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Nigeria accounts for 15% of out-of-school children worldwide -UNICEF
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said Nigeria, accounts for 15% of out-of-school children worldwide, even when only a mere 9% of its poorest girls have the chance to attend secondary school.
KANO FOCUS reports that UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative Ms Cristian Munduate gave the revelation on Wednesday during an occasion commemorating International Day of the Girl 2023 at Government House, Kano.
Ms Munduate said about 7.6 million girls are being deprived of access to quality education in Nigeria, with a larger proportion residing in the Northern region.
Trickling the harsh disparity in the access of girl children to education in the state, UNICEF further stated that Kano ranked second in the number of out-of-school girls in Nigeria.
According to Munduate, “The sparkle we’ve witnessed from them today is a testament to the boundless potential that lies within every girl child. Their capabilities today have illustrated the outcomes that are possible when a girl is empowered…when she’s nurtured and given the chance to truly shine.
“Yet, the accomplishments of these girls give us hope. However the bigger picture brings forth an alarming reality. The truth is that 7.6 million girls in Nigeria, many from the northern regions, remain deprived of these very opportunities.
“Their seats in classrooms remain vacant, their dreams momentarily deferred. This leaves them vulnerable to early childbearing, with a soaring adolescent fertility rate. Today, more than ever, we need to emphasize the transformative power of education, a tool that not only creates opportunities but actively breaks cycles of poverty.
“Nigeria, alarmingly, accounts for 15% of out-of-school children worldwide. Yet only a mere 9% of the poorest girls have the chance to attend secondary school”.
Amidst these challenges however, the UNICEF chief said there are glimmers of hope with proven models like the Girls’ Education Project 3, supported by the people of UK, where 1.5 million girls are being supported across states in Nigeria including Kano to return to school in the last two years.
Munduate used the occasion to challenged state government, communities, traditional institutions a d other relevant stakeholders to raise to the prevailing challenge essentially to build a Nigeria where every girl’s dreams are within her grasp.
She said UNICEF remains committed in its mission and will continue with engagement with leaders, partners, and stakeholders to amplify investment in the welfare of girls, particularly as they face the brunt of conflicts, natural disasters, and the ever-looming threat of climate change.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
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