Development expert advises in-coming govt. to leverage on women

Adevelopment expert and researcher, Dr Nkemdilim Ene, has advised the in-coming administration to leverage on women to take development faster to grassroots communities in Nigeria.

Ene gave the advice in Abuja on Sunday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the expectations of Nigerian women as the country gets set to inaugurate a new government on May 29.

On Feb. 25, Nigeria held a landmark presidential election, to keep democracy going in Africa’s most populous nation, which returned to elective governance in 1999 after years of military rule.

“Research has shown that the inclusion of women in leadership has contributed significantly to socio-economic growth.

“This shows that sustainable national development requires the contributions of women,’’ said Ene, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Preston Associates International Development Ltd., an Abujabased think-thank.

She described womenfolk as the magic wand that could be used by the government to engender development and make Nigeria to rise above its current challenges.

“I appeal to government to be deliberate in encouraging women and girls to partake in digital opportunities available to them because this can change lives of women and that of their immediate communities.’’

The researcher said that government should also find ways to utilise the opportunities offered by technology as a tool in promoting gender equality in Nigeria.

“It can be as simple as increasing access to smart phones, cash transfers and digital financial literacy skills that can strengthen women’s decision-making abilities and enhance bargaining power in their homes,’’ Ene advised.

Commenting on the justconcluded International Women’s Day, Ene said that the lot of women in Nigeria was getting brighter, “although a lot still has to be done.

“The theme for this year’s celebration – `DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’ underscores the need to equip our women with technological know-how,’’ she stated.

The youthful Ene, who holds a bachelor of medicine and surgery degree also has expansive experience in public health and gender issues. (NAN)

(Source: Society for the Propagation of Islam Kaduna)

TIPS ON HEALTHY ‘IFTAR’

Choose lean proteins to get the benefits with little saturated fats. Include fish, skinless chicken or turkey and low-fat dairy to have as part of your iftar meal. If you’re vegetarian, you can select other protein sources such as legumes, beans and nuts.

(HealthyEating #Alarabiya.net)

Compiled By Al-Amin Ciroma

Osun Appeal Court decision victory for democracy – Arewa Youths

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

The Chairman Arewa Youths for the sustenance of Democracy and good governance Alhaji Salihu has said the victory of Osun Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, at the Court of Appeal was victory for democracy.

Addressing a Press Conference in Bauchi over the weekend Magaji said the judgment of the appellate court was a resounding affirmation of the expressed will of the people of Osun State in their quest for purposeful leadership and good governance in the State.

“You would recalled that the Court of Appeal on Friday upheld Adeleke’s victory at the July 16, 2022 governorship election after upturning the decision of the tribunal.”

He said the jubilation in Osun State and other States of the Federation is a testament of the fact that Adeleke’s election is not only a reflection of the aspiration of the majority of the people of Osun State but also that of millions of lovers of democracy across the nation.

Ramadan: Kaduna Pastor distributes bags of grains to journalists

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Few days after the massive distribution of foodstuffs to over 1000 less privileged Muslims in Kaduna state, the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry Pastor Yohanna Buru has again doled out bags of grains to Muslim and Christian journalists in the state with aim of strengthening cordial relationship between both faiths.

Buru revealed that, Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and compassion towards others.

According to him, both Muslims and Christians are fasting at this season, and hence the need to strengthen them with foodstuff in promoting peace building through stories relating to peaceful journalism in the country.

He added that, Christians are also doing their lent at this season, which is going to last for 40 days.