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  • WADR calls for regional cooperation to tackle insecurity in Sahel region

    Security

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR), has called for regional cooperation and stronger synergy among governments, security agencies and the citizens to address the ravaging insecurity in the Sahel region.

    Mrs Agnes Thomasi, Station Manager, WADR in Dakar, Senegal, stated this in Abuja on Thursday, during a public debate on “Security in the Sahel: Effects, Challenges, Strategies and the Way Forward.”

    Thomasi explained that the debate was part of activities under the project, “Providing Quality and Relevant Information: A Counter Narrative on the Security Situation in the Sahel”

    She said that the debate was the second phase of the WADR project, under Open Society Foundation (OSF), an Africa’s Security and Rights project.

    According to her, the goal is to contribute to the process of peace building in Africa.

    “Today’s debate provides the opportunity for in-depth discussions on the security situation in our region under our Security and Rights project.

    “We implemented the first phase of the project in 2022 with focus on the governance aspect of security in Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali and Nigeria.

    “This debate, being the second phase, also focussing on the seam countries, was organised for experts to further look at the various perspectives of insecurity in the Sahel.

    “This is with a view to tell our stories and share ideas for possible solutions.”

    She said that the debate was apt, considering the current state of insecurity in Nigeria, characterised by terrorism, banditry, kidnaping, and farmers-herders conflict among others

    Mr Senator Ireogbu, the Convener of Geopolitics Series, described the Sahel region as a vast area in Africa, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea.

    Ireogbu added that the region served as a transition zone between the Sahara Desert to the north and the more fertile savannas to the south.

    Speaking on a topic, “The Current Security Situation in the Sahel: The Nigerian Perspective”, Ireogbu said that the region was facing serious security challenges.

    He identified some of the security threats as coups, insurgencies, terrorism, with high birth rates and corruption exacerbating the security challenge, making life exceedingly difficult for the people.

    He pointed out that Nigeria, a key player in the Sahel, was being threatened by extremist groups, including armed conflicts and organised crime, such as smuggling and kidnapping.

    According to him, understanding and addressing these challenges from a Nigerian perspective is crucial for improving regional stability and security.

    He stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation, intelligence sharing, as well as building a resilient local governance and security capacity to curb insecurity.

    “Government also need to address poverty, unemployment and strengthen inclusive governance to tackle the menace of insecurity,” he said.

    Also speaking, Dr Maji Peters, Country Director, Equal Access International, blamed the rising insecurity in the Sahel on inequality and lack of trust in the governance system.

    Peters, who spoke on the topic, “The Modus Operandi on Non-State Armed Groups in the Sahel”, said that non-state armed groups proliferated in the Sahel due to lack of public trust in the government.

    “When you don’t believe in the system; when there is so much distrust of the institutions that are supposed to protect and give us guidance, people tend to look for what they can do to help themselves.

    “It is within the framework of helping themselves that we are where we are today and unless we do something very intentional, this is just a taste of the real deal,” he said.

    Speaking on Military Juntas and Populations: What Place for Dissenting Voices and Pro-Democracy Activists? Mrs Kemi Okenyodo, said that the role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) as watch dogs, have been compromised.

    Okenyodo, the founder and Executive Director, Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, said that CSOs have become tribalised, political and donor dependent, making them weak to influence good governance in Nigeria.

    She noted that bad governance breeds insecurity and civil society movements were no longer effective in monitoring and reporting bad governance to create the needed change for all. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

    ========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • NGO urges collaboration towards environmental safety, protection

    Collaboration
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Bori (Rivers) June, 27, 2024(NAN) The Community Environment and Development Network (CEDEN) an NGO, has called for the collaboration of stakeholders towards the safety and conservation of the natural environment.
    The Coordinator, Mr Menidin Egbo, made the call on Thursday at a programme to mark the 2024 World Environment Day in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, Rivers.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the event is: “Accelerating Land Restoration, Drought Resilience and Desertification Progress”
    Egbo said that steps should be taken towards strengthening ecological governance through environmental education in rural communities.
    The CEDEN coordinator, said that environment sector stakeholders should play active roles in raising awareness about conservation of nature.
    “Wherever we are as humans, we should endeavour to protect the environment and natural habitats around us.
    “We have to work collectively to tackle environmental degradation through rigorous community-based campaign and sensitisation.
    “We surely need more voices to speak in favour of environment-friendly activities, it is in our own interest,” he said.
    Egbo urged Rivers people, especially those in the Ogoni axis to protect their environment in order to earn the benefits in biodiversity promotion through sound ecological management.
    “Let’s not forget, we have no other place than the planet earth, that is our home, we must protect it,” he said.
    Earlier, Olu Wai-Ogosu, the President, Movement For or Survival of Ogoni People, decried the spate of environmental degradation in the area.
    “The unhealthy environmental practices in the Ogoni land have affected farmlands and other sources of livelihood negatively,” he said.
    Wai-Ogosu urged the people to speak out against any form of threat against their environment, adding, “it is also important to support acts that will promote a healthy environment.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PA/AZU
    =====
    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • It’ll be difficult for APC to win Edo, Ondo — PDP

    It’ll be difficult for APC to win Edo, Ondo — PDP

     

    PDP

     

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it will be  difficult for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.

     

    The party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, said this while inaugurating the PDP National Campaign Councils for Edo and Ondo governorship elections, on Thursday in Abuja.

     

    Damagum said that the manner in which the candidates emerged in the two states was an indication that the party would be victorious in the elections.

     

    He expressed the party’s confidence to win Edo and Ondo elections, saying it would not allow itself to be robbed of victory in any of the states.

     

    Damagum said that Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo State had already laid a foundation for the success of the party in the state election.

     

    “We will not sit down and allow anybody to search, grab, and steal. We will be battle ready for any thief that rears his head to steal our fortune.

     

    “We have done so well in Edo State. We thank the governor. We are very proud of him. Our records in that state speak volumes.

     

    “So, to those that think they will take Edo, I want to tell them that it is going to be very difficult for them because we are in a democratic dispensation,” he said.

     

    Damagum said that Ondo was already for PDP to win, and advised the people of the state to see the forthcoming election as another opportunity for them to change things to work for them.

     

    “I know it is our high handedness that made us to miss that state. But I am sure most of you people from Ondo have seen the situation on ground.

     

    “You are now more committed and resolved. You have a brand new candidate, who is so much endowed with wisdom. If I can say, his emergence has a hand of God in it,” he said.

     

    Damagum tasked the two campaign councils to face the daunting challenge ahead, be fearless and work for the victory of the party.

     

    “You have to open your eyes, shine your eyes. They will come with all sorts of antics, but this time around, we are ready for them. We will match them,” he said.

     

    Damagum pledged that the party would give them the needed support to carry out their assignments in the two states.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Edo council, with 148 members, is chaired by Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, with Governors Sherrif Oborevwori of Delta and Kefas Agbu of Taraba as deputy chairmen.

     

    Also, the Ondo Campaign Council with 177 members is chaired by Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun, with his counterparts – Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and Caleb Muftwang of Plateau as deputy chairmen.

     

    Speaking on behalf of the campaign councils, Gov. Fintiri assured PDP of the members’ commitment to the assignment.

     

    He said that the PDP had brighter chances in both states.

     

    “We are ready for Edo. We will not leave anything to chance. We will leverage on Obaseki’s performance.

    “We have low hanging political fruits in the two states. We should go with all seriousness.

     

    “PDP has bright chances in the two states. Edo has registered over 2,000 since new registration started,” Fintiri said.

     

    PDP Chieftain in Edo, Chief Tom Ikimi, also expressed confidence that PDP would win Edo, following the performance of Obaseki.

     

    Ikimi said that Obaseki had distinguished himself as one of the best governors in the country.

     

    “He is the first governor to be bold enough to step forward to make a basic salary of N70,000 to every worker,” he said.

     

    Ikimi added that PDP candidate in Edo, Asue Ighodalo, had the capacity to turn the state around.

     

    On his part, former National Chairman, South-West of PDP, Dr Eddy Olafeso,  expressed confidence that the story from Ondo would be that of success and victory.

    Olafeso said that the party leaders and stakeholders were united behind the PDP candidate in the state, Agboola Ajayi.

     

    He said all that was needed at the moment was the total support of the party leaders and elective members. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OBE/FON/SOA

    ==============

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Oluwole Sogunle

  • Imo NDLEA seizes 2000kg of hard drugs, secures 30 convictions

    Drugs
    By Victor Nwachukwu
    Owerri, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Imo Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it seized 2,639.27kg of hard drugs, arrested 192 suspects and had 30 convictions from July 2023 to June.

    The State Commander of the agency, Mr Abdullahi Saeed, said this at a news briefing in Owerri on Thursday to mark this year’s UN International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

    Saeed said that of the 192 drug offenders arrested, 171 were males while 21 were females.

    He further said that the seizures made by the command included various types of drugs, such as cocaine, cannabis and marijuana, amongst others.

    The state NDLEA boss also said that the command rehabilitated 40 drug users and handed them over to their families and reintegrated into society.

    He expressed regret that a good number of youths in the country, particularly students, find abuse of drugs fashionable and embrace it without hesitation.

    This, he said, was creating a huge problem for society, considering that drugs share a common nexus with other crimes, such as banditry, kidnapping, murder, suicide and rape.

    “It pays more to prevent the abuse of drugs than to struggle to treat those already afflicted with drug-related problems.

    “The issue of drug abuse must not be handled by the NDLEA alone, strong collaboration with other agencies of government as well as civil society organisations is required.

    “The sustenance of war on drug abuse is the right and appropriate course of action to undertake now for more immediate good and the security of our future,’’ Saeed said.

    He called for a collective sustenance of the war on drug abuse and illicit trafficking to ensure a peaceful, prosperous and secured nation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    VIN/OIF/USO
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sam Oditah

     

     

  • More people embracing family planning methods — Ilorin LG supervisor

    Family
    By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

    Ilorin, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Hajia Mariam Balogun, the Ilorin East Local Government Area Family Planning (FP) Supervisor, has submitted that more people are recorded accessing family planning consumables in the area.

    Balogun stated this on Thursday, during an investigative field trip by Media Advocacy Group on FP in Kwara, at the Okelele Primary Health Care Centre in Ilorin.

    According to her, the centre, in the last six months, has recorded about 300 people who came to access family planning methods on child spacing.

    She said that the number was increasing  daily, as more people were becoming aware of the merits of the methods.

    Balogun stated that with the help of The Challenge Initiative, Nigeria (TCI), the FP consumables were given free of charge.

    The supervisor observed that some parents brought their wards to receive counseling and consumables to guard against unwanted pregnancies.

    Balogun listed some of the contraceptive methods to include male condom, implant, injectables, Intra Uterine Device, oral contraception pills, tubal ligation and vasectomy.

    She advised parents to protect their adolescent wards against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy.

    Balogun  observed that there were still misconceptions and lack of knowledge by some people regarding family planning.

    She said that most of the misconceptions were due to heresy in the grapevine.

    The official said that though it was safe to use family planning methods, some people could develop side effects, but they could be easily handled in the clinic.

    Also speaking, Mrs Memunat Isiaka, the Community Mobiliser on family planning in Okelele Primary Healthcare Centre, emphasised the importance of enlightening the public on the practice.

    She said that they used megaphone and door-to-door awareness campaigns to local communities to engage with them on various messages.

    According to her, this has yielded great results as people are increasingly becoming interested in family planning in Kwara.

    Isiaka warned that those who use family planning methods should avoid indiscriminate sexual practices and stick to one partner. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FATY/SOA

    ========

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

     

    Media Advocacy Group on Family Planning in Kwara.

  • CAS reiterates commitment to students’ safety, academic excellence

    CAS reiterates commitment to students’ safety, academic excellence

    School

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, says his utmost concern remains the safety, wellbeing and academic excellence of all students of Air Force comprehensive and secondary schools nationwide.

    Abubakar said this while interacting with the Commandant and some staff of Air Force Comprehensive School, Iyana-Offa in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Thursday in Abuja.

    The CAS warned that any attempt to infringe on such priorities would not be tolerated.

    He also warned that any act of negligence on the part of commandants, staff or instructors in charge of NAF schools nationwide, that could lead to injury or threat to life of any student would not be tolerated.

    According to him, it is their responsibility to follow laid down guidelines as well as other means, in identifying red flags that may indicate gaps or lapses within school environments so as to forestall avoidable incidents or tragedies.

    “I will not condone any act that will lead to injuries or the death of any of our students.

    “The NAF remains dedicated and committed to providing a conducive learning environment, ensuring the overall development of students, and empowering them to reach their full potential,” he said.

    Abubakar tasked commandants and staff of NAF schools to always ensure they put the interest of the students first before any other interest.

    He said that NAF’s investment in education was a vital aspect of its welfare package, aimed at supporting the families of personnel as well as those of civilians, while also contributing to the nation’s human capital development.

    ’’It is also part of its soft power strategy aimed at endearing it to the populace and enabling it to engage with the civil populace through the provision of affordable and qualitative education for their wards.’’

    The CAS during the visit inspected ongoing renovation works at the students’ hostels and classrooms of the school, as part of his wider phased School Intervention Strategy.

    He said the intervention was to holistically renovate, upgrade and carry out repairs in NAF schools across Nigeria.

    According to him, NAF currently runs 13 secondary schools nationwide consisting of nine boarding and four day schools with a total strength of 11,177 students.

    ’’NAF also runs 21 primary schools spread across the country with a total strength of 13, 758 pupils.

    “Its oldest secondary school, Air Force Military School, Jos, was established in 1980, while its oldest primary school, Air Force Primary School, Ikeja, was established in 1976.

    “Currently, the NAF is building additional schools at NAF Bases located at Abuja, Bauchi, Kaduna and Igbara-Oke in Osun State, all expected to come on stream by September 2024,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/YMU/AMM

    ==============

    Edited by Yakubu Uba and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • FG approves disbursement of N12.9bn through BHCPF

    FG approves disbursement of N12.9bn through BHCPF

    Disbursement

    By Abujah Racheal

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government on Thursday approved the disbursement of N12, 911 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

    The amount represent 2023 fund for one quarter, to be utilised in the third quarter of 2024.

    This is according to the 2020 BHCPF guideline, pending the review of the new guideline.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this at the 7th meeting of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee on Thursday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in March 2024, the Nigerian government authorised the disbursement of N25 billion through the BHCPF across the states of the federation

    The allocated funds were earmarked for direct facility financing and workforce incentives across states.

    Available data from the BHCPF and the Africa Health Budget Network shows that from 2019 to 2022, funds disbursed through BHCPF summed up to an estimated N89 billion.

    Only 7,250 out of the 35,514 Primary Healthcare Centres in the country are currently benefiting from the BHCPF, according to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

    Pate said that in line with Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Initiative and President Bola Tinubu’s approval for a Sector-Wide Approach, urgent comprehensive reforms were being undertaken to improve BHCPF.

    “A sub-committee set up by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare during the 5th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting in late 2023, is leading these reforms.

    “Key developments include: Ongoing review of the BHCPF Guideline, with proposed reforms for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) already approved in March 2024.

    “A thorough assessment has revealed significant flaws in the implementation of BHCPF, prompting all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to commit to immediate corrective measures.

    “The MOC has approved the release of ₦25 billion to key health agencies to prevent disruption of services, while awaiting the new guideline by the third quarter of 2024,” he explained.

    He said that these reforms aimed to better align resources and improve health outcomes, such as increased antenatal coverage, skilled-birth attendance, immunisation rates, and overall health insurance coverage in Nigeria.

    Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director, NPHCDA, said that two memos were submitted and approved by the MOC.

    “The first memo, jointly presented by the NCDC Gateway and EMT Gateway, outlined proposed reforms.

    “These reforms focus on programmatic improvements at both state and national levels, as well as fiduciary interventions to ensure proper resource utilisation.

    “The second memo focused on the disbursement of N12.9 billion across all states for the third quarter, following a previous approval and disbursement of N25 billion for the first two quarters,” he said.

    Aina said that these reforms and disbursements were part of ongoing efforts to implement the Sector-Wide Approach and government reforms, aimed at improving coordination and resource efficiency across various gateways.

    He stressed on the need to improve the quality of primary health centres across states, utilising resources from both state funding and external sources like World Bank loans.

    “We have conducted assessments with the National Health Insurance Authority and states to identify facility gaps and prioritise improvements.

    “The focus now is on working closely with each state to sequence the refurbishment of these facilities, starting with those most urgently in need of support,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Director General, NHIA, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, said that the meeting was to ensure visibility into how funds were utilised, promoting openness about the allocation and expenditure of resources.

    Ohiri said that it was an atmosphere to hold stakeholders responsible for their actions and decisions regarding fund usage, involving peer review and scrutiny from various sectors including government, empowerers, and civil society.

    “Serving as a platform to address challenges and constraints in implementing healthcare initiatives, aiming for collective resolution and proactive steps forward,” he said.

    He said that these elements underscored the importance of effective governance and collaboration in achieving the goals of BHCPF.

    He disclosed that approximately 2.7 million Nigerians were now insured under this initiative, ensuring they have access to a minimum package of healthcare services at primary healthcare centres without out-of-pocket expenses.

    “We are working with the NPHCDA to improve healthcare quality in facilities, making sure services remain affordable and covered under health insurance.

    “The initiative has spurred states to contribute their resources, with 25 states funding their own health insurance programmes to support the poor and vulnerable, expanding coverage beyond federal efforts,” he disclosed.

    He said that since the last 6th MOC, additional states have begun implementing their health insurance funds, accrediting multiple facilities to provide comprehensive care at the primary healthcare level.

    He said that these achievements highlight the programme’s impact in enhancing healthcare access and affordability across Nigeria, driven by collaborative efforts between federal and state entities.

    NAN reports that the federal government established the BHCPF in 2014, under Section 11 of the National Health Act, to provide funding to improve access to primary health care.

    BHCPF was designed to be financed from not less than one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the federal government and other sources, including donors’ contributions.

    The Fund provides a Basic Minimum Package of Health (BMPHS) aimed at increasing the fiscal space for health, strengthening the national health system, particularly at the PHC level, and ensuring access to healthcare for all.(NAN) www.nannews.ng)

    AIR/DE/AMM

    ==========

    Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Ground handling: NAHCO renews  contract with  Lufthansa, Royal Air Maroc

    Ground handling: NAHCO renews  contract with  Lufthansa, Royal Air Maroc

     

    Contract

    By Itohan Abara-Laserian

    Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NAHCO Plc., Mr Indranil Gupta

     

    Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc. (NAHCO-Aviance) has, again, signed five years contracts with Lufthansa and Royal Air Maroc airlines for ground handling services.

     

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Tayo Ajakaye, Assistant General Manager, Corporate Communications of NAHCO, on Thursday in Lagos.

     

    Ajakaye said that the contract with Lufthansa, a leading European carrier, began on May 1, 2024, and would end on April 30, 2029.

     

    He said that the contract with Royal Air Maroc was comprehensive for both Lagos and Abuja destinations.

    The official said that  both contract took effect  on  May 1, 2024, and would end on April 30, 2029,.

     

    He quoted the Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development of NAHCO, Prince Saheed Lasisi, as saying that the contracts  came when NAHCO was increasing  capacity, with its recent purchase of new ground support equipment.

     

    “Lufthansa and Royal Air Maroc have made the right decision in staying with NAHCO.

     

    ‘We just took delivery of billions of naira worth of equipment which would be deployed to service these valued partners,” Ajakaye quoted Lasisi as saying. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    ITM/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

     

     

  • Catholic archbishop of Jos celebrates 40th priestly ordination anniversary

     

    Anniversary

    By Sunday John

    Karu (Nasarawa State), June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Matthew Audu, has celebrated his 40th anniversary as a catholic priest in grand style.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that Audu was ordained a priest on June 23, 1984.

    He was apponited and consecrated the first bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lafia in December 2000, having spent 16 years as a priest.

    NAN also reports that the event held on Thursday at Tudun Uku, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the village of the archbishop.

    Speaking at the event, Audu thanked God for the journey thus far, particularly for finding him worthy to serve in His vineyard over the years.

    The archbishop promised to rededicate the rest of his life in keeping to the tenets of his priestly calling at all times.

    He called for prayers, support and cooperation of the Catholic faithful in Jos archdiocese and Nigeria in general toward keeping to his priestly vows.

    In sermon, Monsignor Cletus Gotan, the Vicar General of the archdiocese of Jos, said that the celebrant had impacted many lives in the last 40 years.

    He explained that the archbishop, who won many souls for God over the years, also impacted on the spiritual lifestyle of many others since his days as a young priest, a bishop and now archbishop.

    “He joined many couples in marriage, prayed for the sick, blessed families, prayed for individuals and groups, established schools and parishes and ordained so many priests among others in the last 40 years,” he said.

    Gotan,  however, attributed  the current  hardship confronting Nigerians to the selfishness of those in position of authorities in the country.

    “Some persons in position of governance have converted the resources made for the improvement of the welfare of all Nigerians into their personal comfort at the detriment of the people.

    “Some of these leaders claimed that they are born-again, but robbing the country of every resources and hurting the poor and the weak.

    “Some of them have billions in foreign and domestic accounts, built houses everywhere and bought expensive cars that they cannot use throughout their lives.

    ”Our leaders must rethink our collective values, repent and truly work toward making life better for the people they promised to serve,”he advised.

    Earlier, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, commended Audu for winning  many souls for Christ and serving humanity in the last 40 years.

    Kaigama seized the opportunity and called on government to return all Catholic schools to their original owners.

    Kaigama, who extolled the contribution of the Catholic Church to the nation’s education and health sectors, called for government support in its bid toward building a better society.

    On his part, Bishop David Ajang of Lafia, congratulated Audu, his predecessor, for the feat achieved.

    Ajang thanked all the bishops, priests, government officials and other dignitaries from Plateau and Nasarawa State, for gracing the event.

    NAN reports that Pope Francis had in 2020 elevated Audu and appointed him as archbishop of Jos, having served as bishop of Lafia for 19 years. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

    SDJ/AZA
    ========

    Edited by Polycarp Auta

  • Anti-corruption: NISER DG, others call for gender inclusiveness approach

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Corruption

     

    By Olatunde Ajayi

     

    Ibadan, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Antonia Simbine, Director-General (DG), Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), has emphasised the need for gender inclusiveness approach in the fight against corruption.

    Simbine said this in Ibadan on Thursday at the Actualizing Behaviour Change (ABC) Series, an ongoing NISER and Macarthur Foundation Project, entitled “Research Support for Corruption Control through Behaviour Change”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Thursday’s series, however, focused on the theme, “A Gender-Lensed View Citizens’ Lived Experiences of Corrupt Behaviour in Nigeria”.

    According to Simbine, the past application of one-size-fits-all solutions to the problems of corruption in Nigeria may be the reason it has not been completely successful.

    “In the previous series, we have been looking at all aspects of corruption issues, behavioural aspects of corruption.

    “Now, we are considering how it relates to women and men differently, but much more with regards to women; all toward finding solutions for corruption,” she said.

    The DG added that the organisation of anti-corruption agencies should have a gender perspective and be better positioned to address the issues of people’s behaviour toward corruption.

    “The second aspect is that, in the programmes of anti-corruption agencies, they need to now understand the various aspects of behaviour or reaction of people to the issue of corruption and then target their programmes in that direction.

    “They must be able to analyse what a corrupt man or woman does, how they do it, what pushed them to do it, what is their reaction, and then we may be saying we are fighting corruption,” she said.

    Dr Temitayo Adeyemo, a lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, said research had shown that women exhibit different experiences of corrupt behaviours when interacting with government agencies.

    For an effective anti-corruption campaign, she called for gender inclusion and mainstreaming in corruption control policies and the structure of the institutions.

    “We must incorporate gendered themes in the corruption campaign to enable voicing out for the vulnerable victims,” she said.

    Similarly, Dr Safiya Ahmad-Nuhu, Director, Centre for Gender Studies, Bayero University, Kano, said corruption should be seen as a cross-cutting issue when viewed through a gender lens.

    “There are different experiences of men and women about corrupt practices but at the core of it, is a governance issue that affects development.

    “Gender inclusion is a critical issue for sustainable development. As a nation, working toward the discussion on sustainable development cannot be done in rhetoric.

    “If the country really wants to move forward, we need to consider all the various components of the SDGs in terms of where women fit.

    “It is not just in respect of a particular issue, but all the 17 goals; women’s role in those goals has to be included,” she said.

    NAN reports that the ABC platform provides the opportunity for debate and cross-fertilisation of ideas among scholars, policymakers and practitioners. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/MAS

    Edited by Moses Solanke