Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Dr Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), says Africa loses between seven billion dollars and 15 billion dollars annually due to climate change.
The President of the bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina said this during an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), which was monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to him, this is in spite contributing only three per cent of global emissions.
Adesina said that Africa was at the forefront of climate change’s impacts, which had devastating effects on agriculture and economies.
“In response, the AfDBank has inaugurated ambitious initiatives to build resilience and adapt to a changing climate.
“The AfDB has committed to doubling its climate finance to 25 billion dollars by 2030, focusing on the African Adaptation Acceleration Programme.
“This programme aims to deploy 25 billion dollars for climate adaptation, making it the largest globally.
“Additionally, the AfDB has created a climate action window with an initial investment of 429 million dollars, expected to grow to 13 billion dollars,’’ he said.
Adesina said this window supports vulnerable countries with crop insurance, land restoration, and climate information services.
He said Innovative financial mechanisms played a crucial role in supporting these climate adaptation initiatives.
Adesina said the bank had begun using partial credit guarantees, which enabled countries like Benin, Senegal, and Cote d’Ivoire to raise significant capital at lower interest rates.
“For example, Benin raised 400 million dollars from Chinese investors using a 195 million dollar partial credit guarantee.
“The AfDB also facilitated Egypt’s Panda Bond issuance, allowing the country to secure 500 million dollars from Chinese markets.
“These financial innovations reduce the cost of borrowing for African countries and encourage long-term investments in climate resilience.
“In spite of the challenges posed by climate change, Africa is leading the charge in innovative solutions and sustainable development,’’ he said.
The AfDB boss, therefore, said that the global financial architecture was not serving Africa’s interests very well, thus requiring change.
On Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), he said the bank was championing the course on the need for Africa to take those SDRs and use them better. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Katsina Hisbah shuts down hotel for allegedly lodging underage girls
Hisbah
By Abbas Bamalli
Katsina, June 14 (NAN) The Katsina State Hisbah Board has ordered the immediate closure of New Palace Hotel, located within the metropolis, over allegations of corrupting the morals of underaged girls.
Dr Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), the Hisbah Commander General in the state confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina.
He said the hotel was found to be violating an agreement earlier reached with hoteliers across the state.
“The hotel violated the board’s regulations by allowing underage girls to stay at the premises.
“The board discovered that two underage girls were lodged in the same room during a recent inspection, which contravenes the hisbah laws.
“This is the second time such an offence was committed at the New Palace Hotel, inspite of previous warnings by the board and a promise by the hotel’s management to stop such incidents.”
He added that during a collaborative meeting with hotel managers across the state, they agreed that no hotel would accommodate underage children.
“Due to the hotel’s failure to comply with the board’s regulations and meet the stipulated conditions, we have decided to shut it down with immediate effect.
“We remain committed to enforcing reforms and instilling discipline that aligns with the religious and cultural values of the state under the rule of law to ensure lasting peace,” the commander said. (NAN)
AABS/SH
By Lucy Ogalue
Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina says there is great potential and opportunities in Africa.
According to him, this is evident in its economic growth.
Adesina said this in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), which was monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The AfDB President said Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates had continued to outpace the global average, with projections showing positive trends.
“Take a look at the African Economic Outlook we had from the African Development Bank. The GDP growth rate in 2023 was 3.1 per cent.
“This year, its 3.7 per cent, and in 2925, its going to be 4.3 per cent.
“Now, why is that important? It is well above the global average.”
The AfDB boss acknowledged the challenge of fast-rising populations but remained optimistic about Africa’s potential.
“You still have 10 out of the 20 fastest-growing economies in the world being in Africa.
“Africa still needs to grow a double-digit, though, for probably another 10, 20 years before we see a lot of millions of people taken out of poverty,” he said.
Regarding misconceptions about investing in Africa, Adesina said “Africa is not as risky as people say.”
According to him, Africa has demographic advantage, with a projected population of 2.5 billion by 2050.
“And its vast agricultural potential, with 65 per cent of the world’s uncultivated arable land located on the continent.
“Perception is not reality. Data matters. Moody’s Analytics did a 14-year assessment of the cumulative risk of losses on infrastructure around the world.
“They found that the risk of loss in Africa was 1.6 per cent or 1.9 per cent, Latin America was roughly 12 per cent, and North America was 10 per cent.
”If you take a look at Western Asia, 4.5 per cent. So, that means that Africa is not as risky as people say. That said, you do have market risk, political risk, and financial risk.
“And that is what we do as multilateral development banks: de-risk those investments. But if you take a look at it in terms of risk-return analysis, Africa is still the place to be,’’ Adesina said.
The AfDB president restated the bank’s commitment to de-risking investments in Africa and ensuring sustainable growth on the continent. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams
Katsina, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina has applauded the appointment of Mr Tanimu Yakubu as the new Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation.
He said the appointment was a testament of Yakubu’s vast experience in fiscal responsibility and economic development.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed, on Friday, in Katsina, expressed confidence that the appointee would take the office to greater heights.
“Prior to this national assignment, Yakubu served as Chairman of the Katsina State Development Management Board (KSDMB), a new agency established by Radda to spearhead rapid state development.
“As its pioneer chairman, Yakubu demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and commitment to sustainable state development.
“I have utmost confidence in Yakubu’s ability to bring his extensive experience to bear in this new national role, and I wish him resounding success.
“On behalf of the government and people of Katsina, I extend profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his discerning decision in appointing an experienced and capable citizen to this crucial position,” the governor said.
He said that people of the state would offer fervent prayers and support for his success.
Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale had on Thursday announced Tinubu’s approval of Yakubu’s appointment as the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, following the expiration of the tenure of Mr. Ben Akabueze.
“Yakubu is an accomplished economist and was Chief Economic Adviser to a former President from 2007 to 2010; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria from 2003 to 2007, and Commissioner of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning in Katsina State from 1999 to 2003.
“The new Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from Wagner College, Staten Island, New York, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the same institution,” Ngelale had said in the statement.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has sanctioned 52 commercial vehicles for operating illegal garages and parking around Obalende and Iyana-Oworonsoki areas of the state.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA, on Friday in Lagos.
According to Adebayo, this is part of efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow across Lagos.
He said the 52 vehicle owners would be arraigned at the mobile court for traffic offences.
Adebayo said the operation led by LASTMA Director of Operations, Mr Peter Gbegemede, was due to the directives of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa.
Adebayo quoted Giwa as saying that the drivers of these commercial vehicles, including private car owners, had been repeatedly warned by the government before the enforcement operations commenced.
“These operations will continue, reflecting the authority’s zero tolerance for indiscriminate parking and any impediments to free traffic flow across Lagos,” he said.
He added that Giwa was concerned over the unsightly and disruptive activities of commercial bus operators, which cause significant traffic issues for innocent motorists.
“To ensure smooth and seamless traffic for Lagosians during this festive season and beyond, 52 commercial vehicles were sanctioned for obstructing the free flow of traffic at Obalende and Iyana-Oworonsoki.
“The enforcement operations will be ongoing with zero tolerance for illegal garages and indiscriminate parking. We will also remove any impediments on our roads in Lagos,” he said.
He urged motorists to take ownership of the roads and promptly inform LASTMA of any broken down or abandoned truck via the agency’s hotlines: 08100565860, 08129928490, 08129928515, and 08129928593. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CAN/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN)A former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, has called for the decentralisation of power from the Federal to the Local Government Areas (LGAs) for speedy development of the country.
Ezekwesili made the call at a virtual democracy dialogue on LGA administration organised by Fix Politics Initiative as part of activities to mark the 2024 Democracy Day on Thursday in Abuja.
Ezekwesili, who is the founder of Fix Politics Initiative, a citizen-led movement operating in Nigeria and other African countries, called for an overhaul of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.
She said that the amendment alone could not birth the desired Nigeria, adding that other structural challenges affecting the nation’s democracy and governance should be done as well.
“We believe that foundationally, we have to correct these structural defects by making sure that the local government system is at the centre of the kind of constitutional changes that we are looking forward for.
“We are an organisation that has put our voice out there to say that, tinkering with the 1999 Constitution on the margins will not deliver the new Nigeria we all want; we all want a Nigeria that works for all of us.
“A Nigeria that works for all of us has to be designed by the people and where do you often find the real people, it is at the local communities.
“And so placing them at the centre of the design of a Nigerian project that works is fundamental; the Nigerian project will only work to the extent that the people are at the heart of it,” she said.
On his part, a former Minister of Information, Mr Frank Nweke Jr, said that citizens must continue to be reminded of their collective responsibilities to ensure good governance.
Nweke, who is the Chairman, Fix Politic Initiative, said citizens should not only vote, but support compatriots in government and jointly hold government accountable.
He said that citizens must understand the various roles and responsibilities of all the tiers of governments in the country to effectively track their performance.
Mr Oluwasesan Dayini, from Ebobobaiku Local Government Development Authority in Lagos, said that much attention should be paid to LGAs to make the people feel the impact of democracy.
He said that no state could function without LGAs in spite that current challenges of poor funding, limited administrative freedom among others being faced by the third tier of government in the country.
Dayini said that citizens should, however, call for accountability by tracking budgetary provisions, saying that it is more effective than waiting for anti-graft agencies.
A political activist, Ms Aisha Yesufu, said that there was the need for reorientation of the citizens to make the democracy work better.
She said the ordinary people including children should be allowed to be part of the decision-making process.
The activist said that in schools and religious gatherings, children should not be asked to shut up but make their contributions count based on their ability and understanding.
“By getting the children involved early, when they grow up, they will be able to effectively engage government and will not be intimidated or be blackmailed to keep mute for fear of being regarded as disrespectful,’’ she said.
Yesufu said that asking government officials questions did not amount to antagonism, but should be regarded as efforts to ensure good governance.
Other discussants which include, Ms Ngozi Iwere, a social activist, Mr Saseme Akume, a public affairs speaker, Mr Sam Amadi, a policy strategist and Mr Seun Onigbinde all called for capacity building for citizens and government officials.
They called for an access to data for citizens to track performances and a Constitution that allows LGA to function effectively among others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that discussants at the dialogue tasked citizens on inclusive participation in governance especially at the LGA level.(NAN)
Kaduna, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE), on Thursday, organised a funfair for students of Demonstration School for Deaf Children (DSDC) in Kaduna, to make them have a sense of belonging.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the children perform a dance choreography and a drama on the dangers of cutting down trees and its impact on climate change.
The children were later taken outside to the school field where they played all kinds of games – table ludo, crossing the bridge, rowing the boat, table soccer, puzzle and skipping, including painting.
The founder and Programme Director, WISE, Mrs Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, explained that the essence was to celebrate the 2024 Children’s Day and 2024 World Play Day with the children.
The goal, according to her, is to make the hearing-impaired children have a sense of belonging, particularly during commemoration of national and international days.
She added that the funfair was also to foster a sense of inclusive and sustainable cities and communities for the Nigerian child, through green skills engagement and play.
“Children are close to our heart, and we know they are the future. We have been talking about sustainable development, but there is no way we can leave out the children and the youths, because they are future.
“We have done a lot of injustice to the environment and to the climate. Man, over time, has abused the environment and has been living in disharmony with nature.
“That is why we are grooming children and mentoring our youths to begin to take care of the environment, because what we did to the environment today, is what it will give back to us tomorrow,” she said.
She explained that the games children play could be harnessed to stair consciousness around sustainability in the minds of the children.
She added that as active participants in driving climate solutions, children could be guided to begin to think about how they want the environment and their neighbourhood to look like.
Some of the students of Demonstration School for the Deaf, Kaduna, painting their imaginations using water colour on paper while the Principal, Mrs Victoria Adesina (in red) looks on.
Olugboji-Daramola also said that children and young people could be inspired to design cities with the right facilities in the right places and build beautiful houses with landscapes.
“These are something they can do with toys, and we are here today to explore play in engaging the children.
“This is in line with the 2024 World Play Day theme, “Toy Libraries grow sustainable cities and communities through play.
“We are encouraging the children to bring out their skills to artistically give us a picture of what they think the environment should look like or tell us a story through arts and through play, about how we can better protect our environment,” she explained.
She said that WISE would consider long-term partnership with the DSDC and other primary and secondary schools in the state to mentor and build the capacity of school children in addressing climate change.
One of the students, Usna Auwal, said: I feel excited; I am having fun.
“Some groups of people have visited us before and all they do is come and share things for us and go, but WISE came, celebrated with us, stayed with us, and played games with us.
“So, we feel equal with the people around us,” she said.
Auwal also said that she learned the importance of protecting the environment, keeping it green.
“I have particularly learned that when you cut a tree, then you have to plant more trees to replace it,” she added.
Similarly, Hafiz Umar, a JSS III student, said his day was fun, having participated in paintings, skipping, and playing different games, saying, “It is so wonderful having people in our school to celebrate with us.
“I want the government to help build our Senior Secondary Schools section because I am already worried that as soon as I finish, I will have to leave the school.
“We also government to help us, the less privileged, by providing learning materials for us.”
Some of the students of Demonstration School for the Deaf, Kaduna, solving a puzzle during a funfair organised by Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment in Kaduna.
Earlier, the Principal of the school, Mrs Victoria Adesina, said that the charity school, with a population of 108 students was established in 1987 by a Canadian daughter of a hearing-impaired mother.
Adesina explained that the school runs nursery, primary and junior secondary and was being funded with donations from individuals, and organisations.
She added that the parents don’t pay school fees but a voluntary token, stressing that the majority of the students were from low-income families where feeding was a huge problem.
“Our dream is to have a senior secondary school within the school environment to encourage transition and completion of their secondary education.
“Before, after graduation from Junior secondary school, the students go to the secondary school for the deaf in Jos, Ilorin or Abuja, but with the security challenges, that is no longer feasible.
“A few of them, however, proceed to Kaduna State Special Education School, with many eventually graduating for colleges of education and others obtaining university degrees,” she said.
The principal also identified lack of sufficient funds to construct the senior secondary school section and for payment of the salaries for the 20 teaching and non-teaching staff in the school.
Other challenges, according to her, are resources needed for the maintenance of the school facilities and payment of utility bills. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Dutse, July 14, 2023 (NAN) The Jigawa Government has recruited 300 Community-Based Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) in the state.
Speaking at the inauguration in Dutse, Gov. Umar Namadi said the workers are expected to provide mobile veterinary clinic services across the nooks and crannies of the state.
He explained that the gesture also fits with of his administration’s development agenda of achieving sustained agricultural transformation in the state.
The governor added that the beneficiaries were trained to provide mobile veterinary services for the purpose of controlling and preventing the spread of animal diseases across the 287 wards in the state.
“Each of the 300 personnel will be provided with a motorcycle fully fitted with a medical toolbox, vaccination kits, drug box and other accessories for routine and emergency veterinary services.
“The youths have also been licensed as veterinary service providers to effectively respond to animal disease incidences even in the remote and hard to reach locations to control and contain preventable animal diseases,” the governor said.
According to him, the initiative is a component of the state government’s J-Agro Agricultural Extension Agents Programme, under which some 1,440 youths were enlisted to provide quality agricultural extension services to farmers.
“The competitive advantages enjoyed by Jigawa state in agricultural sector goes beyond crop production to encompass livestock development.
“We’ve also built on this through the goat breeding microcredit programme which has empowered thousands of women in the state,” Namadi said.
He further stated that 1,640 women were recently empowered with three goats each under the programme in four LGAs.
The governor assured that the programme would be sustained to reach the remaining 11 LGAs in the state.
“Therefore, today’s inauguration of 300 mobile veterinary service providers is also part of our efforts to protect and develop the livestock population in the state,” the governor added.
In her remarks, the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Dr Aishatu Abubakar, commended the governor for the gesture.
Abubakar, represented by Dr Helen Ego, the VCN’s Deputy Register, said the gesture will enhance food/feed safety and security in the state, as well as control massive migration of Nigerians out of the country, popularly called “Jakpa”.
“You’ve taken the lead in putting Jigawa state on the global stage by supporting, promoting and empowering indigenes of the state with this initiative. This move of yours will enhance food/feed safety and security in Jigawa state.
“This will help control the massive migration of Nigerians out of the country, brain drain rocking the entire nation because of insecurities and lack of enabling environment for performance, unemployment and various issues plaguing our nation,” Abubakar said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MNB/OIF/SH
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sadiya Hamza
Blessing Jibromah (middle) declaring her intention to break GWR
Marathon
By Sarafina Christopher
Abuja, June 14, 2024(NAN) Blessing Jibromah, a talented Nigerian singer, has declared her intention to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) of 105 hours in a singing marathon event.
Jibromah is attempting to set a new record of 144 hours of singing.
Jibromah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Thursday in Abuja, that she would target to surpass the current record of 105 hours singing marathon held by an Indian singer, Sunil Waghmare.
She said her aim was not only to etch her name in the annals of music history, but to inspire aspiring singers and performers to dream big and push beyond their limits.
“I am thrilled to announce my desire to break the GWR for the Longest Singing Marathon (Sing-A-Thon).
“This record-breaking event promises to be a spectacular; showcasing endurance, talent and community spirit.
“I am driven not just by the challenge itself but by the potential benefits it can bring to Nigerians,” she said.
Jibromah said successfully breaking the record would inspire countless young Nigerians to pursue their dreams, no matter how ambitious they might seem.
She said the marathon scheduled for July 27 to Aug. 2nd, was open to the public at 9 a.m. daily at Unique Park Gardens, Sky Memorial, Zone 5, Abuja.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)
Academy organises road safety education for drivers nationwide
Drivers
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 13, 2024(NAN) A driving institute, the Professional Driving and Safety Academy says it is organising a free road safety education for drivers and riders to reduce Road Traffic Crashes.
The Project Coordinator, Mr Jide Owatunmise said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Owatunmise said that the academy would also organise best driving competitions for drivers and riders to improve their performance.
He said the aim and objective of the event was to promote road safety education among all categories of road users for sustained safety on Nigerian roads.
According to him, this conforms with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021 – 2030), Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (2021 – 2030), and the Resolutions of the National Council on Transportation (December 8, 2022).
Owatunmise said that the essence of the competition and the free road safety education was to address causative factors relating to road mishaps in the country.
He said that it was also to further complement the laudable efforts in road traffic crash reduction by relevant stakeholders and other well-meaning Nigerians.
According to him, several national and global research reports have affirmed that over 80 per cent of road traffic crashes are caused by human factors while over 70 per cent are attributed to drivers.
“If the causative factors associated with the drivers are effectively addressed, the rate of road traffic crashes will be significantly and sustainably reduced.
“Consequent to the worrisome high rate of road traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths in Nigeria, there is an urgent need to embark on multi-dimensional, result–oriented, and proactive measures.
“This is to sustainably boost driver’s education, motivation, and road safety culture in Nigeria as obtained in several other Countries.
“Our Organisation, in collaboration with several road safety stakeholders initiated and commenced the annual driver’s day event in Nigeria on November 15, 2023.
“The 2024 edition of the National Drivers’ Day will be held on June 27, and it includes “Best Driver in Nigeria Competition and Free road safety education for drivers and riders with varieties of awards and prizes, “he said.
Owatunmise commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other relevant stakeholders in the road safety sectors for their significant contributions to transportation, security, and safety on Nigeria roads. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
