𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧 : 𝗞𝗢𝗚𝗜 𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗥 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗬

January 12, 2022

The Executive Chairman of Kogi State Mineral Resources Development Agency, Hajiya Hassiat Ozavize Suleiman has called for increased participation and inclusion of women in elective positions across the country.

In remarks made to press at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Stakeholders Summit, held today in Abuja, Hajiya Suleiman opines that increased gender parity in party politics and Governance in general will create a level playing field for active participation in politics, thereby moving the party forward and breaking barriers.

Speaking further, the Chairman advocates for state and federal office holders to borrow a leaf from Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, stating that the gender-sensitive administration boasts an unprecedented number of women in elective and appointed positions across the state. This, she said, has gone a long way towards consolidating the APC’s ethos of inclusivity and openness. She also enjoined youth participation in politics and Governance.

The Summit with theme, “Rebuilding the APC of our dreams” which held today at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, saw Salihu Lukman, director-general of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) delivering the Keynote address. The Summit also included a panel discussion moderated by Gbenga Titiloye. There, issues bordering on challenges and prospects for a greater Nigeria through the vehicle of the APC, as well as youth engagement, were robustly discussed.

𝘉𝘺 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘢𝘩 𝘡𝘶𝘣𝘢𝘪𝘳

School meals in Nigeria fight child hunger, boost local economies and increase attendance levels

Social Plus Africa

January 12, 2022

FMHADMSD-WFP JOINT NEWS RELEASE

11 January 2022

As schools reopen in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHADMSD) with technical support from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)announces, it will be taking to the next level, the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2016. This decision results from a joint assessment conducted in the first quarter of 2021 to identify ways of improving, scaling-up and sustaining the NHGSFP.

Home Grown School Feeding initiatives promote nutrition education and better eating habits and encourage the diversification of production with a special emphasis on local crops. WFP is backing the next stage with a significant transfer of ICT equipment. This includes tablets with access to the PLUS Schools Menus – a free tool to help state Nutrition Officers design nutritious menus for schools.

The hardware will not only support the Ministry’s efforts to digitalize its monitoring and evaluation system, but also enable the national roll out of the PLUS School Menu Tool developed by WFP to standardize cost-effective menu development.

By 2021, this breakthrough initiative serves school meals to over 9 million students in 53,000 public primary schools, making it one of the largest school feeding programmes in Africa. It has also led to a significant increase in school enrollment across the country. Moreover, the programme has provided a much-needed boost to local economies by buying the products of small holder farmers and providing jobs to more than 107,000 cooks from low-income families.

Schools provide local farmers with a predictable outlet for their products, leading to a stable income, more investments and higher productivity. The children enjoy healthy, diversified food; this makes it more likely that they will stay in school, perform better, and improve their adult job prospects.

In line with one of the key pillars for sustaining the NHGSFP, several partnerships have been realised across various relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Government, which have truly strengthened the collaboration and cooperation for a more effective service delivery. Key partners include the National Youth Service Corp, Ministries of Agriculture, of Education, Information, Trade and Industry, Water Resources amongst others.

Quotes

Honorable Minister Sadiya Farouq, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development “The NHGSFP remains an important intervention of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Through it hunger, malnutrition, poverty, education can all be addressed. It is an investment that is fully funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria because of its sheer potential as a development driver. We at the FMHADMSD are here to ensure that this programme is strengthened and sustained so that it can continue to support the needs of the children, families, women and communities it targets. The technical support from the World Food Programme is therefore timely, relevant and well appreciated.

Ronald Sibanda, WFP Country Director a.i.

“One of the best ways of fighting hunger and preventing malnutrition among children is to provide them with a healthy school meal. Nigeria is a good example of where the Government has taken the lead from day one and invested resources and funding into the design and implementation of its National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme. This is a great initiative and WFP is very pleased to provide technical support for the Government of Nigeria.”

Note for editors:

NHGSFP Joint Assessment Executive Summary available here.

Photos available here.

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development continues to successfully implement the Nigerian Government’s Social Investment Programme where over thirty million Nigerians have benefited and continue to benefit directly and indirectly from different clusters of the programme making it the largest social protection programme ever carried out in Nigeria and one of the biggest in Africa. Many who were hitherto poor have been lifted out of poverty through the Conditional Cash Transfers they now own small businesses thus improving their quality of life significantly. Children in primary 1-3 in government schools are feed one nutritious meal daily, this has improved school enrolment and helps in reducing the number of out of school children. The program continues to support the work of cooks-caterers of which 99% are women, thus driving social and financial inclusion.

The United Nations World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. We are the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

For more information please contact:

Halima Oyelade, FMHADMSD/ Abuja, Mob. +234 806 33 90 420, hoyelade@gmail.com

Chi Lael, WFP/ Abuja, Mob. +234 802 55 33218, chi.lael@wfp.org

Pantami Gets/Emerges DigiVation Man of the Year

Social Plus Africa

January 11, 2022

The Editorial Team of Africa’s pioneer specialised IT Media DigiVation Global Network has presented it’s esteem DigiVation Man of the Year Award to the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Prof. Isa Ali Pantami at his office in Abuja.

Intimating the Honourable Minister of his emergence the Editor in Chief Hilary Damissah praised the efforts and initiatives of the Minister and the gains recorded which according to him have given Nigeria some competitive bargain in the innovation and Information Communications industry. He added that “Pantami choice was based on his unparalleled leadership in growing the Nigerian digital enterprise and innovation”.

The President and Chairman of DigiVation Editorial Board, Dr Bayero Agabi highlighted that the Honourable Minister has demonstrated leadership and commitment to repositioning the Nigeria digital economy sector to now become the poster boy of the economy.

In his response the Honourable Minister expressed his gratitude to the Management of DigiVation Global Network and the organisation’s contributions to nation building. He assured that the recognition will further spur him and his team to continue to do better. The award instituted four years ago has had four previous winners with the first being Austin Okere founder Computer Warehouse Group, followed by Dr Akwasi Agyeman Executive Director/CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority, while from East Africa the only woman to have won it was Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire and for 2021, DigiVation Global Network announced the award winner as Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Ali Patami as the DigiVation Man of the Year.

Accordingly to the foremost IT media organisation, the emergence of the relentless Pantami was arrived at through a rigorous research process carried out by our team of reporters and industry stakeholders to name him as the eventual winner.

Digivation Global Network is a multimedia organization with interest in content production, events across Africa, Europe and America. DigiVation has also huge online media presence, radio and television with well over 100 awards . It’s the only media and tech outfit to have won the prestigious United Nations Economic Commission for Africa /Africa Information Society Merit Award twice for balance report and research.

𝗞𝗢𝗚𝗜 𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗢𝗡 𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥’𝗦 𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗘.

Social Plus Africa

January 6, 2022

The Executive Chairman of Kogi State Mineral Resources Development Agency, 𝗛𝗮𝗷𝗶𝘆𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘁 𝗢𝘇𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻, has bemoaned the passing of, 𝗛𝗮𝗷𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝗷𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗵 𝗔𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗮, mother of Accountant General of the State, 𝗔𝗹𝗵. 𝗝𝘂𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗵, calling it a great loss.

In an open condolence message to the AG, the Chairman noted that the late matriarch lived an exemplary life in piety and humility.

Hajiya Suleiman also extended her condolences to the extended family, and admonished them to take comfort in the fact that the latlived a fulfilled life and contributed meaningfully to to the lives of many in her family and community at large, while she prayed for God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

By, Maymunah Zubair

DR. PANAM, A GOSPEL MUSIC MEASTRO REMAINS A REFERENCE POINT AS HIS MARRIAGE CLOCKS 41 YEARS

Social Plus Africa

January 1, 2022

Panam Percy Paul is a Nigerian legendary musician, a gospel singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose musical career spans over 40 years.
Born (Bakulipanam Percy Paul Mokungah) on December 14, 1957, to major Paul Harley, an officer in the Nigerian Army, and composer Paulina Paul Mokungah, Panam is a native of Numan, Demsa LGA in Adamawa State, Nigeria, but lived in Jos, Plateau State for over 35 years.
Panam Percy Paul
Both of his parents are of the Lutheran Church and he became a born again Christian in June 13, 1976

Widely known by his stage name Panam Percy Paul, he started his musical career at age twenty while he was still in school as an undergraduate in the Kaduna state polytechnic . And while still in the pursuit of his career, he got a job with Radio ELWA Christian Communications as a production supervisor and engineer.

Paul’s kind of music is praise and worship styled in the feel of country music and African high life. Panam may also be a genius (IQ of about 400) as recently presented by himself at the 2019 HEKAN National Youth Convention held in Kaduna from the 28 August to 1 September 2019.

Paul fell in love with Tina and they were married on 1ST JANUARY 1981 when he was 24-years old. Together, they have four children: Leah, Lisa, Harley and Loraine in that order. He however, has three adopted children and they are Jemima Mbaya, Elsie June Adum and Godfrey Gillings Panam ( Godfrey Panam ) 16 grand children, few are only mention here, ( Benjamin and his 2 brothers, Prieston, Petra Panam, Preston Panam and Julian Gil Panam also known as Jasiah Sincere Reaver.

Apart from music, Panam has written a book titled “Bring Down the Glory”, named after his album. He also has a college called the “Panam College of Music Ministry” in Jos, Plateau state of Nigeria. His record label Panam Music World serves as an organization to assist the education of musicians.

Panam Percy Paul is a native of Demsa LGA in Adamawa State

Happy Wedding Anniversary.

Sign:

Management

SOCIAL PLUS AFRICA OMMUNICATIONS LTD

Bayero Agabi hails 2021 achievements, predicts what ICT sector holds for 2022

Social Plus Africa

December 30, 2021

Africa most celebrated ICT journalist and President of the Center for Cyber Awareness and Development (CECAD), Dr Bayero Agabi has hailed 2021 as the year the Information and Communications Technology industry witnessed many first for individuals and corporate organisations.

Speaking for himself, he said he personally experienced another first in 2021 with the successful induction into the fellowship cadre of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) last month at this year’s National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA)

Nigeria Computer Society had bestowed on Dr, Bayero a Honourary Fellowship, which is the highest for any professional attainment for his distinguished personality, dedication and exemplary service to IT growth and development in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, going by the policies and direction of the present government with regards to ICT development, Dr. Bayero has predicted the industry will in 2022 witness double of what it witnessed in 2021.
In his own words: “Considering what I see today with regards to IT development, Africa will soon have a loud voice in tech and innovation just like music and entertainment has done. Just watch, ICT growth in 2022 will double what we witnessed in 2021.”

The Nigerian information and communications technology (ICT) sector had contributed a significant 17.92% of Nigeria’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2021. This is a 3.01% increase from the GDP contributions for the preceding quarter, according to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

But Dr, Bayero believes the year 2022 will experience significant increase with regards to ICT contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. He laced his argument on the fact that the licensing and auctioning of 3.5 Ghz spectrum for 5G deployment, where Nigeria is expected to receive $546m will hugely boost the economic fortune of the country.

Other areas Bayero believes will experience massive is Fintech, where young Nigerians are chopping out cutting-edge technology solutions that are addressing the financial needs of Nigerians, especially the unbanked and under banked.

Dr. Bayero Agabi is one of the very few in the ICT industry, who has in the last twenty years make sure the telecom industry become what it is today by various advocacy.
He is known as one of Africa’s leading ICT broadcast journalists and remains the only African journalist to have won the prestigious UNECA/AISI (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa/Africa Information Society Media Awards) twice for best African ICT reporting, research and local content.
Agabi is a member of the national committee on data harmonization, member National Broadband Council and member senate cyber security expert advisory group. Agabi is the Vice President of Nigeria Internet Group and President Centre For Cyber Awareness and Development (CECAD).
A Pan African advocate for digital economy, Bayero Agabi pioneered technology broadcasting on television in Nigeria over two decades ago with well over 100 local and international awards to his credit. An alumnus of PAU, UNIJOS, LASU and Commonwealth University, Bayero has transverse the world reporting and speaking on ICTand technology issues as it relates to Africa development.
With a degree in Mass Communication, a diploma in Computer Science, PGD, Public Admin, MPA and Doctoral in Public Policy, Bayero Agabi has certifications in business and enterprise management, Telecomms, computer science and public relations.
Agabi is a professional member of the institute of Public Relation Chattered, fellow of Institute of Management Consultancy FIMC, fellow Institute of Information Management Africa FIIM and member Institute of Data Processing Management IDPM.
He presently pioneers ICT broadcast in West Africa with Digivation Network and other running business ventures.

NCPC BOSS PRESENTS PILGRIMAGE AWARD TO GOV. SULE

Social Plus Africa

December 21, 2021

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has presented an award to the Executive Governor of Nasarawa state, Engr Abdullahi Sule as the Best Pilgrimage Sponsorship Governor in North Central for the 2020 NCPC Maiden Pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Jordan.

The NCPC boss presented the award to the No 1Citizen of Nasarawa state at Government House, Lafia on 20th December,2020 during a sensitisation visit to the Governor.
Rev Pam said the award was a unique one considering the fact that the Governor is a Muslim who is surrounded by Christian Governors yet was able to sponsor such a number of pilgrims to the Kingdom of Jordan.
In the words of the NCPC boss,” this award is to show our gratitude to you and to encourage you; only God can reward you,” he said.
Rev Pam commended the Governor for his massive infrastructural development in the state.
He particularly commended him for his youth and women empowerment Programme in the state which is targeted at meeting the needs of the vulnerable people in the society.
The NCPC helmsman further commended the Governor for the Cargo Airport project in the state which he said would be of immense benefit to the pilgrims when completed ,as pilgrims would be airlifted to the Holy Land directly from the state.

In his remark, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa state, Engr Abdullahi Sule, thanked the NCPC boss for the award which he said was an award for the entire state. According to him,” to us it means a lot, it shows we are living in peace.”
He urged his people to ensure they participate in worth while ventures that would help to promote the image of the state.
He further thanked Rev Pam for his purposeful and innovative leadership at NCPC which had paid off with the success story of the 2020 Maiden Pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Jordan.
He noted with enthusiasm that all the pilgrims from the state who participated in the Jordan Pilgrimage returned to the state more satisfied and spiritually fulfilled. He added that they were all grateful for the opportunity to participate at the 2020 Jordan Pilgrimage exercise.
The highlight of the sensitisation visit was the presentation of award plaque to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Nasarawa state by the NCPC boss who also presented the 2021 Main pilgrimage package to the Governor.

The award presentation was witnessed by the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa state,Dr Emmanuel Akabe, Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, the NCPC Director of Mobilisation, Mr Chris Udegbunam, the Head Media and Public Relations NCPC, Celestine Toruka,the Head Protocol NCPC, Mrs Charlene Makai and other state officials.
Signed
Celestine Toruka
Head, Media and Public Relations
20th December,2021.

𝗪𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗡𝗘𝗨𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗕𝗨𝗧 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗠 𝗪𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 – 𝗞𝗢𝗚𝗜 𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗖𝗢

Social Plus Africa

December 19, 2021

The Chairman of State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) Kogi Chapter, 𝗛𝗮𝗷𝗶𝘆𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗮𝘁 𝗢𝘇𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻, has charged stakeholders in the Mining Sector to maintain neutrality in the discharge of their duties in the sector, to ensure sustainable development.

The remark was made in a meeting between MIREMCO, Representatives of Ogbagebe, Ika District, Ankpa LGA, Sybstec Nigeria Ltd and representatives of Zuma 828 Coal Ltd, domiciled in Kogi State.

The meeting held at the instance of the Federal Mines Officer in Charge of Kogi State to curtail lingering issues between Sybstec Nigeria Ltd and Zuma 828 Coal Ltd where the latter complained of encroachment into their legal Title Area.

In attendance were the commander in charge of mining of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Muhammad Sambo and officers from the Department of State Security Services, among others.

Hajiya Suleiman in her statement urged the representatives of the community to forster peace and welcome every investor into their land for the purpose of growth and development. She also admonished them to allow government officials to carry out their duties, as empowered by prevailing law. She went further to say that preventing officials from carrying out their legal duties might attract sanctions from the appropriate channels.

In a related development, the Committee rejoiced with 𝗔𝗹𝗵𝗮𝗷𝗶 𝗔𝗹𝗵𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻 who until retirement, was a director in the Federal Ministry of Environment and a statutory member of the Committee. A brief ceremony was held in his honour where a meritorious service award was presented to him

Lokoja. Friday, 17th December, 2021.

By 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗵 𝗭𝘂𝗯𝗮𝗶𝗿.

NCPC BOSS RECIEVES AWARD OF ICON OF PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE IN NIGERIA

Social Plus Africa

December 16, 2021

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam was among the eminently qualified Nigerians who were honored with the prestigious awards in their different capacities and callings by the Nigerian News, an Online Magazine which celebrated its fifth year anniversary in Abuja on 16th December, 2021.

In his goodwill message at the event, the NCPC boss thanked the Online Media Platform for their consistency in promoting the activities of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission and also for using their medium to promote peace in the country through their reportage.

Rev. Pam affirmed that the problem of Nigeria could only be solved by the people of Nigeria. He added, ‘Nigeria is the best country to be’. He further reiterated that Nigeria would rise above her current challenges, stating that the “unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable”.

Presenting the award to the NCPC Boss, the Royal father of the day, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lafia, Hon.Justice Sidi Bage 1, acknowledged the fact that the event was special because of the calibre of awardees like Rev. Pam whom he said had consistently preached and continued to preach for the peaceful co-existence of Nigeria.

The retired Justice of the Supreme Court further urged him to keep on the good work and continue to make this country united.

The award which was presented to the NCPC Boss reads in part “an ICON OF PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE IN NIGERIA for committing resources and energy into peace building across religious faith to ease ethnic and religious tension across the country towards a united and stable Nigeria for all citizens’.

Earlier, the Publisher/CEO of the Nigerian News, Chief Philip Agbese said in his welcome address that he conceived the idea of an Online Media five years ago.

He described the 2021 awardees as eminently distinguished personalities who had contributed in no small measure in the growth and development of the country.

Responding on behalf of other awardees, the former Senate President, President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Distinguished Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON stated that the Nigerian News deserves to be encouraged for their developmental Journalism.

He further affirmed that there was need for the convocation of intellectual resources in Nigeria with a new dream, “we are now operating like a nation without dream”.

Distinguished Sen. Anyim, described his fellow awardees as “men and women of honor”. He further stated, “I am proud of all my colleagues who have benefitted from this award”.

He congratulated the Nigerian News for their five years anniversary celebration.

Some of the recipients of the Nigeria News Award 2021 includes: the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who was represented by his deputy Dr. Edward Onoja, Executive Governor of Nassarawa State, Executive Governor of Bauchi State, inter-alia

Signed

Celestine Toruka

Head, Media and Public Relations

16th December, 2021.

Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project dear to my heart because anything that facilitate Girl-Child education is dear to me – Tallen.

Social Plus Africa

December 13, 2021

Federal Ministry of Women Affairs
Press Release.
13th December, 2021

The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, OFR, KSG has disclosed that she has not missed any National Council on Education Meeting for the reason of her love for the education of Girl-child being dear to her stating that “that is the meeting for initiating the policies for ensuring that the education of Nigeria’s children – girl-children and boys as well as that of young women.” “Education”, the Honourable Minister stated “empowers the girl-children and women” and “when you educate a woman, you empower her, because an educated woman will ensure that her children are educated and by so doing, are empowered”, Dame Tallen declared.

Dame Tallen was speaking while meeting the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project Team which comprised of Aisha Garba, the Team Leader; Tunde Adekola, Senior Education Specialist from the World Bank on the Team, Martin Simone, and Education Specialist of the World Bank also on the AGILE Team and Mrs. Leo-Agwoko Nnnena, the National Project Coordinator of AGILE, Mr. John Ellah, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of AGILE Project and the others are Dije Musa Umar and Asabe Musa Sadauki, the representative of Federal Ministry of Women Affairs on the AGILE Project.

AGILE Project is a World Bank Project with the help of international entities created with $500 Billion to increase women’s secondary education. It aims to help about 6 Million boys and girls with the money by funding 5,500 new junior secondary schools and 3,300 new senior secondary classrooms. As a result of AGILE intervention, 3,400 women will be educated on a host of issues, ranging from climate change to “safety and gender violence awareness.” It hopes to provide 500,000 of the lowest income women full scholarships to go to school and empower them to further advocate for s change in social norms.

The AGILE Project is presently piloting with 7 States of Borno, Plateau, Ekiti, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna and Kebbi but with the expected launch and full implementation, a review is to be scaled up to accommodate more States.

The Honourable Minister at the meeting with the AGILE Project Team asked that for her to take leadership of the Project, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, FNSE should immediately direct relevant Departments of her Ministry to come up with detail work plans for her review and possible adoption by the joint teams of Federal Ministry of Women Affairs with other relevant Ministries like Federal Ministries of Finance, Education, Sports & Youths Development and Health and the World Bank.

Dame Tallen asked that the reviewed and proposed work plan should consider the States where there is high prevalence of Early/Girl-child marriage, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, violation of Child Rights Act and violation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.

The women affairs Minister further disclosed that the strategy to be adopted by her Ministry going forward will be to include advocacy for the AGILE Project with those of VAPP and Child Rights Act while stating the need for community involvement of persons who have to adopt a poor family, child or school in their communities for empowerment.

The Minister also asked that the reviewed work plan of the AGILE Project for the stakeholders and world bank implementation needs to incorporate capacity development for staff of her Ministry who will help in the implementation.

Signed.
Olujimi Oyetomi, Director, Press & Public Relations.

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