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Agriconnect Summit 2024: MD of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Advocates Policy Coherence to Enhance Market Access in Agriculture

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The Group Managing Director of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, has emphasized the critical need for policy coherence to enhance market access and build resilient food systems in Nigeria.

He stated this at the recently concluded Agriconnect Summit 2024, held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The summit, themed “Bridging the Divide: Fostering Collaboration and Innovation for a Sustainable Agricultural Future,” underscored the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the challenges facing the agricultural industry and to unlock its full potential.

During a panel discussion titled “From Farm to Table: Enhancing Market Access and Building Resilient Food Systems,” Dr. Oduntan addressed the challenge of inconsistent government policies hindering the advancement of agribusiness in Nigeria. He highlighted the perpetual cycle of new policies introduced by different ministers of agriculture without adequate consideration for the continuity of previous initiatives.

“We have all the right ideas to take the agribusiness to where it should be but a major challenge has been the implementation of policies. In my over 30 years of experience in the agricultural sector, I have witnessed numerous policy shifts with each new Minister of Agriculture. This inconsistency hampers the progress of our agribusiness,” Dr. Oduntan remarked.

Proposing a solution to this, he stressed the necessity for a central coordinating agency to ensure policy coherence, allocate resources, and facilitate effective implementation. “We need a central coordinating agency to provide direction, allocate resources, and ensure the sustained implementation of agricultural policies.”

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the summit, urged the federal government to prioritize food security by offering single-digit interest loans to farmers. “Any country that offers more than a single-digit loan to people in agribusiness is not helping farmers,” he emphasized. “We must recognize food as a national security need and provide the necessary financial support to farmers.”

Among the distinguished guests present at the summit were the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and The Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture, Lagos State, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, representing the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The presence of esteemed dignitaries and industry experts underscored the significance of collaboration and innovation in shaping a sustainable agricultural future for Nigeria.

As Nigeria strives to enhance market access and build resilient food systems, Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited remains committed to driving positive change and fostering collaboration within the agricultural ecosystem.

CAPPA Urges Government to Enhance Food Safety Policies on World Food Safety Day

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blacktalker
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As the global community commemorates World Food Safety Day 2024, themed “Food safety: prepare for the unexpected,” Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on governments at all levels to prioritize effective food policies, security, and access to improve public health.

In a statement issued by Media and Communications Officer Robert Egbe, CAPPA commended the Nigerian government for its ongoing initiatives to enhance food accessibility and affordability. However, the organization emphasized that food safety remains a critical issue that needs urgent attention.

“Many Nigerians and local farmers are struggling to sustain their livelihoods and contribute to the food supply chain due to continuous armed conflicts and the adverse effects of climate change,” the statement read. “This situation has exacerbated food shortages, hunger, and inflation across the country.”

CAPPA also raised alarms about prevalent issues such as food adulteration, contamination, improper labeling, unverified food claims by producers, and consumer victimization by large food corporations. These challenges pose significant threats to the economy, public health, and nutrition, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The organization reiterated the necessity for state authorities to enact and enforce comprehensive food and nutrition laws and policies. These measures are crucial not only for ensuring adequate food regulatory oversight but also for maintaining vigilance to safeguard Nigerians’ health.

Highlighting the health risks associated with the overconsumption of salt and sugar, CAPPA pointed out the link between these dietary habits and the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. These conditions place both economic and social strains on the country.

To counter these negative trends, CAPPA urged the government to implement food strategies that promote healthier diets and encourage producers to reformulate food products for better health outcomes. Specific recommendations included increasing taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and setting mandatory salt limits in food products. These actions, proven effective globally, could help Nigeria bolster food safety and public well-being.

“Above all, we encourage Nigerians to prioritize their health by being mindful of their food consumption patterns. It is essential to avoid excessive intake of sugar, salt, and fat, which are linked to an increased risk of NCDs,” CAPPA concluded.

2024 WED: APWEN Lagos Calls for Collaboration to Combat Climate Change

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blacktalker
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The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, Lagos chapter, has urged for collaborative efforts to address desertification and other impacts of climate change.

This call was made by the Chapter Chairperson, Dr. Atinuke Owolabi, during a Zoom public lecture to commemorate the 2024 World Environment Day, WED.

WED 2024 focuses on land restoration, halting desertification, and building drought resilience.

Dr. Owolabi reaffirmed APWEN’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the critical role of women engineers in shaping a sustainable and resilient future for Nigeria.

“Nigerian women engineers are at the forefront of this mission, bringing expertise, creativity, and a unique perspective to the challenges of land degradation and environmental resilience,” Owolabi stated. “Our goal is to empower our women engineers by providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to lead, conduct research, and innovate.”

She called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, educational institutions, and civil society organizations, to join in creating impactful strategies to restore lands and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

The association’s initiatives include capacity building, awareness campaigns, and programs aimed at equipping female engineers to tackle environmental issues and mitigate climate change.

Guest speaker and Executive Director (Operations) of Lagos Water Corporation, Mrs. Helen Taiwo, highlighted the pressing issues of land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.

She noted that over 30 percent of the world’s land has been degraded, impacting millions of livelihoods, and emphasized the significant roles of women engineers in ensuring environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

“Empowering Nigerian women engineers is not just a goal; it is a necessity for sustainable development. By leading sustainable engineering solutions for land restoration, we can shape our land and secure our future. Together, we can create a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous Nigeria,” Taiwo said.

The APWEN Lagos chapter’s call to action underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges and highlights the pivotal role of women engineers in driving sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s future.

CEMESO Trains Media Professionals, Others On Misinformation,Disinformation

…..Calls for collaboration to effectively navigate digital space.

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blacktalker
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Media professionals, human rights defenders, and content creators converged in Ikeja, Lagos, for a critical training programme aimed at enhancing the accuracy and reliability of information in the digital age.

The event, organised by the Centre for Media and Society,CEMESO, focused on building digital autonomy and resilience to combat the pervasive challenges of misinformation and disinformation.

Executive Director of CEMESO, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, in his opening remarks  emphasised the importance of a free press as a cornerstone of democracy. He highlighted the media’s vital role in upholding constitutionalism, the rule of law, and fostering strong civil societies.

“Misinformation and disinformation present pervasive challenges to democracy by undermining the integrity of information and eroding public trust in democratic institutions,” said Dr. Akingbulu. He underscored the need for collaborative efforts from governments, media organizations, civil society, and individuals to promote media literacy, fact-checking, and critical thinking skills.

Dr. Akingbulu urged participants to pay utmost attention to the training, given the significant challenges posed by the digital age.

“Our professional responsibility is to safeguard truth, protect democracy, and combat misinformation and disinformation,” he stated. “We expect this network to be active and committed to fighting these challenges.”

According to him, the training also addresses the threats faced by media professionals, including legal harassment, online censorship, surveillance, cyberattacks, and smear campaigns. Protective measures such as digital security training, secure communication tools, risk assessment, and legal protections were discussed to fortify participants against these threats.

Dr. Akingbulu concluded with a call to action, urging attendees to embrace the spirit of collaboration and mutual support. “The power of truth transcends the barriers of falsehood,” he said. “Together, let us forge ahead, undeterred and unwavering, in our pursuit of a world where the free flow of information remains the cornerstone of democracy.”

Participants at the event included individuals previously trained as Trainers of Trainers, TOT, in Ibadan on March 13, 2024. This step-down training also aims to empower a diverse range of online actors with the necessary tools to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and ethically.

The programme covered various critical topics, including digital literacy, strategies for enhancing accuracy and reliability of information, and building digital resilience.

The event highlighted the ongoing commitment to equipping media professionals with the skills and tools needed to navigate the complexities of the digital age and maintain the integrity of democratic systems through accurate and reliable information.

Global Praise,Worship Commemorates TB Joshua’s Legacy

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blacktalker
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Faithful followers worldwide gathered in joyful adoration to commemorate the third anniversary of Prophet TB Joshua’s passing on June 5, 2021. The solemn night ceremony, held at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) headquarters in Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos, saw international visitors from Africa, America, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Dr. Kirstan Nematandam, a South African nationalist, described the all-night praise and worship event as a “spiritual high watershed,” praising TB Joshua’s Christlike life and extraordinary philanthropy. “TB Joshua was the light shining in darkness, the most humble man you could ever meet,” he said.


Despite simultaneous events in several nations, many still traveled to Ikotun-Egbe. Emmanuel TV Partners had also conducted extensive charity works in their regions leading up to the event.

Pastor Robert Acosta from Argentina lauded TB Joshua’s lasting impact, stating, “The teachings, the example, the impartation continue to live on in our hearts and lives.” He emphasized that the prophet’s legacy of healing, miracles, and deliverances endures, inspiring global followers to honor his memory.


Pastor Sandro Gomes dos Santos, leading the Brazilian contingent, celebrated TB Joshua’s life and teachings. “His legacy is ageless and cannot be forgotten,” he declared, highlighting the prophet’s influence on his heart and ministry.

Engineer Kolawole Samuel from Sokoto praised Pastor Evelyn Joshua for upholding TB Joshua’s mantle. “For the past 14 years, I have been part of the ministry, and I can’t stop coming,” he said, reflecting on the profound impact of TB Joshua’s teachings and the continuous growth of the ministry under Evelyn Joshua’s leadership.


Coordinator Segun Olanipekun noted the ministry’s expansion and revival activities under Pastor Evelyn Joshua, emphasizing the continuous charitable works and global crusades. “The last three years have been of joyful activities, and the ministry has greatly expanded to the glory of God,” he said.

The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) remains a testament to TB Joshua’s enduring legacy, embodying the prophetic words of Isaiah, “the mills of God grind slowly but they grind exceedingly fine.”

Ogun Police Command Defends Integrity Amid False Allegations Against Divisional Police Officer

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blacktalker
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The Ogun State Police Command has issued a robust defense of its integrity and the professionalism of its officers in response to recent malicious allegations aimed at discrediting the Command’s efforts.

The false accusations, disseminated by unreliable media outlets, target the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ogijo, claiming involvement in soliciting retirement contributions and the illegal conversion of suspects’ property for personal use.

In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun Police Command headquarters, Omolola Odutola, anipr, the Command emphasized that its officers are renowned for their commitment to upholding the rule of law and that they operate unaffected by unverified information.

Odutola said the Command has established rigorous mechanisms for verifying information and addressing complaints, ensuring a high level of professionalism and accountability.

“The allegations against the DPO in Ogijo are entirely baseless and should be disregarded,” the statement read. “The source of this information is unethical, aiming to tarnish the reputation of an officer who has served meritoriously, ensuring the safety of lives and property through sustained night patrols and covert operations.”

The statement highlighted the community’s relative peace and the significant reduction in criminal activities due to the diligent efforts of the DPO and his team.

It also urged the public to exercise caution and not be swayed by false news from unreliable sources, noting that no reports of misconduct have been received regarding the DPO. Instead, the Command has received numerous accolades for the good performance of officers at the Ogijo Divisional Headquarters.

“The recent publication is inconsistent with the facts and represents a deliberately fabricated falsehood,” the statement continued. “While the Command welcomes constructive criticism aimed at improving policing mechanisms, unfounded attacks on the reputation of dedicated officers are detrimental to the overall goal of ensuring public confidence.”

27TH CONVOCATION: LASU VICE-CHANCELLOR URGES GRADUATES TO EMBRACE INTEGRITY, SHUN DISHONESTY

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blacktalker
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The Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello,mni, fnli, NPOM, has charged graduates of the University to stand out with integrity, resisting the lure of immediate gratification and dishonest practices.

Professor Olatunji-Bello also emphasised the value of diligence and honest labor, reminding them that true success is measured by personal growth and resilience rather than mere victories.

The VC gave this charge on the occasion of the University’s 27th Convocation Ceremony for the awards of Diplomas, First Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Master’s Degrees, held on 5th June 2024 at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Main Campus, Ojo.

She highlighted the rigorous academic training they received under distinguished educators, preparing them to navigate a rapidly changing world shaped by evolving technologies and existential challenges.

The Professor of Physiology emphasised that the skills and knowledge gained at LASU equip graduates to overcome difficulties and seize opportunities, urging them to build confidence and strive for excellence in their respective fields. “Never doubt yourself; strive to be the best in what you do, and you will take the world by storm.”

“Remember, honesty is the best policy, and there is a greater reward for diligence. The true test of a person is not how many times they fall, but how many times they rise again,” she concluded, urging the new alumni to uphold these values in their professional and personal lives.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the University’s significant accomplishments since the last convocation, reinforcing LASU’s vision of becoming the top university in West Africa. She reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to positioning LASU as a leading research and learning hub, emphasizing the positive feedback from employers regarding the performance of LASU graduates.

According to her, the success of LASU alumni in their careers is a source of pride and motivation for the University to continue developing the human resources needed in Lagos State and Nigeria.

Professor Olatunji-Bello announced that OLANIYI MUBARAQ OLAWALE of the Accounting Education programme with a CGPA of 4.98 [First ClassHonours] is the best graduating student for the 2022/2023 Academic session.

Best Graduating Student for the 2022/2023 Academic session.

See the Graduation Statistics Below:

Out of 554 Diploma students that are graduating this year, there are
55 Distinctions, 274 Upper credits, 224 Lower credits, and 1 pass.
For the 1st Degree Programmes, out of the 8477 students that are graduating in the University, 153 came out with First Class, 3029 are graduating with second class Upper Division, 4350 are graduating with second class Lower Division, 715 are graduating with Third class and 33 are graduating with Pass. There are also 178 MBBS Passes and 17 BDS Pass Degrees.

Furthermore, out of the 2164 Postgraduate students graduating, there are 375 Postgraduate Diplomas, 962 Academic Masters, 672 Professional Masters, 89 Doctor of Philosophy and 66 Professional Doctoral Degrees.

Experts Advocate Value Cultivation in Food, Beverage,Tobacco Manufacturing

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blacktalker
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Stakeholders in the Food, Beverage, and Tobacco, FBT, Sector of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, have enjoined local manufacturers to sustain the culture of quality throughout the entire manufacturing process to maintain brand loyalty and ultimately increase the bottom line consistently. 

This charge was made during the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Sector of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, which was held recently in Lagos.

Declaring the AGM open, the Director General/CEO of MAN Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, urged manufacturers to prioritize quality, standards, and innovation in the manufacturing process to remain relevant to consumers.  He stressed the need for collaboration among manufacturers to create a greater impact on the Nigerian economy.

He decried the increase in electricity tariff, saying it worsens the already harsh operating environment. “Local manufacturers have remained resilient against daunting macroeconomic and infrastructure inadequacies – notably power. But manufacturers need power at a fair price. Power accounts for about 40 percent of our cost, depending on how power-intensive the manufacturing process is,” Ajayi-Kadir noted.

Speaking on the theme: “Cultivating Value: Employing Quality, Standards, and Innovation in Strengthening Food, Beverage and Tobacco Manufacturing”, the Guest Speaker and Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability of Rite Foods Limited, Mr. Ekuma Eze, described the Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Sector as a very significant sector in the Nigerian manufacturing landscape, representing 34 percent of the entire manufacturing sector and a GDP contribution of about 5 percent in 2022.

He noted that although the manufacturing industry is a key driver of the economy, Nigeria’s manufacturers were far from being competitive because of structural and systemic challenges that have inhibited the growth of manufacturing and its contribution to the economy.

“Whereas the Food, Beverage, and Tobacco manufacturing sector remains the largest manufacturing sub-sector, it is still far from competitive on a global scale”, Eze emphasized. “On the local scene, the odds are steeped against manufacturers including poor infrastructure, high inflation, energy issues, forex illiquidity, unpredictable regulatory environment, insecurity, and high tax burdens which has severely impacted the profitability of the Food, Beverage, and Tobacco sector in recent years.”

Furthermore, he advocated for strategic government intervention to enhance the sub-sector’s competitiveness, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.

“Our policies must encourage manufacturing to ensure economic progress because manufacturing should be a key driver of economic growth, job creation, income generation, and contribution to the GDP,” he said.

Also, deputy director at NAFDAC and chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, NIFST, Lagos chapter, Dr. Aina Olugbenga Steven, said local manufacturers must be commended, “for continually combating such challenges as electricity tariff and foreign exchange volatility within Nigeria’s business environment which has remained volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA).”

The high point of the day was the election of new officials to lead the group. Managing Director of the La Casera Company, Mr. Chinedu Okereke, emerged as the new chairman, Mr. Fred Chiazor as Vice Chairman. Mrs. Olajumoke Bamigbola (Treasurer) and Mrs. Bukola Akanmu (Technical Adviser) complete the quartet.

The outgoing Chairman, Engr. (Dr.) Patrick Anegbe thanked everyone for their support and called on members to cooperate with the new team for the overall growth and progress of the Food, Beverage, and Tobacco sectors.

Panic As GTBank Staff Hacks Into Bank’s System, Steals Millions From Customers Account

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blacktalker
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Guaranty Trust Bank, GTBank, has sued one of its staff, Komolafe Oluwayomi, 45, before a Lagos Magistrate’s court for allegedly breaking into the bank’s system to steal the sum of N9,989,000 from its account and converted the money to his personal use.

The defendant was ordered arrested by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO in charge of Bar Beach division, Victoria Island, Lagos following a complaint by the management of GTBank

After an investigation by Inspector Patience Eguabor and team, Oluwayomi, a resident of Unity Close, Ojodu, Lagos from Ondo State was charged before the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing.

Police counsel, Ben Ekundayo informed the court that the defendant committed the offence during working hours at the Guaranty Trust Bank Plc located at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Ekundayo told the Court that the defendant betrayed the trust reposed in him by his employer as the officer in charge of payment of drivers’ retirement benefits by fraudulently including the name and account number of his friend in the retirement benefits payroll and used it to transfer the sum of N9,989,000 into his friend’s account as if his friend is a beneficiary of the retirement benefits and later transferred the money from his friend’s account to his personal account domiciled at GTB Bank and converted the money to his use.

He said the management of GTB uncovered the fraud when they audited the drivers’ retirement payroll accounts.

Ekundayo said the offences, the defendant committed were punishable under sections 411 and 287(7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and Magistrate, M.A. Owunmi granted him 2 million Naira bail with two sureties in like sum.


Owunmi adjourned the case till 11 June 2024 and ordered that the defendant be detained at the Ikoyi correctional facility till he perfected the bail conditions.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT BEGINS DOMESTICATION OF NATIONAL WOMEN ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT POLICY.

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blacktalker
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….Gives a 10month Timeline, Involving Aggressive Grassroots Engagement for Effective Inclusiveness.

Lagos State Government has kicked off processes for the domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment, WEE Policy with a pledge to localise the policy to meet the unique needs of women across the State.

The National Women’s Economic Empowerment WEE Policy is an initiative of the Federal Government launched in May 2023 as a blueprint to guide the country towards becoming a balanced and inclusive society.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, Bolaji Dada made the pledge at a stakeholders’ engagement to herald the domestication in collaboration with the Lagos State Office of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.

Dada noted that the state government endorses the WEE Policy and is eager to drive its domestication to advance women’s prosperity in key sectors such as Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, the Labour Market, Education, and Skill Acquisition where they strive for viable livelihoods.

According to her, the domestication is timely as women disproportionately make up the majority of the State Population at 8.5 percent with extreme poverty stage and the WAPA Ministry has made concerted progress in empowering women through diverse economic empowerment schemes.

“Today’s meeting is an opportunity for us to engage in open and honest discussions, share best practices, and learn from each other. We recognise the importance of ensuring the women empowerment policy is not only implemented but also effectively localized to address the unique needs and challenges faced.

“Having pulled pivotal representatives from the public, private, and Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, I am filled with gratitude for the unflinching support received from every one of you thus far. I would like to especially thank Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering commitment to empowering women and girls in tandem with the THEMES Plus Agenda of his Administration, which has positioned the Ministry in fulfilling its mandate.

“I would also like to thank the Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) particularly, the Special Adviser to Mr. Governor here in the person of Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih for collaborating with us in this assignment, our technical Advisers, the team members of the Albright Stonebridge Group and their partners here present for their technical support towards this giant stride.”

In her opening remarks, Special Adviser to Mr. Governor on SDGs, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih attributed the successes of Lagos to gender equality, which is well thought out to ensure women are part of decision-making in the State.

Finnih, who commended stakeholders who are actively pushing for equal opportunities for women everywhere, noted that the stakeholders’ engagement is in line with SDG 17 which speaks to the importance of collaboration.

The Special Adviser expressed hopes that the deliberations of all stakeholders would prompt actions for the advancement of women socially, economically, and in policy-making.

Earlier, Lead Consultant, Lagos State WEE -ASG, Fabia Ogunmekan said through key directions such as Tailored Solutions, Local Ownership, Inclusive Collaboration, and Policy Effectiveness, the WEE Policy intends to centre all existing women initiatives to track progress.

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