Month: June 2024

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says adopting a subregional disability inclusion action plan will be a step towards realizing its ‘ECOWAS of the Peoples’ Vision 2050.

Prof. Fatou Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner, Human Development and Social Affairs, stated this at a meeting to adopt the bloc’s action plan on the social inclusion of people living with disabilities (PWDs) in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was the maiden edition of the West African ministers in charge of PWDs.

‘With the adoption of this action plan on the inclusion of people with disabilities, a further step is taken in the realisation of Vision 2050, towards the ECOWAS of the peoples.

‘Currently, we are implementing a pilot project which covers two ECOWAS member states which are Togo and Nigeria.

‘This program will provide assistive devices to children with disabilities and is expected in the future, to cover all member states.

‘This is an invaluable opportunity, not to reaffi
rm our commitment to the provisions of Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Convention and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Sustainable Development Goals and the vision of ECOWAS 2050,’ Sarr said.

The commissioner explained that the 2022-2030 action plan covered three main priority areas aimed at to further strengthening disability inclusion in ECOWAS and its member states.

‘The three priority areas, which include activities, verifiable results and timeline, are improving disability inclusion across all aspects of the work of the ECOWAS Commission.

‘Also, improvement of the legal and policy environment for the inclusion of people with disabilities and strengthened regional partnerships for increased resource mobilisation for the inclusion of people with disabilities.

‘Knowing that persons with disability are vulnerable and living in most cases in precariousness, the ECOWAS Commission has intensified its collaboration with the national and regional associations
of persons with disabilities and organised various awareness forums for PWDs,’ she said.

Also speaking, Mr Abel Enitan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, lauded ECOWAS for the move to adopt the action plan.

Enitan, who is also the Acting Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, called for the establishment of an ECOWAS Agency for Disability Affairs.

According to him, Nigeria has demonstrated a strong commitment to implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People With Disabilities (CRPD), which was ratified in 2007.

‘In order to make ECOWAS an all-inclusive region for persons with disabilities in member states, Nigeria is calling for the establishment of the ECOWAS Agency for Disability Affairs (EADA).

‘This is to integrate regional disability policies and strategies for rehabilitation and equal opportunity in the community, as well as provide a mechanism to protect, promote, support and respect the actions of people with disa
bilities.

‘This affirmative action must be viewed through the prism of human diversity, while ensuring that individuals with disabilities have as many opportunities as possible to participate in all levels of decision-making in ECOWA, so that no one is left behind,’ he said.

Mr Mohammed Isa, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, also lauded ECOWAS for the initiative, stressing that the President had directed the implementation of the action plan.

‘In line with this mandate, my office has initiated the Beyond Disability Project to help drive the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan.

‘The project is aimed to promote inclusivity and accessibility for Persons with Disabilities in Niger,’ Isa said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

An NGO, the Nigeria Partners on Clubfoot Treatment has called for the integration of clubfoot treatment into the public health system to treat the 10,000 cases recorded annually in the country.

The President of Nigeria Clubfoot Treatment Partners and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Peace Amaraegbulam, made the call in a message to mark the World Clubfoot Day.

Clubfoot is a musculoskeletal birth defect that causes the feet to turn inwards and upwards.

World Clubfoot Day is celebrated every June 3, to raise more awareness on clubfoot and the need for early detection, referral and timely treatment.

The teme of the celebration is ‘Empowering Life: Steps to Clubfoot Freedom’.

Amaraegbulam, who is also a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, described clubfoot as the most common musculoskeletal birth defect.

‘No child should endure the preventable disability of untreated clubfoot.

‘In Nigeria, over 10,000 children are born with this condition each year, and without treatment, walking becomes extremely difficul
t and painful as children walk on the sides of their feet.

‘This leads to discrimination, social stigmatisation, and loss of economic opportunities.

‘We call on government and health institutions to integrate free clubfoot treatment into Nigeria health system, to enable the treatment to be more accessible.

‘Philanthropists should also consider giving towards the cause of providing free treatment for the clients, especially the neglected older children,’ Amaraegbulam said.

According to her, Ponseti treatment, which entails a systematic series of casting and orthotic bracing treatment that permanently and non-surgicallly correct clubfoot is effective in treating young children.

She, however, noted that out-of-pocket healthcare costs; poor access to healthcare facilities; inadequate numbers of healthcare professionals; and lack of foot-abduction braces as barriers preventing Nigerian children from accessing care.

Amaraegbulam said that the Nigeria Partners on Clubfoot Treatment, consisted of three NGOs – T
he Straight Child Foundation, HANDS, and Positive Care and Development Foundation in collaboration with MiracleFeet, that ensured that children with clubfoot received care locally.

‘These three organisations in Nigeria operate clubfoot clinics in select states.

‘To avail yourself of the free clubfoot treatment, Kindly locate the clinic nearest to you in the state where you reside.

‘The clinic schedules specific days for treatment, ensuring children receive the necessary care and support for clubfoot correction,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE) says it is mobilising students and young people in Kaduna state to drive climate change solutions in their respective communities.

WISE founder and Programme Director, Mrs Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, stated this during a one-day Green Awareness Walk in Kaduna on Wednesday, with the theme, ‘Generation Green: Taking the Lead in Tackling Land Degradation and Drought’.

The walk, which took place within the College of Environmental Studies, Kaduna Polytechnic, was organised by WISE, in Collaboration with National Association of Environmental Science Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic.

It was organised to commemorate the 2024 World Environment Day (WED) with the theme, ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience’.

Olanike Olugboji said that the campaign became necessary considering the anxiety among young people caused by the chaos associated with environmental challenges and global warming.

She attributed global warming and other environmental
degradation to the excesses of human activities and stressed the need for young people to join the campaign against climate change and environment degradation.

‘It is, therefore, crucial to create awareness among young people on the need for them to begin to take the lead and think outside the box on issues affecting our climate and the environment.

‘The goal is for the youths to drive solutions, take action and create initiative that will help reduce some of the environmental problems affecting humanity.

The founder said that sustainable development was only possible if everyone realised the need for collective responsibility in protecting the climate.

She said that the WISE had been mobilising women and young girls in Kaduna and other parts of the country to take part in providing solutions to climate change and other environmental challenges.

‘We have realised, over the years, the wide gap in terms of women’s access to environmental resources, even when they are the most vulnerable to the impact of en
vironmental challenges and climate change.

‘Women are the most vulnerable and yet their voices were missing at the decision-making table.

‘We will keep building the capacity of women and young girls to become authors of their own fate, as it concerns the environment and the climate challenges,’ she said.

She stressed the need for policy makers and residents to begin to identify solutions and take actions to reverse environmental degradation and climate change.

She also called on the government and relevant stakeholders to equip communities with the needed knowledge and skills to plan trees and adopt eco-friendly technology in everyday life.

According to her, adopting eco-friendly technologies like clean cooking stoves and solar technology will significantly replace the use of traditional cooking methods and lighting systems.

‘This will go a long way in preventing indoor air pollution caused by traditional cooking methods, kerosine lamps and candles in our homes.

‘Climate change is real and not far away
. It is close next door. Do something; tell someone to do something and we will be doing a lot to reverse climate change,’ she said.

Dr Patrick Kigbu, Head of Department, Environmental Science, Kaduna Polytechnic, commended WISE for targeting the youths in its climate change campaign.

Kigbu said that climate change and other environmental challenges could be dramatic and might consume humanity if action was not taken.

He urged the government to be proactive, and outlaw activities that negatively impact the climate.

According to him, people need to know that when they destroy one tree, they should plant five more to sustain the environment.

Similarly, one of the students, Aishatu Ibrahim, said that the awareness was apt, and would motivate students and young people to take action towards climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other highlights of the event included a panel discussion and tree planting.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr James Sule Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fostering lasting mutual ties with China through cultural diplomacy.

Sule said this on Wednesday in Abuja during the ‘Energy China – Nigeria Dance Competition Final ‘ hosted by the China Cultural Centre and China General Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria in collaboration with China Energy International Group Nigeria Co., Ltd.

According to him, Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions are essential elements that can be showcased globally through cultural diplomacy.

‘By collaborating with China, a country with a long history and rich cultural legacy through cultural diplomacy, Nigeria aims to enhance its cultural influence and facilitate cross-cultural dialogue that transcends political and economic boundaries.

‘We believe that by promoting cultural diplomacy, we can build connections that span continents, promoting understanding beyond politics and economics,’ Sule
said.

According to him, Nigeria aspires to be a beacon of artistic innovation, a hub where diverse voices converge, and a place where cultural exchange thrives.

Sule assured that with the unwavering support of the Ministry of Art, Nigeria was committed to fostering enhanced cooperation and collaboration with China to strengthening their partnership through cultural diplomacy.

Also speaking, Mr Li Xuda, Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, said,’ China views cultural diplomacy as a key component that can not only go beyond political, religious and cultural boundaries, but also play an important role in multinational cultural exchanges.’

According to him, Nigeria is a land of rich and colorful cultural heritage which gives opportunity for cultural exchanges to thrive.

‘Nigeria, long celebrated for its festivals, music, sculptures, literature, film, and dance, is seen by China as an essential partner in advancing its cultural diplomacy objectives in Africa.

‘By nurturing cultural exchanges and fo
rging cultural connections, China envisions a more profound bilateral relationship with Nigeria in the future,’Li said.

Mr Li Baisheng, Managing Director from China Energy, expressed appreciation to the Embassy, the China Cultural Centre judges and participants for their strong support towards China-Nigerian cultural exchanges.

He noted that since entering the Nigerian market in 1999, Energy China had actively participated in the development of Nigeria’s power and infrastructure field.

‘Energy China is also committed to promoting economic, trade and cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries to reach the goal of sharing Chinese harmony, and performing Nigeria-China,’he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the Bwari Dance Group, Nigeria and Wang Ao from China, both emerged tops,with each group cashing home the star prize of N500,000.

While second and third runners up received cash prizes of N200,000, and N100,000 respectively.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

All over the world film is more than an entertainment outlet. It is used as a tool for shaping opinions, driving national narratives to the larger world and projecting a nation’s cultures, economic, technological and other advantages.

Besides its entertainment value, one area where the motion picture is intentionally applied is as a tool for global marketing and advertisement of the tourism sector.

Films are unique platforms for promoting tourism, offering a blend of entertainment and destination marketing that can captivate audiences and inspire travel.

Some of the most admired and visited tourist attractions and destinations, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Great Wall of China attracted global attention through the power of the visual media.

The wonder of the screen can make tourists travel from around the world to visit the Statue of Liberty in New York and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Films are powerful tools for promoting tourism by bringing destinations to life, showcasing their unique
attributes, and inspiring audiences to visit the real-world locations they have seen on screen.

The Nigeria’s film industry, known as Nollywood, is globally recognised as the second largest film producer in the world, turning out over 2,500 movies yearly.

It is only surpassed by Bollywood of India, even though Nollywood does not rake in as much income annually as the others, it is renowned for its rich and unique story telling attributes.

Before COVID-19 pandemic erupted Hollywood contributed $504 billion to the U.S. GDP. The figure represents at least 3.2 per cent of the goods and services portion of GDP.

Conversely, according to a research firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Nigeria’s film industry contributed only $660 million to Nigeria’s GDP in 2021.

One of those who think Nollywood can do better in terms of revenue generation for the country is the Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof AbdulRasheed Na’Allah.

‘Nollywood can turn around the fortunes of the Nigerian economy. The government must unders
tand that now.

‘It is in the interest of the government to know that film industries are multi-million-dollar ventures. They can create wealth.

‘From all over the world, people are watching Nollywood. People are beginning to know Nigeria through Nollywood.

‘Is it our music, film, cultural dance, or language? We are taking the world by surprise, and because it is going to Japan, China and America, it is creating foreign reserves for Nigeria’, he said.

He spoke at a three-day conference in Abuja, yesterday, in honour of visiting lecturer, Prof Onookome Okome of the Department of English and Film Studies, University of Alberta, Canada, the VC tasked the Federal Government to support Nollywood.

Just like the Nigerian music brand, Afrobeat, Nollywood products have evolved to become global brands that are known and accepted across the world.

In recent times, the industry has produce blockbusters that have been screened in international cinemas, nominated and screened at prestigious festivals such as the Toro
nto Film Festival, Berlin Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, among others.

Therefore, it can be argued that Nollywood, as one of Nigeria’s best exports to the world, has not been adequately engaged in showcasing the nation’s rich tourism potential to attract inbound tourists.

Nigeria is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, breath-taking landscapes and diverse wildlife, which position it as a potential choice destination for tourists seeking unique experiences and adventures.

The country is home to nature tourism, with a lot of natural attractions, including lush rainforest, Savannas, wetlands and unique flora and fauna, spread across its six geopolitical zones.

This diverse ecosystem offer interesting activities to tourists, such as bird-watching,photography,star-gazing,camping,hunting,fishing,hiking and games viewing.

However, with these amazing tourism attractions spread across the country, beside various cultural fiesta and celebrations, Nigeria is yet to be classified as global tour
ism destination.

In the 2019 UNTWO World Tourism Ranking, Nigeria was not among the first 10 countries in Africa, with Egypt, Morocco and South Africa standing at first, second and third positions in that order.

Primarily, this ranking is based number of visitors and the income generated from the sector within the period.

Perhaps, inadequate packaging, promotion and effective marketing of the nation’s tourism attractions to the global market is the major drawback to the sector, and this is where Nollywood should be engaged by relevant authorities.

There is need for synergy between industry players, and this is where the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) need to show political will, patriotism and commitment.

NFC has the mandate to establish a robust framework for fostering a thriving and enduring film industry and cinema culture in Nigeria, and thereby actively contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the nation.

One of the NFC’s cardinal func
tions is to produce films for domestic consumption and export, and this is what puts it in the best position to engage stakeholders in Nollywood.

NTDA is responsible for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of tourism in Nigeria, and it has the duty to encourage people living in Nigeria to take their holidays therein and people from abroad to visit Nigeria.

These agencies need to join hands to initiate a pilot project and engage relevant guilds in Nollywood including the Screen Writers Association of Nigeria, Association of Movie Producers and the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

At the ideation stage of the project, a script should be written with a story line that set historical and cultural landmarks, parks and wildlife as locations for such film.

Other tourist locations such as Yankari Game Reserves, Ikogosi warm spring, Erin Ijesha water fall, Ojukwu Bunker, among others should as well be captured.

The various cultural festivals such as Argungu Fishing Festival, Osun Osogbo Festival, the Cal
abar Carnival and others should be reflected in such project.

The Federal Government, through its relevant ministries, should as well come up with an incentive mechanism for filmmakers whose projects tends to promote the nation’s tourism landscape.

These collaborations between filmmakers and tourism authorities will consequently lead to joint marketing efforts where film trailers can be paired with tourism advertisements, and locations can offer incentives for film crews to shoot there.

There is no doubt, if well engaged, Nollywood films will introduce audiences to locations they might not have known about, effectively serving as advertisements for these places.

Such films will also highlight the cultural aspects of a location, from food and festivals to traditions and architecture, and this cultural exposure can evoke viewers’ interest in experiencing these elements first hand.

As Nollwood films take more dominant place on global stage, using them to highlight the rich tourism attractions that abound in
the country will create emotional connections with viewers.

This will attract both domestic and inbound tourists to locations which will ultimately bring sustainable tourism development and make the sector a major source of national revenue.

To be a vehicle for selling Nigerian’s tourism potential to the international community, Nollywood should take the positives from the country.

Then Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, addressed this concern at Leadership Master Training for Nollywood Celebrities and Stakeholders training under the platform of Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

‘Beyond the questions of economics and profit, there is the issue of the critical role of Nollywood in influencing culture, defining national character, and promoting national identity.

‘You also have a responsibility to tell the best stories of our beloved country”, said Gbajabiamila, now Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.

The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, acknowledges
to enormity of the task but remains upbeat about what the industry can do.

‘We are uniquely positioned in this great nation, endowed with an abundance of human capital and boundless possibilities.

‘Our collective aim is singular, and it is bold: to position Nigeria as the world’s culture, creativity and entertainment capital’, she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The President, Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Maria Lagbaja, on Wednesday inaugurated a state-of-the-art multipurpose complex built by the Army Headquarters (AHQ) Garrison Chapter, Mambilla Barracks, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the complex which serves as the Secretariat for the NAOWA AHQ Garrison chapter comprises offices, a conference hall, and a vocational training centre.

The edifice was named after the NAOWA President, the wife of Chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, as Maria Lagbaja Skills Acquisition Centre.

Lagbaja, in her remarks, said that the complex marked another significant milestone in the advancement of NAOWA.

She said it was also a testament of hard work, dedication and in line with her vision of unwavering commitment to unity and service for the betterment of humanity.

She said the facility would provide the much needed conducive environment, for meetings and gatherings of NAOWA members under the AHQ Garrison.

Lagbaja appreciated the Co
mmander, AHQ Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Koko Isoni, the chapter coordinator and members for their consistent support to the association.

She called on NAOWA members to come up with innovative projects and initiatives that would contribute positively to the growth and development of the association.

The Commander, AHQ Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Isoni, commended NAOWA for the centre and for their commitment to the growth and wellbeing of the widows of fallen heroes, youths and the vulnerable in the Balak community.

He urged them to continue to collaborate with other relevant non-governmental organisations to further develop and enhance capacity building in the barracks and surrounding communities.

‘It is our hope and desire that this centre will fulfil the purpose for which it has been established.

‘In the light of the above, I wish to reiterate that the AHQ garrison will continue to support the activities and programmes of this noble association that has continued to make us proud, both nationally and internationally,
‘ he said.

The Coordinator of Chapter, Mrs Pearl Isoni, said that the complex was possible because of hard work and the unwavering commitment to the betterment of the barracks community.

She said the centre, as a hub for innovation and creativity, would foster growth, unity, connections, and empower individuals to reach their fullest potential.

‘More importantly, this building will act as a catalyst for positive change, providing resources, support and inspiration to all who walk through this door.

‘As we stand on the threshold of this new chapter, let us carry forward the spirit of unity, collaboration, and determination that brought us to this moment.

‘In commissioning this centre, we are not just opening a door, we are opening endless possibilities for the future of the youths and women, who come here to learn skills to better their lives and our barrack community,’ Isoni said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria