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  • Information minister seeks advertising stakeholders’ collaboration toward Nigeria’s progress

    Some guests at second annual Advertising Industry Colloquium in Lagos.

    ARCON

    By Grace Alegba

    Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN)

    ARCON

    By Grace Alegba

    Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for the collaboration of advertising stakeholders toward achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda’s vision of a thriving, innovative and inclusive Nigeria.

     

    Idris, represented by Dr Sunday Baba, his Special Assistant on Information and National Orientation, made the call on Thursday while declaring open the second annual Advertising Industry Colloquium in Lagos.

     

    The event, organised by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), has the theme: “Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Advertising Education and Professional Excellence in Nigeria”.

     

    It aimed to enhance advertising knowledge and collaboration between academia and the industry.

     

    The minister said the theme of the event aligned perfectly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises innovation, growth and sustainable development in every sector of the nation’s economy.

     

    Idris, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (fnipr), said that the gathering was to explore how the latest technological advancements could be integrated into marketing communications, education and practice.

     

    “This colloquium is not just a meeting of minds but a convergence of innovation, creativity and foresight aimed at propelling our industry into the future, in line with our nation’s vision for a prosperous and technologically advanced Nigeria.

     

    “The objectives of this colloquium are crucial. They aim to foster robust interaction between academia and industry, examine current issues in marketing communications.

     

    It also sensitise students and academics to the demands of a digitised era and discuss trends in creative advertising, media campaigns, digital marketing and regulations.

     

    “These efforts are fundamental to driving the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to empower our youth, create jobs, and ensure sustainable economic growth,” he said.

     

    He urged participants to brainstorm and collaborate toward building a more dynamic and sustainable advertising industry in Nigeria.

     

    “Let us, therefore, work together to realise the Renewed Hope Agenda’s vision of a thriving, innovative, and inclusive Nigeria,” he said.

     

    Director-General of ARCON, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, said the event was aimed at bringing together academia and practitioners in the advertising and marketing communications industry to brainstorm on how to improve the nation’s advertising ecosystem.

     

    Fadolapo said most times when research was done, the industry, which was supposed to implement the findings, was usually too far removed, hence the need to bridge the gap between the town and gown through the colloquium.

     

    He stressed the need for town and gown to collaborate toward embracing and adopting new advancements in technology.

     

    He said, “Technology will continue to disrupt the way we do our jobs.”

     

    The Chairman of the Journal and Planning Committee, Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, said that the colloquium would enlighten academics and students on career success requirements in various marketing communication areas amidst evolving global technologies.

     

    He said technology was the driver of development and the synergy was important to ensure that professionals and tertiary institutions were on the same page.

     

    “The goal is that we want to produce graduates who will hit the ground running,” he said.

     

    NAN reports that ARCON also officially launched its new advertising journal at the event, which had six universities in attendance.

     

    Prof. Umaru Pate, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, explained the need to invest in youth education.

     

    Pate, who was chairman of the occasion, said the classroom was supposed to be ahead of the newsroom, but the situation had not been so.

     

    He said the tertiary institutions’ curriculum had not been up to date because of the impact of the internet and emerging technology.

     

    He called for deliberate efforts to boost knowledge in the advertising industry while commending ARCON for taking bold steps.

     

    “We cannot afford to have a digital environment with analog students,” he said.

     

    Other speakers discussed how to move with the digital age revolution, bridge the gap between town and gown, and how students could get internships and sponsorships.

     

    The event also featured advertising pitch competitions with six institutions.

     

    They include University of Ilorin, Covenant University, Federal University of Kashere, Ebonyi State University, Rivers State University, and Lagos State University. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GA/AWA
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    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

     

     

     

     

  • Turkish Airlines bags 9th time best European airline award


    Bilal Ekşi (middle) Turkish Airlines CEO receives the award plaque at the ceremony in London.

    Award

    By Mark Longyen

    Abuja, June 27, 2024(NAN)Turkish Airlines has won the Best Airline in Europe Award for the ninth time at the prestigious 2024 World Airline Awards, held in London’s Fairmont Windsor Park. 

    The airline, which said this in a statement on Thursday said it also won two other top awards at the ceremony, including the “World’s Best Business Class Catering” and “Best Airline in Southern Europe”

    It quoted the organizers of the award, Skytrax, also known as the Oscars of the aviation industry, as saying ”Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other.”

    The successful flag carrier said that Bilal Ekşi, its CEO received the awards on behalf of the company at the ceremony, adding that it also received a plethora of accolades at the ceremony.

    It said this was in addition to being recognised as the “Best Airline in Europe”.

    ”Based on results from the independent surveys carried out by Skytrax, Turkish Airlines has been named best airline both in Europe and Southern Europe.

    “These awards highlight the carrier’s exceptional service quality across its extensive network, underscoring the airline’s dedication to providing a seamless and comfortable travel experience for its passengers.

    “Continuing to set the benchmark for in-flight dining and offering passengers an unforgettable gastronomic journey above the clouds, Turkish Airlines has secured “World’s Best Business Class Catering” award,” the airline further stated.

    The airline CEO expressed delighted to receive the prestigious awards from Skytrax.

    ”Being named the Best Airline in Europe and in Southern Europe, and receiving recognition for our business class catering excellence is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.

    “As the Turkish Airlines family, we would like to thank our valued passengers, who deemed us worthy of these wonderful awards, and the Skytrax team, who put this evaluation into practice.

    “With Turkish hospitality in our DNA, we remain committed to delivering an unmatched travel experience to our passengers, and will continue to innovate and enhance our services,” Ekşi was quoted as saying at the ceremony.

    On his part, Skytrax CEO, Edward Plaisted, said: “We congratulate Turkish Airlines on being named the Best Airline in Europe, which for the ninth time is a remarkable achievement in such a competitive region, and demonstrates that they are a customer favourite.

    “Turkish Airlines repeated earlier year successes by winning the award for the World’s Best Business Class Catering and the airline and its catering partner Turkish DO&CO should be very proud of this success.

    “Through these awards, Turkish Airlines reaffirms its leading position in hospitality, service quality and extensive network, which boasts more countries than any other.

    “With the addition of Melbourne route in March 2024, the national flag carrier’s network has expanded to six continents.

    “The airline is also committed to sustainability in aviation, undertaking various projects to create a better world for future generations.

    “Turkish Airlines continues to uphold its signature service quality, ensuring best-in-class travel experience for its passengers.”

    Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Turkish Airlines, a Star Alliance member, has a fleet of 458 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 347 worldwide destinations as 293 international and 53 domestics in 130 countries.

    The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, based on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service.

    Since inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a focus on improving customer experience across the Alliance journey.

    The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, and Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 10,000 daily flights to almost 1,200 airports in 184 countries.

    Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partners, Juneyao Airlines and THAI Smile Airways.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YEN/IAA

    =======

    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • NEMA takes flood prevention campaign to Oyo LGAs

    Flood

    By Olatunde Ajayi

    Ibadan, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Thursday organised a sensitisation programme on flood early warning strategies for Egbeda, Ona-Ara and Lagelu Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Oyo state.

    In her remarks, the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, said the sensitisation programme was organised to save the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians living in the flood-risk areas during the rainy season.

    Umar noted that the devastating impact of floods over the years served as a wakeup call to all tiers of governments to collaborate with the agency to manage disaster risks and associated hazards.

    She was represented at the event by NEMA’s Director of Disasters Risk Reduction, Dr Daniel Obot.

    “In the recent past, lives have been lost, means of livelihoods and infrastructure amounting to billions of Naira have been destroyed, due to unmitigated incidences of floods.

    “The rainfall and flood advisories contained in the Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency respectively, have provided us with valuable early warning alerts.

    “Consequently, all of us are expected to take actions that will drastically reduce the adverse impacts of floods on the entire landscape and the Nigerian population, especially for the most vulnerable persons living in communities identified to be at risk of flooding,” she said.

    She said that some LGAs in Oyo state have been predicted to be affected by flooding during 2024 rainy season.

    Umar listed the 11 high and moderate flood risk LGAs to include: Itesiwaju, Ona-ara, Lagelu, Ibarapa Central, Kajola, Egbeda, Ogbomoso South, Ogbomosho North, Iseyin, Ibarapa North and Ibarapa East.

    “It is necessary to stress that management of disaster risk in contemporary times hinges on community wide participation, leaving no one behind.

    “We must work together to safeguard communities at risk, protect critical infrastructure and support uninterrupted socio-economic activities in Oyo state.

    “It is our hope that this sensitisation programme will go a long way in reducing the impacts of the annually recurring floods and to safeguard the private and communal livelihoods of the good people of Oyo state,” she said.

    Also speaking, Mrs Ojuolape Busari, the Administrative Secretary, Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (Oyo SEMA), urged residents to stop dumping refuse into the waters ways to avoid flood disasters.

    Responding on behalf of the three LGAs, Dr Temitope Kolapo, the Executive Chairman of Ona-Ara LGA, promised that the replica of the sensitisation programme would be conducted across communities and wards in the local councils areas.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    TUN/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Tinubu tasks governors on food security

    Tinubu tasks governors on food security

    Task

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to work together to meet the needs of citizens, stating that he is willing to provide the needed support to ensure that Nigerians are relieved of hardship.

    The president, who spoke during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja, emphasised the urgency of boosting food production in the country.

    He said the nation must boost agricultural productivity, strengthen the economy by creating opportunities in the real sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, and construction, as well as provide urgent economic relief for Nigerians.

    Tinubu said that the Sokoto-Badagry Highway was a pivotal project as the states within the axis formed the food belt of the nation, and with Badagry being an important artery for food export.

    “Our states must work together to deliver on the critical reforms required of us to meet the needs of our people. Time is humanity’s most precious asset. You can never have enough of it. It is getting late.

    “We are ready and able to support you in the form of the mechanisation of your agricultural processes and the provision of high-quality seedlings.

    “We are prepared to provide solar powered irrigation facilities to support our farmers across seasons, but we must now produce,” he said.

    The president added that states must produce enough food for people to eat, and that this would require coordination and intentionality between members of the NEC.

    “There is nothing we are doing that is more important than producing high-quality food for our people to consume, buy and sell.

    “We create jobs in the production of it. And that is before we generate wealth by exporting the excess. It is not beyond us to achieve this for Nigerians.

    “How much support do you need from me and in what form? I am prepared to provide it. But we must achieve the result. We must deliver on our targets at all levels.

    “Please report back following your consultations and submit to my office within seven days,”  Tinubu said.

    The president approved the immediate rollout of the National Construction and Household Support Programme to cover all geo-political zones in the country.

    He said under the programme, the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which would traverse Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos, was prioritised.

    Tinubu said other road infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which is underway, and the Trans-Saharan Highway, which links Enugu, Abakaliki, Ogoja, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Abuja, would also be prioritised.

    The president also approved full counterpart financing for Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway; to traverse Rivers, Abia, Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno.

    He also approved  the Ibadan-Abuja segment of the Lagos-Kano Standard-Gauge Railway; which would traverse Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Niger, Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano.

    Tinubu said, “The Sokoto-Badagry road project is specially prioritised for its importance as some of the states it will traverse are strategic to the agricultural sustainability of the nation.

    “Within the Sokoto-Badagry Highway corridor, there are 216 agricultural communities, 58 large and medium dams spread across six states, seven Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs), 156 local government areas, 39 commercial cities and towns, and over 1 million hectares of arable land.

    “In addition, other items under the National Construction and Household Support Programme include one-off allocation to states and the Federal Capital Territory of N10 billion for the procurement of buses and CNG uplift programme.

    ”Others are: delivery of N50,000 uplift grant each to 100,000 families per state for three months, provision for labour unions and civil society organisations and deployment of N155 billion for the purchase and sale of assorted foodstuffs to be distributed across the nation.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/BRM

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

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Poor infrastructure, funding for public varsities responsible for incessant strikes – ASUU

     

    Strike

    By Patience Aliyu

    Jos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), says poor infrastructure and inadequate funding of public universities by the Federal Government were responsible for the incessant strikes by lecturers.

    Dr. Jurbe Molwus, Chairperson of the University of Jos chapter of the union, said this during a townhall it organised on Thursday in Jos.

    He added that the failure of the federal government to honour agreement it reached with the union over the years had contributed to the industrial disharmony between the lecturers and government.

    ”As a union, we are very reluctant about going on strike; we find it very painful anytime our members resolve to embark on industrial action.

    ”But the failure of government to honour aggrements it reached with the union is largely behind recurrent strikes.

    ”ASUU have entered series of agreements with the government but all of them ended as promissory notes.

    ”Most of our public universities are now an eyesore; no basic infrastructure like lecture halls, equipped laboratories, among others, and this obecause successive governments refused to properly fund education,”he lamented.

    On the rationale for the townhall, Molwus said that it would provide an opportunity for the union and members of public to interact on the challenges currently facing public universities in Nigeria.

    ”This meeting will give us the opportunity to discuss with Nigerians from all walks of life and fashion best ways of tackling the current challenges confronting university education in Nigeria.

    ”We have called you here to tell you our side of the story as a union and to hear from you how best we can collectively move our education system out of its current quagmire,”he said.

    Speaking at the event, retired Prof. Sylvester Alubo, called on the federal government to grant full autonomy to public universities, insisting that such move would enable optimal productivity in the institutions.

    ”Granting full autonomy to the universities will solve a lot of challenges confronting our educational system.

    ”This is the practice in other climes; government don’t interfare in the running of universities,”he said.

    Alubo, who decried the proliferation of universities in the country, also called on the federal government to urgently address the situation.

    The retired professor added that poor renumeration of university lecturers was responsible for the increasing ”Japa” syndrome among lecturers.

    He called on the government to review the salary structure of the lecturers to reflect global standard and current economic realities in the country.

    Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice Chancellor of the university of Jos, commended the union for organising the townhall.

    The vice chancellor, also called on the federal government to address all demands of ASUU, insisting that the demands were critical toward having a functional and productive universities in the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the townhall had parents, students, market and tranport unions, security agencies, government officials, among other critical stakeholders in attendance.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    PAM/AZA

    =======

  • Kano commits N1.9bn to water, sanitation interventions

    Water

    By Tosin Kolade

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Kano State Government has earmarked over N1.9 billion in its 2024 budget for the development of water and sanitation infrastructure to improve the lives of its residents.

    Mrs Binta Lawani, Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Rural Community Development, announced this at the two-day WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) National Training Workshop on Thursday in Abuja.

    The WS4H programme, convened by SelfHelp Africa, is a £5 million FCDO-funded initiative to improve access to inclusive, reliable, and climate-resilient water and sanitation services in Cross River and Kano States.

    Lawani said that the intervention was necessary, following Kano’s large population and the urgent need to enhance access to potable water and sanitation facilities.

    She said that the state recognised addressing the issue as a priority for inclusive development and environmental improvement.

    Lawani also said that the written agreement demonstrated the government’s commitment, not only in terms of counterpart financing but also in allocating budget funds where they were most needed.

    Joy Aderele, Country Director of SelfHelp Africa, noted that the workshop aimed to strengthen institutions, political will, and stakeholder commitment, vital for sustainable WASH initiatives.

    According to her, there is a need for a holistic approach to WASH, emphasising that it should be a comprehensive service rather than just infrastructure, as this can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions.

    “Defining clear indicators to measure the strength of the WASH system is vital; these indicators should cover aspects such as accessibility, reliability, sustainability and impact on health.

    “Regular monitoring and evaluation will help track progress and identify areas for improvement,’’ she said.

    The country director, however, said that leveraging learnings from SHA’s 24 projects across 10 countries could provide valuable insights and best practices.

    She added that adapting these learnings to the Nigerian context would be critical to effectively address local challenges and opportunities.

    Shadrack Guusu, Head of WASH Programmes at SHA, said there was need to strengthen local institutions and communities for effectively managing and sustaining WASH services.

    He said the approach aimed to empower communities and enhance resilience, ensuring continuous access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

    Guusu stressed SHA’s role in advocacy and policy influence, working closely with government and policymakers to prioritise WASH in development agendas and secure necessary resources for implementation.

    He also emphasised the importance of exploring sustainable financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, to ensure long-term funding for WASH initiatives.

    John Wali, WS4H Programme Manager SHA, emphasised the importance of government support, noting that Kano government had committed funding for WASH initiatives.

    He expressed optimism that other states would follow suit, saying that the ultimate goal was to create an enabling environment for the successful implementation and scale-up of the programme.

    “We are looking forward to continued government support to ensure the programme’s success.

    “The collaboration with our in-country partners is crucial, and their expertise in market-based sanitation will be vital in achieving our sanitation goals,” he said.

    Will Tillett, the Senior Global WASH Advisor with SelfHelp Africa, stressed the need to address WASH challenges, including open defecation, sustainability of rural water services, and inclusivity.

    Tillett highlighted the importance of robust foundations to ensure the effectiveness of larger investments in the sector.

    He said that through system strengthening and securing increased sector finance, the programme aimed to greatly benefit Nigerians by promoting long-term sustainability and inclusivity in WASH services.

    In  his goodwill message, Mr Suleiman Adamu, former Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasised stakeholder collaborations and urged subnational ownership in WASH service delivery.

    Adamu, who is the Chairman of SHA’s advisory board, also said that getting water and sanitation services right would solve all basic health problems in the country. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

    TAK/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

  • FG committed to prosperity of MSMEs – Shettima

  • How to sustain democracy by Abdulsalami

    Democracy

    By Abujah Racheal

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The  Former Head of State, retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, says sustaining democracy in the country requires constant nurturing and vigilance.

    Abubakar, who was represented by Gen. Adamu Jidda, said this on Thursday in Abuja at the second edition of ThisNigeria Newspaper Gold Prize and Annual Lecture Awards.

    The theme of the lecture is “25 Years of Nigeria’s Unbroken Democracy – Prospects and Possibilities.”

    He said that electoral integrity, human rights, economic development and social justice remained critical areas that demand the country’s collective attention and action.

    He also said that nation’s democratic journey had not been without its trials.

    “Democracy is an evolving process, and the past 25 years has taught the country that it requires constant nurturing and vigilance.

    “We have faced political turbulence, economic fluctuation and social upheaval, yet through it all, the Nigerian spirit has remained indomitable.

    “We have shown that in spite of our differences, we are united in our commitment to conducting elections that are inclusive, prosperous and democratic,” he said.

    He stated further that the next 25 years and more would  certainly bring challenges and opportunities.

    “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the foundations are built and strengthened that our democratic institutions are fortified.

    “Let us take a moment to reflect on a remarkable journey Nigeria has undertaken over the past quarter of a century.

    “In 1999, our nation embarked on the path of democratic governance, a path marked by aspirations, challenges and unwavering commitment to the principle of freedom justice and equality.

    “Democracy as we all know is not a system of government, it is a testament to the will of the people, it represents our collective voice, our shared values and our common aspirations.

    “For Nigeria, the past 25 years have been a testament to the resilience of our democratic institutions,” he said.

    He said that the country must recognise the role of the media in the democratic journey.

    He also noted that the press had been the watchdog of democracy, “holding leaders accountable, shedding light on issues that matter and providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard.

    “ThisNigeria in particular, has been at the forefront of this endeavour, championing the cause of free and fair journalism.(NAN) www.nannews.ng)

    AIR/KAY

    ========

    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • MoniePoint reiterates commitment to MSMEs’ growth, development

    MSMEs

    By Stellamaris Ashinze
    Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) MoniePoint MFB, an Africa financial technology institution, on Thursday, reiterated its commitment to providing peerless and holistic support for Macro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

    The Managing Director, Moniepoint MFB, Mr Babatunde Olofin, said this in a statement in Lagos to mark the World MSMEs Day.

    Olofin said the support would boost the MSMEs capacity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    He said that the MSMEs had continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability in facilitating economic growth and development across borders, in spite of economic downturns and global crises.

    “Moniepoint  is  driven by the increasing need to improve access to financial services to power sustained and inclusive progress to support the MSMEs on  capacity building among others,” he said.

    The New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that following a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly in April 2017, June 27, was designated as MSMEs Day  to raise awareness of their tremendous contributions to the achievement of the SDGs.

    He said that MSMEs could lead the change toward a sustainable and prosperous future with the proper support from governments, financial institutions, and consumers at large.

    According to him, enablers like Moniepoint is willing to partner with all stakeholders to create an environment that supports MSMEs in their efforts to invest, trade, and thrive in local and global markets.

    “We recognise that MSMEs are the lifeblood of the Nigerian economy, millions of people depend on MSMEs for food, daily necessities, and sustenance.

    ‘’For businesses across Nigeria, we have just one promise, we are always going to be here to make you happy.

    ‘’As we celebrate this year’s World MSME Day, we must all acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of MSMEs and the driving force not only to bolster economic stability but also foster sustainable development,” he said.

    According to him, MSMEs are helping to eradicate poverty and improve quality of life for  Nigerians.

    He said that by empowering MSMEs stakeholders pave the way for a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all, especially the coming generations.

    He noted that as the sector closest to local communities, MSMEs are essential for creating local jobs, empowering women, youth, persons with disabilities and other groups in vulnerable situations.

    ‘’Commemorating MSMEs Day is a recognition that this vital sector, agents of innovation, growth, and sustainability has tremendous potential to unlock critical pathways to accelerate SDG progress across the globe,” he said.

    Olofin said that Moniepoint provided incentives ranging from gift vouchers, fuel vouchers and two months sewing material  to a tailor, among others to mark the day. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SKA/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Democracy: Wike berates activists

    Democracy

    By Abujah Racheal

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr Nyesome Wike, has berated activists whose activities he describes as undermining the progress made so far in the 25 years of the country’s democracy.

    Wike said this on Thursday in Abuja at the second edition of ThisNigeria Newspaper Gold Prize and Annual Lecture Awards.

    He argued that in spite of the ongoing challenges, significant advancements had been achieved.

    “Advancements such as improvements in infrastructure in the FCT and proactive efforts in the current administration to restore hope among citizens,” he said.

    Wike stressed the need to recognise and build upon these successes to continue fostering national development.

    In his keynote address, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mike Ozekhome called for genuine democracy, effective governance, economic reform, youth engagement and social justice to ensure the country’s progress and unity.

    He reflected on the significance of the 25-year milestone since the country returned to democracy in 1999.

    He noted  that the generation born during this period had no experience of military juntas and repressive regimes.

    He emphasised the need for youth involvement in governance, citing historical examples of young leaders in the country and other countries.

    He also highlighted the potential of the nation’s youthful population and the importance of harnessing their energy for national development.

    He called for a new constitution that would reflect the will of the people and for electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections.

    He highlighted what he observed as underrepresentation of women in government and the need to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to gender equality

    Sen. Shehu Sani, a former senator and an activist, reflected on the challenges faced by activists and leaders in the struggle for democracy and underscored  the sacrifices and injustices endured during those tumultuous times.

    He highlighted the importance of perseverance and collaboration in striving for democratic ideals.

    Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi of Mass Communication, Department, School of Postgraduates Studies, Baze University, said that democracy “requires constant effort and the  responsibility of  citizens is to work towards a better democratic system.

    “American democracy, often seen as the bastion of democracy, has been around for centuries but still faces challenges.

    “While it is one of the most functional and referenced democracies, it is not the best.

    “Our election processes are marred by controversies and violence.

    “We need to improve gender representation and ensure inclusivity in governance, reflecting the true nature of democracy.

    “To strengthen our democracy, we need to focus on election integrity, credible leadership and systemic change.

    “Corruption remains a persistent problem and our institutions are weak.

    “We need a synergy to build a self-regulating democratic system, not give up and continually strive for more democracy”.

    The publisher of ThisNigeria, Mr Eric Osagie, said that the 2024 edition celebrated and critically examine Nigeria’s quarter-century of uninterrupted democratic governance, discussing its prospects and possibilities.

    Osagie said that the  Gold Prize Awards were presented to individuals who had demonstrated outstanding contributions to the nation’s democratic development.

    “Our 2024 Awardees are persons who made the critical difference in the discharge of their duties with uncommon zeal and commitment to the common good of the citizens and the country,” he said.(NAN) www.nannews.ng)

    AIR/KAY

    =======

    Edited by Kayode Olaitan