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Obasanjo, experts meet on Population in Africa

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Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and 18 global experts in Population on Tuesday, met to fashion out how to make Africa’s population an asset rather than a liability.

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At the Africa Progress Group (APG) organized international round table session, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Abeokuta, the experts, with South African philanthropist and businessman, Jonathan Oppenheimer as special guest, presented diverse papers on population issues, which they noted is a course for concern.

Obasanjo, who submitted that population in Africa was largely responsible for terrorism in the continent called on governments to address the menace before it got out of hand.

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Citing the Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria, the former President lamented that 90 per cent of the followers admitted that they joined because of lack of jobs.

“The report stated that out of 10 followers questioned only one said he joined the Boko Haram because of religion the nine others because they could not find jobs to do.

“So, in essence, population can be said to be responsible for terrorism.”

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In his presentation, Prof. Omolayo Opeloye of the Obafemi Awolowo University (O.A.U) observed that “if the population of a country or continent would be an asset, it must be matched by the development indices which invariably would result in high GDP and per capital income.”

Opeloye, who presented on the “Islamic Perceptive of Population Control in the African Context” recommended good governance as “sine qua non” to meaningful development.

“Therefore, African nation’s political class should leave no stone unturned in ensuring enthronement of good governments in different countries of the continent.”

Also, in his paper, “Making Africa’s Population a Blessing Rather Than A Liability” Dr. Olaide Adedokun of the Lagos State University recommended that empowering women and girls through education, improved health, wage labour and participation in decision making would go a long way in managing the population in the continent.

In a communique signed the the APG Director, Prof. Peter Okebukola
participants affirmed that “Africa’s population can be an asset not when we are able to feed the citizenry and provide good quality of life but when that population can make meaningful contribution to the entire socio-political economy society.

“To ensure that Africa’s population is an asset to development, after careful consideration of successful practices in managing populations across the world, participants recommended to African leaders as follows:

  1. Enthronement and promotion of competent, efficient and effective governance should be top priority for African countries as this is the lever for development and for turning the continent’s population into an asset.
  2. Based on the power of education in the successful management of populations, educational systems in African countries should be overhauled paying special attention to access to education (Education for all), education of women and girls, entrepreneurship and ensuring relevance of education delivered to the needs of the society. We need better harmonisation of Islamic education and Western education as successfully practised in a number of Islamic countries including Tunisia, Egypt and Indonesia.
  3. Invest in culturally-compliant family planning procedures, showcasing, publicising and rewarding successful practices.
  4. Step up public health and environmental awareness to ensure that even with large populations liability of population on health and environmental security will be mitigated
  5. Emphasise participation in agriculture, especially mechanised agriculture to foster food and nutrition security even with large populations.
  6. Improve primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare delivery systems to keep the population healthy and productive.
  7. Publicise and raise awareness of religious provisions that encourage practices that will slow down population growth rate.
  8. There must be a decision on the type of society we want especially fostering and managing egalitarianism. What is normal in every African society is the culture of sharing and caring. This culture should be universally encouraged.
  9. Knowledge and experience sharing of good practices in managing populations among countries in Africa and elsewhere in the world should be encouraged.
  10. Although the problem of population of Africa today and in the immediate future looks daunting, there are possible approaches that can access globally available resources now lying dormant. One of such approaches is harnessing permanent capital from investment markets. Governments should explore the implementation of the novel, doable idea of permanent capital to address the resource-demand of managing populations. Permanent capital is based on frameworks to address the demographic challenge relating especially to educational, political, cultural and social dimensions. To make the approach work, radical reforms are needed to the policy and regulatory environment. Reduction in overall frictional costs of doing business should also part of the reform.

They also called for enactment and enforcement of state policies “that take care of the elderly so that Asset-based and life course approach to managing Africa’s population can be optimally applied.

  1. Government in close cooperation with civil society and business should create an enabling environment and policies to support the building of skills and creation of jobs
  2. Access to low-interest loans and supporting cooperatives

Key recommendations to Development Partners include

  1. Support capacity-building efforts of African governments on good practices of managing populations through technical and funding assistance.
  2. Use final APG report on the theme as instrument for lobbying both in the north and south so that the SDGs are achieved.

Reaching religious leaders

  1. Population management is a sensitive issue which should be approached with caution. Those to be engaged in its propagation through faith-based activities should be those who have the right perspective of the concept.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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PFN warns Lagos State chapter of CAN to steer clear internal affairs of the state’s chapter

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PFN warns Lagos State chapter of CAN to steer clear internal affairs of the state’s chapter

 

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By Ifeoma Ikem

 

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The Senior Pastor of A Torch From Heaven Ministry, Bishop Joe Ighalo has warned the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Steven Adegbite to steer clear from the internal affairs of the state’s chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).

Ighalo said this during a press briefing titled: “State of Our State; Our Stand” in Lagos.

He said that the Adegbite-led Lagos chapter of CAN should not bring politics into the kingdom matters, especially when it has to do with the Lagos State chapter of PFN.

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According to him, there is no doubt that CAN is the umbrella body of the PFN, but they should be allowed to handle its internal affairs.

“Why would you want to destroy PFN and keep CAN going, this is against the mission of the founding fathers of the PFN,” he said.

Ighalo noted that the issue between CAN and PFN began when the national body of the PFN failed to ratify the election of Pastor Kehinde, the acclaimed winner of the February 5, 2024 PFN Chairmanship election.

The PFN national body did not ratify the election as it said that there were anomalies in the process.

However, the Lagos CAN Chairman, Bishop Adegbite, reportedly led a protest against the development, which prompted Bishop Ighalo to say that CAN does not have any constitutional right or power over PFN, and warned that they should not interfere with the affairs of the PFN.

Also speaking, the Senior Pastor of Agape Worship Center, Ojodu, Lagos, Dr. David Odi said that as far as he was concerned, Lagos State is one of the most organised states in Nigeria in terms of economy, leadership and ministry, adding that this must be respected.

Odi explained that those who are behind the issue are trying to create problems that doesn’t exist in PFN body since inception so that whoever is voted into office would owe them allegiance.

“There’s no fight or crisis in Lagos PFN. I don’t even know any other person who is interested in the position,” he added.

According to him, i believed that the current chairman of the Lagos State chapter of PFN has served his term and is on his way out, and that Pastor Kehinde is not dragging the position with anybody.

“I don’t know any other person that will take the position until proper election is conducted.

“I’m optimistic that if there’s any election tomorrow, next week or next month, Pastor Kehinde will still win because nobody is dragging it with him.

“Those people still occupying the seat have finished their terms,just for them to exchange mantle and congratulated Pastor Kehinde.

“People behind the crisis are those who have peculiar interest in filthy lucre that the Bible talked about. Some people are driven by hunger for money. They are doing this because of the 2027 general elections ,” he said.

He added that some people want to make Pastor Kehinde believe that they fought for him to get into the office.

Meanwhile, nobody is fighting to bring anybody in, if there’s election anytime we would still vote for him.

In his contributions, Dr. Bolaji Akinyemi, Convener of Apostolic Round Table, (ART)
said that nobody will destroyed or throw fire into his house to burn it down because of selfish interest.

Stressing that “PFN is our room” and “CAN is our building,” and the matter will soon be resolved amicably.

Stakeholders in PFN have set up a committee to resolve the matter between those that are involved as any house that is divided against itself do not stand .

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OSINACHI CHIBUZO ONYEOZIRI: FROM HEALING TO DATA BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

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OSINACHI CHIBUZO ONYEOZIRI: FROM HEALING TO DATA

BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR

 

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In the dynamic landscape of modern careers, few individuals traverse diverse paths with the same vigor and determination as Osinachi Chibuzo Onyeoziri. His journey unfolds like a tapestry woven with threads of healing and data, melding the worlds of medicine and technology into a seamless narrative of achievement and innovation.

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Osinachi’s odyssey began in the hallowed halls of the Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina in Havana, Cuba, where he embarked on a quest for knowledge that would shape his future. From 2001 to 2007, he diligently pursued his Doctorate in Medicine (MD), honing his skills and nurturing a passion for healing that would define his early career.

After completing his medical education, Osinachi returned to his homeland, Nigeria, where he dedicated over three years of his life to serving as a Medical Officer at the 81 Division Hospital/Medical Services in Lagos. In this role, he delivered compassionate care to countless patients, whether in outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, or inpatient wards. His commitment to excellence extended beyond bedside manner, as he spearheaded initiatives to enhance clinical processes, ensuring optimal outcomes for those under his care.

However, Osinachi’s journey took an unexpected turn as he felt a calling towards the realm of data science. In 2022, he embarked on a new educational endeavor, enrolling in the Masters in Data Science Management program at the Rome Business School in Lagos, Nigeria. Here, he delved into the intricacies of data analysis, mastering the tools and techniques necessary to extract insights from vast troves of information.

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Armed with his newfound expertise, Osinachi emerged as a multifaceted professional, seamlessly blending his medical background with his data-driven acumen. His skill set transcended traditional boundaries, encompassing program and project management, process improvement, business development, and leadership.

One of Osinachi’s defining attributes is his unwavering commitment to continuous learning and development. Throughout his career, he has embraced opportunities to expand his horizons, acquiring proficiency in technical tools such as SQL, Tableau, and Python, while also refining soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.

Moreover, Osinachi’s bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish has enabled him to navigate diverse cultural landscapes with ease, fostering connections and collaborations across borders.

In reflecting on his journey, Osinachi remains humble, acknowledging the mentors, colleagues, and patients who have shaped his path. He sees his transition from medicine to data science not as a departure from his roots but as a natural evolution, driven by a desire to effect positive change on a broader scale.

As he stands at the intersection of healing and data, Osinachi Chibuzo Onyeoziri embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience, inspiring others to embrace the limitless possibilities that lie at the nexus of tradition and technology

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Wavy The Creator unveils empowering anthem “Star” collaborate with Victoria’s secret

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Wavy The Creator unveils empowering anthem "Star" collaborate with Victoria's secret.

Wavy The Creator unveils empowering anthem “Star” collaborate with Victoria’s secret.

 

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A Nigerian-born US-based raising artist, Jennifer Ijeoma (Wavy the Creator), has announced the release of a new empowering anthem “Star” to celebrate resilience of womanhood across the globe.

 

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Wavy The Creator, while making a disclosure in an electronic statement, said the anticipated single ‘STAR’ anthem in Collaboration with Victoria’s secret will be released on March 27th, 2024.

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Speaking about the inspiration for “STAR,” she explained that it is a song that describes a woman as a strong, beautiful, and confident woman. The song represents every woman who was part of the world tour experience and every woman in the world.

 

Wavy The Creator unveils empowering anthem "Star" collaborate with Victoria's secret.

 

 

“The music serves as an empowerment anthem for self-belief and resilience, affirming that every woman is a celestial force in her own right.”

STAR, the song was collaborated with Victoria’s secret debuting as part of the prestigious Victoria’s Secret Tour ’23 and produced by Higo Blend’s afro melodies, a funk baseline, and post-disco percussion.

Wavy The Creator is a professional recording artist, photographer, fashion designer, and filmmaker based in Houston, Texas. She worked as the official photographer for Nigerian hip-hop artist Olumide in 2017.

Recently, she released her debut EP, P.S. Thanks you for waiting, and with her genre-defying sound and captivating vocals, features artists worldwide like CKay, Wurld, Efya, Tay Lwar, and others.
Edited by: Fashina Shakiru

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