UNDP pledges support for North-East Nigeria's security and development plan
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The United Nations Development Programme UNDP has committed to supporting the six states of North-East Nigeria in enhancing security and developing a comprehensive regional policy framework. This framework aims to address insecurity, poverty, and other socio-economic challenges in the region. The pledge was made during a Regional Technical Workshop on the National Regional Development Policy 2026–2030 held in Maiduguri, Borno State. Elsie Attafuah, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, stated that the organization will continue to assist the Federal Ministry of Regional Development and regional development commissions in designing inclusive policies. Matthew Alao, representing Attafuah, noted that the workshop is part of efforts to help the ministry develop a robust development policy aligned with global best practices. The UNDP also plans to support the North-East Development Commission in reviewing and implementing its development blueprint to reflect community aspirations and leverage its global network to attract development financing and introduce international best practices for recovery and economic growth. Mary Ogbe, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, assured stakeholders that the proposed policy's implementation is guaranteed. Mohammed Alkali, Managing Director of the North East Development Commission, described the draft policy as a significant step towards addressing regional disparities and promoting inclusive development,
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadBritish-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua defeated Albanian Kristian Prenga in the second round in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, recovering from two early knockdowns. Prenga, who had a record of 20 knockout wins, floored Joshua twice in the first round. Joshua, a former two-time world heavyweight champion, responded with a barrage of right hands in the second round, leading to a referee stoppage and Prenga's first professional defeat. This victory improves Joshua's record to 30 wins from 34 fights, with 27 by knockout. The win sets the stage for a highly anticipated fight with Tyson Fury. Joshua dedicated the win to his late friends, Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele, who died in a car crash in Nigeria in December. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that contracts for the domestic showdown with Fury have been signed, with a venue yet to be finalized. Former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk commented that Joshua appears to have improved since their previous fight.
Must ReadThe Federal Government has increased annual admissions into nursing schools from approximately 20,000 to 50,000 students. This initiative, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, aims to tackle Nigeria's shortage of healthcare professionals and bolster the country's health workforce. The expansion is part of broader education reforms designed to produce a skilled workforce to support President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2030. Admissions into medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry programs have also seen significant increases. Dr. Alausa expressed confidence that these reforms will substantially reduce the healthcare professional shortage within a few years. He emphasized the government's commitment to human capital development and positioning Nigeria as a global supplier of skilled manpower. The minister also noted the administration's efforts to restore industrial harmony in tertiary institutions and the sustainable design of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund NELFUND. This expansion addresses the persistent shortage of healthcare workers, exacerbated by migration, and seeks to meet local healthcare needs while contributing to the global labor market.
Must ReadThe Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has strongly condemned the death of Nigerian national Ibeh Chika Simon during a South African Police Service operation in Bellville, Cape Town, on July 23. The Consulate described the circumstances surrounding his death as questionable and expressed deep concern over the shooting of another Nigerian, Egwabor Patrick Chuks, who sustained severe injuries in the same operation. The Nigerian mission called for an immediate, transparent, and unsparing investigation by South African authorities, demanding accountability for the perpetrators. The Consulate stated that this incident highlights an alarming pattern of unresolved extrajudicial killings and misconduct against foreign nationals, especially amid rising Afrophobic sentiment. While urging Nigerians in South Africa to obey laws, the Consulate stressed that no alleged offense justifies execution-style enforcement. The mission extended condolences to Simon's family and wished Chuks a speedy recovery, appealing to Nigerians in South Africa to remain peaceful while pursuing justice through legal and diplomatic channels. This incident follows other recent killings of Nigerians in South Africa, including Emeka Charles Iroegbu and Musa Yunana Joe, and previous evacuations of Nigerians due to anti-African sentiment.