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Planned Okada ban: ActionAid calls for safety net to alleviate deepening poverty
Planned Okada ban: ActionAid calls for safety net to alleviate deepening poverty
ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has urged the Federal Government to consider an alternative safety net to buffer the impact of the planned ban ‘Okada’ on the affected population before taking such action.
This is contained in a statement by Lola Ayanda, Communications coordinator for ActionAid Nigeria in Kaduna.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on July 21, the federal government said it was considering a nationwide ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, as well as mining activities in a bid to stem the rising insecurity across the country.
Malam Abubakar Malami, Attorney-General of the Federation, made this known after a national security council meeting at the presidential villa, Abuja.
The NGO said that the ban on Okada and illegal mining activities by the Federal Government as hinted by Malami, will stem the rising insecurity across the country but it will undoubtedly further deepen the national multi-dimensional poverty index if measures are not taken to address the population involved.
As a way out, the NGO urged the government to encourage investments and job creation to engage those that will lose their livelihoods.
“ActionAid Nigeria agrees that placing a ban on the use of motorcycles and mining activities may cut the supply of logistics and source of funds for the purchase of arms to the terrorists, but while this is being contemplated in the national interest to combat insecurity, there must be well thought-out alternatives to lessen the effects of the attendant loss of livelihoods on the people that will be affected.”
The NGO noted that the ban must be implemented in a way that it must be implemented in a way that will not further worsen the country’s dire economic situation.”
According to the NGO, the number of people using Okada represents a significant segment of the population whose condition will be worsened as a result of food inflation, rising unemployment, the rising cost of living among other economic challenges, and other issues that are responsible for why more people are falling into the poverty net.
The AAN also emphasized the need for government to invest in the agriculture value-chain, especially girl child education.
It also urged the government to prioritise the healthcare of its citizenry and enhance economic opportunities while embracing technology to improve economic productivity and opportunities for the citizens.
AAN also expressed willingness to join other development partners available to work with the government at all levels to create a sustainable alternative for this population.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Sept. 15, 2021, President Muhammadu Buhari said 1.6 million poor and vulnerable households, comprising more than eight million individuals were currently benefiting from the Conditional Cash Transfer programme, while N300 billion has been disbursed to farmers.
Speaking virtually at the opening ceremony of the 14th Annual Banking and Finance Conference of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the President said the National Social Register of Poor and Vulnerable Nigerians had 32.6 million persons from seven million poor and vulnerable households identified.
”From this number, 1.6 million poor and vulnerable households, comprising more than eight million individuals are currently benefiting from the Conditional Cash Transfer program, which pays a bi-monthly stipend of N10, 000 per household,” he said.
Buhari said the National Social Investment Programme is the biggest in Sub-Saharan Africa and one of the largest in the world.
Planned Okada ban: ActionAid calls for safety net to alleviate deepening poverty
MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group
CELEBRATING PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU
The President/Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, has been announced “MAN OF THE YEAR” by THISDAY Newspapers and ARISE News Board of Editors.
The prestigious recognition reaffirmed Mr. President’s exemplary leadership, visionary thinking, and unwavering commitment to transforming the country amid mounting economic and security challenges.
The awards organisers also noted that the President has marched on with courage and determination to change Nigeria for the better, and proven to be a leader who is driven more by convictions and taken decisions which are in the best interest of the nation.
To commemorate this milestone, THISDAY is unveiling a Special Edition on Monday, January 27, 2025, to afford the President’s
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MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group
Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident
By: Michael Mike
Nigerian government has commiserated with the government and people of Türkiye over the fire incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort that resulted in the death of 66 persons injured over 50 others.
The condolence message was contained in a statement signed by the acting spokesperson of the federal ministry of foreign affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The statement read: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to express deep condolence to the Government and People of the Republic of Turkiye over the unfortunate fire incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort.
“The fire, which claimed the lives of 66 persons and injured over 50 others in Bolu Province in Northwestern Turkiye, was reported to have started in the early hours of Tuesday 21st January 2025.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria sympathizes with the Government of the Republic of Turkiye and the families of the victims of the fire incident, and also wishes a speedy recovery of the injured.”
Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident
Yobe’s Commitment To Agric. Development very Impressive -Islamic Development Bank
By: Mamman Mohammed
The Islamic Development Bank has expressed satisfaction with the preparedness of Yobe state government to partner the bank for an agricultural project.
Mr. Javed khan, Senior Agriculture Specialist of the Bank stated this at a courtesy call on Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, at the Government House, Damaturu.
Khan said the commitment of Yobe state government to meeting its obligations is quite impressive and encouraging.
Khan who led a team from the bank on assessment tour of the state to see for itself the documents developed and the preparations on ground for the project, said the team was convinced with government’s committment to the project.
“We were initially discouraged not to come to Yobe state citing insecurity but, we insisted on coming and are impressed with the peace and security, and the government’s commitment to the project.
“We are working towards a target in the next three months for the state to obtain approval from the bank for the project.
“The working synergy between our team and your team suggests that we will achieve our target within the stipulated time frame” Khan said.
Responding, Governor Buni commended the Bank for not listening to the enemies of progress of the state.
“l am glad you did not listen to them, some of whom have never been anywhere close to Yobe state but giving stories about what they don’t know.
“You are now here and you have seen things for yourselves and can tell the story better. We are ready for this partnership using agriculture to drive the economy of our state and the people.
“All the 17 local government areas in the state are now accessible and the people can access their farms and make this proposed project successful” Buni said.
The Governor explained the importance of agriculture to the people, adding “this project would guarantee food security and economic prosperity in our post insurgency recovery programme.
“The resilience exhibited by our people in embracing agriculture being their major preoccupation to rebuild their lives after the protracted insecurity is very encouraging and need to be supported” he said.
The Governor re-ephasized the readiness of his administration to partner the bank to make agricultural development in the state a huge success story.
Yobe’s Commitment To Agric. Development very Impressive -Islamic Development Bank
MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group
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Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident
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