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Category Archives: The Dispatch

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UNESCO REF President: Working Visit to Dr. Lateef Olaguju, Secretary-General of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, on the Enhanced Institutional Mandate for SDGs Attainment in Nigeria.

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Strengthening Nigeria’s Leadership in UNESCO’s Global Mission

The President of the UNESCO‑REF, Prince Abdulsalami Ladigbolu‑Oramiyan, undertook a formal working visit to Dr. Lateef Olagunju, Secretary‑General of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM‑UNESCO), to advance dialogue on the Enhanced Institutional Mandate for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) attainment in Nigeria.

Aligning National Priorities with the 2030 Agenda

This high‑level engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of both institutions to strengthen Nigeria’s role in UNESCO’s global mission, while aligning national priorities with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Discussions focused on consolidating institutional frameworks, expanding youth empowerment initiatives, promoting gender equality, advancing digital transformation, and fostering inclusive education as strategic pathways toward achieving the SDGs.

UNESCO‑REF’s Global Relevance and Institutional Mandate

Prince Ladigbolu‑Oramiyan emphasized UNESCO REF’s readiness to collaborate closely with NATCOM‑UNESCO in mobilizing expertise, resources, and innovative programmes that directly benefit Nigerian communities. He underscored that the partnership represents a model of multi‑stakeholder cooperation, designed to accelerate measurable progress in sustainable development while reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership within UNESCO’s global network. He stated: “Our mandate is not only national but continental. By aligning Nigeria’s priorities with UNESCO’s vision, we are ensuring that Africa’s youth, women, and communities stand at the center of global development discourse.”

NATCOM‑UNESCO’s Strategic Vision

Dr. Olagunju welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of building synergies to ensure effective implementation of UNESCO‑mandated programmes. He noted that the enhanced institutional mandate would not only strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to deliver on the SDGs but also contribute to UNESCO’s broader vision of peace, human dignity, and sustainable development.

Commitment to Joint Action Frameworks

The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to establish joint action frameworks for programme implementation, expand stakeholder participation across government, civil society, and youth constituencies, and ensure that Nigeria’s engagement with UNESCO continues to serve as a benchmark for impactful, inclusive, and globally relevant development initiatives.

Prof. Hafsat Ganduje: “Women Are the Backbone of Our Nation’s Food System”, A Clarion Call for the 12 Million Young Women in Agriculture

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Speaking as a long-standing advocate for women’s empowerment at the UNESCO REF & POWA national flag-off of the 12 Million Young Women in Agriculture Mobilisation Campaign, Prof. Hafsat Gandujeunderscored the grassroots importance of the campaign, framing it not merely as an agricultural programme but as a covenant of dignity, opportunity, and security for families across the Federation. Read Full Story at the Media Centre. 

 

UNICAF Partners UNESCO REF on Educational Financial Facility Scheme, Blanket Scholarship of 86% for Undergraduate, Masters & PhD Under SIP-ALPHA Category 2.15B2

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The Read and Earn Federation for UNESCO (UNESCO REF) and UNICAF have formalized a landmark strategic partnership delivering an exclusive 86 percent scholarship coverage, unavailable through any other channel, for Nigerian students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral qualifications through the UNESCO REF Educational Financial Facility Scheme (EFFS). Students qualifying through this exclusive arrangement pay only 14 percent of tuition costs. The remainder is fully funded. Read Full Story at the Media Centre. 

National Advocate Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Egbetokun Strengthens Strategic Partnership with Bauchi State Government and Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed on Young Women in Agriculture

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The National Advocate for the UNESCO REF Young Women in Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Egbetokun, conducted a working visit to His Excellency Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, to formalise and accelerate collaboration for the strategic mobilisation, capacity building and economic empowerment of young women in agriculture across the state. The engagement advances shared commitments to gender equality, sustainable agriculture and inclusive rural development, in line with national priorities and global development frameworks. Read Full Story at the Media Centre.

 

The Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) is now officially designated as the National Secretariat for the UNESCO REF Young Women in Agriculture (YWA) Programme

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A Landmark National Designation

The Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) has been officially designated as the National Secretariat for the UNESCO REF Young Women in Agriculture (YWA) Programme. This landmark designation underscores NCWD’s pivotal role in advancing UNESCO REF’s mission to empower young women through agricultural innovation, skills development, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. It also reflects Nigeria’s leadership in promoting women’s development and positions NCWD as a central hub for driving impactful initiatives nationwide.

Advocacy and Institutional Leadership

This milestone was facilitated through the tireless advocacy of Dr. Mrs. Egbetokun, UNESCO REF YWA National Advocate and President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA). Her engagement with stakeholders ensured that the request was properly advanced and aligned with Nigeria’s broader vision for women’s empowerment and agricultural transformation.

NCWD’s Commitment to National Mandate

The designation was formally approved by Hon. Vilita Asabe, Director‑General of NCWD, who emphasized the Centre’s readiness to assume this national mandate. In her words: “This recognition by UNESCO REF is both an honor and a responsibility. As the National Secretariat, NCWD will serve as the hub for innovation, collaboration, and empowerment. We are committed to ensuring that young women across Nigeria have access to the skills, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive in agriculture and beyond. This is a defining moment for women’s development in our country.”

Programme Implementation and Impact

As the National Secretariat, NCWD will coordinate programme implementation, foster stakeholder collaboration, and ensure alignment with national and international frameworks for women’s empowerment and sustainable development. The YWA Programme seeks to strengthen the participation of young women in agriculture by providing access to training, mentorship, and modern technologies, while promoting inclusive growth and food security. By empowering young women to become leaders in agriculture, the programme contributes directly to poverty reduction, economic diversification, and community resilience.

Shared Commitment to Global Goals

Through this partnership, NCWD and UNESCO REF reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing gender equality, enhancing economic opportunities, and contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The designation of NCWD as the National Secretariat is more than an announcement – it is a national commitment to inclusive growth, global solidarity, and a future where women stand at the forefront of Nigeria’s socio‑economic transformation.

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