Day: September 24, 2024

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has promised to increase funds allocation for nutrition intervention in the FCT Administration’s 2025 budget.

Wike made the promise when the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) visited him in Abuja on Tuesday.

The minister particularly commended the agency’s Capacity Development for Nutrition Improvement Project (CADNIP), in FCT and open defecation projects, which he described as a huge success.

He said that to sustain the successes, the FCTA would improve the budgetary allocation for nutrition intervention in the 2025, but with a caveat on transparency and accountability in utilisation of the funds.

He pointed out that improved nutrition was key to achieving the goals in health, education and agriculture among other sectors.

‘Therefore, if we could add more funds, it will go a long way in improving the standard of service delivery in major sectors,’ he said.

Wike further requested the continuation of JICA intervention in educati
on, particularly to improve the teaching of mathematics and other science subjects in FCT public schools.

Mr Ubokutom Nyah, Mandate Secretary, Economic planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership, disclosed Wike’s approval for the establishment of Nutrition Department in the secretariat and Nutrition Unit across FCTA secretariat and agencies.

Nyah pointed out that the FCTA has been struggling to establish the nutrition department to serve as the focal point for the operation of nutrition programmes and projects.

‘This was the clog that was holding the success and implementation of nutrition project in the FCTA.

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‘It is part of the requirement for the smooth implementation of the JICA nutrition project and other nutrition interventions,’ he said.

Also, Dr Udo Atang, Head of FCT Civil Service, said that the approval for the establishment of the nutrition department has been forwarded to Common Services.

Atang expl
ained that the measure was for the department to be properly reflected in the FCTA’s organisational structure.

He said that recommendations for appointment of the Head of the Nutrition Department and other deployments would be forwarded to the minister for approval.

According to him, the multisectoral approval would enhance the structure and improve nutrition programme coordination and implementation in the FCTA.

Earlier, Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Nigeria, said that the nutrition and open defecation projects were among several projects being implemented by JICA in FCT.

Kazuyoshi, who described the projects as a huge success, solicited for more collaboration to deepen the results-oriented projects and impact more FCT communities.

On his part, Mr Sonoyama Hideki, Chief Project Advisor, CADNIP, explained that the project, earlier designed for implementation from March 2019 to February 2024 has been extended to October 2024.

Hideki said that the pro
ject targeted 11,000 pregnant women, children under two years, and mothers.

He said that the project goal was to develop an effective food-based nutrition improvement approach in rural areas.

He added that the project was also designed to strengthen the multisectoral structure of FCTA to adopt the approach.

The chief project advisor said that at the end of the five-year project, minimum dietary diversity for children from six to 23 months increased from 31.8 per cent to 49.8 per cent.

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He added that minimum meal frequency for the same age group increased from 81.5 per cent to 86.9 per cent, while minimum dietary diversity for mothers and pregnant women increased from 41.3 per cent to 54.1 per cent.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to the review and upgrade the Abuja Master Plan.

Wike stated this when a team of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) visited him in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said the project, under the Review and Upgrading of Integrated Urban Development Master Plan for Abuja, would be implemented in partnership with JICA.

‘For us, be assured that it is a project that we are committed to, and we will do all we can to see that the project comes to fruition,’ he said.

The minister promised the JICA team that all the expectations from the FCTA for the implementation of the project would be made in due course.

He also assured JICA of stronger collaboration for the development of the FCT, including satellite towns and environs.

Also speaking, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), said the review of the 45-year-old Abuja Master Plan was crucial to addre
ss current challenges in the capital city.

‘We are talking about supporting facilities in terms of infrastructure, water supply, power supply, and storm water and wastewater drainage system.

‘We are also looking at the need for a smart city for Abuja, so that the city will be one of the top cities of the world.

‘Urban mobility has remained a challenge, and we are feeling that they should look into those areas to enhance it,’ he said.

Ahmad said the population explosion in Abuja had equally created the need to look into creation of employment opportunities.

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He said the JICA team, with support from a technical team from critical departments of the FCTA and FCDA have begun collection of basic data for the formulation of the project’s inception report.

According to him, an international conference will be convened to seek inputs from critical stakeholders once the inception report is approved.

Earlier, Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, the
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Nigeria, said the open defecation, nutrition and urban development projects were few among the numerous projects being implemented by JICA in FCT.

Kazuyoshi particularly said that Capacity Development for Nutrition Improvement in FCT and the elimination of open defecation projects recorded a huge success.

He solicited for more collaboration with the FCTA to deepen the result-oriented project to impact on more communities of the FCT.

Speaking on the review and upgrade of the Abuja Master Plan, Mr Nobukuyi Kobe, Infrastructure Management Department, JICA, said the goal was to ensure sustainability in line with relevant government policies.

Kobe said that Output 1 of the project was the formulation of regional infrastructure development strategy for the Federal Capital City and satellite towns, and integrated urban development plan from 2025 to 2050.

He added that Output 2, was an enhanced capacity of planning and implementation officers of the review
ed plan.

He, however, said that FCTA would be expected to support in expediting correspondence with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The FCTA, he said, is also expected to approve the reviewed and updated plan, along with the Urban and Regional Planning Act, as well as seamless collaboration of FCTA and FCDA.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the importance of the critical minerals sector in driving global economic growth and sustainability.

By leveraging key sectors such as mining, energy, and manufacturing, the President said South Africa is set to improve its business environment and attract much-needed investment.

He was addressing the African Minerals Forum hosted by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) and Prosper Africa on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79), in New York, USA, on Monday.

He highlighted that four months ago, South Africa held national general elections, which ushered in a Government of National Unity, where 10 political parties have come together to coalesce around a common agenda for economic growth and sustainable development.

President Ramaphosa underlined South Africa’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change through the country’s Just Energy Transition Plan. This plan aims to guide the sh
ift from coal to renewable energy, while also ensuring equitable economic opportunities for affected communities.

‘South Africa’s and Africa’s critical minerals sector has a crucial role to play in this regard, and we recognise the importance of collaboration with other countries to develop the potential of our critical minerals sector.

‘The US in particular has established expertise in advanced mining technologies, automation and sustainability practices.

‘We want to strengthen our ties with US companies and institutions to foster technological advancements, enhance supply chain efficiencies and attract investment into our mining sector,’ the President said.

The President also emphasised that South Africa strongly endorses the United Nations Secretary-General’s position paper on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, where he highlights the importance of beneficiation, benefit sharing, local value addition and economic diversification.

‘It would not be an understatement to say that the minerals that lie b
eneath the soil of Africa are powering the green energy revolution. Thirty percent of the world’s proven critical mineral reserves are found in Sub-Saharan Africa.

‘South Africa has substantial reserves of platinum group metals, manganese, vanadium as well as chromium.

‘These resources are fundamental to the development of cutting-edge technologies that drive progress in various sectors. What will be critical is to ensure that this progress does not leave Africa behind,’ he said.

The President stressed the need to avoid perpetuating colonial-era exploitation, where African countries primarily export raw minerals. He said that by focusing on beneficiation and domestic processing, African nations could see significant economic growth.

President Ramaphosa highlighted that beneficiation and local processing of critical minerals could increase the continent’s GDP by 12% or more by 2050.

He cited estimates suggesting that African countries could generate USD 24 billion annually in GDP and create 2.3 million jo
bs by investing in mining beneficiation and domestic processing.

President Ramaphosa highlighted the strides made by SASOL, South Africa’s flagship petrochemical company, in leading green hydrogen technologies research and development.

‘As the global automotive industry moves towards Electric Vehicles and New Energy Vehicles, we are leveraging our rich experience with automotive production to get some of the world’s leading automotive manufactures with a footprint in South Africa to produce more their green vehicles in our country,’ he said.

Despite improvements in the beneficiation of South Africa’s mineral exports, President Ramaphosa admitted that more needs to be done.

He underscored the country’s commitment to creating a supportive policy framework for the critical minerals sector, focused on streamlining regulations, fostering innovation in mining technologies, building workforce skills, improving transport and logistics infrastructure, and incentivising investment.

South Africa’s five-point policy
approach aims to create a supportive environment for the critical minerals sector. This includes simplifying regulations, supporting research and development in mining technologies, investing in workforce skills, improving logistics infrastructure, and incentivising domestic and international investment.

‘South Africa also has a beneficiation strategy that seeks to translate the benefits of our country’s mineral endowments into a national competitive advantage.

‘As the UN Secretary-General’s paper has noted, Critical Energy Transition Minerals can transform economies, create green jobs and foster sustainable local, regional and global development,’ he said.

President Ramaphosa further stressed that for the potential of critical minerals to be fully realised, both mineral-producing nations and their end-user countries must embrace inclusivity.

He emphasised the importance of creating decent work opportunities, eradicating exploitative practices such as child and forced labour, and ensuring human rights pro
tections.

Local beneficiation and industrialisation were highlighted as priorities, alongside environmental safeguards to ensure sustainable extraction practices.

The President urged for a long-term focus on inter-generational equity, recognising that critical minerals are vital for solving global challenges like climate change, energy, and food insecurity.

He called on US companies to collaborate in fostering sustainable development.

‘By leveraging our respective strengths, pursuing strategic collaborations, and implementing supportive policies, we stand ready to meet the demands of the global market and drive sustainable development.

‘I call on US companies and investors to join us on our journey,’ he said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

South Africa is set to experience a mix of warm and cool temperatures in the coming days, with a significant drop in temperatures and even light snowfall expected later this month, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

This after the weekend’s freezing temperatures and snowfall in some parts of the country caused havoc on the roads, resulting in one fatality.

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Forecaster at the South African Weather Service (SAWS) Lehlogonolo Thobela provided an outlook for the week ahead, highlighting warm conditions across much of the country.

‘Today we are expecting just warm temperatures over the central parts, ranging between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius, that’s on average in the Northern Cape province.

‘In Gauteng, the weather will be cooler in the south but warm in the northern areas, with maximum temperatures reaching about 25 degrees in the north and about 24 to 22 degrees over the southern parts,’ Thobela said.

The Eastern Cape will e
xperience varied conditions, with cool weather in the northeastern parts but warmer and even hot temperatures in the south.

‘It will be quite cool over most parts of the northeastern parts of the Eastern Cape but warm over most of the province and hot over the southern parts,’ Thobela explained.

The Western Cape, meanwhile, will see cooler conditions in the west but warmer weather in the east.

‘Just warm temperatures are expected across the country,’ Thobela said.

Looking ahead to Wednesday, Thobela forecasted hot temperatures in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, with highs of 34 degrees Celsius, and similarly warm to hot conditions in Limpopo.

‘It will be warm over most parts of the country, with maximums between 25 and 30 degrees over the central parts,’ he noted.

He said that cooler weather will persist in the Western Cape, especially along the west coast, where temperatures are expected to reach a maximum of 22 degrees.

The heat is set to continue through the week, especially in Limpopo and the northern p
arts of KwaZulu-Natal, with hot conditions predicted for the 26th and 27th of September.

‘It will be hot over most parts of Limpopo on the 26th and 27th,’ Thobela said.

Central regions like the Free State, North West, and Gauteng will remain warm during this period.

However, a significant temperature drop is expected later in the month, starting on the 29th of September.

‘It will be cold over the southern parts, and the Western Cape will be very cold, with maximums ranging between 10 and 14 degrees Celsius,’ Thobela said.

The Eastern Cape will remain cool, with colder conditions in the central and southwestern parts.

On the 30th of September, cold conditions will spread to KwaZulu-Natal and parts of the Free State.

‘There is some light snow expected over the highland areas of the Eastern Cape, as well as the southwestern parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the border of Lesotho, between the 30th [of September] and the 1st of October,’ Thobela revealed, though he assured that the snowfall would be light.

The co
ld snap will extend to the escarpment of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal on the 1st of October, with temperatures starting to recover by the 2nd.

South Africans are advised to prepare for fluctuating temperatures and possible snow in high-lying areas over the next week.

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on US businesses to deepen their investment ties with South Africa, highlighting the country’s renewed focus on economic recovery and structural reform.

Speaking at the SA-US Interactive Business Forum in New York on Monday, the President emphasised the progress made under South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) and the vast opportunities available to foreign investors.

He said this is a ‘timely intervention’, referencing his first visit to the US since South Africa’s general elections in May, which led to a coalition government of political parties committed to inclusive growth and job creation.

‘The advent of the Government of National Unity has renewed investor optimism in the South African economy. The message I bring to US investors today is that this optimism is well-placed.

‘South Africa is firmly on the road to recovery, and we invite you to be part of this journey. Investments in South Africa are secure. Our business environment is stable. This is s
upported policy certainty and regulatory safeguards,’ the President said.

He added that South Africa intends to stay the course on the structural economic reform process, on scaling up investment in key infrastructure, and on improving the business operating environment.

The President noted South Africa’s success in attracting investment, revealing that the country had achieved its target of raising R1.2 trillion (approximately USD 63.6 billion) ahead of schedule in 2022.

‘We have announced a new target of approximately R2 trillion or approximately USD 100 billion over the next five-year period up to 2028.

‘The far-reaching structural reforms we have implemented over the past six years have opened up the country to increased levels of investment that continues to grow,’ the President said.

Ramaphosa particularly underscored the potential in the clean energy sector, which has attracted significant investment, supporting South Africa’s commitment to decarbonisation and energy security.

“We are equally com
mitted to a Just Energy Transition that is inclusive, that take our developmental needs into account, and that leaves no community behind.

‘We have a supportive and enabling industrial policy that incorporates amongst others expanding the special economic zones, driving export-led growth, and harnessing the potential of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area or AfCFTA. In January 2024 we began preferential trading under the AfCFTA,’ he said.

The President emphasised that the Government of National Unity is furthermore committed to prudent monetary and fiscal policy and to strengthening regulatory and legislative frameworks to combat corruption.

The President also highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships with US businesses, especially in sectors like advanced manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and infrastructure.

‘South Africa and Africa is ripe for investment in financial services, advanced manufacturing, energy, healthcare, infrastructure development, mining, science and technology and other
sectors. South Africa is also developing the value chains of the future.

‘With substantial reserves of critical energy transition minerals, we are positioning ourselves to be at the forefront of the green energy revolution,’ he said.

He added that as the country with the world’s largest platinum group metal reserves, South Africa has a competitive advantage when it comes to the production of sustainable energy technologies, including electric vehicles, new energy vehicles and renewable energy components.

President Ramaphosa praised the collaboration between the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), following the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding. He stated that the partnership between the two stock exchanges ‘promotes cross-border investment and drives economic growth on a global scale.’

The President further highlighted the US as one of South Africa’s most valued trade partners, noting that bilateral trade totalled USD 17.6 billion in 2022.

He also praised the impact of th
e African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in fostering trade and creating jobs in sectors like automotive, agriculture, and precious metals.

With Africa’s population expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, President Ramaphosa painted a bright picture of the continent’s economic prospects, noting that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) would “drive a wave of industrialisation and create dynamic regional value chains.”

‘This too presents opportunities for US businesses and investors, and opens up new markets for their goods, products and services.

‘Mutually beneficial trade and investment not only unlocks the dynamism and potential of an entire continent. It will also aid Africa’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,’ the President said.

In closing, President Ramaphosa reassured investors of the stability and security of investments in South Africa.

‘South Africa is open for business. Sustainable and inclusive growth spurs development and creates jobs.

‘Together, we can for
ge a path to shared success and progress, leveraging our combined strengths to achieve enduring prosperity for our people,’ the President said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

As South Africa celebrates Heritage Day, Acting President Paul Mashatile emphasised the need to recognise the growing impact of climate change on the nation’s well-being and cultural heritage.

Delivering the keynote address during Heritage Day celebrations in Ficksburg, Free State, Mashatile urged citizens to be mindful of how climate change threatens both livelihoods and cultural traditions.

The Acting President expressed his honour in addressing the nation on Heritage Day but noted that celebrations were overshadowed by severe weather affecting parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and the Free State.

‘It is a great honour and privilege to address you at this significant occasion as we celebrate our country’s Heritage Day. Unfortunately, as we were looking forward to this day, some parts of our country, which include Kwa-Zulu Natal, Eastern Cape and Free State, were impacted by severe weather conditions, exacerbated by climate change.

‘In celebrating our heritage, we must be alive to the impact of
climate change on not only our wellbeing, but also on our culture. Extreme weather conditions such as those witnessed over the past few days affect some of our cultural and heritage sites, therefore undermining our national goals to protect and preserve our culture for generations to come,’ he said.

Mashatile expressed empathy for those affected by the recent extreme weather events in parts of South Africa.

‘We empathise with those who were affected by the widespread extreme weather. We would also like to commend Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Government Departments for their prompt and robust multi-sectoral response. Additionally, we commend the provinces that were impacted for their prompt activation of their disaster response structures,’ the Acting President said.

He said the response teams led by NATJOINTS remain on standby to respond to any eventualities and continue to assist affected communities.

‘Even while these teams are committed to helping and saving those in
need, we nonetheless ask that our people exercise caution and pay close attention to any warnings issued by the South African Weather Service.

‘These meteorological conditions emphasise even more how important it is to increase our investments in technology that may improve weather predictions.

‘We can save lives by providing early warnings of storms, heat waves, and disasters. Our sincere condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones,’ he said.

The Acting President urged the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture to explore policy considerations concerning the impact of climate change on the nation’s historical heritage, but also provide direction on how best the country can preserve the national identity in this era of multiple global challenges.

Source: South African Government News Agency