Month: April 2023

Leaders of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and democratic actors in Africa have called on leaders on the continent to develop policy frameworks that would ensure better relations between Africa and other western countries.

They advised that the framework should focus on clear, coordinated and established objectives, methods of work, strategies and priorities for Africa and its citizenry.

The CSO leaders made the call in a communiqué issued after a two-day Summit for democracy made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday by Wealth Ominabo, Communications Officer, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

The summit tagged: “Strengthening African Partnerships and Amplifying Africa’s Global Voice,” held in Lusaka, Zambia, was jointly organised by Open Society Foundation -Africa (OSF-Africa) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).

The communiqué stated that the leaders deliberated on Africa’s place in the world and focused on the navigation of partnerships within a dynamic and shifting global multilateral system.

“We call upon all African stakeholders and partners including the African Union Commission, AU member states, civil society organisations and all other relevant stakeholders to further develop a robust communication policy at country-levels.

“This will help the continent to set its agenda and put more focus on Afro-centric goals and establish an office of global communications, which should include a continental press agency and television.

“Engage in peer-to-peer technical exchange with similar organisations in projecting Africa’s image, and interests,” the leaders said in the communiqué.

They also called on Africa leaders to develop an independent mechanism to monitor and evaluate its partnerships.

The CSOs and democratic actors also called on Africa leaders to establish and maintain strategic intelligence units at the continental and regional levels to support its economic diplomacy.

They also called on Africa leaders to enlist the support of African universities and research institutions to assist the continent in shaping its international relations through research and other knowledge products.

“We also call upon all African stakeholders and partners to encourage African Civil Society and the African Diaspora to play a role in shaping and coordinating a common African position.

”They should identify and strengthen African soft and smart powers in international relations,” the communiqué added.

The summit applauded the AU position to bid for an additional African seat in the G-20 as well as the efforts made to streamline the AU’s multiple partnerships.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Puresouls Learning Foundation, in partnership with Terra Kulture, Lagos, on Sunday commenced a week-long art exhibition to commemorate World Autism Day 2023.

A statement issued on Sunday by Dotun Akande, Founder of the Puresouls Learning Foundation and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, said that the exhibition scheduled to hold between April 2 and April 8 has as its theme “Embracing Art Through the Lens of the Differently Abled”.

According to him, the exhibition, which is the third of the foundation’s annual Autism Day, is to demonstrate that children on the autism spectrum have unique abilities that should be celebrated.

Akande said the exhibition would feature works by children living on the autism spectrum and those with other related developmental disorders.

“Some of the young artists whose works would be featured include Zizah Okeugo, Christine Mike-Nnaji, Daniel Ayomikun Okolie, Oluwadamiloju Yomi-Adeyemi, Preye Azazi, Funom Oti Wenyang and Chijindu Chukwunomnso Ijomah, ” Akande said.

He said that the theme of this year’s event emphasises the importance of creative activities in supporting the mental development of children living with autism spectrum disorders.

He also noted that it would showcase talented young artists who have overcome societal barriers and stigmatisation to express their creativity through their art.

“At Puresouls, we have grown to appreciate the challenges, authenticity and individuality of children living with autism spectrum disorders and their ties to creativity.

“Having found that art therapy can help stabilise emergency care, develop skills, and keep an optimistic psyche, we are focused on using this to aid the development of their self-esteem, self-awareness, and mental control.

“The exhibition will feature an array of inspiring artworks, ranging from paintings to drawings, showcasing the unique perspectives of these young artists.

“The exhibition is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend and show their support for these young artists.

“Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase some of the artworks on display, and the proceeds will support children on the autism spectrum,” Akande said.

He noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) expected everyone, including those with autism, to have the best physical and emotional wellness they could achieve.

Akande regretted that those on the autism spectrum were frequently subjected to stigma and discrimination, including unfair denial of health care, education, and chances to interact and contribute to their communities.

The statement quoted Mrs Esther Okeugo, a parent of one of the participating artists, as saying that “every child, regardless of their abilities or limitations, had a unique talent that can be nurtured and celebrated”.

“The exhibition provides a platform for children living with autism to showcase their artistic talents and remind us that developmental challenges do not define them.

“As a parent of one of the featured artists, I am proud to be a part of this event that celebrates the creativity and resilience of our children and encourages society to embrace inclusivity and diversity,” Okeugo said

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Festus Olumati, Port Manager, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Calabar Port, has said that the volume of vessels berthing at the Calabar Port has led to massive economic prosperity.

Olumati said this on Sunday in Calabar while on an oversight duty at the Port terminal where over four vessels were discharging their various cargos and petroleum product.

The Port Manager said that one of the vessels, “MV Desert Unity”, berthed at the Port with 16,000 metric tons of wheat, while “MV Medi Bangkok” berthed with 18,251 metric tons of general cargo including cars, trucks and project pipes.

According to him, the other two vessels berthed at the Port with premium motor spirit, while others were still at the Calabar Fairway Bouy and ready to berth for discharge.

“Today is Sunday, but there is tremendous activities going on in the port. As you can see, Calabar Port is very viable and working at optimal capacity.

“In line with the mandate given to us by our able Managing Director, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, that the Eastern Port must work, I had to swing into action to make it a reality.

“Also, in line with the mandate of the MD, I went out of the box to hunt for cargos to come into Calabar. The high traffic we see here today at the port is as a result of the mandate given to us by our MD.

“For the past 10 years, we have never had it like this where over five vessels will be berthing and discharging back-to-back at the Calabar Port.

“Special thanks to the MD of NPA for giving us all the requirements to work and achieve result. All our submissions to him for the Eastern Port to work have been approved.

“For these vessels to come here, we had to ask for concessional rate from the MD of NPA for those who bring in cargos and he gave the approval,” he said.

He said that the Port management was utilising the concessional rate strategy to woo vessels to the Calabar Port.

He told members of the public and maritime operators that the Calabar Port was viable, visible and very reliable to use, adding that the Port has modern equipment to discharge cargos.

“As you can see, our workers are effective and efficient and everything is done perfectly. The commitment of staff of NPA and the Eco Marine Terminal workers is quite commendable,” he said.

On security, he said that recently, a detachment of marine police were deployed to the Port to ensure maximum security for the Port in synergy with the NPA police command and Port security officers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Port is currently a beehive of activities with youths engaged in various jobs.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Sunday repatriated 217 destitutes, street baggers and vagabonds, evacuated from the street of the Federal Capital City, Abuja.

Alhaji Sani Amar-Rabe, Director, Department, Social Welfare Services, Social Development Secretariat (SDS) of the FCTA, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at the FCT Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre in Bwari Area Council.

The director spoke to NAN shortly after dispatching officials of the department to transport the destitutes and beggers to their various states.

He explained that the repatriation was in compliance with the order by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu and the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, who instructed the department of social welfare services to rid the city of human and environmental nuisances.

He stated that it was the responsibility of the FCTA to ensure that those evacuated from the streets were repatriated to their various states.

” We are here in respect of repatriation of the apprehended destitutes, street baggers, street boys and vagabonds who were profiled, their health challenges were equally attended to and they show no interest in learning vocational skills.

” They only show interest to be out to be attended to what they consider to be a liberty sort of, to continue doing their destitution.

“But those who have good mindset, embrace skills acquisition for empowerment. So, that is the purpose of our coming to this centre today.

” Today we don’t have many; they are just 217 beggers and street boys that are to be repatriated, mostly to Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Jigawa, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states.

“And this time around we have some from Abia, Imo and Delta states.”

Amar-Rabe revealed that the FCT Minister of State, Aliyu, had been in contact with some of the state governments through their Liaison Offices, to ensure that the affected states were more responsive in addressing and managing the repatriated destitutes and beggers.

” What we noticed from some of the destitutes and baggers as well is that they consider the FCT safer and economically viable, especially those of the North West and the North East.

” So people from these zones move to Abuja for survival and some of them, we discovered that begging and destitution has become an attitude to them.

” The street boys that constitute menace and defaced the Federal Capital City, some of whom at a particular point in time, manifest into another threat to the security of the residents especially those that do sleep under bridges claiming to be destitutes but most of them are criminals.”

The director called on the FCT residents, especially the well to do, to desist from giving alms and charity to the street beggers “because it is encouraging them to continue to remain on the streets and constitute nuisance to the city.”

” We have been on that advocacy through different media and we are appealing to the media both print and electronics, to continue to enlighten the public about the negative impact of patronising street beggers.

” We have clusters of Persons with Disabilities in KaronMajigi Community on the airport road and we have many orphanages, anybody who wish to donate can go to such places and give charity.

” Also, in Yangoji, Kwali Area Council, by the roadside, there is Alheri Special Village, the village is mainly for persons affected with leprosy and their family.

“It is a very large cluster with a very large population of humans who are indigents and deserve such charity.”

Malam Bala Dantsoho, the Principal, FCT Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre, Bwari, said most of those that were repatriated are untrainable. Therefore, they have to be repatriated to their various states.

Dantsoho, who decried the proliferation of street baggers and destitutes in the FCT, urged state governments to be more proactive in tackling destitution.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Oxfam Nigeria, an International NGO, says empowering women financially and economically will make them independent.

The organisation said it would also make them self-reliant which was critical to their life, as it would end Sexual, Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.

Ms Helen Akinyemi, Oxfam’s Programme Manager on Gender Justice, said this during a community-based assembly of rural women in Abuja, in partnership with Nigeria Women Economic Development (NigWED) project to address SGBV.

Akinyemi said that poor economic status and financial dependence of women had further exposed them to violence and rendered them more vulnerable to abuse.

“Most of the issues discussed, you will realise that most of the contributory factors of GBV lie in the economic development of women.

“We want them to know what to engage in that will generate income and help them to participate actively in the productive sector.

“All these will help to resolve gender issues, because when you solve one, you are solving the other. They are interconnected,’’ she said.

According to her, Oxfam has carried out several sensitisation and advocacy exercise to end all forms of violence against women, children, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups.

“ The feedback has been so encouraging that is why we are here again and we were asked to bring it down to the women in rural community level.

“ Because these are the people that are most affected and they don’t have the necessary information, sensitisation and their consciousness are not being raised.

“It is something that they too can go back to their communities, as most of the attendees here are women leaders, and have group of women that they work with.

“So, they will take it back to these groups as well as the communities and households to sensitise them and achieve the change that we are looking for in ending GBV,’’ she said.

According to her, the attendees were also educated on where, when and how to seek help when faced with violence or witness any.

She said: “There are safe houses in Nigeria, but most of these women don’t know. So this is part of the reasons we are here to pass the information across.’’

Mr Lugard Okonobo, Director-General, NigWED project, said the meeting was to sensistise women on how to be financially independent, sustain their businesses and how to make it thrive amidst economic violence.

“Our organisation focuses to addressing economic violence.”

He, however, expressed sadness with issues like double taxation for women.

“For some of them, their goods are seized at the markets place.

“Some don’t know how to check their taxes, some are married and their husbands are capitalizing on their ingenuity and education level to suppress them by taking over their economy.

“For those who are subjected to SGBV, we try to provide some economic empowerment programmes to sustain them,’’ he said.

He said NigWED, with the support of other partners, had empowered over 500 women with technical support, capacity building, infrastructure, amongst others, to support their business.

Responding to issues raised by some of the SGBV survivors, the DG urged the women to utilise the opportunity to be financially independent and generate sustainable business for themselves.

“Some are facing abuse, we have to sit down to look critically and find out the causes because for every effect and reaction, there is a cause.

“These things are subject to communication, discussion, dialogue. And with understanding, there will be a solution,’’ he said.

Mrs Blessing Airujuwan, a survivor, said the meeting with other persons and sharing her experience had helped in addressing depression caused by violence and neglect in her marriage.

Airujuwan, therefore, encouraged other women facing any form of abuse and violence to immediately seek help to enable them survive and regain their sanity.

Similarly, a widow and mother of two, Mrs Rebecca Amana, stressed the need for women to be financially independent to reduce some of the factors that exposes them to GBV.

Amana commended the organisers for their support and for providing a platform for the women to share their stories, seek help and get supports to reduce the burden they carry.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A former military governor of Oyo State, Gen. Oladayo Popoola, has lauded the Maths bee initiative organised as a veritable means of revamping the standard of education in the state.

Popoola who was the chairman at the Final and Awards presentation ceremony of the Mathematics competition in Oyo State tagged “Maths bee” stated this in Ibadan.

He lamented the sorry state the education sector had been in and recognised the importance of mathematics, which he regarded as the basis for other subjects in reversing the downward trend of the education system in the state.

“These are the things we need in this country, to encourage our youths, especially the younger ones, our grandchildren to come up with ideas. Then, we will start seeing a four-year-old that is very good with computers.

“The standard of education is going down, it is not the fault of the teacher as the person who taught the teacher had the same issue, having the same problem, that is what I have seen,” Popoola said.

Another special guest at the event, Prof. Mojeed Akinsola, said at the WAEC level in Oyo State things were not looking good but with the kind of Mathematics competition, things would get better in the state.

Akinsola commended all the 26 participants, who made it to the final, stating that they were all winners.

“One of the simplest subjects is Mathematics. So what you need to do as a student is to be focused and think about what you want to become in life. Once you have that goal and you continue to stay in line, you will be successful,” he said.

Two of the three overall winners, Nadia Akin and Toluwanimi Ogunmodede, appreciated the organisers of the competition, adding that though the competition was tough with determination and focus they emerged overall best.

In his remarks, the Convener, Maths Bee, Mr Seun Addie, said the rationale behind the programme was to contribute to children being better in Mathematics.

Addie said he had a degree in Mathematics, “and it is not as difficult as people think it is.”

He recalled the challenges in organising the event, which he said most people did not believe in it being a maiden meditation.

“I believe it is high time we looked at the methods we adopt in teaching some subjects, Mathematics for example.

“If the teacher’s teaching gives an impression that it is hard, the pupils would also believe that Mathematics is hard. Mathematics is not as difficult as it has been projected,” Addie said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the maiden edition of the Mathematics competition started at the local government level for all primary schools both private and public, where the best were taken to the zonal level before 26 pupils made It to the final.

NAN also reports that the best 11 pupils from various primary schools in the state were given medals while cash gifts were given to the overall best three pupils.

The first position went away with N100,000, while the second position got N60,000 and N40,000 was given to the pupil who came 3rd.

Other awards of recognition were given to notable personalities for their contributions to the progress of Maths Bee.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A group, the Alia Alliance, has urged Benue governor-elect, Rev. Hyacinth Alia to strive to meet the huge expectations of the people who voted him to bring about changes in the state.

The group gave the advice when its officials led by the Board Chairman of the Alliance, Mr Peter Ashiekaa, paid a congratulatory visit to the governor-elect on Sunday in Makurdi.

The Chairman said that the victory was a resounding testimony to the people’s resolve to change and redirect the path and course of their history.

“It is also a resounding statement of the people’s confidence in your ability to lead them out of the woods to a Benue of growth and prosperity.

“We pray God to guide and direct you, and give you the knowledge, wisdom and strength needed for your journey.

“As a group, we at the Alia Alliance are proud to be associated with this process and the outcome, and we pledge and commit to supporting your administration in all ways possible to ensure your success,” he added.

Also speaking, Mr Jimmy Ajim, a member of the board, commended the governor-elect for his doggedness “that calmed all the storms before, during and after the general elections”.

Ajim who is also the President of Ior Gboko Foundation, said they would partner with Alia to transform, empower, reform and uplift Benue indigenes, to build a better state.

In his response, the governor-elect thanked the group for its support and pledged to work hard with divine directions to meet the people’s expectations.

“God rewards hard work, especially when you don’t count the cost, it pays more.

“I am not coming for money, I have learnt to work and make money, I am not coming to seek fame, I have worked to make a name.

“We need to work together to develop the state, it is ours and nobody will do this for us, and we are not doing this for anyone but for ourselves.

“God has chosen me not because I am the most qualified. He doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies who He calls. I know with your prayers and assistance, we will prevail,” he added.

Alia tasked the group to help mentor the youth on good conduct, and to play active role in the renewal and development of Benue.

“It is paramount to start correcting wrong deeds, especially as it concerns leadership and mentorship.

“The idea of having or acting as stooge, having manipulative leaders and followers should be corrected,” he said.

He pledged not to disappoint the ordinary people who voted him to provide good leadership and better direction to the state.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Kano State Government on Friday said Gov. Abdulhahi Ganduje is still in charge of the administration of the state.

The government also advised the Governor-elect, Abba Kabir-Yusuf, to restraint himself from issuing official pronouncements in form of public advisory in order not to cause unnecessary confusion in the state.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Malam Muhammad Garba, in Kano.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Yusuf on Thursday directed a Public Advisory to all individuals, groups and organisations to stop ongoing construction in public places immediately.

Reacting to the advisory, Garba urged the incoming administration to exercise patience and desist from causing confusion during the transition period.

He said the action of the governor-elect amounted to jumping the gun by issuing directive on a matter affecting government laid down policy, while the incumbent is yet to run his full term.

The commissioner also stated that as far as the division of power is concerned as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ganduje remained the governor with executive powers until May 29.

According to him, the incumbent governor reserve the right to carry out his functions in public interest even on the eve of his exit.

“Until he subscribes to the oath of office as governor on May 29, he remains what he is – a governor-elect – and does not have the powers of the governor.

“All he can do is to reverse some of the actions taken by his predecessor when he assumes office, if there is a valid reason to do so.

“No governor-elect has the constitutional or legal powers to determine the direction of a state until he is sworn-in,” the statement added.

Garba noted that state governors wielded enormous powers to allocate plots and therefore every government has undertaken such exercise, including the previous administration which the governor-elect had served.

He also stated that based on available records, the previous administration has made land allocation in some of the public places the governor-elect categorically mentioned.

The commissioner listed the City Wall with allocation of land from Kofar Nassarawa to Kofar Mata; shops at the Kofar Mata Eid Prayer Ground facing the Orion Cinema; and from Kofar Mata to ‘Yan-yashi opposite the Eid Ground, and from Kofar Kabuga to Kofar Famfo facing the old Campus of Bayero University as some of the allocations made by previous administrations.

Garba explained that the advisory issued by the governor-elect has generated a lot of tension in the state and advised him to desist from such in order to avoid causing confusion.

He also called on individuals and organisations who acquired land after following due process and procedures not to be threatened by the notice.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria