Connect with us

News

Poverty Index: FG begins National Multi-dimensional Survey

Published

on

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq
Share

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has commenced the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Survey.

Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Nneka Anibeze, on Tuesday, in Abuja said the MPI Survey was inaugurated virtually.

The minister said, ”with the MPI, Nigeria has joined many countries that have moved towards improving the efficiency of their decision-making processes through the evidence generated by MPI.

“The consensus around the use of the MPI emerges from different approaches and global agreements, including the Millennium Development Goal (MDGs), which has been replaced by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to cover the multiple aspects of deprivation at the core of poverty and their inter-linkages.

“It is, therefore, an honour to join other strong voices to highlight the importance of multi-stakeholder engagements on poverty eradication, zero hunger, quality education, climate action and inclusion, all of which are central to the evidence generated by the MPI,” Farouq said.

She noted that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration had successfully empowered more than 10 million people out of extreme poverty through the many initiatives of government.

According to her, the initiatives include the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) which has the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, N-power, National Home Gown School Feeding Programme and many more.

“This aspiration takes into cognizance the country’s current estimated population of about 200 million people, as well as the need for better evidence for programming.

“The ministry therefore, stands ready to collaborate with different government agencies, donor organisations and private investors to shape policies and drive real impact in the use of MPI data.

She said that this would foster government accountability to citizens through improved multi-sectoral interventions targeted at the root of deprivations.

Farouq remarked that the ministry would collaborate closely with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to conduct regular multidimensional poverty measurements alongside monetary measures at both national and sub-national levels.

She added that this is ”to ascertain the true poverty status of Nigeria and use the findings to shape policy and programming.”

She added that the ministry would partner with private sector actors using the special purpose vehicle of Social Investments to create a National and State poverty map/tracker which would help provide progress towards poverty reduction goals.

Farouq stressed that it would also collaborate with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, using MPI data to improve budget allocations by sectors and states in order to target individuals, communities and areas needing dire attention.

The minister thanked the World Bank Group, UNDP, OPHI, UNICEF, the High Commission of Canada, and other  bilateral and multi-lateral bodies for their support towards eradicating extreme poverty by 2030.

According to the statement, those that gave goodwill messages during the virtual inauguration of the MPI include Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila represented by Rep. Sanusi Garba Rikiji.

Others were Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, Minister of State, Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mr Clem Agba, Country Representative of UNDP, Mr Mohammed Yahaya, Statistician General of the NBS, Dr Yemi Kale.

Also present were Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Mr Yemi Dipeolu, Sabine Alkire from the University of Oxford and the National Coordinator, National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office, Mr Iorwa Apera. (NAN)

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Appreciation: “We Are Grateful for Your Support” – Ajia

Published

on

Share

By AbdulRahman Obaje

The Ajia Ogbonde family of Ilorin has expressed deep and heartfelt appreciation to individuals, families, religious leaders, institutions, dignitaries, and well-wishers who stood by them during the mourning period following the passing of their beloved matriarch, Hajiya Maryam Mohammed Ajia.

In a press statement personally signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, the Dan Amanar Fune, on behalf of the family, the Ajia Ogbonde clan expressed immense gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and condolences received from across the country and beyond.

Describing the support as overwhelming, the family acknowledged the role played by those who participated in the Janaza rites at the National Mosque, Abuja, and those who made time to attend the 3rd Day and 7th Day Fidau prayers held in Abuja and Ilorin respectively, despite their tight schedules.

“We are truly grateful to everyone who stood in solidarity with us during this painful moment. Your presence, prayers, and words of comfort meant so much to us,” the statement read.

The family offered special thanks to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Mai-Martaba Sheikh (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, for his fatherly support and spiritual leadership during the mourning period.

They also appreciated His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fune, Dr. Idris Saleh Uthman, for honouring the family through a powerful delegation led by the District Head of Cubana to the Abuja Fidau prayer.

The statement listed an array of dignitaries and high-profile personalities whose presence and messages of condolence brought great comfort to the bereaved family. These include former Senate Presidents Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim (GCON) and Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the Waziri of Ilorin, and former Inspector-General of Police IGP MD Abubakar (CFR).

Also acknowledged were former Kwara State Governor, HE Abdulfatah Ahmed, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, former Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, current Senator representing Kwara Central, Sen. Saliu Mustapha, Sen. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, former DG of NEMA, Alhaji Sani Sidi, and Prof. Oba Abdulraheem, former Chairman of the Federal Character Commission.

The sitting Governor of Kwara State was represented by Alhaji Abdulrazak Jidda at the 7th Day Fidau prayer in Ilorin.

Other prominent individuals and community leaders recognized for their support include Alhaji Tajudeen Ibrahim Eleku, Alhaji Toyin Abubakar, Prof. Zanna Mohammed (Nile University), Alhaji Mohammed Bukar, Sarkin Sumaila Alhaji Bello Dansumaila, Engr. Musa Saidu, Engr. Ibrahim Usman, Engr. Kamaldeen Ubandawaki, Barr. Ismail Ahmed, Alhaji Mohammed Adamu Cimo, and executives of Saiha Network.

Particular gratitude was extended to the Council of Ulama of Kwara State, led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir (CON), and the FCT Council of Ulama, including Sheikh Abdulkadir Oba Sholagberu, Sheikh Fuad Adeyemi, and Sheikh Sharafudeen Aliagan, for their spiritual guidance and physical presence during the mourning.

The family also commended members of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly Courses 21 and 36/2002, various youth groups, political party stakeholders from the PDP, APC, and a new coalition party, as well as War College Estate Muslim Community and Resident Association, members of the National Assembly, Federal Executive Council, and the business and academic communities.

Also mentioned among the sympathizers were Engr. Suleiman Yahaya Alapasanpa (Danmasani of Ilorin), Sarauniya of Ilorin, Hajia Muinat Shagaya, Hajiya Saadat Dogobauchi, Princess Aisha Bubaram (ED North, First Bank Plc), Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, Sen. Haliru Jika, Hon. Ibrahim Jimba Baba, Hon. Nalaraba, Hon. Kabir Tukura, Hon. Jaafar Mubi, Chairman of Sobi FM, Alhaji Lukman Mustapha, Hon. Ladi Hassan, Engr. Kale Kawu, Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko, Hon. Muktar Shagaya, Alhaji Sheriff Shagaya, Alhaji Hakeem Shagaya, former Kwara Assembly Speakers, Hon. Ali Ahmad and Hon. Razaq Atunwa, as well as the executives of IEDPU and IEYDPU.

“We are indeed overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support during our moment of grief. The legacy of our beloved mother, Hajiya Maryam Mohammed Ajia, lives on in our hearts,” the family stated.

The Ajia Ogbonde family concluded the message by praying for Allah’s mercy upon the departed soul and asking for divine blessings upon all who shared in their pain.

“We pray that Almighty Allah grants our dear mother Aljannatul Firdaus and continues to unite us in peace and brotherhood. We shall forever remain grateful.”

Late Hajiya Maryam Mohammed Ajia was a revered matriarch known for her piety, wisdom, and compassion. Her life, the family said, remains an enduring source of inspiration and spiritual strength.

Continue Reading

News

Ododo Mourns Late Former President Muhammadu Buhari

Published

on

Share

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ododo in a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described President Buhari’s passing as a monumental loss not only to Nigeria, but to the African continent, and indeed the world.

He described President Buhari as a leader of quiet strength, deep convictions, and a patriotic heart wholly committed to the unity, progress, and stability of Nigeria.

Ododo further described the death if the former president as “a moment of national grief and a reminder of the enduring legacy of discipline, integrity and sacrifice that President Buhari stood for.

“President Buhari was a man who came at different times in our national history to steer the ship of state with a deep sense of responsibility.

“He was not a man of many words, but one whose actions consistently reflected his belief in a better, safer, and more self-reliant Nigeria.”

“Kogi State will remember him for his commitment to critical infrastructure, national security, and his consistent stand against corruption.

“His efforts laid a solid foundation upon which successive administrations, including ours in Kogi, continue to build.

“We stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Katsina State, the family of the late statesman, and indeed all Nigerians, as we mourn a patriot who gave his all in service to the nation.

“May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”

Continue Reading

News

DG Kogi State Government House Administration Honors Outgoing Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olajide Samuel

Published

on

Share

By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh

Director General of the Kogi State Government House Administration, Dr (Alh) Shuaibu Umar Oricha, July 10, 2025 in Lokoja described Mr. Samuel Olajide JP as “truly worth celebrating,” commending his humility and exceptional character. “I have no doubt that he is heading to greater heights. He should prepare for even bigger responsibilities,” Alhaji Oricha said.

Dr Oricha during a Sendforth Party Organized by the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with the Pooled PRS Staff noted that he was always happy with the level of dedication of the celebrant, stressing that any time it was the time for budget preparation and the celebrant was around , I will always go and sleep because a capable hand is available.

“Today I can stand tall to congratulate you as a permanent secretary of Budget and Economic Planning.
I stand bold to say that your have retired but not tired.
I want to personally appreciate you for recognising yesterday. You are indeed a normal human being”
On behalf of Government Administration I wish you success in your endeavours” he said.

He also assured the Celebrant that the Governor, the Chief Servant of the state His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo was aware of your retirement adding that the celebrant deserves higher responsibility.

The Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris, praised Mr. Samuel’s tireless role in developing the State Development Plan, emphasizing the importance of diligence and integrity in public service. “When given a task, do it with all your heart. The results will speak louder than the praises of men,” Hon. Idris stated.

Head of the Civil Service, Mr. Elijah Evinemi, noted that Mr. Samuel’s name became synonymous with excellence during his tenure, thanks to his ability to lead with empathy and empower others. “This transition marks not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter,” Mr. Evenemi added.

The ceremony was attended by various stakeholders, including the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Sarah Ocheja, who commended Mr. Samuel for his service and mentorship.

Amb. Idris Muriana, Chairperson of the Kogi NGOs Network, also praised Mr. Samuel’s people-oriented mindset and commitment to serving the public.

Mr. Olajide Samuel, the outgoing Permanent Secretary of Budget in Kogi State’s Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, was celebrated for his dedication, impactful contributions, and meritorious service. He was praised of his humility, exceptional leadership, and commitment to fiscal discipline.
The ceremony highlighted Mr. Samuel’s achievements and the impact of his service on Kogi State’s development

Continue Reading