Day: July 12, 2024

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says improved data collection and analysis is key to national development, especially in guiding government’ decisions.

Shettima stated this on Thursday at the commemoration of the 2024 World Population Day, organised by the National Population Commission (NPC) , at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The vice-president also underscored the importance of deployment of technology to generate comprehensive and inclusive data in strengthening systems and institutions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the theme of the 2024 world population day is ‘Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All’.

Shettima said ‘Data is life. Data is our evidence. Data is our performance.

‘It is the most realistic picture of situations, trends, and patterns; it tells us how many we are, with an understanding of the age structure, sex structure, location, and more.

‘Data is the true story of our experiences and informs us about today and the future throu
gh scientific projections, forecasting, and analysis.

He added: ‘Despite our last census taking place about 18 years ago, Nigeria has never relegated the importance of data.

‘ This is why the theme of the Day, invites us to recommit to improving our data collection, analysis, and deployment of modern technology.

‘ This will generate more comprehensive and inclusive evidence to guide government decisions, investment options, and development paths.’

The vice-president noted that inclusive data had been one of the major challenges to governance in Nigeria for decades.

He reassured that with President Bola Tinubu in the saddle, Nigerians now have a leader who ‘is not only a man of numbers, as a first-rate accountant, but also recognises them as critical components in the nation’s development drive.’

Earlier, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, urged partners at the event to leverage scientific evidence to resolve the myriads of challenges confronting the various segments of the world’s
population.

She also disclosed plans by the Federal Government to build a youth data bank that would be dedicated to harnessing the potentials of young people for national development regardless of their location and status. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government has revealed plans to set up a Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Cluster worth N110 billion.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima made this known on Thursday at the commemoration of the 2024 World Population Day (WPD), organised by the National Population Commission (NPC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

This, he said, is in addition to a Youth Data Bank and a National Youth Development Bank, as well as the already existing N110 billion Youth Investment Fund.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WPD is annually commemorated on July 11 around the globe to raise awareness of global population issues and to celebrate those who contributed to solving such issues.

The 2024 edition of the global observance has ‘Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All’ as its theme.

Shettima, therefore, said ‘it is worthy to note that under the present dispensation, we were able to fulfill the 30 per cent quota for youth inclusion in governance
across all tiers of government and most importantly, the President has walked the talk.

‘He approved N110 billion for the Youth Investment Fund. We are setting up the National Youth Development Bank. We are going to set up the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Cluster worth N110 billion.

‘This is in addition to the Youth Data Bank that minister earlier talked about that we are setting up.’

The vice-president pointed out that if governments at all levels have access to inclusive data sources, policy actions and investments would align with the needs of citizens.

He listed the needs to include the provision of decent jobs that pay sustainable incomes to working-age population, creation of affordable and equitable access to quality healthcare services at all levels, and quality education for all.

Shettima, who is the Chairman, National Economic Council (NEC), pledged to use the platform and other networks within his purview to ensure people and communities remained government’s focus for developm
ent.

He added that ‘I believe that aligning the people with investment choices will transform quantity (numbers) to quality (capital) and from liability to assets, guaranteeing rapid economic growth.’

Earlier, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, had urged partners present at the event to leverage scientific evidence to resolve challenges confronting the various segments of the world’s population.

She also disclosed plans by the Federal Government to build a youth data bank that would be dedicated to harnessing the potential of young people for national development, regardless of their location and status. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says 70 per cent of Nigerians refused to pay bribes in 2023 on at least one occasion.

This is according to the NBS Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends Report released in Abuja on Thursday.

The report said the bribery refusal rate was found to be highest in the North-West at 76 per cent, although the refusal rate recorded in all the zones was above 60 per cent.

It said in 2023, fewer citizens reported suffering negative consequences after refusing bribe requests at 38 per cent compared with the 49 per cent recorded in 2019.

‘This suggests that Nigerians feel increasingly empowered to confront corrupt officials without fear of repercussions.’

The report said in 2023, 21 per cent of all bribe refusers indicated that their main reason for refusing a bribe request was because they had other options of getting what they wanted.

It showed that 42 per cent of bribe -refusers did so because it was the right, moral thing to do while 23 per cent refused because they c
ould not afford the requested gift or payment.

‘This data shows that normative concerns as well as cost of living pressures play an important role in explaining why Nigerians refuse to pay bribes.’

The report revealed that corruption ranked fourth among the most significant problems affecting the country in 2023 at 10.9 per cent.

‘Corruption came after the cost of living at 22.6 per cent, insecurity and unemployment at 19 per cent and 13 per cent, respectively.

‘This suggests relatively stable and high levels of concerns about corruption over time and compared to other concerns such as education or housing.’

The report said Nigerians’ confidence in the government’s anti-corruption effort had been declining over time and across regions.

It said in 2019, more than half of all citizens thought that the government was effective in fighting corruption; however in 2023, the share declined to less than a third of all citizens

‘The downward trend in the citizens’ confidence is observable across the entire coun
try, with all six zones recording reductions of more than 10 percentage points between 2019 and 2023.’

The report said in 2023, more than half of all bribes paid to public officials were requested directly by those officials at 52 per cent, while indirect requests accounted for 23 per cent.

‘This was followed by facilitate procedure at nine per cent, sign of appreciation at eight per cent and third party request at five per cent.’

It revealed that more than 95 per cent of all bribes paid in 2023 were paid in monetary form (cash or money transfer), a slightly larger share than what was recorded in 2019.

‘Others are food and drink at eight per cent, animals at seven per cent exchange for other services at four per cent.’

The report said that roughly N721 billion was paid in cash bribes to public officials in Nigeria in 2023, corresponding to 0.35 per cent of the entire Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria.

It said in 2023, out of all citizens who paid a bribe, 8.6 per cent reported their experience to
an official institution capable of investigating or otherwise following up and acting on that report.

‘This represents a marked increase in the bribery reporting rate since 2019 when it stood at 3.6 per cent.

‘The increase is primarily driven by developments in the Northern zones, where the bribery reporting rate increased markedly from 4.7 per cent in 2019 to 13.4 per cent in 2023.

‘In the Southern zones, the bribery reporting rate instead decreased moderately from 2.5 per cent in 2019 to 1.7 per cent in 2023.’

The report said more formal procedures were initiated due to reporting at 45 per cent and fewer cases had no follow-up at 17 per cent.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this is the third round of the corruption survey with the first two rounds held in 2016 and 2019, respectively, across the 36 states and the FCT.

The corruption survey also known as the National Survey on Quality and Integrity of Public Services in Nigeria was implemented by NBS in partnership with United Nations Offi
ce on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Prof. Babatunde Salako, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), on Thursday said no fewer than 25,000 Nigerians have benefited from the institute’s HIV clinic programme and research.

Salako disclosed this during a news conference which was part of events to mark the end of his eight-year tenure as director-general of the institute.

He said that NIMR also played a significant role in training national workforce in the control and fight against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that HIV is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which weakens the immune system by destroying T-cells in the human body.

He said: ‘NIMR has played a significant role over the years in HIV pandemic and it will interest Nigerians to know that the institute diagnosed the first cases of HIV in the country.

‘The institute has an HIV research centre and a clinic programme for many patients of over 25,000 in recent years.

‘The institute
was also involved in determining the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of some anti-retroviral drugs especially the anti generic drugs when introduced to the country.’

Salako, who emphasised the economic importance of NIMR to the healthcare sector, added that the institute tested approximately 65,000 Nigerians for COVID-19 with its home-grown solutions.

The director-general also added that NIMR contributed significantly in building the capacity of no fewer than 1,600 healthcare workers, including doctors, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and students.

Highlighting other milestones achieved during his tenure, Salako said the institute also provided support in the areas of research for tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases and malaria among others.

He noted that in spite progress made in NIMR, challenges such as staff attrition, limited cancer research, and inadequate funding affected some of its research work.

Salako emphasised the need for more researchers to work on larger cancer studies to prev
ent a double burden of the condition.

‘We can’t wait until it becomes a double burden. We plead for expansion in cancer research,’ he said.

Salako, whose tenure will end on July 23, applauded the government for increasing the institute’s yearly allocation significantly. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, says the African continent is determined to empower its marginalised communities through its natural resources.

Alake described Africa as endowed with natural resources, capable of driving its sustainable economic growth, particularly with the critical minerals needed for the global energy transition.

He stated this on Thursday in Abuja. at a press briefing against the backdrop of the forthcoming 2024 African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS).

He said that equitable distribution of resources and targeted investments in local communities were key to empowering those historically underserved.

Alake said that the move would reduce inequality, promote social stability, and ensure inclusive growth across the continent.

‘By channeling investments into rural areas and marginalised communities, we can create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, improve access to essential services, and foster an environment, where every indiv
idual has the chance to thrive.’

He said that the summit, to be hosted by Nigeria from July 16 to July 18 was aimed at exploring strategies for utilising fossil fuel revenues to fund Africa’s transition to a greener future.

‘AFNIS 2024 is not merely a gathering of minds, but a convergence of visionaries committed to transforming Africa’s natural resource landscape.

‘ Our discussions and decisions will resonate across the continent, influencing policies, shaping industries, and setting the course for a sustainable future,’ he said.

The minister said that the summit was also aimed at bolstering the continent’s efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, while fostering the development of cleaner, more accessible, and reliable energy sources.

According to the minister, the summit will provide a platform for government officials, the private sector and industry experts from across the continent to chart ways for the sustainable development of its natural resources.

He said that the 2024 them
e ‘Natural Resources for Economic Development,’ underscored the significant role that Africa’s natural resources play in driving economic prosperity.

Alake said that the economic growth of the region would have multiplier effects, including alleviating poverty and creating job opportunities for its people.

‘ By fostering economic growth, we can alleviate poverty, create job opportunities and ensure prosperity for all.

‘The responsible exploitation of our resources will generate revenues that can be reinvested into our economies, enhancing infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

‘This cycle of growth will elevate the living standards of our people and position Africa as a formidable player in the global economy, ‘he said.

The minister said that the summit would deliberate on leveraging Africa’s natural resources to address crucial issues such as quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation.

He added that other issues to tackle also include provision of affordable and clean energy, an
d proactive climate action.

Alake explained that the summit would be the third edition and would be hosted in partnership with Core International Mining Company.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and justice minister Lateef Fagbemi, have applauded the Supreme Court judgement granting autonomy to local governments.

The legislators and the minister spoke on Thursday in Abuja when they visited President Bola Tinubu at the State House.

Akpabio said the request for local governments’ autonomy was placed before the courts by the Attorney General of the Federation(AGF), because the government felt strongly about separation of powers and the need for autonomy for all arms of government.

‘The Supreme Court has spoken and we have no option than to abide by the Supreme Court ruling.

‘So, I will just call on all states of the federation to respect what the Supreme Court has done and then we will go back to the legislature to ensure full implementation.

‘The words of the Supreme Court are like the words of the king; they cannot go without implementation,’ said Akpabio.

He said the ruling was great for democracy.

‘I congratula
te the president for this initiative.

‘I know that all Nigerians now know that the local government is an arm of government meant for the grassroots and their money should be for the grassroots.

‘Definitely, local governments can now undertake projects on their own. So, it’s a great day for democracy and is the beginning of great things to come.’

To the governors who seem not to conduct elections at local government level, Akpabio said that they should ensure impartial elections at the local government level so that all the political parties could participate.

‘At the moment, there’s a lot of lethargy and nonchalant attitude by many political parties not in power at the state level; they hardly partake in local government elections because of the bandwagon effect and all that.

‘So, it is a great thing that the Supreme Court has done the needful, and now we have to go back and think. We shall work with the AGF’s office and the parliament to ensure that there’s real election at the local government level.

‘
I think that once that is done, everybody will have confidence. It’s progress for democracy, and that is how it should be.

‘So, we congratulate the justices of the Supreme Court and we, in the parliament, are determined to make sure there’s enforceability,’ he said.

Abbas was emphatic that history had been made with the Supreme Court judgement affirming the autonomy of local governments.

‘This is an issue that has been before the parliament for the past two years; of the constitutional amendments so far carried by the National Assembly, one aspect has always been local government autonomy.

‘Today, everyone is happy and we are looking forward to local governments that will work functionally, and that will be able to work on their own and extend goodwill to their own people undisturbed,’ he said.

Fagbemi likened the Supreme Court judgement to the emancipation of local governments.

‘It has freed them from the shackles of the past.

‘I hope that local government officials will look at it as an opportunity t
o develop their various local governments.

‘Part of it requires that state government’s conduct elections for local government areas.

‘The ball is in the court of the governors but the judgement is clear as to what they should do.

‘The judgement is clear as to what consequences will follow failure or refusal to follow the judgement of the Supreme Court which takes immediate effect.'(NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria