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Adolescent Girls Have Vision For Better Future – UNFPA

Published

12 months ago

October 13, 2024

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has said that adolescent girls have visions for a better future of how their lives would be which must be supported and protected in their journey from adolescence to adulthood.

The Executive Director, UNFPA, Dr. Natalia Kanem stated this in Bauchi during the commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.

Represented by the Bauchi State Coordinator of UNFPA, Deborah Tabara, Kanem however, lamented that for millions of girls, adolescence is a time when doors slam shut.

“The gradual transition to adulthood is ended abruptly as early pregnancy and gender-based violence, including harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation, deprive them of their fundamental rights and choices.

“Poverty, protracted conflicts and chronic fragility make these risks even more likely,” she said

The Executive Director explained that adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 in low- and middle-income countries have 21 million pregnancies a year, adding that out of this figure, nearly half are unintended.

According to her, Complications related to pregnancy and childbirth are among the leading causes of death for adolescent girls worldwide.

“Last month, world leaders signed a global pact that included commitments to dismantle gender inequality and address the violations it fuels, which act as brakes on girls’ aspirations.

“They recognized that the peace and prosperity of our shared future depend on the ability of adolescent girls to exercise their human rights and reach their full potential.

“When adolescent girls are healthy, educated, and empowered with skills and opportunities to shape a bright future, they and their children, if they choose to have them in adulthood, have greater chances at a better life,” she said.

Earlier, the UNFPA Nigeria Resident Representative, Dr. Gifty Addico, applauded Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state for his investment and commitment to the development of adolescent girls in the state development plans and for providing an enabling environment for development programmes.

Addico reiterated the UNFPA’s commitment in partnering with the Bauchi State Government to address the plight of Women and Girls in the state.

Also speaking, Head of Programme, Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development (IFWYD), Huzaifa Abubakar stated the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child is to celebrate the strength, resilience and potential of young girls around the world.

News

Navy Opens Recruitment For Basic Training School Batch 38

Published

10 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Navy has opened applications for its Basic Training School (BTS) Batch 38 recruitment exercise, scheduled to run from October 2 to October 31, 2025.

According to an official statement, the recruitment process is free, and interested applicants must submit their applications online at https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng/https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng.

Successful candidates will undergo basic military training before being officially enlisted as Ordinary Seamen.

The Navy stressed that eligibility is restricted to Nigerian citizens by birth with a valid National Identification Number (NIN). Applicants must have no criminal record and must not be affiliated with secret societies, cults, or fraternities.

Educational and age requirements were clearly outlined. Candidates applying with O’level results must be between 18 and 22 years old as of December 31, 2025.

Those with OND/NCE qualifications must be aged 18 to 26, while Chaplain/Imam Assistants and Drivers/Mechanics must fall within the 18 to 28 age bracket.

In all cases, applicants are required to have at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB, with certificates not older than 2015.

The Navy added that special professions, such as Medical Assistants and Nurses, require proof of registration with relevant professional bodies.

Applicants for technical trades including tailoring, plumbing, carpentry, welding, and electrical works must present valid Trade Test certificates in addition to academic qualifications.

Similarly, candidates applying as sportsmen and women are expected to provide certificates and medals as evidence of their sporting achievements.

The recruitment examination is scheduled for November 29, 2025, at designated centers nationwide.

Candidates are required to bring their Attestation Form, duly signed with a passport photograph of the signer, along with valid identification such as a Driver’s License, International Passport, or National ID Card.

Applicants have been cautioned against multiple applications, which will lead to disqualification.

The Navy further advised candidates to seek clarification only through official communication channels provided on the recruitment portal.

News

BREAKING: Gov Fubara Dissolves Rivers Pension Board

Published

11 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dissolved the State Pensions Board with immediate effect.

Rivers State Head of Service Mrs Inyingi Brown made this announcement on Friday in Port Harcourt.

According to the governor, the office of the State Accountant General will handle the functions of the board until a new one is constituted.

News

FAAN Launches Cashless Payment System Across Airports

Published

12 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched the cashless system of payment across all airports.

“FAAN in partnership with Paystack, is proud to announce the roll out of OPERATION GO CASHLESS, a cashless contactless payment solution across all airports beginning with Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,” the agency said in a communique on Thursday.

Effective September 29, 2025, all payments at FAAN’s revenue points, including airport Access Gates, Car Parks, FAAN VIP and Protocol Lounges will go cashless which means the agency will be phasing out the collection of cash at these points.

FAAN added that travelers and airport users will now enjoy fast and seamless services by using a secure contactless payment option.

This initiative, it stated, is a response to the growing demand for safe, modern, and transparent payment systems while ensuring Nigeria’s airports remain aligned with global digital trends.

By reducing reliance on cash, FAAN said it aims to enhance efficiency, improve revenue assurance, and deliver a better customer experience at our airports.

To ease the transition, trained brand ambassadors have been deployed at access gates and around the terminals to guide users, assist with onboarding, provide demonstrations, and answer questions they may have.

In addition, passengers have been directed to obtain a FAAN Go Cashless Card at any airport access gate in Lagos and Abuja.

After collection, users are encouraged to activate and fund their cards immediately by visiting www.gocashless. faan.gov.ng.

FAAN added that it remains committed to continuous improvement and will expand this cashless policy to other airports nationwide in phases.

For inquiries, airport users have also been advised to contact FAAN’s support line at 0700 CBS FAAN (0700 227 3226) or email the agency at gocashlesssupport@faan.gov.ng.