The Oyo State Stakeholder Forum has said the Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue, Zeech Adedeji, will revamp Oyo State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) if he contests and wins the 2027 governorship election.
Convener of the Forum, Mr Jelili Akande, who said this at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, noted that as governor, Adedeji will modernise Oyo State’s tax administration system, making it more inclusive, transparent, and technology-driven.
Akande said: “His strategy will involve the deployment of innovative tools to identify untapped revenue streams, expand the tax base, and ensure that every taxable entity contributes fairly to the state’s development.”
He said central to the transformation would be a shift from the traditional reliance on federal allocations to a robust IGR framework.
According to him, by leveraging data analytics and automation, Adedeji would aim to reduce leakages, improve compliance, and make the tax process seamless for individuals and businesses alike.
Akande urged the state government to embrace the template of FIRS chairman to improve the IGR.
He said Adedeji’s tenure at FIRS was marked by strategic reforms that had improved efficiency and transparency.
“Key among these achievements is the introduction of a digital tax filing system, which has streamlined tax processes and minimised leakages.
“This technological transformation has made compliance easier for businesses and individuals alike, leading to a significant increase in tax revenues,” he said.
According to him, Adedeji championed public-private-partnerships to create awareness about tax compliance, ensuring that more businesses became part of the formal economy.
He said the FIRS boss’s efforts had not only widened the tax net but had also restored public confidence in how tax revenues are utilised.
“The Oyo Stakeholders Forum firmly believes that Dr. Sir Zaach Adedeji possesses the vision, experience, and determination to transform Oyo State’s revenue system and drive sustainable development. His track record at FIRS is a testament to his ability to deliver results, and his commitment to transparency and accountability is exactly what Oyo State needs at this critical time.
“As we look forward to the 2027 elections, we urge all Oyo residents to support this vision of a prosperous, self-reliant state. Together, we can build an Oyo State where every resident shares in the benefits of economic growth and development,” he added.
Accel360 Hub, a business acceleration organization, has graduated six fellows from the inaugural Kwara Business Accelerator Programme, an initiative designed to empower entrepreneurs with the skills and mindset needed to drive impactful economic growth in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The programme stems from the vision of Mahmood Abdullahi Loke, Director of Accel360 Hub, inspired by his experience at the Business Innovation Accelerator (BIA) of the Lagos Business School, sponsored by the Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigeria.
The event, held from the 25th to the 30th of November, 2024, marked the culmination of six transformative days during which participants gained insights into innovation, marketing, financial management, and more.
“The goal of the BIA-LBS and BOI is to nurture impact-driven entrepreneurs who will foster economic development and contribute to Nigeria’s GDP. Through Accel360 Hub, we are creating a ripple effect of these values,” said Loke.
The graduating fellows included:
– Habeebat Bamidele, CEO of Bambee Foods
– Adeola Jane, CMO/CEO of Visitaj Ltd.
– Kareem Rukayat Arinola, CEO of Ruqqoyah Apparel Fashion Academy
– Hamzat Tawakalitu, MD of Sokoyokoto Spices
– Taofeek Lateef, CEO of Zilcycler
– Suleiman Abdulwahab, CEO of Al-Hadady Business Konsult LTD
The programme benefited from the active participation of faculty members from Lagos Business School, who provided guidance and shared practical knowledge.
Loke expressed gratitude to the faculty and to sponsors, including the Gadaff Future Care Foundation, LOB Foundation, and Peacesub, for making the initiative a reality.
Special appreciation was extended to the fellows, who demonstrated exceptional commitment and passion. Certificates were presented by the Chairman of the Gadaff Future Care Foundation during a ceremony brimming with excitement and hope for the future.
This landmark event reflects Accel360 Hub’s dedication to community development and entrepreneurship, ensuring a brighter future for businesses in Kwara and beyond.
…insures 1,000 HIV clients into state health insurance scheme
Niger State Commissioner of Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare, Dr Bello Tukur, has disclosed that out of 85,170 clients counselled and tested from January to October 30th, 2,646 clients tested positive for HIV, out of which 88 were pregnant women.
He said that the state currently has 33,937 people living with HIV who are currently receiving treatment in Niger state, adding that over 30,000 people are currently on HIV lifesaving drugs in the state.
The commissioner stated this at a press briefing to commemorate the 2024 World AiDS Day at the General Hospital in Minna, saying that despite these figures, the state remains committed to sustaining the best practices that have led to the reduction of the HIB prevalence to 0.7 per cent in Niget s5wt3, which is the lowest in the north-central zone of the country.
The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, DR Muhammad Gana, said that there are currently no facts who tested positive for HIV in the course of the year.
“The early infant diagnosis for the total number of infants who had a first virologic HIV test sample collected for the year under review from PMTCT sites stands at 86. Out of this total number of samples sent, none were found to be HIV positive. All those that pass through the PMTCT services turned out HIV negative.”
The commissioner lamented that commercial female sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgenders, persons in correctional facilities and persons who inject drugs remain the main drivers of HIV in the state adding that recently, low condom use due to the increase in the price of condoms and early sexual debut has contributed to the drivers of the transmission of new infections.
The commissioner also disclosed that 1,000 HIV clients had been enrolled on the Niger State Health Insurance scheme to enable them to have ease of service across the state.
Various stakeholders at the event applauded the government for giving them an ending environment towards the response of eradicating HIV in the state.
One of the notable Northern groups, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has said that Tax Reform by the administration of President Bola Tinubu is an opportunity for the northern part of the country to be creative and innovative in exploiting mineral resources in the region for the benefit of the people.
It would be recalled that northern governors, traditional rulers, and Northern Elders Forum rejected the proposed tax reform bills, saying they were not in the interest of the nation and the region in particular.
Also, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State recently criticized the tax reform bills, saying it will drag the northern part of the country backward.
However, in a statement by the Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu said: “The Tax reform is a great opportunity for the North to be creative, innovative, wake up and engage the federal government and the National Assembly for Constitutional amendment and canvass for States to exploit their mineral resources for the benefit of development and their people”.
“Arewa Think Tank wants to strongly disagree with governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State for saying that the tax reform will drag the northern part of the country backward”.
The bills, transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in September, have faced stiff opposition, especially from the north, with stakeholders calling for its withdrawal.
However, despite protests and rejections of the pieces of the legislation, the Senate passed the bills for second reading on last Thursday despite rowdiness at plenary.
“For us at Arewa Think Tank, we are enjoying the speedy and smooth passage to the current phase when other bills had to spend several years to scale through. This shows that there are big fortunes and prospects in the tax reform bills.
“We disagreed in totality with some quarters that these bills transmitted to the National Assembly will drag the north backward, and some parts of the country will have problem with these bills.
“Based on our understanding, tax reform is something that will develop the north in its entirety. Therefore, we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others to go ahead in signing into law the bills.
“It is very wrong for the north to call for the withdrawal of the tax bills because the advantages are by far outweigh the disadvantages, if at all there is any disadvantage.
“What we are saying is that, let the reform be accepted by our northern leaders so that even after they have departed this world, their children would reap the benefits of it.
“We are appealing to Northern leaders to be patriotic to endorse the reform that would propel the progress of the north and other regions. We are also appealing to President Tinubu and the lawmakers to go ahead with the bills and stop listening to those who are kicking against its implementation,” the statement read.
Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate, has attributed the poverty and insecurity plaguing Northern Nigeria to the region’s inadequate education system.
Speaking at the “Kaduna Girl Child Conference and Award Ceremony” organized by The Creative Think Tank in Kaduna on Saturday, Sani emphasized that had the region’s leaders and citizens been properly educated three decades ago, the current wave of insecurity would not have taken root.
He underscored that education is vital for individual empowerment, societal progress, and the attainment of peace and security.
Sani also pointed out the abundance of resources in the North, including fertile land, minerals, and rivers, but lamented that the region remains underdeveloped due to poor leadership and underutilization of its resources.
“Northern Nigeria is lagging behind the South because of the poor education of our people. If the people responsible for insecurity in the North were educated three decades ago, we wouldn’t have them today picking up arms and killing and kidnapping people for ransom,” Sani stated.
“That was why I said that one of the plans we need in Northern Nigeria is how can we educate our people at least to the level of literacy. When people are educated, they are empowered, liberated, and energized; society is secured, and peace is guaranteed.
“But when you have illiteracy you have poverty. When you have poverty, you have insecurity. These are the fundamental issues we are facing as a country today.
“Mind you the northern part of Nigeria has what a nation needs to survive. We have 95 percent arable land and 60 percent land mass. There is no State in the North today without deposited mineral resources – lithium, gold, and uranium, among others.
“Out of 235 Nigerian rivers, two-thirds are located in the northern part of Nigeria. Unfortunately, with all this wealth that surrounds North, there is a serious disconnect between this wealth and the standard of living of our people”, he decried.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Think Tank group, Olivera Idahosa, disclosed that his organization will be empowering 200 girls in 2025.
According to Olivera, the Girl child is more vulnerable in society, which was why his organization was putting more emphasis on providing solutions to those threats and challenges that they face.
“Today we are celebrating our girls in line with the United Nations declaration. We want to see our girls flourishing in all they do in a safe environment.
“It is also an opportunity to honor individuals who have contributed meaningfully in advocating girls’ rights.
“In 2025, we are also looking at how we can empower about 200 girls, so by this time next year, they will be celebrated”, he said.
Kaduna State has witnessed a sharp rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with over 1,259 cases reported by November 2024—a 30% increase from the previous year—according to the Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services.
Kano State also reported 244 cases in 2023, underscoring a regional challenge that demands urgent attention.
This troubling trend was a central topic at a meeting of Women Muslim Preachers from Kano and Kaduna States, held in Kaduna as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.
The event, organized by the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) in partnership with the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith at Bayero University, Kano, and supported by the Ford Foundation, called for stronger community engagement and collaborative efforts to combat GBV in the region.
Dr. Taufiq Abubakar, Director of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith, emphasized the role of Muslim Opinion Leaders (MOLs) in using Islamic teachings to combat GBV. He highlighted the influence religious leaders wield in shaping attitudes, noting that the MOLs project is designed to challenge harmful cultural norms perpetuating violence against women and girls.
Project coordinator, Malam Ahmad Abdullahi Ahmad, revealed that the initiative included a Peer-to-Peer Study Tour to Egypt, where participants engaged with leading Islamic institutions such as Al-Azhar and the Grand Mufti.
He stressed the importance of integrating Islamic teachings into GBV prevention strategies and equipping Da’awah leaders with the necessary tools to challenge harmful practices.
Participants were also trained on fostering dialogue within households, using Qur’anic verses and Hadith to advocate for the protection of women, and incorporating Islamic principles into their community outreach efforts.
The meeting underscored the urgent need for faith-based approaches to curbing GBV and enhancing advocacy efforts, aiming to foster stronger collaboration between MOLs and Da’awah leaders in northern Nigeria.
Governor Uba Sani’s administration is rewriting the narrative of healthcare in Kaduna State, transforming it from a broken system to one that is thriving, sustainable, and accessible to all. It would be recalled that only last month Kaduna was ranked the second best, after Lagos, among the states with the most functional healthcare delivery system.
With a series of high-impact interventions, he is not only repairing infrastructure but also reshaping the healthcare landscape to serve the needs of every citizen, regardless of their location or status.
On November 27, Governor Sani commissioned the upgraded and fully equipped Dabo Mohammed Lere Memorial Hospital in Saminaka of Lere Local Government Area. This hospital, once a shadow of what it should have been, now stands as a proof to his leadership style—a clear embodiment of his commitment to uplifting healthcare standards. The commissioning of this facility is one of the many steps in Governor Sani’s ambitious vision to overhaul the healthcare sector in Kaduna State.
Upon taking office, Governor Uba Sani inherited a healthcare system in ruins. Many of the state’s hospitals were outdated, poorly equipped, and understaffed. The healthcare infrastructure was in a dire state of disrepair, and service delivery was far below acceptable standards. Access to quality care, especially in rural and underserved areas, was limited, and many citizens were forced to rely on substandard services or travel long distances for treatment. Governor Sani knew that transforming this broken system was not only necessary but urgent.
In the face of these challenges, he set forth a clear, ambitious plan to reshape the state’s healthcare system. Describing it as a “surgical operation” for the sector, Governor Sani focused on five key strategic objectives: enhancing health infrastructure, improving service delivery, strengthening human resources for health, ensuring the availability of essential medicines, and increasing sustainable health financing. These objectives form the foundation of a comprehensive healthcare strategy that is both long-term and inclusive.
A major highlight of this strategy has been the refurbishment and upgrade of existing healthcare facilities. The reopening of Dabo Mohammed Lere Memorial Hospital is a significant achievement, but it is only one piece of a larger plan. Governor Sani has committed to remodelling, equipping, and upgrading 13 general hospitals across the state. These hospitals, spread across the three senatorial zones, include facilities in Gwantu, Rigasa, Maigana, Giwa, Kachia, SabonTasha, and others. In total, 13 hospitals will undergo substantial renovations, bringing them up to modern standards.
What sets Governor Sani apart from predecessors is his determination to ensure that these hospitals don’t just receive cosmetic improvements but are equipped with world-class medical equipment, cutting-edge technology, and a capable workforce. Each hospital is being transformed into a centre of excellence capable of offering a broad range of services, from basic healthcare to specialized treatments. This will drastically reduce the number of citizens who need to travel out of state or to private healthcare centres for treatment.
During the commissioning ceremony of Dabo Mohammed Lere Memorial Hospital, Governor Sani stressed that this was only the beginning. The first phase of this initiative will see the completion of 13 general hospitals, and the second phase will bring an additional 13 hospitals under the same renovation scheme. These upgrades are being done with the utmost care and focus on ensuring that each hospital is well-equipped and adequately staffed to provide high-quality healthcare services to all residents of Kaduna State.
One of the most impressive aspects of the governor’s healthcare transformation is the emphasis on human resources. The governor has recognized that modernizing healthcare infrastructure alone is not enough. It is equally important to address the quality of healthcare professionals working in the system. As such, the state is investing heavily in the training, recruitment, and retention of healthcare workers, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to deliver top-notch care.
Governor Sani’s administration is also focused on improving the working conditions for medical professionals. A major part of his plan is to create a supportive environment that encourages healthcare workers to thrive. This includes better pay, ongoing professional development, and a culture of respect and accountability. By attracting and retaining qualified personnel, Governor Sani is ensuring that the hospitals are not only modern but staffed with competent professionals who can deliver care that meets international standards.
Equally critical is addressing the persistent challenge of ensuring the availability of essential medicines. In many parts of Kaduna, especially in rural and remote areas, citizens have faced significant difficulties in accessing vital medicines. By strengthening the state’s supply chain in about 290 health centres and improving distribution networks, Governor Sani is addressing this issue head-on. His administration is committed to ensuring that every hospital is adequately stocked with the medicines needed to treat patients, whether for routine procedures or emergency care. This intervention is expected to drastically reduce the dependence on costly private pharmacies and bring healthcare costs down for ordinary citizens.
Another significant aspect of the governor’s healthcare strategy is the push for sustainable health financing. Historically, Kaduna State’s healthcare system has been hampered by inadequate funding. To resolve this, Governor Sani is working to implement long-term financial strategies that will ensure the state’s healthcare system is not reliant on ad hoc or short-term solutions. By increasing sustainable funding for healthcare, the governor is ensuring that the improvements made today will be maintained well into the future. His focus on health financing also ensures that the state can continue to expand its healthcare offerings, invest in new technologies, and strengthen the healthcare workforce without the constant struggle for financial resources.
Governor Sani’s approach is one that takes into account the multifaceted nature of healthcare. He understands that healthcare is not just about physical infrastructure—it is about creating a system that is equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the people. His comprehensive strategy ensures that healthcare in Kaduna will be accessible to all, irrespective of location, social status, or economic background.
The massive reform in Kaduna’s healthcare system is a clear example of how visionary leadership can turn adversity into opportunity. By focusing on long-term, sustainable improvements, Governor Sani is laying the foundation for a healthcare system that will serve generations to come. As these newly remodelled hospitals begin to serve the people, they will stand as symbols of hope, demonstrating that with the right leadership, even the most challenging systems can be completely overhauled.
Evidently, his healthcare revamping is more than just a series of infrastructure projects; it is a movement that has the potential to change the trajectory of healthcare in the entire region. It is a triumph of leadership, vision, and commitment to the welfare of the people of Kaduna State. The work has only just begun, but it is already evident that the future of healthcare in Kaduna is brighter than ever before. Governor Sani’s ruin-to-rebirth triumph is a powerful reminder that, with determination and strategic action, no challenge is insurmountable.
What began as a broken system is now on the path to becoming one of the most advanced and equitable healthcare systems in the country. The governor’s relentless dedication to improving healthcare in Kaduna has set a new standard for what is possible when leaders prioritize the health and well-being of their people.
Dambatta is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media.
The maiden edition of Kogi International Carnival initiated to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the different ethnic groups in the state, will open on December 1 to 7.
The carnival is designed to showcase the people’s culture and woo local and international investors to explore the vast investment opportunities in the confluence state to plough investors’ capital back into the state’s economy and Nigeria.
The carnival, which will be held simultaneously in Lokoja, Kabba, Okene, and Ayingba, will present the cultural diversity of the state on a global stage showcasing music, dance, dress, food, and more as found among different ethnic groups that make up the North Central state.
With the theme “Come, Experience, Explore and Invest in the Confluence State Celebrating Unity, Promoting Tourism, and Empowering Local Communities”, the carnival is meant to key into the season of celebration that the yuletide period presents across the globe. It will not only be for entertainment but also investment while focusing on tourism to keep the state in the memory of the guests expected to throng the event from all over the world.
The event, which was designed to be citizen-driven has continued to receive the endorsement of prominent indigenes of Kogi State in various sectors, including traditional rulers. In particular, a foremost Marketing Communication practitioner, who doubles as President of the Nigeria chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA), Mr. Steve Babaeko has pledged to support the carnival.
Speaking on the carnival activities, leader of the Kogi International Carnival (KIC) 2024 project team, Prince Philip Orebiyi described the carnival as “more than just a celebration.” He emphasized its role in fostering cultural exchange, community bonding, and global recognition of Kogi State’s unique offerings.
“The Kogi International Carnival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of our shared humanity, and showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the world. Visitors will have a unique experience that highlights our state’s beauty, talent, and investment potential. We invite everyone to join us for this unforgettable experience,” Orebiyi said.
According to Orebiyi, KIC will feature spectacular performances by local and international artists; cultural exhibitions and traditional dance displays; food festivals featuring local and international cuisines; fashion shows showcasing Nigerian and African designs; and workshops and masterclasses on art, music, and entrepreneurship.
Babaeko, CEO/ Chief Creative Officer of X3M Ideas, described Kogi State as a unique state that has a lot of historical relevance to Nigeria. He called on Kogites, home and abroad to rally round the team championing the course to organise the one-week carnival and use it to position Kogi state as an ideal destination for tourism, cultural heritage and gateway to Federal Capital territory.
According to Babaeko, “Historically, Kogi is a unique state, with bountiful potentials and geographical relevance. Kogi has a lot of potential, including a good geographical location, abundant natural resources, and a growing population that needs to be explored.
From Lokoja to Kabba, Okene to Ida, down to Obajana, there are so many hidden treasures that need to be tapped. With this international carnival, the government and stakeholders would be able to attract attention to Kogi State as a home of opportunities.
Taking Agriculture for instance, from time immemorial, the people of Kogi State have been the food basket of the nation, farming in Kogi, Ekiti, Ondo and Osun State. More importantly, the proximity of Kogi State to Abuja allows our farmers to move their outputs to the FCT with ease.
“With a state like Kogi State, the Federal Government need not look far for willing partners at a time when Nigeria is facing significant food security challenges, with nearly 25 million people at risk of hunger due to climate change, inflation, and rising food prices,” Babaeko stated.
The carnival is aimed at fostering culture, promoting tourism, and empowering local communities through music, art, and entertainment.
Expected at the carnival are renowned musicians and performers, international cultural ambassadors, local and national government officials as well as investors and entrepreneurs.
Minister of Women Affairs, Hon Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has said the existing 47 sexual assault referral centers in the country are grossly insufficient for a population of over 220 million people in the quest to discourage Gender Based Violence (GBV).
She vowed to develop a centralised data platform for tracking interventions on Gender Based Violence (GBV) to ensure targeted and impactful implementation of programmes.
She spoke in keynote address at the High Level Dialogue on Investment in Gender Equality and Ending Violence Against Women for Rights and Development organised by African Development Bank (ADB) and UNWomen at the Bank’s headquarters in Abuja yesterday.
The minister restated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope mandate in protecting women and children.
She promised to address the issue by establishing additional safe spaces for women and girls.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said: “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have reaffirmed our commitment to gender equality and ending GBV.
“Our effort includes both preventive and responsive measures, with a sharp focus on strengthening the implementation of legal frameworks, providing robust support services, and fostering behavioral change to eliminate the root causes of gender-based violence.
“Globally, gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations, with one in three women experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
“Take a moment to reflect on the fact that in 2023, an average of 1 woman was killed every 10 minutes by a loved one every day last year.
“In Nigeria, the numbers are equally, if not more, troubling. Reports indicate that 30% of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, and one in four Nigerian girls has been sexually abused before the age of 18.
“These numbers underscore the harsh realities faced by women and girls every day.
“However, gender equality and the fight against violence against women are not just moral imperatives – they are essential for sustainable development.
“Research has shown that countries with higher levels of gender equality enjoy faster economic growth, better governance, and higher levels of peace and stability.
“The World Bank estimates closing gender gaps in Nigeria could add up to $9.3 billion annually to GDP by 2025.
“Women in Nigeria make up 49 per cent of the population and 41 per cent of Micro, Small, and Medium-Scale Enterprises (MSME) owners.
“Yet less than 22 per cent of women hold senior leadership positions, and only 3.6 per cent occupy parliamentary seats.
“This gross underrepresentation in decision-making stifles growth, innovation, and inclusiveness.”
The minister added that the economic cost of gender-based violence in Nigeria is staggering.
“GBV costs the global economy an estimated $1.5 trillion annually, and in Nigeria, it contributes significantly to lost productivity and public health costs.
“We must view investments in gender equality and GBV prevention not as expenditures but as critical levers for economic resilience and growth.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted five critical areas that must be focused on over the next year:
“Strengthening the technical capacity and level of implementation of existing institutions to ensure that commitments are translated into measurable outcomes.
“Enhancing coordination mechanisms within the sector to foster synergy among stakeholders and reduce duplication of efforts.
“Addressing the absence of quality data to enable evidence-based policy formulation, monitoring, and evaluation.
“Enhancing resource allocation to empower the sector to deliver impactful interventions.
“Strengthening policy implementation to close gaps between laws and on-ground realities.
“As established, to achieve sustainable development, we must focus on intentional investments in women’s empowerment and violence prevention.
“It is therefore critical to allocate resources where they can have the most transformative impact.
“Over the next year, we will, therefore, work with urgency on the following transformative initiatives, among several others:
“Enhance and track the implementation of the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act.
“We are glad to note that as of today, Bauchi State has finally domesticated the Child Rights Act (CRA 2003), bringing the total to 36 States, while 35 States have domesticated the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015.
“Establish a National Protection Center for Women and Children to provide holistic services, including legal aid, temporary shelter, and psycho-social support.
“Investing in women’s access to renewable energy and green economy sectors, empowering them to lead climate adaptation and economic resilience initiatives.
“On Education, we will work collaboratively with the relevant stakeholders to address the fact that 10.5 million Nigerian children are out of school, 60 per cent of whom are girls.
“Education is a powerful tool to break cycles of poverty and violence.
“On Health and Social Protections: we will support efforts to tackle Nigeria’s maternal mortality ratio of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births and expand access to healthcare and trauma counselling services for GBV survivors.
“On Economic Empowerment, we will work on the full implementation of the Women Economic Empowerment Policy and build on the success of the Nigeria for Women Project, which has disbursed over ₦19 billion to over 400,000 rural women.
“We will work with state governments and other partners to ensure the rapid implementation and scale-up of this very important project. We will also work to plug Nigerian women in trade into the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement to unlock new economic opportunities and contribute to the continent’s growth and development.”
The event which was well attended had the wife of Kwara State Governor, Professor Olufolake Abdul-Razaq, Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDG’s, Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, His Excellency, Mr Alfredo Miranda Ortiz, Deputy Ambassador, European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Zissimos Vergos and the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, His Excellency, Mohammed Malik Fall, among others.
The International Human Rights Protection Forum Service (IHRPS) has nominated the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for its prestigious Human Rights Leadership Award, recognizing him as Minister of the Year.
This honour highlights Matawalle’s exceptional efforts in addressing banditry and advancing human rights in Nigeria.
In a letter signed by Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, IHRPS commended Matawalle for his exemplary leadership in combating banditry and prioritizing the safety of civilians, particularly women and children.
The letter said his commitment to rehabilitation, reconstruction, and peaceful coexistence in affected areas has been instrumental in promoting human dignity and upholding the rights of all individuals.
The organisation further said that Matawalle’s leadership philosophy aligns with its core values, adding that his courage and determination have been pivotal in bringing hope to countless families and making him a formidable opponent to criminals.
“As the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle has been instrumental in the fight against banditry, and his commitment to protecting civilians, especially women and children, from the brutality of banditry has been exemplary,” the letter said.
“Noteworthy also is his support for rehabilitation, reconstruction, and peaceful coexistence in affected areas. As a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, his leadership philosophy, which prioritises the protection of human rights and the promotion of human dignity, aligns seamlessly with our organisation’s core values.
“Matawalle’s commitment to upholding the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, is a shining example of the kind of leadership that our organisation seeks to recognise and celebrate.
“In the face of unrelenting adversity, his courage has shone like a beacon, illuminating the path to a safer, more just Nigeria. His unflinching resolve has brought succour to countless families who had lost hope, and his unshakeable determination has made him the nemesis of criminals who once thought they were above the law.”
The organisation believes this recognition will motivate Matawalle to do more while serving as a challenge to underperforming government officials
