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Edo Govt Trains MDAs on Data Collection, Tracking, Restates Role In Achieving SDGs
The Edo State Government has organized one-day training for officials of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on administrative data collection for tracking and reporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the State.
The participants who are expected to become desk officers for SDGs across MDAs in the State will help in the collation of accurate, reliable, and current data to make reports that will help make informed decisions towards the realization of SDGs in Edo State.
Edo, FAO Enter $3 Million Deal On Forest Conservation, Biodiversity
Addressing participants at the workshop, the Permanent Secretary, SDGs/Ministry of Youths and Humanitarian Affairs, Ifueko Alufohai said the workshop has been put in place to raise awareness and deepen the understanding of SGDs 2030 Agenda as well as strengthen and develop capacity for effective data gathering and reporting of the implementation of the SDGs.
Alufohai, represented by the SDGs Programme Coordinator, Samuel Osahon Ojomo said, “For the SDGs to achieve its set goals, we must be able to measure progress and report back to the citizens and the global community. The workshop is on advocacy for SDGs and training on administrative data collection for tracking and reporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in Edo State.
“The process of tracking growth is fundamental to us as effectively tracking administrative data that possesses an element of integrity. It’s in this regard we employ your partnership in the provision of relevant and accurate data, cooperation with the data collation team, and partnership with the SDGs project support units to make the data collation process and creation of SDGs report seamless and productive.
“I urge all participants to take full advantage of this workshop to acquire new knowledge and information needed to translate the agenda into action as we drive the implementation of the SDGs in Edo State.”
While welcoming participants, Managing Director of the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Precious Imuwahen Ajoonu, thanked Governor Godwin Obaseki for establishing the training center which is now instrumental for the training and retraining of civil and public servants across Edo State.
“We are excited that this programme is happening as SDGs Goal Number Four, which is quality education, has been embraced by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration since coming into office in 2016.”
Bitcoin experienced sharp fluctuations following President Donald Trump’s April 2 tariff announcement, initially surging to $88,000 before dropping to $82,000.
By April 3, it stabilized around $83,000, with the broader crypto market down over 4%. Major altcoins like Ethereum and Solana also declined over 6%, hitting multi-month lows.
Analysts see the tariff news as reducing market uncertainty, potentially attracting institutional investors.
Despite higher-than-expected rates, experts believe the clarity could help Bitcoin regain momentum toward $90,000. Bitcoin ETFs, led by BlackRock, recorded $218 million in inflows on April 2, reversing prior outflows.
Kraken’s Thomas Perfumo challenged the idea that institutional interest stabilizes crypto, emphasizing that volatility signals demand for a scarce asset.
Some analysts viewed the sell-off as an overreaction to trade policy concerns, highlighting Bitcoin’s resilience as a store of value.
With ETFs showing strong demand, Bitcoin’s price may stabilize and rise, though market participants remain cautious, monitoring trade policies and economic conditions.
Violent clashes between pastoralist groups and settled farming communities have long been a challenge in South Sudan.
However, the recent outbreak of violence in the northern Ruweng Administrative Area has further heightened concerns over the nation’s fragile peace. At least 30 people lost their lives after an armed youth group launched a brutal attack on a northern South Sudanese town, according to local officials.
The incident, linked to an escalating cattle raid, saw the town briefly fall under the control of the attackers before security forces regained control.
The violence began when a group of armed youth stole lambs earlier in the week. Security forces quickly intervened, forcing the raiders to retreat. However, instead of dispersing, the group reorganised and launched a more aggressive attack on Abiemnom the following day.
Local Minister of Information, Simon Chol Mialith, confirmed that despite resistance from local youth and security personnel, the town was overrun by the Mayom armed youth. The attack led to significant casualties and destruction before security forces were able to reclaim the town.
On Wednesday, the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) successfully pushed the attackers out, restoring a semblance of calm. However, the scale of the destruction was already severe, with over 40 individuals injured in addition to the fatalities.
Although reports suggest that some of the deceased were members of the armed groups, official confirmation remains pending.
The attack comes at a time of growing instability in South Sudan, with tensions between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar intensifying. This political rivalry threatens to unravel the delicate 2018 peace agreement that ended the nation’s five-year civil war.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has struggled with continuous unrest. Despite its vast oil resources, the country remains impoverished, with conflicts like these exacerbating economic and social difficulties.
Key Business Developments to Monitor This Week: Crude Oil Transactions in Naira and Resumption of Emirates Flights
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) have announced an increase in crude oil production by 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) starting in May. This decision follows a virtual meeting among eight member nations, which agreed to gradually reduce previously implemented output cuts.
The nations involved in this agreement include Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman.
As a result of this production increase, Brent crude prices fell by 6.8% to $69.85 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped by 7.08% to $66.63, as of 10 PM WAT.
According to Reuters, these fluctuations are closely linked to the recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump imposing a 10% tariff on all imported goods.
### Voluntary Production Cuts by Eight OPEC+ Member Nations
In April 2023, eight OPEC+ countries declared additional voluntary reductions amounting to 1.65 million bpd, lasting until the end of December 2026. Subsequently, in November 2023, an additional voluntary cut of 2.2 million bpd was announced.
On December 5, 2024, the oil cartel revealed plans to extend these adjustments through March 2025, indicating that the 2.2 million bpd reductions would be gradually phased out on a monthly basis until the end of September 2026, aimed at maintaining market stability. However, on March 3, these nations agreed to implement a planned increase in oil production starting April 1.
### Monthly Phasing Out of Oil Production by Eight OPEC Member Countries
OPEC stated that the eight participating countries will implement a production adjustment of 411,000 barrels per day, divided into three monthly increments, beginning in May 2025. This adjustment includes the planned increment for May plus two additional monthly increases. The oil alliance emphasized that these gradual increases could be paused or reversed depending on market conditions, allowing for continued support of oil market stability.
Furthermore, OPEC+ noted that this measure would provide an opportunity for member nations to expedite their compensation efforts. The eight countries will convene monthly to assess market conditions, compliance, and compensation strategies.
The next meeting is scheduled for May 5, where decisions regarding June production levels will be made.