Month: April 2024

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, says the Federal Government is making efforts to harness the potential of digital economy in empowering the youths.

Olawande communicated this on Tuesday in Abuja when the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 46, 2024, of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos, visited the ministry on a study tour.

The minister said that synergy with NIPSS would go a long way in capacity building for young people in digital economy.

According to him, with more than 50 per cent of its population below the age of 30, Nigeria has a significant demographic advantage in the digital age.

Olawande said that the year’s theme was ‘Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities.”

According to him, Nigerian youths are tech-savvy, innovative and eager to contribute to the country’s economic growth.

‘However, they face numerous challenges, including limited access to qual
ity education, skills training, and job opportunities.

‘The digital economy offers a unique opportunity for Nigeria to leapfrog traditional development challenges.”

The minister said that with the rise of e-commerce, digital payments, and remote work, the youth could access global markets, skills training, and job opportunities like never before.

He said that the country must address the issues and challenges hindering the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria.

‘These include limited digital literacy and skills training, inadequate infrastructure, including internet penetration and electricity supply.

‘High cost of data and limited access to funding; cybersecurity threats and data privacy concerns; limited government support and regulatory frameworks.”

Olawande said that in order to overcome the challenges, the ministry had implemented various initiatives, such as digital skills training programmess for youth; focusing on areas like software development and, data analytics.

He also listed digital
marketing especially in the NYSC-Galaxy Back Bone partnership to improve infrastructure including internet connectivity and alternative electricity supply.

The minister said that other things were funding opportunities, such as grants, loans, and venture capital, to support startups and small businesses with the launching of the National Youth Investment Fund.

‘We recognise that sustainable job creation is critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and stability.

‘Our goal is to create an ecosystem that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities for our youth.”

According to him, the ministry seeks collaboration in areas like policy development, providing insights and recommendations for policy development in areas related to the digital economy, youth empowerment and sustainable job creation.

He requested for assistance in the development of strategic plans for agencies, private sector organisations, and civil society groups working in those areas.

‘Capacity building-offering traini
ng and capacity building programmes for the youth to enhance their skills and knowledge in the digital economy and related fields.

‘Research and analysis-conducting research and analysis on various aspects of the digital economy, youth empowerment and sustainable job creation; providing data-driven insights to inform decision-making, among others.

‘As we move forward, it is essential to prioritise digital literacy, innovation, and entrepreneurship, while addressing the issues of infrastructure, funding, and regulatory frameworks.

‘By doing so, we can unlock the potential of the digital economy to create sustainable jobs and empower our youth to drive Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity,’ Olawande said.

Speaking earlier, the leader of NIPSS delegation, Ms Nima Mann, said that they were in the ministry to research, proffer solutions, recommendations and strategies to help government chart its course for the year.

‘We are in the ministry to listen to what you are doing to help the youth; how you are do
ing it; strategic plans and way forward as well as how we can use the digital economy to chart the goal for sustainable job creation,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Workers of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), have appealed to the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, to make staff housing one of his projects.

The workers made the appeal at the commencement of the JUAC Week in Abuja on Wednesday, with the theme, ‘FCT Civil Service Commission – A New Dawn’.

JUAC President, Mrs Rifkatu Iortyer pointed out that Abuja was one of the cities with the highest rent in the country.

Iortyer added that the development had forced many workers to stay in outskirt of the city where rent was affordable.

She said that to address the challenge, JUAC had secured a land eight years ago, for staff housing estate.

She, however, said that the union was financially incapacitated to allocate the land to the workers, in spite of paying compensation and other commitments.

She explained that the union had equally made some moves for additional housing for the workers but unsuccessful.

‘We appealed to the minister to consider our plea considering t
hat housing is key to our staff. If we cannot do it as a union, let the housing issue be one of our minister’s projects.

‘He should help us to have an affordable housing estate for our staff. We know him as ‘Mr Project’, as evident with the ongoing projects across the territory,’ she said.

The president also appealed to the minister to look into the transportation scheme for workers, noting that most of the staff buses were grounded since COVID-19 lockdown.

She commended the minister for being labour-friendly and a welfarist to workers, adding that the biggest gift to the FCT workers was the FCT Civil Service Commission (CSC).

‘FCT staffs can now grow to the peak of their career. We cannot thank him enough for making this a reality,’ she said.

Also, the FCT Head of Service, Dr Udo Atang, described Wike as a labour-friendly minister, stressing that he has made staff welfare his priority.

‘The minister had said that the establishment of FCT CSC is an integral part of President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’
agenda.

‘So, our hopes have been renewed and reestablished. We are all potential permanent secretaries and potential heads of service,’Atang said.

Responding, Wike, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Chidi Amadi, ascribed the successes so far recorded in FCT to the resourcefulness of the workers.

‘Today, we are celebrating a new beginning; a new beginning that gives hope.

‘A new beginning that gives motivation; a new beginning that gives us the assurance that whatever commitment and sacrifice we put in the service, there is the likelihood that it will be rewarded,’ he said.

The minister lauded the collaborative efforts of the workers for a common goal, and advised the leadership of the JUAC to build a culture of negotiation and not confrontation.

‘Collaboration should be the watch word. As long as we continue to have this seamless relationship, I will ensure that no worker will be left behind,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Prof. Joseph Oyedele of the Department of Estate Management, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun, says Nigeria needs $15 billion annually to fix infrastructural needs of the country.

Oyedele said this while delivering lecture at the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure summit organised by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun Command, on Tuesday in Osogbo.

He said the amount is needed for the next six years to close the infrastructural deficit in the country.

The don, who spoke on the topic ‘Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure As a Panacea for Underdevelopment’, noted that the country’s infrastructural challenge was huge.

According to him, the significance of critical infrastructure to economic development can not be overemphasised.

He said that all hands must be on deck in protecting the critical assets and infrastructure, adding that both public and private sectors must collaborate in finding workable solutions to ensure the security of sit
es of critical national infrastructure.

‘Nigeria’s infrastructure challenge is huge. Recent reports suggest that the country requires between 12 billion and 15 billion U.S. dollars annually for the next six years to meet the infrastructure requirements.

‘The establishment of NSCDC is therefore one of the measures to protect critical national assets and infrastructure (CNAI) and which is supported by NSCDC Act 2003 and amended NSCDC Act of 2007’, he said.

Also, Speaking, Prof. Olayinka Karin, the Vice-Chancellor of Fountain University, Osogbo, said that community leaders, citizens, law enforcement agencies, among others have critical roles to play in the protection of public infrastructure.

Represented by Prof. Role Lalude, a lecturer in the University, Olayinka said that public infrastructure must be protected at all cost.

In his remarks, Dr Amintayo Adaralewa, the Osun NSCDC Commandant, called for the collaborative efforts in protecting the public infrastructure.

‘It is important to stress that the bas
ic difference between developed and developing countries lies in the sophistication and prioritisation of critical national assets and infrastructure which are now automated, linking man to machines, and sectors to sectors.

‘We must be constantly reminded that patriotism is a duty and not a choice.

‘For this reason, the clarion call here is for all and sundry to collectively deal with the criminality predisposing national assets to various forms of threats and vulnerabilities,’ he said.

Earlier, Vincent Linus, Head of Department, NSCDC Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), said the summit was organised to highlight strategic protection plan of the Corps for critical assets and infrastructure.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, says the Federal Government is making efforts to harness the potential of digital economy in empowering the youths.

Olawande communicated this on Tuesday in Abuja when the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 46, 2024, of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos, visited the ministry on a study tour.

The minister said that synergy with NIPSS would go a long way in capacity building for young people in digital economy.

According to him, with more than 50 per cent of its population below the age of 30, Nigeria has a significant demographic advantage in the digital age.

Olawande said that the year’s theme was ‘Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities.”

According to him, Nigerian youths are tech-savvy, innovative and eager to contribute to the country’s economic growth.

‘However, they face numerous challenges, including limited access to qual
ity education, skills training, and job opportunities.

‘The digital economy offers a unique opportunity for Nigeria to leapfrog traditional development challenges.”

The minister said that with the rise of e-commerce, digital payments, and remote work, the youth could access global markets, skills training, and job opportunities like never before.

He said that the country must address the issues and challenges hindering the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria.

‘These include limited digital literacy and skills training, inadequate infrastructure, including internet penetration and electricity supply.

‘High cost of data and limited access to funding; cybersecurity threats and data privacy concerns; limited government support and regulatory frameworks.”

Olawande said that in order to overcome the challenges, the ministry had implemented various initiatives, such as digital skills training programmess for youth; focusing on areas like software development and, data analytics.

He also listed digital
marketing especially in the NYSC-Galaxy Back Bone partnership to improve infrastructure including internet connectivity and alternative electricity supply.

The minister said that other things were funding opportunities, such as grants, loans, and venture capital, to support startups and small businesses with the launching of the National Youth Investment Fund.

‘We recognise that sustainable job creation is critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and stability.

‘Our goal is to create an ecosystem that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities for our youth.”

According to him, the ministry seeks collaboration in areas like policy development, providing insights and recommendations for policy development in areas related to the digital economy, youth empowerment and sustainable job creation.

He requested for assistance in the development of strategic plans for agencies, private sector organisations, and civil society groups working in those areas.

‘Capacity building-offering traini
ng and capacity building programmes for the youth to enhance their skills and knowledge in the digital economy and related fields.

‘Research and analysis-conducting research and analysis on various aspects of the digital economy, youth empowerment and sustainable job creation; providing data-driven insights to inform decision-making, among others.

‘As we move forward, it is essential to prioritise digital literacy, innovation, and entrepreneurship, while addressing the issues of infrastructure, funding, and regulatory frameworks.

‘By doing so, we can unlock the potential of the digital economy to create sustainable jobs and empower our youth to drive Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity,’ Olawande said.

Speaking earlier, the leader of NIPSS delegation, Ms Nima Mann, said that they were in the ministry to research, proffer solutions, recommendations and strategies to help government chart its course for the year.

‘We are in the ministry to listen to what you are doing to help the youth; how you are do
ing it; strategic plans and way forward as well as how we can use the digital economy to chart the goal for sustainable job creation,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday in Badagry destroyed a total of 304,436 kilograms and 40,042 litres of illicit substances seized from parts of Lagos and Ogun states.

Speaking shortly before the destruction, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig.-Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the open destruction of the seized illicit drugs followed court orders.

Marwa called for more public support for NDLEA and other stakeholders’ efforts to curb the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

‘Though a routine exercise and an established process of removing dangerous substances from our society, the public destruction of confiscated illicit drugs is usually conducted at the end of their related cases in court.

‘The exhibits being destroyed were of mixed types, which include illicit drugs in solid and liquid states as well as in various classes such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis, tramadol among others,’ he said.

Marwa said the drugs being destroyed were s
eized by NDLEA operatives across different formations of the Agency in Lagos and Ogun states from January 2022 till date.

‘Some were seized at the Lagos seaports, airports, and land borders, to be destroyed here today on the order of the court are solid drugs, weighing 304,436.055kg and 40, 042.621 litres of liquid drugs.

‘The sheer volume of the drug haul speaks volume about the extent of the nefarious activities of the drug underworld,’ he said.

Marwa expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, the clergy, members of Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations as well as other stakeholders who witnessed the ceremony.

‘The destruction of these seizures complies with the NDLEA Act, which mandates the Agency to destroy all drug exhibits after prosecution.

‘We want to say that your presence here is a testament to this important occasion.

‘To this end, we appreciate all stakeholders and members of the public for witnessing this exercise,’ he said.

Marwa acknowledged the
support of the Agency’s local and international partners, which include the American Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA); United Kingdom NCA, Border Force; the Germans, the French; Indian NCB, among others who had worked with it on a number of busts.

‘Similarly, we appreciate the Nigerian military and other law enforcement agencies such as the Customs; Immigration; Police; Civil Defence; Road Safety Commission, NAFDAC and others that have been supporting our efforts to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs.

‘NDLEA will not relent in its effort to end the drug scourge in the country,’ he said.

Marwa called for more public support for the Agency’s activities.

‘The safety of our society is the responsibility of everyone of us. Every citizen will be fulfilling his or her civic duty by assisting the Agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign to clean up our communities and cities.

‘Together, we can make this country secure,’ he said.

Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, expressed satisfaction
with the efforts of NDLEA to tackle the scourge of illicit drugs in the country.

According to Sanwo-Olu, almost all crimes and criminalities are fueled by illicit drugs.

‘So, the Lagos State Government appreciates NDLEA and its leadership in their resolute fight against illicit drugs.

‘The volume of illicit drugs being destroyed here today speak volumes and every right-thinking person should be worried,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Mr Olusegun Onilude, the Chairman, Badagry Local Government, thanked the Agency for taking the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy campaign to schools and communities across Lagos State.

‘No doubt, NDLEA is working and the state will continue to collaborate with the Agency and its leadership,’ he said.

Mr Dinneys Owen, Commander, NDLEA, Seme Command, urged all stakeholders in Lagos to join hands in WADA in order to eliminate drugs in the society.

Owen thanked all the invited guests for honouring its invitation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) repor
ts that officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Federal Road Safety Commission were at the event.

Also present were officers of the Department of State Security, Nigerian Air-Force, Nigeria Army and Nigerian Navy.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, says there is need to safeguard the environment for sustainable development and environmental integrity.

Lawal made this submission on Wednesday in Abuja at a workshop on Reviewing the Outcomes of the 28th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The workshop was organised by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).

‘The time for bold, decisive action is now; our success hinges on our ability to forge a robust partnership, mobilise stakeholders, and deliver on the commitments we have made to safeguard our environment and secure a prosperous future for our nation.

‘As a nation, we have a responsibility to take action and to work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our people and our environment.

‘The 28th session of COP to the UNFCCC was a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change and served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for resolute action in
the face of escalating climate crises and environmental challenges.”

The minister said that Nigeria, like many other countries, was already feeling the impacts of climate change.

‘As we gear up for COP 29, it is imperative that we foster the spirit of collaboration, unity, and shared responsibility, harnessing the collective wisdom, expertise, resources of all stakeholders and firm commitments to advance Nigeria’s environmental goals,’ Lawal said.

Earlier, Dr Salisu Dahiru, the Director-General of NCCC, said that Nigeria’s participation at COP 28 reaffirmed the need for strengthened collective climate change action across three pillars of Adaptation, Finance, and Mitigation.

‘It is critical to note that these actions include an unprecedented reference to transitioning away from all fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly, and equitable manner in this critical decade.

‘This will enable the world to reach net zero emissions by 2050, in keeping with the science.

‘As an oil-producing and develop
ing nation, the agreements forged during COP 28 pose the need for a strategic review of our national actions and climate goals.

‘We seek to facilitate an inclusive participatory process to motivate actions towards seeking higher ambitious goals for our transition to a low carbon economy.

‘And to create a forum for government, businesses, and other stakeholders to continue to shape and strengthen the climate action processes in Nigeria,’ Dahiru said.

Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in a keynote address, said that Nigeria was faced with numerous climate challenges that demanded bold and decisive action.

‘We must rethink and restructure our national budgets to prioritise sustainability and combat climate change head-on,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria