News
UN Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Nigeria’s Development
UN Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Nigeria’s Development
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations (UN) has reiterated its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s aspirations for peace, prosperity and sustainable development.
United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall gave the assurances while delivering his remarks at a youth event in Abuja, Thursday, being part of activities marking the 79th anniversary of the United Nations.
He highlighted Nigeria’s pivotal role in advancing multilateralism and international cooperation, describing her as a global “rising star”.
“Since joining the United Nations in 1960, Nigeria has continuously demonstrated a deep commitment to global peace, often by sending its sons and daughters to support UN peacekeeping efforts in some of the world’s most challenging environments.”
“Nigeria is a rising star and the giant of Africa, renowned for its brilliant, resilient, and innovative people. Your determination, courage, and resilience have established Nigeria as a vital intellectual, political, economic, and innovative force on the continent and beyond. Even amid challenges, Nigeria has consistently shown strength, unity, and a forward-looking vision.”
Emphasizing the UN’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s priorities, Fall highlighted areas of continued collaboration with Nigeria.
“Key areas include enhancing educational access, addressing hunger and malnutrition, combating climate change, and ensuring gender equality. The UN’s commitment also extends to tackling health challenges, fighting crime, and harnessing the digital economy to drive sustainable growth and youth empowerment in Nigeria.”
“As Nigeria aspires to achieve its Agenda 2030 goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN remains a steadfast partner. The UN is with Nigeria every step of the way.”
He used the occasion to urge youth of the country to seize opportunities in education, skills development, and innovation to lead Nigeria and the world into a better future, in line with the recently adopted “Pact for the Future” initiative.
It would be recalled that the UN, together with the Nigerian government and stakeholders, has committed to investing in young people’s social and economic development, promoting human rights, and amplifying youth participation in national and international arenas.
Earlier in her remarks, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, Elsie Attafuah called on youth of Nigeria to take advantage of UN’s numerous initiatives and interventions to enhance their skills and contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande reiterated the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tackling youth unemployment, even as he highlighted ongoing efforts towards empowering youth of the country.
Adding his voice, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar poured encomiums on the United Nations for its support to the development of Nigeria, reiterating the country’s readiness to continue to partner with the global body.
Delivering the closing remarks, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo – WHO Rep expressed gratitude to the govt and partners for their continued support to the UN at a time when its founding purposes are challenged globally.
Highlights of the event were remarks by dignitaries, special displays by youth present, panel discussions, among others.
The event was attended by very important dignitaries, among whom are Nigeria’s Attorney general and Minister for Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN and other top government officials, heads of UN agencies in Nigeria, civil society representatives, development partners, members of the diplomatic corps and young Nigerians.
UN Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Nigeria’s Development
News
Zulum, Two Other Governors To Receive Arewa Humanitarian Award
Zulum, Two Other Governors To Receive Arewa Humanitarian Award
By: Our Reporter
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Umar Bago of Niger State, have been nominated for the distinguished Arewa Humanitarian Awards, 2024.
THISDAY newspaper reports on Sunday that the recognition is to highlight their exceptional contributions to humanitarian efforts and the well-being of their respective states.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State celebrated for his leadership amidst one of Nigeria’s most challenging humanitarian crises, has consistently demonstrated resilience and compassion in addressing the needs of displaced persons, providing essential services and rebuilding war-torn communities.
The Arewa Humanitarian Awards set to take place in December 2024 is a prestigious event that recognises leaders and changemakers across Northern Nigeria that have made substantial impacts in their communities. The nomination of these three governors is a testament to their dedication to serving the people and contributing to the overall development of the northern region.
Their leadership and humanitarian work will be honoured in the upcoming ceremony which will bring together political leaders, humanitarian advocates, and stakeholders to celebrate the collaborative efforts that continue to uplift communities across Northern Nigeria.
Zulum, Two Other Governors To Receive Arewa Humanitarian Award
News
EU, GiZ Provide Electricity to Cross River Community
EU, GiZ Provide Electricity to Cross River Community
By: Michael Mike
After six years without electricity, residents of Etomi community in Cross River State now enjoy reliable, clean, and affordable electricity through the European Union (EU)-funded solar mini-grid project.
The solar project, which provides 119.5kW of electricity to over 600 households and businesses in the community, was implemented by GIZ.
Head of Green and Digital Economy Section, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz, explained that the grid is managed under a public-private partnership arrangement to ensure its sustainability and long-term maintenance. A private company is overseeing the operations of the grid, in partnership with the Cross River State Government.
Stefanowicz said the project is part of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, and is aimed to ensure that Nigerians have access to clean, renewable, and affordable energy.
He said: “The provision of reliable, clean, and affordable electricity for domestic and commercial use will boost the social and economic development of the people. I am also glad to say that we are taking electricity to a cocoa-producing community. This will help their farming activities and processes greatly.”
The Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Eka Williams, explained that the solar mini-grid project is an off-grid system, and expressed the conviction that it would serve the Etomi community very well. “I want to say a very big thank you to my Governor, in partnership to the EU, who have made this possible. We have a replication of this in about four communities in Etung Local Government Area (LGA).”
John Okpa, a resident of Etomi community, expressed excitement, as his community had been without electricity for over six years. He said, “Residents of the Etomi community are happy because the EU has provided us with electricity after six years of darkness. We are grateful to them, and pray that God continues to bless them.”
Precious Jeremiah, another resident of Etomi community, revealed that for seven years, she used a generator to run her hair styling business. This, according to her, comes at a high cost of fueling, repairing, and servicing the generator. “Before the installation of the solar plant, I managed my business using a generator. The cost of fueling the generator is very expensive.
“Since the installation of the solar plant, my customers can come into my shop to get their hair done and enjoy a cool and clean atmosphere devoid of generator smoke and noise. Also, I am able to make enough profit to take care of my household, including paying for the school fees of my children,” she said.
EU, GiZ Provide Electricity to Cross River Community
News
UMTH: Why the people should take ownership after the flood
UMTH: Why the people should take ownership after the flood
By: Balami Lazarus
The extensive damages at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital as a result of the flood that ravages the city of Maiduguri remain a thing of concern to visitors, patients, and administrators who are eagerly awaiting to see that services return to normal and all machinery is working as it should for proper administration of quality health services.
As people show sympathy and calls for spirited individuals and organizations to turn their helping hands toward bringing back the hospital to its state of affairs before the flood, one thing that keeps coming from the people is to ensure that those expensive machines and equipment are put in place.
NEWSng observed recently the damages and calls for actions. The extending of heartfelt concern to the government and people of Borno State, especially as a result of this unfortunate situation, is highly encouraging, and the pace at which individuals and organizations are taking to support the hospital at this time is also appreciated.
For the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), it is of tears for the losses in billions of Naiira. But courage and determination shown by the excellent leadership efforts of the management and the wonderful works of the CMD, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, have been creating waves and still making significant marks in this great reputable hospital, even in the face of needs.
Professor Ahmed Ahidjo has demonstrated unequal leadership. He has shown that a large heart, kindness, selflessness, seeking progress, and peace are part of the needs to ensure stability amongst the patients, their relatives, and the staff that are providing immediate services in this traumatic and unorganized situation that accompanied that aftermath of the Maiduguri flood.
He has been preaching the message of considering the people first as the hospital battles many faces of challenges during and after the flood submerged the walls that house his hospital. This, according to the people who spoke to our team, is commendable, as inconsideration of public interest in regards to medical services has denied many hospitals the public and community calls as UMTH is getting at this time when voices are speaking on its behalf for succor and support.
“I believe with the many calls for action, the hospital will soon attract more and better equipment and materials in kind and in cash as an attempt to take ownership by individuals and organizations for public interest.” Auwal Mohammed, a resident of Maiduguri, told NEWSng in a chat.
“Anyone that might have come close to the CMD must have known that medicine and providing good healthcare of quality and standard are his top priorities for the people. Without reservation, permit me here to say after his family is medicine/radiology and UMTH.” A staff member of the UMTH who did not want to be mentioned said.
UMTH is the most affected. NEWSng findings revealed that the modern, sophisticated state-of-the-art medical equipment and materials in the main hospital and other medical centers, departments, wards, and units are water-soaked.
UMTH has the best specialized equipped medical centers staffed with professionals and medical health personnel. It is believed that other members of the public will attest to this and hence contribute with their resources.
To take ownership of a public facility situated and being in a particular locality by the people’s concern is simply giving back to the community by contributing, sponsoring projects, and making donations in cash and in kind to enable the likes of UMTH to deliver efficient medical services. And for UMTH, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo and his management team, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Ends
-
News8 months ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News8 months ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS8 months ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns8 months ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions9 months ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Opinions3 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
National News8 months ago
Fraud and Mismanagement Rock INGO’s IDP Cash Assistance Effort in Bama