Kwara State Partners with National Institute to Boost Women’s Economic Empowerment

Kwara State Government has teamed up with the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) to advance women’s economic empowerment through a new partnership focused on development, research, and promotion.

During an advocacy visit to Kwara, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Afolashade Opeyemi Oluwakemi, and MINILS Director General, Comrade Issa Aremu, outlined the initiative’s goals. The project aims to adapt the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy (WEE) to Kwara State, fostering economic opportunities for women.

Represented by Hajia Biliqis Alaya, team lead of the Research, Development, and Project Center, Aremu emphasized that the policy, launched in December 2023, serves as a framework for guiding investments in women’s economic empowerment across Nigeria. He noted that several states have made significant progress in this area, with Kwara State now set to enhance its support for women’s development.

Aremu highlighted the policy’s focus on key sectors such as agriculture, education, entrepreneurship, technology, and financial inclusion. He urged the Commissioner to establish a committee involving ministry staff, relevant agencies, civil society, women’s groups, and community leaders to drive the initiative forward.

In response, Oluwakemi expressed the state government’s commitment to the project, praising Governor Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his dedication to women’s development. She affirmed that the ministry would fulfill the necessary steps to implement the project, aiming to promote women’s inclusion and productive engagement.

Oluwakemi underscored the governor’s belief in empowering women as a means to strengthen the nation and expressed confidence that the partnership would yield positive outcomes for women in Kwara State.

Oyebanji Calls for End to Beliefs Hindering Exclusive Breastfeeding

Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, wife of Ekiti State Governor, has advocated for an end to traditional norms and beliefs that discourage exclusive breastfeeding. Speaking at the World Breastfeeding Week launch in Ado Ekiti, Oyebanji, represented by Senior Special Assistant on Community Advocacy, Dr. Eunice Fasanmi, emphasized that halting practices such as giving water to babies in their first month could significantly boost exclusive breastfeeding rates.

Despite efforts, Ekiti State is lagging in meeting global targets for exclusive breastfeeding, which aims for a 50% rate and 90% coverage to fully benefit from breastfeeding. Oyebanji highlighted that exclusive breastfeeding is crucial for sustainable development, nutrition, and reducing inequalities.

She noted that breastfeeding can prevent 13% of child deaths and morbidity if 90% of mothers exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months. However, only 38% of infants worldwide and 27.2% in Nigeria are exclusively breastfed. Oyebanji stressed the importance of breastfeeding as recommended by UNICEF and WHO, which includes providing only breast milk for the first six months.

The commissioner for health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, pointed out that cultural norms, lack of support, and limited lactation services are barriers to breastfeeding in Ekiti State. Filani urged collaboration among stakeholders to address these issues and ensure optimal breastfeeding practices for better infant health.

AU Allocates $10.4 Million to Africa CDC for Mpox Response

The African Union’s Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) has earmarked $10.4 million from COVID-19 funds to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to combat the Mpox outbreak across the continent. This decision was announced on Saturday by the Africa CDC.

The Africa CDC, a key institution supporting African nations in health system strengthening and disease control, will use this funding to enhance efforts in several crucial areas. These include improving Mpox surveillance, increasing laboratory testing and genomic sequencing capabilities, bolstering data collection and analysis, and advancing case management and infection prevention strategies. The funding will also support risk communication, community engagement, and the distribution of vaccines, diagnostics, and supplies.

From January to July 2024, Africa has reported 15,074 Mpox cases (2,853 confirmed and 12,221 suspected) and 461 deaths, marking a significant rise from the previous year. The outbreak has affected 17 countries across all five African regions, highlighting the need for a coordinated regional and cross-border response.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, expressed appreciation for the PRC’s support, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing the continent’s capacity to tackle the Mpox outbreak. The funding will bolster ongoing efforts in collaboration with international partners, including WHO, UNICEF, and the World Bank.

Ambassador Mohamed Gad of Egypt, Chairperson of the PRC Subcommittee on Budget, stressed the importance of solidarity and collective action in strengthening health systems and responding effectively to public health emergencies across Africa.

Ogun State Denies Governor Abiodun Called #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protesters “Sore Losers”

The Ogun State Government has dismissed claims that Governor Dapo Abiodun referred to #EndBadGovernance In Nigeria protesters as “sore losers.” The administration stated that the governor’s comments were directed at certain political opponents who, according to the government, were exploiting the protests for their own gain rather than addressing the concerns of ordinary Nigerians.

In a statement released on Saturday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kayode Akinmade, it was clarified that Governor Abiodun’s remarks, made during an interview with Channels TV, were focused on critics of President Bola Tinubu who are using the current unrest to undermine the government. The statement emphasized that Governor Abiodun respects Nigerian youths and their right to protest, and that his comments were misrepresented.

Akinmade reiterated that the governor values the contributions of Nigerian youths and has praised their peaceful conduct during the protests in Ogun State. The statement also condemned what it described as attempts to distort Abiodun’s words and to malign his reputation through orchestrated attacks.

The governor’s office asserted that the term “sore losers” was used to describe certain opposition figures, not the general populace participating in the protests, and criticized efforts to misinterpret his comments for political gain.

BREAKING: Protesters Block Governor Fubara’s Motorcade in Port Harcourt

On Saturday, Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s motorcade was halted by protesters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Demonstrators, calling for the governor’s resignation and direct engagement, took to the streets, demanding an end to poor governance.

The protest is part of a broader nationwide movement against rising living costs and hunger, which has been ongoing for three days. In Port Harcourt, protesters, equipped with green branches and fervent spirits, filled the streets in a display of solidarity for the #EndBadGovernance campaign, which began on August 1, 2024.

Protesters have gathered at Pleasure Park, pledging to remain until their demands are addressed. Similar demonstrations are also occurring in Lagos, Abuja, and other locations across Nigeria.

Live Updates: Hunger Protests Enter Day Three Across Nigeria

Today, August 3rd, 2024, marks the third day of nationwide protests in Nigeria as citizens take to the streets to protest against hunger and economic hardship. The protests, which began on August 1st, continue to sweep through major cities across the country.

On the second day of the protests, clashes between security agents and protesters were recorded in Agbor, Delta State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. However, the protests remained peaceful in Lagos State, Oyo State, Rivers State, and a few other states.

Recent Developments:

  • Clashes and Arrests in Abuja: Reports have emerged of harassment and arrests of protesters in the FCT, Abuja. Former presidential aspirant and activist Omoyele Sowore confirmed via X that both the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have been harassing protesters at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja. Sowore also alleged that government-sponsored thugs might join in the attacks on activists.
  • Police Action: Some protesters who gathered outside the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja were arrested by the police. Although the stadium was approved for the protest, security operatives dispersed the demonstrators with tear gas for disobeying the directive to remain within the stadium.
  • Court Order: The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had earlier secured a court order restricting the protesters to the stadium. Despite this, protesters converged outside the stadium, leading to police intervention.

Peaceful Protests in Other States:

  • In Lagos State, Oyo State, Rivers State, and a few other states, the protests have continued on a peaceful note without significant incidents of violence or clashes with security forces.

Background:

The #EndBadGovernance protests, aimed at addressing hunger and economic hardship in Nigeria, have drawn widespread participation from citizens frustrated with the current state of affairs. The movement has seen support from various activists and public figures, including Omoyele Sowore.

Nigeria Times News will continue to provide live updates on the unfolding protests and any new developments.

Stay Informed:

  • Follow our live updates for the latest news on the protests across Nigeria.
  • Stay connected with Nigeria Times News for real-time information and analysis.

Support Swells For Tinubu’s Energy Sector Reforms

Support is growing within the National Assembly for President Bola Tinubu’s reforms in the oil and gas sector. Approximately 120 members of the House of Representatives are backing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd in its efforts to enhance Nigeria’s energy sector.

In a statement titled, “NNPCL: A Call For Caution,” the lawmakers, including Hon. Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, Hon. Martins Esin, Hon. Leko Jafaru Gambo, and others, expressed their encouragement for NNPC Ltd to continue implementing measures to improve Nigeria’s oil production.

The group, under the umbrella of “1 Agenda,” distanced themselves from a recent publication calling for the resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, and the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ahmed Farouk. They clarified that this statement was a personal opinion and not reflective of the House of Representatives’ stance.

The lawmakers emphasized that the GCEO of NNPC Ltd is entitled to a fair hearing, and the House has responsibly constituted a committee to investigate NNPC’s activities. They asserted that calls for resignation at this stage are unnecessary and premature, encouraging NNPC Ltd to continue pursuing initiatives to ensure Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in oil and gas production.

The statement read, “1 AGENDA has noted a recent publication calling for the resignation of the GCEO of NNPC Ltd and the ACE of NMDPRA. We want to clarify that this reflects a personal opinion and not the position of the House of Representatives.”

The “1 Agenda” lawmakers urged the public to disregard the call for resignation and to support President Tinubu’s efforts to reform the oil and gas sector for the benefit of all Nigerians.

FG Clarifies Governors Didn’t Receive ₦570 Billion Each

The Federal Government has debunked reports claiming that each of the 36 state governors received ₦570 billion as part of efforts to alleviate economic hardship for the most vulnerable citizens.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, clarified that the federal government actually distributed ₦573 billion among the 36 state governors and the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory from the end of 2023 to July 2024. This disbursement was a reimbursement under the World Bank-supported NG-Cares programme.

Idris, in a statement on his X handle, emphasized the importance of avoiding misinformation. This clarification followed a misleading report by an online medium (not Naija News) suggesting that each governor received ₦570 billion.

Addressing the misinformation, Idris stated, “At no time did I say that State Governors received ₦570 Billion each from the Federal Government. What the States and the FCT collectively received in reimbursements between the end of 2023 and July 2024, under the World Bank-supported NG-CARES program, is a total of ₦573 Billion Naira, as follows: ₦135.4B in late 2023, and ₦438.36B last month. These numbers are in the public domain, in the spirit of transparency, and should not be the subject of distortion or sensationalism in the media.”

Iyabo Ojo Urges President Tinubu to Halt Tear Gas Use on Peaceful Protesters

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to instruct the police to stop using tear gas on peaceful protesters.

Since the initiation of the #endbadgovernment movements across Nigeria on August 1, 2024, there have been numerous reports of confrontations between the police and local miscreants in various states, including Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Borno.

In Abuja, police used tear gas on a group of protesters at Eagles Square, even though the protest had been approved to take place at Moshood Abiola National Stadium. Despite police attempts to disperse the crowd by firing tear gas canisters into the air, the determined protesters continued their march.

Similarly, protesters at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos State were also dispersed with tear gas. These actions have sparked outrage and reactions from many individuals on social media.

Actress Iyabo Ojo took to Instagram on August 1, 2024, to condemn the use of tear gas. In a series of posts displaying the ensuing violence, she urged President Tinubu and the police to allow the protests to proceed peacefully.

“Why are they throwing teargas? @nigeriapoliceforce #peacefulprotest is their right,” she wrote in one post.

Russia Reports Massive Drone Attack by Ukraine on Multiple Regions

Russian officials announced on Saturday that Ukrainian forces launched a significant drone attack overnight, targeting multiple regions across Russia.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that air defense systems “intercepted and destroyed” a total of 75 drones over several regions bordering or near Ukraine, including Belgorod, Krasnodar, Kursk, Oryol, Rostov, Voronezh, and the deeper-lying Ryazan region. Additionally, one drone was shot down over the Azov Sea.

According to the ministry, 36 drones were destroyed over the Rostov region. However, Rostov Governor Vasily Golubev stated online that the region was attacked by a total of 55 drones. He did not specify how many were intercepted versus how many hit their targets but mentioned that “warehouse facilities” in the Morozovsk and Kamensky districts sustained damage in the attack.