Day: September 4, 2024

Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, says Nigeria got the largest intervention fund spent by the foundation in Africa.

Gates said this during an interview session with selected journalists on the sidelines of the 2024 NutriVision Dialogue on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, helping reduce health inequality globally is the top priority of the foundation, including getting rid of diseases like measles, malaria, and polio.

‘We spend a lot in Asia, but we spend even more in Africa. The country we spend the biggest part of our fund in Africa on is Nigeria.

‘That makes sense because of the population and because of the incredible needs that are here.

‘That means that I’ve literally spent billions in Nigeria.

‘I feel glad that things like the child mortality rate have come down, but we could do a lot better,’ he said.

Gates further said that the foundation planned to spend more in future, disclosing that the funding would be centred on improving primary health care.

‘Our work is
almost entirely primary health care because the impact per dollar is dramatically greater than anywhere else,’ he said.

He said that aside health, the foundation also invests lots of money in the agric sector, noting that boosting agricultural productivity was critical to Nigeria’s economic development.

This, he said, would be achievable through access to high yield and climate resistant seeds, fertilisers, improved and timely information and better weather predictions to farmers.

According to him, this will significantly boost agricultural output and lower food cost.

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The philanthropist said the foundation supports partners in implementing food fortification of some staple foods, noting that this improves the nutritional quality of food supply and provides a public health benefit.

He emphasised that having access to a variety of low-cost foods, especially, milk and eggs are quite powerful to reducing malnutrition.

Gates noted that the time was apt
to utilise innovative ideas and tools in the health and agricultural sector to substantially reduce malnutrition.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that since its inception in 2000, the foundation has supported partnerships with African regional institutions, national governments, and local communities in 49 African countries.

The foundation contributes funding and scientific expertise in support of their agendas for change.

These partnerships have driven the success of numerous health, agriculture, equality, and anti-poverty initiatives.

The foundation has committed more than $7 billion through 2026 to support African countries and institutions working to develop and implement innovative approaches to confront hunger, disease, gender inequality, and poverty.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

On assuming office as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on May 29, Shehu Mohammed brought a remarkable level of enthusiasm and dedication to implementing sweeping reforms within the organisation.

In his inaugural address, the new Corps Marshal articulated his vision, which focuses on a comprehensive overhaul of the FRSC and setting the stage for transformation and improvement.

He announced that the FRSC would undergo a major transformation, emerging as a top-tier global road safety agency, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.

The Corps Marshal expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to lead the organisation and pledged to work tirelessly to ensure safety on Nigeria roads and protect the well-being of road users.

Mohammed acknowledged the contributions of the founding fathers of FRSC, including Prof. Wole Soyinka, and Dr Olu Agunloye, who worked hard to establish the organisation’s ideals.

He emphasised the need to revive these legacies t
o address current challenges faced by the Corps such as mob actions against staff, staff knockdowns by drivers, and assaults on Marshals.

The Corps Marshal outlined six focal points for his administration which are to rejig and reposition operational strategies to conform with present-day realities.

According to him, others are training and retraining of staff to align with realistic expectations; Strategic partnerships with sister agencies, international organisations, and Special Marshals.

Digital transformation in operations, including the establishment of a Technical Advisory Unit; Discipline and renewed covenant with the Nigerian motoring public; and harmonisation of the ranking structure, career progression, and provision of an environment conducive for working .

As part of his initial familiarisation tour, the Corps Marshal visited several critical infrastructure of the commission located in Abuja.

This include the National Driver’s License Centres in Wuse and Kado, which he said helped in gauging
service delivery efforts and engaging with personnel and stakeholders.

He also visited the Number Plate Production Plant in Gwagwalada to examine manufacturing processes and assess the plant’s efficiency.

According to Mohammed, the visit came as a result of several complaints from the public about the facilities and poor working environment.

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Confronting the challenge, he constituted a task force to ensure that the backlog of plate numbers were cleared as soon as possible.

He directed 24-hour production and immediate rectification of the identified technical glitches that affected the overall production capacity of the plant.

The Corps Marshal’s strategic intervention yielded impressive results, with the centre producing nearly 74,000 licences in two weeks.

This notable achievement enabled the centre to clear its existing backlog and now functions at optimal levels to fulfilling public demands.

Owing to the strategic intervention mecha
nisms introduced towards ensuring safety on the highways, the FRSC Corps Marshal, held strategic meetings with the heads of other sister security agencies.

During such meetings, Mohammed emphasised the need for interagency collaboration to combat car theft and counter the activities of criminal elements.

He met with Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Adewale Adeniyi, where he highlighted the critical impact of road safety on national security.

As part of his restructuring efforts, the Corps Marshal implemented a comprehensive deployment strategy, ensuring that all states were equitably represented in the appointment of Sector and Zonal Commanding Officers.

The new Corps Marshal also unveiled a new strategy for transforming the Ember Month campaign, aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing crashes during the peak travel season.

Mohammed noted that the conventional Ember Month campaign methods, s
uch as motor park rallies, had not been effective in achieving the desired impact.

‘The crash statistics are still alarming and unacceptable. Nigerians are looking up to the corps and there are high expectations from us to deliver.

‘Therefore, we will revamp the strategy, adopt a more interactive approach that involves collaborating with stakeholders and hosting press conferences to enhance road safety awareness and outcomes.

‘We need to reverse this trend. Let us agree that if we keep doing the same thing, we will keep getting the same results. Drastic challenges require drastic solutions.

‘We have realised that commuters have a crucial role to play in reducing road crashes. They should have a say in who drives them and ensure that drivers adhere to safety measures.

‘With this, we felt the emphasis should not just be on drivers and we should also go to commuters to assist us.

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‘Passengers much have a say on who drives them and who con
trols them to reach their destination,’ he said.

The Corps Marshal urged commanding officers to reinforce their alliances with traditional and religious leaders, recognising the critical role they play in amplifying the safer road campaigns.

On July 30, the FRSC boss announced that the judiciary has promised to collaborate with the corps by providing the necessary support for the strict enforcement of traffic laws.

This, he said, included the prosecution of offenders using mobile courts, when necessary to ensure a safer and more orderly transportation system nationwide.

Within his first 100 days as Corps Marshal, he took steps to promote cycling as an alternative mode of transportation.

To lead by example, he participated in a bicycle ride alongside stakeholders to commemorate the Sixth World Bicycle Day, showcasing his commitment to sustainable transportation.

Mohammed urged relevant authorities to ensure that professionals were consulted and involved in the design and construction of roads to accommod
ate bicycle lanes and facilities.

He also emphasised the importance of motorists recognising and respecting the rights of bicycle riders on the road.

‘Without mincing words, no mode of transportation promotes the culture of serenity, orderliness, friendly neighbourhood and urban peace as the bicycle.

‘It is the only individual means of mobility fit for all residents irrespective of age, gender and class.

‘We hereby emphasise the use of bicycle as a panacea for promoting health, preventing disease, promoting tolerance with a sense of community, mutual understanding and respect and facilitating social inclusion,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the corps also inaugurated a comprehensive capacity-building programme, leading to the training of personnel across various cadres and the graduation of junior officers.

The Corps Marshal said that the training, a first of its kind, was designed to enhance skills and knowledge to meet evolving demands in road safety management and traffic administration.

‘No fewer than 1,646
personnel were trained, including 341 unit commanders, 415 road marshal assistants, 700 drivers, 90 monitoring and evaluation officers, and 100 junior officers,’ he said.

On August 25, a Marshal refresher course on repositioning FRSC for enhanced service delivery in patrol and rescue operations was also inaugurated.

Another milestone of the Mohammed-led FRSC was the remarkable 12 per cent crash reduction, compared to the same period last year, indicating a substantial progress in reducing road traffic crashes and promoting safety.

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Motorists and road users commended the achievement as a ground-breaking milestone, praising Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed as a transformative leader who has brought unparalleled positive change to the FRSC.

‘Honestly, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the behaviour of FRSC personnel on the roads.

‘Unlike in the past, when they would often stop and harass drivers without reason, they now conduct t
hemselves in a more professional and respectful manner,’ said a commuter.

‘It’s clear that the Corps Marshal is dedicated to creating a safer and more pleasant driving experience for the public. I wish him continued success and pray that he completes his tenure on a high note,’ said Mr Owolabi Arowolo, a driver.

In a bid to further enhance road safety, the FRSC is set to inaugurate a cutting-edge mobile app on September 5, designed to identify and alert users to black spots and high-risk areas while traveling on highways.

The Corps Marshal noted that this user-friendly app would consolidate all FRSC resources, products, and directives, making it a one-stop-shop for road safety information and services.

‘The app will show and give significant information about road black spots, and alert of any crash spot ahead while travelling.

‘The app system will inform and remind the users of due dates to renew their driver’s licence, service their vehicles and other notable information,’ he said.

No doubt the first
100 days in office of Shehu Mohammed as the FRSC Corps Marshal has witnessed flurry of activities, which are geared towards the transformation of FRSC in the country.

Though it is still too early to draw conclusions on the performance of the Corps Marshal, experts say there are clear indications that the present administration is committed to giving a new face to FRSC.

They, however, said the new Corps Marshal needs the support of the government, especially in the area of funding, which is key to achieving his target.(NANFeatures)

** If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) says it has taken steps to diversify the economy, strengthen international competitiveness, reduce import dependency and boost Nigeria’s productions and exports.

Director-General of the council, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja, on the sideline of an event to celebrate his 100 days in office.

He expressed the desire to return the council to its original mandate of diversifying the economy through production, generating revenue and contributing to economic growth.

‘Therefore, there is a need for RMRDC to diversify her economy, strengthen international competitiveness and transition from consumption and import dependency to production and export.

‘Our vision is clear; to catalyse sustainable industrial development in Nigeria, ensuring that our country maximises its abundant raw materials resources for its prosperity and global competitiveness.’

The D-G promised to refocus and transform the Council into a world-class r
esearch organisation that would drive innovation in raw material exploitation, development, utilisation, supporting business growth and contributing to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

NAN reports that FG’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a transformative policy thrust aimed at real sector development which is one of RMRDC’s mandates.

‘The Council will refocus its productivity and operational efficiency as a premier research institute.

‘This will strengthen staff and improve welfare to achieve the best standards.

‘In addition to boosting the Council’s visibility among research institutes to achieve remarkable productivity, we’ll also strengthen the Council’s place in the international arena.’

The RMRDC boss emphasised the need for research that directly feeds into the needs of the industrial sector.

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‘We need to ensure you have research that is easily commercialisable; we want research that the industries can accept and that will
contribute to industrial competitiveness,

‘The new research template designed by RMRDC has already been circulated to universities across the country with the support of the Nigerian Universities Commission.’

The D-G also said that the Council would soon launch an e-registration and certification portal to enhance transparency in the raw materials sector as well as enhance transparency in intellectual property and patent portfolio.

‘We plan to engage donor partners and diplomatic missions in October, where the Council will present its programmes and explore potential collaborations.

‘The RMRDC is also looking beyond traditional funding sources to support its initiatives.

‘We hope that if it is successful, we will have substantial commitments that will help in funding some of the initiatives we have lined up,’ Ike-Muoso said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

ActionAid Technical Working Group has called for stringent punitive measures against judicial officers who deliberately misuse the application of the law in adjudication.

Ms Adesuwa Iluobe, Coordinator of the ActionAid Citizens’ Led Engagements on Judicial Accountability in Post-Election Justice Delivery in Nigeria (CLEAP-Justice) project, presented the recommendations to newsmen in Abuja.

Iluobe said the interactive session with the media with the theme ‘Towards Increased Citizens’ Consciousness for a Transparent Judiciary ‘ was to discuss the gaps within the Acts that necessitate reforms and policy advocacy.

She said: ‘We equally recommend that the National Judiciary Council (NJC) should be more proactive in the discipline of judges who misuse ex-parte orders and such judges should not be appointed to election tribunals.

‘Making disciplinary reports public would deter judges from compromised actions, as they would be aware of the potential public scrutiny.

‘Collaboration with identified incorruptible
judges should be pursued and comprehensive security and welfare provided to help them withstand external pressure”.

According to her, the project also recommends enhanced objectivity and transparency in the appointment of judges and throughout the judicial system.

‘The process applied by NJC should include citizens’ scrutiny of proposed appointees.

‘The establishment of an online platform is needed for citizens to report judicial misconduct or blow the whistle on judges and court proceedings.

‘Also, the position of the CJN should be unbundled to reduce the concentration of power and promote transparency.

‘There should be deputies to all Heads of Courts, with their roles and responsibilities clearly defined”.

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She said that where there are allegations against the CJN and other Supreme Court justices, Justices of Supreme Court level from other Commonwealth jurisdictions should be involved in the disciplinary process.

S
he said that CLEAP Justice also recommended a constitution amended to the effect that election litigations for National Assembly and gubernatorial elections should be at two levels.

‘The litigation should end at the Court of Appeal, with three-panel members at the lower court and five at the Court of Appeal.

‘Also, independent experts on elections in each tribunal should be included to provide opinions.

‘In order to ensure completion of Election Petitions before swearing-in, there should be shorter timelines for election petitions from 180 days to a maximum of 120 days or 60 days at each level”.

‘Individuals who have worked with INEC should be restricted from engaging in partisan politics for at least five years after leaving the commission.

‘It recommended that efforts should be made to nurture public trust in election processes and outcomes and transparency in the electoral system promoted”.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Some stakeholders have reiterated an urgent need for collaborative action to address poverty and promote gender equity in the country.

The stakeholders spoke at the Gender and Inclusion Summit 2024 (GS-24), convened by the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit aims to highlight possible ways Nigeria can address growing poverty in the country.

The summit scheduled for Sept. 4 to Sept. 5, has as its theme: ‘Reimagining gender inclusive pathways and partnerships for poverty reduction.’

The Chairman of the NESG, Mr Olaniyi Yusuf, expressed the commitment of the NESG to transforming Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape through impactful reforms and inclusive development.

Yusuf said that the PIC, since its inauguration, had remained a pioneering force for behavioural insights and gender-transformative approach in Africa.

According to him, the summit, institutionalised annually since 2022, serv
es as a crucial platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue and collaboration.

He said this year’s theme brought to view the pressing issue of multidimensional poverty, which disproportionately affected women and had continued to impede the nation’s progress.

He said that the aim was to create solutions that can directly lead to the reduction of inequality and deprivations that have stifled progress for far too long.

‘Together, I believe we aspire to forge a path towards a more just, equitable and a prosperous society where every individual can thrive and can contribute to our shared prosperity.

‘We need to design and implement solutions that will allow our women and every citizen to take their rightful place in our society so that our dear nation can finally realise its potential.

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‘Therefore, I welcome you all at this summit and enjoin you to make the most of the opportunity.

‘We will work together and collaborate to reimagine
gender inclusive pathways and partnerships for poverty reduction,’ he said.

Earlier, the PIC Chairman, Mr Udeme Ufot , restated the importance of ensuring solutions to the disparities and inclusivity in Nigeria.

‘By uniting the collective power of government, development partners, civil societies, academia, the private sector, and citizens, we aim to inspire collective commitment and focus action towards the agenda of an inclusive society.

‘The 2nd edition focuses on the theme, building bridges, advancing gender and inclusion through the intersection of trade and health.

‘This year, we are placing significant emphasis on the issues surrounding multidimensional poverty as Africa is home to a significant proportion of the world’s poorest and marginalised population,’ he said.

According to Ufot, poverty remains widespread, with a large segment of the population living below the 2.15 dollars per day.

‘Therefore, addressing these challenges and rectifying a variety of approaches to combat poverty and inequal
ity is crucial.

‘Ending poverty and reducing inequality are critical to the attainment of the sustainable development goals,’ he said.

He restated the commitment of the PIC to ensuring that every idea and recommendation from the summit was documented in a purple book to facilitate sustained advocacy for the summit.

Meanwhile , the Director of Women’s Economic Empowerment at Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mrs Greta Bull, emphasised the need to improve women’s ability to generate and manage their own income.

Bull said that across the world, poverty still wore a woman’s face.

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‘This is especially true in Nigeria where, according to the World Bank, 70 per cent of the population living below the poverty line are women.

‘There are more than twice as many Nigerian women living in poverty than men, and still, women have lesser access to the skills, tools and resources that would help close this gap.

‘The reality is that Ni
geria can not reach its true potential when women and girls lack economic opportunity.

‘Unfortunately, programmes and policies that support women’s economic opportunity are often deprioritised, particularly when hard tradeoffs have to be made,’ she said.

Bull said that women empowerment was crucial for economic growth.

She said that women should be seen as economic actors rather than charity cases.

She said that women should be provided with access to affordable credit, markets, labour enhancing assets and digital tools among others to address this challenge.

‘Nigeria will only build sustainable economic opportunities for women by building a platform for them to stand on.

‘By uprooting gender blind systems and replanting them with ones that truly prioritise and support women to thrive through Nigeria’s experience and the experience of peer countries, ‘ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Olusegun Runsewe, President of Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), has commended Nigeria’s female teenage golfer, Iyene Essien, for her exploits at the St. Lawrence University Fall Invitational in Canton, New York, U.S.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Essien, a first-year Electrical Engineering student of Union College, Schenectady, New York, had a record-setting weekend to start her collegiate career at the SLU Fall Invitational.

This was after she carded rounds of 70 and 81 to earn medalist honours with a programme-record two-day score of 151.

She smashed the school record by five strokes with her two-under 70 in her collegiate debut on Saturday, carding three birdies, an eagle, and no holes higher than bogey.

Facing incredibly difficult conditions, Essien carved up the course with the first sub-par round in Union golf history, surpassing the previous record of 75 set by current senior Liz Bentsianov on Sept. 17, 2022 at the tournament.

The 18-year-old carded an eagle on the par-five 11th to
go with three birdies and three bogies in her collegiate debut, carding dual nines of 35 on the way to her record-setting score.

She followed up with an 81 on Sunday to break the school two-day scoring record and post a four-stroke victory.

It was only the third individual medalist honour in programme history and the first at an event with more than three teams.

Her effort ensured that she led the Union College women’s golf team to a third-place finish at the season-opening tournament, held on Saturday and Sunday at Oliver D. Appleton Golf Course.

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Her excellent performance also saw her earn the Union College Women’s Golf Performer of the Week award and three more earning spots on the weekly honour roll.

Runsewe, while commending Essien, a product of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, on Wednesday, described her accomplishments as an inspiration to the younger generation.

He added that she was an ambassador of Nigeria’s gras
sroots golf development.

He said her exploits, while in college, was a fulcrum of great possibilities and renewed hope for Nigeria and Nigerians.

The NGF President said the success story of Essien was the motivating factor behind his desire to ensure that more talents were discovered at the grassroots in the country.

‘Under my leadership as the NGF President, I have always emphasised the need to concentrate on grassroots development of the sport.

‘This is why we have been able to build the Golf and Health Signature, a hub for the growth and development of young talents in the country.

‘This is the way other advanced countries grew the game,’ he said.

He said other countries started well and early, ‘and that’s exactly what we are also trying to achieve here at the Golf and Health Signature.

‘These young talents are the future of the sport, and in a few years to come, they will represent Nigeria in different circuits around the world.’

He also commended the efforts of Essien’s parents who committed thei
r time, energy and resources to seeing her through the most crucial part of her golfing career, while also ensuring that she gets the best education.

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He urged other parents to borrow a leaf from Essien’s story and encourage their children to start playing golf at an early age.

He also assured of the NGF’s continued support for young golfers to enable them reach their full potential.

The NGF boss also called for more sponsorship by corporate bodies, private institutions and philanthropists to support grassroots development of the sport in the country.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria