As Nigeria marked 64 years of independence, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Woman & Youth Ambassador, Sonnia Agu, emphasized the crucial role women play in shaping the nation’s future. Speaking at the second Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) policy roundtable in collaboration with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), Agu highlighted the importance of inclusive democracy for national progress.

A Vision for Representation

With the theme, “64 years of independence, inclusive democracy, and options of special seats for women,” Agu recalled her experience in The Gambia in 2015, where legislation mandated that 30% of women and youths must be represented in governance. She envisioned a similar framework for Nigeria, suggesting that implementing such representation could address many pressing issues facing the nation.

Agu, who is also the founder and CEO of The Sapio Club and G1st International Foundation, stated, “Imagine if we have such a thing in Nigeria where every political party or cabinet members have 30% representation of women and youths. Then we would have solved most of the issues.”

Key Recommendations for Inclusive Democracy

In a communiqué signed by IPAC Chairman Yusuf Dantalle and National Secretary Maxwell Mgbudem, several recommendations were made during the roundtable to promote gender inclusivity:

1. Support for Special Seats: Commendation of the National Assembly for introducing the Constitution Alteration Bill for Special Seats for Women, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. This Bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide seat reservations for women in the National and State Assemblies.
2. Visibility for Marginalized Groups: The need for deliberate measures to ensure the representation of marginalized groups, including women, minorities, and people with disabilities.
3. Decentralization of Power: Advocating for decentralizing power to lower levels of government, allowing for greater involvement and control from the populace.
4. Deliberative Democracy: Encouraging wider participatory processes that bring diverse perspectives into decision-making, leading to equitable policies.
5. Inclusive Party Structures: Ensuring party leadership and decision-making bodies reflect equal representation of women and men.
6. Candidate Quotas: Political parties should adopt policies to implement candidate quotas, ensuring a certain percentage of candidates are women.
7. Capacity Building: Investing in leadership training, financial resources, and networking opportunities to support female politicians.
8. Temporary Special Measures: Implementing measures to reserve women-only seats in politics to create a level playing field in a skewed environment.
9. Collaborative Efforts: Encouraging partnerships among stakeholders, including civil society organizations and political parties, to promote inclusive democracy.
10. Addressing Obstacles: Identifying and addressing cultural, social, and educational barriers that hinder women’s political participation.

Moving Forward

Agu’s call to action underscores the urgent need for a structured approach to inclusivity in Nigeria’s political landscape. By fostering an environment that encourages women’s participation and representation, Nigeria can pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future. The roundtable highlighted a collective vision to empower women and ensure that their voices are heard in the nation’s decision-making processes.

With the support of various organizations and a commitment to addressing existing barriers, Nigeria has the opportunity to enhance women’s participation in politics and governance, ensuring that the country’s progress is truly inclusive.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced a temporary suspension on the release of cleared cargoes from the Apapa Port Complex (APC) due to severe congestion issues currently affecting the port’s operations. This development is likely to disrupt logistics, supply chains, and the overall efficiency of cargo movement at one of Nigeria’s busiest ports.

In an official notice directed to the trucking sector, Truck Transit Parks (TTP)—the firm responsible for managing truck movements along the Apapa port corridor—confirmed the halt on truck releases from the Lagos Port Complex’s pre-gate area. The notice explained that the NPA is closely monitoring the situation to determine when normal operations can resume.

The notice stated: “Please be informed that there is a temporary hold on truck release from the Lagos Port Complex pre-gates due to ongoing congestion. We are closely monitoring the situation and will relax the hold as soon as conditions improve.”

The congestion has created significant bottlenecks at the port, delaying the flow of goods and hampering both local and international trade activities. This has raised concerns among stakeholders in the logistics and transportation sectors, who warn of potential economic impacts if the congestion persists.

Mr. Sani Mohammed, an official from the Association of Maritime Transport Owners (AMATO), attributed the congestion primarily to the inefficiency of terminal operators at the port. He criticized these operators for failing to effectively manage the inflow and outflow of cargo, exacerbating the congestion crisis.

Expressing frustration, Mohammed stated, “What we are experiencing is a result of low efficiency by the terminal operators. They have not been able to facilitate the smooth movement of cargo, and yet, they will still charge demurrage fees for the delays caused by their inefficiency.”

The situation continues to develop, with industry stakeholders urging immediate action to resolve the congestion and restore efficient cargo movement at the Apapa Port.

During the 2024 National Physicians Week celebrations in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Bala Audu, President of the Association, emphasized the urgent need for consistent implementation of the Consolidated Salary Medical Structure (CONMESS) across all states in Nigeria. His remarks came as part of a broader discussion on the theme of the week: “Ensuring Universal Applicability in Remuneration: A Panacea to Talent Retention in the Healthcare System.”

Prof. Audu highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare professionals, stating, “Many doctors and indeed health workers find themselves overworked and underpaid, and the inconsistency in salaries is evident not only across the country but even within similar healthcare institutions.” He noted that these salary disparities are a significant deterrent for young, talented individuals considering careers in healthcare, which ultimately places an increased burden on those who remain in the workforce.

The President urged all levels of government to prioritize the uniform application of CONMESS across all states and healthcare sectors. He argued that equitable remuneration is essential for retaining skilled professionals in the healthcare system.

Prof. Audu further advocated for increased government investment in health infrastructure, better working conditions for healthcare workers, and placing healthcare as a priority in the national agenda. He stressed that addressing these issues is vital for ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Wande Kasope Elugbaju, a Nigerian business analyst based at Ashland University in Ohio, USA, has emphasized the importance of data-informed decision-making for Nigerian SMEs to foster resilience and drive growth amid economic uncertainty. In a statement titled “Data-Driven Resilience: How Nigerian SMEs Can Harness Information to Thrive Amidst Economic Challenges,” Elugbaju shared insights on how small and medium-sized enterprises can navigate the challenges posed by Nigeria’s current economic landscape.

Elugbaju noted that SMEs in Nigeria are grappling with inflation, currency instability, and rising operational costs. However, he believes that utilizing data—even on a small scale—can empower these businesses to make more informed choices, cut costs, better target customers, and ultimately achieve growth.

He provided examples to illustrate his point:

• Retail businesses can leverage data on sales and customer behavior to identify top-selling products. For instance, an electronics store in Lagos might analyze its sales data and discover that phone accessories like chargers and cases are in high demand. By focusing on these high-demand items, the store can attract repeat customers and increase sales while minimizing overstocking of less popular products.
• In the agricultural sector, data on weather patterns and market demand can help farmers optimize their planting schedules and crop selection. A cassava farmer in Benue State could utilize weather forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to mitigate the risk of crop loss. Additionally, data indicating a rising demand for maize can guide farmers to adjust their production to align with market needs, thereby reducing waste and enhancing profitability.

Elugbaju further emphasized that manufacturers can benefit significantly by tracking production rates and material usage, which can lead to streamlined operations and cost savings.

By embracing data-driven strategies, Nigerian SMEs can better navigate economic challenges, enhance operational efficiency, and position themselves for sustainable growth.

Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, a prominent manufacturer of reconstituted foams and household materials, has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering value to investors, even amidst a challenging operating environment marked by high costs and low consumer purchasing power.

In a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), in compliance with its post-listing requirements, the company reported unaudited interim financial results showing a revenue of N82.58 billion as of September 30, 2024, up from N52.99 billion the previous year, representing a 56% increase. The Group also recorded an operating profit of N7.54 billion, compared to N6.99 billion in the corresponding period.

Despite this revenue growth, the Group’s profit before tax saw a decline from N6.01 billion to N1.525 billion, primarily attributed to a significant rise in the cost of sales, which escalated from N35.04 billion to N52.54 billion. These challenges were compounded by increased foreign exchange costs and other operational expenses.

Taiwo Adeniyi, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Vitafoam has always navigated challenging environments before and emerged stronger. We are taking proactive measures to mitigate current challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Our focus remains on delivering sustainable value to our shareholders, customers, and stakeholders.”

He emphasized that the company is diligently working to enhance operational efficiency and that its diversified product portfolio is expected to drive future growth. Adeniyi added, “Our innovative products and strategic investments will enhance competitiveness.”

Notably, over 95% of Vitafoam’s sales occur within Nigeria, and all six of its subsidiaries are fully operational. These subsidiaries include:

• Vitafoam Sierra Leone Ltd.
• Vitapur Nigeria Ltd.
• Vitablom Nigeria Ltd.
• Vitavisco Nigeria Ltd.
• Vono Furniture Products Ltd.
• Vitaparts Nigeria Ltd.

Vitafoam’s strong revenue performance and commitment to growth illustrate its resilience and strategic focus on overcoming operational challenges in the current economic landscape.

A 27-man committee has been established to spearhead the FreeMed initiative in Isi-Uzo, aimed at addressing healthcare challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the area. The committee, chaired by Hon. Emeka Ogbuabor, a renowned Professor of Medicine and former Enugu State House of Assembly member, includes various experts, such as pharmacists and health professionals.

Pharm. Nnaemeka Ugwu, CEO of NEMEL Pharmaceutical Company, has been appointed as the Vice-Chairman. Ogbuabor emphasized the committee’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access for those who cannot afford basic medical services. He highlighted the unacceptable situation where avoidable or curable diseases lead to suffering and mortality, particularly regarding maternal health.

“This initiative complements the efforts of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, which is focused on revitalizing primary healthcare through the construction of 260 world-class Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state and a substantial recruitment drive for health workers,” Ogbuabor stated.

The Council Chairman, Hon. Obeagu, reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to collaborating with the state government to attract further healthcare benefits to the community. He stressed the importance of a healthy population for meaningful social and economic progress and announced partnerships with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and other organizations for crucial medical interventions in Isi-Uzo.

Obeagu also expressed concerns over the rise of quack practitioners and counterfeit drug dealers exploiting remote communities, asserting that the administration is determined to eliminate such harmful entities.

The FreeMed Committee is tasked with raising funds for sustainable healthcare projects, accepting donations of drugs and equipment, and coordinating capacity-building programs for community health workers. It will also focus on community education and awareness regarding health, hygiene, disease prevention, and reproductive health.

The committee includes various representatives, such as:

• Prof. Euzebus Ezeugwu
• Dr. Zikora Obiora
• Dr. Benita Azaka
• The Head of Health Department, Isi-Uzo LGA (Secretary)
• Representatives from women’s groups, youth, traditional rulers, and religious organizations

This initiative is seen as a significant step towards improving healthcare access and quality for the people of Isi-Uzo, reflecting a strong commitment to community health and well-being.

Ahead of the November 16 Ondo State gubernatorial election, Ifeoluwa Ehindero, a House of Representatives member representing Akoko Northeast/Northwest, has endorsed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

Ehindero praised the governor’s leadership and strategic 2025 budget planning, emphasizing its focus on addressing key needs across the state.

During Aiyedatiwa’s campaign stop in Akoko Northwest, Ehindero lauded the community’s loyalty to the APC and expressed gratitude to local leaders and stakeholders for their steadfast support. He emphasized Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to inclusive budgeting, urging constituents to show strong support at the polls to ensure continued development.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa has shown he’s a leader who listens and acts, particularly through a budget that reflects the real needs of every region in Ondo,” said Ehindero. “I encourage the people of Akoko Northwest to come out in full support on election day to keep this vision alive.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa, addressing supporters in Oke Agbe, reaffirmed his commitment to infrastructure, security, and agricultural development as key pillars of his administration. He emphasized that the 2025 budget is designed to meet the pressing needs of all communities, ensuring that no area is overlooked.

“We are crafting a budget that mirrors the needs of our communities,” Aiyedatiwa stated. “Your unwavering support strengthens my resolve to continue pushing Ondo State forward.”

Aiyedatiwa concluded by thanking traditional leaders for their endorsements, stating that their trust underscores a shared vision for a prosperous Ondo State.

Youths across Nigeria have been urged to embrace hard work as the most reliable path to economic freedom.

Chibuikem Emmanuel Onyekachi, Managing Director of Powell Homes and Shelters Limited, made this call while addressing newsmen in Enugu. He emphasized the importance of diligence and resilience, noting that these qualities can open doors to opportunities and economic independence.

Onyekachi encouraged young people to focus on building sustainable skills and ventures instead of seeking quick gains. “Our nation needs young minds who are not only willing to dream big but also ready to put in the hard work to make those dreams a reality,” he remarked.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s economy, he pointed out that hard work remains essential for those aiming to overcome financial challenges. He expressed optimism that, with a strong work ethic, youths could find ways out of financial difficulties. “When young people commit themselves to purposeful work and development, they set a foundation for personal growth and national progress,” he added.

Furthermore, he urged both government and private sectors to support youth-focused programs that promote skill acquisition, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. According to Onyekachi, these initiatives would equip young Nigerians with the necessary tools to succeed, ultimately creating a generation of self-sufficient individuals.

Ghana-based agri-tech company, Oyster Agribusiness, has secured US$2 million in funding to expand Africa’s food base and deepen its impact on smallholder farmers across Ghana.

The funding was raised with the support of Root Capital, RDF Ghana, and Sahel Capital Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA FUND). The fundraising process was facilitated by Pangea Africa Limited, a leading Business Development Service provider specializing in climate-smart agriculture.

Oyster Agribusiness, known for its focus on climate-smart agricultural practices, has played a pivotal role in transforming the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ghana over the past five years. During this period, the company has paid over GH¢60 million—approximately US$3.8 million—to smallholder farmers, positively impacting the lives of 4,500 individuals. The company has also cultivated over 20,000 acres of farmland and supplied more than 25,000 tons of agricultural produce to local and international markets.

This new capital injection will enable Oyster Agribusiness to expand its operations, reach more farmers, and scale its climate-smart agricultural initiatives, thereby strengthening the resilience of Ghana’s agricultural sector against climate challenges.

Mr. Edmond Kombat, the CEO of Oyster Agribusiness, expressed enthusiasm for the support received: “We are thrilled to have the support of Root Capital, RDF Ghana, Sahel Capital, and Pangea Africa Limited, whose expertise and backing will help us to accelerate our vision. This investment is a testament to the impact we’ve made with smallholder farmers and the tremendous potential we see in scaling our operations. Together, we are working toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agricultural ecosystem in Ghana.”

Nii Lokko, Partner at Pangea Africa Ltd, praised Oyster Agribusiness as a model of a growing African agribusiness generating triple bottom-line impact. He highlighted the leadership of Mr. Edmond Kombat, stating that Oyster is achieving impressive profits while delivering measurable social and environmental benefits, particularly for Ghanaian farmers. He described the company as a shining example of leadership for its West African agribusiness counterparts.

In a powerful plea for action, Gatefield has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently implement a diabetes drug subsidy fund as part of broader efforts to address the rising healthcare crisis in Nigeria. This demand follows alarming findings presented on the second day of the Gatefield Health Summit 2024.

The comprehensive study titled “Impact of Inflation on Affordability and Adherence to Anti-diabetics,” conducted by Gatefield and DGI Consults, highlights that exorbitant drug prices are overwhelming patients and pushing hospitals into crisis. An increasing number of Nigerians are requiring emergency care due to untreated diabetes complications.

According to the study, the average cost of diabetes management in 2024 is approximately one million naira, compared to less than five hundred thousand naira in 2023. Dr. Gafar Alawode, the research principal investigator, revealed that the costs of treating diabetes have become impossible for the overwhelming majority of Nigerians, resulting in a hospitalization crisis.

“The poorest of the poor require over 600% of their annual income for basic treatment. We are seeing fewer diabetic patients in clinics and more in emergency rooms,” he said.

Gatefield urged the Tinubu administration to implement subsidies for diabetes medication while proposing sustainable funding through increased sugar taxes. Shirley Ewang, Advocacy Lead at Gatefield, stated, “WHO recommends that the government introduce a minimum 20% tax to help drive down consumption. We need to incentivize healthier lifestyles while making it possible for every Nigerian to access affordable diabetes medication. The funds from the sugar-sweetened beverage taxes must go directly into subsidizing these drugs.”

The crisis was further illustrated during the unveiling of Gatefield’s documentary “The Silent Epidemic: Diabetes in Nigeria,” presented by journalist Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie. Featured in the documentary, Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, shared his personal struggles living with diabetes for 50 years and emphasized the importance of early intervention and lifestyle changes, such as adopting a sugar-free diet and engaging in regular exercise.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced a temporary suspension of cargo releases from the Apapa Port Complex (APC) due to ongoing congestion issues affecting the port. This suspension is anticipated to disrupt logistics, supply chains, and the overall efficiency of cargo movement at one of Nigeria’s busiest ports.

In an official notice directed at the trucking sector within the maritime industry, Truck Transit Parks (TTP), the traffic management firm coordinating truck movements along the Apapa port corridor, revealed the halt in truck releases from the pre-gate area of the Lagos Port Complex. The notice cited severe congestion as the reason for this decision and assured that the port management is closely monitoring the situation to determine when normal operations can resume.

The notice stated: “Please be informed that there is a temporary hold on truck release from the Lagos Port Complex pre-gates due to ongoing congestion. We are closely monitoring the situation and will relax the hold as soon as conditions improve.”

The congestion has created a significant bottleneck at the port, delaying the flow of goods and hampering local and international trade activities. This has raised concerns among stakeholders in the logistics and transportation sectors, who are alarmed by the potential economic impact if the congestion persists.

Sani Mohammed, an official from the Association of Maritime Transport Owners (AMATO), attributed the congestion to inefficiencies among terminal operators at the port. He criticized the operators for failing to effectively manage the inflow and outflow of cargo, which has exacerbated the congestion issue.

Mohammed expressed his frustration over the situation, stating, “What we are experiencing is a result of low efficiency by the terminal operators. They have not been able to facilitate the smooth movement of cargo, and yet, they will still charge demurrage fees for the delays caused by their inefficiency.”

The Senate has expressed strong discontent regarding the delay in the payment of insurance benefits to deceased and retired military personnel, highlighting that 174 families, particularly within the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), are suffering due to these delays, which they deem unacceptable.

In response to these concerns, the Senate prevented NAF officers, led by Wing Commander Mohammed Saleh, from arresting Master Warrant Officer Rukayat Ishola. She had petitioned the Senate over the non-payment of her husband’s insurance benefits and reported alleged maltreatment by air force authorities since the death of her husband, Warrant Officer Daramola Taiwo, in April 2016.

The Senate’s decision followed a motion initiated by the chairman of the Code of Conduct, Ethics, and Public Petitions Committee, Neda Imasuen, from Edo South. This action stemmed from a petition filed against the NAF by Rukayat Ishola, who accused the military of intentionally delaying the payment of her late husband’s insurance benefits. She also claimed that her child was denied payment for school fees, unlike the children of other deceased military officers.

Striking non-teaching staff of Federal public universities have refuted claims that the Federal Government has invited them for discussions regarding the ongoing indefinite nationwide strike. They assert that the government has not reached out to them for any meeting.

This development coincides with members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), among others in the South-East region, joining the strike to protest against the government withholding their salaries for the past four months.

Speaking to Vanguard, SSANU President Mohamed Ibrahim stated, “Nobody from the side of the government has reached out to us. Nobody from the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Education, or the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation has reached out to us.” He criticized the Ministry of Education’s spokesperson for expressing disappointment in their actions, questioning the government’s expectations after their prolonged patience.

Ibrahim emphasized that the strike would continue until their demands were met, highlighting that the situation where various categories of workers have gone on strike, with some receiving partial payments and others left without any remuneration, is intolerable. He remarked, “If only academic staff can run the university system, there is no need to employ other categories of workers.”

Additionally, a lecturer at UNN reported that the strike hampered campus activities, stating, “The strike by the non-academic staff started today here on campus at UNN. The sit-at-home observance did not allow it to begin Monday as people stayed at home.”

At UNILORIN, NASU Chairman Zubair Haruna Ibrahim reiterated that the strike would remain indefinite until their demands are satisfied. He pointed out that the federal government ordered the payment of their four months’ withheld salaries but that they have yet to receive any payment, while members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have received 50 percent of their withheld salaries.

Falowo Olushola, Branch Chairman of SSANU, declared, “Until we are paid, we will continue with the strike action. President Bola Tinubu pronounced that our money be paid since last year, but up till now, it is still with the Accountant-General of the Federation.”

In response to ongoing concerns from readers about my stance on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), I’d like to clarify: there’s no personal animosity here. Rather, my interest stems from a passion for seeing the regulator rise from what I perceive as a period of underwhelming performance to reclaim its status as a leader in telecommunications regulation.

Having worked both inside and outside the system as a journalist, regulator, and now columnist, I remain keenly aware of the need for the NCC to adapt and innovate. Last week, the NCC showcased its resilience to criticism, addressing significant decisions and actions that could initiate a much-needed renaissance for the telecommunications industry, which has faced numerous challenges.

A Bold Move Towards Transparency

A source within the NCC revealed that the organization is committed to transparency, even when faced with hard decisions. One major development was the rebasing of Nigeria’s telecommunications subscriber statistics. In March 2024, the subscriber base was reported at 219,304,281, but by September 2024, this number had plummeted to 153,323,316. This decline was largely due to the NCC’s decision to update subscriber statistics based on the Nigerian Population Commission’s (NPC) recent population estimates.

Historically, rebasing has had mixed reactions in Nigeria. For example, when the economy was rebased in 2014, Nigeria’s GDP increased significantly, positioning it as Africa’s largest economy. However, the recent rebasing of telecom statistics raised eyebrows and prompted discussions about the implications for the industry.

The Factors Behind the Decline

Two main factors contributed to the decline in subscriber figures:

1. Revised Population Statistics: The NCC updated its telecommunications data to reflect a new population estimate of 216,783,381, which replaced the outdated figure of 190 million from 2017. This change resulted in a significant drop in teledensity from 115.63% to 102.30% and broadband penetration from 45.47% to 40.85%. Such adjustments were long overdue, with previous regulators hesitant to present these figures due to potential backlash from political leaders.
2. Completion of the NIN-SIM Linkage Policy: This policy, which aimed to link all SIM cards to a valid National Identification Number (NIN), officially concluded on September 14, 2024. The NCC announced that over 154 million lines had been successfully linked, providing a clearer picture of active users in the market.

A Step Towards Accountability and Compliance

The NCC’s recent actions demonstrate a commitment to introducing metrics that enhance accountability and transparency in the telecommunications sector. With the completion of the NIN-SIM linkage, the NCC is poised to address various industry challenges, including:

• Service Reliability: Ensuring that telecommunications services are dependable.
• Consumer Satisfaction: Improving user experience and addressing customer grievances.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that telecom operators adhere to established regulations.
• Network Resilience: Enhancing the reliability of telecommunications infrastructure.
• Transparent Marketing Practices: Clarifying data bundling and marketing practices for subscribers.

Conclusion

While the NCC has faced criticism, the recent changes indicate a willingness to confront challenges head-on. By embracing transparency and accountability, the commission can potentially revitalize the telecommunications sector in Nigeria. As a stakeholder in this narrative, I remain hopeful that these efforts will lead to a more robust and responsive regulatory environment that benefits both the industry and its consumers.

Renowned education advocate and child development specialist Nnenna Aniezue has recently emphasized the critical need for early intervention in supporting children with learning disabilities. During a press briefing, she called upon parents, educators, and policymakers to take proactive measures to promote inclusive education.

Importance of Early Intervention

Aniezue highlighted that timely identification and support for children with learning disabilities can significantly enhance their educational success and overall well-being. “Early intervention is very important in helping children with learning disabilities attain the peak of their unique potentials,” she stated, urging society to move beyond stigma and create an enabling environment where these children can thrive.

She pointed out that millions of children worldwide remain undiagnosed or unsupported, which exacerbates the challenges they face. The root causes of this issue include inadequate resources, lack of awareness, and insufficient teacher training.

Pivotal Early Years

Emphasizing the importance of the early years, Aniezue remarked, “The first five years of a child’s life are pivotal. Targeted interventions during this period can significantly enhance cognitive, social, and emotional development.” She advocated for investing in early childhood education as a way to lay the foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Role of Parents and Community

Aniezue also stressed the vital role of parental involvement and community engagement in intervention strategies. “Parents and caregivers are crucial in identifying early signs of learning disabilities,” she noted, explaining that empowering them with knowledge and resources can profoundly impact a child’s life.

Promoting Inclusive Education

In addition to early intervention, Aniezue highlighted the need for inclusive education, pointing out the benefits of diverse classrooms and tailored support. She argued that creating an inclusive educational environment not only benefits children with learning disabilities but enriches the learning experience for all students.

Conclusion

Nnenna Aniezue’s advocacy for early intervention underscores the collective responsibility of society to support children with learning disabilities. By fostering awareness, providing adequate resources, and promoting inclusive education, we can create a nurturing environment that allows every child to reach their full potential. Her call to action serves as a reminder that through collaboration and commitment, we can make a significant difference in the lives of these children and their families.

President Bola Tinubu is intensifying efforts to reform Nigeria’s livestock agriculture sector by appointing Alhaji Idi Mukhtar as the Minister for Livestock Development. As the Chairman of the livestock reform committee, with Professor Attahiru Jega as Co-Chairman, Tinubu aims to address the significant livestock product import bills and enhance local production to boost employment and attract foreign investment.

Objectives of the Reform

At a recent two-day consultative workshop at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the need to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports, noting that the country spends approximately $1.5 billion annually on dairy imports. He aims to transition the livestock sector from its current subsistence practices to a more commercial and industrial approach that contributes meaningfully to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Existing Challenges

Despite the potential for livestock farming in Nigeria, the country struggles to meet its own demands, producing far below its national needs. Furthermore, the sector is embroiled in issues of insecurity, primarily due to conflicts involving armed herdsmen, particularly in regions such as Benue, Plateau, Taraba, and Southern Kaduna. These conflicts have led to violence, including killings and kidnappings, raising concerns about how the proposed reforms will address these critical security issues.

Critics argue that the creation of a separate ministry and appointment of a minister may not be sufficient to tackle the deeply rooted challenges within the sector. Concerns have been raised that the reforms must also consider the context of insecurity and ensure that the livelihoods of local communities are not compromised.

Recommendations for Collaboration

The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, has expressed support for the reforms. However, there is a call for President Tinubu to engage with all 36 governors rather than relying solely on the views of the NGF chairman. It’s crucial for the president to outline a comprehensive reform package that highlights the benefits to the states and their populations to foster broader acceptance and collaboration.

Inclusivity in Reforms

Experts caution that any livestock reform plan that advocates for open grazing or the forceful seizure of land for herdsmen will likely face strong resistance. It’s essential for the reforms to be inclusive, recognizing that livestock farming is not confined to any single ethnic group. Successful reform should attract diverse stakeholders and investors rather than following an ethnic appeasement model that has previously sparked resistance.

Conclusion

As President Tinubu embarks on this journey to reform the livestock sector, it is imperative to address the multifaceted challenges, particularly the intertwined issues of security and community rights. Engaging in inclusive dialogue and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders will be crucial for the success of these reforms and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s livestock agriculture sector.