Connect with us

NEWS

HCI: Nigeria to Join 80 Top Countries – VP

Published

on

Share

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has pledged the Federal Government’s resolve to position Nigeria among the top 80 countries on the global Human Capital Index (HCI).

Shettima also expressed the determination of President Bola Tinubu-led administration to build a healthier, better-educated, and empowered Nigeria.

He stated this on Friday while inaugurating the HCD 2.

0 strategy at a meeting of the steering committee of the Human Capital Development Programme at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to Shettima, the task is ambitious but achievable.

Shettima called on Nigerians, including policymakers and community leaders, to embrace the human capital development programme.

“Our targets are ambitious, yet achievable. We aim to position Nigeria among the top 80 countries on the Human Capital Index, reaching a score of 0.6 by 2030.

“These metrics represent more than just numbers; they signify the real change in the lives of our people, access to quality healthcare, and improved educational outcomes.

“Others are expanded opportunities for meaningful employment and a society that remains resilient in the face of global challenges.

“As we inaugurate HCD 2.0, I call on every Nigerian — policymakers, community leaders, and citizens alike — to recognise the stakes and embrace the promise of this initiative.

“Building a healthier, better educated, and empowered Nigeria relies on each of us contributing to a legacy of progress and possibility,” he said.

Shettima recalled how Nigeria had faced a situation, in 2018, when the nation’s ranking on global human capital indices showed critical gaps in health, education and employment.

The urgency to address the situation, he said, compelled the government to prioritise human capital development.

According to him, this led to the launch of HCD 1.0 to build a healthy, educated, and productive Nigeria by 2030.

He described the launch of the HCD 2.0 as the beginning of a new phase.

“We have laid a strong foundation, and now, we officially launch the second phase of the Human Capital Development strategy—HCD 2.0.

“This initiative represents far more than a programme. It is a national commitment, a promise to the well-being, empowerment, and productivity of every Nigerian.

“It embodies a vision that speaks to the aspirations of each citizen and affirms our shared goals – a healthier, more educated, and more inclusive Nigeria,” he said

He explained that the goal of the HCD 2.0 strategy was to make sure that no Nigerian was left behind in the nation’s efforts toward a more inclusive and sustainable society.

Shettima listed the core pillars of the strategy to include equitable and modern healthcare, an inclusive, functional education system, and promotion of financial inclusion nationwide.

“One of the core pillars of HCD 2.0 is equitable and modern healthcare. We envision a system that reaches every Nigerian, regardless of location or economic standing.

“Through digital health platforms, innovative financing, and climate-resilient practices, we aim to create a healthcare system that serves all.

“Alongside healthcare, we are transforming our approach to education. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, functional education system that prioritises digital literacy, gender equity, and financial accessibility,” he said.

The vice-president explained that HCD 2.0 was targeted at bridging the digital divide and promoting financial inclusion across Nigeria.

“By advancing fintech solutions, online banking, and digital payment systems, we are creating pathways for every Nigerian to actively participate in the economy,” he said.

Earlier, Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council (NEC) and Climate Change, Rukaiya El-Rufai, said the new programme aimed to enhance human capital outcomes by focusing on education, health, and workforce development.

According to her, it will be building on the progress of its predecessor, HCD 1.0.

“The HCD 2.0 Programme is designed to elevate Nigeria’s Human Capital Index (HCI) and ensure our country is equipped to face both national and global challenges, including climate change and digital transformation,” she said.

She also highlighted the importance of robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) processes to ensure transparency and effectiveness in tracking progress.

“We are committed to closing critical gaps in health, education, and labour force participation while promoting sustainability and inclusivity in all our efforts,” she added. (NAN)

NEWS

DHQ Rebuts Allegation of Internal Sabotage in Benue Massacre

Published

on

Share

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed the allegation suggesting that internal sabotage within the Nigerian military contributed to the tragic events in Yelwata, Benue.The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement on Tuesday, said the claims were unfounded and not supported by credible evidence.

Gusau said the Nigerian military had consistently denied any involvement in the massacre.
According to him, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen.
Christopher Musa, has publicly stated that the military was not responsible for the killings in Yelwata.“Furthermore, the Nigerian Military has emphasized its commitment to protecting civilians and upholding the rule of law.
“There is no credible evidence to substantiate claims of internal sabotage within the military related to the Yelwata incident.“Investigations by independent bodies, including human rights organizations, have not found any links between the military and the perpetrators of the massacre.“The violence in Yelwata is part of a broader pattern of intercommunal clashes in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, primarily between farmers and herders.“These conflicts are driven by longstanding disputes over land and grazing rights, ethnic tensions, and competition for resources,” he said.Gusau said that while the military had been deployed to maintain peace, the root causes of the violence lied in complex socio-economic and political factors.He added that attributing the Yelwata massacre to internal sabotage within the Nigerian military was misleading and detracts from the real issues at play.According to him, it is essential to focus on addressing the underlying causes of intercommunal violence and to support efforts aimed at fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable peace in the affected regions.“The CDS has only called for a holistic approach and the need for the cummunities and the security agencies to work closer to address the issue.“He also call on the communities not to hide criminals and also assure them the military ans other security agencies are there to protect lives and properties of law abiding citizens,” he added. (NAN)

Continue Reading

NEWS

Benue killing: NAF Deploys More Air Assets in Op Whirl Stroke

Published

on

Share

As part of sustained efforts to restore peace and stability across the North Central region, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional air assets under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the strategic move had reinforced the NAF’s commitment to enhancing security, supporting ground operations, and reassuring communities affected by banditry, kidnapping, and communal unrest.
He said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, conducted a firsthand evaluation of air operations under OPWS, to assess the effectiveness of these expanded efforts.
According to him, the visit included a high-level strategic engagement held on Tuesday, at the Headquarters Tactical Air Command, Makurdi.Ejodame said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; a representative of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira; the Commander of OPWS; and the Maritime and Air Component Commanders, alongside other key stakeholders, were part of the meeting.According to Ejodame, critical updates were provided on the current tempo of joint operations aimed at restoring lasting peace across the region.In his remarks, the CAS revealed that the newly deployed air assets had been successfully integrated into ongoing operations, delivering real-time intelligence and precision targeting support.He stated NAF aircraft had continued to conduct surveillance, armed reconnaissance, close air support, and precision strike missions with remarkable success.Abubakar noted that the current deployment aligns with the Federal Government’s overarching mission to stabilise the Middle Belt region.He highlighted the impact of recent coordinated air and ground operations across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States, which have led to the dismantling of several militia camps, bandit enclaves, and criminal hideouts.“These outcomes reinforce our unwavering commitment to protecting innocent lives and supporting national peace-building initiatives.“As long as peace is threatened, our resolve remains unshaken.“The NAF will continue to deliver timely, decisive air support in synergy with sister services, ensuring the protection of lives and properties while advancing our mission of restoring peace to the Middle Belt and beyond,” he said.The Service Chiefs jointly emphasised the importance of synergy among the armed forces and other security agencies, noting that jointness remains a cornerstone for operational success under Operation Whirl Stroke.They reiterated that the ongoing operations are part of a broader goal to create a secure environment where residents can live and conduct their legitimate activities without fear. (NAN)

Continue Reading

NEWS

Tinubu Reiterates Commitment to Fast-Track Approvals for Viable Projects

Published

on

Share

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday restated the determination of his administration to fast-track approvals for viable infrastructural projects in the country.Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made this known at the 2025 Nigeria Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Summit on Tuesday in Abuja.

The president therefore urged private sector partner to be focused and more committed.
According to him, what matters to the average Nigerian is the availability of basic infrastructure such as power, roads, health facilities and quality schools.
He called for a more strengthened public-private sector partnership that emphasises innovation, efficiency, commitment and integrity above mere capital and investments.
” We need more than investment. We need innovation, we need efficiency, and above all, we need integrity.” I urge you to look beyond the risks and recognise the immense opportunity to shape a nation that is not just rising, but ready.“The projects that emerge from this summit must not gather dust on paper or linger in bureaucratic limbo.” We will fast-track approvals for viable projects. We will ensure coordination across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to enable swift implementation.“We do this because we know that what matters to the average Nigerian is not promises, but power in their homes, roads to their farms, access to clean water, modern hospitals, and quality schools. We must build.” We must deliver. And we must do it together,” he said.He observed that a 21st-century economy cannot be built on 20th-century infrastructure, pointing out that the “old model of public-only infrastructure funding is no longer sustainable.“Our national aspirations far exceed what public budgets alone can deliver. That is why we must innovate, and why we must work together.” We are not looking for investors to carry burdens. We are offering opportunities to create value.” We seek long-term partners who are ready to help us bridge our infrastructure gap with purpose and precision,” he added.Tinubu recalled that his administration, on assumption of office two years ago, was quite aware “that a functional relationship between the public and private sectors would be the magic wand of transformation.”He reaffirmed that the administration was still fully committed to that very public-private partnership that is passionate about delivering sustainable and inclusive infrastructure.” We have strengthened the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and enhanced its capacity to regulate, superintend, and de-risk PPP transactions.” We are determined to deliver infrastructure that is both sustainable and inclusive. Our economic reforms have laid a stable foundation.” From the removal of unsustainable subsidies to the liberalisation of the foreign exchange regime and the optimisation of government revenues, we have acted boldly and responsibly.“We are streamlining bureaucratic bottlenecks and improving transparency in our project pipelines.” We have aligned our processes with global best practices and investor expectations.”The President urged participants to ensure the event is “remembered not for fine speeches, but for bankable projects, signed deals, and enduring progress.”The Minister of Interior, Mr Tunji Ojo, commended the ICRC for championing game-changing projects across diverse sectors.Ojo noted that with President Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima in the saddle, Nigeria is taking its rightful place in the comity of nations.The Regional Director, Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, IFC, Dahlia Khalifa, applauded the ongoing reform in Nigeria’s PPP framework.Khalifa acknowledged IFC’s collaboration with authorities across key sectors to achieve the country’s overall objectives and strengthening the existing relationship between the organisation and Nigeria.She added that Nigeria under President Tinubu has demonstrated strong commitments to timely and transparent resolution of disputes arising from PPP projects.Solomon Quaynor, the Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation at the African Development Bank, said the theme of the summit implies that partnerships are not just optional but are essential.He said the infrastructure deficits “demand that the government and the private sector work together in commercially viable PPPs.”Quaynor added that the bank was working with other partners on the Lagos-Abidjan highway project to boost regional economic integration in West Africa.“PPPs are complex long-term projects. They need to be designed properly and designed to survive different political administrations because by their very nature, they are long-term,” he stated. (NAN)

Continue Reading

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

CRIME13 hours ago

Police Arrests 42 Armed Bandits, Remands 10 Herders over Benue Killings

Share…’Religious Bandits Fueling Crisis’, Alia Insists From Attah Ede, Makurdi The Benue State Police Command said it has arrested 42...

Health13 hours ago

Lassa Fever Death Rate Rises as Cases Spread — NCDC

ShareThe Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a rise in the fatality rate of Lassa fever,...

Economy15 hours ago

CBN Takes Steps to Strengthen Banking Sector, Issues Routine Transitional Guidance

ShareThe Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has introduced time-bound measures for some banks still completing their transition from the temporary...

Economy15 hours ago

Cybercrime: First Bank Invests N15bn to Protect Systems From hackers in 5 months –CEO

ShareFirst Bank HoldCo Plc says it has spent more than N15 billion to protect its systems against criminals between January and...

JUDICIARY15 hours ago

Man Seeks Divorce After 17 years, Citing Loveless Marriage

Share One Moshood Kolobo of Temidire Community, Oko-Olowo area, Ilorin, on Wednesday applied to the Area Court, Centre-Igboro, for the dissolution...

Economy15 hours ago

GTCO Begins Deduction of USSD Fee From Airtime Balance

ShareGuaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), says it will begin the deduction of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD fee from the...

CRIME15 hours ago

Man Remanded for Allegedly Raping Physically Challenged Teen

Share An Ikorodu Chief Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday remanded a 50-year-old man, Linus Anozie, in a correctional center for allegedly...

General News16 hours ago

Amazon CEO Says AI to Reduce Number of Workers Needed

Share Amazon’s management on Wednesday said that it expects that artificial intelligence (AI) software will reduce the number of office workers...

JUDICIARY16 hours ago

Police Arraign Man Over Alleged Assault 

Share The Police in Lagos on Wednesday arraigned a 36-year-old man, Joseph Obuseh, in a Badagry Chief Magistrates` Court for allegedly...

DEFENCE17 hours ago

Police Grant Pastor Adefarasin Bail, Recover Stun Gun

ShareThe Police Command in Lagos State says it granted Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the Senior Pastor of House on the Rock...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc