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IWD: West Africa has highest rate of maternal mortality, low girl-child education, others – Wife of ECOWAS President

Published

3 years ago

March 23, 2022

IWD: West Africa has highest rate of maternal mortality, low girl-child education, others – Wife of ECOWAS President

By: Michael Mike

Wife of President of the Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS), Mrs Jacqueline Brou has lamented the prevalence of high maternal mortality rate in West Africa.

She equally lamented the low levels of female education, violence against women, early marriage and female genital mutilation in the region.

Speaking in Abuja at an occasion to commemorate the International Women’s Day, IWD, Brou said the West African region is still bedeviled with the highest rate of maternal mortality, low levels of female education, violence against them, early marriage and female genital mutilation.

Brou, speaking under the theme defined by the United Nations: “equality today for a sustainable future” and the campaign theme: “BreakThe Barriers”, disclosed that because of the situation in West Africa, the commission would be taking steps to ensure that the ECOWAS Vision 2050 development process reflects and is inclusive by actively involving women and youth in the design and implementation of all ECOWAS development programmes and projects.

She notedthat the commission is duty bound to fight job segregation and break down prejudices through the provision of more employment opportunities for women and young people.

Brou advised the ECOWAS Amazons to remain steadfast, working in unity to achieve the goals of the commission which would put Africa in the right grounds.

She said: “Although International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8, our celebration should not be limited to just a calendar date. Women, the pillar of any society, should be celebrated every day for their bravery, their fights, their social, economic, cultural and political achievements.

“Indeed, International Women’s Day not only provides a useful opportunity to remember that every individual has a role to play in building a more gender-balanced world, but the day is also a call to action to accelerate gender parity by challenging gender stereotypes while forging a more progressive mindset and inclusive behavior.

“The celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day 2022, under the theme defined by the United Nations “equality today for a sustainable future” and the campaign theme “BriserLesBarrières / BreakThe Barriers” must lead us to become aware of the considerable impact of prejudices on gender equality, whether conscious or unconscious. We must recognize it and denounce it. Therefore, we must break the chains of prejudices that have entangled and conditioned our lives, such as prejudices related to gender, religion, nationality, age, geography, culture… And the list goes on. These biases distort thinking, influence beliefs and undermine the development and empowerment of West African women.

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She decried that: “Despite the progress made by most West African countries in terms of women’s participation in the economic and social sectors, policy-making and leadership, the region still has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality, low levels of female education, violence against them, early marriage and female genital mutilation. These factors play a major role in hindering the progress of women in the region”.

She said: “It is in this context that the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government have declared zero tolerance towards sexual and gender-based violence and the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls in the ECOWAS region. This commitment has materialized through the adoption of a number of instruments and mechanisms by various ECOWAS entities, including the ECOWAS Gender Policy, the Gender Strategic Plan Framework, the gender, youth and childhood policies, and the Supplementary Act on equal rights between women and men for sustainable development in the ECOWAS region.

“The Commission has also taken steps to ensure that the ECOWAS Vision 2050 development process is participatory and inclusive by actively involving women and youth in the design and implementation of all ECOWAS development programs and projects.

“In addition, the Commission is committed to fighting job segregation and breaking down prejudices by providing more employment opportunities for women and young people. I dare to hope that with these important steps, we will continue to realize “The ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity for All.”

She however said: “On a personal note, I would like to express my appreciation and the opportunity to share with you these fantastic moments as part of the celebration of International Women’s Day. I gradually realized how lucky I have been for the past four years. I can proudly say that you are all like family to me and I thank you for your precious and inexhaustible trust in me. None of us has accomplished anything in isolation and the great successes and milestones of the Amazons have been the result of our mutual respect, collaboration and cooperation.”

She charged: “Amazons, never forget that you are the pride of ECOWAS, our common institution. Do not allow any prejudice to alter your vision, and trust me, I will be your advocate alongside my dear husband for even more women Commissioners, more women Directors and Heads of Division, more women in all positions. You can count on me.

“On a personal note, I would like to express my appreciation and the opportunity to share with you these fantastic moments as part of the celebration of International Women’s Day. I gradually realized how lucky I have been for the past four years. I can proudly say that you are all like family to me and I thank you for your precious and inexhaustible trust in me. None of us has accomplished anything in isolation and the great successes and milestones of the Amazons have been the result of our mutual respect, collaboration and cooperation.

“Amazons, never forget that you are the pride of ECOWAS, our common institution. Do not allow any prejudice to alter your vision, and trust me, I will be your advocate alongside my dear husband for even more women Commissioners, more women Directors and Heads of Division, more women in all positions. You can count on me.”

In the spirit of celebration of the IWD, the ECOWAS Women’s Forum (ECOCOM Amazon), visited the Maternity Ward of Asokoro General Hospital, where they

doled out maternal equipment and kits worth US$3,500.

During the visit to the maternity ward of the hospital, Mrs. Brou, who is the matron of the ECOWAS Amazon, stated that the material donated on behalf of ECOWAS women falls within the framework of the celebration of the international women’s day.

Brou said coming from a medical family, she feels excited and committed to donate such equipment to the hospital, promising that the intention of the commission is to continue carrying out charity programs in the hospital due to the proximity of the hospital to the ECOWAS Secretariat.

Commending the commission for their kind gestures, the Medical Director of Asokoro General Hospital, Uche Afioma, said that the commission had shown practical support for women.

She said: “This donation from the ECOWAS commissioners wife, Mrs. Jacqueline Brou we are very grateful on behalf of Asokoro district hospital and we thank her for the kind gesture and the entire AMAZONS, the team that has supported warmly in order to make these donations. We say thank you. They will be useful for upliftment of maternal and child health care in Nigeria and in the FCT as a whole. And we also hope that God will continue to bless them and replenish the purse.”

Also speaking, Dr. Olanrewaju Micheal, Head of Department & Consultant, O&G, thanked the ECOCOM Amazon for the donation, stating that the donations came at a good time.

IWD: West Africa has highest rate of maternal mortality, low girl-child education, others – Wife of ECOWAS President

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Ogidigben $20 billion Gas Project: Nigeria Receives Investment Commitment from Chinese Firm

Published

6 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Ogidigben $20 billion Gas Project: Nigeria Receives Investment Commitment from Chinese Firm

By: Michael Mike

The federal government has received a commitment from a Chinese firm, China National Chemical Engineering International Corporation Ltd (CNCEC), to support the development of the $20 billion Ogidigben Gas Project in partnership with Nigerian stakeholders in a restructured funding partnership.

The commitment was given to the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) Joseph Tegbe who is presently leading a team to China to market Nigeria and its opportunities for investment.

A press statement on Monday read that Tegbe held strategic sessions with renowned Economist and former World Bank Director Prof Justin Lin Yifu, who pledged support for the NCSP office in areas of policy implementation, reforms, and attraction of Chinese investments.

The Director General delegation was also hosted by China National Chemical Engineering International Corporation Ltd (CNCEC), whose President Li Zhenyi, expressed his company’s commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth through construction and industrialization specifically their strong desire to support the development of the $20 billion Ogidigben Gas Project in partnership with other Nigerian stakeholders in a restructured funding partnership.

The Director-General acknowledged CNCEC’s technical capabilities and their previous accomplishments; and also reiterated the bold and audacious support of President Bola Tinubu on the major developmental projects across Nigeria as national priority to fast track the nation’s industrialization.

Tegbe’s visit to China was as part of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) projects coordination, and investment drive, and he has continued to have strategic engagement with key Chinese stakeholders to deepen the bilateral cooperation. The visit aimed to review priority FOCAC projects, explore innovative funding options, and attract major Chinese investments into Nigeria.

In Beijing, the Director-General met with representatives from China EXIM Bank and China Development Bank to discuss accelerated delivery of priority projects. The delegation also visited the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) Headquarters, where they toured a 2.5 million eggs-per-day production poultry farm, a visit to the firm aimed at assessing the feasibility of replicating similar projects in Nigeria using innovative funding models, such as the part contractor-financed, BOT, among others as recently adopted in other China financed projects.

During the visit, the delegation moved to Xinjiang where they visited TBEA, the number 1 electricity corporation in China and leading power transmission enterprise. They discussed status of their project and explored investment options and opportunities in mini and microgrid solutions to enhance Nigeria’s power sector.

The delegation’s next stop was at Shanghai where they made a courtesy call to the Nigeria Consulate in Shanghai, engaging in productive discussions about trade and investment opportunities in the region. These conversations focused on facilitating growth in key areas and exploring ways to enhance cooperation between the Consulate’s trade mission and the Director-General’s office.

The delegation thereafter visited the impressive Yangshan Deep-Water Port, also known as Shanghai Port. This massive port is currently the largest in the world, was constructed by China Harbor Engineering company, who also constructed the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Nigeria. The port
boasts an incredible capacity of 51 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). During their visit, the delegation had the opportunity to cross the remarkable 35-kilometre bridge, specifically designed for the evacuation of men and materials from the port. This bridge is a testament to China’s impressive engineering capabilities.

According to the statement, before leaving China, the delegation is expected to engage key players in Chinese economy in Shenzhen, and Guangzhou to facilitate and fast-track FOCAC project implementation through familiarization and feedback sessions with the relevant participating companies.

The statement added that “the ongoing visit is part of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote economic cooperation between the two nations, an initiative that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria’s economic growth and development, particularly in areas such as infrastructurb development, technology transfer, and job creation.

Ogidigben $20 billion Gas Project: Nigeria Receives Investment Commitment from Chinese Firm

National News

AT 2025 WEF, VP Shettima Markets Nigeria, Africa As Investment Destination

Published

8 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

AT 2025 WEF, VP Shettima Markets Nigeria, Africa As Investment Destination

** Says Africa Has Indeed Woken Up

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said serious investors can now take unfettered advantage of Nigeria’s growing investment climate to tap from the limitless opportunities in the country and the African continent.

VP Shettima spoke on Tuesday during a forum titled, “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets,” at the ongoing annual meeting of the 2025 World Economic Forum ( WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

At the session which was co-chaired by Mirek Dusek, Managing Director of World Economic Forum, and chaired by Marie-Laure Akin Olugbade, Senior Vice President, African Development Bank (AFDB) group, discussions focused on the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing Roadmap for Africa.

He told the forum that the tales they hear about the country and the African continent as a whole are really not that of doom and gloom as being painted by doomsday proponents.

The Vice President noted that Nigeria is poised to invade the global business platform with modernisation and robust investments, assuring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a seasoned chartered accountant, is working to make the nation an investment destination in Africa.

“For 20 years, I have been in the Nigerian banking industry. I was a general manager in Nigeria’s largest bank, Zenith Bank. I grew up in that ecosystem. The President himself is a seasoned chartered accountant. So, I believe that Nigeria is ready for business, Nigeria is ready to embrace the path of modernization with very robust investment,” he declared.

Acknowledging however that the nation may still have certain deficits, VP Shettima pointed out that Nigeria is looking up to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to address the challenges.

He stated: “We are having a huge deficit but we are looking forward to the AfCFTA and that involves investing in infrastructure for instance the coastal highway from Calabar to Lagos is the largest single investment in Africa. We are building corridors to the North.

“We have the West African gas pipeline. We are thinking ahead of time akin to the Belt and Road Initiative. We are partnering with 14 African countries to invest in gas infrastructure down to Morocco.”

Senator Shettima insisted that Africa is not all about tales of doom and gloom, maintaining that the continent has woken up from its slumber.

Likening Napoleon Bonaparte’s opinion about China to the case of Africa, the VP said, “So, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the stories you hear about Africa are not that of doom and gloom. From DRC to Somalia, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire, Africa is waking up from its slumber.

“I remember what Napoleon Bonaparte said about China, he said “China is a sleeping giant but when she wakes up, she will rattle the world”. So, Africa has woken up and we will take our rightful place in the comity of nations because as I said earlier, the trajectory of global growth is facing Africa. We are the youngest continent.”

Also drawing a leaf from the late Nigerian head of state, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, VP Shettima said Africa has come of age and can no longer be treated like an adolescent.

“I want to quote Murtala Mohammed – a Nigerian military leader at an extraordinary summit of the OAU, about 50 years ago. He said “Africa has come of age, it is no longer under the orbit of any extra-continental power, and it shall no longer take orders from any country, however powerful,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, in a show of African leadership collaboration at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Shettima, on Tuesday joined South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, as special guest of honor at a high-level briefing, following his earlier participation in the Africa Investment Forum.

….VP Shettima, Botswana’s President Hold Talks

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Similarly, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the President of Botswana, Duma Boko, on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting where areas of mutual interest between both countries were discussed.

The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, is part of Nigeria’s commitment to fostering stronger intra-African relations and economic cooperation.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of leveraging their countries’ strengths to promote mutual growth and development.

The Vice President, who congratulated President Duma Boko on his election victory, called for deeper partnerships and collaborations between African nations, saying it is time Africa united and presented a common front on interests regarding the continent.

During the meeting, Vice President Shettima welcomed the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, introducing her to the Botswana President.

The Vice President commended Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s exceptional achievements, describing her as one of Africa’s finest.

Other areas of interest discussed between the two leaders included trade, investment and strengthening of diplomatic ties.

AT 2025 WEF, VP Shettima Markets Nigeria, Africa As Investment Destination

National News

Niger Tanker Explosion: VP Shettima Expresses Dismay Over Loss Of Lives

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Niger Tanker Explosion: VP Shettima Expresses Dismay Over Loss Of Lives

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed dismay at the devastating tanker explosion that claimed several lives at Dikko Junction in Niger State.

He commiserated with families of the victims, assuring them of the federal government’s commitment to preventing future occurrences.

The Vice President extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, as well as the government and people of Niger State.

The Vice President’s message follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s earlier directive for immediate medical assistance to survivors and the implementation of stricter safety protocols along major highways.

The incident, which occurred when a fuel-laden tanker en route from Kaduna to Gwagwalada overturned at Dikko Junction, has prompted the federal government to announce a comprehensive review of transportation safety measures.

The Preident has also tasked the National Orientation Agency with launching an immediate nationwide awareness campaign on the dangers of approaching accident scenes involving fuel tankers.

Niger Tanker Explosion: VP Shettima Expresses Dismay Over Loss Of Lives