Care International Nigeria, a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO), has called upon the Federal Government to establish a robust policy framework aimed at fostering a culture of savings, particularly among women, to bolster economic resilience.

Addressing attendees at the 2024 National Savings Group Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, themed “Accelerating Financial and Economic Inclusion: The Pivotal Role of Savings Groups in Nigeria,” Dr. Hussaini Abdul, the Country Director of the NGO, emphasized the pivotal role of savings in alleviating poverty, especially in rural areas.

Dr. Abdul stressed the imperative of fortifying savings groups’ mechanisms to enhance widespread participation across the nation. “Poverty remains deeply entrenched, particularly in rural areas, often exacerbated by the absence of essential social services, including financial facilities,” he remarked.

He acknowledged the longstanding financial practices prevalent in rural communities, such as “esusu,” “ajo,” or “adashi,” which have evolved as coping mechanisms. Dr. Abdul highlighted the importance of bolstering these indigenous financial structures through improved coordination, management, and accountability systems.

“We advocate for a proactive engagement from government entities at all levels to devise a comprehensive policy framework supporting the institutionalization of these mechanisms,” he added.

The conference, Dr. Abdul noted, aims to foster a conducive environment for collaborative efforts toward advancing financial inclusion through savings groups nationwide.

In a statement delivered on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima by Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, Technical Adviser on Financial Inclusion to President Bola Tinubu, the government pledged to review existing policy frameworks to facilitate an enabling environment for savings groups.

Dr. Zauro highlighted the pressing need to address financial exclusion, with approximately 26% of Nigerians currently outside the formal financial system and an additional 36% considered unbanked, primarily from the informal sector. He underscored the link between financial inclusion and broader socioeconomic challenges, including multidimensional poverty and security concerns.

Recognized partners in the initiative include Plan International, ActionAid, Mercy Corps, USAID, GIZ, The World Bank, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has initiated a collaborative effort with BUA Cement to implement regular drug tests for drivers and other employees of the company, aiming to ensure they remain free from illicit substances.

Mr. Adamu Iro, the NDLEA Commandant in Sokoto State, disclosed this during a sensitization lecture jointly organized by NDLEA and BUA Cement for the company’s workers in Sokoto. Iro emphasized that this initiative would play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and commended BUA Cement for its commitment to this partnership.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Iro noted the alarming trend of some drivers engaging in the illegal use of substances, posing significant risks to their health and overall well-being. He expressed concern that drug abuse has unfortunately become a normalized lifestyle for many Nigerians, leading to an increase in criminal activities among drug-dependent individuals.

Iro underscored the correlation between drug abuse and the prevalent crimes in the nation, emphasizing that drivers under the influence of drugs pose serious threats to public safety through road accidents.

Mrs. Ramatu Sani, the Head of Training at BUA Cement, expressed gratitude to NDLEA for their support in promoting the well-being of workers and enhancing productivity within the company. She emphasized the significance of the sensitization program in fostering a healthy work environment and sustaining the partnership between NDLEA and BUA Cement.

Mr. Ibrahim Bande, the Head of Transport at BUA Cement, urged workers to heed the lectures and abstain from all forms of drug abuse, emphasizing its detrimental effects on personal development and societal well-being. He cautioned drivers against operating under the influence of drugs, emphasizing the importance of upholding the company’s integrity and ensuring road safety.

The event included a drama presentation highlighting the dangers of drug abuse and recognized staff members who have contributed to the fight against drug abuse within the company. Additionally, a road walk was organized within the community to raise awareness among residents about the hazards of drug abuse and its associated consequences.

The First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, on Tuesday, distributed baby care items to nursing mothers across the state. During the distribution in Ilorin, AbdulRazaq urged mothers to always present their children for routine immunisation.

She said, “The baby care items distribution is in line with the state government’s commitment toward supporting mothers and their babies, while encouraging them to imbibe hygienic practices in raising children.”

AbdulRazaq emphasized, “You will agree with me that the importance of good hygiene and nutrition for both mother and baby cannot be overemphasised, as key factors in raising healthy and productive citizens.”

She added, “Effective protection of children also stand to improve health and wellbeing outcomes of infants, young children, mothers, families and the society at large.”

The governor’s wife commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, stating, “It is indeed a great pleasure for me to welcome you all to this occasion of the presentation of baby care products to nursing mothers, drawn from across the state.”

She further commended the Ministry of Health and the Primary Healthcare Agency, “for their consistency in ensuring provision of necessary and adequate care for mothers and their children in the state.”

AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to Procter and Gamble, an American multinational consumer goods corporation, saying, “Permit me to thank the Procter and Gamble company for their contribution to what is being distributed here today.”

She assured, “The state government’s commitment to attend to issues related to mothers and children welfare remains unwavering.”

Prof. Saba Mamman, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), and Mr. Tundun Alanamu, the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, in their separate remarks, thanked the governor’s wife for the gesture.

They urged the nursing mothers to make proper use of the items to take care of their children.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Abosede Olaitan, commended the initiative and cautioned beneficiaries against selling the items.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Aishat Mohammed, thanked the governor’s wife for the support.

Items distributed to nursing mothers across the 16 local government areas of the state include feeding bowls, diapers, bibs, feeding tables, and chairs.