President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his confidence in the limitless creativity and innovative capacity of Nigerian youths, underscoring his administration’s deliberate policies and programmes designed to harness the ingenuity of the young people.
Congratulating Al’amin Muhammed Idris, chief executive of Interface Africa, on winning the NextGen Innovation Challenge, President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, noted that the cash award of £1.5 million at the challenge’s grand finale will support the company’s mission to increase access to clean energy in underserved communities.
Interface Africa, represented by Kaduna, in the NextGen Innovation Challenge, a national initiative spearheaded by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) in partnership with UKALD London.
President Tinubu further commended Interface Africa for its effort in providing affordable solar financing to small businesses in Africa.
President Tinubu also praised the other 104 participants and encouraged them to keep innovating, improving lives, and shaping humanity’s future.
The challenge, inspired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is designed to unlock Nigerian youths’ innovative potential.
As Nigeria marks the International Day of the Girl Child, the Young Communicators Initiative (YCI) has launched the Vision 2035 AI-Athon, an inter-school digital leadHERship summit and speech contest to groom young female leaders for an AI-driven future.
The summit, held in Abuja, was themed “Effective LeadHERship in a Digital Age for National Development.” It brought together schoolgirls from public and private institutions to enhance their leadership and digital skills.
Diplomatic Support
Representing the Deputy Commissioner of the British High Commission, Senior Programme Manager Ms Na’anchin Muhammad said that investing in girls is synonymous with investing in national development.
“For us, investing in girls is investing in Nigeria’s development. Technology opens opportunities to contribute to nation-building.”
Encouraging the girls to aim higher, she added, “Wehave so many goals, that there’s a national plan, there are the SDGs, you know, and other things, and this particular event, especially the AI and digital space, I believe it’s an opportunity to just open the minds of these girls, and help them to see what they can do, to contribute to the national development of Nigeria. So, it’s really great.”
Dr. Chikodi Onyemerela
Dr Chikodi Onyemerela, Director of Programmes and Chairman of the Board, British Council Nigeria, praised the summit as “a winning model by an indigenous NGO,” urging stronger collaboration between government and civil society to expand its impact.
“This is a very interesting model, harvesting young girls who are prefects in their respective schools. Because they have been charged with leadership responsibilities early, chances are that they will be leaders at the university level, at NYSC, and even nationally.”
Calling for wider support, he added: “Being a girl doesn’t connote limitation. Anecdotally, girls lead better because the audacity to commit certain things is rare among them. I call for corporate support to NGOs of this nature. I don’t know how they are funding it, but I sense a genuine interest in developing the girl child.”
Speakers’ Perspectives
Mrs Adesola Oyinloye-Ndu, Special Adviser to the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on Customer Centricity, emphasised confidence-building and equal upbringing.
Mrs Adesola Oyinloye-Ndu,
“I’m a mentor and anti-bullying advocate. Once you’re confident, the sky is the starting point. The girl child must believe she can do it.”
Reflecting on the role of education, she said: “Education accessibility and affordability need rethinking, but determination matters most. We must
bring back the values of ‘I can do it.’ Raise every child as a human being first; gender is secondary.”
Speaking on the purpose of the summit, Chinenye Priscilla Anaemena, Founder of YCI, said it was conceived to bridge the gender gap in leadership and digital inclusion.
Chinenye Priscilla Anaemena
“It’s high time our girls were prepared to bridge that gap. We’re not just training them; we’re facilitating learning in artificial intelligence.”
She explained that participants would design community projects through post-event mentorship.
“They’ll conceptualise leadership frameworks and community development projects, like ‘Paint to Protect,’ which promotes pedestrian safety. We won’t put words in their mouths; these are their own ideas.”
On expanding the reach of the project, she said, “This is the maiden edition. We’re collaborating with the FCT Secondary Education Board and UBEC to replicate it nationwide. We have participants from underserved areas because leadership opportunity shouldn’t be for the privileged few.”
She concluded with a passionate reminder: “Do not forget; train a woman, you train a nation. If we must move female representation from 4.3% to 15 or 20%, we must start with the girl child.”
Similarly, Mrs Funmilayo Kayode, Director of Mobilisation and Sensitisation at the FCT Secondary Education Board, said the partnership with YCI underscores the agency’s commitment to girls’ education.
“Knowledge is power. What these girls are getting here today can take them to greater heights.”
Recalling her experience as a school principal, she said: “When we allowed democratic elections for prefects, 90% of class captains turned out to be girls. We encouraged them, and 80% of leadership positions were taken by girls. It shows what happens when they’re given a chance.”
However, she cautioned against excluding boys from empowerment programmes: “This focus on girls is yielding fruit, but boys too need support. Many come from single-mother homes, and we must balance our advocacy.”
Anuli Aniebo
Anuli Aniebo, Founder and Executive Director of Heir Women Hub, urged the participants to embrace inclusion and resilience.
“While you do this for girls, remember — it’s for all of us. There are structural and systemic barriers, but don’t let them get to you.”
Encouraging boldness, she told them, “There is a place for you. Move from being uncomfortable. The world won’t give it to you because you’re a girl; you must show up and work hard. Intelligence is your best tool.”
On leveraging AI, she added, “Push yourself past the limits of what this country provides. The AI era is yours. You can create the space and move it forward. The next global celebration could be yours.”
Participants’ Reflections
For the girls, the summit was both inspiring and empowering.
Oluwaoloni Gbadamosi, 13, from Nigerian Tulip International Colleges, said: “It makes me feel seen as a girl child. Sometimes it’s hard dealing with stereotypes, but this programme shows me I’m not alone. I can do this.”
Halima Adeola Akanbi, 15, from Government Secondary School, Mabushi, said: “Most people think girls can’t do much, but this programme breaks barriers. It makes me feel I can do anything. AI helps me with schoolwork and assignments. This AI-thon is a big deal to me.”
For Aisha Sadiq Yari, 15, from Fariah Academy, the experience sparked innovation: “It empowers young girls like me in the AI world, and it helps us foresee our future, how it’s going to be, and how things are going to work out. I want to build an app for young girls like us, growing up.
“It will help young girls like us be what we want to be, help us choose our future career paths because I’ve had a really bumpy journey choosing a career for myself, so I don’t want that to happen for other people growing up.”
As the voices of mentors and mentees echoed through the hall, one message stood out: “The future of Nigeria’s leadership lies in equipping girls with digital competence, confidence, and courage.”
From government and NGOs to diplomatic partners and schools, the Vision 2035 AI-Athon stands as a powerful reminder that empowering girls today shapes the innovation and governance of tomorrow.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening financial inclusion, promoting digital transformation, and maintaining monetary stability to drive sustainable economic growth across the country.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso made this known during the opening of the CBN Fair in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
Cardoso stated that the CBN Fair formed part of the apex bank’s ongoing efforts to engage Nigerians on its policies and reforms for economic development.
He explained that the theme of the fair was chosen to “address links that catalyse critical activities for price and monetary stability as well as sensitise the public on the bank’s policies”and their positive impact on lives, livelihoods, and the national economy.
According to the governor, the CBN under his leadership has taken decisive steps to strengthen the financial system, enhance productivity, and stabilise the economy.
He said, “These efforts are already yielding positive results, as evidenced by the steady reduction in inflation and the current stability in the foreign exchange market.”
Cardoso further outlined key policy measures implemented over the past two years, including the unification of exchange rates, the clearance of over $7 billion in verified foreign exchange backlogs, the recapitalisation of banks to boost resilience, and the introduction of the BMatch system to improve the integrity of forex trading.
He also highlighted the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028, designed to accelerate digital transformation and broaden financial inclusion nationwide.
He added that the CBN had introduced a 75 per cent Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) on non-TSA public sector deposits to improve liquidity management and curb inflationary pressures.
The CBN governor urged Nigerians to rely solely on verified information from official CBN channels and to “respect and keep the Naira clean,” warning against spraying, hawking, or mutilating the currency.
Cardoso was represented at the fair by a manager at the CBN, Tobias Uche.
Fostering Trust and Financial Literacy
Speaking earlier, the CBN Branch Controller in Calabar, Jibunoh Nwanneamaka, represented by the Head of Research, Jude Nwafor, described the fair as a platform to foster trust, transparency, and financial literacy among Nigerians.
Nwanneamaka said the engagement was designed to familiarise the public—particularly those in underserved communities—with the bank’s policies and innovations.
“Alternative payment channels—such as mobile money, USSD services, POS terminals, and digital wallets—are not just conveniences; they are lifelines for millions, especially in underserved communities,” he said.
In separate goodwill messages, the Senior Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Agriculture, Professor John Shiyam, and the Chairman of the Cross River Chamber of Commerce, Kelly Ayamba, commended the apex bank for hosting the fair in Calabar.
Shiyam remarked, “This is a laudable initiative from CBN. These alternative payment channels would assist farmers in the rural areas where there are no regular banking facilities. The challenge for our farmers is access to credit, and this forum is critical for the farmers to leverage alternative payment platforms for their agricultural activities.”
Ayamba described the fair “as a platform to enhance economic growth, personal business development and ensure that people can access finance as well as deepen understanding of financial matters.”
The fair featured presentations on CBN operations, including monetary policy instruments, consumer protection, microfinance, and the evolving digital payment ecosystem.
Themed “Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development,” the event attracted young Nigerians, farmers’ representatives, government officials, and members of the Cross River business community.
Art X Lagos, a platform featuring exhibitions of artists and galleries in West Africa, has unveiled a 10-year Impact Report spotlighting how the continent had been projected on the global stage.
The report, released ahead of the 10th edition of Art X Lagos, highlighted the fair’s transformative journey from a local art exhibition to a global cultural platform.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the organisers said the fair had welcomed more than 700,000 visitors from 170 countries, and showcased over 500 of Africa’s leading artists in 10 years.
The Chairman and Founder of Art X Lagos, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, said the report reflected both the achievements of the past decade and the fair’s vision for the future.
“To deepen our role as a catalyst for Africa’s creative future, and to amplify the global presence of African voices,”she said.
She said the fair, since its debut in 2016, had become a cultural heartbeat of Nigeria’s art scene, catalysing the city’s annual art week and positioning Lagos among the world’s most vibrant creative capitals.
“The Impact Report stands as a testament to this influence, capturing the voices of artists, gallerists, and cultural leaders who articulate how Art X Lagos has transformed the global conversation around African creativity,”she said.
Peterside-Schwebig commended the countless artists, curators, gallerists, collectors, and audiences who had participated in the past 10 years of the fair.
Founder of GAS Foundation, Yinka Shonibare, said the fair has succeeded in transforming the futures of both artists and collectors.
“It has had an unmeasurable economic regenerative effect, and it has increased exponentially the cultural capital of Lagos,” Shonibare said.
The Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Republic, Wale Lawal, said he had witnessed the fair reignite both local and regional interest in Lagos as a critical creative hub, over the last decade.
The Founder and Director of Tiwani Contemporary, Maria Varnava, said the fair was contemporary, rooted and resolutely forward looking.
The theme of 10th edition, scheduled for November 6 to November 9, 2025, is theme, ‘Imagining Otherwise, No Matter The Tide.’
The fair will explore how imagination can inspire new possibilities for community, identity and shared futures in urban centres like Lagos.
Some of the highlights of the fair include of J.D. Okhai Ojeikere’s photographs from the 1950s to the 1970s, as well as new installations by Nigerian artists, Nengi Omuku and Temitayo Ogunbiyi.
The fair would also feature Art X Library, Art X Live, Art X Cinema, and Art X Talks, platforms showcasing exceptional African and diasporic talents.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced plans to launch a Digital Trust Mark to strengthen consumer confidence and elevate Nigerian businesses to global standards.
The initiative, introduced in partnership with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), will serve as a seal of assurance, enabling Nigerians and enterprises to engage online with greater confidence and enhanced security.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja ahead of the official launch, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, highlighted the existing trust deficit in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and explained how the Digital Trust Mark aims to bridge that gap.
According to him, “Technology is always a double-edged sword. You can use it as a tool or as a weapon. So, as the good guys are using it to increase productivity, cut costs, and improve efficiency in their businesses, the bad guys are also exploiting it to cause harm.
“This is discouraging people from transacting online because of the lack of trust and confidence in online platforms.”
He added, “To address these challenges, we came together with NACCIMA and GIZ to co-design and co-create this initiative—the Nigerian Digital Trust Mark. It’s designed to build trust within our digital ecosystem, where every company, e-commerce platform, business, and government organisation will have a trust seal displayed on their website.”
Inuwa noted that the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which encourages collaboration between the public and private sectors to boost the digital economy.
He explained, “The President has been pushing for bold reforms across all economic sectors, including the digital space. This initiative is part of the Renewed Hope agenda, where the public and private sectors work together to develop policies and regulations that build trust within the ecosystem—and where international organisations and development partners can share best practices.”
In his remarks, Sulaiman Adoga Ibrahim, Special Adviser to the National President of NACCIMA, reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to promoting standard compliance and responsible digital practices across industries.
According to him, the initiative will empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as larger corporations to harness technology in ways that foster competitiveness, inclusion, and sustainable growth.
He said, “We are honoured to stand with NITDA at this significant moment in advancing Nigeria’s digital future through the National Digital Trust Mark project.
“This initiative represents a bold and visionary step towards deepening trust, accountability, and resilience in our digital economy. It demonstrates how effective public-private collaboration can accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward a trusted, prosperous, and globally recognised digital ecosystem.”
Also speaking, Chinedu Albert, a consultant with GIZ, said the initiative aligns with the African Continental Digital Agreement, which calls on member states to establish trust mechanisms.
He stated, “GIZ Nigeria is proud to support this beautiful initiative. We have implemented similar projects in Rwanda, but I must say that the momentum Nigeria is showing is remarkable.
“This trust mark aligns with global best practices and will improve the competitiveness of Nigerian MSMEs both regionally and globally.”
The Digital Trust Mark is scheduled for official launch on 17 October 2025.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the collective fight against economic and financial crimes, particularly cryptocurrency fraud and other forms of cybercrime.
EFCC Chairman Mr Ola Olukoyede gave the assurance at a one-day sensitisation workshop for CSOs and the media, held on Thursday at the Commission’s Kano Zonal Directorate.
Represented by the Acting Zonal Director, Sa’ad Hanafi, Olukoyede said the workshop underscored the Commission’s conviction that the fight against corruption is a shared national responsibility that depends on synergy, trust, and the exchange of intelligence.
“Our fight against corruption is not a solo mission; it is a collective national endeavour that requires synergy, trust, and shared intelligence,” he said.
He explained that the involvement of CSOs and journalists in the anti-corruption campaign was both deliberate and strategic, describing both groups as critical partners in promoting accountability and national awareness.
“CSOs serve as the conscience of society and a vital bridge between the government and the citizenry. Journalists wield the powerful pen that shapes public opinion, holds power accountable, and illuminates the dark corners where corruption thrives.
“Together, you are indispensable allies in safeguarding our economy and our collective future,” he stated.
Olukoyede said the workshop sought to deepen participants’ understanding of cryptocurrency-related crimes and other emerging financial offences, while also equipping them with the skills to report and respond effectively to such threats.
He added that as global crime networks evolve from traditional fraud schemes to sophisticated cyber-enabled offences, the EFCC is prioritising partnerships that promote public awareness and proactive responses.
“This workshop will go a long way in fostering a strategic partnership between the EFCC, CSOs, and the media in promoting a preventive and citizen-driven approach to combating corruption,” the EFCC official explained.
He stressed that equipping journalists and civil society actors with the right knowledge of modern cyber threats, including cryptocurrency fraud, would significantly boost national efforts to protect Nigeria’s economy and promote transparency.
The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, has commenced full clinical and orthopaedic services, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s specialist healthcare delivery.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the hospital premises, the Director of Clinical Services, Dr. David Ngwan Wujika announced the official opening of the wards, operating theatres, and Accident and Emergency Unit.
Dr. Wujika noted that the development follows the successful launch of outpatient services on May 12, 2025, which has so far attended to 736 patients.
He said; “With great joy, we are commencing full orthopaedic services not just partial operations We are now ready to manage everything from trauma cases to complex reconstructive surgeries.”
The hospital now offers a full suite of orthopaedic and trauma care services, including; Trauma and reconstructive surgery; Joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder); Limb lengthening and deformity correction; Spine surgery (trauma and non-trauma cases); Paediatric orthopaedics; Sports medicine and arthroscopy; Emergency care through the A&E Unit; Prosthetics and orthotics for amputees and; Diagnostic laboratory, pharmaceutical, physiotherapy, and psychosocial support services.
“Our goal, is to build a generation of mobile people who can walk freely and live pain-free lives.”Dr. Wujika said.
In his address the Medical Director of the Hospital Professor Icha Onche described the journey toward this milestone as huge leap.
“For the North Central Zone. The hospital, which serves six states and the Federal Capital Territory. I want to express deep gratitude to both state and federal authorities for their support particularly Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who funded the tarring of the hospital’s access roads and other infrastructure projects. This is a federal institution, but His Excellency has taken it as a personal projec. He has been directly involved every step of the way,” Prof. Onche explained.
Acknowledging the role of institutional partnerships, Prof. Onche praised the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for its consistent support.
He said; “JUTH has been our big sister. They’ve donated equipment and provided guidance every step of the way. We also appreciate private hospitals that have contributed equipment to this mission.”
The hospital has now completed its first phase of staff recruitment, bringing on board orthopaedic consultants, medical officers, nurses, psychologists, and social workers. Out of the 736 patients already attended to, 150 are awaiting surgery according to hospital officials.
Prof. Onche noted, “This is just the beginning, we are committed to growing this hospital into a centre of excellence not just in orthopaedics, but in compassionate and ethical care.”
The National Orthopaedic Hospital was established following the signing of its bill into law by the former President on July 17, 2021 and was allocated land by the Plateau State Government in July.
A coalition of Nigerian Northern leaders has announced over $10 billion in investment pledges for the region’s core economic sectors, establishing a new council to steer a coordinated development master plan.
The pledges, focused on mining, agriculture, and power, were secured at the conclusion of the two-day Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialisation Summit (NNIIS) in Abuja.
The event gathered state governors, federal ministers, international delegations, and private sector investors.
In response, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) officially launched the Northern Nigeria Economic Development Council (NNEDC), an institutional body tasked with implementing a comprehensive economic blueprint for the region.
“With security as the bedrock, policy coherence as the framework, and private capital as the engine, Northern Nigeria can transform its endowments into sustainable growth, a decisive pivot from rhetoric to execution,” said Professor D.D. Sheni, Director-General of NEF.
The summit, themed “Unlocking Strategic Opportunities in Mining, Agriculture, and Power (MAP 2025),” demonstrated a rare unified vision. Governors from the North West, North East, and North Central regions signed a new Northern Nigeria Economic Development Charter, committing their states to a common economic agenda.
The federal government also signalled its support. President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, stated that “the future of Nigeria’s prosperity is inseparable from the future of Northern Nigeria,” reaffirming the administration’s commitment to reviving the region’s economy.
According to a communiqué signed by NEF Board of Trustees Chairman, Professor Ango Abdullahi, the $10 billion in pledges is targeted over the next five years.
The investments were catalysed through state investment showcases and business matchmaking sessions.
International interest was significant, with delegations from Turkey, India, Canada, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia expressing readiness to invest.
To translate pledges into tangible projects, the newly created NNEDC will operate under the joint oversight of NEF and the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NNGF)
A Joint Implementation and Monitoring Taskforce (JIMT) has been established to oversee initial actions and is expected to publish an operational roadmap within 60 days.
The NNEDC will also issue quarterly scorecards to publicly track outcomes on jobs created, energy capacity added, and investments mobilised.
The forum outlined measures to overcome existing hurdles, acknowledging that while the region is rich in minerals like gold, copper, and lithium, it faces challenges such as illegal mining and environmental risks.
The proposed solutions include:
Reforming the mining sector with clear royalties, strong community engagement, and robust environmental safeguards.
· Institutionalising land administration reforms, such as creating digitised land records and community benefit agreements.
· Mobilising capital-market instruments like infrastructure bonds and sukuk to fund energy projects.
· Advocating for standardised public-private partnership (PPP) frameworks to accelerate project delivery.
The NEF reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability as it leads the region into this new phase of coordinated economic transformation.
For decades, Nigeria’s mining sector, after the initial impressive contribution to the nation’s economy, lingered in the shadows, overpowered by oil.
But as the nation searches for viable paths to economic diversification, the solid minerals sector is stepping back into the spotlight, rekindling old hopes and raising new possibilities.
Historically, Nigeria’s mineral wealth was once a major contributor to the economy. Tin mining on the Jos Plateau made global headlines in the early 1900s. But after the oil boom of the 1970s, the mining sector crumbled.
While the mining sector held sway, the environmental toll was heavy with evident land degradation, community displacement, and contaminated water supplies. In recent years, insecurity and illegal mining have become major challenges in this regard. These scars are still visible today. However, the bigger loss was economic; billions in untapped minerals were left underground, and mining’s share of GDP shrank to less than 1%.
Nigeria is home to over 44 commercially viable solid minerals, including coal, gold, lithium, barite, lead-zinc, copper, and iron ore.
Experts agree that these resources, if effectively harnessed, could drive industrialisation, create jobs, and reduce poverty, especially in mineral-rich but economically deprived regions.
In recent months, however, the narrative appears to be shifting. President Bola Tinubu, in his 65th Independence Anniversary broadcast, declared the solid minerals sector “pivotal” to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
The President’s message is clear: the days of exporting raw minerals are over as his administration aims to add value locally, encouraging downstream processing and manufacturing. This is expected to generate jobs, increase revenue, and move Nigeria from a raw material exporter to an industrial nation.
In the scheme of changing the narratives, the Ministry of Solid Minerals, under Dr Dele Alake, has introduced aggressive reforms, tightening licensing procedures, requiring local processing plans, and formalising artisanal miners and introducing the mining Marshals in mineral-rich regions to provide security for the sector. This resulted in revenues surging from ₦6 billion in 2023 to ₦38 billion in 2024.
More revenue is expected as new lithium processing plants worth over $900 million are underway in Kaduna, Abuja, and Nasarawa. The move is expected to create thousands of jobs and place Nigeria on the map for battery production.
As local reforms take place, global interest is growing. Countries like the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have all shown interest in Nigeria’s critical minerals, especially lithium, a key input for electric vehicle batteries.
Because of this disposition, Nigeria now chairs the African Mineral Strategy Group, positioning itself as a regional leader in beneficiation and fairer trade.
Despite these feats, the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative NEITI noted that the mining sector’s GDP share remains low, calling for deeper reforms. In this respect, the Tinubu administration has committed over ₦1 trillion for mineral exploration in 2025.
Despite these feats, analysts say inconsistent policy enforcement and inadequate infrastructure, including roads, rail networks, and electricity, continue to hinder the sector’s full potential.
As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, the question remains: Can solid minerals finally deliver what oil promised but failed to sustain?
If Nigeria can maintain its current trajectory and do more, anchored on transparency, local value addition, and investor confidence, it will transform its mineral wealth into long-term national prosperity.
For now, the Ministry of Solid Minerals appears to be on the right track. But to truly unlock its full potential, Nigeria must stay the course of addressing challenges in the sector, committing not just to reforms but to results.
The House of Representatives has called on the federal government of Nigeria to prioritise education and skills development for girls, especially in crisis-affected communities.
The House also urged security agencies and relevant stakeholders to implement measures to protect girls from violence and exploitation during crises.
It equally urged the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to create safe spaces providing mental health support to girls to help them cope with trauma.
It also urged the Ministry of Women Affairs to partner with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders to design and implement mentorship and leadership training for girls.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance titled “Motion on the International Day of the Girl Child with the theme, The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Front Lines of Crisis,” moved by the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Mrs Khafilat Ogbara, at plenary.
Leading the debate on the motion, Mrs Ogbara said that the House notes that the International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated globally on the 11th of October annually.
She said that in recognition of the International Day of the Girl Child, “We gather to celebrate the resilience, the strength, and leadership of girls around the world, particularly those who find themselves on the front lines of the crisis.”
She said that the House notes that this year’s theme acknowledges that girls are not merely victims of adversity but powerful agents of change who possess the potential to shape their future and their communities.
“Whereas girls are vital contributors to society and possess unique perspectives that drive meaningful change. Their empowerment is crucial for advancing and achieving sustainable development and fostering peace for now and the future.
“The House is aware that in times of crisis, be it armed conflict, natural disaster, or public health emergencies, girls often bear the brunt of the consequences.
“They face increased risk of violence, exploitation, and discrimination, which can hinder their education and personal development.
“There is a need to harness the potential of girls as leaders and change makers.
“It is essential to provide them with access to education, healthcare, and resources that support their personal and professional development,” the motion said.
The House mandated the Committee on Women’s Affairs and Social Development to ensure compliance with the resolutions.
