Business
NEPAD Pledges Transparency In Disbursement Of Empowerment Fund
The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) has pledged to engage relevant government agencies and civil society organisations in the implementation of its 35 million euros skills acquisition and empowerment fund.
The Chief Executive Officer, NEPAD Nigeria, Mrs Gloria Akobundu, made the pledge at a two-day Stakeholders Meeting on Skills Initiative for Africa on Tuesday in Abuja while fielding questions from the participants.
Akobundu said she would not only ensure that the programme succeeded but also ensure accountability of fund invested in the programme.
She added that NEPAD Nigeria would also work with stakeholders to ensure that the fund was accessed by the appropriate persons.
“We will work with relevant government agencies and Civil Society Organisations to monitor and review the implementation not only to ensure that it is successful but to also promote accountability.
“Under my watch, if this programne is not accessible by the right people, it is better we do not get involved.
“But if we are getting involved, accountability and transparency will be our watch,” she said.
Akobundu also pledged that the programme would be tailored in line with the federal government change agenda and economic diversification.
This, according to her, would include agriculture, poultry and fish farming, among others.
Director, NEPAD Continental, Ms Estherine Fotabong, had disclosed that NEPAD would be investing 35 million euros in youth empowerment and skill development in five African countries within a period of three years.
She listed some of the areas of focus as construction of facilities, rehabilitation and extension of facilities, purchase of workshop equipment and entrepreneurship/mentorship programmes.
Other areas include Information Communication Technology (ICT) based approach to skill development and regional/continental skill competition.
The director said that skill development institutions, vocational institutions, technology-based institutions, apprenticeship training centres, Non-Governmental Organisations, among others, were eligible to apply.
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.