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WHO Announces New COVID-19 Variant ‘Omicron’

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Says, It’s A Variant Of Concern

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Saturday revealed a new COVID-19 variant called Omicron.

This, according to a statement by the UN agency hinted that the B.1.1.529 variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on 24 November 2021 and classified it a variant of concern.

The statement read in parts; “The epidemiological situation in South Africa has been characterised by three distinct peaks in reported cases, the latest of which was predominantly the Delta variant.

“In recent weeks, infections have increased steeply, coinciding with the detection of B.1.1.529 variant.

“The first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on 9 November 2021.”

WHO said that , the variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning. preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other variants of concern (VOCs).

The statement said , the Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution (TAG-VE) was convened on 26 November 2021 to assess the SARS-CoV-2 variant: B.1.1.529.

The TAG-VE is an independent group of experts that periodically monitors and evaluates the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and assesses if specific mutations and combinations of mutations alter the behaviour of the virus.

WHO said there are a number of studies underway and the TAG-VE would continue to evaluate this variant. WHO will communicate new findings with Member States and to the public as needed.

It said based on the evidence presented indicative of a detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology, the TAG-VE has advised WHO that this variant should be designated as a VOC, and the WHO has designated B.1.1.529 as a VOC, named Omicron.

As such, countries are asked to enhance surveillance and sequencing efforts to better understand circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, submit complete genome sequences and associated metadata to a publicly available database, such as GISAID, report initial cases/clusters associated with VOC infection to WHO through the IHR mechanism and where capacity exists and in coordination with the international community, perform field investigations and laboratory assessments to improve understanding of the potential impacts of the VOC on COVID-19 epidemiology, severity, effectiveness of public health and social measures, diagnostic methods, immune responses, antibody neutralization, or other relevant characteristics.

WHO also caution individuals to take measures to reduce their risk of COVID-19, including proven public health and social measures such as wearing well-fitting masks, hand hygiene, physical distancing, improving ventilation of indoor spaces, avoiding crowded spaces, and getting vaccinated.

FCT Minister Bemoans Shortage Of Urologists In Nigeria

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
muhammad-musa-bello
FCT Minister, Nigeria

…Calls For Inclusion Of Cancer Treatment In NHIS

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello on Thursday bemoaned shortage of Urologists in Nigeria.

While appealing for includsion of cancer treatment and other urological ailments into the National Health Insurance Health Scheme (NHIS) coverage. 

He made this appeal while speaking at the 26th AGM and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Urological Surgeons (NAUS) in Abuja.

He said that Urology was an important and highly specialized branch of medicine with an increasing demand for its specialized care especially with an increasing aging population.

He ,however, regretted that there was gross shortage of urologists in Nigeria, adding that the cost for treatment of cancer-related and urological illnesses was “astronomical” thus leading to global cause of loss of lives as the poor could not afford it.

He tasked the medical association to train more urologists and work towards cutting down the cost of treatmenting urological ailments, as well as educate the public on early stages of urological ailments and treatment options.

According to him; “Sadly, there is a xonfimed shortage of urologists in Nigeria which increases ,education tourism outside of Nigeria and also outside a lot of strain and pressure on the specialists and facilities available.

“The need to train specialists in this field is therefore imperative and I was elated to learn that one of the objectives of your Organization’s is the teaching and tearing of your members and also promotion of research in your field.

“It will also be heartwarming if your association can seek for ways to reduce the cost of treatment which can be astronomical. A lot of lives have been lost to ailments such as enlarged prostrates largely because the cost of treatment was clearly behind their reach”.

Bello also disclosed that the FCT Administration was working with a private financial institution to construct a 500-bed Center of Medical Excellence in Abuja, within an all-inclusive medical city that would provide world class accommodation and hospital and attract best medical professionals.

He expressed belief that this project would help “stem the tide of brain-drain, medical tourism and save the country the stress of capital flight”, as well as “keep the best brains at home”.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire in his remarks blamed medical tourism on “perceived lack of trust or care by citizens” and revealed that FG’s N100 billion loan to the sector was significantly and positively impacting the health sector.

Ehanire, called for more sensitisation and awareness on skills available in the Nigerian health sector, stressing that perceived lack of trust is responsible for the rise in medical tourism recorded in recent times.

According to him, medical tourism is estimated to cost the country foreign exchange out flow of about $1.2billion annually.

He also called for more engagement of diaspora intervention, particularly in undeserved areas of the country in bridging dearth in medical professionals in the country. 

The Minister of Health however assured that the Federal Government support will support professional groups like the NAUS to foster health network, retention and increase while providing improved health care services to Nigerians.

Also, President of the association, Colonel Evaristus Uzoma Azodo (rtd), disclosed that cancer treatment and management was expensive hence the need for large pool of fund like the NHIS.

“Cancer care is a big challenge in our environment and the greatest problem is that most of the patients turn up late when it is late to give them curative treatment.

“About 80 percent of cancer patients come late and what that means therefore is that they are going to be on long-term treatment with very expensive drugs, even the rich are worn out by such care.

“Having a large pool of fund like the NHIS especially if we can expand that system by having more people coming into it, then we will have more money. Cancer care is not cheap in and that is why there is the need for government intervention.”

While stating some of the advantages of Endo-Urology, Dr. Azodo said with advancement in urology treatment, patients can now undergo surgeries without having to be cut open by passing instruments with light fibres are passed into the natural orphisis of the body and  this allows for less trauma to the patients, reduce hospital pain, and less hospital stay for the patient. 

Nigeria is said to have only a about 271 Urologists to cater for its over 200million population, leaving a ratio of one Urologists to 800,000 people.

WHO Lauds Health Journalists For Creating Awareness On COVID-19 Hesitancy

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Head of Communications Unit, World Health Organization (WHO) , Ms Charity Warigon has commended Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ) for proven to be highly professional by rising to the test of the COVID-19 hesitancy by educating, mobilizing, and creating awareness amongst the populace.

She said that, journalists covering health beats proved their capability and have done an invaluable work over the years and made the difference in helping people make informed decisions and positive choices to promote their health.

Warigon gave this commendation in her goodwill message at the 2nd Annual Conference of ANHEJ on Thursday in Keffi, adding that the theme, “Improving confidence in COVID-19 Vaccine” is timely and apt, as it not only speaks to the present, but also to the future of making Nigerians healthier.

She said; “Journalists can only improve on what we have achieved so far and even do better, as there is so much to attain in driving confidence in the vaccination effort by building trust and continuously being a trusted and reliable source.

“The COVID-19 pandemic, unlike any pandemic in history, has affected everyone and every country in a manner unexpected, although there had been calls and available support to nations to build their health systems and security in preparation for future outbreaks.

“In the earlier phases of the pandemic, there was absence of sufficient knowledge to inform development of vaccines as the sciences were limited, which were exploited by mischief makers, through what we call, infodemics”.

She continued; “If we are to build and/or maintain trust, this noble group and profession is one out of a few that have historically been proven to be trusted to provide information that shape the behavior and lives of generations of peoples the world over.

“The media and journalists are the bridge between scientists and the public. It behoves on every member of the Fourth Realm of the Estate to, as social responsibility, ensure the provision of accurate, timely, credible, understandable, relevant, and actionable information through various communication channels.

“Our messaging must continue to remind the public that, for the foreseeable future, we must continue to wear masks, physically distance, and avoid crowd. Being vaccinated doesn’t mean that we can throw caution to the wind and put ourselves and others at risk: relaxing public health and social measures interventions should be done cautiously and with careful attention paid to those who remain unvaccinated.

“On its part, WHO remains resolute in sustaining this mutually beneficial partnership with AHNEJ, towards promoting health and wellbeing, keeping the world safe and serving the vulnerable, to achieve Universal Health Coverage and ensure that no one is left behind”, she stressed.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Nigeria Union or Journalists (NUJ) FCT Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche lamented that the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) who are supposed to drive the conference are not actively involved but left it for international organisations.

He affirmed that there is vaccines resistance in Nigeria, this is due to religious, ethnic and political factors.

He, however, charged journalists to work the talk, we must be seen to believe what we preach this will encourage people to get vaccinated.

Similarly, the ANHEJ Board Chairman, Mr Godwin Odemijie charge journalists to focus on issues of mental health, saying, this is affecting many people now.

He also called on journalists to do more of investigative and Human angle stories.

Meanwhile, the President of ANHEJ, Mr. Hassan Zaggi said lack of interest by many Nigerians to receive the COVID-19 vaccine cuts across both the educated and the uneducated, the rich and the poor in different parts of the country.

He said that, the apathy in the uptake the COVID-19 vaccine by our people, the outright lies and falsehood being spread by enemies of the country concerning the vaccine is the reason we are here today.

His words; “In the next two days, we will channel our energy towards finding workable strategies on how health journalists can convince Nigerians to take the COVID-19 vaccines.

“Together with our senior colleagues and development partners, we will explore new approaches to overcome and silent the many falsehood being spread about the COVID-19 vaccine.”

FCTA Pledges Support For 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged its support to ensure the success of the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, just as the Nigerian Legion begins activities to mark the day.

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello made this pledge while playing host to delegation from the Nigerian Legion in his office, in Abuja.

He also assured that the FCTA will make increased donations towards the welfare of the veterans and widows of the departed heroes in the armed forces as a mark of appreciation for their sacrifices.

The Minister stated that , “The FCT Administration will provide the needed support to the Nigerian Legion towards your good efforts of getting donations to the widows and also members of the Legion who are incapacitated and who have challenges. We will this year increase what we donated last year by 50 percent as a mark of appreciation to all the veterans for all their services to this country and also as a mark of support to all the widows and the children that they left behind.”

Bello who was also decorated with the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem during the visit, also acclaimed the longstanding relationship between the Legion and the FCT Administration saying that their working relationship has helped in the timely management of emergency situations.

 
He said the FCT Administration over the years has worked very closely with the Nigerian Legion through the employment of many of its members who served to provide supplementary services, especially security as well as intelligence gathering, adding that they have proven to be very hard working and professional in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Bello said, “On some occasions, when we have had fire incidents during off-duty hours, your vigilant members were the ones that were always the first line of defence before other supporting activities come.” In a similar vein, he also commended them for their timely intervention during flooding mishaps.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and National Chairman of the  Legion, Major General Abdulmalik  Jubril (rtd), said the Legion has been mandated by President Muhammadu Buhari to solicit for the support and cooperation of well-meaning Nigerians in order to keep alive, memories  of the sacrifices made by the departed heroes in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He said “The President is the Grand Patron of Nigerian Legion and he has asked us to go round to meet well-meaning Nigerians and through Ministers, Ministries, and other government stakeholders in order to solicit for your cooperation and understanding to help convey, through their own Ministries, through their own staff, to keep fresh this memory of the sacrifices made.” 

 
Present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, Director of Human Resources Management, Dr Bashir Muhammed, Director of Security Services Dr Abdulateef Bello, Brig. Gen. S.D Makolo Deputy Director, Veteran Affairs Department, Defence Headquarters   and other senior officials of the FCTA.

More Than 80% COVID-19 Deaths Caused By Non Vaccination, Shuaib

By
Akeem Adebayo
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0

The Executive Director, National Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib on Wednesday hinted that over 80 percent of deaths recorded from COVID-19 infection in recent times were those who did not take the vaccine jab.

He gave the hint while speaking at sensitization meeting with the leadership of the National Association Nigerian Students in Abuja.

Shuaib noted that evidence before the agency showed that most of the deaths resulting from COVID-19 infection were caused by non vaccination.

He stated that COVID-19 vaccines being administered in the country has proven to be safe and efficacious, adding that six million Nigerians have been vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines without any adverse effect.

He said ; “Over 80 percent of those that died due to COVID-19 were those who were not vaccinated. What the data is showing us is that over 80 percent of those people who have died of COVID-19 in Nigeria were those who were unvaccinated”.

This means that 8 out 10 who becomes sick with COVID-19 could die because they were unvaccinated, along with whatever comorbidities they have.

“So we have proof that COVID-19 vaccines actually work, adding that all the insinuations that anyone who takes the vaccine will fall down and die are false and should be discontenanced,” he said.

He said the meeting with the NANS leadership as an exceptional opportunity to partner with the youths of the country that are referred to as the future generation.

He said the agency had in the last few months been engaging in one way or the other with the Association of Nigerian students.

Shuaib said that the key message for all Nigerians’ is the need for us to ramp up vaccination so that we can go back to our normal ways of lives and of doing business.

He said, “In the last couple of months over six million Nigerians have been vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines. Surely six million Nigerians cannot be wrong, these vaccines is having been proven by these individuals, their family members, friends, co- workers and neighbours to be safe, they are living examples of what we have been talking about in the last months that these vaccines are safe.”

Earlier , the NANS President, Mr. Sunday Dayo stated that, “The NANS leadership after wide consultation with all rank and file including stakeholders and experts in the health sector along side our independent survey and investigation on the vaccination of citizens exercise embarked on by National Primary Health Care Development Agency, we wish to announce the safety of this vaccine for all Nigerians and Nigerian students in particular, to demonstrate acceptance and endorsement of this vaccine for all in line with this resolution , my humble self as National President along side Senate President, National Executive Council Members and members of the National Secretariat of NANS shall be taking our first jab today”.

FCTA To Demolish All Illegal Structures On Road Corridors

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

…Dismantles Over 100 Illegal Structures At Karon-Majigi Railway Line

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has vowed to demolish all illegal structures on road corridors in Abuja.

The administration also warn all owners of illegal structures located on any of the approved road corridors within Abuja, to remove it or risk having it demolished without compensation. 

This warning came on Tuesday as over 100 illegal buildings obstructing road construction leading to Kukwaba II train station,  in Karon-Majigi were demolished. 

The Senior Special Assistant (Designate) to FCT Minister on Monitoring,  Inspection and Enforcement, Comrade Ikharo Attah who led the exercise,  reiterated the commitment of the administration towards infrastructural development,  and warned that every illegal structures standing on the way of any project would be demolished at the owner’s peril.

He ,however, expressed sadness over the loss being continuously incurred by victims of the demolition, saying, government will remain focused to citizen-oriented service delivery in all facets. 

He also added that the Kukwaba train station had been completed long ago and ready for use, but the occupants of the illegal structures had refused to vacate the area, thereby slowing the road construction project.

His words , ” We are in Karon-Majigi to remove all illegal structures that are obstructing the road project to Kukwaba train station. We have to clear the houses wrongly built on this road corridors. 

” This is against the warnings that we have always given via the media that you cannot buy land from the local Chiefs and build without approval.

” The Minister was very clear when he addressed journalists at the Presidential Villa that all those who illegally buy land and build houses on road corridors will not be compensated.

Meanwhile , Assistant Director at the FCT Department of Development Control,  Hope Thompson,  who is in charge of the area, confirmed  that all indigenous people whose houses were affected had been adequately compensated before the exercise. 

He also hinted that non- indigenes who defied urban and regional rules, to build without building approval,  won’t be compensated by the administration. 

Bello Appoints Mandates Secretaries, Heads Of Agencies, Personal Aides

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
muhammad-musa-bello
FCT Minister, Nigeria

… Picks Ikharo Attah As SSA On
Monitoring, Inspection & Enforcement

President Muhammadu Buhari, based on the recommendation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, on Monday approved the appointment of Mandate Secretaries, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Heads of Agencies and Personal Aides into relevant positions in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The appointments are in keeping with his commitment to reposition the FCTA into a more robust and service-oriented administrative structure and enhancing its operational capability. 

 This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday evening by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Anthony Ogunleye.

The appointees include: Mandate Secretaries and Heads of Agencies and Departments are: Ibrahim Abubakar Dantsoho Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat; Abubakar Ibrahim Secretary, Agricultural & Rural Development Secretariat; Sani Dahir El-Katazu
Secretary, Education; Dr. Abubakar Tafida Secretary, Health & Human Services Secretariat; Muhammad B. Umar Secretary, Legal Services Secretariat; Hadiza Mahammed Kabir Secretary, Social Development Secretariat; Zakari Angulu Dobi, Secretary, Transportation Secretariat and; Agboola Lukman Dabiri
Secretary, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and PPP.

Others include:Obinna Francis Ogwuegbu,Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development. Department;
Umar Shuaibu Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council. Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmed Executive Secretary, FCDA; Ibrahim Damisa
MD, Abuja Broadcasting Corporation; Dr. Muhammed B. Kawu General Manager, Hospital Management Board.

In the same vein, the Minister also approved the appointment of personal aides for himself and the Minister of State. They are:
Mohammed Bashir Mai-Bornu
Chief of Staff (wef 21.8.19); Abubakar Sani Senior Special Assistant (Media) (wef 21.8.19); Abuzarri Suleiman Ribadu
Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties)(wef 21.8.19); Imolehin Akintunde Babatope; Senior Special Assistant (Environment & Waste Management.); Ikharo Attah
Senior Special Assistant (Monitoring, Inspection & Enforcement) (wef 19.9.19);
Ibrahim Ismaila Senior Special Assistant (Lands, Urban & Regional Planning); Isiyaku Tanko Yamawo Senior Special Assistant (Community Relations); Abu Salihu Muhammed Senior Special Assistant (Security).

Others include : Barr. Lawal Yusuf Senior Special Assistant (legal & Multi-lateral Cooperation); Dr. Ejike Oji Senior Special Assistant (Health & Hospital Management); Chika Alexander Nwatu Senior Special Assistant (Community Relations); Ardo Hassan JIbo Special Assistant (Community Relations); Abdullahi Danladi Galadima Special Assistant (Community Relations); Musa Dikko Bwari Special Assistant (Community Relations); Barr. Zainab Marwa Abubakar Special Assistant (Community Relations) ; Hailmary Ogolo Aipoh
Special Assistant (Community Relations) and; Isaac David
Special Assistant (Youth Matters).

Similarly, aides to the Minister of State include: Prof. M. T Usman
Senior Special Assistant (Administration)
(wef 21.8.19); Barr. Muhammad S. Sidi Aliyu Special Assistant (Project Implementation/ General Services) (wef 21.8.19); Alh. Abubakar Ibrahim Special Assistant (Special Duties) (wef 21.8.19); Mrs. Atika Ajanah Special Assistant (Logistics & Communication) (wef 21.8.19) ;Mal. Ibrahim Yahaya Special Assistant (Religious Affairs)
(wef 21.8.19); Alh. Muhammad Saba
Special Assistant (Area Councils) (wef 21.8.19); Abdul Agbadu Special Assistant (Agriculture and Rural Development) (wef 21.8.19)

Others include: Mr Austine Elemue
Special Assistant (Media) (wef 21.8.19); Mrs. Simisola Ayoade
Special Assistant (Social Development Services) (wef 21.8.19) ; Abdulmalik Baba Ajanah
Principal Private Secretary (wef 21.8.19); Arrangements for the swearing-in of the appointees will be announced in due course. 

FCT Minister Promises To Meet Needs Of Striking Teachers

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

…NUT Assures Of Returning Back To Class Soon

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello on Thursday assured the striking Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT chapter that their demands will be meant before the end of 2021.

While adding that the administration will also work with the Six Area Councils Chairmen to settle outstanding entitlements of Local Education Authority (LEA) teachers in FCT.

Bello made this known when he chaired a meeting between the FCT Administration and the leadership of the FCT Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the FCTA and heads of some security agencies in the FCT. in his office.

He said that, “Efforts will be made to pay all the  promotion benefit arrears of the teachers before the end of the year”.

The NUT leadership was briefed by heads of security agencies in the FCT made up of the FCT Commissioner of Police Mr Babaji Sunday, State Director of the DSS, Mr Ado Muazu and the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr Peter Maigari. They said measures were being taken to improve the security situation in schools.

 
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola reiterated what the Minister said , “It was agreed that for us in the FCT, the allowances of our teachers will be paid for 2017, since 2016 had already been paid and that consideration should also be given to prioritizing payment for those in the teaching profession of 2018 before the end of the year.

He said, “On the strike action embarked upon by the NUT for the payment of arrears of promotion benefits for teachers for the years of 2016-2018, the Minister informed the union members that the efforts will be made to pay all the  promotion benefit arrears of the teachers before the end of the year, following the Permanent Secretary’s submission that all arrears for 2016 had already been paid and those for 2017 were scheduled for payment between November and December of 2021.”

Speaking at the end of the meeting, the NUT Chairman, Comrade Stephen Knabayi said that the Union appreciated the efforts of the security agencies  and assurances from the FCT Minister that all efforts will be made to protect the lives and properties of teachers and students within the FCT.

Speaking on the return of teachers to the classroom, the NUT chairman said “from this meeting and from all the resolutions we will go back without waste of time”

He also appealed to the FCT Minister to intervene in the payment of arrears of LEA teachers under the administration of the Area Councils.

It would be recalled that NUT embarked on a 5 day warning strike to press home their demands for enhanced security in schools and payment of arrears of promotion benefits for teachers.

Reports Shows Nigerian Children Feel Under Most Pressure To Succeed Globally 

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
UNICEF logo
UNICEF logo

A  new international survey by UNICEF and Gallup, released ahead of World Children’s Day to marked annually on 20 November stated that, Nigerian children and young people feel under the most pressure to succeed globally.

Data from the survey reveals that young people in Nigeria are facing a mental health challenge, with 1 in 6 young Nigerians aged 15 -24 saying they often feel depressed, have little interest in doing things, or are worried, nervous or anxious.

As much as 85 per cent say they feel a greater pressure to succeed than their elders – the highest of all 21 countries surveyed, with young people in Lebanon a close second.

The poll, The Changing Childhood Project, is the first of its kind to ask multiple generations for their views on what it is like to be a child today. It surveyed more than 21,000 people in 21 countries, including Nigeria. Nationally representative surveys were undertaken in countries across all regions – Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America – and income levels, across two age cohorts (15-24 years old and 40 years old and up).

The survey – conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic – examines young people’s opinions about their mental health, worldview, trust in institutions, importance of equality, climate change, and digital benefits and risks, among others.

Findings from the survey also show that young Nigerians are more concerned than young people in any other country surveyed about personal information being collected and shared online, at 72 per cent. The next highest are young people in Indonesia, at 63 per cent, and Kenya, at 54 per cent. 

Children and young people in Nigeria also show high levels of concern about the risks of meeting someone in person after meeting them online, at 84 per cent, slightly higher than children in the United States (81 per cent) and Brazil (82 per cent).

In the area of finances, young Nigerians again showed a high level of concern, with 74 per cent of females and 66 per cent of males worried they don’t have enough money for food.

UNICEF Nigeria Representative Peter Hawkins said,“Children and young people in Nigeria clearly have a high level of concern about many and varied issues, compared to their peers in other countries”

“We cannot bury our heads in the sand and hope these concerns will go away – we need to take action. And the first step is to solicit their views, really listen closely and allow their concerns and ideas to influence our policy decisions.

“The future of Nigeria belongs to its children and young people – they have the right to be heard, have their needs addressed and their solutions explored. It is only through commitment to understanding and investing more in our children and young people’s presents and futures that we can maximize every child’s potential and ensure they have a full and happy life.”

The poll also shows a gender disparity in the views of young people in Nigeria:Girls are 26 per cent less likely to trust the police than boys; Girls are 10 per cent more likely to think it is equally important for both boys and girls to learn how to understand personal finances; Boys are 28 per cent more likely than girls to think it is acceptable for a parent to physically punish a child ;and Boys are four percent more likely to think it is very important to treat females equally.

Despite these challenges and gender divides, young Nigerians are optimistic about their future.

Compared to their elders, they believe children and young people today receive better quality healthcare, education and access to clean water than their parents did. Almost 70 per cent of males and 80 per cent of females also believe they will be economically better off than their parents. 

Young Nigerians also agree that the minimum age for marriage for both boys and girls should be 25, expressing a desire for more time to enjoy their independence before adulthood.

Critically, Nigerians have one of the highest rates young and older generations believing it is very important for politicians to listen to children’s voices when making decisions, at 87 per cent.

Joe Daly, Senior Partner at Gallup said, “We cannot know what is on the minds of young people if we do not ask them. UNICEF’s survey reinforces the importance of hearing from the next generation and understanding their perspectives.” 

“The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow; it is crucial for older generations to do their part to ensure our children inherit a better world.”

“This is a clarion call from young people in Nigeria,” said Peter Hawkins. “A call to listen, to learn and to take action to lift Nigeria high. As we celebrate this World Children’s Day, it is critical we listen to young people directly about their well-being – both physical and mental – and their aspirations in this changing world.

FCT Minister Throws Weight Behind City Sanitation Task Team

By
Toyin Adebayo
-
0
muhammad-musa-bello
FCT Minister, Nigeria

…Says Demolition Aimed At Correcting Infractions Of Master plan

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mohammad Musa Bello has the ongoing demolition exercise in the nation’s capital is to correct infractions of the Master plan.

Just as he threw his weight behind the task team on city sanitation.

Bello made this clarification on Wednesday in Abuja while fielding questions from newsmen on his take on the ongoing demolition exercises in the territory.

The Minister ruled out compensation for owners of illegal structures, he, however, assured that the FCT Administration will pay for any land or structure legally acquired by authorities to provide infrastructure or public facilities.

His words ; “Is something that occurs as part of the daily work of enforcement. Unfortunately, in the recent past particularly during COVID-19 when most of the inspectorate staff were not able to cover the city, a lot of people went and started building illegal structures.

“The policies and guidelines for building in FCT is very clear and well documented ,the laws are there.

“So what we are doing is basically to remove infringements on the issue of compensation will not arise because everything is illegal. For instance, people decide to build on the road corridors and in most cases some of this building you will see that the administration might have given many notices to them but they still went ahead to build the illegal structures, so we keep demolishing.

“But there are some areas as part of our urban renewal and upgrade, if we need to take off building either to expand the road corridors or create facilities for essential services for social services obviously this once will be compensated. It has always been happening”, Bello stressed.

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