In a significant development aimed at bolstering its social safety net initiatives, the Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to encompass a staggering fifteen million households within the purview of its updated “Conditional Cash Transfer” (CCT) program.

Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, disclosed this pivotal announcement during her meeting with Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, the Country Director of the World Bank, held at the bank’s headquarters in Abuja.

In a press statement issued by Rhoda Ishaku Iliya, the Deputy Director of Information, Minister Edu underscored the importance of the government’s renewed commitment to eradicating poverty, a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. This agenda led to the renaming of the ministry, which now places a heightened focus on empowering the populace and lifting them out of the cycle of poverty.

Minister Edu applauded the World Bank for its adaptability in accommodating the ministry’s revised agenda to combat poverty effectively. She also shed light on upcoming initiatives, including the hosting of a Humanitarian Dialogue and the establishment of the Renewed Hope Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund (HPATF). The Trust Fund is poised to receive contributions from various sources, including the federal government’s budgetary provisions, development partners, the international community, taxes, and private sector contributions.

In her plea for support, Minister Edu emphasized the critical role the World Bank could play in verifying and expanding the National Social Register (NSR) and offering technical expertise to collaborate with the ministry in achieving the President’s poverty reduction objectives.

The Minister expressed her gratitude to the World Bank Country Director for the continuous support provided to Nigeria, spanning sectors such as education, health, agriculture, private sector development, and social services, among others.

Responding to the collaborative initiative, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, the World Bank Country Director, pledged unwavering support for the new focus of the Ministry. He affirmed that the proposed disbursement of $800 million for the Social Safety Nets Project would commence expeditiously. Furthermore, the World Bank would play a pivotal role in the verification and expansion of the National Social Register, provide technical support for the ministry’s preparations to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and extend specialized assistance for the establishment of the Trust Fund.

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In a heartwarming moment that marked the end of a remarkable era, Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, a seasoned journalist, consummate public relations practitioner, and Director of Public Affairs at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has retired after an illustrious 30-year journey of dedicated service to the nation.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Adviser, Onche Odeh, Dr. Jimoh’s retirement comes as a result of the Federal Government’s 8-year tenure policy for directors within the Federal Civil Service.

A true visionary and trailblazer, he played an instrumental role in shaping the communication landscape of NAFDAC.

With the passing of the torch, he officially handed over his responsibilities to Mr. Paul Oyemonlan, a Deputy Director within the department, in a poignant meeting with the staff of the Public Affairs Department spread across the country.

Hired in 1993, at the inception of NAFDAC, Dr. Jimoh was entrusted with the pivotal task of establishing the Public Relations Unit for the nascent agency.

His expertise in both journalism and public relations enabled him to craft a robust and effective communication framework for NAFDAC’s critical mission.

Within just two years of NAFDAC’s operation, Dr. Jimoh showcased his investigative journalism prowess when he led the efforts that resulted in the arrest of two Chinese nationals, Fred Huang and Joseph Huang.

This operation also led to the seizure of an astounding 28 lorryloads of counterfeit medicines valued at millions of naira, effectively safeguarding the health of countless Nigerians.

His exceptional commitment and dedication earned him a double promotion in 1999, a well-deserved recognition by the agency’s pioneer Director-General, Emeritus Professor Gabriel Osuide.

This promotion validated Dr. Jimoh’s unyielding efforts in confronting drug counterfeiters and upholding the highest standards of professionalism.

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Jimoh amassed a collection of awards and accolades, including the prestigious Best Worker’s Award. His outstanding contributions were acknowledged by successive Directors-General, including the late Prof. Dora Akunyili and Dr. Paul Orhii.

In 2018, Dr. Jimoh’s expertise was recognized on a national scale as he became a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA), inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

His valuable insights and dedication contributed significantly to the committee’s efforts to combat drug abuse.

In response to Dr. Jimoh’s retirement announcement, Prof. Moji Christianah Adeyeye, the current Director-General of NAFDAC, expressed her gratitude for their collaboration, highlighting the impactful role that the Public Affairs Department played under his leadership. She conveyed her optimism for the department’s continued success and wished Dr. Jimoh well in his future endeavors.

Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, a holder of a Ph.D. in Political Economy, has left an indelible mark on the Nigerian public relations landscape. His academic achievements include receiving two awards for being the best-graduating student in the Political Science Department and the faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ibadan.

He continued his academic pursuits, obtaining a master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Lagos in 1993, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Information Systems from the University of Ibadan in 1997.

His journalistic journey, spanning five years, included roles such as Aviation Correspondent in Lagos and Kwara State Editor at Kano State Government-owned Triumph Newspapers.

Dr. Jimoh’s valedictory session was attended by fellow journalists, who took turns to commend his exceptional achievements as a journalist, adept public relations practitioner, and seasoned administrator.

His legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate within NAFDAC and the larger realm of public relations in Nigeria.

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…Describes the former Governor an Exemplary leader

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State extends his heartfelt congratulations to Captain Idris Ichalla Wada as he marks his 73rd birthday. The governor takes this moment to express his admiration for Capt. Wada, recognizing him as an exemplary leader endowed with an exceptional vision.

Governor Bello takes great pride in characterizing the former pilot as a leader who has consistently exhibited an unwavering commitment to both the service of God and the betterment of humanity. It is with respect and honor that Bello acknowledges the significant contributions that Captain Wada made to the advancement and prosperity of Kogi State during his tenure as its governor from 2011 to 2016.

The governor goes on to emphasize Captain Wada’s enduring influence, noting his invaluable guidance and sagacious counsel, which continue to inspire and shape the aspirations of the younger generation of leaders. As the anniversary of Captain Wada’s birth is celebrated, Governor Yahaya Bello wholeheartedly extends his wishes for a joyous occasion.

In his prayers, Governor Bello beseeches the divine to bestow upon Captain Wada the blessings of longevity and robust health, allowing him to continue to enrich lives and make positive impacts.

Born on the 26th of August, 1950, in the Dekina local government area of Kogi State, Captain Idris Ichalla Wada’s legacy is multifaceted. His journey encompassed not only a distinguished career as an accomplished aircraft pilot within the Nigerian Aviation Industry but also a remarkable tenure as the governor of Kogi State from 2011 to 2016.

Nigeria’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.1% in the first quarter of 2023 from 5.3% in the fourth of 2022, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.

This was contained in a report titled, ‘Nigeria Labour Force Statistics Report Q4 2022 & Q1 2023’ which was released on Thursday by the NBS.

Recall that the bureau had pegged the country’s unemployment rate at 33.3 percent in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2020.

The NBS said it enhanced its methodology of collecting labour market data through the Nigeria Labour Force Survey (NLFS) in line with International Labour Organisation (ILO) guidelines.

“About three-quarters of working-age Nigerians1 were employed – 73.6% in Q4 2022 and 76.7% in Q1 2023. This shows that most people were engaged in some type of jobs for at least one hour in a week, for pay or profit,” the Bureau said.

“About one-third (36.4% in Q4 2022 and 33.2% in Q1 2023) of employed persons worked less than 40 hours per week in both quarters.

This was most common among women, individuals with lower levels of education, young people, and those living in rural areas.

“Underemployment rate which is a share of employed people working less than 40 hours per week and declaring themselves willing and available to work more was 13.7% in Q4 2022 and 12.2% in Q1 2023.”

It added that most Nigerians operate their own businesses or engaged in farming activities.

“Unemployment stood at 5.3% in Q4 2022 and 4.1% in Q1 2023. This aligns with the rates in other developing countries where work, even if only for a few hours and in low-productivity jobs, is essential to make ends meet, particularly in the absence of any social protection for the unemployed.

“22.3% of the working age population were out of labour force in Q4 2022, while it was 20.1% in Q1, 2023.

The rate of informal employment among the employed Nigerians was 93.5% in Q4 2022 and 92.6% in Q1 2023.”