The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • Organisation gets £4.5m to support 37,500 women, children, IDPs

    Organisation gets £4.5m to support 37,500 women, children, IDPs

    An International Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), CARE Nigeria has unveiled a plan to support 37,500 women, children, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities affected by the years of violent conflict in the northeast.

     The targeted beneficiaries are drawn from five local governments in Borno (Jere and Bama), Adamawa (Yola North), and Yobe (Potiskum and Gujba) states.

     The organisation explained that the project would be implemented with a grant of £4,559,570 it secured from the United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth and Development (FCDO).

     The project tagged, “Strengthening Protection Services and Resilience” is expected to run for 19 months.

      In a  statement in Abuja yesterday, the NGO stated: “CARE Nigeria has received a grant of £4,559,570 from the United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth and Development (FCDO), to implement the 19-month Strengthening Protection Services and Resilience” project in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

    “Covering five local governments: Borno (Jere and Bama), Adamawa (Yola North), and Yobe (Potiskum and Gujba).

    Read Also: FEC approves constitution of humanitarian, poverty alleviation trust fund

    “The project will reach 37,500 women, children, and marginalized groups (including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities) disproportionately affected by the years of violent conflict.”

    CARE Nigeria’s Country Director, Dr. Hussaini Abdu commended the  FCDO for its long-standing commitment and support to the communities affected by the over a decade-long conflict in the Northeast.

    Speaking on why the grant was offered, the Acting Team Leader, Humanitarian and Resilience Team on behalf of the FCDO, Ms. Sarah Maynard said: “The humanitarian crisis in the NE matters deeply to the UK and we are very proud to be a leading humanitarian donor supporting people in need. Last year, we provided £37million in life-saving support to the humanitarian response.”

    On the objective of the project,  she said: “The project aims to strengthen the delivery of protection and health services for targeted groups and increase women’s voice and participation in humanitarian response while enhancing the resilience of communities in the conflict-affected states.”

    “Specifically, the project will provide a coordinated and integrated response to sexual and gender-based violence,  address negative gender and social norms that create barriers to women’s access to quality protection services; and build the capacity of women-led civil society organizations that support protection needs of women and girls.”

  • ‘Unlawful’ result declaration: Hudu to defend self Nov 6

    ‘Unlawful’ result declaration: Hudu to defend self Nov 6

    The suspended Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC),  Hudu Ari-Yunusa, is to be arraigned before the Adamawa State High Court on November 6.

    He would be expected to answer for why he declared a winner in the April 15 governorship election in the state while the coalition was yet to be concluded and when he was not the returning officer.

    The Adamawa State High Court at its sitting yesterday fixed the date for the arraignment, asking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the presence of Hudu on the new date.

    Hudu, the REC in Adamawa up to the April 16, 2023 governorship election result collation in the state, is facing charges that include announcement of false electoral result, violating the oath of neutrality, breach of duty, disorderly conduct at election, inciting disturbance, and impersonating a public servant.

    Read Also: Judgment against P&ID freed Nigeria’s global assets from imminent risks – Fagbemi

    Hudu had on April 16 declared Senator Aishatu Binani of All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the April 15 governorship rerun while more results were still being awaited from 10 LGAs.

    He was suspended by INEC which brought two national commissioners to Yola to join the returning officer in concluding the collation.

    The governor and candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, Ahmadu Fintiri, was eventually elected.

  • Zulum inaugurates rebuilt Monday Market

    Zulum inaugurates rebuilt Monday Market

    • Grants rent waiver to 8,000 traders

    Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum yesterday unveiled the rejuvenated Maiduguri Monday Market, after its destruction by fire on February 26, this year.

    In a gesture of support, Zulum also declared that 8,000 traders who leased shops and pay rent through the market authority to the state government would be exempted  from payments for the next two years.

    This compassionate move, The Nation learnt, seeks to alleviate the substantial losses these traders endured during the fire.

    “As you may recall, the Maiduguri Monday market was ravaged by a destructive fire in February 2023. The Borno State Government established a committee to oversee the market’s reconstruction. Now, the market has been meticulously rehabilitated, with more than 8,000 traders poised to benefit from this revitalized space,” Zulum announced.

    The market’s restoration involved a comprehensive redesign and expansion plan that has resulted in a more organised and accessible business environment.

    With expanded walkways, designated zones for different product categories, and improved basic amenities, the market has been transformed into a shopper-friendly destination.

    Read Also: FEC approves constitution of humanitarian, poverty alleviation trust fund

    Zulum had allocated N2 billion to the committee responsible for overseeing market-related activities, in addition to an extra N1 billion in aid to the victims of the fire disaster.

     He made another crucial announcement during the ceremony, pledging N800 million in support to 2,825 traders who were unable to secure shop allocations following the market’s transformation.

    These traders had previously operated in temporary structures and market stalls, while some conducted their business without authorisation.

    He added: “The committee recommended the remodelling of the market during the reconstruction process, as it was identified that market congestion contributed to the intensity of the fire incident, As a result of the remodelling, over 2,000 traders who previously operated at temporary sites, constructed unauthorized shops in prohibited areas, or failed to secure shops within the market will receive support. Specifically, more than 185 of them will be provided with N1 million each, 2,000 others will receive N300,000 each, and approximately 640 will be granted N100,000 each.”

    Zulum assured the 2,825 traders that they would soon be allocated shops in a new market to be established in Maiduguri, further underscoring the government’s commitment to rebuilding and supporting the local economy.

  • Niger buys 200 CNG buses, awards contract for 566 km roads

    Niger buys 200 CNG buses, awards contract for 566 km roads

    As part of palliatives to caution the effect of the fuel subsidy removal, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago said the government has purchased 200 Compressed Natural Gas powered buses for transportation within the state.

     Bago, who spoke at a dinner for members of the House of Representatives Press Corps, also announced that the government would soon sign a memorandum of understanding with a rice mill factory in Kano State for the purchase of Paddy Rice produced in the state.

    Read Also: Judgment against P&ID freed Nigeria’s global assets from imminent risks – Fagbemi

     The governor, who until his election, was a member of the House of Representatives, also said his administration had awarded a contract for the construction of about 566 kilometres of roads across the state.

     The governor said 100 of the CNG buses would be deployed to ply the Suleja-Abuja route at a subsidised rate for workers, while 50 would be left in Minna and the remaining 50 shared between Kontangora and Bida.

    The buses, he said, would render free services to students.

     While lamenting the backward nature of the state, Bago said the state had no business being poor considering its natural endowment, assuring that under his leadership, the resources would be adequately harnessed for the benefit of citizens

     He said: “Niger State is the largest in terms of land mass in Nigeria, with about 76, 300 square kilometres of arable land. Niger State also has four Hydropower dams. That is Kianji, Jeba, Shiroro and Zungeru. We have the only white sand beach in West Africa, the shagunu beach.

     “There is also Zuma rock and a lot more that people don’t know. I have come here to tell you that with this partnership we are establishing, we need to spread the gospel. Let people understand where we stand. What people understand about Niger state is the issue of insecurity and insurgency.

     “Yes, we cannot shy away from insecurity, it is a reality, but what percentage of our land is in that mess? Very insignificant. You cannot underscore the fact that lives are being lost, but we are working assiduously to make sure that everybody lives well in Niger state and in Nigeria at large.

     “We are very ambitious as a government. We have already purchased about 200 CNG buses to commute for free students going to school and subsidised for civil servants in Niger State. 100 of the buses will commute Abuja and Suleja daily, while 50 will be in Minna and  others will be spread between Kontangora and Bida.

     “Secondly, we have awarded contracts for construction of about 566km of the roads and we have started with groundbreaking. It is unprecedented in this state, we are so ambitious and by the grace of God, we will be there.”

     On the MOU on rice production, he said despite Niger being rated as a leading producer of paddy rice in the country, the rice mills in the state were nothing to write home about.

     He said: “I went for a peer review yesterday in Kano because Niger State is the largest producer of paddy rice in Nigeria but our rice mills are nothing to write home about. I heard of the largest rice mill in Africa situated in Kano and I went for a Peer review and it is something that is massive.

    “So, how do we take comparative advantage of that? We will first aggregate this paddy and trade them off to these people instead of them coming here to carry it for almost for free and our people are losing.

     “We want to empower our local farmers with improved seedlings and inputs so that they can produce more tonnage and also make more money. We are going to have an MOU between Niger State Development Company and Gerawa rice mill for offtake of all rice paddy that we can control so that we are sure that our farmers don’t lose”, he said.

    The governor emphasised the importance of collaboration in promoting accurate reportage and projection of a positive image of Niger State and said the state government would partner the media  and other relevant stakeholders for the development of the state.

    He said: “Our story must be told and heard and the only way people understand our aims and objectives is when we speak our stories ourselves.”

    Speaking on the Green Economy Summit being hosted by the state government, Bago said the summit would  provide an opportunity for the state to harness its potential.

    While saying that Nigeria was yet to explore the full benefits of a green economy, he said Niger has the largest congregation of shea trees in the world which has not been explored.

    He said: “We are holding the first of its kind green economy summit because we have seen the comparative advantage we have in this state. So much money is out there and the only way we can access carbon credits is when we first aggregate our forests, and trade them in exchange for the emission by multinational companies.

    “Niger State has the largest congregation of shea trees in the world. It is an endowment by God. These things nobody knows about are there but our women are in the farms, cutting them down to make firewoods. We, however, need them to understand that we must protect our forest from deforestation and also promote afforestation.

    “We have two major Rivers. One, on the left side, River Niger and to the right side, River Kaduna. Niger is the only state with this endowment. You can navigate from Baro until you get to the Atlantic.

    “So, Niger State is not supposed to be poor. Now we have been given the opportunity to write history but we don’t want to write it alone.”

    Chairperson of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Grace Ike commended the governor for his efforts at improving the economy of the state.

  • Otukpo robbery attack: Onjeh condoles Idoma Nation, families, friends, victims

    Otukpo robbery attack: Onjeh condoles Idoma Nation, families, friends, victims

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) 2023 senatorial candidate for Benue South, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has expressed shock and grief over the dastardly chain of armed robbery attacks unleashed on Otukpo, the ancestral and political capital of the Idoma nation last Friday, which left scores of innocent citizens dead.

    In a statement on Monday, Onjeh expressed deep condolences with the entire Idoma nation, the families, friends and colleagues of the hapless victims of the incident, as well as the Police, which lost some gallant officers including the Divisional Police Officer in the gale of daredevil armed invasion and robbery of several banks and the Otukpo Police Divisional Headquarters. 

    Onjeh strongly condemned the incident, which has inflicted intense pain and sorrow on the Idoma Kingdom and prayed against a recurrence such dark day in the annals of the Idoma nation. 

    “While it serves very little consolation the reported killing of two and arrest of four alleged members of the robbery gang by security forces, I call on the security apparatus to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all the fleeing perpetrators of the heinous crime are promptly apprehended and brought to face the full wrath of the law,” Onjeh said. 

    Read Also: Benue FA set to reclaim Otukpo Township Stadium

    The former Chairman of the Projects Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu, also called for thorough investigation into the gory incident, noting that it appeared to be the handiwork of a soulless, blood-thirsty organized crime syndicate whose entire roots must be traced, uprooted and completely annihilated from Benue State to ensure that the good citizens of the state do not fall victims to its sanguinary craving in the future. 

    Onjeh further appealed on the security architecture in the state to adopt a more proactive approach towards detecting and preventing such scale of organized crime in the city, and to equally expedite its response time to distress calls, adding that a timely response could have mitigated the adverse effects of the robbery attack that reportedly lasted for well over an hour. 

    “ This unfortunate incident is indeed a wake up call for the Idoma people; I therefore, wish to further call for the unity of the idoma people. There’s no doubt that if we stand united, we can stamp out these criminal elements which are coming in different guises to inflict untold pain on our people,” Onjeh said. 

  • Supreme Court dismisses Adeyemi’s appeal against APC, Ododo

    Supreme Court dismisses Adeyemi’s appeal against APC, Ododo

    The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by Senator Smart Adeyemi against the judgements of the two lower courts on the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election, which held in Kogi State on April 15, 2023. 

    The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgement, held that the appeal lacked merit, having failed to challenge the concurrent findings of both the High and Appeal Courts, or demonstrate that same were perverse. 

    The Apex Court also held that the two issues raised in the Appellant’s brief were unreasonable, vexatious, not triable and against the provisions of Section 132 and 133(1) of the Evidence Act 2011. 

    Adeyemi, who represented Kogi West Senatorial District in the 9th Assembly, filed a suit at the Federal High Court seeking to nullify the primary election of the APC, which produced Usman Ododo as the party’s flag bearer for the governorship election slated for November 11.

     The case was dismissed by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal for lacking in merit. 

    The apex court, while delivering judgment on Monday, first struck out the Appellant’s first notice of Appeal, the Appellant having relied on the 2nd Notice of Appeal filed and held that the power of the Apex Court in respect of appeals against concurrent findings of the two lower Courts could only be exercised when the findings were alleged to be perverse. 

    The Court also described as contemptuous, the practice of parties appearing on TV stations to discuss pending appeals, saying, “You go saying on television that if the court is a court of justice, the appeal should go in your favour.” 

    “The court frowns at this practice. Once you’ve engaged a lawyer, go and rest. I am giving this elaborate talk so that you don’t go out and say things that are not reasonable. The Court is manned by reasonable persons,” Justice E. A Agim, who delivered the Supreme Court’s Judgement, said. 

    The Apex Court said: “There is nothing on the Notice of Appeal of the Appellant showing a challenge as to the perverseness of the findings of the two lower courts. 

    “The Appellant never alleged that there was no evidence to support the findings of the two lower Courts. This Court has no power to revisit those issues of facts raised in the Notice of Appeal unless there is an allegation that the findings were perverse.” 

    “On the whole, this appeal fails. The Appellant shall pay the cost of N1 million each to the 1st and 3rd Respondents (the governorship candidate and the APC),” the Supreme Court ruled. 

    Dapo Otitoju represented the Appellant; Abdulwahab Muhammed, SAN, represented the APC, Umar Abdulhamid represented the 2nd Respondent, and M. Y Abdullahi, SAN, the 3rd Respondent. 

    The Court of Appeal, on August 18, 2023, held that the appeal argued by Adekunle Oladapo Otitoju on behalf of Senator Adeyemi was completely bereft of merit. 

    In a unanimous judgment of a three-man panel of Justices of the Court, Adeyemi was said to have failed to establish all grievous criminal allegations made against the conduct of the primary election by APC and its leaders. 

    Justice Mohammed Lawal Shuaib who delivered the lead judgment resolved all the three issues in dispute against Adeyemi. 

    Justice Shuaib said that the allegations of manipulations and falsifications of the primary election results made by Adeyemi, being criminal in nature, ought to have been proved beyond reasonable doubt as required by law. 

    Read Also: BREAKING: Supreme Court dismisses APM’s appeal against Tinubu’s election

    He also dismissed another allegation by the Appellant that he was denied fair hearing by the Appeal Committee of the APC based on his petition against the alleged unlawful conduct of the primary election. 

    Justice Shuaib said that the issue of denial of fair hearing was not raised in his originating summons at the Federal High Court, hence, could not be raised as a fresh issue at the Court of Appeal. 

    In the absence of cogent and verifiable evidence on the part of Adeyemi, the Court of Appeal held that his allegations remained mere assertions that could not enjoy any probative value. 

    The Court of Appeal upheld the judgment of Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered on July 12, which had held that Adeyemi did not prove his allegations that Ododo was not lawfully nominated by the APC. 

    Senator Adeyemi had, therefore, sought an order of the Supreme Court, setting aside the judgments of the lower courts, allowing his appeal and granting all the reliefs sought in his originating summons.

  • Experts seek clinical labs’ regulation

    Experts seek clinical labs’ regulation

    • Ex-Kano gov advocates blueprint for research

    Experts in the health sector have called for the enactment of a legislation that would peg the minimum standards before clinical laboratories can be established and operated.

    They made the call at the Eighth Biennial Scientific Conference organised by the Association of Clinical Chemists of Nigeria (ACCN) in Abuja with the theme: “Challenges of contemporary clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine practice in Nigeria.”

    A former Chief Medical Director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Prof. Aaron Ojule, suggested the establishment of a regulatory body for registration, licensing and oversight of clinical laboratories.

    Ojule, who was the keynote speaker, said clinical laboratories produce results which are used by doctors to treat patients so the results are supposed to be accurate, reliable and timely to influence clinical results.

    He said: “What we are doing currently in Nigeria I’m not sure of the accuracy of our results and we have done a study to prove this, different laboratories saying different things on the same clinical specimen so need to work on it.

    “That’s why we need these regulatory bodies to make sure that our labs are of good quality and standard and there are prescribed international standards to run clinical laboratories but they are not implementing these standards in Nigeria.”

     President of ACCN and Congress Chair, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku emphasised the need for synergy among the professionals and certification of practitioners.

    “In the practice of Clinical Chemistry and clinical pathology we have interplay of very high level manpower personnel in the laboratory and the medical professionals

    Read Also: More well-equipped diagnostic laboratories can improve cancer care, says expert

    “But because of the way we do things, especially in the country where people work in silence.

     “We are having this conference to close the gap so that there will be synergy, cooperation and interaction between various professional bodies that have been legislated and for us to also commence a new conversation,” he said.

     Also, former deputy governor of Kano, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar urged professional bodies to collaborate and operate together so as to minimise the professional rivalry.

    He said there was a need for the country to draw up a blueprint on its national research agenda.

     He bemoaned a situation where individuals and organisations were working at cross purposes, concerning a national research agenda, stressing that it was one of the factors bedeviling the health sector.

     According to him, it is only that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) was trying to establish a national research foundation going by our current realities as a nation.

    Chairman, Scientific Committee, Prof. John Anetor also stressed the need for collaboration and bringing together expertise and skills from diverse fields.

    “Very importantly, this conference gives us an elegant opportunity to renew our call to the government, to provide good governance that guarantees an enabling environment which allows us to discharge our scientific and professional obligation to the patient and society.

    “Good governance goes with appropriate funding that makes the service provided and research conducted at par with the best anywhere. This in turn contributes to a robust economy by stemming medical tourism,” he added.

  • APC’s Giwa hails tribunal’s judgment

    APC’s Giwa hails tribunal’s judgment

    The Plateau North Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the last general election, Ambassador Chris Musa Giwa, is gladdened by the judgment entered in his favour by the Court of Appeals sitting in Abuja.

     The tribunal nullified the election of Hon Simon Mwadkwon and declared the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State as lacking the locus to sponsor candidates, and ordered a rerun which the PDP would not participate in.

    Giwa praised the judges for their courage, and wisdom in dispensing justice according to the laws, stating that the judgment was landmark, and a victory for democracy.

    Read Also: Kogi East locked down as thousands rally for APC’s Ododo

     It would be recalled that after the February 25, general election, Amb. Giwa approached the National Assembly Election Tribunal in Jos seeking redress. Not satisfied with the judgment of the tribunal, he filed an appeal which was successful with the appeal tribunal judges finding merit and ruling in his favour.

    Giwa, in a statement, signed by his Media Aide, D’yong Mangut, appreciated his supporters and legal team for the support through this journey and exudes confidence that he would be victorious during the re-run ordered by the appeal tribunal.

     Also, he urged his supporters to see the judgment as ‘no victor no vanquished’ and thus celebrate moderately.

  • Over 200 Jigawa women farmers benefit from outgrower programme

    Over 200 Jigawa women farmers benefit from outgrower programme

    About 200 women in Jigawa State have benefited from an all Women Outgrower programme including women living with disabilities in the state.

    The programme, which was supported by Rashak Farms and Agro Allied Limited, provided support to these women, covering every aspect of the farming, from seed to sale.

    The women received vital input disbursements, including improved wheat seeds, fertiliser, urea fertiliser, insecticides, and other essential resources to enhance their farming endeavours.

    Also included was support of the farm’s expert guidance throughout the farming season, such as training, healthcare, providing warehousing facilities to prevent post-harvest losses, and facilitating connections to the best markets for their produce.

    Rashak Farms said the programme, which took place in Hadeija, was a pioneer programme, which signifies a pivotal moment in its journey toward promoting gender equality and inclusivity within the agricultural sector.

    General Manager, Rashak Farms and Agro Allied Limited, Abubakar Ibrahim, said the farm has been deeply committed to impacting the lives of over 6,000 smallholder farmers for the past 7 years.

    Read Also: Falode applauds ‘ever improving’ Nnadozie, extols Gusau over women’s football

    He said through its aggregation programme, the farm has united farmers and connected them to the best markets, empowering over 5,000 of them to achieve economic prosperity and social equality.

    He added: “I want to reiterate our belief that this strategic initiative aligns with our vision and will not only boost productivity but also enhance food security in the country and the entire continent. This is just the first Co-hot, and we look to have more Co-hots after a bountiful harvest. Moreover, this is anticipated to enable competitive market sales and bring smiles of impact to everyone involved in the untapped women-led wheat farming initiative’s entire value chain.

    “We call on the support of related NGOs, Social Impact investors, and so on to key into this initiative, as there are so many lives that this impact will touch. We have a lot of farmers knocking on our door for this support, but we can only take as many as we can.

    “Over 200 enthusiastic and aspiring female farmers in Jigawa state were empowered through our Outgrower programme, breaking down the longstanding barriers that have hindered their participation in agriculture. Notably, the program also welcomed Jigawa women with disabilities, further emphasising our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. Our Outgrower programme signifies our dedication to providing comprehensive support to these women, covering every aspect of the farming process, from seed to sale.”

    One of the beneficiaries of the program Mallama Mariah Lawal said “Other agro allied companies suffocate us with very heavy payback prices. I have been farming for more than 5 years, and this is the best offer because I can still sustain my family and have enough to save after returning the loan amount.”

    District Head Tashena, Yunusa Bulama said: “We are very grateful for the opportunity. Our women are very hardworking, We are promising that our women will pay back this loan, and we will live to always remember your sowing this seed of prosperity for our women for years to come.”

    He said the ripple effect of the programme would continue having an impact on the women and their children because their women are creditworthy.

    The farms added that its outgrower program has supported over 1,200 smallholder farmers from ‘seed to sale,’ providing access to finance, inputs, training, and marketplace opportunities.ver 200 Jigawa women farmers benefit from outgrower programme.

  • Group calls for urgent action to curtail preventable deaths among children

    Group calls for urgent action to curtail preventable deaths among children

    A humanitarian group, Save the Children International, has warned that Nigeria may not be able to achieve the goal of curtailing preventable deaths among children unless urgent actions are taken by the Federal Government, development partners and other stakeholders.

    The organisation said Nigeria might miss out on achieving education for all among other targets by 2030 despite the progress that has been made by the country.

    The Chief Impact Officer, Save the Children International, Ebrima Saidy said this at a press conference yesterday in Abuja after his visit to the Northeast.

    Saidy stated that from data, it was obvious that Nigeria could not achieve these ambitions for children by 2030 because it was critically way behind in achieving the targets.

    “Nigeria is one of the countries where we need to raise the bar to achieve those ambitions for children,” he said.

    He added that the three main ambitions of the organisation were to make sure that by 2030, no child died from preventable causes before their fifth birthday; that children from every part of the country are able to access good, quality education regardless of their geographical location and also, to ensure that violence against children is no longer tolerated anywhere in the world.

    Saidy, however, maintained that to achieve these targets, things must be done differently, as 2030 was just around the corner.

    He said to achieve the target, development partners as well as the government cannot continue to do things the way they are doing.

    Read Also: Rescue team gives relief to women, children affected by conflict

    He called for more investments as well as synergy to achieve children’s rights and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially as they relate to children in Nigeria.

    Stating that the organisation has been providing life-saving humanitarian assistance and responding to emergencies, Saidy rsaid last year, SCI’s programme reached more than 24.4 million children and families in over 70 local government areas in 17 states and since last January, SCI has reached out to more than 1,590,047 individuals, comprising 64 per cent children.

    While mentioning that he was very impressed with the success rate of projects impacting children when he visited some of the places in the Northeast, he stated that one of the stabilisation centres where children suffering from severe and acute malnutrition were being treated, has an average success rate of 94 to 95 per cent.

    Saidy added that there were a lot of SDGs indicators that would be achieved such as access to education.

    He said: “But, with the indicators around quality of education, we may not be able to achieve that by the year 2030 and that is not just in Nigeria, but also in many countries around the world.

    “This is because of the quality of instruction, the resourcing of schools, the resourcing of teachers, the enabling environment for teachers to provide good quality education, and the infrastructure that is required. We are still way behind on a number of these.”

    Saidy said the situation in the health sector was no different, saying: “We are not quite there.”

    He added: “We are committed to the SDGs. We know from the data where we are doing well and where we are not doing well. I think the right thing to do is to identify the areas that we are not doing very well and increase government investment in those areas, and coordinate the work of NGOs and the work of the development partners, to say everybody all hands on deck.”

    According to Saidy, working together under the coordination of the government would make it possible to make significant strides to get as close to the SCI target as possible by 2030.

    He said: “It is not late for us. We are still optimistic that we may not achieve all but we can still push the boundaries as best as possible. Yet, we have to partner to work better together.

    “We have to complement each other. We all bring different expertise and different roles and responsibilities; it is about including the children and the communities that we work in. We need to work better with the government. We need to work better with donors and our development partners.

    “We want to be able to raise more funding to be able to increase the amount of states that we work in, but also the depth of our work in some of the states that are very, very deprived.”

    Saidy noted that Nigeria contributed to one of the largest numbers of early child and forced marriages and out- of – school – children globally

    According to him, all the children deserved a better future and as such, the rights of children should be fully protected and fulfilled.

    He said this could be done through the creation and adoption of suitable policies, strategies, plans and making sure that those frameworks are budgeted for and implemented to transform children’s lives.