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UN, FG Reiterate Importance of Data in Decision Making
UN, FG Reiterate Importance of Data in Decision Making
By: Michael Mike
The need to prioritise data visualization in decision making processes has been reiterated by the United Nations (UN), Federal Government and the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The organisations expressed the imperative of data in decision making process at the official launch of “Nigeria Visualised Project” on Monday night in Abuja.
The programme was put together by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the NBS.
Speaking at the Launch, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mathias Schmale, noted the project has become important towards full implementation of government policies and programmes in Nigeria.
Schmale, who was represented by Development Coordination Officer/Economist of UN, Nonso Obikili, said: “To meet the UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development requires that we continue to track key indicator of progress that we need around the world.
“Where we have fallen and need acceleration. The UN through instrument of SDG framework is committed to supporting government, in reporting trajectory on SDGs.”
He added that: “Too often data gets lost on the shelves and on countless basis that is why this platform is important, to put human face and help relate with data.“
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu on his part, said the project would no doubt give more access and information to Nigerians.
He said: “Sometimes, we present them in a way people know, with different opportunities and development challenges and sometimes mutual suspicion.
“Visualisation can give you full view about your country or developmental challenges, cultural opportunities in the landscape.
“When we are dealing with issues, particularly climate change, many people cannot relate to the challenges of others, because they do not know.”
He noted that: @This project will be important tool of knowing Nigeria better both by Nigerians and non Nigerians.”
The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, who also spoke, commended UNDP and NBS for commitment to harness data and advance visualisation techniques.
She said the project with more than 40 visualisations, would transform the space and provide for data need in the country, and change the narrative that has been there for ages.
She said: “The Nigeria visualized web-platform is a beacon of progress offering rich visual story about our nation and its diverse population.
“The area of focus being geography, climate, economy, demography among other things underscores commitment to tackle socioeconomic, culture and ecological dynamics.
“The objective of democratizing access to data aligns seamlessly with our shared vision for informed decision-making and sustainable progress.”
The Statistician General/CEO of NBS, Mr Semiu Adeniran on his part, said collaboration with UNDP and the ministry marked new turn in collective data gathering.
He said: “It resonates our present drive to enhance data reporting and visualization capacity, for better understanding and assimilation of data among our users.”
Meanwhile, the UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Mohamed Yahya, said the initiative was designed to boost understanding on data visualization.
He said: “Having data visualised in an accessible manner allows everybody understand what they are seeing and to make decisions based on them.”
UN, FG Reiterate Importance of Data in Decision Making
2026 teachers’ summit: Zulum stands in for NGF chair, commends FG for NELFUND
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Monday, attended the National Teachers’ Summit held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he stood in for the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
Governor Zulum commended the Federal Government for its strategic investments in education, citing the positive impact of Students Loan Scheme, the strengthening of key educational institutions, and the upward review of salaries for federal university teachers as evidence of a clear policy direction aimed at revitalising the sector.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to educational development and human capital advancement in Borno State.
The summit, convened by the Federal Ministry of Education, provided a strategic platform to review the state of Nigeria’s education sector, strengthen policy implementation, and formally launch “Edu Revamp”, a platform to enhance teacher capacity, utilise digital tools for 21st-century skills, and foster collaboration to improve learning outcomes.
About 12 exemplary teachers were honoured for their outstanding service to the nation. Six teachers—one from each of the six geopolitical zones—from the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), alongside six secondary school teachers, received cash awards of ₦25 million each. The Overall Best Teacher award was presented to Mr Solanke Francis Taiwo, who received a cash prize of ₦50 million.
Governor Zulum commended the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for hosting the maiden National Teachers’ Summit at the Presidential Villa, describing the initiative as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s prioritisation of education.
He particularly applauded her sustained advocacy for girl-child education and her support through scholarships and grants that continue to reduce barriers to educational access for vulnerable Nigerians.
He also praised the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, for their focused and reform-driven leadership.
2026 teachers’ summit: Zulum stands in for NGF chair, commends FG for NELFUND
News
Kyari Urges Fairer Global Trade Rules as Nigeria Participates in Cocoa Beyond Borders Conference in UK
Kyari Urges Fairer Global Trade Rules as Nigeria Participates in Cocoa Beyond Borders Conference in UK
By: Our Reporter
Nigeria is participating in the Cocoa Beyond Borders 2026 Conference in the United Kingdom, joining global policymakers, industry leaders, financiers, and farmer representatives to examine power imbalances and compliance challenges in the global cocoa sector.
Delivering a keynote address, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Nigeria, challenged existing trade and compliance regimes, stating that cocoa-producing nations “must not remain rule-takers in a system where the rules are made without their meaningful input.”
Speaking within the conference theme, “Rules Without Recourse? Navigating Compliance, Power, and Trade Justice in the Cocoa Sector,” the Minister warned that sustainability frameworks would fail if they undermine farmer livelihoods and national sovereignty, stressing that “compliance cannot be just if it weakens producer economies while protecting markets elsewhere.”
Senator Kyari also cautioned against the weaponisation of ESG and environmental regulations as non-tariff barriers, noting that climate action must advance alongside fairness and equity in global trade.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to reclaiming value across the cocoa supply chain, emphasising the need for producing countries to move beyond raw exports to processing, branding, and greater market influence, while calling for stronger producer-led alliances to reshape global cocoa governance.
The two-day conference is examining ESG compliance, digital traceability, climate finance, price volatility, and the future of cocoa innovation, positioning cocoa as a strategic asset in global trade justice.
Kyari Urges Fairer Global Trade Rules as Nigeria Participates in Cocoa Beyond Borders Conference in UK
Armed robbery foiled by Bauchi Police, three suspects arrested in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
Three persons were arrested following a foiled armed robbery along the Bauchi–Gombe Federal Highway in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Jan. 26.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 12:16 a.m. when armed robbers blocked the road near Kalajanga Hamlet via Bara Village.
Officers on routine patrol responded promptly, engaging the hoodlums and forcing them to abandon their operation and flee into the surrounding bush.
The trail of the robbers led authorities to the house of one Nasiru Ibrahim of Saddiya Hamlet, where two of his children, Isya Nasiru, 20, and Umar Nasiru, 18, were also arrested in connection with the case.
Recovered items included two sticks, a touch light, three bags, a local bullet-proof shirt, face masks, two pairs of shoes, an Oppo android phone, and several local charms.
Sources say Investigations are ongoing.
Armed robbery foiled by Bauchi Police, three suspects arrested in Bauchi
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