Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) logo

By Lucy Ogalue

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), says many African countries are struggling to meet the continents development goals due to the impact of severe and mutually reinforcing shocks.

Mr Adam Elhiraika, ECAs Director, Macroeconomic Policy Division, in a statement said the continent encountered severe developmental challenges due to increased poverty, high inequality rates and lack of decent jobs.

Elhiraika said that the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukrainian war and resultant food and energy crisis, rising inflation, debt tightening, and natural disasters were critical factors to the challenge.

The director said this while presenting an overview of recent Economic and Social Conditions in Africa at the ongoing meeting of experts.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was held to herald the 2023 Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Ethiopia.

According to the Report, growth in Africa dwindled from 4.6 per cent in 2021 to 3.6 per cent in 2022.

In 2022, an additional 18 million new poor emerged in Africa, with more than half the highest proportion of the worlds poor at 54.8 per cent.

This is alarming because 546 million people were living in poverty in 2022, which is more than half of the continents population, Elhiraika said.

According to the director, women and girls remain particularly vulnerable, and the continent is facing a potential reversal of the hard-won gains made on gender equity.

He said another challenge stressed during the meeting was inequality which remained pervasive across all African sub-regions and was exceptionally high in Southern Africa.

Among the top ten countries where wealth inequality is the highest, seven of them, South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Angola and Malawi, are in Southern Africa.

While two are in west Africa, Guinea-Bissau, and Sao Tome.

ECA estimates that although the economic outlook remains bleak, Africa is anticipated to grow by 3.9 per cent in 2023, he said.

Elhiraika said the commission had cautioned that the growth might experience headwinds.

Especially with an unfavourable external environment created by the recession in both the United States and the Eurozone and expected to weigh on commodity prices, he said.

Fostering recovery and transformation in Africa to reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities is the theme of the ongoing meeting in Addis Ababa.

At the meeting, countries were urged to pursue pro-poor and inclusive macroeconomic policies and ensure access to affordable and innovative finance for an inclusive recovery. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

By Itohan Abara-Laserian/Stellamaris Ashinze and Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Temitope Adewale, representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 01, has identified orientation as a means of curbing voter apathy in the country.

Adewale, who was seeking re-election, gave the advice on Saturday against the backdrop of the governorship and house of assembly elections and the poor turnout recorded during the exercise.

According to him, a lot of youths still fail to understand the full import of the elections.

I have also realised that it is on the election day that we have our youth doing their own inter-house sports, that is when they decide to play football on the street.

You know, it is a Saturday and you will be surprised that most of them do not even have Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), so they are not engineered to go out and vote, he said.

Adewale stressed the need for more enlightenment of such youth on the reasons why they have to exercise their franchise.

He also expressed displeasure that the actual people that turned out to vote was a far cry from the number of PVCs collected in Lagos.

It is saddening because it is less than 10 per cent; movingforward, we need to continue to orientate our youth to get them involved in carrying outtheir civic responsibility, he said.

Adewale also berated the propagation of ethnicity and religious bigotry by some people during elections, saying these had no place in politics.

We should focus on what can be delivered in terms of the dividends of democracy to the people rather than going to religion and everything, he said, while also kicking againstpromoting the ethnic card.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the polls witnessed low turn out in many areas of the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has cast his vote at polling unit 003, Sarkin Yara A in Daura, Katsina State, with a call to electorate to vote for their preferred candidates even if politicians tried to offer them money.

The president, who briefly spoke to newsmen both in English and Hausa languages after casting his vote on Saturday, said his administration had been preaching against vote-buying and monetisation of politics, calling on politicians to desist from such acts.

If they (politicians) still give you money, collect, but vote for your preferred candidates, Buhari maintained.
He again thanked the electorate for trusting the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the Feb. 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections where the partys candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu, emerged winner.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president, who cast his vote at about 9.55 a.m, refused to openly display his ballot paper as he did during the Feb. 25 Presidential election. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

Source: NAN News

By Rotimi Ijikanmi

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has described the 2023 polls as one of the most transparent and credible ever held in the country.

The minister said this on Saturday in his home town, Oro, near Ilorin Kwara while speaking with newsmen after casting his vote in the Governorship and State Assembly election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister voted at about 9.45 a.m. at Polling Unit 006, Oro Ward 2 in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.

Justifying his assertion, the minister saidthe introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was a game changer in tackling the issues of multiple accreditations, voting and rigging.

With what I have observed both in the February 25 and todays elections, there has been a remarkable improvement in the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

Without any doubt, the introduction of BVAS has been a game changer in the sense that with BVAS, you are able to get the actual number of people who are accredited.

Also with BVAS, it is now not possible for you to vote twice because your biometric and facial are captured.

That explained why though INEC said there were 84 million voters in Nigeria, the last election showed that only about 24 million people cast their votes, he said.

The minister said, in spite of the obvious improvements in the electoral process, he was worried about the red herring that trailed the outcomes of the Feb. 25 Presidential and National Assemblies elections.

He said most of the issues being raised about the credibility of INEC in conducting the polls were distractive.

According to the minister, the electoral law does not recognises electronic voting while the decision of a federal high court in Abuja gives INEC the power to determine the manner it collates and transmits election results.

Mohammed said he was happy that some of the aggrieved parties in the concluded elections had approached the court to ventilate their grievances.

He, however, berated the activities of some non-state actors making analysis and propositions which he said were incendiary and injurious to the harmonious and peaceful co-existence of Nigeria.

The minister said the activities of some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) had also been very unhelpful because many of them came out to unjustifiably discredit INEC and set one ethnic and religion against the other

He said the media should also be circumspect of what they report on the elections and must show professionalism in discharge of their duties.

What we noticed is that some media houses had taken position for one candidate and this makes rubbish of most of the analysis we see on their platforms, he said.

The minister said the regulators of the media, particularly the broadcast media were doing their best by issuing warnings and fines where applicable.

He said many of the broadcast stations that were fined had refused to comply and pay up but dared the regulator.

He said the intention of the broadcast stations was to provoke the regulator to shut down their stations and by so doing labeling the government of stifling press freedom.

The minister assured that the regulators would not rest on their oars in the discharge of their constitutional duty of ensuring that the right things were done in the media industry. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Source: NAN News

NCWS National President, Hajiya Lami Lau

By Dorcas Jonah

The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has called on Nigerians to ensure peaceful atmosphere during the governorship and Houses of Assembly Elections.

The national president of NCWS, Hajiya Lami Lau, made the call in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

She urged women and youths to come out en masse to exercise their civic responsibility and not to be intimidated during the polls.

Lau urged youths to denounce violence during and after the elections, adding that the Presidential and National Assembly elections recorded some decree of violence in some states.

I want Nigerians to stand united against violence and activities that will jeopardise the elections.

I advise all Nigerians, specifically women and youths, to work together towards free and fair elections regardless of party affiliations.

As women, we are the worst hit in times of violence; our collective goal should be a better Nigeria, she said.

Lau discouraged Nigerians from engaging in vote-buying and selling or mortgaging their conscience and future for mundane things.

She advised youths against being used by selfish politicians to disrupt elections as thugs or engaging in other unpatriotic activities.

According to her no nation can move forward without active participation of women in politics.

If we must move the country forward we must position women to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Leadership must be inclusive, creating equal opportunities for women to function in key positions both at the federal and state levels, she said.

This, she said represents the best practices and standards for sustainable development, gender equity and justice.

It cannot be denied that the democracy practiced in Nigeria for many years has not met the full ideals because of its lack of inclusion of women in important decision making processes.

For Nigerian women, democracy is seen as retrogressing with the dwindling number of women in governance in Nigeria.

However, not voting will not only worsen the situation, but tactically widen the gender gap in politics and leadership hence women are advised to go all out and support every female candidate, she said.

Lau said that voting women into elective positions will greatly enhance the quality of lives of women in terms of healthcare, agriculture, procurement, business; access to funds, grants and loans.

She called on the public to support INEC and urged the commission to be open to comments from Nigerians that would help in achieving its set objectives.

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Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Uche Anunne

Source: NAN News

Woman enjoying her sleep

By Joy Odigie

Prof. Frank Imarhiagbe, a Consultant Neurologist, has advised Nigerians going through sleepless nights to seek medical care instead of resorting to sleeping pills.

Imarhiagbe, a consultant at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, gave the advice during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Benin.

The consultant, who spoke on the occasion of the 2023 World Sleep Day, said that taking drugs like Valium and Lexotan were not remedy for sleeplessness.

He said, If you cant sleep, something must be underlining. Going to take pills to sleep is not the answer to your problem.

if you cant sleep for a night or two, consult a doctor to help you find out the cause of the sleeplessness.

Find the cause, dont resort to Valium, Lexotan; you are postponing the evil day and compounding the problem, he said.

The Neurologist said that there were different causes of lack of sleep, which include disturbed mind, drug abuse, medical condition, psychiatric illness, abusing sleeping pills and genetic condition.

According to him, sleep is the brain-controlled natural unconsciousness that is timed and fixed.

Sleep is not optional, it is a basic requirement to maintain life. It is usually regulated to the night time according to the bodys biological clock.

When the sun begins to set, some chemicals are released to the brain that tells the body that it is time to sleep; when you are at sleep the body rearranges itself for the next day.

He advised people who do night shifts to always make up for the sleep loss by sleeping during the day, noting that sleep is essential for healthy living.

Imarhiagbe also recommended good sleep hygiene, including keeping television set and reading tables away from the bedroom.

The bedroom should be made comfortable for sleeping; avoid too bright lights, put cell phones off the bed and have a good sleeping position.

NAN reports that World Sleep Day is an annual event that is held the Friday before Spring Vernal Equinox (The Spring Vernal Equinox occurs on March 20th or 21st of every year) with the 2023 celebration falling on March 17.

The theme for the 2023 World Sleep Day is Sleep is Essential for health.

The day aims to reduce the burden of sleep disorders on society by promoting better prevention and management. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Oluwole Sogunle

Source: NAN News

Global Terrorism Index 2022

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CeFTIW) has called for enhanced stakeholders actions to stem the rising terrorism and crimes following the release of the 2022 Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report.

The index developed by the Institute for Economics

CP Aderemi Adeoye, the Commissioner of Police in charge of House of Assembly election duty in Anambra

By Chimezie Anaso

Residents of Anambra have been asked to turn out en masse to participate in the State House of Assembly elections on Saturday without fear.

CP Aderemi Adeoye, the Commissioner of Police in charge of House of Assembly election duty in Anambra, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Friday.

Adeoye said that the Command and other sister security agencies had been fully mobilised and were ready to ensure hitch-free elections.

He said no fewer than 7,000 personnel made up of a combined team of Police, Army, and other agencies would be on duty in the build up, during and after the polls.

The police commissioner urged voters to go out peacefully and carry out their civic duties without fear, as the security agencies would be there for them.

Fortunately, the situation at the moment is calm, environment is conducive and security is ready; all the agencies involved are set.

The Police in particular is fully mobilised to provide security for all and sundry taking part in the elections.

We already have Police stations and formations in all the 21 Local Government Areas of the state; with the support of other sister agencies, we are going to have a presence in all polling units with teams on standby to respond to situations.

We are going to give the people of Anambra a secure environment and space to exercise their franchise in a peaceful and conducive atmosphere, he said.

Adeoye said the personnel had been advised to be civil while providing security, but warned that the force would be firm and decisive in dealing with any breach.

The police commissioner said the security operation would also cover cross-border incursion.

Those who wish to foment trouble should think twice, they should better be in their best behaviours so that they will be alive to tell the story, he warned. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to tackle and improve on noticeable challenges experienced during the Feb. 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The CSOs made the call in their preliminary statement on the March 18th elections, signed by the Convener and Co-Coveners, Ene Obi, Asmau Joda and James Ugochukwu, ahead of the Governorship and House of Assembly elections.

Obi, while addressing newsmen on the preliminary statement in Abuja, said the Civil Society Situation Room deployed 2,340 election observers, with at least three election observers per LGA in every state of the federation, excluding the FCT.

She added that the number included 131 Persons with Disabilities for receiving data and reports from the field, which would be analysed and disseminated through press statements and reports.

Obi said that the Situation Rooms observation and analysis of the conduct of the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections would be guided by the Credibility Threshold for the 2023 General Elections.

Situation Room expects that INEC has taken lessons from the challenges experienced during the Presidential and National Assembly elections of Feb. 25.

We hope that the commission has made adequate arrangements to forestall the recurrence of the gaps observed during the elections.

Situation Room also expects that the glitches that led to the malfunctioning of the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) have been resolved.

And also that the issues that occasioned the inability of the commission to conduct elections in some polling units and late opening of polls in others have been addressed.

In particular, the Situation Room calls on INEC to address the shortages in the number of ad hoc staff available for the elections, she said.

Obi also urged INEC to make adequate transportation arrangements, conduct additional training for the ad hoc staff, and promptly reconfigure and deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and other materials required for the elections.

According to her, INEC should ensure that it communicated in a timely manner to the public on any challenges or changes made to the electoral process.

Obi said that the security situation across the country appeared tense, with reports of violence, kidnappings and assassinations in several states, including Lagos, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Kano.

She reminded the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies that they had a primary responsibility to guarantee the safety and security of election officials as well as other election stakeholders.

Obi urged security agencies to take adequate measures to forestall the recurrence of acts of voter suppression, disruption of voting, and outright violence experienced in some places during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Situation Room calls on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to ensure that they are non-partisan, professional and will avoid any actions capable of being interpreted as acting in support of any political interest, she said.

Obi also used the opportunity to call on political parties to respect and abide by the Peace Accord signed by them.

She said that Situation Room would be tracking violent incidents across the states, adding that perpetrators and masterminds would be called out for investigations and punitive measures in line with Section 92 (5-8) of the Electoral Act 2022.

Obi called on citizens to continue to show patriotism and patience by coming out to cast their votes, and by conducting themselves in a peaceful manner during the elections. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Idris Abdulrahman

DD/Website

Labour Party supporters at a Day Unity Summit in Ughelli on Thursday

By Edeki Igafe

The Labour Party (LP) in Delta has urged party faithful to resist political thugs and ensure their votes count in the March 18, Governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state.

The Chairman of LP in Delta, Mr Tony Ezeagwu, gave the advice on Thursday at a Day Unity Summit organised by the party in conjunction with the Nigeria Ministers in Politics.

Addressing the teeming party supporters in Ughelli, Ezeagwu said that the country had been mortgaged by some political parties on the guise of having leadership experience.

He added that LP did not believe in experience but candidates that had the capability to change the current narratives in the country.

He urged the people to vote for all LP candidates in the state to liberate Delta from the shackles of oppressions.

The party chairman decried the current monetary policy in the country describing it as unfortunate.

According to him,citizens are now buying Naira notes with the Naira.

LP is only providing candidates that will change the system unlike the parties that believe in experience.

We must try and liberate the country and Delta from those who have experience.

I encourage you to take the bull by the horn. Be serious with whatever you are doing. If they give you huge money, collect it because it is our money.

However, vote your conscience so that at the end, they will be ashamed that even with their money, they could not win, he said.

Ezeagwu, however, urged the people to remain steadfast and warned them against collecting miserable money so as not to mortgage their future.

Build your spirit and mind that this peanut you are collecting cannot help you. Have the confidence that we are already at the Osadebe (Government House) in Asaba, he said.

Earlier, the convener of the summit, Mr Benjamin Jakpor, urged the people to vote massively for the LP candidates in the Governorship and House of Assembly elections.

Jakpor said that the essence of the gathering was to bring the LP candidates and their supporters in Delta Central together to forge amomentum ahead of the March 18 elections.

He noted that it would be better to tackle the election in group than approaching it individually.

We sent a clear message to the Federal Government that were tired of the government, of the All Progressive Congress (APC) at the top and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta.

We gave them a deadly blow in the Presidential and National Assembly elections and we are going do it better in the Governorship and House of Assembly elections.

We are tired of corruption and debts in the state. Go to the poll and vote for LP candidates, so that we can have a new Delta.

Every indigene of Delta is owing about N150,000 debts cause by the state government.

Who will pay it, we are the ones that will put an end to that on Saturday through vote so that we can reclaim the state from the oppositions, he said.

Jakpor said that the momentum the party garner in theFeb. 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections still lives on, adding that the people were ready to replicate same in the March 18 polls.

He urged them not to allow APC or PDP win Delta otherwise the state would thrown into pepertual bondage in the next four years.

The summit convener assured that a new Delta would start on March 18 with LP Governorship candidate in the state, Mr Ken Pela emerging as winner alongside other candidates of the party in the House of Assembly.

On their parts, the LP candidates representing both Ethiope West and Ughelli South, Mr Lawrence Egodotayire and Mr Joshua Omorere respectively in the House Assembly election thanked the people and appealed for their support in the poll. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News