Nation
World Bank Lauds Kaduna Govt Over AGILE Ownership
The World Bank has commended the Kaduna State Government for taking ownership of its supported Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project.
The Bank’s Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, gave the commendation at the Official Inauguration of the project in Kaduna at the weekend.
Represented by the Senior Education Specialist, World Bank, Aisha Garba, Chaudhuri also praised Gov. Nasir El-Rufai for the support to ensure the success of the project in the state.
Describing the project as a “huge success” in Kaduna State, Chaudhuri said that supporting women and girls in Nigeria was at the top of the World Bank agenda.
According to him, AGILE is one of the biggest projects in the bank with $1.2 billion.
“This is to demonstrate the commitment of the bank to the development agenda of enhancing educational opportunities and empowerment of young girls and women in Nigeria.
“We appreciate the full cooperation and partnership of stakeholders, and we will continue to support the government of Kaduna state in achieving this important agenda.”
Earlier, the National Project Coordinator, Hajiya Amina Haruna, explained that the AGILE project was the initiative of the Federal Government with funding support from the World Bank.
Haruna said the project was aimed at ensuring that adolescent girls access quality secondary education, through enhanced learning, digital literacy and life skills which empowered and assured better life chances and experience.
She said the project, which disbursement began in February 2022, was being implemented in Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Ekiti, Borno and Plateau states, adding that the project would be extended to other states soon.
Haruna stated that so far, Kaduna State made a giant stride towards the achievement of the project objective and commended the State Project Implementation Unit for the efforts.
She urged the relevant stakeholders to support the implementation of the project for the beneficiaries to reap the full benefits of the project.
Inaugurating the project, Governor El-Rufai noted that the talents of girls were being wasted either by not educating them, getting them out of school, or subjecting them to early marriages.
He said his decision to appoint many women in his cabinet as deputy governor, commissioners and head of departments and agencies was not by accident.
According to him, the step was a deliberate effort to inspire young girls to be whoever they aspire to be.
He explained that the AGILE project was specifically designed to encourage and promote girl child education, which he also described as one of the most successful World Bank financing projects in the state.
On her part, the Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Halima Lawal, said the project has currently reduced gender disparity in secondary school to less than one per cent.
Lawal, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Haliru Soba, added that the project had equally reduced the distance to the nearest secondary school to less than a kilometre.
She added that enrolment of girls in secondary school had also improved due to the project.
A virtual presentation of the achievements recorded so far by the State Project Implementation Unit showed that 779 classrooms were renovated in the state.
The report also indicated that 2,629 Water Sanitation and Hygiene facilities were constructed and rehabilitated in schools, 46,252 sets of furniture were provided, five schools have been fully fenced and five are currently ongoing.
It also showed that the project equally renovated Government Girls Secondary School Kawo, and renovation of Barewa College Zaria, is ongoing, while 155 new secondary schools will be built.
“The project is establishing safe spaces across 142 schools with girls being trained in leadership, self-agency, nutrition, menstrual hygiene, safeguarding against gender-based violence, reproductive health and climate.
Nation
New Rivers CP assures of non partisan …moves against human rights violation
The new Rivers state commissioner of police ,CP Olugbenga Adepoju has assured that his administration will remain apolitical in the discharge of his duties in the state.
Adepoju who officially assumed office last Friday as the 47th police commissioner of police stated this during his median press briefing held at state police command over the weekend in Port Harcourt.
He assured that under his watch as the police helmsman in the state his administration will ensure protection of human rights and warn that any police officer who violate the rights of people will be sanctioned in accordance with the police act and
urged Rivers people to hold the Police accountable, share view of people with police.
“We are committed to transparency.
My priority is to ensure safety, security and welfare of all residents in the state.
Being an economic hub of the country,the state faces challenges of crisis from political interest, economic sabotage illegal oil bunkering.
“I will ensure Rivers people sleep with their two eyes close. I have what it takes to keep the command safe.We do Intelligence gathering work with community and public engagement to proactively prevent crime.We have meetings and seminars with members of the public.”
“We will enforce discipline and ensure zero tolerance for corruption.I have my team.I will put them to work.There will be improvement on the part of my officers.
“We will Combat youth restiveness and cultism, oil theft, environmental crime. we will work with other agencies to ensure is reduce to the barest minimum.
“We will enhance response time and police visibility. We do all we can for our men to respond to distress call in time. We will deploy more men in metro. More visibility policing.
“We will address land grabbing issues.We will work with our legal team. If we have to partake in any execution order, we will look at it critically.
“We will enforce all vehicle regulations with human face. Especially tinted glasses. We may excuse those that have it from the factory. Either the vehicle will be impounded, the tinted glass removed or they are charged to court.
“Our men will not violate rights of citizens. If there is any violation of rights, it should be reported to the police for necessary actions. Our men will be more professional and polite to the people “he stated
CP Adepoju however urged residents of the state,the media and all necessary stakeholders to give the Police the relevant cooperation and support for effective policing of the society.
Akujobi amadi
Nation
Police invites assaulted female victim, assures of protection
The Rivers State Police Command says it has acknowledged a social media report on alleged assault of a lady by police officers along Evo Road, Port Harcourt.
A statement signed by the police public Relations Officer (PPRO),SP Grace Iringe Koko in Port Harcourt, yesterday said the police acknowledged the report of such alleged assault and invite the lady involved to visit the command so as to enable the command to commence investigation with a view to apprehend the officers involved.
“We urge the lady involved to visit the Police Headquarters to enable a thorough investigation into the matter. This step will assist us in identifying the officers involved and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.”
“The Command appeals to members of the public to cooperate with police officers during stop-and-search operations, as these measures are essential in combating crime and maintaining security.”
“We also encourage residents to report any misconduct by police officers through the following channels:
• PPRO: 0816 135 5218
• Control Room: 08032003514, 08098880134
• Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, 07057605209”
“Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain accountability and professionalism within the Rivers State Police Command.
Thank you.”
Akujobi Amadi
Nation
Opobo Elder Statesman Lauds Fubara’s Christmas Bonus to Civil Servants …Celebrates Recognition As Public Office Holder of the Year 2024
The Chairman of Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim, Alabo Edwin Cockeye-Brown, has expressed appreciation to Rivers State governor, Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara over his granting of #100,000 as Christmas bonus to the entire spectrum of civil servants across the State.
Speaking with journalists at his residence in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Alabo Cockeye-Brown said the generous gesture from the governor undoubtedly brought joy and relief to many families during the festive season.
“In these challenging economic times, such initiatives are a testament to Governor Fubara’s commitment to the welfare of our public servants. It is a clear indication that he values their hard work and sacrifices, “he stated.
Alabo Cockeye-Brown, who is the Vice Chairman of Opobo Council of Alapu, emphasized the importance of supporting civil servants, who play a crucial role in the development and governance of the state.
“These men and women dedicate their lives to serving the public. The Christmas bonus is not just financial assistance; it’s a recognition of their relentless efforts and a way to uplift their spirits ahead of the New Year,” he added.
In addition to celebrating the Christmas bonus, Alabo Cockeye-Brown took the opportunity to congratulate Governor Fubara on being awarded the Public Office Holder of the Year 2024.
He said the recognition is well-deserved, adding that the governor has shown exceptional leadership and vision, steering the state towards progress and prosperity.
“His dedication to uplifting the lives of our citizens is commendable, and we are proud to have him leading us”, he said.
Alabo Cockeye-Brown also called on other leaders in the state to follow Fubara’s example, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to enhance public service delivery and improve the living standards of the people.
“Let us work together to ensure that every citizen feels the impact of good governance,” he urged.