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AAS, UNFPA Others Call on African Countries to Invest More on Female Education
Joel Ajayi
African Academy For Science, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and other stakeholders has called on African countries to invest more on female education to increase the numbers of female scientist in the continent
The Executive Director UNFPA Dr Natalia Kanem made the call on Tuesday at the 15th Bi-Annual General Assembly and Scientific Conference of the African Academy of Sciences holding in Abuja with the theme: “Empowering and Advancing Africa’s Scientific Enterprise” holding.
The Executive Director, UNFPA, Dr. Natalia Kanem who was represented by the UNFPA Secretary in Nigeria, Nathaniel Nau, stated that Africa needs to invest more on the girl child education so that we can have more female scientists.
“We need urgent investment in education, particularly girl education, access to healthcare, youth employment, entrepreneurship, and we believe that AAS can contribute greatly to that.
Speaking further he said, ” From its humble beginning in the 1980s, the African Academy of Science has grown into a leading pan-African institution, nurturing the next generation of African scientists.
“Its fellows and researchers are at the forefront of groundbreaking research and innovation, addressing critical issues such as climate change, behavioral sciences, governance, data, demographic transition, youth empowerment, vaccine development, and maternal sexual and reproductive health.”
“The AAS has established itself as a vital community of science and scholars whose work align with and significantly contribute to key aspects of UNFPA mission, that is to ensure that no woman dies while giving birth, that pregnancies remain a choice, not a chance, and that there is no gender-based violence to women and girls.
” UNFPA is proud to be a partner and sponsor of this General Assembly and we assure you of our steadfast support as you continue this noble mission.” he added
President Bola Tinubu while declaring the conference open urged African countries to harness the power of technology to transform the continent.
The President was represented by the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, Speaking through Nnaji president Tinubu said, “Let us harness the power of science to transform our society, uplift our economies, and improve the quality of life for all Africans.
“Together, we can build a future where scientific excellence is the hallmark of Africa’s development.”
In her her remarks the President of AAS, Prof. Lise Korsten said the desires of the Academy is to see birth of Africa’s sustainable development through Science Technology and Innovation (STI).
“At the heart of our Academy lies a profound commitment to accelerating Africa’s sustainable development through science and innovation.
“Since 2015, the AAS, with a mandate from the African Union, has been working with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and other partners to drive sustainable development in Africa through STI.”.
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Ministry of Youth Working with Relevant MDA’s to Curb Irregular Migration in Nigeria-Minister
Joel Ajayi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Administration through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development is working tirelessly, collaborating with relevant MDAs to curb irregular migration in Nigeria.
The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande disclosed this during a 2-day Awareness Programme on “The Effects of Irregular Migration of Young people”, organised by the Ministry in Katsina, Kastina State.
The Minister explained that the Ministry has designed various empowerment programmes like the vocational trainings in garment and clothing making, beads making, waste management (waste to wealth creation), digital employability, entrepreneurship and leadership training (DEEL), work experience program (WEP) and the proposed establishment of Youth House across the 774 local government secretariat nationwide.
According to him, “In recent years, we have recorded numerous needless and avoidable deaths of irregular migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. Additionally, we have witnessed countless incidents of organ harvesting, rape, child labor, kidnapping, and prostitution inflicted upon illegal migrants in desert regions,
“Unfortunately, Africa and the Middle East have reported the highest numbers of illegal migrants trying to leave their continent or country for Europe and America.
He stated that other measures include the relaunch of the National Youth Investment Fund, which aims at supporting young entrepreneurs with a budget of ₦110 billion, adding that the initiative will focus on training in agriculture, providing tools such as drones to facilitate farming, and offering start-up grants to trainees.
“Additionally, there will be the construction of youth development centers nationwide to host various youth empowerment activities and programmes as well as the implementation of a 30 percent affirmative action to encourage youth participation in government”, he affirmed.
Comrade Olawande, who was represented by Deputy Director, Youth Centres & Camp (YCC) Division at the Department of Education and Youth Development in the Ministry, Mrs. Grace Leleh, noted that factors like conflict and civil unrest, unemployment as a result of worsening economic situation, famine, national disaster among others contribute to the growing trend of irregular migration among youth.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, stressed that migration is a natural aspect of human behavior. However, he added,the recent trend of irregular migration is a new phenomenon marked by complexities, uncertainties, dangers, and, in some cases, untimely death.
He said: “It is also perplexing to observe that many of the young people engaging in irregular migration are educated and skilled professionals in various fields.” He concluded by highlighting that this situation has led to the troubling phenomenon of brain drain in our country”
In his goodwill message, Jean Nahesi Kutumbakana, Program Manager & Head of Sub-office, International office for Migration in Northwest region, said that there are various significant problems emerging due to the socio-economic vulnerabilities and security challenges that often drive irregular migration. He added that the northwest is a critical region for both internal and cross-border migration flows.
“We at IOM strongly support the principle of partnership and collective actions for a comprehensive approach towards addressing the root causes of irregular migration”, he stated.
The Katsina State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aliu Lawal Zakari emphasised that Katsina State government is leaving no stone unturned to curb irregular migration as it shared boundaries with other countries.
He advised the youth to cooperate with the government at all levels to make this country conducive for them to get their livelihood.
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