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UNDP, Nigeria launches Stockholm +50 national consultation meetings

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UNDP, Nigeria launches Stockholm +50 national consultation meetings

UNDP, Nigeria launches Stockholm +50 national consultation meetings

By: Michael Mike

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment has launched the Stockholm +50 national consultation meetings in Nigeria, to address nature, promote clean recovery from COVID-19 and proffer solutions to environmental challenges.

The meeting is aimed at providing in-person and virtual platforms for ideas, insights, and innovation that aligns with national priorities ahead of the high-level meeting in Stockholm later in the year.

Speaking at the launch on Thursday, the UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative Programmes, Mr. Lealem Dinku, disclosed that habitats, and ecosystems such as forests and grasslands are being converted at very high rates for natural resource extraction which must be addressed all over the country.

He said: “By destroying nature, we are destroying the web of life that supports our existence on Earth. We must stop undermining our own future and be more responsible for a sustainable and healthy planet.

50 years is a good time to take stock of our actions on, for and against humankind’s survival.”

Dinku said to get involved in tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis, “collective and individual action must respond with urgency to the rapidly closing window to adapt to a changing environment and secure a healthy planet and prosperity for all.”

Also Read: FRSC arrests 390 road traffic offenders in Osun

He added that: “Business-as-usual poses severe threats to our well-being, prosperity, and future. On this note, I will like to call on all major stakeholder groups, including Government, women, youth, older persons, academia, persons with disabilities, indigenous people, school children and local communities, as well as other representatives from civil society and the private sector to engage and contribute to the discussions at the national levels which will contribute to a global approach at addressing environmental challenges when the world meets in June at Stockholm, Sweden.”

Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, said the dialogue was apt due to the environmental challenges experienced on the continent. 

She said: “As you may be aware the objective of this national consultation is to stimulate on inclusive whole society and, whole of government dialogue on the main themes of Stockholm +50 as they relate to our country. The National dialogue will no doubt provide us with a platform where shared global vision, on how to achieve a healthy planet and prosperity for all of while accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Environment Agreements through an inclusive green recovery are achieved”.

Ikeazor, however called on UNDP for more support, noting that UNDP’s activities in the Environment Sector in Nigeria is a classical definition of the good balance needed to get the sector working effectively towards supporting the development aspiration of the country for the wellbeing of all and the generation unborn.

She said: “Just like the iconic Oliver Twist who is always asking for more, the Ministry will further be looking to UNDP to support an elaborate process of developing a National Environmental Action Plan for an integrated and holistic approach to the management of the country’s environmental challenges, a process that will include a comprehensive update of all environmental policies in the country.

UNDP, Nigeria launches Stockholm +50 national consultation meetings

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FG Declares Wednesday Holiday to Mark Worker’s Day

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FG Declares Wednesday Holiday to Mark Worker’s Day

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, 1st May, 2024 as a Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s Workers’ Day Celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, reiterated the need for excellence, efficiency and equity in all spheres of labour, re-affirming President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, productivity, and inclusivity in the workplace.

Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, said: “In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens. Let me reaffirm Mr. President’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for work, where every worker can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development”.

The Minister, while acknowledging the contribution of workers, called for proactive measures to mitigate adverse effects of climate change through synergy in in the implementation of sustainable practices and policies that promote well-being in the workplace and in building a nation guided by the principles of integrity, diligence and compassion.

Tunji-Ojo also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda as he wishes workers a happy celebration.

FG Declares Wednesday Holiday to Mark Worker’s Day

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Our Youths Will Transition Nigeria Into Digital Economy Powerhouse – President Tinubu

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Our Youths Will Transition Nigeria Into Digital Economy Powerhouse – President Tinubu

  • As African countries commit to greater financing, digital access at IDA21 Summit:
  • Resolve to mobilise domestic resources for Africa’s economic transformation

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared on Monday that Nigeria is set to harness the potential of its youthful population to transform into a global digital economy powerhouse.

He also hinted at the nation’s plans to become a global hub for outsourcing talent within the digital and creative economy.

This was the submission made by President Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the meeting of African Heads of State and Government on the 21st Replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA21) in Nairobi.

This is just as African Heads of State and Government committed countries on the continent to strengthen implementation capacities, mobilising domestic resources, and partnering effectively with IDA to accelerate the continent’s economic transformation.

President Tinubu also reiterated Nigeria’s plans to build a vast digital market capable of absorbing cutting-edge innovations and technologies, positioning the country as a hub for outsourcing talent in the digital and creative economy spheres.

“Being a young country with a median age of about 18, our interventions in the digital economy have been so extensive that we are no longer boasting of having the most unicorns, but preparing to serve as a global hub for outsourcing talents,” the President stated in his submission titled “The Path to Recovery: Nigeria’s Journey Beyond Sabotage”, which was delivered to the Summit by VP Shettima

President Tinubu informed other African leaders of the sweeping reforms implemented by his administration to curb illicit activities and currency manipulation that had long hindered the nation’s progress.

“Since assuming office, President Tinubu has remained steadfast in fulfilling his promise to end the reign of economic saboteurs who have long exploited and hindered the progress of our nation. I am pleased to report that our economy has escaped the phase of sabotage,” the VP noted.

Alongside the digital transformation agenda, President Tinubu said Nigeria is committed to prioritizing climate resilience and becoming an attractive destination for carbon market investments.

“The tensions resulting from climate-induced disruptions serve as a pressing call to action. The profound impact of climate change on our continent’s security underscores our dedication to transforming innovative concepts from conference discussions into tangible actions. We aim to become an investment-friendly destination for carbon market investments,” the organ was informed.

He expressed Nigeria’s belief that the summit’s communiqué would reflect the collective needs of African and IDA countries, capturing their “nuances, consensus, dreams, and projections.”

President Tinubu listed key priorities for Nigeria’s economic recovery in his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, anchored on poverty alleviation, to include economic expansion, job creation, enhanced access to capital, food security, and inclusivity.

He also stressed the importance of regional economic integration through instruments like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement to dismantle investment barriers and facilitate access to international markets.

“Our path to the future depends on nurturing strategic partnerships with other nations and development organizations. Therefore, we will utilize our absolute and comparative advantages to establish partnerships across borders,” the President said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the President of Kenya, William Ruto, said the summit was urgent because it was “convened at a critical juncture facing a convergence of global crises which include escalating geopolitical tensions that challenge international unity, a deepening development and debt crisis that threatens our economic stability, and an urgent climate emergency that demands immediate and collective action for our planet’s survival.”

He gave instances of the devastating impact of severe flooding in the East African region which, according to him, has displaced thousands in Nairobi alone, and the vulnerability of the continent to extreme weather patterns, which points to the critical role of the IDA in financing Africa’s development and stability.

“This new normal demands our immediate and united action to safeguard our collective future. This underscores the critical role of IDA for Africa Summit as a cornerstone for financing for Africa. IDA has directed 75% of its total commitment which is nearly $26 billion to Africa in the last fiscal year with African countries comprising 8 of IDA’s top 10 borrowers. This support is not just financial but it’s a lifeline for development and stability,” President Ruto said.

Also speaking, the World Bank President, Ajay Banga, expressed optimism about Africa’s potential, saying “it’s very easy to feel hopeful when we’re together anywhere in Africa,” adding that you feel the infectious energy of young people.”

Banga affirmed the IDA’s commitment to accelerating progress on the continent, vowing to “move with urgency and purpose,” while making the institution more efficient and impactful.

“We stand at the crossroads of a new era of growth and prosperity for Africa,” he said.

At the end of the Summit, African Heads of State and Government adopted a joint communique committing countries on the continent to accelerate the continent’s economic transformation by strengthening implementation capacities, mobilising domestic resources, and partnering effectively with IDA.

They also called for an ambitious replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA) to support the continent’s development goals.

The Nairobi Communique described IDA as Africa’s largest source of concessional financing, outlining priorities for IDA21 to include building human capital, creating jobs, boosting energy and digital access, enhancing resilience to climate change and fragility, and promoting inclusive growth policies.

Our Youths Will Transition Nigeria Into Digital Economy Powerhouse – President Tinubu

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The Truth Alliance Releases “Unveiling the Truth of Boko Haram,” Audio Series of Insurgency in Northeast

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The Truth Alliance Releases “Unveiling the Truth of Boko Haram,” Audio Series of Insurgency in Northeast

By: Michael Mike

The newly formed coalition of civil society organisations called ‘The Truth Alliance’, dedicated to shedding light on the truth behind the reality of life inside and outside Boko Haram, has released a gripping three-part audio series called “Unveiling the Truth of Boko Haram” to coincide with the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the kidnapping of the Chibok Girls in Northeast, Nigeria.

According to a statement on Sunday, “Boko Haram’s presence in Nigeria has had far reaching impact on the peace and stability of the region, leading to the destruction of families and communities, leaving many people to reside in IDP camps. Each person has their own story to tell of the way they were manipulated to join and how once in, their lives, and those of their families, were destroyed as a result. Others tell the story of how they became innocent victims to Boko Haram’s destructive path.

“Through this evocative series, each story reveals the truth behind the way each were manipulated, lied to and impacted, telling others not to fall into their trap.

“Each story delves into the harrowing experiences of those affected by Boko Haram’s atrocities, including Islamic clerics seen from the perspective of those who were once involved or impacted by Boko Haram. Among the stories featured is that of Bukar Bukar, a survivor who, in 2015, fell victim to the brutality of armed assailants and now resides in an IDP camp.”

The statement said in this series Bukar Bukar revealed that following the initial attack on their village: “The northern part of our village is a bush and Boko Haram came through it to have a battle with the military until the next morning, when they arrested some of our youth. Ever since then, I said that we were not going to do any farming activity because members of Boko Haram were killed. Boko Haram are like Camels; they don’t forget things that are done to them easily. 1000 military personnel were sent to us but after a while they became a little less than 100”.

Other stories in the series will include that of Modu Mustapha, a farmer and father of seven children who escaped Boko Haram twice: Shown exclusively on the Truth Alliance’s YouTube channel and across various social media platforms, audiences worldwide are invited to bear witness to the untold truths of life inside and outside Boko Haram in Nigeria.

According to the statement, The Truth Alliance is committed to unmasking the truth behind violent and extremist groups and empowering communities to resist tyranny and violence. Through education, outreach, and collaboration, the Truth Alliance strives to build a safer, more resilient society for all.

In a campaign tagged ‘Time to Tell the Truth’, the Truth Alliance has come together to expose the truth behind how violent extremist groups draw young people into their ranks. Their message is simple: These groups manipulate, they deceive, they control, they kill, they kidnap, they destroy, and their movement as well as ideology is inherently weak.

The Truth Alliance Releases “Unveiling the Truth of Boko Haram,” Audio Series of Insurgency in Northeast

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