Shettima announces Special Fund of N166b for disaster management in 2026

By: Michael Mike

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has announced Nigeria’s readiness to lead in the new era of data-driven preparedness against disasters.

Shettima, while making the announcement on Thursday, also announced that the Federal Government has given approval for a N166 billion special intervention fund to help provide anticipatory action before the occurrence of any form of disaster in the coming year.

The Vice President revealed that the country is strengthening national systems to ensure that early warning is not just issued but heard, understood, and acted upon, noting that the essence is to make Nigeria more proactive and enhance its anticipatory capacity.

The Vice President spoke at the National conference on Anticipatory Action in Nigeria, with the theme: “Unlocking the Power of Data-Driven Anticipatory Action in Nigeria” organised by International Rescue Committee, Nigeria.

Shettima said the country is investing in national data generating agencies, Climate-resilient agriculture, Flood prediction models integrated with machine learning systems like IGNITIA, Data-driven disaster management frameworks and Community-led resilience initiatives.

He noted that the target is to have a nation where no community is abandoned to rising waters, failed rains, or eroding livelihoods.

The VP, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia disclosed that: “A special intervention of N166 billion has been committed by the National Economic Council to fund the National Anticipatory Action Framework in 2026.”

He added: “We are strengthening national systems to ensure that early warning is not just issued but heard, understood, and acted upon at the last mile. “

He stated that the country’s vision is to become a nation that anticipates, not reacts.

He said: “The Nigeria we are building will not be one that waits helplessly for rescue. We will be a proactive nation, not reactive, resilient, not vulnerable.

“A nation where no community is abandoned to rising waters, failed rains, or eroding livelihoods. A nation where innovation meets governance, and data meets compassion.”

The Vice President also said that Anticipatory Action is not only a humanitarian necessity but a development path and climate strategy.

“Anticipatory Action is not only a humanitarian necessity, it is a development pathway. It is a climate strategy. It is a governance strength,” he said.

He therefore stressed the importance of timely and accurate data, noting that it helps to provide reliable early warning systems, and proactive financing.

He sold: “And it is a moral duty. If we unlock the power of data-driven anticipatory action, we will build a Nigeria that withstands shocks, protects its citizens, and stands as a global model for resilience.”

He reminded participants that the gathering is “to chart a course that will redefine how Nigeria anticipates, prepares for, and responds to climate-related disasters. He went on: : “This is not simply a conference, it is a national reset on how we safeguard lives, livelihoods, and the future of our communities.

He noted that: “Our Reality: The Climate Crisis Is No Longer a Distant Threat; Nigeria is already living the consequences.

“Floods sweeping through communities in over 26 states, year after year.

“Drought shrinking agricultural yields in the Northeast and Northwest.

“Cholera, meningitis, and vector-borne diseases rising with changing temperatures. Tens of thousands are displaced annually. Families losing livelihoods to rising waters or failed rains.

For the families affected, these are not “climate events.” They are life-altering emergencies. They determine whether a family eats, whether a child goes to school, whether a business survives, and whether communities remain stable. The climate crisis is not abstract. It is personal, immediate, and local.

“The Opportunity Before Us: Turning Predictability Into Protection. Amid this challenge lies an extraordinary opportunity. Around the world, Anticipatory Action (AA) has proven that if we act before a disaster hits based on data, forecasting, and science we save more lives, protect more livelihoods, and spend fewer resources.
“With accurate data, reliable early warning systems, and proactive financing, we can: Move families to safety before flooding
“Protect farms before drought damages seedlings. Deliver cash support before households resorts to negative coping strategies; Strengthen local systems before they are overwhelmed.”

“This is common sense. It is smart economics. It is good governance. And above all, it is humane leadership,” he added.

He cited government collaboration with the United Nations, The International Rescue Committee (IRC), donors, and partners in Adamawa where the programme has been a huge success.

“Their work shows that when data and proactive action meet, communities recover faster, cope better, and move forward with dignity.

He also called on donors and partners to increase their investment in Anticipatory Action, stating that: “Today, I call on both institutional and private donors: Now is the time to scale up anticipatory action financing in Nigeria, the window to act is narrow, the need is urgent, And the returns in lives saved and communities protected are extraordinary, Every naira or dollar spent before a crisis saves multiple times that amount after a crisis, This is not charity, this is strategic investment in stability, economic growth, and resilience for Africa’s largest nation.”

He also urged all the stakeholders to act together to strengthen data collection and hydro-meteorological infrastructure expand forecasting capacity using advanced analytics and machine learning; develop accessible and reliable early warning systems; scale climate-resilient agriculture and water management; empower communities with tools, financing, and knowledge to act early and review and cascade the National Anticipatory Action Framework to all States affected by floods and other climate induced disasters.

He warned that: “We can no longer afford a response system where communities only receive help after devastation has occurred.”

In his opening remarks, the Country Director, International Rescue Committee- Nigeria, Babatunde Ojei, said “Anticipatory Action is more than an innovation; it is a lifeline. It is the power to act before a crisis becomes a catastrophe. It is the power to protect before families lose everything. It is the power to prevent suffering before it begins.”

He therefore said the gathering was more than a conference; “it is a turning point for our country. A moment where science meets leadership, where data meets decisive action, and where Nigeria demonstrates to the world that we will not wait for disaster to strike before we protect our people.”

He stressed that “For too long, our nation has suffered the harsh reality of a changing climate: floods, droughts, displacement, crop failures, food insecurity, and loss of livelihoods. These crises are not statistics; they are the lived experiences of ordinary Nigerians — farmers, mothers, children, traders, and entire communities struggling to survive forces beyond their control. But today, gathered in this hall, is the collective intelligence, leadership, and commitment necessary to change that story.”

Shettima announces Special Fund of N166b for disaster management in 2026

Participate in politics to effect desired change, Jega tells youths

Prof. Attahiru Jega, former chairman of the Independent Nation Election Commission(INEC), has called on youths in the country to increase their involvement in politics ahead of the 2027 general election.

Jega stated this on Thursday at a public lecture organised by Federal University of Kashere (FUK) in Kashere Town of Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, with the theme: “Elections and Good Governance in Nigeria.”

He stated that meaningful youth involvement was crucial for strengthening and sustaining democracy in Nigeria.

According to him, youth inclusion in politics will help tackle some of the challenges in governance and bring in fresh ideas towards solving the problems in governance.

He said that since the ballot remained a key route to renewing leadership in any democracy, the youths should not be indifferent about it but embrace the process to effect positive change in leadership.

“The participation amongst youths in politics is declining in spite of the improvement being recorded in the electoral process since 2011.
“Youths must ensure they participate by registering to get their permanent voter card for those who have turned 18 and then get involved going forward to voting and belonging to political parties.

“If you don’t participate, then you will allow the prevailing bad tendency to be more consolidated and deepened,” he said.
Jega who was the guest speaker at the event said that many youths had lost faith in the electoral system because of the attitude of some politicians who do not deliver on their campaign promises.

He said that some youths had expressed frustration with governance in Nigeria, arguing that “democracy has failed us but I tell you democracy has not failed us only the operators did.”

He said that the poor performance of some public servants resulting in bad governance and lack of trust in the electoral process amongst others had discouraged most youths from participating in politics.

According to him, the above reasons was the reasons youths are supporting military coup whenever it happens in any African country because of the failure of politicians in various capacities.

Jega called on the government and all stakeholders to work more to improve electoral integrity through good governance and transparency and efficiency of the process to encourage youth involvement in politics.

On his part, Prof. Umaru Pate, the Vice Chancellor, FUK said that the lecture was coming at a time when Nigeria continued to search for pathways to democratic renewal, institutional trust, and stronger governance.

Pate said that the event was part of its institution’s efforts at deepening civic education, stimulating critical reflection, and connecting scholarship with the lived realities of the people.

“Across Nigeria, we face a crisis of public trust, declining civic engagement, rising misinformation, and persistent governance challenges.

“Yet, we also see the resilience of citizens, the commitment of institutions, and the determined push for reforms that can strengthen our democracy.

“To shape a better future, we must continue to draw lessons, expand conversations, and inspire leaders at all levels,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, Publisher, PremiumTimes said that a lot of improvement had been made by INEC since it introduced the use of technology in the conduct of election from 2011.

Olorunyomi urged the government and relevant agencies to continue to leverage technology to improve the system and add value to electoral process.

Participate in politics to effect desired change, Jega tells youths

UN Women Calls for Strengthening of Mechanism and Policies Towards Ending Gender Violence

By: Michael Mike

UN Women has advocated for the strenghtening of mechanism and policies towards ending gender-based violence, especially technology-facilitated abuse that increasingly threaten women.

It called on traditional rulers across Nigeria to take up the role of watchdog against violation of gender rights in their domains as play custodians of culture and authority, with a direct contact with the people within communities.

The advocacy was made at the National Convening of Traditional Leaders on GBV Prevention, in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Representing the UN Women Country Representative, to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, the Deputy Country Representative to Nigeria, Ms. Patience Ekeoba, explained that the rate at which digital spaces are becoming new avenues for violence against women, harassment, exploitation, and intimidation, there is an urgent needs for every one to contribute their quota in curbing the menace.

She noted that recent national surveys show that while progress is being made, harmful practices and physical, emotional, and sexual abuse continue to affect millions of Nigerian women.

She further called for stronger enforcement mechanisms and coordinated community action to protect survivors and deter perpetrators. stressing that the Traditional Rulers remain essential in driving collective reforms and accountability within communities.

She noted that: “The commemoration of the 16 days of activism with Traditional Rulers is therefore part of a sustained effort to reflect your positive influence in challenging and transforming cultural practise used to justify and perpetuate violence against women and cultural practise used to justify and perpetuate all forms of violence. It is also a moment to recognise your potential to drive broader women’s empowerment, peace building, women political participation.

“We believe that our Traditional Rulers can lend their voice to make sure that that bill passes and women are able to get more seats at the National Assembly.”

She highlighted community-level success stories in Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Enugu, and Cross River States, where traditional leaders, with support from government and development partners, have abolished child marriage, widowhood rites, and female genital mutilation.

According to her, these examples prove that “cultural transformation is possible when tradition aligns with justice and human dignity. Reiterating UN women commitment towards ending Gender Based Violence.

“UN Women, together with the governments of Nigeria and partners, remain committed to supporting Traditional Rulers through technical assistance, capacity building, documentation, and platform for coordination. As we continue the 16 days of activism, we really need your support to make sure that the new form of violence that we are seeing, especially around digital violence, technology-enabled violence. We’re really hoping that you use your good office to begin to talk to our young people, even as you get back home, to ensure that they use technology properly. So as we talk about other forms of violence, because they are important, we also want your help in making sure that people understand that technology, while it is a good tool, has also become a tool in the hands of people to pull down women, girls, boys, and men”.

On her part, Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, stressed that though Nigeria has made strides in establishing robust legal frameworks, however, legislation alone cannot enforce itself.

She stressed that for legal frameworks to translate into protection, they must be embedded within the cultural norms and community practices. This is why your leadership as traditional rulers is indispensable.

She added: “Your Majesties and Your Highnesses, Nigeria cannot defeat gender-based violence without you. You are the moral compass of our nation, the guardians of our cultural identity, and the first line of defence for the vulnerable. Your voices can end harmful practices, promote accountability, and create a national environment where dignity becomes the norm and violence becomes unacceptable.”

She added that: “As we share experiences today; from kingdoms, emirates, chiefdoms, stools, and councils across our diverse nation; may our wisdom guide us toward sustainable solutions. May our actions reflect the Nigeria we aspire to build: a nation where culture pects, not harms; where leadership uplifts, not oppresses; and where every woman and girl can live free from violence,”

The Mandate Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, said the convening offers a platform to redefine GBV at cultural, traditional, and institutional levels.

She noted that: “Traditional leaders are transformers and gatekeepers whose voices can reshape norms, strengthen family value systems, and eliminate the cultural silence that often protects perpetrators. Protecting women and girls requires a united response anchored on community accountability”.

Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi, further restated FCTA’s commitment to sustaining partnerships that would prevent violence, support survivors, and enhance framework for strengthening social justice in the territory.

Also speaking the Convener-General of the Council of Traditional Leaders in Africa (COTLA), the Emir of Shonga, Haliru Yahaya Ndanusa, reaffirmed traditional rulers readiness to work collectively to end harmful practices that cause physical, emotional, or digital harm.

He said: “Cultural and religious laws provide clear guidance on ending practices that cause more harm than good. The palaces can also serve as safe havens for girls facing abuse. Traditional rulers possess influence that can swiftly change community behaviours when they speak with one voice, in discouraging child marriage, protecting survivors, and promoting responsible digital conduct among young people.”

The dialogue with a focus on deepening commitments, sharing community-led solutions, and exploring practical pathways for sustained action, brought together traditional rulers and key stakeholders to strengthen collective efforts to end violence against women and girls.

UN Women Calls for Strengthening of Mechanism and Policies Towards Ending Gender Violence