Headlines
UN calls for investment in quality jobs, social protection
The Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres, has called on governments across the world to “quickly” invest in the creation of quality jobs and the provision of social protection for those without coverage.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Communication and External Relations Department of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Guterres was speaking at a high-level session to discuss the “Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions initiative” during the UN General Assembly meetings in New York.
The initiative was inaugurated in 2021 by the United Nations International Labour Organisation and brings together governments, international financial institutions, civil societies, the UN, and the private sector.
The aim is to create 400 million new, decent jobs, especially in the green, care, and digital economies.
It also aims to extend social protection to more than four billion people worldwide that are currently without coverage.
Guterres told leaders to focus on concrete solutions to implement the initiative.
In his words, “The path of inaction leads to economic collapse and climate catastrophe, widening inequalities and escalating social unrest.
“This could leave billions trapped in vicious circles of poverty and destitution.’’
President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, said the bank inaugurated a 10-billion-dollar facility which was a rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adesina said the facility helped provide social protection for more than 28 million people.
He also said the bank inaugurated a three-billion-dollar social impact bond on global capital markets in 2020.
“But that is not enough. We have to restructure our economies to be productive with education, infrastructure, and energy making sure we have productive sectors that can use people’s skills and absorb that into the economy.
“At the African Development Bank, we have taken a proactive approach to jobs,” said Adesina.
As an example, he named the bank’s Jobs for Youth in Africa programme to create 25 million jobs by 2025.
“Nearly half of those jobs had already been delivered,” he said.
Adesina cited sectors such as agriculture where the bank was investing 25 billion dollars to transform rural areas and turn the sector into a business.
“We are investing 20 billion dollars to build 10,000MW of electricity that will provide energy for productive use and create millions of jobs.”
He further said it was time for Africa to build a manufacturing capacity for polysilicon material used for solar panels “so that we can create a lot of green jobs”.
“The creative industry, especially Nigeria’s film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, is another area that requires significant investment given its potential to generate 20 billion dollars of revenue and create 20 million jobs,” Adesina said.
According to the statement, the UN expects each government to commit to the Global Accelerator initiative and its objectives by among others, developing national policies and integrated strategies for just transitions.
(NAN)
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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