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  • Nigerian governors commend UNDP, others over Rwandan training

    Nigerian governors commend UNDP, others over Rwandan training

    About 19 governors who attended the just concluded three-day governance training in Rwanda have commended the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the initiative.

    One of the participants, Governor Oluseyi Makinde of Oyo state was quoted, in a statement issued by the secretariat of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) as saying that the retreat, held between August 24 and 26 was an engaging one.

    Makinde said: “I am glad a significant number of governors are here to be part of it so that, together, we can use the knowledge acquired.

     “Our discussions have equipped us with adaptive leadership strategies and identifying pathways to effective governance and nationwide sustainable development.”

    According to the NGF, the “three-day executive leadership retreat” which it organised with the UNDP  in Kigali, Rwanda, under the invitation of His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda,  “was dedicated to fostering dialogue on reimagining leadership and leveraging innovative technology, drawing inspiration from Rwanda’s transformative journey.

    NGF’s Director General, Asishana Okauru not d that “as a non-partisan organization and policy arm, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum organized this gathering with the objective of fostering transformative leadership and facilitating honest, frank and open dialogue to shape the discourse on these cross-cutting themes.”

     UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mohamed Yahya said the retreat “offers an opportunity to reimagine Nigeria’s leadership to achieve transformation and nationwide sustainable development.”

    Part of the statement reads: “Themed ‘Reimagining leadership in a fast-changing world’, the distinguished participants, representing 19 Nigerian States, engaged in sessions that explored Rwanda’s successful investment destination transformation in digital technology, urban planning and socio-economic transformation, capping off with a candid private dialogue with President Kagame. 

    “Nigeria faces a complex web of interconnected development challenges stemming from a huge trust deficit, an economy highly dependent on oil exports, a job crisis and growing youth population, rising insecurity and separatist agitations, and a growing number of multi-dimensionally poor. 

    Read Also: UNDP’s three-day Rwanda retreat for governors begins today

    In Africa, effective leadership is in high demand, with recent political challenges and socio-economic crises continuing to adversely impact qualitative advancements toward the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the realization of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aspires toward a peaceful, stable and prosperous Africa. 

    “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has become a major link between government, development partners and private organizations as they seek to reach all 36 States in Nigeria.

     “In previous years, the level of cooperation has increased significantly, as have relations between the States and the Federal Government, particularly on collaborative pathways to overcoming commonly shared developmental challenges. 

    “Building on these successes, the Executive Leadership Retreat aims to provide the incoming governors with new strategies to tackle development challenges within their states. 

  • UNDP’s three-day Rwanda retreat for governors begins today

    UNDP’s three-day Rwanda retreat for governors begins today

    From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

    The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has scheduled a three-day leadership retreat for state governors.

    According to a statement from the secretariat of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the three-day programme, funded by the UN agency, begins today in Kigali, Rwanda.

    The statement described the retreat as part of UNDP’s commitment to raising the level of governance in Africa and other parts of the world.

    Read Also:UNDP unveils Ngarannam: ‘The Homecoming’ documentary on restoration of displaced Nigerians

    It quoted a UNDP official, Lealem Berhand Dinku, as saying: “In today’s dynamic world, the multiplicity of megatrends – ranging from invisible threats to democratic governance, the impact of an increasingly digital and innovation-driven society, a looming job crisis, a growing youth population with an elusive youth dividend, the rapid pace of urbanisation, a highly globalised world, to rising climate change, pose tremendous challenges for African countries.

    “A new leadership approach is required to transform these challenges into opportunities.

    “The programme is designed to provide a transformative platform for public officials to collectively reflect, learn and exchange insights on effective leadership and complex challenges.

    “By focusing on experiential learning, exploration and reflection, the distinguished participants will be equipped with the necessary skills and competencies to lead in highly complex and uncertain environments.”

    According to the UNDP, the programme, being organised in partnership with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) will equip participants with enhanced leadership skills, knowledge and the mindset.

    The UN agency said: “This requires the nurturing of skills to support deep listening and self-awareness. These masteries are key to ensuring that leaders can understand, lead, and make informed decisions for the betterment of their constituents.

    “Effective leadership is crucial for navigating the complexities of the emerging world. State governors will have critical roles to play in shaping the future of their states and the country.

    “This proposed programme aims to equip them with the necessary leadership competencies to lead with excellence, foster inclusive governance, drive innovation, build collaborative relationships, and address emerging challenges.

    “By investing in leadership development, we can empower them to lead the transformation of their states and, in turn, Nigeria.”

    The NGF listed speakers at the event to include: Governors Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara); Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Chukwuma Soludo (Anambra); Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame; former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta; Arkebe Oqubay (Senior Minister and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia); Director-General of the NGF Asishana Okauru, and Assistant Secretary-General/ Director, UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa Ahunna Eziakonwa. 

    It listed other facilitators as Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; former African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Donald Kaberuka; UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mohammed Yahya; Co-founder, Africa Innovation Summit, Olugbenga Adesida; Chief Innovation Officer for UNDP Nigeria William Tsuma; a Senior Adviser for the UNDP in New York, Narue Shiki; Publisher of The Independent (Uganda) Andrew Mwenda and Founder/Managing Director, Narachi Leadership Centre, Rachel Nyaradzo Adams.

    Others are: Resident Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Ari Aisen; Group CEO, Africa Communications Media Group, Mimi Kalinda; documentary photographer, Tolani Alli; Mayor of Kigali Rubingisa Pudence and Mayor of Freetown Yvonne Aki-Sawyer.

  • UNDP begins reconstruction of northeast, seeks Buratai’s support

    The United Nations Development Programme UNDP yesterday said all arrangements have been concluded to begin its stabilization and development programmes in the northeast.

    It, however, added that it would need the support of the Nigerian Army to embark on the multi-billion naira projects targeted at rebuilding communities and public institutions destroyed by the Boko Haram terrorists.

    The Resident Representative Designate for UNDP in Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Yahya stated this in Abuja during a visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai at Army headquarters.

    He said, “We are about to embark on the programme with regards to the stabilization of the North East. I feel I have to come to see the Army Chief and to inform him because the Army has done a lot in tackling the insurgency and unless the Army gives us the support to do our work, it will be very difficult”.

    Read also: 7.1 million need lifesaving assistance in Northeast -UN

    Mr. Yahya who described the support of the army as crucial for the stabilization programme to succeed, said the programme entailed re-establishment of livelihood in deserted communities, provision of critical infrastructure and ensuring enabling environment for the rule of law.

    He said there would be a need for other critical stakeholders in the stabilization efforts to key into the speed and pace of work that would be embarked upon by the  UNDP.

    “The programme would also involve reconstruction of towns and communities. UNDP really needs the Nigerian Army’s support for its personnel to access difficult communities”, Mr. Yahya added.

    In his remarks the COAS assured the UNDP representative that the Nigerian Army will give the UN all the support it requires for the stabilization programme to succeed.

    Lt. Gen Buratai said the Army is ready to support the UNDP and other NGOs by securing the northeast for development programmes to begin in earnest.

    He said the military had already commenced its own stabilization and reconstruction programmes in certain areas and was working seamlessly with several NGOs in this regard.

    Some of the senior officers present during the visit were the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Ali Nani, Chief of Training and Operations, Major General Lamidi Adeosun, Chief of Logistics, Major General Enobong Udoh, Chief of Military Intelligence, Major General SA Adebayo, Chief of Administration, Major General Ishiaku, and the Chief of Civil-Military Affair, Major General Shehu Mohammed .

     

  • UNDP, Sahara Group promote sustainable energy, SDGs

    Sahara Group and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are collaborating to promote reliable access to affordable and sustainable energy, and mainstream the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the private sector with a specific focus on SDG 7 (affordable energy).

    The partnership, according to Sahara Group’s spokesman, Bethel Obioma, was formalised in New York during the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by UNDP’s Regional Director for Africa, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa and the Sahara Group Executive Director Mr. Temitope Shonubi. In attendance were UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative  Ambassador Tijani Muhammad-Bandé.

    “650 million people in sub-Saharan Africa do not have access to electricity.  UNDP looks forward to partnering with Sahara Group to ensure that everyone in this region has access to affordable energy, a critical part of our work supporting countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.” said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner.

    “At Sahara Group, we believe that access to energy is critical to accelerating sustainable development, especially in developing economies. As a leading energy provider in Africa, we are passionate about the partnership with the UNDP and are confident that it would inspire more interventions and ultimately facilitate access to reliable, clean and affordable energy for all Africans,” Shonubi explained.

    Africa’s energy demands are poised to rise with rapid urbanisation and economic growth.  The 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically SDG 7, call for universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services, including clean fuels and technologies.

    As regards the agreement, UNDP and the Sahara Group will work to identify best avenues to build on their respective network and experience to create power solutions that will help drive sustainable development and provide support for SDG nationwide monitoring and reporting.

    The Sahara Group was appointed as one of the two African companies on the Private Sector Advisory Group set up by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals fund (UN-SDGF) in 2016. It has since played a significant role in driving that mandate by creating the Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG), inaugurated by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. It comprises over thirty leading businesses and corporate foundations in Nigeria.

  • 2019: Lalong warns against inciting violence

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has urged the media to help avoid violence in the General Elections draw closer.

    Lalong spoke on Monday last week in Jos, Plateau State at the UNDP capacity building workshop for media group on conflict sensitive reportage ahead of 2019 General Election.

    The governor, who was represented by the Director-General Research and Documentation, Prof. John Wade, noted that media role was to success of election of any country.

    He stressed the need for media practitioners and journalists to present their reports in such a way that would not fan the fires of conflict.

    “Conflict sensitive reportage for media organisations and journalists is not only apt but timely considering the fact that we are in the season and threshold of electioneering campaigns.

    “And, there is an urgent need for politicians to conduct themselves in line with certain values that will make them become better leaders in the overall interest of the country.

    “Covering an election requires greater analytical depth and skills to report on it without engendering violence or overlooking peace building opportunities,” he said.

    According to him, reporter must therefore be above board and truly professional in his coverage and reportage.

    “The importance of conflict sensitive reportage in a period of elections in our value system and attitudinal reawakening cannot be over emphasised, given the fact that good or bad reporting can make or mar an election.

    “Conflict sensitive reportage constitutes the traditional role of journalism, as far as the agenda-setting is concerned.

    “Elections are often prone to violence and so in reporting elections, the media and journalists are expected to present their report in  such a way as not to fan the fires of conflict,” he said.

    According to him, as professionals, media practitioners owe the public the responsibility of self-censoring reportage to avoid vitriolic sentiment.

    “This is even most critical as during elections, tension are often high among contending political parties, hence the public can only make well informed decisions, based on the accuracy and quality of the stories disseminated by the media.

    “In this critical period of electioneering, as media organisations and journalists, you must continuously strive to redefine a new value system.

    “This based on God’s desire for us to love one another, serve one another, and be honest to one another; else, we will be shadows in our quest for objective reportage, sanity and greatness,” he said.

    According to him, it is indeed, a known fact that electoral violence or conflict usually triggers greater challenges for journalists, particularly when opposing sides seek to control the media.

    “Information can be unreliable or censored. This worsened by the old journalism adage that ‘he who pays pipers dictate the tune’. Media owner may want to dictate for journalist on how and what they should report,” he said.

    The UNDP Nigeria Acting resident representative, Betty Wabunoha, also urged media practitioners  to ensure that their reports do not incite violence.

    Wabunoha called on reporters to ensure an open and diverse media that can provide balanced and impartial coverage and equitable access for competing candidates and parties during the forthcoming election.

    According to her, in conflict sensitive electoral environments, the media holds the key to prevention of election related conflicts from occurring and escalating.

    She noted that this could only be possible through carefully calculated reporting of events around elections.

    Wabunoha said that the media also play crucial role in enabling citizens make informed choices as well as fostering peace, especially where there are election related disputes.

    She said that the call became imperative based on the fact that voters and candidates rely heavily on access to the media to both impact and receive information.

    “The media has a unique role to play as both the conveyor and recipient of information.

    “It does not only have an essential watchdog function that increases the transparency and accountability of the process, it also, if responsibly and appropriately used, helps strengthen the democratic process and contribute to a more credible and inclusive election,” she said.

    Over 160 Journalists from the six north-central states were taught on conflict sensitive reportage over a period of three days.

    At the end of the capacity building workshop, journalists were enjoined to present factual, balanced and accurate reportage of the 2019 elections in addition to reporting it with a positive mindset.

     

  • UNDP sensitises Plateau youths against violent extremism

    The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Thursday began a two-day sensitisation workshop for youths in Plateau against violent extremism in communities.

    The UNDP organising the two-day workshop in Jos in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser.

    The workshop has the theme “Community-Based Sensitisation and Advocacy on Preventing Violent Extremism”.

    In his address of welcome, the UNDP Country Director, Dr Samuel Bwalya, said that the workshop was aimed at sensitising young people in the state on the need to shun violent extremism.

    According to him, every society yearns for development; hence, the need for everyone, particularly the youth to embrace peace for sustainable growth and development.

    “Without peace, there can never be meaningful development in any society, and where there is violent extremism, there can never be peace.

    “It is on this note that UNDP organised this two-day meeting to sensitise youths in Plateau on the need to become vessels of promoting peaceful co-existence in order to minimise, if not eradicate, violent extremism in the state,” he said.

    Dr Chris Kwaja, a Senior Staff of UNDP, said that the workshop focused on the youth because research had shown that they formed the major drivers of violent extremism in the state.

    Read Also: WHO, UNDP decry impact of Ozone layer depletion

     

    “The youth are today playing a major role in promoting violent extremism; they are increasingly becoming restive and don’t explore peaceful means in resolving conflicts.

    “They see conflict as a tool to be used in discussing issues across ethnic and religious divides.

    “This meeting seeks to engage the youth and enquire from them the reasons they engage in violent conflicts; together, we will fashion out possible solutions,” he said.

    Kwaja said that the event would also enable the youth to ascertain things they could do as individuals or groups, as well as help policy makers to ensure that people would not engage themselves violently.

    Declaring the workshop open, Mr Joseph Lengman, Director-General, Plateau Peace Building Agency, said that ensuring a peaceful society would need collective efforts.

    He said that the government would not be able to do it alone.

    According to him, the challenge of building a peaceful Plateau had been enormous.

    He, however, gave the assurance that the state government was determined to ensure a peaceful Plateau.

    The director-general appealed to Plateau youths to embrace peace and support state government’s peace initiatives to enable growth and development.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by youth groups, religious leaders, community leaders and women groups from various communities in Jos North, Jos South and Bassa LGAs.

  • UNDP, EU engage 600 displaced persons in Borno

    The United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) and European Union (EU) have engaged over 600 persons displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency in environmental sanitation programme in Borno, the Head of UNDP North-East sub-office, Mizuho Yokoi, has said.

    Yokoi made this known yestersday at the inauguration of Sustainable Waste Management and Environmental Protection project in Maiduguri.

    She said the programme was designed to fast track community clean-up, waste management and sanitation services in the state.

    She added that the project, which was being implemented with the support of the EU, focused on empowerment and providing means of livelihood to persons in insurgency affected communities.

    Yokoi explained that the UN agency engaged persons affected by the conflict in emergency employment to undertake waste and drains clearance, as well as provide sanitation services in selected communities.

    The UNDP official noted that sequel to massive displacement in countryside and increased population in Maiduguri metropolis, solid waste and debris from the conflict had accumulated, thereby, exposing residents to pollution and health risks.

    She said: “Through partnership with EU, over eight million Dollars will be invested in activities aimed at ridding the region of debris both from the conflict, reconstruction and cleaning up communities in Maiduguri, Bama and Biu local government areas of the state.

    She added that “the project is part of UNDP’s early recovery initiative to resuscitate households’ source of livelihood that will sustain communities beyond humanitarian aid. Beneficiaries of the intervention include Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and their hosts in communities. Income generated from opportunities like this will help families to meet household needs, including feeding, medication and children’s school fees. Previous beneficiaries of similar opportunities have used income earned to start small businesses and support other community members.”

    Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Kurt Cornelis, said the union was implementing a three-year environment and livelihood support programme in Borno.

    Cornelis said about 12,000 persons were projected to benefit from the programme in the conflict affected areas of the state.

    He explained that “it is our hope that the processes and procedures of the implementation will contribute significantly to attitudinal change in caring for the environment in general.”

    Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Durkwa, described the project as ‘timely’, saying it would provide jobs to the teeming unemployed youth, enhance waste management and control environmental degradation.

  • WHO, UNDP decry impact of Ozone layer depletion

    The World Health Organisation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have decried the impact of Ozone layer depletion and climate change effects on livelihoods especially in northern part of the country. These international organisations, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), said ozone depletion is capable of causing skin diseases among other severe health conditions.

    The ozone layer is a protective blanket in the stratosphere that protects human from harmful radiations from the sun particularly the Ultra Violet (UV) rays which are electromagnetic radiations.

    Speaking at an event to commemorate the 2018 World Ozone Layer Day, held in Abuja, the UNDP Deputy Country Director in charge of Programmes, Mr. Joerg Kuehnel, tasked the Federal Government to increase efforts and ensure stringent measures are taken to ban substances capable of further depleting the ozone layer. He said if the nation can successfully defeat ozone layer depletion, it would go a long way to reducing climate change  impacts in the country and beyond.

    In his remarks, UNIDO Country Director, Dr. Jean Bakole said through partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment, the organisation has over the last three decades helped the country heal the ozone layer.

    He explained that the interventions contributed to reduction in cases of skin cancer, cataract, plant growth as well as reduced damage to early developmental stages of sea animals and immunity suppression.

    Bakole, who was represented by Mr. Reuben Bamidele added that, “exposure to UV rays as a result of the ozone layer depletion causes severe harmful effects on man and the environment.”

  • UNDP seeks violence-free poll

    Ahead of Osun State September 22 governorship election, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has called on stakeholders to ensure a violence-free poll.

    The UNDP Country Director, Samuel Bwalya, made the call in Ibadan at the ongoing stakeholders’ dialogue for traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders and civil society on the forthcoming Osun gubernatorial election.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by the UNDP in conjunction with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Bwalya said the peaceful conduct of the election was not only important to the residents of the state, but also to all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria globally.

    He said a free, fair and credible election would promote peaceful co-existence, build strong institutions and foster sustainable development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.

    The UNDP official, who noted that the election would be a strong indicator of what to expect in the 2019 general elections, said the election must be violence-free.

    “We all, therefore, have critical roles to play to ensure that the election is conducted in an atmosphere of peace, stability and in the spirit of sportsmanship by all the contestants, their teeming supporters and the civil populace,’’ Bwalya said.

    He said the programme was organised to sensitise and increase public knowledge on the dangers of violence before, during and after the election.

     

  • UNDP to support Niger communities in tree planting

    Following the continued felling of valuable trees, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)  has promised to support NGOs and communities in Niger State on tree planting.

    According to the state’s UNDP Coordinator, Alhaji Baba Wachiko, planting of trees is the most valuable activity to protect the environment which is gradually experiencing a depletion  of trees.

    Wachiko was speaking during a Seedling Give Away programme by the Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN) in Kampala, Bosso Local Government Area of the state. He  urged communities to protect their environment by avoiding continuous tree felling without replanting new ones.

    “If you protect the environment, you will protect your life and you can only protect it by avoiding tree felling. Planting of trees is one of the most valuable things to protect the community and environment even though people have continued indiscriminate felling of trees,” he said.

    Wachiko then urged the communities to nurture the seedlings they were given, “You have to guard and nurture the seedlings jealously. It is not planting that matters but the nurturing. If you nurture it well, your community will benefit enormously from it. “

    He  then called on government and other NGOs to work towards protecting the environment: “We are ready to support any community or NGO on this. “

    The state Coordinator of CRUDAN, David Yisa said that the decision of planting the trees was taken because of the need to protect the environment which is currently experiencing depletion of trees: “The project is meant to help communities plant trees deliberately.”