Honoring a Distinguished Philanthropist and Advocate for Women: Dr. Maryam J. Ogundepo Receives Prestigious Chieftaincy Title “Omiakele Ejeh” from the Ejeh Olamaboro of Igala Kingdom

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October 21, 2023

By Maymunah Zubair

As the Kogi gubernatorial elections draw near, notable Non-profit organization, Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria and Diaspora (WEND) Network has joined ongoing campaign activities across the state. WEND Network, an NGO under the aegis of the Achana Legacy Foundation has kicked off the Kogi-East leg of its empowerment/campaign initiative in Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro Constituency, Kogi State.

The program was well attended and saw a cross section of grassroots women, women leaders of the All Progressives Congress at the local level as well as other local government functionaries campaigns by empowering voting women in Kogi State and encouraging massive participation at the polls in support of the APC candidate Alhaji Ahmed Usman-Ododo. Kogi State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Gabriel Yunusa Olofu was also in attendance and chaired the event.

President and founder of the foundation, Dr. Maryam J Ogundepo in her address, called on women across the state to actively participate in the upcoming elections, saying that the time has come for women to take a more prominent role in the selection of its leaders. She opined that women make up more of the voting public, yet hold less economic power. She stated that her organisation was set to ensure equitable distribution of means of production to women in the state.

Speaking further, Dr. Ogundepo said that WEND Network has established the “10 x 10 x 10 1,000 Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria and Diaspora for Ododo Campaign,” an initiative driven by the desire to see continuity of good governance already established by the Yahaya Bello – led administration by supporting the APC candidate. The initiative aims to empower women, and at the same time, encourage active participation in the coming elections and the polity as a whole.

The Convener said: “This initiative will encompass empowerment for groups of ten women each across varying forms of initiatives in all the local governments of Kogi State; we will be assisting ten women in their already established businesses and trades with the resources needed for their venture to thrive. New business owners will also benefit because WEND Network will also embark on training for ten women in areas such as bakery, as well as other vocational endeavours.

“Also, in a bid to encourage financial responsibility, we will also be training ten women in POS business and prompt business transactions in our rural communities. Pregnant and expecting mothers will also receive pre-natal vitamins to help and encourage healthy baby growth during pregnancy. We will also be setting up sponsorships and scholarships for ten primary school pupils in a bid to encourage and uplift impoverished children to go the distance in their education.”

Beneficiaries of the empowerment initiative received cash injection for their petty businesses at the event, while others were earmarked for training. All attendees received relief materials including food stuff, textiles, and other items.

NAICOM, Housing Minister Team up to Boost Housing Sector Insurance Compliance.

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October 20, 2023

Amid a concerning surge in building collapses in Nigeria, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is adopting a proactive stance by spearheading the National Insurance Conference 2023.

Under the thought-provoking theme of “Redefining Safety – Insurance Solutions for Public Buildings and Buildings under Construction,” this conference aims to confront the pressing issue of ensuring comprehensive insurance coverage for structures that find themselves most at risk.

In line with this mission, NAICOM has initiated a collaborative effort with the esteemed Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa. The intention behind this collaboration is to formally request the physical presence of the Minister at the upcoming National Insurance Conference, an event organized by NAICOM.

This significant step towards synergizing the realms of insurance and housing was marked by a courtesy visit conducted by the Commissioner for Insurance, Olorundare Sunday Thomas, and a delegation from NAICOM.

Their visit, which took place on a Thursday, was a gesture of goodwill and an expression of the Commission’s earnest desire to enhance compliance with laws concerning public buildings and structures under construction.

In a response that underscores the spirit of cooperation and a shared vision for a safer and more insured future, Minister Dangiwa accepted the extended hand of collaboration from NAICOM. He also confirmed the active participation of both himself and the Ministry of Housing in the upcoming National Insurance Conference scheduled for October 22-24, 2023.

This collaboration holds the promise of not only addressing the immediate challenges posed by building collapses but also laying the groundwork for a future where comprehensive insurance protection for such structures is not just a necessity but a reality.

The joint efforts of NAICOM and the Ministry of Housing are set to redefine safety standards in Nigeria’s construction industry and to offer greater protection for public buildings.

WORLD FOOD DAY: Agric Minister Unveils Comprehensive Water Utilization Roadmap for Enhanced Crop Yields.

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October 16, 2023

In response to the pressing need for enhanced food security, the Nigerian government is taking decisive steps to ensure a continuous supply of food throughout the year.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a critical directive calling for urgent collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Water Resources, emphasizing the necessity of adequate irrigation to support farmlands and guarantee year-round food production.

During the Ministerial Press Briefing on Monday to commemorate World Food Day, the Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, highlighted the importance of this directive and its alignment with the theme for this year’s World Food Day in Nigeria.

A comprehensive roadmap has been meticulously planned in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

This plan aims to optimize the utilization of water resources available in key producing areas, including River Basins, Dams, and other wetlands, for multiple cropping cycles.

“This renewed synergy and cooperation between our two Ministries has started yielding results as assessment and operational appraisal visits to the River Basin Development Authorities as begun in earnest and would be deployed for the 2023/2024 Dry Season Farming of the Federal Government in conjunction with States and Local Government”.

“This will begin with priority crops including Wheat, Rice, Maize and Cassava with aggressive sustainable plan for up-scaling and replicating same for other crops, livestock and fisheries across the federation”. – Kyari Said.

He said visits are a crucial step towards the 2023/2024 Dry Season Farming initiative, a joint effort of the Federal Government in conjunction with States and Local Governments.

The initial focus will be on priority crops such as Wheat, Rice, Maize, and Cassava, with a comprehensive and sustainable plan for scaling and replicating this model for other crops, livestock, and fisheries across the nation.

This strategic effort is aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, aiming to reposition agriculture as a key player in national development.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has affirmed its dedication to working with stakeholders genuinely interested in supporting the sector and addressing challenges hindering national food and nutrition security in a sustainable manner.

Acknowledging the importance of collaborative efforts, the Minister expressed gratitude to organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria, and All Farmers Association of Nigeria for their invaluable contributions to the success of this year’s World Food Day.

The government remains committed to continuous collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector to enhance food and nutrition security, contribute to poverty eradication, reduce unemployment, and promote economic growth within the agricultural and allied industries.

In the speech of the Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organizationread by the the Head of Office, FAO North East, Mr. Al Hassan Cisse, emphasized the necessity of collective action and interrelated contributions from various stakeholders to achieve better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and ultimately a better life for all.

He called for science- and evidence-based policies, efficient water management by farmers, and businesses embracing water stewardship to ensure a prosperous future for both people and the planet.

To further commemorate the day, the Permanent Secretary and staff of the ministry paid a visit to five farms in the Federal Capital Territory.

FG Collaborates with Food and Nutrition Stakeholders for Enhanced Food Security.

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October 13, 2023

In a bid to enhance food and nutrition security across Nigeria, the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, CON, has affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and various stakeholders.

This partnership aims to address critical concerns such as food security, post-harvest losses, and malnutrition.

The announcement was made through a press statement issued on Friday by the Chief Information Officer of the Ministry, Eremah Anthonia.

During a recent courtesy visit to the Ministry’s office by the Country Director of GAIN, Dr. Micheal Ojo, in Abuja, Sen. Abubakar Kyari highlighted the importance of food security as a key focus area within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The agenda places significant emphasis on agriculture, food security, and good nutrition for the Nigerian populace.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari conveyed, “We were given the mandate to ensure that the country is food secured, and we are ready to collaborate with partners to ensure its actualization and sustainability.”

The Minister stressed the current threats to food security, particularly issues of availability and affordability.

He emphasized the necessity of addressing malnutrition and rising food inflation rates by working diligently throughout the year to boost food production.

The goal is to make food accessible, affordable, and nutritionally balanced on a sustainable basis.

Recognizing the underlying challenges, Sen. Abubakar Kyari called for innovative and trending solutions to ensure a resilient food security framework.

He encouraged the active participation of GAIN and other stakeholders in the upcoming Agricultural Summit, urging them to contribute to a practical and sustainable document for the benefit of the populace.

In response, Dr. Micheal Ojo, the Country Director of GAIN, acknowledged the fruitful relationship the organization has had with the Ministry and expressed hope for its continuation to revolutionize the country’s food system.

Dr. Ojo highlighted the critical challenge of Food and Nutrition affecting a majority of Nigerians, emphasizing GAIN’s goal to deliver a healthy diet to over 25% of the population, including Nigeria.

Collaboration with the Ministry in improving food value chains such as maize, rice, and cassava was also emphasized.

In a related meeting, the Minister welcomed a delegation from Anhui Huayun Biotech Co. Ltd., led by the Managing Director, Mr. Wang Yun.

Mr. Yun pledged support to Nigeria in the areas of agriculture mechanization and irrigation systems, including solar pumps, to effectively tackle the challenges of food insecurity in the country.

NHIA Partners With Pharmaceutical Companies, DMOs to Address Drug Stockouts – NAFDAC

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October 13, 2023

In a significant step towards mitigating the perpetual issue of drug unavailability in the country’s health facilities, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pharmaceutical Companies and Drugs Management Organisations (DMOs) to facilitate the production of 33 essential drugs.

This was disclosed by the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye during a joint press conference with the NHIA on Thursday.

Twelve pharmaceutical companies are set to brand these products for integration into the health insurance ecosystem, marking the initial phase of the initiative.

The NHIA has chosen seven states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the pilot phase: Delta, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Niger, Osun, and Sokoto.

The drive also emphasizes bolstering local pharmaceutical manufacturers, ensuring medicines’ security and combatting substandard and counterfeit medical products.

The categories of drugs produced will encompass a range of complexities, addressing prevalent health conditions in Nigeria, including malaria, respiratory tract infections, childhood illnesses, and drugs for pregnant women.

Every drug manufactured will undergo rigorous certification and approval by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to guarantee quality, safety, and efficacy.

The medicines will be subject to testing in the WHO-Prequalified NAFDAC Laboratory.

Additionally, NAFDAC will engage in post-marketing surveillance to ascertain that these branded medicines are utilized exclusively in the nation’s healthcare facilities and not available for general sale.

The branding of NHIA medicines and other health products is a proactive measure to eliminate drug stockouts and ensure the quality of medicines.

These 33 drugs will bear the NHIA inscription under the National Health Insurance Authority, adhering to NAFDAC guidelines for appropriate and adequate labeling.

Continuing collaboration between NAFDAC and NHIA, in accordance with Executive Order 3(EO3), will contribute to achieving Universal Health Coverage in alignment with the National Drug Policy’s objectives.”

NITDA DG Reiterates Pledge to Elevate Nigeria as Global Tech Talent Hub.

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October 13, 2023

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), restates the agency’s commitment to propelling Nigeria’s digital advancement, nurturing innovation, and positioning the nation as a prominent global hub for technology talent and entrepreneurship.

Inuwa affirmed this dedication during a fireside chat at TechCabal’s Moonshot event in Lagos State, moderated by Alex Onukwue, a reporter with Semafor. He provided insights into NITDA’s transformative vision for Nigeria’s digital landscape and highlighted strategic approaches toward inclusive growth and realizing Nigeria’s digital potential.

Established in 2001 to bridge the digital divide, NITDA’s interventions have drastically increased digital accessibility, with over 50% of Nigerians now having computer access via their mobile phones. Inuwa emphasized the agency’s shift in mandate in 2019, focusing on leveraging technology for economic growth, encapsulated in five strategic pillars: knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation, and trade.

Crucially, Inuwa stressed the importance of fostering collaboration between the government and the tech ecosystem, underscoring the need for a symbiotic partnership to drive positive change. He also reiterated the significance of retaining talent within Nigeria, envisioning the nation as a talent net exporter through the provision of opportunities, training, and global market access.

The discussion at TechCabal’s Moonshot event explored a variety of topics, including local governments’ involvement in driving innovation and entrepreneurship. NITDA outlined plans to partner with training providers to broaden access to education, launch a call for applications, and digitize government services to generate more job opportunities within the digital ecosystem.

Moonshot by TechCabal stands as Africa’s premier conference, gathering visionary leaders to brainstorm solutions for the continent’s most pressing challenges in technology, innovation, and startups.”

CBN Ends 8-Year Foreign Exchange Restrictions on 43 Items.

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October 12, 2023

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially lifted the foreign exchange restrictions imposed on importers of 43 items nearly a decade ago.

Dr. Isa AbdulMumin, the Director of Corporate Communications at CBN, confirmed this significant shift in the foreign exchange market policy.

This move by the central bank is anticipated to inject more liquidity into the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, with interventions expected to decrease as liquidity improves over time. The development marks a pivotal change in policy and is expected to have a positive impact on various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Initially outlined in a circular issued in June 2015, the CBN had listed 41 items that were ineligible for foreign exchange in the Nigerian currency market. This list was later expanded to encompass 43 items, restricting their access to foreign exchange.

The list of items that were under restriction included commodities like rice, cement, margarine, palm kernel, palm oil products, and various steel and metal products. It also encompassed textiles, wood products, kitchen utensils, and even certain types of bonds and share purchases.

With this recent development, businesses involved in the import of these items can now access foreign exchange, potentially boosting trade and alleviating constraints that had been in place for nearly a decade.

Tinubu Renews Kashifu Inuwa’s Role as NITDA Director-General

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October 11, 2023

President Bola Tinubu Greenlights Renewed Tenures and New Appointments for Top Executives in Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Sector

President Bola Tinubu has given the nod for the extension of roles and new appointments for Chief Executives within various agencies falling under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

Notably, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has been reinstated as the Director General of NITDA, as confirmed in an official press release by the President’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.

Here’s the comprehensive list:

– Aminu Maida appointed as EVC/CEO of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
– Nkechi Egerton-Idehen appointed as MD/CEO of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT)
– Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi reappointed as DG/CEO of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
– Dr. Vincent Olatunji appointed as National Commissioner/CEO of Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
– Tola Odeyemi appointed as Postmaster General/CEO of Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST)

Additionally, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s strategic vision to harness Nigeria’s technological prowess for enhanced financial inclusion and economic advancement, the President has sanctioned the appointment of a new Special Adviser on Technology and Digital Economy, Idris Alubankudi.

These appointments are effective immediately as directed by the President.”

Fluenta’s Technology Enhances Nigeria’s Gas Flare Reduction Efforts.

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October 11, 2023