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The Executive Director, National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu, at a press conference in Abuja Tuesday, said Aduda had built enough capacity to handle affairs of a mainstream and sensitive Ministry.

He said, “We appeal to the Head of Service and the Presidency to urgently reconsider the redeployment, and retain Amb Gabriel Tanimu Aduda as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources for positive continuity.

“Aduda obviously has acquired remarkable experiences and built enough capacity to handle affairs of a mainstream and sensitive Ministry that is of great importance to the National Economy, which is clearly shown in his impressive performances in just one year.

“Staff of the ministry have testified that they have never had such dynamic and results-driven leadership as his. We therefore do not understand why such impeccable track record should be sacrificed on the alters of political mediocrity in clear violation of all that the civil service holds dear by removing and replacing him with a first-time newly appointed Permanent Secretary and who has only one year to retire from service. What exactly could be the sinister motive for this unholy action?

“The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria has resolved to occupy the Office of the Head of Service and National Assembly indefinitely if our appeals fall on deaf ears.”

To this end, the Council opined that redeploying Aduda to another Ministry would mean Nigeria losing the seat of Chairmanship of OPEC Board of Governors in 2025.

Maryam Aminu

Nigerian youth constitute one of the largest populations among migrants travelling to different part of the world. A large number of youth migrate to urban areas or resort to risky irregular migration outside the country in search for better livelihood and opportunities, leading to heightened risk of exploitation. In light of the above, the Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to curb the irregular migration of youths in Nigeria.

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim disclosed this when a team from IOM paid her a courtesy visit in her office at the Federal Secretariat complex Abuja.

Dr. Bio-Ibrahim revealed that her Ministry had planned some areas of collaboration with IOM.
“We are proposing to collaborate with IOM in the areas of youth sensitization /advocacy on the dangers of irregular migration and advantages of Regular Migration nationwide, specifically at the grassroot level across the six (6) geo-political zones”.She said.

Dr. Bio-Ibrahim further said that the Ministry would appreciate collaborating with IOM in rehabilitating the Ministry’s 42 youth development centres with the view to converting them into centres of excellence .

On the issue of youth policy review, she stated that the Ministry will really need some support from the IOM in reviewing its National Youth policy, which is already due this year.

“It will be important for the Director General of IOM to be on board with the Ministry as a partner to support the policy review process because of his wealth of experience and knowledge which will help in guiding the committee through the process”. she emphasized.

Speaking on the planned celebration of International day of happiness slated for 20th of March, 2024 by IOM, the Minister noted that the initiative is a very good one as it is centred on projecting a different narrative other than the negative stories and the gloomy sides of life.

Earlier, in his opening remark, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Dunoma Umaru Ahmed pointed out that the Ministry had proposed to allow collaboration with IOM to ensure easy access to the regular migration pathway abroad .

The Permanent Secretary added that the Ministry would also collaborate in the area of Youth Empowerment to build self-reliant skills for intending and returning youth migrants.

The team lead and Director General of IOM, De -Boeck Laurent, in his speech stated that the essence of his visit was to affirm their readiness to collaborate with the Ministry in promoting humane and orderly migrations among the youth as a leading organisation within the United Nations system.

Mr. Laurent informed the house that they are working with the private sector on job creation, targeting a specific zone like Maiduguri in Borno state because of the concern for the youths in that region.

“We are offering the youth some skills so that they can contribute to the development of the construction of the region,”he said.

He further said that his organisation had entered into an agreement with the University of Maiduguri and Modibo University in Borno and Adamawa to enable the youths to access formal education.

Ahead of the public presentation of 2024 seasonal climate prediction (SCP), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, on Tuesday, 23rd January, 2024, hosted stakeholders in Abuja, to discuss the socio-economic impact of the SCP.

The stakeholders who cut across different sectors of the economy ranging from aviation, agriculture, oil and gas, construction, marine, insurance and financial services, tourism, academia and so on, praised NiMet for its invaluable services towards Nigeria’s economic development, through release of the SCP over the years.

It will be recalled that in 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), released a statement which said; “By heeding to NiMet’s advisory in 2022 on flood prediction in the country, we saved the country more than N120bn”.

While welcoming the stakeholders, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has clearly outlined his government’s eight-point agenda aimed at moving the Nigerian economy forward through Food Security, Ending Poverty, Economic Growth, Job Creation, among others. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) through actualisation of its mandate is climate proofing the economy by providing timely weather and climate information”.

Continuing, he said; “Over the years the SCP has evolved in scope, including the concept of co-production which is adequately supported by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). This allows critical stakeholders to be part of the production process of weather and climate information in order to increase the depth of knowledge, improve accuracy and enhance relevance of information provided. This concept also makes the stakeholders to co-own the weather and climate information generated”.

Concluding, Prof. Anosike said; “As we collectively take a deep look at the draft 2024 SCP to enrich it, especially the socio-economic implication, relying on our years of knowledge, expertise, and experience in our various fields, I hope that by the end of the stakeholders meeting, we would have produced a document that is scientific, relevant and actionable. Together, we will be proud of being part of a climate resilient socioeconomic development of our dear nation, Nigeria”.

The Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo said; “All economic sectors are affected by weather and climate. This poses financial risks to governments, individuals and organizations. Climate information helps to mitigate and reduce the impact. I commend the Nigerian Meteorological Authority (NiMet) for the excellent job it is doing regarding Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP). I further acknowledge the positive impact the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) has had on Aviation safety. For example, NCAA has found the annual SCP released by NiMet to be very useful in issuing Advisory Circulars to warn Pilots and Operators of the inherent dangers associated with the onset of rainy season and the harmattan season. These Circulars have provided appropriate guidance to assist in preventing accidents and incidents which would otherwise be caused by thunderstorms and dust haze during their respective seasons. This, invariably, has reduced incidents/accidents associated with adverse weather to zero in Nigeria over the years”.

Concluding, Capt. Najomo encouraged NiMet to provide data that shows the level of accuracy of the SCP, for instance, in terms of number of Wind Shear phenomena recorded at airports across the country due to thunderstorm activities. “The NCAA calls for enlightenment on efforts being made by NiMet to (1) ensure Aerodrome Met Office
personnel possess a good understanding of thunderstorm events and (2) efforts to provide appropriate equipment that easily detect and accurately predict such events.
I charge NiMet to consolidate on its compliance with the provisions of Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations Part 14.6 –
Aeronautical Meteorological Services – particularly with respect to training of personnel and modernization of observing, forecasting and data gathering techniques, dissemination and storage equipment/instruments for flight planning and aerodrome development in Nigeria”.

The representative of World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Nigeria, Dr. Bernard Gomez commended NiMet as it has been issuing the seasonal climate prediction for 10 years. “WMO has established a protocol that mandates users of climate and weather information to co-produce. NiMet is following this protocol so as to meet the needs of the stakeholders. The agency can not do this alone hence the need to partner and collaborate with sectoral”.

“The stakeholders forum serves as a feedback mechanism for NiMet as it produces the final SCP draft. Stakeholders must ensure that the final SCP product meets everybody’s expectations”, Mr Gomez concluded.

The Director General of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Engineer Clement Nze, represented by the Acting Director of Hydrogeoinfomatics, Bashir Suleiman, said that the stakeholders meeting was timely. “NIMet is fulfilling its mandate by bringing the stakeholders together. NIHSA is pleased to be part of this especially in the area of flood predictions”.

The Executive Director of Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), Mr Arigbabu Sulaimon, congratulated NiMet for keeping to time regarding the impending release of SCP. “NiMet’s work is critical to the protection of livelihoods of people and also diversifying the economy of Nigeria. It’s not only the aviation sector that benefits greatly from NiMet’s services, the food and agricultural sector benefits too”.

In his goodwill message, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Captain Alex Badeh Jnr., represented by Mr Abdulsalam Abubakar, AGM Operations in the agency, appreciated NiMet for keeping to standards through the yearly and timely release of SCP. He said that NSIB has always collaborated with NiMet and assured that the partnership will continue.

The public presentation of NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction holds on Tuesday, 20th February, 2024, as approved by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN.

Maryam Aminu

In today’s interconnected and dynamic world, youths are the driving force of our present. With our vibrant and energetic youth population, Nigeria recognises the imperative of harnessing this demographic dividend for sustainable economic development.

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim has called for collaboration between Nigerian and Indian youths in order to harness the business and investment opportunities that the two nations have to offer.

The Minister made this call while delivering her goodwill message on the occasion of the Nigerian – India Business Forum with the theme “Expanding Trade and Investment Opportunities Between Nigeria and India”, which took place at Transcorp hotels Abuja.

Dr. Bio-Ibrahim said, “Collaboration between Nigeria and Indian youths can extend beyond borders, creating a network of innovation and creativity that knows no limits”

She explained that joint initiatives, mentorship programmes, and knowledge exchange can be the bedrock upon which the youth from both countries build enduring partnerships that go beyond geographical boundaries.

The Minister asserted that the youths can be empowered to become trailblazers in the growing partnership between the two countries.

She said, ” I am keenly aware of the crucial role that our youth play in driving economic diversification.”

The Minister noted that India’s rich history and technological prowess provide a fertile ground for collaboration and innovation .

Speaking further on the pivotal role of the young people in the economic prosperity of any nation, Dr. Bio-Ibrahim argued that the youths are active contributors and stakeholders in shaping the economic health of any nation.

The Minister hinged this argument on the fact that young people are job seekers, job creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

She, therefore, called for their empowerment with the tools, skills, and opportunities that will enable them to become the catalyst for change in trade and investment.

The Secretary General of Nigeria -India Business Council. Rekha Sharma disclosed plans to expand the partnership between the two nations especially in the medical sector by bringing doctors that will help in the treatment of various health problems, and manufacturers for partnership in the manufacturing of medical equipments.

“We want to bring hospitals that could perform different operations concerning ailments that people are suffering from.” She said.

By Emmanuel Daudu

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, NCSCN, in discharging it’s watchdog duty in the Nigerian community has torch lighted and brought to limelight the secret deal of SHELL trying to sell off its company to Renaissance Consortium and that the acquirer will be expected to take over responsibility for dealing with issues related to oil spills, theft and sabotage.

The Executive Director of the Council, Blessing Akinlosotu, while addressing journalists in a Press Conference in Abuja held on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 on the Divestment Deal Of SHELL Petroleum Development Corporation (SPDC) With The Renaissance Consortium stated that the position of the Civil Society Community says no to Divestment Deal, as currently being pursued by SHELL, and hereby issues a firm warning that any attempt to ignore its positions and conditions, and to proceed in the execution of the Divestment Deal without satisfying the interest of the Nigerian People shall be met with stiff resistance and nationwide protests, with occupation of all SHELL Offices and that of all involved Parties indefinitely.
“This Matter Directly Affects Our Economy, Hence, The Well-being Of The People”, Blessing said.

While giving a background details in his speech, he said, “NCSCN is aware that the Crude Oil business remains highly profitable, and oil companies follow the investors ‘money. Across the world, Oil companies are divesting from – and investing in – oil projects. This seemingly incoherent position makes perfect business sense if your calculus is based on profit and shareholder value.

“According to Shell, Renaissance will be expected to take over responsibility for dealing with issues related to oil spills, theft and sabotage. This statement is an indictment on SPDC, suggesting that they created some of the issues and are involved in some. It is the responsibility of SPDC to restore the environmental status of its operational areas.

“We noticed that SPDC is diverting the onshore businesses and still holding the offshore because we can monitor their activities and the level of contamination towards bringing them to answer.

“We frown at this ploy to avoid paying up for decades of pollution and evading justice. We must stop this attempt to cause the laying-off of workers. This will create unemployment and corresponding restiveness.

“We doubt the sincerity of purpose expressed by SPDC: though we agree that the business in the petroleum industry remains profitable, we question the reasons for divesting some of their assets in Nigeria. A Look at what is being divested will notice old, crude theft high-risk oil assets, and unprofitable assets that in the not-too-distant future will be considered “stranded assets”. A critical feature of potentially stranded assets is not who owns them now but who can be persuaded to buy them now, and the new owner holds full responsibility for the liabilities of the former.

“It is no secret or news that Nigeria runs almost a mono-economy revolving around the Oil and Gas Industry. Hence, the need for continuous surveillance of the activities and developments within this sector by the Civil Society Community cannot be overemphasised.

“The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) have observed with serious Concerns and Reservation, the hurried attempts by SHELL Global to sell off huge Onshore and shallow water assets to a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), known as the Renaissance Consortium made up of ND Western, Aradel Energy, First E&P, Waltersmith and Petrolin. Petrolin, Aradel, Waltersmith and First E&P formed ND Western which was first used by SHELL as Special Purpose Vehicle to manage OML 34 an asset bought from it in 2012.

“It has come to the knowledge of the Council that SHELL has reached an agreement to sell its onshore Nigeria business to a group of five {5} local companies under Renaissance for $1.3 billion.

“SPDC owns 15 licences onshore and three in the shallow water, OML 74, 77 and 79. It has 458 million barrels of oil equivalent in proved reserves, as of the end of 2022. The sale deal will allow SHELL to focus on deep-water Oil and gas – including its retained stake in Nigeria LNG (NLNG).

“Therefore, Renaissance will acquire Shell Petroleum Development Co. (SPDC) in the following Deals conditions; In addition to the $1.3bn paid, Renaissance will pay up to $1.1bn, on receivables and cash balances for the business. The joint venture will pay most of this on completion. On closing, Shell will provide $1.2bn in secured loans. It will also provide additional financing of $1.3bn in the future to cover the development of feed gas for NLNG and its share of “specific decommissioning and restoration costs.
SPDC staff will continue to be employed by the company as the ownership changes occur. Shell will also play a role in managing SPDC facilities that provide gas to NLNG.
NCSCN’S POSITION ON THE ABOVE-STATED ISSUE:

“As an Organization, we consider this deal as an unclean criminal getaway by SHELL from Nigerian, environmentally damaging Niger Delta further, leaving behind monument atrocious situations, liability, high remediation cost of polluted environment, and compensation fees.

In the same vein, there are also serious issues of abandonment, decommissioning, and relinquishment costs associated with ageing Assets and Environmental disasters already happening in the Niger Delta.

“NCSCN thinks that there are a plethora of pending court cases by Stakeholders, Farmers, and Host Communities against SPDC, which they are running away from through these Divestment deals by transferring these Liabilities to the new Owners, who may not have the capacity to address and solve these years of criminal neglects and environmental injustice Environmental experienced by particularly the Niger Delta people and the Nigerian population through heightened exposure to pollution and corresponding health risks, limited access to adequate environmental services, and loss of land and resource rights.

“The patriotic intentions of NCSCN are to categorically put a Caveat Emptor, that is a BUYERS BEWARE notice and CALL on the Nigerian Government through the Regulatory Authorities to decline approval of the deal pending when Civil Society Council based on the adopted National Principle on Divestment, must have undertaken independent visits to host communities to ascertain the level of compliance with Nigerian and international laws on Divestment, Abandonment and Decommissioning.

“Secondly, SHELL must show publicly, credible and verifiable evidence that the issues of Abandonment, Decommissioning, and Relinquishment cost and proper compensation have been duly settled and filed before Nigerian Regulatory Authorities.

“Thirdly, the consortium must show it has the Technical expertise, modern Technologies to mitigate negative Environmental impact and enough Financial Capacity to continue investment and production activities on the Assets”, he added.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) will partner the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) on capacity building of its meteorologists, scientists and other staff.

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Professor Charles Anosike stated this in his office on Friday, 19th January, 2024, when members of Maitama -Abuja chapter of the institute paid him a courtesy visit.

Welcoming the NIM team led by the chapter Chairman, Engnr. Abdul-Lawal Zubair, Prof. Anosike said; “As a scientific agency, we aim to follow global standards in what we do. In line with the thinking of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), NiMet will support staff of the agency to improve their management and leadership skills. The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, has also harped on training and staff welfare. NiMet is committed to helping the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government to achieve its vision in this regard”.

Continuing, Professor Anosike said; “As a fellow of NIM and a member of the Maitama-Abuja chapter of the institute, I thank the leadership of NIM for the solidarity visit. I am honoured and excited at the same time because I can see collaborative partnerships between NiMet and NIM. NIM can support NiMet in the area of capacity building with emphasis on leadership and management training. This visit is also a good opportunity to invite the NIM leadership to our flagship event, the public presentation of the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) which will hold on Tuesday, 20th February, 2024”.

“NiMet is always interested in innovative partnerships through which the agency can share and widen the distribution of its various weather and climate-related publications. As part of our discussions on collaboration with NIM, I suggest that NIM considers setting up a forum where NiMet meteorologists can share some of the data the agency generates with younger members of NIM and other stakeholders”, Prof. Anosike concluded.

Responding, Engnr. Abdul-Lawal Zubair
congratulated Prof. Anosike on his appointment and assured that the Nigerian Institute of Management will collaborate with NiMet in the areas listed by the DG/CEO.

Highlight of the visit was exchange of gifts between the two institutions, decoration of Prof. Anosike with NIM muffler with a charge to him to always represent the institute and the branch positively.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), is partnering Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun state, in building a weather station in the university.

Signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday, 18th January, 2024, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike expressed happiness that the relationship with Bells University which began in 2008 was continuing. According to him, “The choice of Bells University of Technology is strategic as it will help in downscaling NiMet data to farmers in the state and beyond”.

Continuing, Professor Anosike said; “Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been a friend of NiMet for many years. He has interests in farming in the state and beyond, and has been a champion of weather and climate change. We are happy that he has indicated interest to attend the 2024 NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) public presentation holding on the 20th of February, 2024”.

“The MoU with Bells University will open other areas of partnership opportunities
that will be mutually beneficial and contribute to economic development.
As NiMet partners with other universities, we want them to show more commitment by transmitting back data to NiMet timely so that we can archive the data. Because of the commitment demonstrated by Bells University and President Obasanjo, NiMet will build a full weather station at Bells University. I am charging them when the station becomes operational, to measure impact of the data from the weather station on farmers’ activities and the economy as a whole”, Prof. Anosike concluded.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, Prof. Jeremiah Oludele Ojediran said that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is keen to see that the partnership between the university and NiMet blossoms.

“We want to go beyond building a weather station and do more with NiMet in the area of research into climate change and training of farmers. I look back in time and I remember Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) but climate change is impacting negatively on activities of farmers these days, hence the need for research using the data from the proposed weather station which will be applied in the area of agriculture and other sectors”.

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who called in during the signing of the MoU
said he was committed to partnering NiMet to promote climate change.

“I have planted three and half million trees so far but my target is to plant five million. We all should do our bit to protect our environment and climate”, President Obasanjo said.

The Director of Center for Climate Change at Bells University of Technology, Professor Samuel Babatunde Agbola, said he was delighted with the way NiMet has interfaced with Bells University. He pleaded with the DG/CEO, Professor Anosike, to accept Bells as an active partner of NiMet going forward.

In a vote of thanks, the Director of Engineering and Technical Services of NiMet, Engineer Hamid Abdulkareem Olayinka, said that signing of the MoU was auspicious as it was happening early in the year, ahead of NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction holding on the 20th of February 2024.

“The proposed weather station will aid smart agriculture and encourage research, data gathering and sharing between the two institutions”, he concluded.

Maryam Aminu

Understanding the role of youth in societal development is crucial for devising effective strategies that foster their growth and enable them to become active contributors to the economy, innovation, and social harmony

In a bid to engaging Nigerian Youth while promoting bilateral trade and investment between Nigeria and Indonesia, the Nigerian-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry NICCI visited the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to seek partnership.

The Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim, noted that prioritizing youth equity to promote a strong and just economy is a high priority of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development

To achieve impact beyond employment, there is a need to create equity

“By working together, we can create a more equitable and prosperous job market for everyone particularly the youth but in doing so we must ensure there is creation of equity for the youth.” Dr. Bio added

She further reiterated that investment that will benefit the youth should go beyond job creation and creating an enabling environment. There should be creation of equity where youth will be provided with the opportunity to grow and thrive, regardless of their starting point.

She assured that her ministry would partner with NCCI so long as it will protect the interest of Nigeria youth

“We look forward to partnering with you provided our conditions are meant” said the minister

Earlier the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed briefed the minister that the Nigerian-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will hint her about their activities and also seek Partnership particularly in areas of Agriculture, health, renewable energy and lots more

The President, Nigerian-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ishmael Balogun who briefly stated the activities of NICCI added that the Nigerian-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) represents the voice of Indonesian businesses in Nigeria which aims to explore and develop trade, investment and business in Nigeria and Indonesia

Balogun said: “It will also be pleasing to let you know that between 2021 and 2022, the trade balance between Nigeria and Indonesia has grown from $2.6bn to $4.7bn. We hope to open up new territories to discover more and expand our reach.”

He noted that the significance of the investment to the ministry is that there will be job creation for Nigeria youth population

Balogun stated that predominantly youthful population provides a wealth of human capital.

He added that the areas of focus include but not limited to manufacturing, renewable energy, power generation, infrastructure development, health, agriculture, transportation, mining, digital economy and much more,” Balogun said.

“Nigeria’s youth population is one of its greatest assets. Nigeria’s young people are energetic and ambitious. As one of the greatest asset to Nigeria, they also hold the key to unleashing greater productivity and propelling the economic trajectory of the country” said NICCI President

Maryam Aminu

The journey towards empowering the girl child is a continuous and dynamic process.

Advancing gender equality is at the heart of the Minister of Youth Development

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project have intensified effort to ensure that the girls-child from extremely poor and vulnerable households not only have access to education but would be given quality education that can guarantee them a better future.

The Minister of Youth Development Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim gave this hint on Thursday in Abuja while granting audience to a delegation from the AGILE Project led by the Coordinator Mrs Amina Buba Haruna, who came on a courtesy visit to seek the Ministry’s collaboration with the view to improve the life of every girl child in the country.

The AGILE project was launched in 2023 to increase access to secondary education among marginalized adolescent girls in Nigeria.

While speaking the Minister said: “The challenges faced by the girl child are numerous ranging from gender bias, lack of education, culturally imbibed malpractices, human trafficking, child marriage, poor health and sanitation amongst others.”

“That is why the government is working hard to address these challenges through innovative efforts and by working with other partners who are passionate about these issues.” She added.

Dr Bio Ibrahim emphasized that the government is ready to support any project that is meant for the lifting of youth in the country.

Speaking earlier, the Director/National Coordinator of AGILE Project, Mrs Amina Buba Haruna, said that girl child education constitutes the future of Nigeria and there is a need to nurture it to its growth.

She disclosed that they are not only taking the girls child out of the street but also creating an enabling environment for all the less privileged ones.

Mrs Haruna posited that educating adolescent girls is one of the primary approaches to addressing the challenges of development in the country.

She said that the project has 18 participating states adding that the project is scheduled to last for five years as the closing date for the project is 2028.