society

Obasanjo, experts meet on Population in Africa

Published

6 years ago

February 20, 2019

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.

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.

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.”

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:

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.
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.
Invest in culturally-compliant family planning procedures, showcasing, publicising and rewarding successful practices.
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
Emphasise participation in agriculture, especially mechanised agriculture to foster food and nutrition security even with large populations.
Improve primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare delivery systems to keep the population healthy and productive.
Publicise and raise awareness of religious provisions that encourage practices that will slow down population growth rate.
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.
Knowledge and experience sharing of good practices in managing populations among countries in Africa and elsewhere in the world should be encouraged.
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.

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
Access to low-interest loans and supporting cooperatives

Key recommendations to Development Partners include

Support capacity-building efforts of African governments on good practices of managing populations through technical and funding assistance.
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

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.

society

Man Arrested For Allegedly Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

Published

5 hours ago

November 16, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Man Arrested For Allegedly Defiling, Impregnating 14-Year-Old Girl

A 28-Year-Old Man Identified As Samuel Ani has been arrested by men of the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly defiling and impregnating a 14-year-old girl (name withheld) in Sagamu area of the state.

Ani was caught having canal knowledge with the victim at about 2 pm on Wednesday.

Confirming his arrest on Friday, the police spokesperson in the state, Omolola Odutola, said the incident was reported to the command by the father of the child.

She stated that the suspect, who was also suspected to have impregnated the minor, on interrogation, confessed to the crime.

Odutola said, “The father, known only as Paul, had approached the division to report the crime suspect committed against his daughter.

“The suspect allegedly defiled the minor and is also accused of impregnating her. The 28-year-old suspect had been arrested and detained by the command.

“The matter will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department once the preliminary investigation is completed.

Odutola disclosed that the child had been immediately taken to the hospital for medical examination.

“In the meantime, the survivor has been taken to a hospital for medical examination,” she added.

society

Tears as Lagbaja buried in Abuja

Published

5 hours ago

November 16, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Tears as Lagbaja buried in Abuja

Emotions ran high as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, on Friday.

The ceremony brought together family, colleagues, and dignitaries to bid a final farewell to the late army chief.

The grief-stricken family members and colleagues struggled to contain their tears.

Even the nose mask worn by his widow, Mariya, couldn’t conceal the steady stream of tears that dropped from her eyes.

The procession began at precisely 3:00 p.m. when Lagbaja’s remains arrived at the cemetery.

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, each took turns laying wreaths at the grave.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, Musa, assured Nigerians that Lagbaja’s death would inspire the military to defeat the nation’s enemies wherever they may be.

Musa stated that the military took solace in the fact that the late army chief lived a purposeful life, urging the troops to honour his memory by committing themselves to the ideals he stood for.

Musa said, “We will not leave you alone. We know your loss is immeasurable, but please take solace in knowing that he lived a life of purpose and left behind a legacy that will never fade. To my fellow officers and men, let us use this moment to recommit ourselves to the ideas for which General Labaja stood for.

“Let us ensure that his sacrifice and service continue to guide our steps as we defend this great nation. We are going to use his passing away to resolve further to defeat all enemies of the state, wherever they are, whether within or outside. As we lower him today into the embrace of the earth, let us raise our voices in prayer and gratitude for a life well lived. “

Reflecting on Lagbaja’s tenure, Musa noted that he took bold and decisive actions against terrorists, bandits, and other threats.

He said, “His tenure was marked by decisive actions against insurgency, banditry, and other threats to our nation’s peace. His efforts significantly enhanced the operational readiness and the morale of the Nigerian Army. But beyond his professional achievement, General Labaja was a man of profound faith, kindness, and humility.

“His commitment to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the security of our citizens was unwavering. From his early days as a young officer to his ascension to the esteemed office of the Chief of Army Staff, General Lagbaja consistently demonstrated a rare blend of intellect, bravery, and humanity. He understood the complexities of modern warfare and the need for innovation in our strategies.

“Yet, he never lost sight of the human element, the men and women who serve under the flag and the citizens whose freedom they defend.

In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, said Lagbaja embodied the core values of soldiering and served Nigeria without reservation for over 30 years.

Badaru said the late army chief was not only courageous but also an inspiring leader who lived from the front, exemplifying his tedious dedication to the service of the nation.

At the event, Tinubu conferred a posthumous national honour, Commander of the Federal Republic, on Lagbaja.

Tinubu said the conferment was to appreciate Lagbaja’s service to the nation.

The President described Lagbaja as one of his best appointees.

He said, “Lagabaja was a true soldier, a general and officer who symbolised the best of his profession and whose commitment to the nation he loved was singular and undiluted.

“He was more than I could have hoped for. He was one of my best appointments. Lieutenant General Lagbaja embodied the finest ideas of a patriot and a soldier. He had an abiding faith in the capability and readiness of our armed forces to save and keep us”.

Tinubu described Lagbaja as a trusted advisor, adding that he was a man of prudent action who cared about the nation and the men who served under him.

“He displayed uncommon valor in the charge of his duty and the administration of the rank and file for he cared about their welfare and that of their families.

“For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served this nation well,” he added.

society

Warmest Birthday Wishes to an Exceptional, Gracious Woman, Mrs Folake Fabiyi ~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Published

19 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Warmest Birthday Wishes to an Exceptional, Gracious Woman, Mrs Folake Fabiyi
~Oluwaseun Fabiyi

On this momentous occasion, I am thrilled to honor my beloved sister, Falake, a paragon of kindness and industriousness, on her birthday, today, Friday ayaba Fabiyi Supo, 15th November 2024. Ma, the divine benevolence of God Almighty has bestowed upon you another year of life, replete with promise and opportunity.

It is also an opportune moment to reflect on your blessings and methodically enumerate them, thereby acknowledging the remarkable accomplishments of God in your life

As you commemorate another year of existence today, may the Supreme Being graciously continue to endow your life with success, benevolence, and unwavering favour, and henceforth, every utterance and account regarding you and your household shall be replete with good tidings

I fervently pray that God’s divine guidance and favor will continually be upon you, and may He graciously bestow His kindness upon you now and forever. Please accept my warmest congratulations and sincere best wishes

To my dearest Mummy Precious, I offer my warmest felicitations and hope your birthday celebration is exceptionally eventful.