By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Federal government has earmarked the sum of $174.58 million as counterpart funding for Country Partnership Program (CPP), 2024-2028 with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu who disclosed this at the singing of the PCP with UNIDO in Abuja yesterday, described it as a well-structured funding strategy.

According to him, the Government of Nigeria has committed a counterpart contribution of 14. 3 percent, amounting to $24.9 million while UNIDO will mobilize the remaining 85.7 percent, totaling $14.9 million, through donor/partner contributions.”This financial framework demonstrates the government’s dedication to driving industrialization while leveraging international partnerships to maximize impact. Additionally, Nigeria has already made a financial commitment of $1.2 million as payment to UNIDO, reaffirming our active engagement in this initiative”, Bagudu disclosed.He said a crucial aspect of the partnership is UNIDO’s active engagement in expanding renewable energy solutions and promoting sustainable economic practices, adding that their pioneering work in Hydropower development and the deployment of mini girds is instrumental in enhancing energy access, particularly in underserved communities across Nigeria.”Simultaneously, UNIDO’s initiatives in advancing the Circular Economy are transforming waste management and resources efficiency, fostering a greener and more resilient industrial landscape. These efforts are pivotal in not only modernizing our energy infrastructure but also in reinforcing Nigeria’s broader strategy for economic diversification”, the minister said. He said beyond industrial growth, “This programme will stimulate Job creation, enhance skill development, and promote sustainable industrialization, ensuring that economic opportunities that will impact all Nigerians, particularly the youth and marginalized groups”Bagudu urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, private sector and civil society, to work collaboratively to ensure the seamless implementation of this programme, stressing that its success will depend on strong coordination, policy alignment, and commitment to results-driven execution.In his remarks, the minister of state for Industry, Investment and Industry, Sen, John Owen Enoh said the signing of the partnership agreement marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s industrial development journey.the signing of the Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) as well as the Industrial Development Fund (IDF) Agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).He expressed gratitude the UNIDO as well as its Director General, Gerd Mulle for its steadfast partnership and unwavering support for Nigeria’s industrialization agenda, adding “let us move forward with a shared determination to unlock new opportunities for this great country and build a future of prosperity and sustainable development”.”It is instructive to note that your innovative approach through the PCP model has been instrumental in accelerating industrial growth in numerous member states, and Nigeria is privileged to be part of this transformative initiative”, he added.In his address, the Permanent secretary of Budget and Economic Planning Ministry, Dr Emeka Vitalis Obi said the partnership is poised to enhance environmentally-friendly industrial development at the Federal, State and Local Government level.”It will also serve as a strategy to cover the gaps and usher-in a robust industrial ecosystem. The value proposition and anticipated benefits from implementing PCP in Nigeria will offer a compelling rationale for diversifying our industrial and investment strategies”, he noted.According to him, the organisation of the event demonstrates the Government’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders, both domestically and internationally, to drive the structural transformation of our economy.”This transformation is crucial for improving the welfare and living standards of all Nigerians. Achieving the economic growth and human development targets outlined in the National Development Plan (2021 – 2025) and the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 will require concerted effort.”Therefore, it is essential for the Government to work closely with investors, enterprises, visionary individuals and multilateral development institutions to ensure these goals are met”, Obi added.

By Joel Oladele, Abuja

Stakeholders yesterday, called for greater awareness and a stronger stance against the stigmatisation of Autism Spectrum Disorder.They made this known in Abuja at the 2025 ‘Shine your light autism spectrum conference, themed, “Navigating autism with understanding in Africa,” organised by Ike Foundation for Autism in commemoration of the World Autism Awareness Day.

World Autism Awareness Day is recognised annually on April 2 to promote acceptance and inclusion, and recognise the contributions autistic people make to their communities and the world at large. In his speech, the Executive Director of Ike Foundation for Autism, Dafe Smith called for a shift in how society views autism, moving away from shame and isolation toward understanding and support.Dafe also highlighted the need for increased awareness to eliminate the stigma surrounding autism, particularly in communities where children with autism are often hidden or isolated.“For long, autism has been met with misconception, stigma, and silence, and the objective of the conference is to shine your light on autism. If you have an autistic child, you don’t need to hide the child. There are provisions for the child to have access to care. Gone are the days when we are not proud to talk about it. If you have an autistic child, ask questions; there are medical provisions available for that child to have access to care, so don’t hide it.“We have established an early intervention centre where parents can come to and then engage their children with a therapist who will take them through the early intervention plan and eventually they will receive all the therapeutic services they need to improve their well-being, because we have cases of parents whose children have been diagnosed with autism but they don’t know where to receive healthcare services for their children.“We’re advocating for acceptance, increased awareness, and we are speaking against discrimination,” he said.A neurologist at the Maitama District Hospital, Abuja, Dr Mimi Osamwonyi explained that autism is a neurobehavioral condition that includes impairments in social interaction and communication skills combined with repeated or rigid behaviours.“The combination of behaviours or symptoms has led to the name autism spectrum disorder. You find some people have one end of the spectrum; others have the other end, and so on.“Globally, it’s estimated that one in 10 children has this disorder, and the prevalence rate in low- and middle-income countries is unknown, largely because of the lack of data. In Nigeria, studies suggest a prevalence of about 2.3 percent. However, there are challenges in accurate diagnosis, and the data collection leads to poor underestimation. It appears to affect more boys than girls,” she stated.She said some of the factors responsible for the condition are genes, family history and prenatal exposure to valproic acid.“Early diagnosis and intervention can improve behaviour skills and leverage development. However, intervention is helpful at any age. This is not to discourage any parents who have a child with a spectrum disorder and have just found that, but what we’re saying is that it’s better when you pick it up early. The goal is to optimise functionality and independence,” she said.She noted that delayed diagnosis may lead to social isolation, poor academic performance, challenges in independence, emotional struggles, low self-esteem, and lack of self-acceptance, among others.She advocated collaboration, community awareness events, using traditional media, and providing educational resources to better inform the public and increase support for autism research and awareness.In her keynote address, the Director of the Family Health Department at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Binyerem Ukaire, said autism is often misunderstood and stigmatised in Nigeria, leading to challenges in accessing services and support.Ukaire, who was represented by Mrs Helen Akhigbe-Ikechukwu, said to reduce the stigmatisation, all stakeholders need to work on early diagnosis and intervention as they are crucial for maximizing the potential of individuals with autism.She added that there is a need for “Creating inclusive educational environments where individuals with autism can learn and thrive alongside their peers is essential; building a supportive community that understands and embraces individuals with autism is vital for their well-being and inclusion; and empowering individuals with autism to advocate for their rights and participate fully in the society and for Civil Society to advocate for more financial funding for children with special needs.”The Chairman, Parents Therapist Association at the Ike Foundation for Autism, Ajala Ibrahim, emphasised the importance of awareness, early diagnosis and early intervention for autism.He encouraged society to see autistic children as individuals with potential, rather than stigmatising them.“The government needs to invest in creating awareness about this because it is expensive to manage the condition. The government needs to invest in technology to help people with the condition and ensure that their talents are discovered early,” he stated.On his part, the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the autism spectrum is not a limitation but a different way of experiencing the world.Olawande, who was represented by his Senior Technical Advisor on Youth Health and Policy Research, Dr Obinna Ebirim, noted that the ministry’s strategic plan for the next two years is underpinned by inclusivity and collaborations to support, empower, and protect young people.“This means inclusive policies and programmes including those specifically targeting young persons with disabilities, including those within the autism spectrum, ensuring they have access to skills development, and empowerment opportunities,” he stated.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja yesterday, declined to nullify the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of the tribunal led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, equally refused to order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh governorship poll in the state.

The tribunal held that the prayer, which was contained in a petition that was brought before it by the Accord Party (AP) and its gubernatorial candidate in the state, could not be granted as the petitioners failed to discharge the burden of proof placed on them by the law. While striking out the petition for being incompetent, the panel noted that whereas the petitioners alleged that the governorship election held in the state on September 21, 2024, was invalid by reason of corrupt practices and non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, they, however, failed to adduce any credible evidence to establish the allegation.According to the tribunal, while the petitioners made “General and sweeping allegations” against the outcome of the election, they failed to bring particulars of exact polling units or wards where the alleged widespread rigging and non-compliance occurred.Describing some of the averments in the petition as “Vague”, the tribunal held that allegations against governor Okpebholo’s victory were not substantiated.The tribunal said it found merit in all the preliminary objections that were filed to challenge the competence of the petition.It will be recalled that while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declared that Okpebholo of the APC secured a total of 291, 667 votes to defeat his closet rivalry, Ighodalo of the PDP, who got a total of 247, 655 votes, candidate of the AP scored a total of 252 votes.Dissatisfied with the result, AP and its candidate lodged the petition, insisting that the election was fraught with manifest irregularities they said included multiple thumbprinting, violence, intimidation and harassment of voters, as well as alleged failure to use the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines in various polling units in the state.The Justice Kochi-led panel held that the petition did not disclose any reasonable cause of action.The tribunal had earlier dismissed another petition the Action Alliance (AA) also filed to nullify governor Okpebholo’s election.With the two cases gone, the panel is set to decide the joint petition the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asuerinme Ighodalo filed to be declared authentic winners of the disputed governorship contest.