Nation

Moghalu Urges NCC To Postpone SIM/NIN Registration Over COVID-19

Published

3 years ago

December 25, 2020

A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, has called for the postponement of the Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card registration with the National Identification Number (NIN).
While urging the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to reconsider its stance on the registration issue, he said this was to prevent the spread of the second wave of COVID-19 in the country.
Moghalu who is also the Convener of To Build A Nation made the call in a statement, issued yesterday in Awka.
The Federal Government on December 21, extended the deadline for subscribers with NIN from December 30 to January 19, 2021 by three weeks.
The Federal Government also extended the registration for subscribers without NIN from December 30 to February 9, 2021 by six weeks.
The extension followed a directive by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, that any telecoms subscriber who failed to submit NIN to its network provider within two weeks would be blocked from December 31.
Moghalu said though the idea of SIM registration with NIN was a laudable exercise, the timing for implementation needs to be reconsidered.
He said the exercise which required gathering of people at designated centres around the country, could become a super-spreader event of the new COVID-19 variant.
“The policy directive by the NCC for the integration of the citizens’ National Identification Numbers with their mobile phones is a good idea.
“I have long canvassed the provision of a national database of Nigerians for the purpose of economic planning and service delivery to the citizens.
“However, the implementation of the NCC directive should not be now. The integration may become a super-spreader event of COVID-19.
“Nigerians should not have to choose between keeping their phones connected and risking their lives with the pandemic. Therefore, NCC should postpone the exercise until it is safe to resume it.
“I suspect that the regulator may have been planning the implementation of the policy before the new wave of the infection. It should now respond to the need to safeguard public health,” he said.
The former CBN Governor urged the Federal Government to prioritise plans to vaccinate a significant number of Nigerians, especially health workers and vulnerable groups, against COVID-19.
“ The lesson of the past months is that containing the pandemic that has killed nearly two million people worldwide is necessary to save lives and end lockdown.
“Implementing any public policy requires adequate planning and project risk management. This is the best way to achieve the nation’s policy objectives and make progress,” Moghalu said.

Nation

VCDF in Partnership with LDSVA Sensitise Women on Gender Equality, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Women, the pillars of our society, are resilient and determined as they play essential roles in nurturing families and leading businesses. Despite facing challenges like limited financial resources and unequal opportunities, they persist, inspiring generations and driving positive change.

In honour of Women’s History Month, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), embarked on a transformative journey to empower 100 community women, focusing on sexual and domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, on March 27, 2024, in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State.

When women are empowered, they become catalysts for progress, influencing not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and those around them. The programme gave the women the opportunity to acquire knowledge on tools that can help their businesses grow, also providing a safe space for women to learn and connect with others, making them feel more confident and capable in making decisions for their businesses.

Distinguished guests present at the event were Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi, Head of the Field Operations Department, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat, Community Development Committee Chairman of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, and Mrs. Adenike Akintoye, Head of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Unit, Eti Osa LGA.

While giving her feedback, Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat said, “community-driven efforts like this initiative are instrumental in driving sustainable change and enabling women to realise their full potential.”

Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi noted during her closing remark, “training women in our communities will improve their livelihoods and contribute to household income, thereby leading to better standards of living.”

This collaborative initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which aim to ensure everyone is treated equally and reduce differences between people.

VCDF will continue to educate and empower women for a greater inclusion in society, supporting their advancement and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women, celebrate their achievements, and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Nation

Ibom Developers Supports 160 Women with Skill Acquisition Training in Akwa Ibom

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Empowering women with vocational skills is a vital step towards fostering gender equality and inclusive growth in society. This effort involves equipping women with practical expertise that can be applied across various aspects of life, including professional, personal, and entrepreneurial settings. Ibom Developers’ recent initiatives to provide skill acquisition training to women in its host communities aim to help them thrive in society.

On April 8, 2024, Ibom Developers commenced its ongoing skill acquisition training programme, themed ‘Virtuous Women’ in Egwenwe and Okoroinyong communities.
Dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community; Mr. Warribo Isaiah, Community Development Chairman, Egwenwe Community; Pastor Johnson Christian Ubulom, Youth President, Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Sarah Evans Nfeija, Health Officer, Egwenwe Community; and representatives from Okoroinyong community, were present at the inaugural event.

This skill acquisition programme aims to empower 160 women in these communities with expertise in catering, packaging, hairdressing, wigging, ventilation, and styling. The program took place from April 8 to April 20, 2024, at Egwenwe Town Hall and Okoroinyong Town Hall in Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, imparting essential entrepreneurial skills to the women in the communities.

During the inaugural event, Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community, expressed, ‘‘This empowerment initiative will provide our women with the autonomy and decision-making power they need to become self-sufficient contributors to the growth and development of our community.’’

The participation of women in several economic activities makes their upliftment a potent strategy for economic growth. Their involvement expands the workforce, cultivating heightened innovation and efficiency within the community.

Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community, emphasised, “Access to training tailored to the needs of women allow them to develop specialised skills. I am glad that this programme has offered options that suit our women’s preferences and goals.’’

Acquiring skills for livelihood elevates family status and unlocks entrepreneurial avenues. Ibom Developers is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among women and supporting socio-economic empowerment in local communities.