News
Italy supports ECOWAS with $14m on risk management, sustainable development
Italy supports ECOWAS with $14m on risk management, sustainable development
… Spends $200,000 on Newly Inaugurated ECOWAS Disaster Operation Centre in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
The Government of Italy has invested over $14 million in the last one year on risk disaster management and sustainable development in West Africa.
The Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr Stefano De Leo said this at the inauguration of the ECOWAS Disaster Operation Centre in Abuja on Thursday, a project which the Italian government donated $200,000 towards.
De Leo said his country’s investment has been through the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
He said: “The Government of Italy is particularly proud of the cooperation in this sector with ECOWAS, United Nations Office for Disaster and Risk Reduction, International Center for Environmental Monitoring, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Over the last year Italy has invested, through UNDRR, more than 14 million dollars to support a better understanding of risk, the real impact of disaster, how these disrupt the socio-economic system and the possibility for a sustainable development.”
The ambassador disclosed that the Italian government looked to increasing the strategic role of Africa in tackling global challenges, with great attention to the growing leadership of the African Union and its regional organisations.
The envoy revealed that Thursday event was dedicated to the Disaster Operation Centre of ECOWAS, the fourth centre of the African Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Action System (AMHEWAS) for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
He noted that the centre in ECOWAS would play a key role in multi-hazard monitoring and early warnings for floods, extreme weather, droughts, and food insecurity in the region.
He said: “The roadmap to establish a continental mechanism is still long, but the network of cooperation is widening.
“It is crucial to step up and to deepen relationships also in facing together the challenges of sustainable economic development, protection of climate change and policies for disaster reduction,” insisting that: “The close interconnection of all these challenges is evident to all of us.”
He stressed that event provided an important moment to reflect on specific commitments to take together to promote safer and resilient communities, adding that it also provided commitments to put in place an effective continental mechanism to enhance data access and exchange across the region and the continent.
In her remarks, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, expressed the gratitude of ECOWAS to the Italian government for the significant contribution and steadfast commitment to the project.
She said the centre would be linked to established centres in the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development – Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (IGAD- ICPAC) in Nairobi, and the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD) in Niamey.
Sarr said: “We gather to mark a significant milestone – the inauguration of the Regional Disaster Operations Centre within our Department of Human Development and Social Affairs.
“This centre, a testament to the generous contributions of the Government of Italy, the CIMA Foundation, and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, is outfitted with the free, open-source platform, myDEWETRA, which will significantly enhance our capacity to monitor, analyse, and exchange disaster risk data.”
myDEWETRA is a real-time system for hydro-meteorological forecasting and monitoring.”
The commissioner said the commission had emerged as a vital aspect in driving Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063, in strengthening the regional ability to tackle cross-border challenges.
She said: “Through partnerships and collaborations, we have made considerable strides in supporting member states and fostering resilient communities.
“By 2030, we aspire to substantially augment the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information.”
On her part, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Mami Mizutori, said DRR required the contribution of all partners.
She further said all ECOWAS member states would be able to contribute and receive fundamental support, noting that.
“This effort would not have been possible without the generous support of the Government of Italy, to whom we are grateful.
“The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction is proud to have played a role in establishing this centre by providing both technical and staffing support and we will continue this support moving forward to help the centre reach its full potential.”
The UN representative said the establishment of the ECOWAS Disaster Operations Center, as a core element of the African Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Action System, was an important milestone in achieving the Early Warnings for All initiative.
She, however, said the UNDRR was committed to helping all countries achieve this level of resilience.
The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Mustapha Ahmed, who also spoke at the event, said management of disaster risks could not be actualised without an efficient coordination mechanism.
He noted that effective early warning systems for anticipatory early actions were needed.
Ahmed said: “The West African sub-region like any other Sub-Saharan Economic Groups is faced with different hazards scenarios that have posed serious threat to the human population, the environment, infrastructure, and means of livelihood based on the hazards manifestation into disasters that are trans-boundary in nature.. The establishment of the Centre in the region is quite commendable considering the location of West African sub-region in the Sahel Zone with its associated disturbing physical and human development indices.”
He insisted that: “Most of this area are characterized by fragile ecosystem and economy that are exacerbated by extreme weather conditions and climate change phenomenon, poverty, insecurity, political unrest, terrorism and banditry. These have undermined community resilience to shocks and stress with varying degree on demographic structure of the zone consisting of women, children, the elderly, people living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.”
Italy supports ECOWAS with $14m on risk management, sustainable development
NYSC Coordinator in Borno Assures of Safety of Corp members serving In the state
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) in Borno state Adamu Jiya has said that Corp members posted to the state are quite safe from any threats of insurgency.
He told this reporter in Maiduguri that in spite of the lingering rage of the insurgent actors in Borno state, his management team had been guided by providence in the posting of these young men and women to were they have been useful and heavily protected.
He assured parents and guardians that with the kind of support his team had been receiving from the government of Governor Babagana Zulum, nothing will happen to their children posted to Borno state adding that he has not lost any Corp member to insurgency.
On life insurance of Corp members posted to the state, he assured that there was a complete insurance cover for all who are serving the state diligently.
He further hinted that, the minimum premium being paid to the families of any corp member who bows to the supreme sacrifice in the course of serving their nation is a million naira for now.
“We did not loose any Corp members as a result of insurgency last year except that one lady died due to ill health and the state Government played a very important role for the late Judith Obi who hailed from imo state when she passed.
“Two million naira was given to the next of kin in the family while the State Government conveyed the corpse home for interment.
“We also lost another one Ishaku Noel serving in JSS Bryel of Bayo council area of the state and his family was promptly compensated for the loss.” Said Jiya.
Jiya described Governor Zulum as a caring father who loves young people and does not joke with the welfare of corp members serving the state adding that he is very grateful for the services rendered by these Corp members especially in difficult terrains in the state..
The coordinator also commended the Governor for his consistency in paying the allowances of the Corp members especially those medically biased who he is always giving special attention to stay back sometimes and serve the state after their services if they so wish.
On the rehabilitation of the permanent site of the NYSC camp, he stated that the Governor has directed that all forms of encroachment including filling stations at the main road will be removed from their land.
“That means the camp will be expanded and we would have maximum space inside when the reconstruction is finally completed as soon as the governor flags it off ” said the coordinator.
Responding to concerns about accommodations for Corp members the coordinator posited that the state government has promised to repair the lodges accordingly and to handle any form of challenges militating against the smooth operation of the Corp.
Jiya commended the Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur for his consistent support of Corp members adding that he personally handles the well being of corp doctors whenever they arrive the state and report for duties in the hospitals.
Speaking on discipline, the coordinator hinted that over 20 Corp members of the batch A stream one and two of year 2024 were reprimanded for various forms of infractions during their service year in Borno state.
“Some were punished with two months extra to outright repeat of the entire service year by others.” Said Jiya.
The NYSC is a post tertiary school organization set up by former head of state General Yakubu Gowan aimed at injecting fresh orientation to young Nigerians towards a common goal of patriotism and service to motherland.
The scheme has kept faith with this focus over the years even as it teaches Nigerians to generate money from its various entrepreneurship scheme to redesign the focus of young people from all the states of the federation.
It is however still faced with the lingering challenge of pregnant ladies and myriads of nursing mothers forcing themselves into camps nationwide even though such categories of ladies have been banned from endangering their lives but some of them keep coming in the name of service against all odds and exposing babies to rigorous conditions not favourable to their innocent tenderness.
NYSC Coordinator in Borno Assures of Safety of Corp members serving In the state
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mourns Dubem Onyia
By: Michael Mike
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described the demise of the pioneer Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia as a great loss to the nation.
A statement on Tuesday by the acting spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received with shock and profound sadness, news of the passing of former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia. The former Minister according to his family died on Monday 10th March 2025, aged 73 years following a brief illness.
“Chief Dubem Onyia, the pioneer Minister of State for Foreign Affairs was a trailblazer who contributed immensely to Nigeria’s global standing, advocating for peace, cooperation, and the advancement of Africa’s interests on the international stage. His unwavering commitment to national development and his exemplary service to the nation will forever be remembered and cherished.
“The late Chief Onyia, hailed from Enugu Ngwo in Enugu State, had a distinguished career in politics and public service. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1999, he resigned to serve as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration from 1999 to 2003.
“The departed former Minister was a seasoned diplomat and politician and held strategic positions such as Chairman of the International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission, Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Joint Commission, and Chairman of the São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Boundary Commission. He also served on numerous corporate boards and government committees, earning multiple national and international acclaims. More so, Chief Onyia was a trustee of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, contributing to national development initiatives.
“The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late former Minister of State and prays to God to give them the fortitude to bear this great loss.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mourns Dubem Onyia
FOCUS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE RATHER THAN POLITICKING
By: Mohammad Sani
It is evident to all Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with the 36 state governors and members of the National and State Houses of Assemblies, has been elected to provide good governance and leadership for a term of four years. Following this period, all Nigerians will partake in elections to either select new leaders or retain the incumbents.
The Association of Good Governance in Nigeria observes with great concern the detrimental impact of political disputes and Machiavellian strategies on critical governance issues, particularly within the first two years of this administration. Nigeria is currently facing significant challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and various socio-economic issues. Addressing these challenges necessitates good governance and innovative solutions.
We are concerned about the recent developments in Rivers State following the Supreme Court’s verdict, as well as the altercation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Additionally, there is the worrying issue of the kidnapping of Retired Brigadier Mahrazu Tsiga and Professor Abubakar el-Jumma from the Nigerian Army University, Biu. This is not the time to focus on who is leaving or joining the ruling APC; instead, we should prioritize providing good governance.
The country is in urgent need of governance defined by accountability, efficiency, inclusivity, and equity, rather than political maneuvering. We earnestly urge the President and all elected officials to prioritize the delivery of good governance and to defer political activities until the appropriate moment arises.
FOCUS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE RATHER THAN POLITICKING
NYSC Coordinator in Borno Assures of Safety of Corp members serving In the state
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mourns Dubem Onyia
VP Shettima Attributes Nigeria’s New Growth Trajectory To President Tinubu’s Bold Leadership, Policies
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
News12 months agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News12 months agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions3 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
Columns1 year agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
National News1 year agoFraud and Mismanagement Rock INGO’s IDP Cash Assistance Effort in Bama
