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Rejoinder: Igala Students Association Pass Vote of Confidence on Senator Isah Jibril Echocho.

Maryam Aminu

The Igala Students Association (National) has passed a vote of confidence on Sen. Isah Jibril Echocho (Senator Representing Kogi East) over his continuous achievement and quest for a better representation.

This was contained in a message signed and made available to journalists by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) Igala Students Association National, Comrade Hope Ahmodu Enyojo.

Enyojo, speaking on behalf of the association disagreed over the purported plan by “Kogi Coalition” to recall the senator representing the good people of Kogi East at the National Assembly, Senator Isah Jibril Echocho, over his alleged under performance and other allegations since his election into the Senate.

” All they said about Sen. Isah Jibril Echocho over poor performance and other allegations levelled on him in their publication is untrue , baseless and amount to nothing.” She said

Comr. Hope applauded the Senator for always making his people proud and priority above others.

She said, the senator has contributed to the growth of humanity through Empowerments, Job creations, Scholarships to students, Assistances to Farmers, Construction of Roads, Rehabilitation of Schools, Construction of Rice mill at Ibaji, Rehabilitation of Oil mill, Presentation of Bills, Street Light, Provision of other Social Amenities and many more within and outside his Constituency.

She advised the public to disregard such publication because it’s of no bases, lack in merit and encapsulated falsehood aimed at distracting the senator from doing his good work.

She described the Senator as God Saint, and should be praise for his outstanding performance, commitment, and contribution to his people and humanity.

TERROR KINGPIN BODERI FALLS: MATAWALLE COMMENDS NIGERIAN MILITARY

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON has commended the Nigerian Military for neutralizing and bringing an end to the terror reign of BODERI and his cohorts in Kaduna State over the weekend.

Henshaw Ogubike, Mnipr, FCAi, Fsca, Fcpe, Director ( Information and Public Relations) in a press release he signed disclosed that, the Minister who was elated, described the action of the Military as commendable adding that the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR was committed in providing adequate security in every parts of the country.

Matawalle said that the bravery and professionalism of the Nigerian Military involved was commendable and needed to be sustained so that we can stem out insecurity from the country.

He charged other state actors to cooperate with the Federal Government in the fight against insurgency and terrorism. He reiterated Federal Government’s unflinching support and readiness to sustain cooperation towards eradicating terrorism in Nigeria.

It could be recalled that Boderi and his cohorts has been terrorising Kaduna and it’s environs for a very long time before his fall to Nigerian Military.
Boderi, as he was simply known, had for nearly a decade propagated a reign of fear, death and destruction in Kaduna State and neighboring Niger State.

According to the Minister, a major breakthrough has been recorded in Nigeria’s fight against banditry and terrorism by his fall.

He said that the notorious bandit, insurgent and ruthless killer, Boderi Isyaku, was neutralized in a gun duel alongside some of his fighters, by troops of the Nigerian Military,around Bada/Riyawa general areas of Chikun and Igabi LGAs.

Also speaking on the efforts of the Nigerian troops in general, the Minister commended their efforts in the elimination of 286 terrorists and the arrest of of 244 of them, 73 crude oil smugglers were also apprehended and 122 kidnapped victims were rescued as at 22nd February, 2024.

Similarly, the Minister pointed out that several air interdictions were carried out on terrorist hideouts and which were all destroyed.

Dr. Matawalle enjoined Nigerians to support the Armed forces saying that Federal Government was doing everything possible within its reach to fight insecurity and restore the hope of Nigerians.

Hardship: Protest Is Not The Solution- CONYSSA Tells Nigerians

Maryam Aminu

In the face of a biting economic crunch, the Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs CONYSSA has expressed concern over the continuous rise in the prices of food and other commodities in Nigeria.

To buy basic food items in Nigeria now has become gold. Prices of common food items like noodles, rice, beans, egg garri, yam, pasta, flour, sugar, vegetable oil etc have skyrocketed making life
unbearable for Nigerians

Following the recent protest over the high prices of food and other commodities, inflation and high cost of living due to the worsening economic situation in the country, the Director General, Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs CONYSSA Amb. Ade Mario Emmanuel has urged members of the public to desist from protesting as protest is not the best solution

Mario made this call while speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja

According to him
“Protests are a very powerful tool in a democratic country, but the public needs to make right use of it to get proper results. Also, I feel that protests are just expressions of anger. They are not the ultimate solution.”

While urging the public to come out with ideas that are realistic in solving the economic crisis, he implored that protest be suspended as those who are hell-bent on destroying the country, can hijack it to carry out their evil plans

He called on the government to act swiftly to fix the problem.

He blamed the recent increase in food prices on transportation and fuel price, saying the only way to address the situation is to reduce the cost of fuel to 300/350

“High fuel cost is just one factor at play, creating high food prices, if it can be reduced to 300 or 350 then cost of transportation will subsidise thereby leading to low food prices” he says

He further urged the government to work towards resuming local refining of fuel saying it will address Nigeria’s problems significantly

NiMet’s 2024 SCP: Farmers caution on precautions to mitigate impact of below-normal rainfall

By Emmanuel Daudu

NiMet has advised farmers to take necessary precautions in order to mitigate the impact of the below-normal rainfall, while urging residents in states with above-normal rainfall predictions to be prepared for possible flooding and take necessary safety measures.

The Agency stated that there is a likelihood of above-normal rainfall over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, FCT, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Edo, and Rivers states. The agency also warned of the possibility of flooding in some states during the rainy season.

It also emphasized the importance of early monitoring, preparedness, and response to extreme weather events in order to minimize the potential impact on lives and property. NiMet urged individuals and communities to heed weather warnings and advisories and stay informed about changing weather conditions throughout the season.

The event themed: Facilitating a Weather Resilient Economy through Early Warnings for All to Forster Renewed Hope and Sustainable Development, NiMet held the annual event on Tuesday in Abuja disclosed further that other parts of the country would likely observe normal to above-normal annual rainfall amounts.

The prediction also showed that in July, there would be a likelihood of a severe dry spell that may persist for more than 15 days after the onset of rainfall across the country.

States in the country to be likely affected by the dry spell would be Oyo, Ogun, Osun Edo, Enugu, Anambra, and parts of Cross Rivers.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, while unveiling the report for the 2024 SCP said that the onset of rains in 2024 was predicted to be delayed in some parts of the country, especially the North Central States.

Keyamo said: “A normal onset is likely to occur over the northern states.

“Borno, Abia, and Akwa Ibom states are predicted to have an early onset when compared to their long-term averages.

“An early end of the season is predicted for parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ogun, and Lagos states.

“A late cessation is predicted over the southern states of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Ekiti, and parts of Edo, Delta, Ogun, Oyo, Kogi, Kwara, FCT, Niger, and Kaduna.”.

Keyamo said the annual rainfall amount was predicted to be below normal over parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Kebbi, Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Delta, and Bayelsa states when compared to their long-term normal.

In the 2024 SCP, other parts of the country are likely to observe normal to above-normal annual rainfall amounts.

Meanwhile, the World Meteorological Organization commended NiMet for the consistently producing the Seasonal Climate Prediction for the past 10 years since 2013.

WMO said that the development of Early Warning Systems to cover everyone on the planet by 2027 was now a priority of the United Nations.

WMO’s representative at the meeting appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to pursue the development of a National Framework for Weather, Water, and Climate Services, with a vibrant User Interface Platform for effective engagement and contribution of stakeholders to the production and utilization of Early Warning in the country.

WMO said the Seasonal Climate Prediction produced by NiMet was a contribution to Early Warning which should be embraced and utilized by all stakeholders in planning and implementation of activities in support of disaster risk management and sustainable development in Nigeria.

The WMO observed that the World Economic Forum in 2024 ranked extreme weather as the highest current risk facing the global economy.

WMO said: “Extreme weather is expected to remain the highest risk over the next 10 years together with critical change to Earth systems, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, and natural resource shortages.

“The year 2023 has been confirmed as the hottest on record and the past nine years, 2015 to 2023, were the hottest on record. This trend has continued in 2024 with January confirmed as the hottest January on record.

“The impact of climate change is being felt across the globe and most especially in Africa.
“More than 1p10 million people on the African continent were directly affected by weather, climate and water-related hazards in 2022, causing more than 8.5 billion dollars in economic damages.”

MACTEC’s TRCE’s 2nd Matriculation Ceremony In Kebbi State: Aremu Commends Mgts of The Two Colleges, Participants On Success

UNESCO Laureate, Vice-Chancellor, Crown University International Chartered Incorporated, USA & The Chairman, Board of Governing Council, Mahawai College Business, Science & Technology (MACTEC), Ribah & Tanko Ribah College of Education (TRCE), Ribah, Kebbi State, Nigeria, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu, has hailed the academic excellence, event success and as well commended the Management and Staff of the Colleges, participants who graced the occasion as the two higher institution had 2nd Combined Matriculation Ceremony In grand-style in Kebbi State.

The media learnt this from the Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu, the Vice Chancellor of Crown University International Chartered Incorporated, USA with official partners constituents campuses at Government Regulated Universities Worldwide and Online Operation, today being Sunday, February 18, 2024 in a press statement made available to Newsmen in Kebbi State by his Executive Assistant On Media, Publicity and Communication Matters, Comrade Sir Bieni Victor Emenike as UNESCO Laureate commended the commitment of both students and management of the institutions: MACTEC & TRCE, Ribah, Kebbi State on educational excellence and successful matriculation ceremony.

Mahawai College of Business, Science & Technology (MACTEC), Ribah, Kebbi State, Nigeria is in affiliation with Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Kebbi State, Nigeria. Also, Tanko Ribah College of Education (TRCE), Ribah, Kebbi State, Nigeria is an affiliate of Amir Shehu Idris College of Education, Zaira. The duo, two institutions are members of the official constituent campuses of Crown University International Chartered Incorporated, USA. The two Higher institutions 2nd Combined Matriculation Ceremony took place at Mama Arziki Town Hall, Ribah, Kebbi State, Nigeria at about 10am prompt on the 17th day of February, 2024.

UNESCO Laureate had in the statement tasks the matriculants on decorum, discipline and commitment to excellence as good ambassadors of the two institutions. He also commended the management and Staff of the two Colleges hardwork and success of the event that took place at Kebbi State, Nigeria.

He then charged the management of the two institutions on more extra curricula activities to boost creativity amongst the students of Tanko Ribah College of Education and Mahawai College of Business, Science and Technology who conducted their second combined matriculation ceremony in grand style at Ribah in Kebbi State, Nigeria as students from different states in Nigeria were present with different distinguished guest of honors as well.

UNESCO Laureate Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu who was invited as Keynote Speaker and the Special Guest of Honor commend the efforts of Dr. Dalhatu Yahaya Bawa Jega, The Director at KSUSTACON who featured as the Guest of honour and Provosts of the two Colleges for their active management to make sure that the day comes to reality where as they delivered lectures.

The statement by UNESCO Laureate reads in parts: “Tanko Ribah College of Education, Ribah, Kebbi State, Nigeria and Mahawai College of Business, Science and Technology Ribah Kebbi State, Nigeria were established in the Year 2020 which both were approved and registered by Federal Government of Nigeria under Act number 1 of CAMA 1990 which has amended, now on Act cap C20 Laws of Federation of Nigeria with approval of State Ministry of Higher Education of Kebbi State of Nigeria with reference DHE./PTI/020/17 and accredited by World Accreditation Commission, USA”.

” I hereby commend these great feats attained by the two institutions as regards their second matriculation ceremony. I use this medium to as well congratulate the matriculants from the two Colleges. I charge the management of the Higher Institutions on more extra curricula activities to promote more academic excellence amongst students of MACTEC & TRCE, Ribah, Kebbi State, Nigeria. To this end, both Colleges were properly accredited as an official member of worldwide constituent campuses of Crown University Intl. Chartered Inc. in USA which is a world acclaimed distinguished innovative, autonomous recognized research university”.

Community to experience street light as David Eikhomun celebrates birthday

By Emmanuel Daudu

The birthday celebration of a nigerian business mogul, Chief David Iriogbe Eikhomun, the CEO of Iracoda Group of Companies has attracted street lightening in a street in Karu Local government Area of Nasarawa State just close to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The birthday celebration which birthed the development was held on Saturday 17th of February, 2024 at the Alabama Hotel in Karu, Nasarawa State.

During the event, the UN Habitat Ambassador to Nigerian, Dr. Raymond Edoh who was the Special Guest of Honour pledged to install street lights from Jehun junction to alabama hotel.
According to Edoh, the gesture is in line with the UN Habitat agenda for the global betterment of the habitation facilities of every human on the earth.

Also speaking at the event, the CEO, ASQ Group of Companies-UK, Dr. Samson Adeosun has this to say, “On your special day, I want to take a moment to reflect on how grateful we are to have a friend like you in our lives. Your kindness, loyalty, and sense of humor bring so much joy to those around you. You are truly one of a kind and we are so lucky to have you as a friend. May this birthday be just the beginning of a year filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Cheers to you, my dear friend and brother, and all the happiness that is sure to come your way. Happy birthday!”

Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Karu Local government Area of Nasarawa State, Hon. James Thomas while giving his remarks described the celebrant, Chief David Iriogbe Eikhomun as a brother known for honesty, high integrity, diligence, hardwork, patience and his wide philanthropic activities.

Earlier, Chief David Iriogbe Eikhomun in his welcome address thanked everyone who has made it a point of duty to graze his birthday celebration stressing that he doesn’t take the kind words about his person for granted.

However, there was a pre-birthday football competition in his honour aimed at empowering the Nigerian youth as teams retired with lots of prizes.

WAC Boss lauds partnership with Association of Universities of Asia

By Emmanuel Daudu

UNESCO Laureate Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu Chairman World Accreditation Commission (WAC) agreement with Association of Universities of Asia and Pacific (AUAP)to boost quality assurance of higher education systems*

The Association of Universities of Asia And The Pacific and the World Accreditation Commission, WAC, yesterday, signed a partnership action plan as WAC’s World Grand Chairman & UNESCO Laureate, Professor Sir Bashiru Aremu lauds effort.

During the signing section, Prof. Bashiru Aremu, Chairman, World Accreditation Commission (WAC) disclosed that he is highlighted committed to its mission and vision statement as a worldwide organisation active in the theory and practice of international quality assurance in higher education, which is an official partner of UNESCO.

Also speaking, the Secretary-General,
Association of Universities of Asia and Pacific (AUAP) Distinguished Prof Dr. Anoop Swarup, Prof Sir Baseline Prabhu assured that they will support the World Accreditation Commission (WAC) in various ways such as policy analysis: data analysis, produce scoping study, produce an overall report data collection, publication of research result in line with current issues, trend and challenges in Education and international quality assurance to fulfil World Accreditation Commission (WAC)’s objectives or strategic priorities to produce recommendations.

Also, in his remarks, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu the Vice Chancellor of Crown University & UNESCO laureate, Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu disclosed that WAC is aimed at facilitating links between quality assurance agencies and support networks of quality
assurance agencies.
To assist members to determine the standards of institutions operating across national borders
and facilitate better-informed international recognition of qualifications.
“To assist in the development and use of credit transfer and credit accumulation schemes to
enhance the mobility of students between institutions (within and across national borders).
To enable members to be alert to improper quality assurance practices and organisations.
To organise, on request, reviews of the operation of members”, he added

Community market declared open in Sauka-Abuja

By Emmanuel Daudu

Sauka community in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), declared open its own in line with the directive of the honourable minister of FCT, Hon. Wike Nyelsom.

While declaring the market open in an opening ceremony held on Saturday the 17th of February, 2024, the market situated in between Gui and Gbessa communities, would offer a wide range of products ranging from Agric fresh produces, household goods, handmade crafts, clothing, fresh commodity items and banking services.

speaking at the event, the market chairman, Mrs Lucy Fadumila, said the market would promote local entrepreneurship, engage women and youth to boost the economy.

While commending stakeholders for making the market commission a possibility, she said the market will engage youths adequately and help eradicate crime in the community.

Chairman Souka Modern Market Committee, Mrs Fadumila, with members during her welcome remarks
She called on the relevant authorities, particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr Nyesom Wike, to provide the necessary support and resources to ensure the success of the market and help it grow into a thriving business hub.

She said: “I want to thank the women of the community who have made the project a success and the person who gave this land to be used for a market.

“The aim of having the market is to bring people together to buy and sell and in a community where there is no market, that community can not grow but in a community where there is market, there is growth, there is progress, employment and out youths will not go into fraud, armed robbery and other crimes.

“It will also help the women to think of what to do. This will make our women raise up to sell and it will attract people to invest in the community. The market will make our society better, the women and the men will have better things to do.

Traditional dance thrilling audience at Sakura Modern Market
“The appeal we are making to the government is to make this market an ultra modern market because in the whole of the airport road we don’t have many markets.

“Now that they have given us a place for the market, we need light, we need roads. The road is not good. We need them to come and construct the road so that we can have free access to this market.”

The District head of Gui Ward, Alhassan Yusuf, said: “We need the federal government or government of Abuja to help us especially the minister. He should please send his entourage to come and survey this market and see whatever help they have to offer.

“We also call on Non-governmental organizations for the development of the market.”

INSECURITY: DEFENCE MINISTER REAFFIRMS BAN ON UNAUTHORIZED USE OF CAMOUFLAGE

…Says ban on its use by other security agencies remains

Due to the present security situation in the country, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON has reaffirmed the ban on unauthorized use of Military camouflage, saying that it was only the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force while on Joint Operation with the Military are allowed by law to use the Military camouflage.

Henshaw Ogubike, FCAi, fsca, fcpe, mnipr
Director (Information, Press& Public Relations), said in a press release that the Minister’ call is coming at this time when criminals disguised as Military and Para Military personnels to cause havoc in the society.

“The present situation does not support the use of Military camouflage by people who are not authorized or not personnels of DHQ'” he said.

According to him, the criminals among us have had to take advantage of the Military, Police and other security agencies’ gears to perpetrate crimes.

The Minister emphasized that there was the need to streamline the personnels that are authorized to use the Military camouflage.

He said Government ban on other Para Military Agencies from the use of the Military camouflage was to bring sanity to the system and also as a way of checkmating criminal activities.

Dr. Matawalle emphasized the readiness of the Nigeria Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police to enforce the directive given by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, regarding the immediate cessation of the use of camouflage uniforms by para-military agencies.

“The circular titled Observation on Proliferation in the Use of Camouflage Uniforms by Other Security Agencies in Nigeria,” personally signed by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, mandated personnels of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the Federal Fire Service, among others, to discontinue the use of camouflage uniforms henceforth, following the directive issued by ONSA.”

Accordingly, the Minister stated that the use of camouflage uniform by various security agencies other than the Armed Forces namely, the Army, Navy and the Air Force remain banned.

He however gave exception to the use by the Nigerian Police Force, which he said they can only use it when on Joint Operation with the Military.

He said the enforcement of the ban becomes imperative in view of the security implications and concerns raised on the clamour of duplicity and proliferation in the country.

He pointed out the importance of this caution saying that: “The measure is aimed at check mating crime rate in Nigeria, adding that if we identify those that are authorized to use the camouflage, we can quickly differentiate them from criminals that intend to confuse us,” he said.

Dr. Matawalle said that henceforth extant laws guiding the use of camouflage uniform in Nigeria would strictly be enforced.

DR. UZODINMA ADIRIEJE’S CITATION AS HE CLOCKS 60 ON 25 Feb., 2024

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje (Nigerian) is a Health Economist, professional Evaluator, Researcher, ‘One Health’, Human Security and Development Advocate/Campaigner, independent Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Consultant, Certified Management Trainer/Facilitator; Climate Change, Energy and Biodiversity Advocate, Certified Projects/Programmes/Management Consultant, Certified Management Specialist, and PMERLT (Project/Programme Planning/Management, M&E, Research and Learning/Training) Expert; Conference Organizer, Columnist/Writer, Rights Activist, and Facilitator. He is the CEO of Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) – the CSOs global Network and Think-tank that has more than 2,300 (Two Thousand Three Hundred) member organizations in 106 (one hundred and six) countries across the World. He is AHOA’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and President of the Society for Conservation and Sustainability of Energy and Environment in Nigeria (SOCSEEN). Uzodinma serves as the Administrator/Moderator of 136 (One Hundred and Thirty-six) WhatsApp Groups on various projects/programmes and development interventions.

Dr. Adirieje is a ‘One Health’ Champion and Reproductive Health Advocate, Development Worker, Health and Community Systems Strengthening Specialist, and Community leader. On 29 January 2024, Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje was elected as the Chairperson of the Global Civil Society Consortium on Climate Change and the Conferences of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (GCSCCC) – a worldwide/global consortium of civil society organizations and communities engaged in climate change issues. A global civil society leader and founder of the Dr Uzo Adirieje Foundation (DUZAFOUND), Dr Uzo’ (as he’s fondly called) is the National Chairman, of the Civil Society Organizations Strategy Group, Nigeria (CSOSG-SDGs Nigeria) to which more than 80,000 organizations in Nigeria are members; National Chairman and Technical Working Group (TWG) Lead of the Nigerian Science-Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (NiPBES) – co-organizers with UNESCO of ‘Science Advice COVID-19: in the context of biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration’; Member, Technical Committee on Draft Standards for Renewable Energy of the Standards Organization of Nigeria; and Global Coordinator of the Civil Society Actions on Climate, Energy and Biodiversity (CiSACEB) Programme at Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA); and Global Coordinator/Founder of the ‘Disability, Elderly, Women, Vulnerable and Youth (DEWVY) Project of AHOA, and Initiator of the After50 Group Club.

A consummate teacher, mentor and facilitator, Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje has made scores of presentations and papers. During the past thirteen years, been teaching and providing training and mentorship in the following professional courses: Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E); Health, Community and Development Systems Strengthening; Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM); Gender Mainstreaming in Development; Project and Programme Management; Leadership Development and Organizational Management; and Proposal Writing, Fundraising and Resource Mobilization.

Uzodinma Adirieje is a pioneer Fellow and National President, of the Nigeria Association of Evaluators (NAE) 2019-2022, and the consultant who drafted Nigeria’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Policy which was approved by the Nigerian Government. He’s a key participant in Nigeria’s national evaluation of the Sustainable Development Goals 3 & 4. He is an active participant in the African Evaluation Association (AfrEA) and recipient of the 2022 Recognition Award from the International Organization for Cooperation in Evaluation (IOCE) for his “enduring commitment and valuable contributions”. He holds a ‘Certificate of Participation’ from the 7th International Conference on National Evaluation Capacities (NEC 2022) with the theme ‘Resilient National Evaluation Systems for Sustainable Development’ held at the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) in Turin, Italy, 25-28 October 2022; and organized by the UNDP in collaboration with the Global Evaluation Initiative (GEI). In 2022, Dr Adirieje was one of 8 Africans selected by qualification to participate in the six-week maiden Boot Camp of the International Organization for Cooperation in Evaluation (IOCE). Uzodinma Adirieje was the Chairperson of Nigeria’s National World Malaria Day Committee in 2019; Conference Manager of the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) in 2005, and Projects Coordinator of the Nigeria National Health Conferences in 2006 and 2009 respectively.

Uzodinma is a member of the ‘Every Woman Coalition’ global group, and his activities in ending gender-based violence (GBV)/violence against women and girls (VAWG) earned him the ‘1000 Voices Fellow’ from ‘Every Woman Treaty’ in 2021. Also, in 2021, Dr. Adirieje led the Advocacy Mission to H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, which led to the endorsement of the ‘Every Woman Treaty’ on the floor of the United Nations General Assembly. He was Convener of ‘Taming the Monster: Ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and Against Women and Girls During and After COVID-19 Pandemic’, as part of ‘16 Days of Activism’ in 2020. Adirieje is the Global Coordinator of the ‘Civil Society for Elimination of Gender-Based Violence project and author of ‘Female Circumcision/FGM: 40 Dangerous Effects Parents and Relations Must Know 1999’. He is a signatory to ‘Safer Sooner: Toward a Global Binding Norm to End Violence Against Women and Girls’.

In 2019, His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria appointed and inaugurated Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje a member of the National Steering Committee of the Federal Government’s Alternate School Programme (ASP) to address the challenge of Education for out-of-school children in Nigeria, especially in Northern Nigeria. As a researcher and consultant to some United Nations and International Organizations, Uzodinma was the National Team Supervisor and Data Collection Team Leader (data collector, data analyst and data quality assessment) Nigeria Malaria Matchbox Equity Assessment among Internally Displaced Persons/Women and Refugees in the crises-ridden Northeaster Nigeria in 2020’, funded by the Global Fund. He was the keynote speaker on ‘Mitigating the dangers and risks for Nigerian women entrepreneurs post COVID-19’; Project Coordinator, Study of the Impact, Challenges and Long-term implication of Nigeria’s Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Programme, 2006-2007; Principal Investigator (PI)/consultant to UNAIDS/ILO/UNDP/NACA on ‘Situational Assessment for a National Framework for Private Sector Response and Public-Private Partnerships on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, 2004-2005; Etc.

Dr. Adirieje was the Lead Facilitator for the training of 1,620 women, girls and youths in 81 communities across Nigeria’s 9 oil-producing states in the Niger Delta to stop violence/unrest in oil communities and engage government in development. Dr. Adirieje promotes research and development strategies in climate change, renewable energy, vulnerability, mitigation and adaptation as well as low carbon economy technologies. He is a Federal Government of Nigeria Certified/Licensed Management Trainer and Facilitator; and holds the Certificate in Advanced Management Training/Facilitation from Nigeria’s elite Centre for Management Development, Lagos, Nigeria. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC), Fellow of the African Scientific Institute (FASI), Fellow of the Institute of Management Specialists (FIMS), Fellow of the Afrihealth Optonet Association (FAHOA), and Fellow, Society for Conservation and Sustainability of Energy and Environment in Nigeria (FSEE).

Uzodinma Adirieje’s interests traverse the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, as it affects Nigeria/Africa; adoption of international best practices in mitigation and adaptation using climate resilient actions; mobilizing businesses and industry to invest in renewables to avoid disruptions, including resilience to weather-related impacts of climate change; developing and strengthening the capacity of rural and poor urban communities and climate change activists in such areas as solar panel assembly and manufacturing, assembly of solar components and devices, mini-grid design and deployment and application of internet-of-things (IOT) for systems and development, and producing Climate Change focal points in schools and communities, for climate change interventions. Uzodinma strongly advocates progressive investments in Climate Finance Instruments, Climate Investments, Digital and Circular Economy, Carbon Economy, and Climate Smart Agriculture for effective and result-based adaptation and mitigation of the climate crisis in the world.

During 2012-2013, Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje was the Technical Adviser to Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Conference Coordinator for the 2nd GlobalPOWER Women Network Africa (GPWNA) High-Level Meeting (HLM), organized by the Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the African Union and with the support of UNAIDS. He’s National Chairman of the Civil Society Organizations Strategy Group on the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria (CSOSG-SDGs); Consultant who drafted Nigeria’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Policy which was approved by the Nigerian Government; and produced Nigeria’s SDG-3/Health Evaluation synthesis. He’s a key participant in Nigeria’s national evaluation of the Sustainable Development Goals 3 & 4; an active participant in the African Evaluation Association and a recipient of the 2022 Recognition Award from the International Organization for Cooperation in Evaluation for his “enduring commitment and valuable contributions”. He’s a Member of the National Technical Working Group on M&E; a member, of the National Core Working Group on 2020 Voluntary National Review (VNR), and Chairman, of the Civil Society Response for Nigeria’s 2020 VNR; Technical Consultant in the Evaluation of Nigeria’s National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) 2016-2022; among others. He was an alternate focal point/member of the Steering Committee and Chair of the Finance and External Relations Committee at the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations Alliance (REEEA Alliance, Nigeria). Adirieje participated in the 2018 African Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN) in Nairobi and the 2018 meetings/activities of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

During 2017-2018, Adirieje was Project Director of the vastly media-reported ‘Sustainable Citizen Participation (SCP) in Nigeria’s Niger Delta’ Project funded by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), which addressed many Energy, Environment and SDGs challenges across 81 communities/local government areas (LGAs) in 9 States Niger Delta.

Uzodinma has over twenty years of proven competencies in managing/supporting and evaluating projects, policies, programmes and interventions that enhance results/productivity, accountability, inclusivity and transparency in Society Welfare/Social Safety nets, Development Work, Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Health; using Partnerships/Collaborations, Advocacy, Research/Evidence, Capacity/Organizational Development, Community Engagements, and Outreach interventions. Dr Adirieje is a gender activist, and author of the ‘Female Circumcision (Female Genital Mutilation): 40 Dangerous Effects Parents and Relations Must Know; and Nutrition for All Ages – A Pocket Guide (publications now catalogued at the Media/Materials Clearinghouse of the Johns Hopkins University, USA, for worldwide distribution, as M/MC ID#: PL NGA 318 and 398 respectively)’. He’s successfully conceptualised/planned and managed scores of local and international conferences, workshops, trainings, seminars, symposia, research, advocacy, health and development programmes, projects and activities/interventions.

A consummate community leader per excellence, Adirieje has served his ancestral communities in several ways including being the President of the Imo State Towns Development Association Lagos (ISTDAL), General Secretary of the Igbo States Development Union Lagos, General Secretary of the Orsu LGA Towns Development Union (OLGADU) Lagos, President General of the Ebenasaa Autonomous Community in Orsu LGA of Imo State, President of the Abia State University Alumni Association Abuja Nigeria (ABSUAA), and so on.

As a Catholic Church adherent, and a member of the noble order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI), Dr High Chief, Sir Uzodinma Adirieje has been Grand Chief Protocol Officer, KSJI, Abuja Grand Commandery; 1st Vice President, St. Martin Commandery of the KSJI, Lugbe; former Local Commander, St. Agnes Commandery, Wuye; Pioneer President, Lugbe Deanery Catholic Men Organizations [LDCMO]; 2 terms President, St. Martin Parish CMO; Chief PRO, Abuja Archdiocesan CMO; Vice Chairman, Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), St. Martin Parish; member, Cathedral Building Committee, Abuja Catholic Archdiocese; Member, Abuja Archdiocesan Pastoral Council; etc.

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje holds the Nze-na-Ozo traditional title of Nze Akuzuobodo, and the chieftaincy titles of High Chief Ugwumba of Amaruru Clan, Ahaejiejemba Ebenasaa, Ahaejiejemba Amaruru, Ahaejiejemba Ndigbo Lagos State, etc. He is Ezinna CMO [Catholic Men Organization], St. John of the Cross Parish, Amaruru, Orlu Diocese; Ezinna CWO [Catholic Women Organization], St. Martin Parish, Lugbe Abuja; Patron of CWO, St. John of the Cross Parish, Amaruru, Orlu Diocese; Patron of CYON [Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria], St. John of the Cross Parish, Amaruru, Orlu Diocese; Patron of St. Cecilia Choir, St. Martin Parish, Lugbe Abuja; Patron of Divine Mercy, Abuja Catholic Archdiocese; etc. He is officially honoured as the Ambassador of Education, Orsu LGA, Imo State. Dr. Uzo’ is joyfully married to his bestie-for-life Lady (Chief) Edith Uzo Adirieje, Lolo Ugosimba, Ezidibuogaranya, Eziadaukwu, former President of the CWO, St. Martin Parish, Lugbe Abuja; and they have three children namely Chibueze, Chinaza and Chinemezu. His late parents are Honourable Chief (Nze) Adirieje Fredrick Akujekwe and Nneoma (Lolo) Esther Ahuruchi Adirieje Akujekwe, of Umuogu village, Ebenasaa/Amaruru, Orsu Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria.

Over the last three decades, Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje has received several awards for his numerous contributions to humanity and the professions, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the CSR Reporters, Hall of Fame Award of Professional and Philanthropic Excellence from the ISTDAL, Presidential Award for Membership Growth from the International President of Rotary International, Distinguished Service Award from Rotary International District 914, Exemplary Catholic Man of Honour from the Ancient and Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International Commander 472 Abuja. The Orsu LGA has named and honoured him as Ambassador of Education of the LGA. He has been honoured as Grand Patron of the ISTDAL, Grand Patron of OLGADU, and Patron of several other groups.

Dr. Uzo’ was born on Tuesday, Afo market day, 25 February 1964. He is the second of the eight surviving children of his parents. Among the schools he attended are Community Primary School I, Amaruru; Eziachi Secondary School, Orlu; Federal School of Arts and Sciences, Ondo; Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria; etc. His hobbies include community work and discussions of contemporary issues. He owes his accomplishments to God’s endless grace and mercy toward him and his concerns.