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Shettima Seeks Urgent Innovation On Nigeria’s Economic, Financial Inclusion

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2 years ago

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Vice-President Kashim Shettima yesterday emphasised the urgent need for financial innovation to drive Nigeria’s economic and financial inclusion agenda.
Shettima said that the call is in line with the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to bringing over 30 million unbanked Nigerians into the formal financial sector.
The vice-president made the call via a video high-level policy dialogue between the Nigerian government and private sector stakeholders held in Washington DC, the United States capital.
The dialogue brought together government officials, regulators, law enforcement agencies, and fintech industry leaders at the George Washington University.
It aims to leverage innovative approaches to drive a sustainable and inclusive financial system in Nigeria.
The dialogue also focused on addressing critical challenges in Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem, including regulatory oversight, security concerns, and trust issues that have hindered the widespread adoption of innovative financial solutions.
Participants explored strategies to enhance interagency collaboration and strengthen the overall effectiveness of the financial services sector.
The vice-president highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to bringing over 30 million unbanked Nigerians into the formal financial sector in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We must develop a sustainable collaboration approach that will facilitate the adoption of inclusive payment to achieve our objective of economic and financial inclusion,” he said.
Earlier, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, sad the Office of the vice president gave priority to economic and financial inclusion.
Hadejia said it was expected that each agency of government would continue to play their statutory role collaboratively to achieve the set objective.
Also, Philip Ikeazor, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria in charge of Financial System Stability, stressed the need for ongoing collaboration among all players to achieve the objectives of the Aso Accord on Economic and Financial Inclusion.
The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, proposed “a Digital-first approach and the need to fuse Digital Literacy with Financial literacy as a means to address trust issues affecting the inclusive payment ecosystem.”
The General Manager, Moniepoint, Tosin Eniolorunda, said that addressing trust issues that have slowed down the adoption of innovative Fintech solutions for economic and financial inclusion could be addressed through public-private collaborations.
Dr Nurudeen Zauro, the Technical Advisor to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, explained the gathering would eventually evolve into a mechanism that would provide relevant information to the Office of the vice-president.
This, according to him, will facilitate effective decision-making for economic and financial inclusion.
The high-level engagement resulted in various recommendations covering rules, infrastructure, and coordination, with a focus on implementable actions and clear accountabilities.
Other speakers at the event included Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun; and the Executive Director of the Center for Curriculum Development and Learning (CCDL) at George Washington University, Prof. Pape Cisse.
Others are the assistant Vice-President at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Mr Reginald Emordi; Regional Director for Africa at the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), Mr Lars Benson, among others

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Ministry Raises Concern Over Rising Teenage Pregnancies, Begins Adolescent Sensitisation Campaign

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6 days ago

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March 9, 2026

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The Department of Public Health in the Rivers State Ministry of Health has raised concern over the increasing cases of teenage pregnancies in society as it intensifies efforts to educate adolescents across the state.
Programme Manager for Adolescent Health and Development in the department, Mrs. Tammy Briggs, expressed the concern during a sensitisation programme held at Government Girls Secondary School Rumueme in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Briggs explained that the campaign was designed to educate adolescents on the dangers of teenage pregnancy and other health-related issues affecting young people.
According to her, teenage pregnancy is currently on the rise, making it necessary for the ministry to step up awareness programmes among students.
“This is something that is on the rise for now. We have observed that there are many cases of teenage pregnancies, so we are here to sensitise them on ways to prevent it entirely,” she said.
She disclosed that the sensitisation campaign is being carried out in selected schools across four local government areas of the state, namely Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area and Eleme Local Government Area.
Briggs noted that the programme focuses on several key issues affecting adolescents, including sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, emotional health and proper nutrition.
She added that the outreach programme also featured tuberculosis screening for students as well as the distribution of sanitary pads and mathematical sets to support their health and academic development.
The programme manager commended the management of Government Girls Secondary School Rumueme for their cooperation and support in hosting the sensitisation exercise. She also advised the students to avoid behaviours that could jeopardise their future.
Speaking during the session, Dr. Nwadike Chinonso urged the students to make informed decisions about their lives and remain focused on their education.
He cautioned them against engaging in early sexual activities, stressing that abstinence remains one of the most effective ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.
Some of the students who participated in the programme expressed appreciation to the team for the awareness campaign and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to make responsible life choices.

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PH Ring Road: The October Delivery Promise

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6 days ago

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March 9, 2026

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The recent assurance by the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, that the ongoing Port Harcourt Ring Road would be completed by October this year has rekindled hope among Rivers people. For many people of the state who have endured months of disruption and uncertainty, the promise comes as a breath of fresh air. The importance of the project cannot be overstated; it represents not just a road network but a vital artery for economic activity and mobility across the state.
Stretching across six local government areas—Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, Ikwerre, Etche, Eleme, and Ogu-Bolo—the project covers about 50.15 kilometres and includes six flyovers. Initiated in July 2023 and executed by Julius Berger Nigeria, the ambitious undertaking was conceived to ease traffic congestion, stimulate economic growth, and improve connectivity between communities.
However, the project’s journey has not been smooth. When construction stalled last year, many residents who depended on the affected routes found themselves in severe difficulty. Commuters, traders, and transport operators suddenly had to navigate half-finished sections, diversions, and rough terrain.
Perhaps nowhere has the hardship been more visible than around the Ogbogoro axis, where residents continue to face daily inconvenience. For many families, the unfinished road has turned routine travel into a gruelling ordeal. Long detours, damaged vehicles, and rising transport costs have become the bitter reality.
The scale of disruption was significant. Houses were demolished to make way for the road expansion, businesses were displaced, and livelihoods were interrupted. While such sacrifices are sometimes inevitable in large infrastructure projects, the prolonged delay left many people in dire straits.
It is therefore understandable that the governor’s renewed commitment has been greeted with cautious optimism. For residents who have borne the brunt of the disruption, the promise of completion offers the prospect of relief and restoration. In many quarters, hope is gradually replacing frustration.
When finished, the Ring Road is expected to give the state a much-needed facelift. In a nation where several public projects have suffered abandonment over the years, many feared the same fate might befall this landmark development. That concern is precisely why the latest assurance has struck a chord with the public.
Governor Fubara’s recent inspection of the project site and his firm declaration that the road would be delivered by October have helped steady public confidence. Actions such as these signal seriousness and accountability—qualities citizens increasingly demand from public officials.
Nevertheless, while the governor deserves commendation for the renewed momentum, the task before him goes beyond this single project. Other initiatives already commenced under his administration, as well as those inherited from previous governments, should also receive the attention required for completion.
Indeed, governance is a collective enterprise. Stakeholders across the state must rally behind the administration to ensure progress is not hindered. Political actors, community leaders, and civil society groups all have a role to play in creating the environment necessary for effective governance.
Rivers State has endured its fair share of political turbulence in recent years, and infrastructure development has sometimes been caught in the crossfire. It is therefore imperative that institutions such as the Rivers State House of Assembly work constructively with the executive arm so that citizens can finally enjoy the dividends of democracy.
The earlier six-month halt during the period of emergency rule should serve as a lesson. Infrastructure projects of this magnitude cannot afford prolonged interruptions. The governor must therefore ensure that such setbacks do not recur, and that other projects under his watch do not suffer a similar fate.
Regular site visits and close monitoring of the contractors will also be essential. Such oversight will not only accelerate progress but will demonstrate to the contractors and the public alike that the government considers the project a priority.
Beyond the physical structure of asphalt and concrete, the road carries broader economic promise. Improved connectivity among the affected local government areas will facilitate trade, reduce travel time, and open new opportunities for businesses. It will also enhance access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities for thousands of residents.
Ultimately, meeting the October deadline is only half the task. The quality of the work must meet the highest standards to guarantee durability and safety for the countless commuters who will use the road daily. The security of the construction workers must also remain paramount to prevent kidnapping or other threats. Delivering the Port Harcourt Ring Road on schedule, and doing it well, would indeed be the right step forward for Rivers State.
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City Crime

SWAN Condoles Aquatics Federation Over President’s Death 

Published

7 days ago

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March 9, 2026

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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commiserated the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) over the passing of its President, Mr. Chamberlain Nnamdi Dunkwu, on Saturday.

In a letter of condolence by the Association’s Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo dated March 7, 2026, addressed to the Executive Board of NAqF, SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, expressed shock, and described his demise as a painful loss to the entire sporting fraternity.

Part of the letter reads, “The news of his demise came as a profound shock and a painful loss not only to the Federation but also to the entire Nigerian sporting community. His leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the growth and development of aquatics sports in Nigeria will always be remembered and appreciated.

“During his brief time as NAqF President, he worked tirelessly to promote aquatic disciplines, inspiring athletes and administrators alike while strengthening the foundation of aquatic sports in the country. His vision, passion, and service to Nigerian sports have left a lasting legacy that will continue to guide the Federation for years to come.

“At this difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with the Executive Board, members of the Federation, his family, and all who were privileged to work with him. May God grant everyone the strength and fortitude to bear this great loss, and may his soul rest in perfect peace.

“Please, be consoled and know we are with you in prayers, at this time and always.”

Mr. Dunkwu who died on a day the Federation scheduled a talent discovery event tagged, “Swim To The Future”, was elected as NAqF President few months ago.

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