The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Joseph Olaoluwa

  • #IWD2018: Supporting women in Agriculture

    The need to support and celebrate women as well as advocate for continued gender equality for women in a world dominated by men knew no bounds all through the past week as women all over the world celebrated the International Women’s Day whilst pressing for progress in every facet of life, as was the theme. So much that a hash tag was created to trend its many spheres which all goes to buttress the point that time for women is now.

    Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) was not left out of this. PIND in conjunction with Cara Development Foundation and the African Youth Development Foundation organized a one day outreach, last week in Umukabia Ogodo, Ngor Okpala, Imo State to mark this year’s International Women’s Day. The outreach aiming to celebrate  women rural farmers, showcased the contributions of women farmers to the rural economy while drawing attention to the constraints limiting them from maximizing the immense opportunities in their respective agricultural value chains.

    Women of Umukabia Ogodo, Ngor Okpala, environs in Imo State have had their fair share of constraints limiting them from maximizing the immense opportunities in their respective agricultural value chains. Rural women account for 70 percent of agricultural labour, and 80 percent of food production in Nigeria.  About 40 percent of women in the Niger Delta are into agriculture. Some of these constraints include lack of support from government and development institutions to facilitate their access to agricultural inputs such as fertilizer, improved seedlings and extension services as this would help to add value to their agricultural products in terms of processing and marketing and in the long run grow rural economy.

    Added to that is lack of access to agriculture loans made available by governments and lending institutions.  Most women blamed the complex paperwork and collateral requirements for frustrating their access to such facilities.

    Women farmers identified limited access and control of farmland as a key challenge to expansion and growth.  The Aladinma women for instance decried allocation of very inadequate portion of land to women to share for commercial farming.  Coupled with the unchecked menace of herdsmen and their wanton destruction on farmlands, who have caused destruction to many innocent farms based on several clashes, posing the ultimate threat in discouraging more people to heed government’s call to Nigerians to invest more in agriculture.

    However, with the help of PIND support as well as several Government agencies there has a silver lining at the end of this tunnel. Even though the women expressed the desire to have more support in this regard.

    ALSO READ: Over 100 women to benefit from round-table on agriculture

    Participants said PIND has added value and continued to add value to agricultural development and peace building in the Niger Delta, especially in rural communities in Imo State. They called for closer collaboration among government, PIND and rural women farmers in PIND’s target communities. The various stakeholders said it was necessary to expand PIND’s intervention to more communities in the state to enable more women to benefit from PIND’s support for rural transformation.

    The outreach was with the theme: “Time is now: Transforming Lives of Rural women in Small Businesses and Agriculture.”

    The programme was attended by 310 representatives from Government, civil society groups, traditional and religious rulers, media as well as associations of women in the agricultural value chains. Representatives of women in agriculture from Umukobia Ogodo, Ohaji Egbema, Njaba, Nnerie, Eziorsu and staff of agricultural department of Ngor Okpala Local Government attended.  Journalists from various media houses also attended the outreach.   The forum featured goodwill messages, presentations, drama and interactive sessions.

    The women farmers displayed their agricultural produce such as cassava, honey, pumpkin and melon. They also showed participants their agricultural tools, and shared progress made since being introduced to new technologies and farming strategies. They showed how their engagement with PIND and partners had resulted in increased and bountiful yield. They also displayed agricultural tools they have adopted, showing they have made progress since they were introduced to new technologies and farming practices.  During the outreach the rural women farmers interacted with government agencies, service providers, civil society organizations and the media.

    Majority of the clamour from women resonated from support; support to ease the difficulties experienced by women farmers’ in accessing agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, improved seedlings, extension services and tractors to add value to agricultural products in terms of processing and marketing.

    As well as increased efforts made to assist women farmers to diversify and expand the variety of crops planted, processed and marketed to grow and sustain the economy.

    It would be quite interesting to learn that women have slowly taken over things. Right from the advocacy laid by Folorunso Alakija, One of Africa’s richest black women, to Oby Ezekwesili and now, Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND). Women need to be encouraged that the world is within their grasp, and the time for their inclusion at the “helm of every affair” is imperative. Taking a cue from the activities of the Umukobia Ogodo, Ohaji Egbema, Njaba, Nnerie, and Eziorsu women, it is expected that a change in the way food is produced is expected in the aforementioned communities.

    Women are continually committed to building a home and Agriculture is the basis of any Nation’s survival as people must always eat, not just to survive but to keep body and soul together. Women in Agriculture means that there would be no need for hunger in countries again, since women are committed to ending hunger by means of reasonable support from Government agencies, civil society groups, concerned individuals who are willing to give their all in supporting the cause for women.

  • BBNaija: Alex breaks down as Leo is shown exit door (See Video)

    Big Brother Housemate, Alex broke down into tears last night as the pair Lifu was finally shown the exit door.
    Lifu which consists of both Leo and Ifu Ennada are now the fourth pair to be evicted from the house. Following the eviction of Pritto, Vandee, and K-square.
    Alex who fell into uncontrollably fits of emotions, kept crying as she held onto Leo, refusing to let him go into the elevator.
    Despite the stern warning of Biggie giving Leo 10 more seconds to leave the house; it took the intervention of other housemates to beg an emotional Alex to let go.
    Tobi and other housemates took turns in reminding her that the parting was only temporal as both Leo and Alex will be reunited again.
     Speaking after the eviction to Ebuka during the live show, Ifu was very excited to be evicted. She stated that her eviction was the will of the God.

    Leo responding to his love for Alex, said he had someone else outside the house.
    “I never led her on and I was very honest.”

    Read Also: BBNaija: Alex is plus one today

    The ten contestants will now have one more chance to enjoy a Saturday night party and compete individually.
    On moving forward, Ifu said:
    I am milking out every opportunity I get outside the house. We won the Pepsi challenge and the Heritage Bank challenge as well. I am looking forward to bigger things and attending those meetings and any other meetings that come up.“
    Leo who was more than happy to return to work with his new found fame said:
    “I am looking forward to going to London, thanks to Pepsi.”

  • 360 Grand TV to hold maiden Dancers Award

    360 Grand TV, an Entertainment outfit has completed plans to hold the first ever Dancers Award.

    According to the Publicity Secretary Zana Onwe, the Grand Awards is an event aimed at educating, empowering and promoting dancers in Nigeria and Africa at large.

    “With the rising rate of violence, youth joblessness, school dropout, political thuggery, negative peer pressure, poverty, drug abuse, suicidal activities and restiveness, the Grand Awards wishes to educate the youths on the importance of their talents as dancers.

    “In this first of its kind event we shall be giving awards to consistent, hardworking and prestigious dancers, dance inventors and dance supporters for the tireless and diligent efforts they have put in place to make shows and events tremendous,” she said.

    This award would build the enthusiasm of the Nigerian Dancers and hype their personal profiles.

    Zana Onwe said the aim of the event is to use dance as a tool of change and correction in attitude, perception and mindset of the teeming youths.

    She listed Miss Elizabeth Emana (Director of Communication ANOCA), Mr. Meshack Hart (C.E.O Tatafo Naija), Chief Amb. Rachael Bakam (Rayzed Media), Mrs. Dayo Benjamin Laniyi (C.E.O Doxa), Mr. Romeo Chinedu (C.E.O 41Naija Entertainment) and Miss Mima Angulu (C.E.O Krump Studios) as some of the patrons of TGA.

     

  • BBNaija: You’re a coward, Cee-C tells Tobi (Video)

    Erstwhile lover and Big Brother Housemate, Cee-C has challenged Tobi Bakre, calling him a coward and full of shit. 

    An argument ensued between the duo moments after the Saturday Night Party, where DJ Jimmy Jatt thrilled fellow housemates to a night of fun. Tobi had avoided Cee-C at the party.
     
    Fast forward to the end of the party, Ifu Ennada played the role of a chef, as she took it upon herself to prepare noodles for the house. After scrambling for food, housemates dispersed and Tobi was captured in a conversation with TeddyA by the bathroom.

     
    Cee-C was the subject of the discussion as Tobi made TeddyA understand that he has gotten over her, for good. TeddyA who still believed love will yet blossom between the duo, played advocacy.
     It so happened that Cee-C was within earshot of the conversation as she brought news that Rico Swavey was throwing up and needed attention, intending to lure Teddy away from Tobi’s discussion.
     
    Tobi told TeddyA to disregard Cee-C as Rico will be fine, since it wasn’t more than throwing up after downing liquor at the party.
     
    Cee-C who was cleaning up after Rico became a bit enraged with Tobi’s discussion and stood up to challenge him, calling him unprintable names.
     
    Cee-C called Tobi a gossip who was having “evil conversations” and seeking mass pity from the housemates. She also told him she regretted their meeting and wished they never exchanged words.

    Also Read: BBNaija: You are selfish, Tobi tells Cee-C

     
    She tagged him a coward after he refused to exchange words with her and said he was “full of shit.” She also said he is “public property” and cannot handle the whole of her
     
    “Tobi, if you can’t talk to me and keep going behind my back to spread rumours about me, then you are a coward. You are not man enough Tobi, you can’t handle this, Cee-C pointed to herself.
     
    “Tobi, you are public property. This is the Cee-C you have been talking about all week; I am here standing in front of you. Every time you call people together, you are always talking about me. If you can’t say it, then they are all lies,” Cee-C stepped up her challenge.
     
    TeddyA who was an onlooker in the argument quickly took his leave not without admiring the love both couples had for each other.
     
    However, in Tobi’s opinion, the ship has sailed.
     
    “This ship has sailed,” he said to Cee-C. “You are only succeeding in making a fool out of yourself,” he retorted.
  • #BBNaija: I didn’t have a childhood- Bambam

    #BBNaija: I didn’t have a childhood- Bambam

    Current Head of House, Bamike, also known as Bambam, disclosed that she did not have a childhood.

    She said this today after the Heritage Bank task, where the housemate made their presentations through their representatives from their teams (White, Blue and Green)

    The housemates who dispersed immediately after Biggie let them go; divided themselves into two groups.

    Rico, Cee-C, and Tobi prepared lunch while the other group of Bambam, Teedy-A, Miracle, Tobi and Leo debated different arms of Nigerian Defence, focusing more on the Navy, Army and Air force.

    Also Read: BBNaija: Bambam and Teddy A finally get down

    Miracle who could not hide his excitement of fighter jets spoke about his desire to fly a jet as an Air force Marshal in times to come.

    Bambam spoke up after revealing to other housemates that her Dad was a retired Naval Officer.

    She also attested to the fact that she had less of a childhood as her father was always on the go.

    “I didn’t have a childhood. My father was being transferred from one place to another,” the petite housemate enthused.

     

  • Expert Condemns Abuse of Cybercrimes Law, say it is used to Harass Ordinary Nigerians

    Expert Condemns Abuse of Cybercrimes Law, say it is used to Harass Ordinary Nigerians

    Speaking at the Research Methods Workshop for Internet Policy and Advocacy in Kampala, Uganda, a digital rights expert, Tope Ogundipe has condemned the abuse of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Prevention Act to harass journalists and ordinary citizens.

    Ogundipe, who currently serves as Director of Programs at the Pan-African social enterprise, Paradigm Initiative, led a session on “Cybercrime, Digital Rights and Law Enforcement in Nigeria.” She traced the origins of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act 2015 and its current use as the prime tool in the hands of the rich and powerful in Nigeria to facilitate the arrest and harassment of journalists, bloggers and ordinary citizens for comments made online.

    She noted, “Since the passage of the Cybercrimes Act 2015, there has not been one incident where it has been used to prosecute a real cybercrime case. Instead, it has been used to arrest ordinary citizens for comments made online deemed offensive to the powerful in Nigeria.

    “Journalists in particular have been at the receiving end of these arrests using the Cybercrime law, because a large number of journalists have been arrested in Nigeria using sections 24 and 38 of the law.”

    Paradigm Initiative, in partnership with Media Rights Agenda and Enough is Enough Nigeria, in response to the use of the Cybercrime legislation in the arrests of citizens have challenged the constitutionality of sections 24 and 38 of the Cybercrimes law in court.

    “The case has been in the courts since 2016. We lost at the court of first instance and we are now at the Court of Appeal. Strategic litigation could be a long and drawn out process and as such patience and perseverance is required in this endeavour,” Ogundipe submitted.

    During the workshop, which held between from February 26 – March 3, over 35 researchers and practitioners from across Africa were gathered at Kabira resort Kampala Uganda for an intense week of study on research methods that underpin Internet policy and advocacy on the continent. The workshop participants were drawn from 16 African countries while the faculty were drawn from within Africa, Europe and the United States.

    The Workshop ended with participants asking questions from the session leader, particularly on how best to conduct strategic litigation within their countries and was organized in conjunction with the Internet Policy Observatory at the Annenberg School for Communications, University of Pennsylvania.

  • Canvassity: Raising a platform for good governance, future leaders

    Canvassity: Raising a platform for good governance, future leaders

    Youngsters Foundation held an idea pitch session for 46 of their fellows yesterday at Presken Hotel, Lagos.

    The fellowship known as the Canvassity Pan African Fellowship expect fellows to highlight various problems in the society and proffer workable solutions that will in turn promote good governance and accountability.

    Fellows who were picked from several countries in Africa are expected to draw on canvas possible problems facing their communities and find means of tackling them during their one year fellowship.

    Already in its third season, the Youngsters Foundation has raised leaders and provided employment for many of the youths. It has also spurred African youths to paths of good governance with regards to the projects undertaken by the fellows during the one year fellowship program.

    The Director of Programs, Sunday Adaje, speaks with Joseph Olaoluwa about the programme and how it has been able to call Governments at various helms of affairs to order as well as prepare youths for governance at various levels.

    What does Canvassity signify?

    “A canvass” in our own term is an image that represents what the participants have identified as a problem and its possible solutions or if that problem does not exist; what will be solution. It is two things- problems and solutions.

    There were lots of paintings displayed at the programme. Is it true that all fellows have to paint?

    They have six focal areas they need to paint. They are in security, human rights, electoral processes and elections, budget tracking, corruption; some have to do with public service deficiency.

    How are the fellows selected?

    There were 158 applications from 28 African countries. The Pan African Canvassity Fellowship is not global; it is a pan African program and we leverage on our media partners to do some publicity. We do publicity on opportunity desk, Naira land and AIT as well.

    What are the criteria for choosing these fellows?

    One of the major criteria is that they must identify a focal area. They must choose one focal area from the six areas and must be between18 -35. They must be African and reside in Africa.

    How do you measure the authenticity of the application?

    What we do is that we have an application form and ask them to send us a CV, if there is an organization they work with, we would like to meet with them; they must submit an international passport and write an essay. They must also provide a surety and tell us how they want to transform Africa in their write-up. They will submit a proposal for any Governmental institution which they want to go for an internship in. From these things, we will be able to come out with our metrics of people going into the fellowship. Also we try to mainstream gender and regional balance.

    How many fellows are currently on the programme?

    We have 46 fellows in African from 16 African countries, including Nigeria, we have 17.

    How is the gender balance on the male and female side?

    It is 40:60. It is a little bit high this time around. This is because more females are applying than ever before. Unlike in the past when we have 70, 80 to 30,20.

    How long has the programme being on?

    The programme is currently in its third season. The programme consists of two semesters. One is February to March while the other one is in September.

    How has the feedback been?

    It has been fantastic. Lots of fellows who passed through this programme never knew they could engage government institutions or support the government institutions to improve efficiency and capacity. Most of them have been supportive and go on to establish their own NGOS. One guy from Sokoto who was part of the first season owns his own NGO and is currently supporting the “Not too Young to Run” bill in the Northern region. They have been empowering too.

    Another guy who is from Côte d’Ivoire, he just left today, he came in as a facilitator, last season he was a participant. He is developing a programme on anti-corruption which majority of his region and local government have endorsed the programme. This season, we created a component to support fellows and people that are luminaries, who have one year to run. Our donor graciously accepted the offer and gave us 5,000 US dollars to support six people. Most of these people are getting jobs. In the last semester, one of the participants doing his Masters in University of Ibadan (UI) met with the owner of a Government polytechnic and they were able to exchange contacts. The guy is a Program and Research Manager of this institution. Some have been working on elections, someone from Somaliland and his organization, Inspire Africa was able to organise the first presidential debate in his country. He is also running for the post of a legislator. Someone from Somaliland also attended the program too. The programme is connecting people together. Some haven’t being to Nigeria before. Here you have to meet with people, connect and rub minds with people, network and learn cultures.

    How do you mix the cultures together? In cases of people who have different languages

    It is open to English and French.

    What did the training consist of in the last 10 days?

    It is basically training, screening and a half day internship to Government institutions in Lagos State. We went to Lagos State Office of disability (LASODA), Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Lagos State Emergency Management (LASEMA). We went to about 11 Government institutions.

    We learnt there would be learning visits to Addis-Ababa?

    We have a partnership with the Africa Union under the African Governors Architecture Secretary and the Secretary of Political Affairs. We were there last year. So we have to partner with them in the intent of popularising (ADTEC) – African Charter of Democracy Election and Governance. It is a charter and all some African countries have signed. Nigeria has ratified but has not started using it except for few countries. About 9 countries have not even ratified it. We want youths to lobby their governments to ratify it. Not many people know about the charter. They need to know about it to support and promote it. If they don’t know it, they cannot promote. We want to create a website for it. It is to track the budget and ensure accountability.

    What is the essence of Youngsters Foundation?

    Youngsters support young organisations and build youths. We work on good governance and democracy.

  • How learning can increase the outcome of young people in Secondary Schools

    How learning can increase the outcome of young people in Secondary Schools

    The next generations of global leaders are up for an enormous challenge. The unemployment rate for young people between the ages of 16–24 is three times higher than it is for adults, with an estimated 71 million youth around the world looking for work in 2017. The needs are even greater among low-income and minority youth who encounter even bigger hurdles accessing education, skills training opportunities and jobs.

    This why LEAP Africa in collaboration with the Citi Foundation held its first roundtable stakeholders meeting themed ‘Significance of Mainstreaming Life Skills Education in Nigerian Secondary Schools’ last week at the Westtown Hotels, Lagos Nigeria.

    The meeting brought together 35 key stakeholders from the State Ministry of Education, Secondary Schools and youth focused NGOs to deliberate and share innovative solutions and intervention programmes that can be deployed to improve the learning outcomes for students in Nigerian secondary schools.

    The stakeholder meeting discussed the needs, approach, gaps, challenges and opportunities in the education sector with specific focus on Nigerian students from underserved or low-income communities.

    The purpose of education goes beyond acquiring technical skills, and that it is a powerful tool for changing the mind-set of children to live productively and ethically. Given the structural conditions that limit opportunities for social mobility, more can be done by educational systems in helping youth manoeuvre existing limitations and contribute meaningfully to society.

    The meeting opened with an opening address from Mr. Femi Taiwo (Executive Director, LEAP Africa) and Mrs. Lola Oyeka (Country Head of Public Affairs – Nigeria and Ghana, Citi). Their address reinforced the idea that the youth bulge provides an opportunity for the transformation of Nigeria through mainstreaming leadership and live skills training.

    The learnings from the discussion that will be deployed to improve the learning outcomes of young people in Nigerian secondary schools through the “Be the Change (BTC) programme.” Be the Change is part of Citi and the Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress initiative to prepare urban youth to thrive in today’s economy. Led by the philanthropic efforts of the Citi Foundation, and strengthened by the active involvement of dedicated Citi volunteers, the Pathways to Progress initiative supports programs that help young people build an entrepreneurial mindset, acquire leadership, financial and workplace skills, and begin to engage in the formal economy through a first job.

    BTC is designed to equip youth between the ages of 13 – 18 years with the leadership, life and employability skills required to achieve personal excellence, stretch their career ambition and help them transition into higher education, paid employment or profitable self-employment. BTC aims at reaching 450 students and 15 teachers in public schools in Lagos State from 2018 to 2019.

    The meeting moved for the adopting of best education/learning practices used in engaging young people. Unconventional methodologies such as video, dance, visual art, etc. are useful to improve learning and retention. It also highlighted how the Training of Trainer (ToT) model has worked and should be further encouraged to boost capacity of teachers.

    The group concluded that a broader perspective is needed in this discussion to drive policy where possible. It would be gainful to include participation of institutions such as the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to such important discourse in subsequent stakeholder meeting.

  • Ending Chibok and Dapchi crisis

    Ending Chibok and Dapchi crisis

    Several reactions have continued to trail the attack on the Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State by Boko Haram insurgents where no fewer than 110 girls were abducted from their dormitories.

    This was after a shooting occurred in the school premises as the girls were observing Maghrib (sunset) prayers, breaking their voluntary fast and getting set for supper.

    Robert Ogbogu, Team Lead, at Locate Initiative for Missing and Exploited Persons (Locate NG) believes that sad occurrences like this can be better avoided.

    Speaking in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Robert laid claim to the International Humanitarian Law which binds countries of the world to account for missing persons in domestic and international armed conflicts.

    “The International Humanitarian Law Rule 117 significantly binds countries to account for missing persons in both international and domestic armed conflicts and Nigeria is bound to fulfil this obligation but unfortunately this is not so, as the government has not only ignored this provision but also failed to learn from previous incidents.

    “That is why we are having a repeat of Chibok in Dapchi. The Nigerian government has ignored security threats Boko Haram insurgents pose in our society and tragedy has struck once again. With Rule 117 in perspective, an enabling environment has been provided for relevant stakeholders to introduce reform programs that will help find and account for missing persons,” he said.

    Robert stated that the number of missing persons over the years have continued to pose threats to citizens and critical stakeholders in the country.

    “The fate of missing persons in Nigeria has been a major challenge to citizens and other critical stakeholders as it relates to public safety, security and human rights.”

    “Key concerns range from poor and untimely reporting, poor case management, delays in the search process, human rights abuses, lack of modern information technology tools and weak coordination and cooperation amongst relevant
    stakeholders, security agencies and citizens,” Robert added.

    Read Also: Military tackles Rep over Dapchi girls’ whereabouts

    Robert agreed that the Government has done a great job in releasing a list of the abducted girls but needs to do more than just that if the girls are to return home as he called for more enlightenment in the face of the on-going crisis.

    “The government are doing well already by deploying military assets and officers to work but more has to be done. They need to engage the locals and I urge parents, friends and families of the missing girls to come forward with the pictures of the girls so we can upload same to our missing persons portal. It saddens me that at this moment we are yet to put faces to the names of the girls.

    “I know Nigerians want to help and they can do it better with adequate information. You never can tell, these girls might be held hostage in plain sight and if we fail to act now, consequences for delay in acquiring military intelligence to rescue our girls could be dire now and in the not too distant future. In cases like these, the need for enlightenment on preventive tips to staying safe in volatile area must be provided for mass consumption,”Ogbogu enthused.

    Robert spoke of www.locate.ng which is an easy, fast and research supported intervention that addresses the three most important reasons why it takes a long time for missing persons to be found or not found at all in Nigeria – reporting, broadcast, citizen engagement, and instant search.

    Locate will allow Nigerians report, broadcast and engage to find missing persons. It will bring together citizens, media houses, security agencies, development partners, national and state government, civil society organizations, and religious centres.

    Locate is designed to receive reports and broadcast alerts of missing and displaced persons; and also provide social and psychological support to families of victims of missing and displaced persons.

  • 70 year old goes missing

    70 year old goes missing

    A 70 year old woman identified as Mary Ejiro has been reported missing. The septuagenarian has wondering round Lagos ever since.

    Ejiro is dark-skinned and usually carries about low cut. She is not disposed to walking quickly because of a hip dislocation.

    Mary was last seen 25th February, 2018, wearing a blue gown. She currently suffers from dementia and memory loss.

    Also Read: Fate of missing schoolgirls uncertain

    Her address is 45 Victoria Street, Ogudu-Ojota, Lagos.

    The incident was reported at Ogudu police station and her contact number  is displayed here 08123542881 for any information relating to her whereabouts.