WordPress

Tag: 08065486239

  • Minister urges youths’ collaboration in growing economy

    Youth
    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Ibrahim has called on the youths to cooperate with the Federal Government in growing the economy and building a better society for all.
    The minister made the call at the 25th Nigeria’s Democracy Day Youths Conference in Abuja.
    She called on the youth to join hands with the ministry and the government at large, to take the lead in the nation’s quest to become a trillion-dollar economy.
    She stressed that the President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to ensuring that young Nigerians take the reins in the country’s political, economic, and socio-cultural spheres.
    According to her, this commitment is not just in words, as it has been in times past, but through meticulously thought out and  diligently executed plans.
    “As we celebrate democracy day, we also celebrate the dawn of a new era for Nigeria’s youth.
    “This day marks a significant milestone in our nation’s history, a testament to our enduring spirit and collective resolve to build a democratic society.
    “With great pride and a deep sense of responsibility, I stand before you as we embark on a transformative journey to empower our youth and redefine the future of our beloved nation.
    “We are not merely creating opportunities for every young Nigerian; we are preparing, equipping, and empowering you to seize these opportunities,” she stressed.
    The Minister said that government has, over the years,  make some significant strides towards building a promising future for Nigerian youths.
    Ibrahim said that the restructuring of the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) will commence by June 30, adding that the process had been streamlined to ensure more young entrepreneur access the fund for  innovation and to create jobs.
    She disclosed that the National Youth Skills Programme (NYSP) would also kick-off on July 30, 2024, adding that the project aimed to  train many youths with the needed skills to build the economy.
    According to her, the implementation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reforms will also begin by July 30, to integrate skills development and entrepreneurship into the service year.
    The Minister said that the Youth Development Bank will be inaugurated by Aug. 30, to provide tailored financial services to youth-led ventures, supporting innovative ideas and business growth.
    Ibrahim also disclosed that the Young Leaders’ Institute will be inaugurated by  Aug, 30,  to nurture the next generation of Nigerian leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to excel.
    According to her, bills for legislative action will be sent to the National Assembly to institutionalize a 30 per cent youth quota, restructure the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), and establish the National Youth Fund.
    She said that these legislative actions will solidify Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment and ensure sustainable development, adding.. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AG/ROT
    =======
    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Group advocates state commissions against trafficking in persons

    Group advocates state commissions against trafficking in persons
    The group during its meeting in Abuja on Tuesday
    Commission
    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) A group, Counter Trafficking In Persons (CTIP) Cluster group, has advocated for the  establishment of a commission to oversee the issue of human trafficking in states.
    The group, at a learning event on Tuesday in Abuja, stated that states commission on human trafficking would adequately tackle CTIP issues instead of the present taskforces on human trafficking.
    The group said that the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) is currently overwhelmed, adding that state commissions would complement their efforts.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group is funded by the United States Agency on International Development (USAID), through the Palladium project.
    NAN also reports that the group noted the rampant cases of human trafficking in Benue, Taraba, and Oyo States, and called for funding for the operations of these commissions in the states.
    Mrs Mabel Ade, Executive Director of Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF), called for enhanced counter-trafficking responses, citing poverty, unemployment, and hunger as push factors contributing to the menace.
    “There is a need for government to put up more legal framework to checkmate the activities of human traffickers in Benue, Taraba and Oyo.
    “Human trafficking is a dangerous thing that can make one lose contact with their loved ones forever and this can lead to a prolonged trauma,” she said.
    Members of the group posed for photograph after it meeting in Abuja on Tuesday
    Dr Priscilla Achakpa, the Chief Executive Officer of Women Environmental Programme, highlighted the importance of enforcement of law and value reorientation of the children.
    She noted that legislation alone is insufficient without adequate implementation at the state level.
    “Nigeria has two main problems in fighting human trafficking: weak laws and lack of funds for enforcement, especially at the state level where trafficking starts.
    “This issue is now prevalent in areas with high population of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), unemployment, poverty, and regions plagued by conflict and insurgency.
    Achakpa said that value reorientation was crucial to stem the tide of human trafficking in Nigeria.
    She urged decision makers to take action and support the advocacy efforts of CTIP Cluster group to prevent trafficking, protect victims and prosecute perpetrators.
    NAN reports that the event brought together stakeholders who share knowledge and best practices in tackling human trafficking.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AG/IS
    =====
    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

  • FCTA urges FG to criminalise sending children to buy tobacco

     

    Tobacco

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has called on the Federal Government to initiate a law that will prosecute  parents who send children on errands to buy tobacco related products.

    Dr Doris John, Director, Public Health Department, FCTA, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at a news conference to commemorate the 2024 World No Tobacco Day.

    World No Tobacco Day is celebrated annually on May 31.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the news conference was held after a road walk by officials of the department and students of Government Science Technical College (GSTC), Area 3, Garki, Abuja.

    The director said that the department decided to carry the students along in the road walk in tandem with the theme of the 2024 World No Tobacco Day “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference.”

    She warned parents who smoked before their children to stop.

    John condemned the attitude of sending children to buy tobacco related products and called for strict prosecution of such categories of parents.

    She also advocated that schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) should form “No Tobacco Club”, adding that it would help to reduce the menace of tobacco intake in the country.

    “Today marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey towards the control of tobacco use in our society especially among adolescents and youths both in and out of school.

    “There are 1.3 billion tobacco users worldwide and tobacco use in whatever form or level is harmful and kills more than half of the users if taken as intended by the tobacco manufacturers.

    “Tobacco kills around 8 million people every year (more than 7 million active smokers and over 1 million non-smokers exposed to second hand smoke); the life expectancy of smokers is at least ten years less than that of non-smokers.

    “The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced; killing over 8 million people a year around the world.

    “More than 7 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while around 1.3 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.

    “In Nigeria, more than 25, 000 children between 10 and 14 years are daily tobacco users, while the age of tobacco use initiation is between 13 and 15 years; secondary school and university studies show ‘shisha’ smoking rates between 3 to 7 per cent,” she said.

    The director regretted that the tobacco industry was actively focusing on children and youth to cultivate a new generation of customers, adding that studies had revealed that most smokers started before age of 18.

    In her remark, Dr Kumshida Balami, the FCT Coordinator for World Health Organisation (WHO), urged the children to join the movement to help in driving the campaign against tobacco intake; to get a world that was free of tobacco.

    Balami urged the students to shun tobacco even whenever they were approached with it.

    She added that such product could shorten their lives as a healthy life style was always the best. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AG/CJ/

    ======

    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • NAPTIP, women affairs ministry to rehabilitate trafficked victims

    NAPTIP, women affairs ministry to rehabilitate trafficpked ovictims
    Trafficking
    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs have signed a deal to rehabilitate victims of human trafficking.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agreement was reached in Abuja on Monday, during a visit by the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, to NAPTIP Headquarters.
    NAN also reports that the rehabilitation deal will kickstart with the 10 Nigerian girls recently trafficked to Ghana for sexual exploitation. The girls were later rescued.
    NAPTIP’s Director-General, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, thanked Kennedy-Ohanenye for the visit and her support toward sustaining the fight against human trafficking.
    Waziri-Azi said that the agency was proactive in carrying out its mandates and had successfully convicted 29 human traffickers this year.
    She said that the agency had successfully convicted 670 human traffickers since its inception, and rescued 23,000 victims.
    According to her, NAPTIP is in touch with the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, adding that Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana had been rescued and are safe.
    “The perpetrator has been arrested and I am also in contact with Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). We are delighted by the visit of the minister this morning.
    “From our conversation with Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, we will definitely approach this issue in a more strategic wpppp
    in terms of prevention, because prevention is better than cure.
    “I also want to emphasise to parents and young people that there is no free lunch anywhere, if it is free, then you are definitely the product.
    “We know that everyone desires a better life, but wanting a better life does not mean you should not be discerning.
    “When somebody comes and offers you Eldorado, please ask questions,” she said.
    On her part, Kennedy-Ohanenye commended NAPTIP for its visible impact in tackling human trafficking in Nigeria, and promised to work with the agency for sustained rehabilitation of trafficked victims.
    She said that the ministry would be assisting NAPTIP with the existing empowerment scheme that had been established by the ministry.
    “I came here to see my sister concerning the issue of the Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana. We will join hands with NAPTIP to empower them, give them skills or send them to school,” the minister said.
    She also disclosed plans to embark on massive advocacy on issues of human trafficking among diverse stakeholders, including operators of commercial transport.
    “People in the aviation sector, marine sector and a cross-section of parents across the country will also be reached,” she said.
    Kennedy-Ohanenye said that parents and transport operators would be held responsible if found culpable in the trafficking of children.
    She solicited the support and cooperation of all Nigerians in tackling human trafficking in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AG/FON/ETS
    ===========

  • JDPCI advocates forest preservation against climate change

     

    Officials of JDPCI during a news conference on Friday in Abuja.

    Forest
    By Aderogba George/Philomina Attah
    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Justice, Development and Peace Caritas Initiative (JDPCI), Abuja, a faith-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has advocated forest preservation to mitigate the effect of climate change.
    Mr Josephat Abaagu, the JDPCI Chairman, said this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday to commemorate the 2024 World Environment Day celebrated annually on June 5.
    Abaagu expressed dissatisfaction at the rate forests were being destroyed, noting that forest reserves that used to exist in the country in the past are no longer there.
    He urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, to revive the tree planting project which used to exist in the FCT in the past to beautify and safeguard the environment.
    According to him, the 2024 World Environment Day theme: ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience’, offers the initiative an opportunity to call on everyone to rise to the challenge of protecting the environment.
    He said that the JDPCI between 2023 and 2024 embarked on a tree planting campaign and had planted over 10,000 economic trees.
    The chairman said that the tree planting would not only contribute to environmental restoration and biodiversity, but provide economic benefits to local communities.
    He said the tree planting campaign would enhance carbon sequestration, combat soil erosion, and foster a healthier ecosystem.
    “If you talk about the Savannah region here and the Sahel area, the far north, and even parts of the south, you won’t see any forest again; the trees have all been cut down.

    “The kind of logging that happens in this country is terrible.
    “By integrating environmental stewardship with economic empowerment, we embody the holistic approach advocated by the Holy Father, Pope Father Francis.
    “Furthermore, I am thrilled to highlight the recent launch of the JDPCI Laudato Si’ Briquette Factory and safe energy cooking stoves in April 2024.
    “This innovative project which was inaugurated by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius A. Kaigama, represents a significant step in our efforts to mitigate climate change.
    “The factory produces eco-friendly briquettes from agricultural waste like sawdust and rice husks, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wood and charcoal.
    “This not only reduces deforestation and carbon emissions but also provides a cleaner and more affordable energy source for households,’ he said.
    Mr Chukwuedozie Abazie, an official of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, also reiterated the need for individuals to pay more attention to their immediate environment.
    “The theme of the 2024 World Environment Day is a wake-up call on individuals to pay more attention to how they live their lives within their immediate environment,” Abazie said.
    He said that individuals must take a lot of seriousness on tree planting.
    Rev. Fr. Solomon Uko, Executive Director, JDPCI, also urged the FCT Minister to take a clue from the Catholic Diocese of Abuja and resuscitate tree planting in the FCT.
    Uko said that there was a need to mitigate the effect of erosion in the FCT, with lot of buildings springing up in the area.
    He also decried the effect of poor waste disposal in the FCT, stressing that could cause air pollution, if not properly managed.
    “We have the rainy season here, and we know what that means, so it is a call for us as human beings to take care of the earth.
    “We have been given that special task by God Himself and the priests always like to reflect in the scripture.
    “In Genesis Chapter 1, Verse 28, the Lord created man and gave us that commission, be fruitful, multiply and take care of the earth.
    “We are not owners, we are stewards. So, we have been given that responsibility of taking care of our earth, so, I urge the government and individuals to promote this task of taking care of our environment,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AG/APA/OIF/JNC
    ===============
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Firm, NGO partner to promote positive behaviour, moral values among children

    Behaviour
    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Vento International Trading Limited, an international furniture organisation, has partnered with an NGO, Advocacy for Positive Behavioural Patterns Initiative (APBPI), to promote positive behaviour and moral values among Nigerian children.
    The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Coordinator for Vento, Mrs Muberra Yigit, stated this during a courtesy visit to her office by APBPI officials, on Friday in Abuja.
    Yigit said that her organisation was passionate about education of young children, hence the need for partnering with APBPI to promote positive behaviour in the society, particularly among children.
    According to her, promoting positive behaviour among children will assist in moulding their lives, thus making them to become responsible citizens.
    She said that her company would continue to support the APBPI school programme, focusing on truancy and substance abuse.
    The Director of Campaign Team for APBPI, Mr Bamidele Mann, said that the partnership would further boost the NGO’s activities and make it to get the desired positive behaviour from Nigerian children.
    He noted that Vento’s past support had enabled APBPI to reach more children, aligning them with the right attitudes and behaviours essential for building better character.
    “We are thrilled to partner with Vento international trading limited, sharing a common goal of shaping Nigeria’s future by investing in its children,” Mann said.
    The Director, Advisory Model for APBPI, Mr Sam Obashun, thanked the firm for what it had been doing in the past, especially in the area of building a new Nigeria through children’s behaviour.
    Obashun expressed the firm’s commitment to carrying out its corporate social responsibility that would make a significant difference in the lives of the children.
    “Together, we are making positive impacts, fostering a culture of responsibility, respect and empathy among our young citizens.
    “Vento international trading limited’s commitment to CSR has made a significant difference in the lives of numerous children, promoting a brighter future for Nigeria.
    “We commend its dedication to giving back to the community and we look forward to continued collaboration,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AG/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Many orphanages under investigation – NAPTIP D-G

    Many orphanages under investigation – NAPTIP D-G
    Investigation
    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, the Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), said many orphanages around the country are currently under investigation.

    She made this known while responding to questions during a One-Day Community Dialogue and Advocacy on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), organised by the agency for stakeholders in Gwagwalada communities of FCT on Thursday.

    She said some orphanages commit a lot of infractions that can be categorised as human trafficking.
    She added that “we are investigating a lot of orphanages around the country, NAPTIP is currently prosecuting some of these orphanages.
    “The agency is witnessing a lot with these orphanages. No orphanage has the right to conclude adoption of children.
    “NAPTIP comes in when there is an element of human trafficking.”
    The NAPTIP boss, therefore, warned orphanages to be careful on their mode of operations, as well as cautioned Nigerians to be careful with adoption of babies from such homes.
    She called on Nigerians to follow due process in adoption of babies.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AG/EBI/HA
    ==========
    Edited by Benson Iziama/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • SGBV, big phenomenon in many societies — Giri

    SGBV, big phenomenon in many societies — Giri
    Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi (middle), flanked by other dignitaries during community dialogue/advocacy on SGBV in Abuja on Thursday
    SGBV
    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Mr Abubakar Giri, the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area
    Council in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)
    is one of the biggest challenges in many Nigerian societies.
    The chairman made this known at a One-Day Community Dialogue and Advocacy on SGBV, organised
    by the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for stakeholders in Gwagwalada communities on Thursday.
    Represented by Mr Yakubu Mohammed, the Special Assistant to the chairman on educational issues, Giri said “there is need for stakeholders to work with NAPTIP to ensure the reduction of this menace.”
    He pledged readiness of stakeholders from Gwagwalada Area Council to work with NAPTIP to ensure SGBV cases reduce in societies.
    He said “we thank God that people are now coming to join hands with government, with the cooperation of schools, this menace will reduce.
    “The council is ready to join hands with NAPTIP in finding a lasting solution to this challenge in Gwagwalada,” he said.
    A side view of audience at the dialogue/advocacy on Thursday.

    Earlier, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, had said that
    “SGBV is not only limited to the female folks, men also experience violence from women.”

    She advised men not to be ashamed of speaking out, but to report such issues to NAPTIP or other law enforcement agencies.
    The D-G provided the NAPTIP call centre as 07030000203 and short code on MTN and Airtel as 627, and asked people to report cases of SGBV, stressing that the lines are always available, 24 hours of the day.
    She also intimated the people about the job of NAPTIP protection officers in all the FCT area councils, saying that people should report cases to them, and the officers would take the matter up.
    Waziri-Azi said most SGBV cases happen at the community level, hence the reason why NAPTIP is taking campaign against the menace to FCT communities.
    She cautioned the people not to temper with evidence, obstruct justice, especially on rape cases, or distract NAPTIP officers while carrying out their lawful engagement.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AG/HA
    ======
    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Naira Abuse: Lawyer calls for amendment of CBN Act

    Naira Abuse: Lawyer calls for amendment of CBN Act

    Naira

    Aderogba George

    Abuja, June 6, 2024(NAN) Prof. Cyprian Edward-Ekpo, Director General, Institute of Law Research and Development of United Nations (ILAWDUN), Washington DC, has advocated the amendment of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act to accommodate spraying of naira.

    Edward-Ekpo said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

    He said the section of CBN Act 2007 which prohibits the spraying of naira would not add any value to the development of the country.

    He said the amendment became necessary to avoid trampling on the fundamental right of the people, adding that naira spraying had always been part of our culture.

    According to him spraying naira does not contribute negatively to the nation’s economy neither does it aggravate inflation.

    “So I don’t see how that should be an issue that will lead to the enactment of Section 21 of the CBN Act.

    “During our forefathers when people were engaging in marriages, naming ceremonies and they invited kings, family members and others, they would dance and the people would drop money for the celebrants’’, he said.

    This, according to him, is for the purpose of demonstrating to the community they had contributed to the celebrant’s welfare.

    “As far as this has remained the culture of the people over time, I don’t see the need to make a law to stop it’’, he told NAN.

    He said stated those who drafted the section of CBN Act that prohibits spraying of money were yet to convince Nigerians on why the law was necessary.

    He, therefore, urged the national assembly to strike out the section of the law. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AG/KUA

    ========

    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Entrepreneur lauds Otti, Uzodinma over performance in office

    Entrepreneur lauds Otti, Uzodinma over performance in office

    Performance

    By Aderogba George
    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Mr Ikenna Okoro, an Abuja-based Real Estate entrepreneur has commended governors of Imo, Abia, Cross River and FCT Minister for providing quality infrastructure and good governance for their people.

    Okoro made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday on his assessment of Nigeria’s democratic trajectory in the past one year.

    He described Mr Nyesom Wike as an exceptional Minister of FCT in comparison with his predecessors.

    “Wike is doing excellently well as far as infrastructure is concerned. Anybody living in Abuja will see the massive transformation he is doing within one year”, he said.

    The businessman also commended governors of Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Alex Otti of Abia and Cross River’s, Bassey Otu for their transformational leadership styles in their states.

    “Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma is doing exceptionally well. The massive infrastructure development he has embarked on in Imo is not something I need to tell you, it’s something you need to see.

    “It is everywhere, massive roads, quality roads. The next move he is making now is about uninterrupted power supply, I wish him well.

    “He is doing well because the areas of civil service and human empowerment he is not wasting the state fund on parties and friends’’, he told NAN.

    He described Otti as a blessing to the people of Abia.

    “I commend a couple of other governors who have a blueprint of good things on paper.

    “Some of them inherited a very bad state, may be they are in a hole, need to fill the hole, may be you need to give them time’’, Okoro said.

    Okoro also threw his weight behind the call for true local governments autonomy saying it would strengthen the nation’s democracy and deliver dividends of democracy to the grassroots.

    He said that autonomy for local governments would engender economic stability at the grassroots.

    He also supported the agitation for state police and community policing saying “it is one of the things that I believe that will move our economy forward.

    “Mr President said local government is the key of our security architecture because you might post Commissioner of Police from Sokoto to, say, Abia.

    “He may not perform optimally because he doesn’t know anybody, he doesn’t know the terrain and doesn’t know the culture

    “But if you bring in an Abia indigene and make him Commissioner of Police of Abia, he knows his kinsmen, he knows the bad boys and he will tell them don’t try that none sense here,” he said.

    Okoro urged governor to support the clamour and implementation of local government autonomy for a prosperous Nigeria.

    He also urged reforms in the country’s electoral process, saying it could lead to the recruitment of quality leaders.

    “Late President Yar’adua admitted that the process that brought him into office was flawed

    “I want this administration to look at the electoral process to ensure that credible people will be elected into office’’, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AG/KUA

    ======

    Edited by Uche Anunne