WordPress

Blog

  • Statistician-General calls for action to eradicate poverty in Nigeria

    Statistician-General calls for action to eradicate poverty in Nigeria

    Collaboration
    By Okeoghene Akubuike

    Abuja, June 6, 2024(NAN)Mr Adeyemi Adeniran, the Statistician-General of the Federation has called on stakeholders to take action to eradicate poverty in Nigeria.

    Adeniran, CEO, National Bureau of Statistics(NBS) said this at a Stakeholders Technical Dialogue on the “Operationalisation of the Multidimensional Poverty Index(MPI) as a Policy Tool in Nigeria” in Abuja on Thursday.

    He said results from the 2022 MPI survey showed Nigeria has 133 million citizens living in multidimensional poverty in spite of its vast resources and potential for exponential growth.

     

    “The MPI has given us a clear picture of what is happening in Nigeria. It has shown us that poverty in Nigeria is not merely a lack of income but a deprivation of health, education and living standards.

    “It is a daily struggle for clean water, adequate nutrition, safe housing and quality education for all genders and demography. But we have an opportunity to change the situation we are in.

    “We can no longer afford to look away, the MPI report has highlighted critical areas that demand our attention. It has illuminated a clear path for strategic recommendations to lift millions out of poverty.

    “We need your support and your contribution can turn this recommendations into reality.”

    Adeniran said the common fund basket that was used from 2021 to 2022 to conduct the MPI survey was empty, as he called for adequate funding for the proposed programmes.

    “The urgency we need to put in place programmes and projects to eradicate poverty is very urgent now.

    “Every second we delay to tackle this poverty, another child loses their chance for a better life, and another family struggles to make ends meet.

    “Our collective action is crucial in changing this narrative. Investing in these programmes is an investment in the future and our testament to our shared vision of a Nigeria where every citizen can live in dignity and opportunity.

    “We call upon you all present, international donor agencies, international and national development banks, philanthropists, business leaders, policymakers and every Nigerian who believes in the power of hope.

    “ Please be the catalyst that transforms vulnerability into strength, and that can change poverty into prosperity.”

    The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, James Christoff said an essential step to responding to poverty in Nigeria was to integrate a gender perspective into data collection.

    “Based on what has been highlighted in this report and we hope to see the discussion steered today as well, is how the technical discussions are going to address gender disparities in Nigeria.

    “ There is an opportunity to undertake a deeper action at the state level to better address the disproportionate burden of poverty.

    “Also on the climate impact on women and girls, and to more effectively direct resources and design programmes to address this.”

    Christoff, represented by Djifa Ahado, said the Canadian government would continue to partner and support Nigeria in its development priorities, including those related to sustainable economic growth, health, and political participation.

    According to him, as we look at our support in 2022-2023, we can see that Nigeria is now the second largest recipient of Canadian international assistance with funding of 277 million Canadian dollars.

    Clare Henshaw, National Programme Specialist, UNDP, who spoke earlier on the progress of the MPI, said one of the next steps was to constitute an MPI Joint Basket Fund.

    Henshaw said the MPI brought hope that poverty could be eradicated adding that it could only be achieved by collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.

    She said poverty in Nigeria could end by strengthening the country’s social protection, adding that it was important to strengthen the social protection around women to achieve significant results.

    “ A key element of the MPI report was gender analysis for selected indicators, therefore gender analysis should constitute a core element of the MPI policy implementation and updates going forward.”

    She said another way to reduce poverty was to ensure the National Social Register(NSR) was dynamic to capture everyone ensuring “no one is left behind.”

    Henshaw said the MPI should be mainstreamed into the NSR for the identification of the poorest households, adding that the NSR should become a living document. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OKE/VIV

    ======

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Tinubu working to improve Nigeria’s economy – SGF

    Tinubu working to improve Nigeria’s economy – SGF

    Economy

    By Philomina Attah
    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has urged Nigerians to remain calm in spite of the current economic challenges.

    “Nigerians must remain calm. President Bola Tinubu is working to improve the economy,” Akume said in Abuja on Thursday, while addressing the National Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    He said that the current administration took over power when the economy was in a turbulent state, noting, however, that massive reforms were being undertaken.

    “One of them, which appears to be a little bit tough for people to understand, is the removal of subsidy on fuel. People should stop shouting; they need to know the actual truth,” Akume stated.

    He said that government had taken several measures to address current hardships, including swift actions in implementing palliatives to cushion the effects of the reforms.

    “We are all aware of the N35,000 wage award for workers, which means a N30,000 minimum wage with 35,000 on top of that.

    “Additionally, 100 billion naira for CNG fuel buses will help reduce transportation costs and food prices,” he added.

    He said that government also took some measures to support various sectors.

    “These include the allocation of N125 billion in conditional grants and financial inclusion for medium and small enterprises, and 150 billion naira in palliative loans to states to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

    “We are providing 200 billion naira to support the cultivation of hectares of land, which is even more now,” Akume said.

    He added that there were buses ready to be distributed soon, while rice and other essentials would also be made available.

    On the recent industrial strike by labour union leaders, Akume condemned the shutdown of the national grid, describing it as a “treasonable offense”.

    He said that there was nowhere in the world where labour ever interrupted the national grid, and advised labour against actions that could jeopardise government efforts.

    “It is treason! Treasonable felony is economic sabotage, you don’t do that.

    “We are trying to rebuild the economy. The nation is picking up, and they want to destroy it. Of what use is that to all of us? That is not the way,” he said.

    Akume said that the federal government was not only committed to paying new minimum wage, stressing that it was also focusing on productivity and economic stability.

    “Our people must rise up and have something in their pockets. It is not about demanding N100,000 without productivity.

    “We are looking at controlling inflation and ensuring a balanced economy,” he asserted.

    Akume urged religious institutions to provide essential services.

    “The Church must collaborate with the government in providing facilities for people whether it is on education, health or agriculture.

    “We don’t separate; we combine. There is a symbiotic relationship that can never be destroyed,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    APA/ETS
    ========

  • Medical expert harps on balancing leadership, wellness

    Medical expert harps on balancing leadership, wellness
    Well-being
    By Rukayat Moisemhe
    Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Managing Director of Iwosan Wellness Centre, Dr Oluwatomi Kogo, has urged Nigerian leaders not to neglect their health while pursuing innovation, strategy and governance.
    Kogo gave the advice at a dinner organised by the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIOD) with the theme: “Leadership and Wellness: Balancing Success and Wellbeing”.
    The event held on Thursday in Lagos.
    She said that, in the average, Nigeria was about 20 years below global life expectancy at 53.9 years against the global rate of 73.4 years.
    The medical director said that the single largest percentage of death in Nigeria was from non-communicable diseases such as heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, cancer and other cardiovascular diseases.
    She said that the percentage of death was 74.
    Kogo said that some of the common causes of  non communicable diseases were smoking, sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, obesity, stress and harmful use of alcohol.
    “We are contributing to the rise in non-communicable diseases by generally being reactivity instead of proactivity, and taking the easy way out, of popping pills, instead of lifestyle modification,” she said.
    She listed other contributing factors to include preference for animal-based nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, fast meals because of work pressure, and belief that the fat child is the one ‘enjoying life’.
    “Leaders and directors are busy juggling
    multiple demanding responsibilities and ending up neglecting personal well-being
    “They sacrifice sleep, exercise and quality time with loved ones which is very important for wellness.
    “The way forward is to adopt a good plant-based nutrition, reduce animal protein consumption to once or twice a week, get enough rest and restorative sleep, exercise, spend quality time with loved ones, and have a good mindset on your journey to extreme health,” she said.
    In his remarks, Alhaji Tijjani Borodo, President of CIoD, said that the event’s theme reflected a crucial shift in the country’s corporate landscape.
    According to him, gone are the days when relentless pursuit of results overshadowed the well-being of leaders and their teams.
    “True success hinges on a balanced approach, where strong leadership fuels growth while prioritising the health and happiness of those driving it.
    “As directors, we are often at the forefront of innovation, strategy and governance.
    “Yet, amidst these responsibilities, it is easy to overlook the importance of our health and well-being.
    “This evening, we aim to explore how we can harmonise these aspects to lead more effectively and sustainably,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ARM/IGO
    ========
    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Kano earmarks N2.9bn to settle NECO, NBAIS exam fees

    Fees
    By Muhammad Nur Tijani
    Kano, May 6, 2024 (NAN) The Kano state government says it has earmarked N2.9 billion for payment of the National Examinations Council (NECO) and National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) examination fees for 119,903 indigent students.
    The Commissioner for Education, Umar Doguwa, who stated this at a news conference on Thursday in Kano, said the students passed the 2024 Qualifying Examination.
    He said the state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved payment of the exam fees for students who passed four subjects in the qualifying examination.
    The commissioner said the beneficiaries comprise 109,891 students representing 83 per cent for NECO and 10,012 others representing 97.24 per cent for the NBAIS examination.
    Doguwa said that N2.6 billion would be spent on candidates for the NECO and N248 million for those writing NBAIS examinations, respectively.
    The gesture, he said, would assist indigent students to sat for the examinations and further their education.
    “In our effort to ensure that our students got admission to higher institutions, the Abba Kabir Yusuf-led administration paid NECO and NBAIS for the 2021, 2022 and 2023 registration fees inherited from the previous government,” he said.
    While reiterating commitment to uplift the standards of education, Duguwa sought support for government’s programmes to address challenges bedevilling the education sector in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MNT/RSA
    =========
    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • May & Baker shareholders approve N517.57m total dividend for 2023

     

    Dividend
    By Rukayat Adeyemi
    Board Members of May & Baker Nigeria Plc at the company’s 73rd AGM on Thursday in Lagos

    Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Shareholders of May & Baker Nigeria Plc (M&B) have approved a total dividend payout of N517.57 million for the financial year ended 2023.

    This translates to a dividend of 30k for every 50k share held in the company, representing a total of dividend of N571.57 million, subject to applicable tax.

    The shareholders gave their consent at the 73rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company on Thursday in Lagos.

    They also lauded the company’s leadership for maintaining a fair performance and paying dividend amid the tough business operation terrain in the country during the year under review.

    In her address, Sen. Daisy Danjuma,  Chairman, Board of Directors of May & Baker, said that every shareholder whose name appeared in the register of members as at the close of business on May 21 would be paid.

    Revewing the financials of the pharmaceutical company in the year 2023, Danjuma stated that in spite of the tough challenges facing businesses, the company still turned in a fairly good performance.

    She said that the company’s group revenue grew by 37 per cent from N14.3 billion in 2022 to N19.7 billion in 2023.

    According to her, the firm’s gross profit also grew by 70 per cent to N6.8 billion in 2023, from N3.9 billion posted in the year 2022.

    The chairman mentioned that the company’s operating income dropped significantly from N1.6 billion in 2022 to N62.2 million in 2023.

    Danjuma indicated that distribution, selling and marketing expenses grew by 19 per cent to N2.6 billion in 2023 from N2.1 billion in 2022 to drive revenue.

    She added that the pharmaceutical firm’s administrative expenses grew by 119 per cent from N1.2 billion in 2022 to N2.7 billion in 2023.

    “It is important to note that N1.1 billion out of this came from foreign exchange losses due to the depreciation in the value of Naira versus the dollar.

    “At least three major pharmaceutical companies closed business operations in Nigeria while many small local players also closed shop.

    “The total loss by corporates due to foreign exchange losses runs into trillion, looking across all industries,  with some even recording erosion of shareholders’ funds.

    “Coupled with this is the impact of fuel subsidy removal and power costs for factory operations have increased by over 500 per cent across industries on account of higher diesel and gas prices,” she said.

    According to her, the company, on its future outlook, would continue to invest more in expanding its production capacity in the Pharma Centre at Ota, in Ogun State.

    Danjuma said the pharmaceutical firm has also re-launched its water business -Lily table water, which is now produced in its plant at Ota factory which used to be the old foods plant for its noodles business which it divested from in 2018.

    She appreciated the shareholders, staff, and management of the company for their continued dedication and contributions to the growth of the firm.

    The chairman announced that the company would mark its 80-year anniversary of existence in Nigeria by September

    “The company is boldly matching on as it continues in its tradition of delivering quality medicines to the Nigerian populace and beyond with the launch of seven new products into our market and region,” she added.

    In his remark,Mr Patrick Ajah, Managing Director, May & Baker, said that the pharmaceutical company remains dedicated to furthering its sustainability agenda, embracing innovation and fostering partnerships to drive positive changes for its stakeholders and the planet.

    Ajah stated that throughout 2023, the company continued to integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into its business operations, striving for a balance between profitability and social impact.

    “Our effort in reducing environmental footprint, enhancing community engagement, and upholding ethical standards have yielded tangible results, reinforcing our position as leader in sustainable business, ” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    RUKY/AWA
    ============
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

     

  • Aba Killing: We’ve started getting very credible information — Gov. Otti

    Soldiers
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Aba, June 6 ,2024 (NAN) Gov. Alex Otti of Abia says the State Government has started receiving credible intelligence on the killing of five soldiers which took place on May 30 in Aba.
    Otti disclosed this on Thursday when he paid a morale boosting visit to the officers and men of the144 Battalion Nigerian Army, at the Ngwa High School, Aba.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on May 30,
    five soldiers were killed by  yet-to-be-identified gunmen, at the  Obikabia Junction in Aba.
    The governor said that he was on the visit to address the soldiers on the killing of five soldiers at the Obikabia junction.
    He said that the efforts made by the government to gather intelligence on the incident had started producing results and it would be sustained.
    He said :”We have started getting very credible information, this intelligence gathering will continue, but I do not want it to dampen your morale.
    “We have all been working together to secure this state in the last one year that I have been the Governor of the State, and I want to encourage you to continue your work; don’t get distracted.
    “I believe, from credible intelligence available to us, that this criminal act may have been executed by people who are opposed to the progress and the good things that are happening in Abia.
    “So, we will get to the root of the matter, we will arrest everyone that is involved.”
    Otti said that he had visited the widows of the five slain soldiers and promised the commitment of the government to keep giving them adequate welfare support as well as  place their children on scholarship until they graduate from the university.
    He said that the government valued the contributions of the Nigerian Army to the security in Abia and assured the soldiers of the government’s support.
    “I feel it is my responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of the state to speak to you, commiserate with you, and also ensure that your morale is boosted, that you don’t get discouraged and you don’t get distracted by this unfortunate incident.
    “The state had already placed a bounty of N25 million on anybody who has information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of people who were involved in this dastardly act, remotely or directly,” he said.
    Otti also appealed to the Army to carry out their investigation with the consciousness of the fact that some of the people already arrested in the course of their investigation may be innocent.
    He said that he had been informed that the people taken by the Nigerian Army for questioning had been released, except for about 10 people who were still being investigated.
    “We support thorough investigation, but we will also appeal to you that a lot of innocent civilians, who you will encounter may not have been involved.
    “I believe that most of them are not involved. It is even possible that those who committed this crime came from outside the state.
    “So whatever be the case we will not like to punish those who are innocent with those who are guilty because like it is said, two wrongs cannot make a right,” he said.
    He commended the Nigerian Army for showing commitment to its duty of protecting the citizens, which had contributed immensely to safety of lives and property in Abia.
    Otti urged the soldiers to remain alert and not to let the killing of their colleagues to dampen their spirit.
    NAN reports that the governor was received by the Commander, 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brig.-Gen. Olusola Diya and the Commanding Officer, 144 Battalion, Major K.P. Duniya.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    INA/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • 2.18m patients received NDDC’s initial free medicare, says MD

    2.18m patients received NDDC’s initial free medicare, says MD

    Medicare
    By Desmond Ejibas
    Port Harcourt, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said no fewer than 2.18 million people of the region benefitted from the commission’s initial free healthcare services.

    Ogbuku disclosed this in a statement issued by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, and made available to newsme in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

    He stated that the beneficiaries received treatment for various illnesses and conditions and that many underwent free surgeries.

    Ughakpoteni quoted the NDDC boss to have said: “Since our initial intervention until the suspension of the free health mission in 2019, over 2.18 million Niger Delta people benefitted from the commission’s free healthcare services.

    “People who had little or no access to modern healthcare facilities were treated of all sorts of ailments.

    “The ailments ranged from minimal consultations for conditions like malaria, upper respiratory tract infections, fibroids, eye and dental surgeries to surgeries for children with minor cuts, amongst others,” he stated.

    According to the statement, the current medical outreach, which started on April 15, has already assisted no fewer than 18,000 patients, with 115 undergoing free eye surgeries to correct their vision.

    It added that this year’s exercise, carried out in collaboration with Ecclestine Concept Limited, focussed on individuals in rural and remote areas, who had challenges in accessing healthcare facilities.

    “The 115 patients underwent general and eye surgeries at Ogu General Hospital in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers.

    “So far, 18,000 people have benefitted from the 2024 medical outreach in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Imo and Ondo States.

    “We have documented evidence and abounding testimonies attesting to its positive impact, enhancing the quality of life of the poor individuals in rural communities,” Ughakpoteni added.

    He further stated that the medical outreach was initiated due to concerns regarding the limited access to healthcare services for rural dwellers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    DES/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

  • NGX market capitalisation gains N15.25trn in 5 months

     

    Rukayat Adeyemi

    Gains

    Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) market capitalisation has gained N15.25 trillion in value in the first five months of the year, amidst domestic and global economic headwinds.

     

    NGX, in a report made available on Thursday in Lagos, stated that the market attained the record following investors continous investment in fundamentally sound quoted companies on the bourse.

     

    The Exchange said that N15.25 trillion market capitalisation growth was recorded amid the spate of rising insecurity, inflation, and hikes in the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) monetary policy rate, among other macroeconomic challenges and global uncertainty.

     

    “Specifically, the overall market capitalisation closed May 2024 at N56.172 trillion, gaining N15.25 trillion or 37.28 per cent from N40.917 trillion, the stock market opened for trading this year.

     

    “Consequently, the NGX All-Share Index increased to 99,300.38 basis points, about 24,526.61 or 32.8 per cent Year-To-Date (YTD) performance from 74,773.77 basis points it closed for trading in 2023,” the NGX said.

     

    The Exchange noted that at 32.8 per cent growth in the major market index, the Nigerian stock market maintained its position as the most performing Exchange in Africa.

     

    NGX said that it had enforced compliance, transparency and a market-friendly environment that continued to impact heavy participation in stock trading by both local and foreign investors.

     

    The regulator said that since the beginning of the year, the stock market had witnessed an unprecedented rally and buying interest, especially in the industrial goods, oil and gas sector and consumer and sub-sector.

     

    According to the Exchange, these sectors have continued to trigger massive bargain hunting in large company shares.

     

    NGX said: “For instance, the NGX Industrial Index has gained 73.08 per cent YTD to 4,694.42 basis points as at May 2024, while the NGX Consumer Goods Index appreciated by 39.5 per cent to close at 1,564.19 basis points.

     

     

    “The taking position in Dangote Cement Plc influenced the 73.08 per cent YTD growth in NGX Industrial Index.

     

    “The stock price of Dangote Cement has appreciated to N656.70 per share as at May 2024, about 105.28 per cent growth from N319.9 per share the stock opened for trading this year.

     

    “Among the top index performance was the NGX Oil/Gas Index which gained 24.07 per cent YTD performance to 1,294.16 basis points and the NGX Insurance Index which gained 14.17 per cent to close May 2024 at 367.23 basis points.

    “Amid reforms in the banking sector, the NGX Banking Index dropped by 11.13 per cent to close May 2024 at 797.37 basis points as investors trade listed banking stocks with caution.”

     

    Meanwhile, Capital market analysts hinged the positive performance  on mixed corporate first quarter ended March 2024 earnings by listed companies, the Federal Government’s reforms in the foreign exchange market and fuel subsidy removal.

     

    Reacting, the Vice President of Highcap Securities Ltd., Mr David Adnori, stated that investors traded based on sentiment in the months under review.

    Adonri stated that the emergence of President Bola Tinubu as president further energised the stock market since market participants had confidence in his ability to rejig the economy and implement economy-friendly policies.

     

    Adonri expressed optimism that the stock market might maintain its positive momentum in the second quarter of the year 2024, against the backdrop of the banking sector’s recapitalisation that is expected to trigger investors buying rights issues from listed banks.

     

    Also, Mr Tajudeen Olayinka, an investment banker and stockbroker, said that the drive by many investors to hedge against inflationary spirals put their buy interests in equity.

     

    Olayinka explained that this is demonstrated by a simultaneous rise in interest rates and equity prices.

     

    He stated that beyond this analogy, the economy is still grossly awash with the Former Governor of CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele’s N30 trillion illegally printed for use during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

     

    “So, there is excess liquidity in the system, chasing fewer profitable investment opportunities in the economy,” he said.

     

    Meanwhile, amid the hike in the Monetary Policy Rate(MPR)to 26.25 per cent, capital market experts stated that its impact had created sentiment trading among investors who saw the fixed-income market as an alternative investment opportunity to hedge against double-digit inflation.

     

    At a Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, the CBN Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, stated that the key focus of the committee is to achieve price stability by effectively using tools available to the monetary authority to rein in inflation.

     

    Nigeria’s headline inflation rate continued to climb to 33.69 per cent in April 2024, its highest since March 1996, up from 33.2 per cent in the prior month.

     

    This marks the 16th consecutive month of acceleration in inflation, partly because of renewed weakness in the naira coupled with the removal of fuel subsidies.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RUKY/
    ====

  • Don seeks reintroduction of Geography in schools

    Geography

    By Thompson Yamput

    Lokoja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Salihu Musa, a Lecturer at the Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), has called for the reintroduction of Geography in schools to improve the nation’s educational standard.

    The don made the call on Thursday during FUL’s 19th Inaugural Lecture.

    The lecture, held at the Andankola campus in Lokoja, had the theme: “Geography and Sustainability: Unraveling the Myths, Reality, and Practicability”.

    Musa, a professor of Geography and Environmental Studies, blamed policy makers for the removal of Geography as a subject for both the Sciences and Humanities in the nation’s Primary and Secondary Schools.

    He said the benefits of Geography for Nigeria were overwhelming.

    “Geography plays a pivotal role in building resilience and fostering adaptation towards sustainability by providing essential insights into the spatial dimensions of environmental change, socio-economic vulnerabilities and complex interactions between human societies and natural systems.

    “It helps in comprehending the diverse environmental processes and hazards such as climate change, natural disasters and ecosystem degradation, that pose risks to human communities.

    “Geography also plays a crucial role at ensuring sustainability through equity and justice by providing insights into the distribution of resources, environmental vulnerabilities and socio-economic disparities across different regions,” he said.

    He regretted that in spite of its benefits, Geography has been removed completely from the Primary school curriculum.

    “It has become an optional subject for only a section of our students in Secondary Schools.

    “We are now raising geographically ignorant children; citizens lack the basic knowledge of our culture and environment and cannot, therefore, interact sustainably with the environment,” he said.

    The don lamented that Civil Engineers lack basic knowledge about topography.

    “Town planners cannot read and produce simple maps; politicians won’t have the basic spatial knowledge of their constituencies.

    “Geographic considerations contribute to social equity and environmental justice,” he explained.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, had expressed satisfaction with the series of inaugural lectures in the institution.

    Akinwumi said that the inaugural lectures serve as platforms for professors to share their research, insights and contributions with the wider academic community and the public.

    He said that the theme of the lecture was timely and vital, especially now that the nation navigates  the complexities of the modern world, the concepts of sustainability and geography, which are increasingly interwoven.

    He described Prof. Musa as a scholar whose dedication to the field of geography and environmental studies was exemplary. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TYC/MAM/ETS

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

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Ephraims Sheyin

  • Teaching not a relegated profession – SUBEB boss

    Cross session of the selected participantsTeaching

    By Olaide Ayinde 

    Bauchi, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Adamu Duguri, the Chairman, Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has said that teaching was not a relegated profession due to its contributions to national development. 

    He stated this at the end of a three-day capacity building exercise of 30 teachers of core subjects on Thursday in Bauchi.

    The exercise was being implemented by the state government in collaboration with the Girls Education Mission International (GEM) project and TY Danjuma Foundation.

    Duguri tasked the teachers to be upright and dedicated towards imparting relevant knowledge in their students, to further move the profession to its rightful place.

    “It is your responsibility to make the state and country habitable because when you train people, you are training the whole country.

    “Thuggery, terrorism and other form of crimes are major organ of illiteracy because a learned person could not dagger or kill a fellow citizen no matter their differences.

    “So, I believe that if people are trained, then progress is imminent.

    “Don’t assume that teaching is a relegated profession, Try to bring the profession back to its initial position to earn the respect you deserve,” he said.

    He, however, lamented that the state government was investing huge resources in the education sector without corresponding commitment by teachers

    “There are teachers that even steal equipment in schools, and the spate of harassment against students by some teachers is also disheartening.

    “When teachers are immoral, there will be serious problem in the society,” he said.

    Also speaking,  Ketura Shammah, the Executive Director, Girls Education Mission International, described the exercise as worthwhile considering the responses of the teachers. 

    She said the participants were expected to step down the training to about 5,000 teachers in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EED/RSA

    ========

    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali