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UNDP Facilitates $10 million lifeline for Women Businesses in Nigeria

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UNDP Facilitates $10 million lifeline for Women Businesses in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has facilitated $10 million in investment from trade lender for business women in the country.

This lift is coming under the recently launched #HerAfCFTA initiative of UNDP which is aimed at helping women entrepreneurs in Nigeria as part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The programme offers support in areas such as: capacity building, market access, trade facilitation, business networking, investment, and digitalization.

The AfCFTA is a trade agreement that aims to boost intra-African trade and promote economic development. It presents opportunities for women entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses, access new markets, and grow their businesses.

Women entrepreneurs on the continent have been reported to be facing challenges ranging from gender-based violence, limited market access, and lack of access to business tools.

Speaking at the #HerAfCFTA forum in Abuja with the theme: Empowering Women-led Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises for continental trade opportunities, the UNDP National Programme Specialist, Ms. Clare Henshaw said the UN agency under the #HerAfCFTA has been able to successfully facilitated the $10 million as
seed projects.

At the forum, which is in collaboration with Women Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Henshaw also disclosed that there would be more funding for women and youth in business but they have to be ready.

She said: “As we speak, not only have they successfully facilitated $10 million investment from trade lenders to seed projects, just one business, we’ve also been able to pile up a number of businesses and partners that are coming your way, if only you are ready.”

She revealed that the six months old #HerAfCFTA initiative has a target of raising $30 million to support women in business.

On her part, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, speaking on equipping the women to break the barriers confronting them, said the initiative focuses on equipping them with tools needed to succeed within the AfCFTA ecosystem.

Attafuah who was represented by the Senior Economic Advisor, UNDP, Mr. Tony Muhuuza, stressed that the initiative is unlocking a wealth of information for Nigerian women entrepreneurs, while at the same time widening their network.

The UNDP Nigeria Representative said: “Our #HerAfCFTA initiative focuses on equipping women with tools they need to succeed in the continental trade ecosystem. Under this initiative, we at UNDP have designed three key components to address the unique challenges that women face and to ensure their success in this new trade environment.

“Under #HerAfCFTA, we focus on equipping women entrepreneurs with insights and tools they need to navigate regional and international trade. By providing access to market intelligence, policy support and capacity building, we empower women to make informed decisions that enhance their competitiveness.
“We are unlocking a wealth of information for Nigerian women entrepreneurs. Number two is her network. Collaboration is very, very key to scaling up success.

“And this component creates platforms for enhanced business-to-business connections and digital networking. From virtual matchmaking events to in-person dialogues like the one we are having today, our AfCFTA network is about building bridges, fostering relationships that can lead to transformative trade opportunities. The third is her facility.

“This is about scaling a business require resources and her facility will actually focus on normalizing the financial, technical support needed to make that happen. From trade facilitation to investment in logistics to branding and export processes, our facility component ensures that women entrepreneurs are equipped to scale their operations and compete effectively in both the local and regional markets. Today’s masterclass and sessions are an embodiment of this vision.

“By focusing on market intelligence, branding, compliance, and trade facilitation, we are not only addressing immediate challenges but also equipping our entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge to cross borders, shatter glass ceilings, and redefine trade across Africa.”

She said she sees a continent where women are in forefront of development.

She said: “Imagine a Nigeria where women-led businesses thrive, where agro-products are skilled to meet export demands, where garments and handmade goods are displayed proudly in shops across Africa, and where women voices shape trade policies and negotiations. This vision will actually start with you.

“As we move forward, we implore you to make collective commitments.
Policy makers, women partners, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, we need to build a trade ecosystem that is inclusive, innovative, and impactful.

” As I conclude, let us ensure that the AfCFTA becomes a living testament to Africa and to make sure that we invest in the greatest resource that its people have, especially the women that have the potential to turn these possibilities into realities.”

UNDP Facilitates $10 million lifeline for Women Businesses in Nigeria

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Three Key bandits Leaders, several leaders killed in a deadly rival clash in Kastina

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Three Key bandits Leaders, several leaders killed in a deadly rival clash in Kastina

By: Zagazola Makama

A deadly violent clash between rival bandit factions erupted on Tuesday in the Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, resulting in the death of key leaders and heightened security concerns in the region.

The confrontation, involving the Yan Kambari group and followers of the late notorious bandit leader, Usman Modi Modi, led to heavy casualties and the seizure of livestock belonging to Harisu, a known associate of one of the factions.

The Yan Kambari group reportedly launched the attack on Harisu’s residence, sparking a deadly confrontation that claimed the lives of several bandit leaders, including: Nasiru Bosho, Bala Yatsa and Audu Mankare, who succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during the clash.

Nasiru Bosho is a notorious leader of bandit operations in Safana LGA and heading the Dogon Marke Camp, who was overseeing weapons previously held by Usman Modi Modi, Bala Yatsa was known for his role in the killing of Usman Modi Modi while Audu Mankare who sustained a gunshot wound in the chest during the engagement, is believed to have succumbed to his injuries shortly after the incident.

More infighting is expected to unfold as both groups are warming up to carry out reprisal.

Three Key bandits Leaders, several leaders killed in a deadly rival clash in Kastina

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KACRAN National President commends Potikum LG Chairman

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KACRAN National President commends Potikum LG Chairman

By: Yahaya Wakili

The National President of the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), Hon. Khalil Mohammed Bello, has commended the executive chairman of the Potiskum local government area, Yobe State, Hon. Salisu Muktari, for providing herders of Potiskum local government with water points.

Hon. Khalil Bello made the commendation when he and his entourage visited the chairman in the council chamber in continuation of the association community-to-community peace sensitization campaign in the state.

“In addition to his previous excellent performances with regards to providing his pastoralists with water points, the executive chairman promised to provide more water points for Potiskum local government herders in the 2025 fiscal year,” Bello said.

The national president called on pastoralists in the Potiskum local government area and its environs to continue to live in peace with one another by avoiding the destruction of anybody’s farmlands.

According to him, the sensitization is part of the proactive measures taken by the association to prevent herder and farmer conflicts in the state and the nation in general.

He reinstated the need for harders not to destroy farmlands during the ongoing harvesting period, adding that pastoralists and farmers are partners in progress.

Hon. Khalil Mohammed Bello acknowledges the government’s commitment under the able leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni CON towards ending the premium crises between farmers and cattle rearers in the state.

He also appreciates the warm reception and the hospitality accorded him and members of his entourage by the executive chairman of the council, Hon. Salisu Muktari, and the people of Potiskum town and its surroundings.

The National President urged the other local government executives chairmen to emulate the executive chairman of Potiskum local government, Hon. Salisu Muktari, to provide water points to herders in their respective local government areas.

Speaking earlier, the executive chairman of the Potiskum local government area, Hon. Salisu Muktari, assured the readiness of the local government council towards supporting the association to achieve its desired objectives.

The chairman pledged to construct more water points for pastoralists in the area and called on the KACRAN leadership to identify the point where the water facilities will be constructed.

KACRAN National President commends Potikum LG Chairman

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Anti-Corruption: International IDEA, Stakeholders Advocate for Domestication of Fiscal Responsibility Act in North Central States

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Anti-Corruption: International IDEA, Stakeholders Advocate for Domestication of Fiscal Responsibility Act in North Central States

By: Michael Mike

Stakeholders in Anti-Corruption and Accountability in public funds have called for the domestication of Nigeria’s Fiscal Responsibility Commission Act in the North Central States of Nigeria to promote transparency and accountability.

The call came during the North Central Zonal Summit of Fiscal Responsibility Institutions funded by the European Union and being implemented by the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) held in Jos the Plateau State Capital.

The two-day engagement with the theme: ‘Integrating the Citizens into Fiscal Decision-Making in States and Local Governments: Insight from Fiscal Responsibility Act’ is aimed at ensuring the dividends of democracy reach the people as expected with prudence in financial management.

Addressing participants at the summit, Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako, harped on the need for citizens’ participation in fiscal decision-making, stressing that such will promote transparency and accountability, which are essential components of good governance.

Represented by his Special Adviser, Chris Uwadoka, the FRC chairman said that the essence of the summit was to facilitate the domestication of the Act by sub-nationals.

He maintained that the theme of the summit underscores the importance of strengthening fiscal responsibility and promoting citizen participation in public finance management at the sub-national level.

He said, “Transparency and accountability are essential components of good governance. The public has the right to know how public funds are being allocated, spent, and managed. This includes information about budget proposals, expenditure reports, and audit findings.

“By promoting transparency, we can empower citizens to hold public officials accountable and ensure that public resources are used efficiently and effectively. 

“Recent initiatives such as the Open Government Partnership, the Freedom of Information Act, and the Sustainable Fiscal Frameworks (SFF) have made significant strides in promoting citizen participation and accountability in public finance management. These reforms aim to strengthen transparency, enhance public oversight, and improve service delivery.” 

The Plateau State Coordinator of RoLAC Programme of International IDEA, Mr Pwanakim Mantin Dala, said citizens’ participation in the management of resources is key for any government operations across various levels, especially at the grassroots level.

“The Fiscal Responsibility Act looks beyond releasing budgetary information to the public; it looks at how the fund is being applied. It also looks at what the funds were allocated for and whether the funds were properly utilized for the purposes. So that you’re not spending so much for so little and that’s what this engagement is all about.”

On his part, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Commissioner of Finance, Mrs Grace Dongkum, assured that the state was already in the process of domesticating the Fiscal Responsibility Act to further strengthen government operations.

He said, “Fiscal Responsibility is an integral part of government, especially financial management, because it is about transparency.

“One thing about transparency is that you manage the resources in such a way that it meets the critical needs of sectors and still have resources for future use. Fiscal Responsibility and Act wants to ensure that we don’t finish everything we have right now; we think of the future.

“So, in decisions that we will make, we are being transparent, and we situate projects or services in such a way that they will have long-lasting effects and also ensure that the future benefits from the decisions that are taken now.”

Anti-Corruption: International IDEA, Stakeholders Advocate for Domestication of Fiscal Responsibility Act in North Central States

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