By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja

House of Representatives Speaker, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, has advocated for the prioritization of Information Communications Technology (ICT) stressing that it was an effective tool to create jobs for millions of Nigerian youths and economic diversification for the country.

Abbas said this while declaring open a public hearing on two bills pending before the house on Tuesday in Abuja. The two bills were, A Bill to Establish the Federal Institute of Information Technology, Idanre, Ondo State, and a bill for an Act to Promote Information Technology Education, Entrepreneurship and Infrastructure Development across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The speaker, represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka, said that ICT would serve as a strong barrier against the challenges of unemployment and social discontent.He expressed optimism that the bill on ICT when passed, would go a long way in equipping the youths with skills that align with the demands of the 21st century workplace.“These initiatives align seamlessly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on youth empowerment and job creation.“It is imperative for us to explore how ICT can transform the way education is conducted, how students learn, how knowledge is transmitted and how educational processes are managed,” he said. Abbas reiterated on the imperatives of the country tapping into the immense potentials of emerging ICT technologies to revolutionize the education system.He said that public hearings of that nature were platforms for the citizens, experts and other stakeholders to contribute to shaping the ICT for future education in Nigeria.According to him, “such contributions will not only guide lawmakers in further legislative works but also provide valuable insights into the probable outcomes of these bills.The speaker, however, urged all to recognise that the success of the bills transcended legislative processes.He, therefore, called for collective commitment of stakeholders to implementing policies that would redefine the roles of technology in national development.Chairman, House Committee on Digital and Information Technology (ICT), Rep. Adedeji Olajide, said that the bills aim to provide job opportunities for the unemployed youths of Nigeria.Olajide who thanked Abbas for his usual support, said that the objective of the public hearing was to obtain information and assemble expert opinions on the proposed legislation.He said that it would also provide citizens with the opportunity to take part in the legislative process.The sponsor of the Bills, Rep. Festus Akingbaso, representing Idanre Federal Constituency, Ondo, said that the aim of the bill was to bring Nigeria at par with global communities in terms of technology.Akingbaso said that the institute if established would provide employment and contribute to the economic development of the country.The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr Kashifu Abdullahi affirmed the agency’s commitment to enabling digital literacy in Nigeria.Abdullahi, represented by Mr Emmanuel Edet, Programme Manager, NITDA, said that the agency was in full support of the bill to advance technology and digital development in Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu has requested the Senate’s approval for the issuance of a N757 billion Federal Government bond to settle outstanding pension liabilities accrued as of Dec. 2023.Report says that Tinubu made the request in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, which was read at plenary on Tuesday.

In the letter, the president stated: “I write to request the approval of the National Assembly for the issuance of a Federal Government of Nigeria bond in the domestic debt market by the Debt Management Office (DMO). ”The bond is intended to settle pension liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) as of Dec. 2023.Tinubu explained that the Pension Reform Act 2014 mandated setting aside five per cent of the nation’s monthly wage bill to clear past pension liabilities before the commencement of the CPS.“However, due to revenue challenges, Nigeria has struggled to comply fully with this provision, leading to an accumulation of pension arrears.“To address this, the government has decided to raise funds by issuing the bond in the domestic debt market.“The Federal Executive Council approved the bond issuance during its meeting on Feb. 4.”The president said the request aligned with Section 44(1)(2) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, which required National Assembly approval for all new federal government borrowings.He described the proposed bond as a vital investment in human capital development.“It will enable the federal government to meet its obligations under the CPS, restore confidence in the pension industry, and improve retirees’ welfare,” Tinubu said.He added that settling pension arrears would help retirees meet basic needs such as medication, rent, school fees, and other family expenses, thereby improving their health and reducing premature deaths.The president also noted that clearing pension liabilities would boost productivity, improve morale among public servants, and demonstrate the government’s commitment to fulfilling pension obligations.Furthermore, Tinubu said the settlement could stimulate aggregate demand, spur economic growth, and enhance liquidity in the economy.He acknowledged, however, that the bond issuance would increase Nigeria’s public debt stock and raise debt servicing costs.(NAN)

 The Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ndubueze Mbah We will Capture Out-of-school Children in Our Education Programmes – Enugu Govt says the state government will redouble efforts to capture out-of-school children in its programme.

The commissioner gave the assurance on Tuesday in Enugu during the celebration of the 2025 Children’s Day held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Mbah said that the state was working in collaboration with community and faith- based institutions to ensure that no child was neglected or forgotten.

He encouraged them to be calm as they were not forgotten noting that they would be remembered through inclusive education programmes.

Mbah said that education was their right adding that the present administration was committed to making it a reality for them.

He, however, said that every child irrespective of status, gender, location or ability was valued and their welfare would be taken into consideration.

He said that they deserved to grow in a safe, nurturing environment with opportunities to dream and become successful as this administration would continue to protect their rights, well-being, and empower them through education, healthcare, and innovation.

“As we celebrate international children’s day today, remember that you are the leaders of tomorrow.

“Let your voices be heard, your talents be seen, and your dreams shall come through.

“To our school children, we commend your efforts, resilience, and passion for learning. You are the builders of the Enugu State.

“Government investments in smart schools, teacher training, digital tools, and innovation are for you to be equipped with skills for a future that has already begun,” he said.

In the same vein, the Secretary to Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, encouraged every child in the state to remain focused and work hard to attain their desired goal.

Onyia said that with the introduction of Smart Schools in 260 political wards of the state, every child in the state would soon compete with their counterparts globally.

He emphasised that the administration had investment heavily in education sector to ensure that both privileged and non privileged children are equipped with basic skills and knowledge.

The event featured march past by various public and private primary and secondary schools in the state. (NAN)