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Tag: UNESCO

  • FG, Japan, UNESCO sign arrangement letters to address flood impacts in Niger

    FG, Japan, UNESCO sign arrangement letters to address flood impacts in Niger

    • …Japan commits 53,000 dollars to project

    The federal government, the Japanese government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, (UNESCO) on Wednesday signed letters of arrangement on a project designed to address the impacts of flood disasters in Niger state with specific attention to Mokwa local government.

    The letter of Arrangement which was signed at the United Nations Building in Abuja signalled the inauguration of the 12 months project aimed at addressing the impacts of climate-induced flooding in the state.

    The project proposal was titled “Strengthening Flood Resilience in Nigeria to foster long-term Societal Stability – Focus on Niger State.”  It is also expected to address parts of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) programmes.

    About five communities within the Mokwa axis in Niger state would benefit from the project which is expected to strengthen flood resilience within the area.

    According to the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Suzuki Hideo, the government of Japan would commit about 53,000 United States dollars to the project.

    Speaking at the event, Ambassador Hideo said the ceremony was not just a signature on paper, but a commitment to transforming vulnerability into strength and the crisis of flooding in Mokwa into opportunity.

    He recalled the 2025 flood disasters in Niger state which claimed about 500 human lives, displaced thousands of families and submerged critical infrastructures and farmlands, saying that his country is willing to support Nigeria and the people of Niger state to overcome the challenge of flooding.

    “In that incident, over 500 lives lost, thousands displaced, critical infrastructure and vast farmlands submerged, and these are not mere statistics but human stories of loss and hardship.

    Read Also: Fed govt partners UNESCO REF to empower 4.5 million in climate-smart agric

    “Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences for the loss. This is why the government of Japan is proud to support this UNESCO-led project with approximately 53,000 U.S. dollars,” Ambassador Hideo said.

    He called for a shift from a reactive disaster response to proactive climate resilient development, through capacity-building, youth engagement, and strengthening of early warning systems to address the challenges of flooding in the country.

    Providing details of the Project, the Ambassador of UNESCO to Nigeria, Dr Hajo Sani, said the proposal was developed to address the growing impact of climate-induced flooding in Nigeria, particularly in Niger State, by shifting from short-term emergency response to a more proactive, risk-informed, and climate-resilient development approach.

    He said, “The project aims to strengthen national and community capacities for flood preparedness and response through improved institutional coordination, climate-risk-informed decision-making, and targeted capacity development.

    “In full alignment with the priorities of the Japan Supplementary Budget on disaster risk reduction and human security, and Nigeria’s efforts to reduce loss of life, protect livelihoods, and safeguard critical infrastructure in flood-prone areas.”

    He said the Arrangement Letter Signing Ceremony marks the formalization of the partnership between the Government of Japan and UNESCO for the implementation of the project.

    The Permanent Secretary of Ecological project Office, Dr Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, commended the government of Japan for the project, saying that Japan had a history of collaboration with Nigeria to address critical challenges and offer assistance. 

  • Presidency, UNESCO REF, POWA launch initiative to empower women in agric

    Presidency, UNESCO REF, POWA launch initiative to empower women in agric

    The Presidency, through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Food Security, in collaboration with the UNESCO REF and the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Lagos State Chapter, has launched a bespoke Urban Agriculture Training Programme in Lagos State.

    Speaking during the formal inauguration of the initiative, senior special assistant to the President on Food Security, Yejide Ogundipe, reaffirmed the programme’s alignment with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Ogundipe stressed that women farmers must be recognised as vital contributors to Nigeria’s food security.

    She noted that the initiative is designed to strengthen the Lagos State agricultural food system while empowering women through innovation, sustainability, and financial inclusion.

    The programme, themed “Seed of Empowerment: Growing Women in Lagos,” equips women with tools, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in urban farming.

    According to her, the initiative aligns with the National Agricultural Technology Innovation Policy (NATIP) and connects directly with the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund under the Produce for Lagos Programme, launched earlier in July 2025.

    Participants are guaranteed a steady income every two to three weeks, ensuring that empowerment translates into tangible financial stability for households.

    Organisers announced plans to expand the bespoke programme in 2026, targeting at least 120,000 women across all local governments and LCDAs in Lagos State.

    Also speaking, the President of UNESCO REF, Abdulsalami Ladigbolu‑Oranmiyan, said that the bespoke programme is not charity but empowerment.

    He said, “Philanthropy provides immediate relief, but capacity building empowers individuals to achieve financial freedom and long‑term sustainability. What we are launching today is designed to transform lives and communities.

    “Beyond Lagos, the mission is envisioned to be taken across the federation, ensuring that women in every state of Nigeria benefit from sustainable agricultural empowerment and contribute to strengthening the national food system.”

    Chairperson Lagos State POWA, Mrs. Risqat Jimoh, highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment at both local and national levels, noting that the initiative strengthens families, communities, and the food system of Lagos.

    She said, “Each participant would receive a Tier 2 certificate, which not only recognizes training but also guarantees subsidised entry for their children into future agricultural programmes.

    “This ensures that empowerment becomes generational, extending benefits beyond immediate participants.

    “To ensure participants can immediately apply their training, each woman received varieties of seeds to kickstart their learning and farming practice. This practical support guarantees that the programme moves beyond theory into real, hands-on empowerment, enabling participants to begin cultivating produce right away.”

    A participant and beneficiary of the programme, Aisha Abiola Sanni, described the programme as “an alternative means for financial income.”

    She explained that, as a youth corps member, the opportunity positions her to save and prepare for completing her service year and future plans.

    The bespoke initiative is supported by partners including NIHORT (National Horticultural Research Institute), IAR&T (Institute of Agriculture Research and Training), The Lichfield, Op3n Labs USA, Women’s Space USA, and others, under UNESCO REF’s flagship Strategic Intervention Programme – Alpha Category 2 Framework.

    Organisers noted that financial stability in households is one of the strongest deterrents to crime, positioning the programme as both an economic and social intervention.

    It also serves as a CSR model for corporate partners interested in investing in women’s empowerment and food security.

  • FG unveils three documents on teachers’ development, two others

    FG unveils three documents on teachers’ development, two others

    The federal government has unveiled three key policy documents to address teachers’ education, Almajiri education, and drugs and substance abuse in secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

    The policy documents were launched yesterday by Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, representatives from UNESCO and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

    The policy documents included: national teachers’ policy and its implementation guidelines; the national policy on Almajiri education and its implementation guidelines; and the national policy on drug and substance abuse in secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

    Alausa said the ministry has adopted an 80 per cent implementation and 20 per cent policy development model in line with international standards.

    The minister said that Nigeria’s education reforms must now translate into measurable outcomes across all states.

    He appreciated the continued support of development partners, including UNESCO, UNICEF, and others, for Nigeria’s education sector.

    The minister stated that the new policies would either improve existing ones or address areas where no policy previously existed.

    Alausa stressed that policy is just 10 per cent of the work, adding, “Implementation is the heart of what we do, and the commissioners will drive this work, while the Federal Government will provide the technical support and resources required.

    “The first of the three policies presented is the National Teachers’ Policy alongside its implementation guidelines. The policy is designed to strengthen teacher quality, upgrade competencies, and improve professional development.”

    Alausa said the government had accelerated the digitalisation of teacher training programmes and would soon launch a digital platform for continuous professional development.

    He added that the government was working to ensure that all public school teachers are licensed by the Teacher Registration Council to produce the best students.

    The minister said the second policy document on Drug and Substance Abuse in Schools was meant to address the rising rate of drug and substance abuse among students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

    “This is the first time Nigeria is developing a national policy and implementation guideline on drug abuse in schools,” the minister said.

    He added that the policy incorporated counselling and behavioural support but affirmed that the government would not hesitate to punish repeat offenders.

    Alausa said, “We must protect our youth. Addiction destroys lives, and President Bola Tinubu believes strongly in the capacity of Nigerians.”

    Also speaking, the minister of state for education said the new policies would directly attack the problems of education in the country.

    The minister said, “These documents compliment the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative and reinforce our commitment to ensure that no child is left behind.

    “The policy documents respond to the high-impact deliverables assigned to the education sector and reflect strong alignment with national priorities and the strategic outcomes envisioned for our country.

    “To achieve our aspiration, it is not enough to design policies. We must translate them into measurable results.”

    Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Lawal Olohungbebe, pledged to fully implement the new policies.

    He emphasised that while policies were formulated at the federal level, implementation rested squarely with the states.

    “Most of the implementation steps can easily be captured in our 2025 project plans for those who have not gone beyond that stage,” he explained.

    He pledged the commitment of all state commissioners of education to ensuring the policies translate into concrete results across the federation.

    “We’ll do our best to ensure that every part of these policies is well implemented. We are strategic, decisive, and deliberate. We will do everything we can,” he stated.

  • Fed govt partners UNESCO REF to empower 4.5 million in climate-smart agric

    Fed govt partners UNESCO REF to empower 4.5 million in climate-smart agric

    The federal government has announced a partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO REF), to empower 4.5 million Nigerians under a national agricultural enterprise programme to bolster food security.

    The partnership will be executed through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Food Security (SSAP-FS).

    According to Barrister Yejide Ogundipe, SSAP-FS, the partnership is expected to advance inclusive development, climate resilience, and food system transformation.

    It was announced during a joint national press briefing convened in Abuja on Tuesday alongside key stakeholders, including the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA Nigeria), the Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association (ROSOWA), and the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), which serves as the National Secretariat for the project.

    This initiative is anchored on the UNESCO REF Strategic Intervention Programme – Alpha, Category II Framework, specifically the Young Women in Agriculture (YWA) component, and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 13: Climate Action).

    The programme is structured to run through 2030, supporting Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda.

    Ogundipe said, “Food security under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is not merely policy; it is a covenant with the Nigerian people.

    “Through my office, the Presidency will broker the financial support required to ensure that millions of Nigerians benefit from this National Empowerment Programme. This is not just an agricultural intervention; it is a national security and empowerment strategy.”

    According to Ogundipe, the initiative would be implemented in two phases, with 3 million Nigerians to be financially sponsored under phase one, while phase two of the programme would see the empowerment of 1.5 million additional beneficiaries.  

    She added, “The 4.5 million participants are drawn from the broader 12 million Nigerians targeted to be empowered by 2030 under the national mobilisation campaign. 

    “Target groups include young women, youth across all six geopolitical zones, and civil servants nearing retirement, offering a post-service livelihood pathway, and participants would be trained in Hydroponic and Agro-Kenaf Enterprise Development, equipping them with climate-smart agricultural skills and tools to build sustainable agribusinesses.

    “Importantly, beneficiaries engaged in Kenaf enterprising are projected to earn a minimum income of ₦400,000 every twelve weeks, creating a reliable and scalable pathway to financial independence and inclusive economic growth.

    “The programme is designed to stimulate inclusive economic growth, reduce vulnerability to climate shocks, and strengthen national food sovereignty. It is expected to generate billions of Naira across new agricultural value chains, catalyse thousands of homegrown agribusinesses, and transform rural communities into engines of resilience and prosperity.”

    The Office of the SSAP-FS emphasised that this commitment is firmly rooted in the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP), a cornerstone of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that by aligning with NATIP, the programme reinforces national priorities for sustainable agriculture, technological innovation, and inclusive empowerment.

    The expected outcomes of the programme have already been validated by relevant stakeholders, agencies, and ministries, demonstrating a formidable structure and ensuring that the initiative is both credible and implementable at scale.

    “This validation underscores the programme’s readiness to deliver measurable impact across Nigeria’s agricultural and socio-economic landscape,” Ogundipe said.

    She called on federal and state agencies, private-sector investors, development partners, philanthropic foundations, community organisations, and traditional institutions to collaborate in scaling the programme beyond its initial scope.

    “Together, we will empower millions, strengthen our food systems, and position Nigeria as a continental leader in agricultural innovation,” Ogundipe added.

    President of UNESCO REF, Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan, highlighted the global and continental significance of the initiative: 

    He said, “This programme is not only a national empowerment strategy but also a model of international best practice. By aligning Nigeria’s agricultural transformation with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the African Union Agenda 2063, we are positioning the country as a continental leader in climate-smart food systems, women’s economic empowerment, and inclusive growth.

    “Above all, this initiative is designed to serve as an instrument of stability, prosperity, and hope for millions of Nigerians and, by extension, Africa.” 

    Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan underscored UNESCO REF’s role in ensuring the sustainability of the programme, global visibility, and alignment with international frameworks, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s voice in both global agricultural innovation and Africa’s long-term development vision.

  • Fed Govt, UNESCO train educators, others to strengthen TVET systems

    Fed Govt, UNESCO train educators, others to strengthen TVET systems

    The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Kano State Government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), on Tuesday commenced a training for key stakeholders in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

    The two-day capacity-building workshop in Kano, held under the Better Education for Africa’s Rise (BEAR) III Project, focused on strategic planning for TVET institutions.

    Head of the UNESCO in Abuja Office, Mr. Mendy Albert, said the training built on a 10-week online course completed in July.

    He explained that the initiative was designed to enhance the participants’ capacity to modernise vocational education systems.

    Albert, represented by Mr. Manish Josh, described TVET as central to youths empowerment and economic growth in the region.

    He also acknowledged the Republic of Korea for funding the multi-country project.

    Albert explained that the workshop enhanced workforce readiness and support sustainable economic growth across West Africa.

    READ ALSO: Priscilla Ojo, son reunite with Juma Jux in Tanzania

    Earlier, the Director of Technology and Science Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Muhibat Olodo, said more than one million Nigerians had enrolled under the new TVET framework.

    She added that over 15,000 students were expected to resume at the Federal Technical Colleges nationwide this month.

    According to her, the reforms seek to expand access, align curricula with labour market demands, and boost employability among young people.

    Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, highlighted its role in curriculum development, accreditation, and quality assurance.

    Represented by Dr. Babangida Abubakar, Bugaje described UNESCO as a dependable partner in strengthening Nigeria’s TVET system.

    Also, the Provost of Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Danbatta, Dahiru Muhammad, said the aim was to ensure that trainees acquired the right skills to meet industry needs.

    He said the college expected the session to reshape the participants’ approaches, bridging skills gaps and improving employability outcomes in Kano State and beyond.

    The workshop featured peer-learning sessions, discussions on green and digital transitions in vocational training, and practical exercises on institutional planning.

  • Congo seeks Nigeria’s support for UNESCO topjob as Shettima hosts PM Makosso

    Congo seeks Nigeria’s support for UNESCO topjob as Shettima hosts PM Makosso

    Nigeria will consider backing the Republic of Congo’s candidate, Firmin Edouard Matoko, for the position of Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Vice President Kashim Shettima said Friday, as he received the Congolese Prime Minister, Anatole Collinet Makosso, at the State House in Abuja.

     Makosso, who delivered a special message from President Denis Sassou-Nguesso to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, solicited Nigeria’s endorsement of Matoko, a seasoned UNESCO official with over 30 year’s  experience in various leadership roles.

     In a statement issued yesterday  by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima praised Congo’s leadership role in Africa’s Great Lakes region, commending President Sassou-Nguesso’s statesmanship and regional influence.

    “President Denis Sassou-Nguesso is one of the greatest stabilisers on the African continent. He is well-respected and has the experience and exposure to provide leadership to a turbulent region,” Shettima said.

    On the request for support, Shettima assured that the matter would be relayed to President Tinubu.

    Read Also: UNESCO, Foundation partner to honour Okigbo

     “Be rest assured that all the issues raised, especially over your candidature for the Director-Generalship of UNESCO, will be conveyed to the President. I am hopeful that he is going to endorse your candidacy, fundamentally because what binds us together supersedes whatever divides us,” the Vice President stated.

    Earlier, Prime Minister Makosso highlighted Matoko’s credentials, noting that the UNESCO veteran joined the organisation in 1990 and held strategic posts, including Director of Regional Offices and Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations.

     “We are seeking Nigeria’s support for his candidature not because he is a Congolese, but because he is well qualified for the position, especially at this time that UNESCO needs a very experienced person,” Makosso said.

    He also expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s humanitarian efforts, particularly through the Rochas Foundation, which provided free education for Congolese orphans.

     “Some of them just graduated, while some are still in school. We are very grateful for that,” he said.

  • Congo seeks Nigeria’s support for UNESCO top job as Shettima hosts PM Makosso

    Congo seeks Nigeria’s support for UNESCO top job as Shettima hosts PM Makosso

    Nigeria will consider backing the Republic of Congo’s candidate, Firmin Edouard Matoko, for the position of Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Vice President Kashim Shettima said.

    He spoke when received the Congolese Prime Minister, Anatole Collinet Makosso, at the State House in Abuja.

    Makosso, who delivered a special message from President Denis Sassou-Nguesso to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, solicited Nigeria’s endorsement of Matoko, a seasoned UNESCO official with over 30 years of experience in various leadership roles.

    In a statement on Saturday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima praised Congo’s leadership role in Africa’s Great Lakes region, commending President Sassou-Nguesso’s statesmanship and regional influence.

    “President Denis Sassou-Nguesso is one of the greatest stabilisers on the African continent. He is well-respected and has the experience and exposure to provide leadership to a turbulent region,” Shettima said.

    On the request for support, Shettima assured that the matter would be relayed to President Tinubu.

    “Be rest assured that all the issues raised, especially over your candidature for the Director-Generalship of UNESCO, will be conveyed to the President. I am hopeful that he is going to endorse your candidacy, fundamentally because what binds us together supersedes whatever divides us,” the Vice President stated.

    Read Also: Gbajabiamila urges northern leaders to back Tinubu’s second term bid

    Earlier, Prime Minister Makosso highlighted Matoko’s credentials, noting that the UNESCO veteran joined the organisation in 1990 and held strategic posts, including Director of Regional Offices and Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations.

    “We are seeking Nigeria’s support for his candidature not because he is a Congolese, but because he is well qualified for the position, especially at this time that UNESCO needs a very experienced person,” Makosso said.

    He also expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s humanitarian efforts, particularly through the Rochas Foundation, which provided free education for Congolese orphans.

    “Some of them just graduated, while some are still in school. We are very grateful for that,” he said.

    Makosso further lauded President Tinubu’s leadership within ECOWAS, the African Union, and at the global stage, while also extending condolences to Nigeria on the recent passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

  • UNESCO, Foundation partner to honour Okigbo

    UNESCO, Foundation partner to honour Okigbo

    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will partner Christopher Okigbo Foundation to host a high-level commemorative event in honour of one of Africa’s most influential poets, Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo. The event will hold on August 28, at the UNESCO Nigeria Office, UN Building, Constitution Avenue, Abuja. Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo (1932–1967) is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most original and profound poetic voices.

    It is in collaboration with the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC). The gathering is themed: The Importance of Christopher Okigbo’s Nomination into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register and Its Impact on Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage and Literary History.

    Read Also: UNICEF, UNESCO, others back Enugu smart school initiative

    The event is organised to celebrate Okigbo’s recent nomination into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, a prestigious international recognition that highlights the significance of his literary manuscripts and contributions to world literature.

    It will feature a keynote address, a thought-provoking panel session, Spoken word and poetry performances inspired by Okigbo’s work as well as an exhibition showcasing rare manuscripts, photographs, and visual tributes.

    “This partnership between UNESCO and the Christopher Okigbo Foundation reflects our shared commitment to preserving and promoting Africa’s literary and cultural heritage,” said Ifeeanyi Aajaeggbo, a representative of UNESCO Nigeria.

  • UNICEF, UNESCO, others back Enugu smart school initiative

    UNICEF, UNESCO, others back Enugu smart school initiative

    • From Janefrances Chibuzor

    Enugu State Commissioner for Education Prof. Ndubueze Mbah has disclosed that the state’s Smart Green School initiative is attracting impressive support from international development agencies, donor organisations, and Nigerian diaspora communities. He stated that the programme is widely supported and locally embraced in the state.

    Mbah, who spoke recently in Lagos, said that the Enugu Smart Green Schools are not merely physical structures but hubs of integrated learning, community empowerment, and sustainable development.

    “We are supported by prestigious grants and leading education sector partner. UNICEF, UNESCO, the World Bank, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Universal Basic Education Commission, and numerous international foundations are all backing this effort. Our people in the diaspora are also lending their support. It’s not just a government project—it’s a movement.”

    The initiative, introduced under the administration of Governor Peter Mbah, has taken root across all 260 political wards in the state, transforming the educational and social landscape of rural and urban communities alike.

    The commissioner who is a Professor of History at the State University of New York, Buffalo, noted that virtually every ward in Enugu now has a Smart Green School, with only a few exceptions in single-village wards still under review.

    He described the public reception as overwhelming, adding that communities have embraced the schools as a generational opportunity for transformation.

    “People see this as the most important project of their lifetime,” he stated, adding: “Everywhere a Smart School is built, life changes. The community changes. Hope returns.”

    Each Smart Green School is designed to accommodate between 840 and 1,000 pupils and is operated by a cohort of 40 to 50 specially trained Smart Teachers.

    Unlike traditional public schools, these institutions are designed to be fully self-sustaining.

    The schools are solar-powered, internet-enabled, and supported by an eco-friendly infrastructure that includes water systems, modern sanitary facilities, agricultural plots, and digital teaching tools.

    Read Also: Senate okays Tinubu’s $21bn foreign loan request

    A standout feature of the Smart Schools is the comprehensive welfare model it offers. Every school includes on-site residential apartments for teachers, creating a built-in incentive for high-calibre professionals to work in remote communities.

    In addition, every Smart School has a functional health clinic staffed with two registered nurses, ensuring that pupils and staff have immediate access to basic healthcare.

    According to him, the schools also integrate a farm-to-table model as part of both the learning experience and the school feeding programme.

    “Every one of these schools has a farm, and the children are fed daily from the produce of that farm, subsidised by the state government,” Mbah explained.

    He added: “That means nearly 1,000 children in each school eat lunch every day. It’s not just about nutrition; it’s part of the education. They learn agriculture, sustainability, and responsibility.”

  • MILID foundation partners UNESCO Nigeria, LASG for MIL workshop for S’West youths

    MILID foundation partners UNESCO Nigeria, LASG for MIL workshop for S’West youths

    The Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue Foundation (MILID Foundation), in partnership with UNESCO Nigeria and the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, held a workshop on media and information literacy for youth organisations in the Southwest.

    The workshop brought together fourteen youth organisations from the southwest states in Lagos.

    Themed: The Role of Media and Information Literacy for Youth in the Democratic Process, the workshop equipped participants with competencies to navigate the challenges of media and communication technology, to think critically, and engage responsibly in digital spaces.

    It featured sessions on MIL and Democracy, MIL and Conflict, MIL and Gender-Based Violence, Infusing MIL into Content Creation, Fact-checking, and Verification.

    Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, a professor at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, took participants on MIL and gender-based violence, while Prof Suraj Olunifesi of the same department took participants on MIL, Artificial Intelligence and Conflict.

    In his keynote address, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, who was represented by Obadare Adenekan, the state youth ambassador, remarked that the theme of the workshop speaks directly to the heartbeat of youth empowerment in our democratic journey.

    “It recognises the power of informed young people and the urgent need to equip them with the tools to critically navigate the media space, distinguish truth from falsehood, and use information responsibly,” Mr Ogunlende said.

    He urged participants to take the knowledge beyond the workshop. “Let it guide your posts, your projects, and your platforms. Use media to advocate, not agitate. Use your voice to build, not break. Above all, use information as a tool for truth, justice, and nation-building.”

    With support from UNESCO Nigeria, MILID Foundation has held similar capacity-building workshops in the Northwest and Southeast of the country, with plans to reach all geopolitical zones of the country.

    Speaking on the rationale for supporting such initiatives, the communication and information sector coordinator, UNESCO Nigeria, Yachat Nuhu, noted that “by integrating MIL into the policies and strategies of youth organisations, we are taking a proactive step toward fostering informed, responsible, and engaged young citizens.”

    Ms Nuhu added that young people are among the most active participants in the digital space, where political discourse, election campaigns, and civic engagement increasingly take place. Hence, UNESCO’s interest in equipping them with the tools to safeguard freedom of expression, promote human rights, contribute to peaceful societies, and sustainable development.

    According to MILID Foundation, the Southwest workshop is part of a broader initiative to strengthen media and information literacy across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

    “We are taking this workshop to every zone of the country to build the capacity of young people, as well as organisations working with youth, around media and information literacy,” said Chiamaka Okafor, Executive Director MILID Foundation, adding that “our goal is to help them understand the importance of developing critical thinking, fact-checking skills, and the ability to responsibly create content.”

    “We are pleased to be in Lagos for the Southwest edition of this workshop. With the local council elections just days away, we believe this is a timely and strategic intervention to prepare young people for informed and responsible civic participation,” she noted.

    Representing the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Adesegun Ogundeji, emphasised the importance of verifying information as it helps in decision-making and strengthening the democratic process.

    He emphasised the state’s willingness to support initiatives that prioritise media and information literacy education.

    Read Also: MILID Foundation, UNESCO to mark 2024 Global MIL Week in Kano

    Rofiat Ileyemi, a participant from Lagos State, noted that attending the Media and Information Literacy (MIL) training was an eye-opening experience.

    “I gained a deeper understanding of how powerful media and information can be in shaping opinions and how important it is to verify information before sharing. The sessions were practical and engaging, and teamwork was also an experience I can’t forget,” she said.

    Another participant, Deborah Fayanju, from Ondo State, described her experience as enriching and broadening her understanding of Media and Information Literacy’s critical role in democracy, gender-based violence, content creation, and social advocacy.

    Apart from representatives of youth organisations in the Southwest, the advocacy workshop had students from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos.