May. The NBS made this known in its Consumer Price Index and Inflation Report for May, which was released on Saturday. The figure is 0.26 per cent points higher than the 33.69 per cent recorded in April. The NBS said that on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate in May 2024 was 11.54 per cent higher than that of May 2023 which was 22.41 per cent. The report said the food inflation rate in May 2024 increased to 40.66 per cent on a year-on-year basis, which was 15.84 per cent higher than 24.82 per cent recorded in May 2023. The NBS said that in May 2024, food inflation on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kogi, with 46.32 per cent, followed by Ekiti with 44.94 per cent. Uwaleke said that the Federal Government should devise more effective strategies to combat banditry and kidnapping to tackle inflation. He added that the government should hasten repair of public refineries as well as scale up the number of compressed natural gas buses being introduced to ease transport. 'I have always maintained that, to deal with the rising food inflation, the fiscal authority has a lot of roles to play. See also Petrol increase to N626.70 in August- NBS 'This is because the major causative factors such as insecurity in the food-belt regions, transport and logistics challenges, as well as epileptic power supply and high cost of fuel, are all outside the control of the Central Bank of Nigeria,' he said. Uwaleke said that Nigeria's economy was being challenged by a cost-push inflation emanating from high transport and energy costs, as well as insecurity, among other issues. He said tha t insecurity aggravated the situation through food supply shortages. On the Kogi food inflation figure, Uwaleke attributed it to bad roads which, he said, made it difficult for farmers to convey food items from their farms. 'I understand the rural roads in Kogi are not in good condition; so, farmers have difficulty conveying food items from their farms. Insecurity is also a cause. 'Kogi (especially Lokoja) serves as a transit route for many travellers from the North to the South and vice versa, who normally stop over to eat and make purchases before proceeding on their journeys. 'This tends to push up prices of commodities in Kogi. 'Even in terms of headline inflation, Kogi has always recorded the highest except for last month when it was second highest after Bauchi,' Uwaleke said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria