The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

WaterAid seeks more investments in women

A non-governmental organisation, WaterAid Nigeria has called for more investments in water, sanitation and hygiene facilities to promote women’s rights and dignity.

The organisation said low investment in WASH affected women’s rights to education, health, dignity of human persons and livelihoods.

County Director, WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere in a statement to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, said: “The lowest hanging fruit for investing in women to achieve progress is to invest in safe and inclusive WASH. Increasing access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene helps protect the rights of women, promote their dignity, and enhance national development. WaterAid has collaborated with some government agencies to design female friendly toilets that supports this process.

“We call on governments at all level to adopt them, and invest in construction, and replication in public places as part of this women friendly investment that today seeks to promote.”

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According to her, investment in WASH s one of the most effective ways of investing in women.

“Poor access to WASH impacts more negatively on women and the girl child. They bear the most cost and burden of time sent in search of water for domestic uses, they are more vulnerable to infection from poor access to hygiene and non-availability of decent toilets,” she said.

Mere added: “Women are also the most susceptible to violence arising from looking for water or practicing open defecation. Even where toilets are built in public places, they are not inclusive and safe and do not accommodate the needs of women as envisaged by SDG 6.2. They are not able to access facilities for managing their menstrual hygiene with dignity and are therefore excluded from economic and livelihood activities during their period. This is made worse by the high cost of menstrual hygiene materials resulting in period poverty.

“As we commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day, WaterAid calls on the Government of Nigeria at all levels to invest in increasing access to WASH in a manner that addresses the needs of women. This includes provision of potable water so that women can access water easily, investment in safe, inclusive, and sustainable sanitation facilities to guarantee women’s health and promote the availability of accessible and affordable hygiene materials to preserve women’s dignity.”

March 12, 2024
Katsina IDPs laud NCFR’s food distribution, planned building of housing units

Internally displaced persons in Katsina state, occasioned by banditry attacks have commended the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), for empowering over 700 IDPs and their plans to build housing units for them in the state

A woman leader of the IDPs, Hajia Hausatu, told The Nation on the side-lines of the queue for the distribution of the food items that the donations were timely, especially during this Ramadan period

She said: “We thank NCFR and the Katsina State Governor for the food items distributed to us, it will surely help reduce hunger and poverty amongst those of us that were displaced by banditry attacks’’

‘’We are also grateful for the plan to build housing units for us, it surely saves us from roaming the streets in search of shelter’’

Also, Aisha Umar from Jibiya Local government who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries thanked the federal government and the state government for the assistance

The Nation recalled the flag-off and distribution of the food items held at the premises of the Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)

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Speaking at the flag-off, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugee Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Alhaji Aliyu Tijjani Ahmed said they were in Katsina State to assist the internally displaced persons that were displaced as a result of Boko Haram insurgency, banditry kidnapping and national disaster with food to reduce the hardship they were facing.

He said: “The commission was established to assist and support migrants and internally displaced persons in all parts of the country.”

Also In his remarks, the Katsina State Deputy Governor, Farouk Lawal Jobe urged donor agencies in the country to extend their gesture to people in the state to improve their wellbeing.

He further noted that the assistance would go a long way in assisting the internally displaced persons.

He said: “The state government was happy with the gesture by the Commission for its initiative to provide aid to the IDPs in the state’’.

“We call on our people to intensify prayers for peace and coexistence in the state as the holy month of Ramadan is fast approaching’’.

The Deputy Governor also charged those responsible for distributing the items to the fair in distributing them while discharging their responsibility by ensuring that the items were distributed to those that they were meant for”.

On her part, the Katsina State Executive Secretary of State Emergency Management Agency, Hajiya Binta Dangani thanked the federal government for the assistance and assured the state government of its readiness to do justice while distributing the items.

March 12, 2024
We’ll make one woman in every household a farmer, says Benue deputy gov’s wife

The wife of Benue state deputy governor, Mrs Christy Sam Ode, has flaunted a foundation to make at least one woman in every household in the state, an active farmer.

Ode made this known in an interview on Tuesday, March 12, that the ‘Evergreen Women Farmers Foundation, has been registered and will commence full activities soon.

The deputy governor’s wife said she decided to focus on agriculture because it holds the biggest capacity to create chains of opportunities for women and the youth.

She said: “I want women to go into farming. God has blessed our land. I am telling the women that in whatever way they can, they should help each other and encourage each other.

“We want to support women with seedlings, fertilizer and whatever we can, but the truth is that women need to come out and go into farming so that there will be enough food for the home and also for making a profit.”

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She explained that the initiative was her way of supporting the efforts of the governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia in placing women at the forefront of the state’s development.

She added: “In Benue state, the Governor is really trying by giving good positions to women. As you know without women, there will be no men.

“As women, we are seeking for the men to take us more into everything they are doing so that we also will be strong.”

Ode said women had shown that they were a force to reckon with in politics as they provided the biggest political base in the country.

She stated: “When it is Election Day, the women are everywhere and when they tell you yes, their yes is yes, so we asking those in leadership positions to carry the women along.”

She said that though as Christians and Muslims, the religions place women under men, it’s important to encourage women to contribute to every facet of societal growth and development.

“We don’t have to go across what we are not supposed to do; we are trying our best to work together as a team, to be humble so that the men will understand us better and the religion will accept us the way we are.”

She advised women in political and administrative positions, “to support each other and be your sisters’ keepers so that we can grow stronger than the way we are now.”

March 12, 2024
IWD: Foundation empowers 1000 women in Lagos

In an effort to empower women in the Ibeju-Lekki local government area in Lagos, the Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation has launched a groundbreaking initiative focused on providing vocational skills to young mothers.

This program, intended to benefit over 1000 women, aims to equip them with crucial skills, resources, and support to enhance their economic independence and self-sufficiency, especially as many of them are single mothers without male support in their households.

Originally an expansion of the foundation’s Sustainable Malnutrition Intervention Program (SMALINT) for malnourished children, the initiative has received significant acclaim from local residents and community leaders. Ibeju Lekki, a local government area in the heart of the state, has long faced poverty and limited opportunities, particularly for women.

The Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation’s intervention has been transformative, providing more women with new skills to boost their job prospects.

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Following the success of the SMALINT program where over 1,000 women engaged in food demonstration classes, the foundation has empowered over 40 women through vocational training.

Kene Egbue, the foundation’s program manager said: “This initiative extends from the 2022 SMALINT program launch. Understanding the strong connection between malnutrition and poverty, we aimed for a sustainable solution.

“Women’s empowerment is crucial for sustainable development and breaking the cycle of poverty. By offering essential tools and support, our goal is to help them create better lives for themselves and their families.”

The empowerment program includes various activities focused on imparting practical skills and knowledge to women. Participants have received training in fields such as hairdressing, tailoring, catering, ICT skills, and leadership development.

A primary goal of the program is to enable women to generate income and achieve economic self-sufficiency. Through workshops and hands-on training at the vocational center in Orimedu, participants have learned how to establish and manage small businesses, creating sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families.

Mrs. Ofem Favour, a program participant, shared her gratitude for the initiative, saying, “As a single mother striving to support my family, the skills and support provided by this program have been life-changing. Overcoming the challenge of lacking a skill was daunting, but through the catering training, I secured an industrial training opportunity, all thanks to the Oladele Fajemirokun Foundation.”

The foundation continues to offer ongoing support to program graduates, including mentoring, stipends, and opportunities for further education and training. With a steadfast commitment to empowering women and nurturing inclusive, resilient communities, the foundation, in collaboration with its partners and stakeholders, is set to have a lasting impact on the lives of women in Ibeju Lekki local government and beyond.

March 8, 2024
Reps dep spokesman assures of inclusivity in constitutional review

Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has assured Nigerians of inclusive engagement and free participation in the ongoing constitution review process.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, had on Monday, 26th February, 2024, inaugurated the Constitution Review Committee made up of eminently qualified Members of the lower chamber, drawn from the 36 States of the Federation, with special consideration for female parliamentarians.

The Committee, according to the Chairman who is also the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, would round up its activities in target time of December, 2025.

Hon. Agbese, in an interaction with reporters in Abuja on Friday, said the Kalu-led Committee was determined to accommodate all interests, in making sure the exercise is wholistic and meets the test of time.

Agbese who was recently named the Spokesperson of the House Committee on Constitution Review, said the nation would be grateful to the 10th House, by the end of the Committee’s assignment.

He said the amended version would address many agitations, yearnings and aspirations of the generality of the people of Nigeria.

“We are going to carry everyone along. Aside receiving memoranda from organizations, agencies of government, individuals and various interest groups, another jurisdiction of this Committee would be to create a forum for relevant stakeholders and members of the public to make their inputs to the constitution review process, this we shall be doing through public hearing and continuous citizens engagements across the board.

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“We shall also build a robust and collaborative relationship with the Nigerian Senate and the 36 States Houses of Assembly, whose resolutions are part of the legislative journey to the reviewed document. This is to reduce or totally eradicate the usual bottleneck or noncompliance that characterised other constitution review exercises in the past.

“Also, in this course, we shall be liaising with relevant government agencies, both the executive and judicial bodies, state governments, women groups, academics, civil society organizations, labour unions, professional bodies, ethnic nationalities, Nigerians in the Diaspora, Diplomats and the general public, in receiving memoranda and getting them involved in making necessary inputs, while the process lasts.

“With the array of stakeholders we have enumerated and how the Chairman is coordinating the process, I’m sure there won’t be any section or interest that would be left out, at the end of the day”, Agbese said.

The lawmaker said the thematic areas which the Committee intends to cover include, Federal Structure and Power Devolution; Local Government/Local Government Autonomy; Public Revenue, Fiscal Federation, and Revenue Allocation; Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security Architecture, with special attention to State Police; Comprehensive Judicial Reforms; Electoral Reforms to strengthen INEC to deliver transparent, credible, free and fair elections; Socio-economic and cultural role for the Traditional Institutions.

Other areas include, Issues of Gender; Strengthening the Independence of institutions and agencies created by the constitution or pursuant to an Act of the National Assembly; Residency and Indigene Provisions; Immunity; The National Assembly; Process of state creation and State access to mining, amongst others.

Agbese also assured that the Committee would be working assiduously to ensure the target of delivery within 24 months is achieved.

He said the Chairman is an experienced lawmaker and a pan Nigerian who is poised to deliver a durable, workable and all-inclusive document to Nigerians as constitution.

March 8, 2024
Stimulate exports to benefit from floating of Naira, FG urged

A Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics, United Kingdom, David Luke, has urged the Federal Government to ensure it stimulates exports for the country to benefit from the recent floating of the currency.

He said this on Wednesday at a press conference ahead of the launch of his book; How Africa Trades, sponsored by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) in Abuja.

Luke said the government must subsidise credit to manufacturers to make the currency floating policy effective.

The Sierra Leonean academic said the floating of the Naira is not enough as a policy.

Luke said the policy has the potential to stimulate exports because Nigerian goods would be cheaper outside the country.

He added there is a potential for an input substitution policy by the government.

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He said some of the policies by President Bola Tinubu, particularly the removal of subsidies and floating of the currency, were bold and could work if all other conditions are met.

“We are seeing some really bold moves from Nigeria which have taken most people by surprise. The withdrawal of subsidies on fuel and the floating of the naira—what the floating of the Naira can do is that it could make things that are produced in Nigeria cheap to buy outside of Nigeria and provide an incentive for Nigerians to produce the things that are too expensive to import from outside.

“It could work in Nigeria’s case if other things are done alongside it. But that is not enough because normally when you do something like this, you have to make credit available to those who are in a position to produce. You want to make sure that the banks are able to lend at affordable rates. This means subsidised credit. We have seen it happen in other countries, so I am not saying anything new. Countries that have floated their currencies have done so as a stimulus for exports,” Mr Luke said.

He said Nigeria should be spearheaded the integration of African countries.

He rued the absence of Nigerian leadership in the integration process.

Luke said South Africa and Egypt, the second and third largest economies, are unable to provide leadership for different reasons.

He explained that the political history of South Africa makes it unsuitable to provide such leadership, while the Arab-centric stance of Egypt also makes it not the right candidate to champion the integration.

The lecturer said Nigeria stands to gain significantly from the integration of Africa.

“Nigerian leadership is needed; it has not been there. If you are the biggest economy, you should be the one championing this kind of integration for the African Countries. I think other African countries like South Africa and Egypt—even Morocco and other big ones—can’t quite do it like Nigeria can do it. South Africa has a very complicated history, which they are still struggling with, so they are not in a position to provide that kind of leadership.

“Egypt has one foot in the Arab world and another in Africa, so I don’t think it is the right country or country to provide that kind of leadership. The same can be said for Morocco even though it is a dynamic economy but much smaller than these other ones. Nigeria should be the one that is leading this new approach to trading among ourselves,” Mr Luke said.

The Country Representative of FES, Lennart Oestergaard said the book would be made available to the public.

March 8, 2024
Onjeh receives Benue APC acting chairman, seeks support for Alia

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Benue South, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has received the acting chairman of the party in Benue Hon. Benjamin Omakolo.

Omakolo, a former councillor, leader of the Benue State Councillors Forum, council secretary and exco member of the Benue APC, was at Onjeh’s residence as part of ongoing drive to unite the party and reposition it.

He declared that as the party chairman, he would ensure that justice reigns so that those who laboured and sacrificed their time, effort, resources and intellect are rewarded to serve as an incentive for others.

He expressed sympathy with Onjeh over what he described as the injustice the former party chairman meted out to him during the last general elections.

“The party,” he declared, “shall not tolerate anti-party activities on my watch. A candidate’s rights must be guaranteed.”

He pledged that he would never do anything to undermine party members, their political interests and aspirations.

After welcoming his guest, Onjeh emphasised the importance of party unity and full support for Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.

Onjeh commended the emergence of Omakolo, stating that “due process was followed” and his appointment “follows democratic principles.”

He stressed that the chairmanship position belongs to Benue South, Apa/Agatu in particular, and any attempt by stakeholders from other zones to impose leadership on the party would be “undemocratic.”

Onjeh urged Omakolo to prioritise “healing party members’ grievances, soothing their inflamed passions” and “bringing back party faithful together.”

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He highlighted the need for “accommodation” and reaching out to party members from all sides of the current party divide, fostering unity and paving the way for future statewide resounding electoral success.

He acknowledged the challenges Governor Alia has faced due to “vested interests and internal party wranglings” but praised his achievements in areas like prompt salary payments, education, and revitalisation of the economy.

He commended the Governor’s commitment to tackling corruption and empowering Benue residents.

“Governor Alia,” he asserted, had, within less than a year, surpassed the performance of all governors before him since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999.”

Onjeh offered support to Omakolo and expressed confidence in his ability to unite the party.

He called upon all party members to stand together for the “ultimate benefit of Benue people” and Governor Alia’s success in office.

March 7, 2024
AbdulRazaq impressed with work at industrial park, sugar film studio

Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday paid a working visit to the site of the under-construction state industrial park at Eiyenkorin in Asa local government, calling it a catalyst for development in the state.

The Governor expressed happiness with the level of work done so far, and said the project will create job opportunities for people and enhance the economic and revenue base of the state.

He said a number of big firms have already indicated interest in the project.

“This is phase one of the industrial park. We are happy with the progress of work. Already, we have some investors who have indicated interest. Yesterday, a company came around for the prospect of building a CNG conversion plant to provide plant and gas for cars. BUA is also coming in as it already indicated interest in production here,” Governor AbdulRazaq told reporters shortly after inspecting the facility.

“This is really a catalyst for development in the state. The key things are: economic expansion, job creation, and IGR drive. We are very optimistic that very soon, this place will be fully occupied. And that’s progress for Kwara.”

Asked when the project will be fully completed, he said the industrial park is a project that will keep expanding as industries and business interests site their businesses there and that the government will only provide the necessary infrastructure for it to thrive such as is being done with concrete road, drainage, electricity, and security network, among others.

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“To simplify it, this first phase is 2 square kilometers and will extend eventually to 10 square kilometers. Part of it will be an export processing zone. So we are very optimistic that it is a big thing,” he said.

The Governor then headed further down into Asa local government where he inspected the Budo Egba and Otte township roads.

He then visited the jaw-dropping Sugar Factory Film Studio, which is believed to be one of its kind in Nigeria and on the continent.

The expansive film studio will produce its first movie in the next few weeks, the Governor said.

Excited with the quality of the facilities at the studio, the Governor said Kwara is ready to cause an upset in the Nigerian creative industry.

“Welcome to Sugar Factory Film Studio. First production will start in two weeks. It is about creativity. It is about creating jobs and expanding the creative industries,” he added.

“This is one of its kind in Nigeria. Just wait and see in the next couple of months what will come out of here.

“To start with, there are very few studios (with the same standard as Kwara’s Film studio) in the subregion. Then, after the studio, we have world-class equipment here. We will continue to upgrade the equipment and expand the studios as well. But from what we have seen here, surely, there is nothing like this in Nigeria today.”

He was accompanied on the working visits by Commissioner for Works Abdulqowiyu Olododo and Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah.

Managing Director, Sugar Factory Film Studio, Mr Olagbenga Titiloye, for his part, said the studio will be the biggest in Africa, commending the vision and economic drive of the Governor.

“Apart from being the biggest in Africa, if you look around, it is clearly a one-of-its-kind facility in Nigeria and Africa as well. His Excellency’s drive to create employment in the entertainment industry is yielding fruitful results,” he said.

“We are 100 percent prepared. You can see the sets and equipment that will be used to shoot the series that is going to DSTV.”

March 7, 2024
Group begs Tinubu to reinstate suspended NSIPA ex-coodinator

Katsina based socio-political group, ‘’One to one campaign movement for Tinubu and DIKKO, 2023″ has begged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate suspended former National Coordinator of National Social investment Program Agency (NSIPA) Hajia Halima Shehu Kafindangi.

The group assured the President that Kafindangi’s reinstatement will ensure accountability and transparency in the discharge of responsibilities in the investment agency and the ministry

Kaduna coordinator of the group, Comrade Kabir Ahmad Rimi, in a statement said the leadership of the group was shocked by what it called ‘’unfounded’’ allegations of N44bn financial mismanagement against the NSIPA National Coordinator, a development which it said was behind her suspension from office by President Tinubu.

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According to him: ’’It’s a crystal clear that Mrs. Kafindangi hails from Katsina State and serves in various financial institutions ranging from the then InterCity Bank PLC, Unity Bank PLC and Access Bank PLC.

‘’Furthermore, Mrs. Halima Shehu is a well trained professional in financial transactions as she had worked as the head of several banking units, including the cash, funds transfer, clearing, reconciliation, operations and coordination units; across all the three banks and left with ZERO record of corruption throughout her banking career.”

The group further recalled that Mrs. Kafindangi in her magnanimity and foresight participated actively in politics in 2010 and was first appointed as a Senior Special Assistant to the former Governor;of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema in 2011 and as a member of the Katsina State Internal Revenue Board with all her job records clean and recommended.

The group also expressed optimism that EFCC’s investigation which is underway, will exonerate Mrs. Kafindangi from all the financial allegations against her

March 7, 2024
High expectations as Abuja hosts International Women’s Day Conference

In anticipation of the forthcoming 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD), the Arise Monalisa Foundation is poised to host a distinguished conference to commemorate this significant occasion.

Under the resonant theme: “Count her In: Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress,” this collaborative endeavor with One Percent International Management Services Ltd. is scheduled to unfold on March 18, 2024 at the prestigious Wells Carlton Meetings and Events venue in Asokoro, Abuja.

Stating the key facets of the IWD Conference 2024, the Foundation unveils a multifaceted program encompassing erudite panel discussions facilitated by esteemed experts and stakeholders. Attendees will also partake in a networking session, aptly named Mix n Meet, an exhibition showcasing the commendable goods and services crafted by female and young entrepreneurs, and a riveting Pitch Party where five exceptional female entrepreneurs will vie for a coveted grant and mentorship program.

In a groundbreaking announcement, the Foundation proudly introduces the AMF HUB, an avant-garde E-Commerce platform dedicated to exhibiting and retailing products meticulously crafted by women and youths in vulnerable communities. The Foundation, devoted to inspiring hope, nurturing creativity, and fostering opportunities for the less privileged across the continent, articulates these developments in an official statement.

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Monalisa Chinda, the founder of the Foundation and acclaimed film maker affirmed it stands as a beacon of hope for disadvantaged and underserved communities. The primary mission revolves around empowering women and youth, epitomizing the vision to inspire and nurture their talents and potential, creating pathways to inclusion and prosperity.

The strategic initiatives and collective community engagements outlined by the Foundation focuses on uplifting and providing sustainable avenues for transformative change in the lives of women and children. The forthcoming conference is expected to draw the participation of international organizations, government agencies, women’s groups, sister agencies aligned with Arise Monalisa Foundation’s vision, entrepreneurs, women in politics, and those in the Diaspora.

Furthermore, the Arise Monalisa Foundation advocates for collaboration and partnerships to cultivate an enriched environment for Nigerian women.

Intending sponsors are offered an array of exclusive benefits, including the privilege of branding the Arise conference, opportunities to execute partnering corporate social responsibility, capacity-building prospects, grants for select start-ups, and a branded stand at the hall’s entrance, among numerous other advantages.

March 6, 2024