Connect with us

News

VP SHETTIMA AT NEC MEETING:

Published

2 years ago

on

VP SHETTIMA AT NEC MEETING:

We Must Form Strong Alliance To End Poverty, Improve Lives Of Nigerians

*** As Council takes key decisions on flood, nutrition, state police, polio

*** Endorses N-774 Programme on Nutrition as states acknowledge receipt of N3b flood, disaster grant

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has called for a formidable alliance among key players in government at all levels as well as development partners in the bid to wriggle Nigerians out of poverty and enhance the quality of life for all the citizens.

This, he said, will never happen if all those involved in the business of governance do not align with one another to create an environment where every Nigerian has the opportunity to thrive.

Senator Shettima who spoke on Wednesday during the 144th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, suggested ways to address the immediate needs of the citizens, including building sustainable systems that empower them to become self-reliant and prosperous.

He however acknowledged that even though the problems inherited by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot be solved overnight despite the long-term solutions in progress, Nigerians are in urgent need of quick, impactful measures.

“Our commitment to alleviating poverty and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians will never materialize if we do not align with one another. We must strive to create an environment where every Nigerian has the opportunity to thrive.

“This includes not only addressing immediate needs but also building sustainable systems that empower our citizens to become self-reliant and prosperous,” the VP stated.

He commended the efforts of development partners, particularly the co-chairman of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates, and chairman of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who were at the NEC meeting, describing them as “two distinguished individuals whose commitment to Nigeria’s progress is unparalleled”

He said they have invested enormous resources into the welfare of Nigerians, spanning critical areas such as health, nutrition, agriculture, and education.

He stated: “Their philanthropy is not seasonal but a steadfast commitment that continues to shape our nation’s future. We did not survive the lowest points of our journey as a nation by the proactivity of the government alone; we did so because we remained partners in rain and sunshine.

“So, permit me to once again extend the nation’s deepest gratitude to our guests, whose empathy has always shone through whenever they are needed.

“Mr. Gates, in particular, has been a steadfast friend of Nigeria, contributing immensely to our nation’s inclusive economic growth and the well-being of our people in both tumult and tranquility. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has recently approved a significant investment—the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator (NCIA).

“This initiative, championed by my office and hosted by the Lagos Business School in partnership with the Boston Consulting Group, sets out to revolutionize our cassava industry, an essential pillar of our economy and food security.”
For the state governments, the Vice President said as sub-nationals in the federation, they are all “stakeholders in redefining the future” of Nigeria.

He continued: “We are gathered here because none of us can fulfill the goals of guaranteeing the survival of our people in isolation. Whether by expanding access to quality education, improving healthcare, or offering skills training and job opportunities, it is clear that each one of us has the power to influence policy and decisions at various levels.

“Our success relies on recognizing the socio-economic threats that have pulled us down the development index and, more importantly, on our resolve to walk the talk.”

Underscoring how critical investing in food security is, VP Shettima expressed delight with the efforts and reforms made so far by state governors to boost agriculture.

“However, we must not overlook the state of nutrition in our nation, which has led to stunting and other health challenges. This is a crisis that demands our unified attention and action. The future of this nation hinges on the health and well-being of our children,” he added.

On his part, Mr. Bill Gates reiterated his bet on the incredible potential of Nigerians, noting that “Nigeria’s economic leaders have done some difficult, but necessary things, like unifying the exchange rate.

“The next great hurdle is raising revenue. I understand this is a politically sensitive area where Nigerians are struggling. Incomes have fallen. Prices have soared. And like in many other countries, people are protesting.”

Describing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda as ambitious, Gate however said the Nigerian leader has “assembled a cabinet ready to meet the challenge,” adding that “with limited resources, putting the funds to the best possible use is key.

Council also took some decisions on issues of flooding, nutrition, state police and polio as follows:

Flood:

Council gave the green light for the full implementation of the approved recommendations from its Ad-hoc Committee on Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification.

This decision comes after a recent memorandum submitted by the committee’s chairman, Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The report outlines a comprehensive Roadmap on Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification, complete with detailed timelines.

Each MDA has been assigned specific responsibilities, with the creation of task forces recommended for inter-agency collaboration where necessary. The aim is to move away from the reliance on ad-hoc committees formed during the onset of the rainy season.

One of the report’s cardinal recommendations is the establishment of the National Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification Management Council (NFEDDMC) under the Office of the Vice President.

The NFEDDMC will coordinate inter-agency efforts, ensure real-time information flow, and facilitate a unified response to natural disasters across the country. The Vice President will chair the council, which will include the following members: Governors of Kogi, Bayelsa, Oyo, Ebonyi, Bauchi and Jigawa States.

Others are Minister of State, Water Resources & Sanitation; Minister of State, Environment, Directors-General of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency; Nigeria Meteorological Agency; National Water Resources Institute and National Emergency Management Agency

Also, Managing Directors of National Inland Waterways Authority; Niger Delta Development Commission and North East Development Commission are members.

The Governors expressed their appreciation to the Federal Government for the recent disbursement of N3 billion to each state to assist in addressing immediate challenges, particularly those caused by flood and other natural disasters.

State Police:

Council also issued a final call to state governments that have yet to submit their memorandum on the establishment of state police.

As of now, only four states—Adamawa, Kebbi, Kwara, and Sokoto—along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have not made their submissions. The council has mandated that these remaining states submit their positions by Monday, September 9, 2024, or face being bound by the resolutions agreed upon by other council members.

Nutrition:

Council also received a presentation on the state of nutrition in Nigeria by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate. Following the presentation, the council approved several critical resolutions aimed at enhancing the country’s nutritional outcomes.

Council agreed to prioritize nutrition interventions in the 2025 budget across federal, state, and local levels, ensuring that sufficient funding is allocated to meet the nation’s nutrition goals.

Additionally, the council resolved to reinforce the functionality and financing of State and Local Government Committees on Food and Nutrition. The establishment and operation of Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) task forces at subnational levels will also be supported to ensure effective coordination, monitoring, and reporting.

Council also endorsed the N-774 programme as a primary platform for combating malnutrition within Nigerian communities and encouraged development partners to provide financial and technical assistance, particularly in the areas of annual results monitoring and scaling successful interventions.

The Accountant General of the Federation provided the council with an update on the Excess Crude Account which currently stands at $473,754.57, the Natural Resources Fund has a balance of N3,451,078,538.57, and the Stabilization Account holds N33,875,398,389.75.

Polio:

In response to a presentation by co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, Council resolved to establish a Committee on the Eradication of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV). This follows reports of VDPV cases in Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.

The committee will be chaired by the Governor of Gombe State and will include the governors of the five affected states. Other members include Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Director-General of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and representatives from the NEC Secretariat and UNICEF.

Additionally, the Special Adviser to the President on NEC & Climate Change, the Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, a representative of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum will also serve on the committee. The committee will be reporting monthly to NEC.

VP SHETTIMA AT NEC MEETING:

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Global Leaders Inspire Youth Action on Digital Education at LASSMUN 2026

Published

3 hours ago

on

April 18, 2026

By

Global Leaders Inspire Youth Action on Digital Education at LASSMUN 2026

By: Michael Mike

A powerful coalition of global and national leaders has challenged Nigerian students to take ownership of the future, as the Lagos Secondary Schools Model United Nations (LASSMUN) 2026 opened with a resounding focus on digital transformation, equity, and sustainable development.

At the heart of the gathering was a clear message: young people are not just participants in tomorrow’s world—they are already shaping it.

Delivering a keynote message, António Guterres underscored the United Nations’ unwavering belief in the capacity of youth to drive meaningful change. He told delegates that Model UN platforms are more than academic exercises—they are training grounds for leadership, diplomacy, and problem-solving in an increasingly complex world.

He emphasized that building a better future demands stamina, courage, and a deep commitment to fairness, urging students to always center the needs of the most vulnerable in their decision-making.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, reinforced the importance of education as a cornerstone of national progress, describing LASSMUN as a strategic investment in the next generation of leaders.

He highlighted ongoing efforts by the state government to strengthen education systems through innovation, infrastructure, and policies that promote critical thinking and character development. According to him, the discipline and engagement demanded by Model UN simulations mirror real-life governance and should inspire students to lead with integrity and purpose.

Providing a broader intellectual perspective, Efosa Osaghae, represented by Prof. Joshua Bolarinwa, said digital transformation holds immense promise for addressing global inequalities in education. However, he warned that without deliberate policies to ensure inclusiveness, technology could deepen existing divides.

He called for sustained investments in digital infrastructure, improved access, and stronger policy frameworks to ensure that no learner is left behind in the rapidly evolving knowledge economy.

The Director of the United Nations Information Centre Abuja, Ronald Kayanja, took the message further, reminding participants that youth are already central to global efforts on peace, climate action, and sustainable development.

He urged delegates to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation—core values of the United Nations—while also developing the critical ability to distinguish facts from misinformation in an increasingly polarized information landscape.

Earlier, LASSMUN President Damilola Ogunsanwo set the tone for the conference, describing it as a transformative experience that instills discipline, collaboration, and respect for global processes.

Also speaking, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District III, Mrs. Mojisola Christiana Yusuf, emphasized that Model UN bridges classroom learning with real-world application, equipping students with essential skills such as negotiation, public speaking, and teamwork.

Adding a development perspective, Ms. Genevieve Chukwuezi, representing the United Nations Development Programme Lagos Office, highlighted how technology proved indispensable during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity in learning despite widespread school closures.

She stressed that digital transformation must go beyond access to technology, focusing instead on innovation, scalability, and the ability to translate ideas into practical solutions that drive economic and social progress.

In a striking intervention, the conference Secretary-General, Praise Oyekunbi, cautioned against superficial adoption of technology, warning that digital tools without equitable access risk entrenching injustice rather than solving it.

“Technology without equity is not progress—it is exclusion,” she declared, drawing attention to the urgent need for inclusive digital policies.

With debates and committee sessions underway, LASSMUN 2026 is shaping up as more than a conference—it is a platform cultivating a new generation of informed, responsible, and globally conscious leaders ready to confront the defining challenges of the 21st century.

Global Leaders Inspire Youth Action on Digital Education at LASSMUN 2026

Continue Reading

News

Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria

Published

3 hours ago

on

April 18, 2026

By

Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

Stakeholders from government agencies, civil society, security institutions, and the education sector have called for urgent early intervention, stronger enforcement of anti-bullying policies, and expanded youth empowerment programmes to address rising cases of bullying in Nigerian schools.

They made the call at a Stakeholder Consultative Dialogue on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian Schools convened by International Alert Nigeria on Friday in Abuja, where experts warned that bullying is increasingly becoming a major driver of mental health challenges and broader social risks among young people.

NDLEA links bullying to drug abuse risks

Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Marwa, warned that persistent bullying could expose young people to substance abuse and other harmful coping behaviours.

Represented by Henrietta HoldGod of the agency’s Counselling and Psychosocial Support Unit, he said victims of bullying often suffer anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal.

He stressed that in some cases, affected students may resort to drugs as a coping mechanism, noting that prevention of bullying directly aligns with NDLEA’s broader preventive mandate.

“Protecting children from bullying also means protecting them from pathways that may lead to drug abuse and other harmful behaviours,” he said, adding that safer schools are essential for building resilient communities.

NAPTIP urges zero tolerance and collective responsibility

The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, described bullying as a violation of human rights that requires collective action across homes, schools, and communities.

Represented by NAPTIP Director Rebecca Enwusoyere, she called for strict zero-tolerance policies in schools, stronger parental engagement, and sustained community advocacy.

She also urged stakeholders to equip young people with skills to identify, resist, and report bullying, stressing that awareness campaigns, peer education, and safe reporting channels are critical to preventing silent suffering among victims.

Experts warn of rising mental health burden

A Senior Research Fellow in International Education and Development at the Open University, Dr. Margaret Ebubedike, said bullying had worsened in the post-COVID-19 period, with significant consequences for students’ mental health and learning outcomes.

She noted that bullying extends beyond individuals to affect families and the education system, disrupting academic engagement and undermining safe learning environments.

Citing regional data, she said between 27 and 50 percent of children in Sub-Saharan Africa experience bullying, warning that Nigeria’s situation appears more severe, with more than half of secondary school students reportedly affected.

“Tackling bullying requires a collective response involving parents, educators, policymakers, and communities,” she said.

Security agency warns of wider societal risks

The Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, cautioned that unresolved bullying cases could escalate into broader security threats if not addressed early.

Represented by CSC Adeoye Adegoke, he emphasised the need for early reporting systems and coordinated institutional responses to prevent escalation.

Federal Government reiterates policy commitment

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling bullying through the National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Schools.

Representing the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Augustine Udo said the policy provides a framework for accountability, protection, and enforcement, urging stakeholders to move from policy discussions to practical implementation.

She called for stronger reporting mechanisms and increased empathy among students, teachers, and parents.

The Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria also confirmed that implementation guidelines and a dedicated committee have been established to ensure nationwide rollout of anti-bullying measures across schools.

Experts push for system-wide action

Behavioural Change Communication expert, Ms. Ayotola Ilori, said data shows bullying is widespread, with about 32 percent of Nigerians aged 12 to 17 affected, while as many as 85 percent are either victims, perpetrators, or both.

She welcomed the 2025 National Anti-Bullying Policy but warned that policy design alone is insufficient without full system-level implementation across schools nationwide.

Ilori also called for coordinated action across all 774 local government areas, urging students to speak up and avoid silence when facing bullying.

International Alert calls for practical interventions

Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Udo, said the initiative was prompted by growing concerns over recent bullying incidents, including a widely reported case in Edo State.

Represented by Programme Manager Sunday Jimoh, he said the dialogue aimed to move beyond awareness creation to actionable policy solutions.

He noted that bullying is not limited to schools but also exists in workplaces, sports, and leadership spaces, describing it as a broader societal challenge.

Udo said the organisation is working with schools to establish Youth Peace Clubs, where students are trained in conflict resolution and the psychological impact of bullying.

He added that safe reporting systems are also being developed to ensure victims can report incidents before they escalate.

At the end of the dialogue, organisers said a communiqué and policy roadmap would be developed to guide future advocacy and strengthen government engagement on anti-bullying interventions nationwide.

Stakeholders Call for Stronger Enforcement, Early Intervention to Curb School Bullying in Nigeria

Continue Reading

News

Nigerian envoy visits troops in Benin, urges professionalism

Published

3 hours ago

on

April 18, 2026

By

Nigerian envoy visits troops in Benin, urges professionalism

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou, Benin Republic, Amb. Bukar Kalambe, has visited Nigerian troops deployed under Operation AWATSE African Alliance II (OPAA II), urging them to uphold professionalism and represent the country with dignity.

Thrme visit took place on April 15, 2026, at Togbin Camp, where the envoy was accompanied by the Defence Adviser, Col. S.A. Yahaya, embassy staff, and the President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Benin Republic branch, Alhaji Muhammad Muniru.

According to the sources, the visit was aimed at boosting the morale of the troops and reinforcing diplomatic support for the ongoing mission.During the interaction, Kalambe charged the troops to remain disciplined and committed to their mandate, while serving as good ambassadors of Nigeria.

He also assured them of continued support from the Nigerian mission in Benin Republic to ensure the success of the operation.

The Commanding Officer of OPAA II, Lt.-Col. A.A. Ikoro, later conducted the envoy on a guided tour of the camp, showcasing facilities, vehicles, and operational equipment provided by the Nigerian Army for the mission.End

Nigerian envoy visits troops in Benin, urges professionalism

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights