The Nation Newspaper

Tag: goals

  • Experts seek action on UN global goals

    Experts seek action on UN global goals

    The Executive Director of Network of Non-governmental organization of Nigeria, (NNNGO), Mr. Oluseyi Oyebisi has called for a national plan of action to achieve the new global goals for sustainable development in Nigeria.

    Oyebisi made this known at an event organised by Save the Children, ONE Campaign, The Nigeria Network of NGOs, CSDEVNET and The Future Project held University of Lagos.

    The Sustainable Developments Goals are a new global targets recently ratified by over 150 heads of state and governments across the world at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

    Oyebisi said, “Nigeria can only implement the new sustainable development goals if there is a national plan of action on the sustainable development goals by the federal government which will set the pace for private sectors and other stakeholders’ involvement and participation in its implementation.

    He said that the federal government’s stance and posture toward the full adaptation and implementation of the new sustainable goals is imperative for the goals to be achieved.

    These goals, he said, should be adopted and consultation should be done in all the ministries, agencies and departments of government on how it relate to them and fashion out ways government and other stakeholders can key into the goals.

    He said, “Tackling poverty, promoting inclusive education for all, promoting healthy environment and affordable and efficient energy for all are among the new SDGs which must be pursued vigorously by everyone”.

    He opined that monitoring and evaluation of the new goals should be put in place to ascertain the effectiveness of the goals periodically.

    Oyebisi, who lamented that Africa, especially Nigeria could not meet the just concluded millennium development goals because there was enough political will and coordinated approach by government agencies who would have galvanize all other stakeholders toward meeting the goals.

    He opined that funding for the implementation can be source from curbing illicit corrupt funds, aids and grants, taxes and foreign direct investment.

    Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of One Campaign, Edwin Ikhuoria challenged Nigerians to own the new global goals and hold government accountable for its implementation.

    He said, “The office of the citizen is the most important office that can exist. The citizens must know and understand their power to determine what leaders do and hold them to account for the common wealth entrusted in their hands to govern.

    He noted that gone are the days when a leader will blatantly squander resources and nobody can mention it for fear of being a target of high-level vindictiveness.

    “Nigeria has moved from where it used to be, but today at the end of the MDGs, Nigeria can only boast of meeting maybe 2 or 3 of the targets! The rest are not met. What happened? He asked.

    On the essence of the programme, the Campaign Advisor of Save the Children, Hope Udoma said that we are here to light up and amplify our voices to the rectification and implementation of the new global goals.

     

  • How Nigeria can fund newly adopted development goals, by UN chief

    How Nigeria can fund newly adopted development goals, by UN chief

    Nigeria may need to find innovative ways of funding the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it has been learnt. Unlike in the  past when the country received international aid to implement the Millennium Development Goals, that the country might have to look inwards to fund the global goals adopted by world leaders on Friday at the United Nations headquarters.

    Thomas Gass, an assistant secretary general of the United Nation, who spoke with The Nation at the United Nations Headquarters in New York said it was important for government of developing countries as Nigeria to ensure the flow of funding within the country to support the goals.

    “It is very clear that this new agenda cannot be paid for only by Development Corporations. It would be important that the developed countries raise their Official Development Assistance (ODA ) to 0.7 of Gross National Income (GNI)  and many countries are still far from that. Government needs to ensure that all the flows of funding within the country actually support sustainable development. They need to ensure that all the companies operating are paying their taxes properly and see to it that international companies do not  shift their profits to other countries where they don’t have to pay for taxes”, said Gass.

    Asked if the United Nations would compel developed countries to pay compensation to African countries hit by the effects of climate change, he affirmed that the organisation was working towards a green climate fund through which countries can be supported in adapting and mitigating the effect of climate change.

    “There is work on a green climate fund  through which countries could be supported in adapting and mitigating the effects of climate change but compelling countries to do something never works very well. We have lots of experience of that in the United Nations.  It needs to be about convincing them that is in the best interest of the whole community for everyone to be able to shoulder the weight that they can carry, and that weight is heavier for some countries that it is for others.  The importance of climate change is that every country participates in a way that is based on the solidarity between people and between nations.

    The UN chief also reacted to the insinuation that 17 goals might be a long list for developing countries than are faced with other constraints, stating that although countries may set priorities where they would start, it was important they have a commitment to achieve all the goals as the 169 targets are closely linked and indivisible.

    “It is a long list because the needs and aspirations of the people are very complex and diverse.  The global goals are a new contract between government and their people and therefore must include all the issues that people need.   Of course countries will set priorities where they will start but it is very important that they have the commitment to achieve all the goals at all the time”.

    Acknowledging the fact that countries in the Lake Chad basin facing the Boko Haram menace might have more difficulties in achieving the SDGs; he  hoped that the conflicts in the region could be resolved using the right approach and strategies, especially as the new goals points to some of the  root cause of the crisis, such as poverty and inequality.

  • Council welcomes UN’s adoption of 17 development goals

    Council welcomes UN’s adoption of 17 development goals

    The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) has welcomed the UN’s adoption of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which aim at eradicating extreme poverty and hunger by 2030.

    This is contained in a statement by Mr Oseloka Zikora, Head of Communication of (AMCOW)  in Abuja yesterday.

    The statement, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the council welcomed the good news of all the SDGs, and in particular, Goal six solely dedicated to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.

    “One hundred and ninety-three world leaders met at the United Nations General Assembly and approved 17 SDGs to replace the Millennium Development Goals which will expire in December 2015.’’

    It congratulated the water and sanitation sector community for celebrating the inclusion of a dedicated water security and sanitation goal, saying without water, these goals could not be achieved.

    It quoted AMCOW President Mr Amadou Mansour-Faye, as saying that the centrality of sustainable management of water and sanitation in ending global poverty and ensuring sustainable development was not up for further debate.

    “The benefits extend well beyond the water and sanitation domain to ensuring increased agriculture and food production, energy security, and better education for our teeming populations,’’ Mansour-Faye, Senegal’s Minister for Hydraulic and Sanitation said.

    The statement noted that AMCOW played a significant role in the global advocacy for a distinct Water Security and Sanitation Goal.

    Such role, it said, was based on the firm belief that this was primarily essential for ensuring secure, productive and sustainable water for all purposes, sanitation and hygiene interventions.

  • Setting goals for our children

    Dear Harriet, Please, how do we help our children set goals?

    Mr. Ademola Lagos.

    THE long awaiting holiday will be over soon. The holiday has been full of excitement for some children. Sure it had its wonderful moments. As the day is getting closer, parents, on the other hand, are getting ready for their normal school run routine.

    With the excitement also came some worries, as parents think about how their children will cope in a new school for those going into secondary or changing school, new classes, new teachers, homework, projects and social experiences of school.

    Children need proper guidance from parents or guardians in order to follow the right path of life. Helpful tips are as follows:

    Sense of dependence. Parents should make their children understand that they must be dependent upon God, not on their strength. Teens with all the happenings, in most cases, feel they can handle situations on their own at this stage. Children and teens must understand early that there will be situations so overpowering that only God can give solutions. These problems might surface in form of finances, health, spouse, children, family, academics and even work, to name a few. Make them understand that if they want favour from God and man with a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then they must put their trust in God only not in themselves. The best way for children to learn this goal of dependence is actually when they see their parents or guardians put into practice what the  preach. As a matter of fact, we must be good role models.

    Responsibility for actions and consequences- The hallmark of good character is the acceptance of responsibility for one’s action. In life, you reap what you sow and best things for parents or guardians to model for their children is responsible behaviour . No excuses allowed ever!  No child is going to go through life without their share of problems, mistakes, sins and blunders. Therefore, the solution is not found in denial, rather in acceptance of responsibility for their action or behaviour, though at the time of the action, the lessons are hard and sometimes painful, however, insisting on it with help to mould a young man or woman’s character.

    Recognize and embrace their potential  As parents, it is very important to give children an awareness of their worth. Children and teenagers are full of potential and it is extremely vital that parents or guardians help them to realize that. An understanding of their potential and ability is only part of the job. They need to be thankfully and thoughtful and be willing to exert the necessary self-discipline to develop and grow their children their abilities and opportunities.

    Keeping assuring your children that they have potential that they can finish any task given once they set their mind on it. Tell them they have unique talent just waiting to be uncovered and explored. They need to hear this from you because of the trust they have in you. Potential is not to be wasted or squandered. It is to be nurtured and encouraged.  Tell them continuously that they can. Why?  Because they really can.

    Use their ability- Encourage your children to try many things, to explore numerous options, to learn how to put in their best always.

    Hope- Parents or guardians should always remind their children about the importance of hope, teaching them that winners do not quit. They carry on in spite of obstacles because they strongly believe in themselves and what the future has in store for them.

    Hopelessness is demoralizing, empty, and lonely. It is the worst disease one can be inflicted with. It can take the most gifted child and make him frustrated, frightened and unproductive. The best chance for a productive and prosperous future is to give your children an understanding of hope. Goal-oriented people are those who learn to live in hope because they are always moving toward an objective.

    Happiness  We all want our children to be happy. Happiness, however, is not to be confused with absence of problem and struggles. As a matter of fact, encourage your children to discover what they like to and can do, then do it. In this process of discovery ,they will walk their way through many difficulties in life. Note that even when they identify what they like, they will still have to tackle problems and sacrifices. Teach them how to turn problems into opportunities. Look back on your own life. You will realize that the greatest period of growth has come as a direct result of problems solved and new insight gained.

    Good character. It is important to teach our children about having good character. There is no higher praise someone can give your children than to say they have good character. This quality is essential to achieving personal success and fulfillment in life. They should understand that everything we do or say ultimately reveals our character. The greatest gift we can give our children is a model character. Character, as we know, inspire.

    Sense of fun. Having fun and maintaining a childlike enthusiasm is a worthy goal for which every parent or guardian should want for their children. Stress the importance of taking their responsibilities seriously, but never themselves. Teach them to laugh at themselves and to carry a smile everywhere they go. Fun is the fabric of happy memories (suggested goal) , the icing on the cake of life. It ends far sooner than any of us would like. Allow your children see you laughing and enjoying life. This, in return, will tickle the toes of their soul as well.

    Let these goals listed above be a part of your children’s every day thinking .Trust me, people who live on purpose develop by and though goal-directed behaviour has a greater chance of developing this type of mind-set. It is thinking at this level that will help children to reach their full potential.

     

    Harriet ogbobine is a counselor and a motivational speaker. Send your questions and suggestions to her on bineharriet@gmail.com or txt message only 08023058805. You can also follow her on twitter: @bineharrietj

  • Our academic goals must come before anything’

    Our academic goals must come before anything’

    What are the major challenges confronting the Law Students’ Society (LSS)?

    We have been facing challenges ranging inadequate funding and lack of support from the institution. We don’t have sponsors for our projects, especially those that are capital intensive. Although the faculty leadership is trying its best to attend to the welfare of students, I believe we can do more.

    What are your achievements since you became the president?

    I am proud to say that I run a people-oriented administration. We have brought LSS closer to the members. We have equally executed several projects, which have affected academic and social lives of law students. With the support of the faculty management, our administration has organised many programmes, such as Ankara Nite, freshers’ orientation, debate and oratory contests, among others. I believe the programmes would help in grooming great lawyers.

    How do you combine your studies with politics?

    God has been helping me to maintain the two areas. I have a schedule for each activity I’m involved in. Although my priority on campus is to study, but there is still time to do some extracurricular activities. While I engage in political activities, I create time for my studies.

    How would you rate the performance of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali?

    He has performed impressively. There is hardly a session that the management doesn’t have new projects to unveil. The Vice-Chancellor has really made his mark in providing infrastructure and welfare for staff and students. He has used the power of innovation and technology to change the story of the school. No wonder University of Ilorin has become popular among its contemporaries. With the kind of technological platforms provided on campus, all students and staff of the university are now information technology-compliant. We need to commend Prof Ambali-led management.

    What is your advice to the students?

    I will urge them should set their priorities right. Academic pursuits must come before any other thing. It is when we have achieved success that we can say we have had fulfilling and fruitful moments on the campus.

     

     

  • Igboananike promises more goals at Chicago Fire

    Igboananike promises more goals at Chicago Fire

    26 – year – old Kennedy Igboananike opened his goalscoring account for Chicago Fire in their victory against Montreal Impact on Sunday.

    In his first few months in the United States, the former AIK Stockholm forward took time to adapt to the playing pattern in the MLS so much so that he was relegated to the bench in some matches.

    But Igbonanaike was praised for his performance against Montreal Impact after contributing two goals in the 3 – 0 win at Toyota Park (Bridgeview, Illinois).

    “I haven’t played my best game yet. My best is yet to come,” Igboananike told reporters at the press conference, according to mlssoccer.com.

    “I’ve just started to get used to the players, getting used to everything around me, so I think I’m getting better and better every day.

    “At least now I’ve broken the yoke, so more is going to come.”

    Chicago Fire occupy the sixth position in the Eastern Conference standings after 11 rounds.

  • Scoring goals feels great, says Awoniyi

    Scoring goals feels great, says Awoniyi

    Flying Eagles budding talent Taiwo Awoniyi has revealed that it is such a great feeling having to score such important goals for the nation as his brace over the weekend against Zambia’s U-23 side sealed Nigeria’s passage to the football event of the 11th All African Games in Congo Brazzaville.

    Dream Team VI coach Samson Siasia had invited five players including Taiwo Awoniyi, Captain Musa Mohammed and Bernard Bulbwa from the victorious Flying Eagles team at the concluded 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC).

    “We give God all the glory for the victory and as a striker; you just have to do your best and score to assist your team to win” he told footballlive.ng.

    As it was expected, it took Awoniyi time to gel with the rest of the team during training sessions as it was an unfamiliar ground for him. His rise has been sporadic after he was discovered at the U-17 level but Awoniyi  said he feels just right at home with the Dream Team.

    “I believe it’s just about time; I am just starting and by God’s grace I will be there. As a striker when you score goals you are happy,”he said.

  • I have achieved all my goals, says NCC chief

    I have achieved all my goals, says NCC chief

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Eugene Juwah, has given himself a clean bill of health, saying over the last five years that he has led the regulatory agency, he has achieved his six-point agenda.

    Juwah, who spoke after being conferred with the Public Service Award at The Sun 2014 Awards in Lagos, said he had touched each of the six items and is satisfied that he has acquitted himself well.

    The  six-point agenda Juwah rolled out when he assumed office include consolidating on the achievements of his predecessors; taking drastic measures to improve quality of service (QoS); enhancing broadband implementation; improving competition among telecoms players; providing diversified choices for consumers at good quality and price; as well as improving the regulator’s presence in the international space.

    “Well I have made a lot of pronouncements in the newspapers about my six-point agenda, I have fulfilled that, I have increased subscriber base, I have increased teldensity,  I have increased direct foreign investment, I have increased competition, I have increased our present international arena so most of the things I came with I have achieved,” he told The Nation after the awards in Lagos.

    The EVC was however silent on the vexed issue of QoS which affects the subscribers mostly as they spend money to buy air time and subscribe to data services for which they so hardly get value for.

    Reacting to the award, he expressed excitement particularly as it came from the fourth estate of the realm which chief trade is criticism of people in government. He said he had no problem with that because it is their duty to hold public office to account for their deeds, adding however that public officers should be given an opportunity to say their side of the stories before they are published.

    “We regulate a sector that affects the lives of over 140million Nigerians; a sector that is a primary enabler of every other sector of the country’s or life generally. There are weakneses in the sector as exemplified in the quality of service but the transparency we maintain in regulating the sector as a purely independent regulator are some of the reasons the international community is very interested in the Nigerian market; why investors continue to put more money in spite of discouragement by the activities of some states and local councils; and indeed why the industry continues to grow geometrically with no signs of slowing down,” Juwah said.

  • Nigerians paint Europe with goals

    Nigerians paint Europe with goals

    Super Eagles speedy forward, Ahmed Musa of CSKA Moscow led five other Nigerians who found the back of the net in various European Leagues.

    Musa scored the games lone goal on the dot of half time, finishing off a fine pass from Valron Berezutski to put his side 1-0 up against Kuban Krasnodar. The goal was Musa’s seventh of the season from 17 games this season and it was good enough to keep the Russian Champions in second spots 10 points behind leaders, Zenith St Petersburg.

    Jerry Mbakogu scored his 9th of the season for Serie A promotion hopefuls, Capri, their lone goal in a 1-0 win over Bari to keep them top of Serie B.

    In Germany Anthony Ujah was on target for the 5th time this season but was unfortunate to be on the losing side as they fall 1-2 at home to Augsburg. Former Nigeria Under 20 invitee Theophilus Solomon scored his first league goal for his loan side NK Zadar in the 2-5 loss to Lokomotiva Zagreb in the Croatia top flight league.

  • Giwa FC wants 3 goals, 3 points

    Giwa FC wants 3 goals, 3 points

    •Says ,our fans didn’t attack anybody

    The management of Giwa FC of Jos has demanded that the three points and three goals should be awarded to his side by the League Management Company (LMC) for Thursday’s inconclusive week 33 Glo Premier League game against Sharks FC.

    The match, which was played at the Rwang Pam stadium, Jos, was called off when Sharks players protested against the penalty awarded to the home side by centre referee K.S. Akinwale, and refused to continue play.

    Narrating what happened during the game to SportingLife, the club’s Marketing Director, who also doubles as assistant coach, Sammy Adesoji, said Sharks FC came to Jos with the aim of causing trouble.

    Adesoji said Sharks had showed signs of carrying out something funny right from the pre-match meeting when the Blue Angels officials repeatedly talking about security.

    He said their fans are law abiding supporters who love good football and they have never been found wanting by the league body for wrong doing.

    He claimed that many clubs like Kano Pillars, Dolphins and Abia Warriors had came to Jos to pick draw this season with their fans still celebrating with away teams.

    “Even before the match I smelt the rat with the way sharks officials were behaving during the pre-match meeting. They kept emphasising on  security. And I asked the match commissioner why they are only talking about security. Pillars, Dolphins and Abia Warriors came to Jos and picked draws and nothing happened,” Adesoji said.

    “What happened was that the first half ended 0-0 and in the second half our player Ojeme Edoh was hacked in the 18-yard box in the 57th minute and the referee awarded a penalty to us. Sharks coach called their players and they left the pitch and protested against the penalty and they refused to continue the match. For more than 15 minutes they refused to play.

    “So tell me how the fans  should be throwing stones. The Sharks player that was bandaged was injured during the match. He had a head on collision with Ojeme. Ojeme could not continue the match and he was stretched out and he was attended to by our medical crew.

    “In the first leg in Port-Harcourt, we were leading  1-0 before the referee gave them a controversial penalty for their first goal and they defeated us 2-1. We took it in good faith. I think our coaches should stop blaming referees. Even in the match, the referee was officiating as if sharks were at home. The referee was fair and firm.

    “You can never hear Giwa FC blaming the referee no matter what happened. We always take everything in good faith. I was disappointed in Sharks. LMC tried to make the game beautiful and they are trying to kill it with their antics. Why did they abandon the match fans paid for? We went to draw Dolphins in Port Harcourt nothing happened. Let us build the Nigeria league and not destroy it. Our fans are law abiding supporters that will never engage in anything that can bring the game into disrepute. So we are pleading with LMC to look at what happened critically and award three points and three goals to us.”