Author: Kazeem Akande

Palliatives: Mushin LG takes delivery of 4,000 bags of foodstuffs

Palliatives

By Kazeem Akande

Lagos, June 28, 2024 (NAN)  Mushin Local Government of Lagos State has taken delivery of  4,000 bags of foodstuffs  from the state government as palliatives for residents of the council area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gesture was in fulfilment of the state government’s promise to cushion the effects of economic hardship on the state residents.

NAN also reports the food items comprised 1,000 bags of rice, 1,000 bags of beans and 2,000 bags of cassava flakes known as ‘garri’.

Mrs Adenike Ebiyon,  a representative of Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture,  delivered the bags of foodstuffs  to the local government.

Ebiyon advised community leaders in the council area to ensure equitable distribution of the foodstuffs in accordance with directive of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Reacting,  the Chairman of the council, Mr Emmanuel Bamgboye, thanked Sanwo-Olu for the gesture.

According to him, the foodstuffs will go a long way to bring succour to the residents.

“The food items will be distributed among the 56 community development associations, which cut across all the 10 wards in the council area.

“The distribution will begin from Friday (June 28) under the supervision of the Senior Special Assistant to the Council Chairman on Community Affairs, Alhaji Aliyu Sekoni, at the council premises. (NAN)

AKA/IGO

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Disorder

By Kazeem Akande

Lagos, June 25, 2024(NAN)  A Nigerian award-winning actor and model, Emmanuel Ikubese,  has begun an awareness campaign  to alleviate burdens of sickle cell warriors in the country.

Ikubese spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

According to him, he aims to support sickle cell warriors through the ‘Mzigo Project’, a campaign leveraging mainstream media to raise awareness about sickle cell disorder.

“Misconceptions and ignorance surrounding the condition have caused harm and stigma for those affected.

“By dispelling false narratives and myths, I and my team can educate people and foster support.

“I believe that increased awareness will encourage more people to get involved and help alleviate the burden of sickle cell disease.

“I can’t do this alone, but together, we can make a difference and create a more supportive community for those living with the condition,” he said.

Ikubese, a former Silverbird male Pageant Mr Nigeria in 2014, said he aimed to assist and enlighten a significant number of individuals living with sickle cell disorder.

According to him, ‘Mzigo Project’ has partnered  SAMI, a sickle cell disorder focused organisation, on initiatives like the #Run4AWarrior.

“This partnership will enable us to provide medical insurance to numerous individuals in low-income areas who are living with sickle cell disease.

“Unfortunately, many warriors have lost their lives due to limited access to quality healthcare.

“To address this, we participate in the Lagos State City Marathon, running to raise funds and awareness for this critical cause.

“Over the past two years, our collaboration with SAMI has successfully raised millions of Naira, which has been used to provide medical insurance for sickle cell warriors in need,” he added.

The award-winning actor said that his Mzigo Project was currently focusing on highest prevalence of sickle cell disorder in Nigeria compared with other countries globally.

“ We’re starting from home, as the saying goes, charity begins at home.

“However, our long-term vision is to expand the project across Africa, as the same challenges and misconceptions surrounding sickle cell disease exist in other countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and beyond,” he told NAN.

Ikubese said that to address the issue, the sickle cell project would create a model that could be replicated and adapted in other African countries, ultimately making a broader impact on the continent.

He said that the pan-African approach would enable them to reach more communities, raise awareness, and support those living with sickle cell disorder,  thereby fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

NAN reports that Nigerians living with sickle cell disorder faced staggering healthcare costs, with monthly expenses ranging from N70,000 to N1,000,000, largely due to frequent hospital admissions and costly medications.

Health insurance coverage falls short for many, with plans often failing to cover essential treatments like routine medications and consultations.

Government and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) efforts to support people with sickle cell disorder are insufficient, highlighting the urgent need for improved public healthcare infrastructure and more comprehensive assistance programmes in Nigeria.(NAN)

AKA/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Agege LG nabscman selling adulterated bottled water

Cholera

By Kazeem Akande

Lagos, June 25, 2024(NAN) Agege Local Government Environmental officials have nabbed a man selling adulterated bottled water to the public in the community.

The stride is in consonance with the directive of the Council Chairman Chief Ganiyu Egunjobi, to environmental health officials.

Mr Taiwo Awonuga, the Head, Environmental Health Department in the Council, disclosed these to newsmen on Tuesday.

According to him, the culprit was swiftly intercepted by the environment department staff following information given by market leaders.

“While being questioning by our council officials, he said that he bought some bottled water, got empty plastic bottles, filled them with adulterated water and sold to the public at Agege Market.

“He has been handed over to the Pen Cinema Divisional Police Station for onward investigation and prosecution,” he said.

Awonuga said that the council chairman had appealed to the residents to be wary of what they consume, to prevent the spread of Cholera disease.

Recall that Agege had suspended operation of food vendors in schools under the council as part of measures to curb the spread of  cholera in the state.

The Lagos State Government has so far reported a death toll of 29 resulting from the disease.

It said 579 cases had been recorded across the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed these on Monday during a press briefing held in Ikeja, to intimate residents on efforts to curb the spread across Lagos.(NAN)

AKA/SOA

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Veteran Yoruba actor, Baba Wande and renowned filmmaker, Tunde Kilani

Reconciliation

By Kazeem Akande

Lagos, June 22,2024 (NAN) Dotun Taylor, President of Aroba Groove, an international cultural organisation, has praised the exemplary leadership displayed by veteran Yoruba movie actor, Kareem Adepoju, popularly as Baba Wande and renowned filmmaker, Tunde Kilani, in settling their long-standing feud.

Taylor cited the willingness by the veterans to put aside their differences as a valuable lesson for the movie industry and beyond.

Taylor, in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, said that the 30-year dispute revolved around royalty issues from the 1993 hit movie, “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile”.

He added that the reconciliation would pave way for renewed collaboration and advancement of Nigerian culture as well as entertainment on the global stage.

“Ti Oluwa Nile”, initially written by Adepoju in 1987, was transformed into a three-part movie in 1993 through Kilani’s Mainframe Films and Television Productions.

According to Taylor, the feud between the two veterans had affected the growth of Nollywood in one way or the other.

“Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also told me how great the film ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’ is and that’s why he chose me as agent for the reconciliation of the long time feud.

“As the Asoju Asa Oodua to the Ooni of Ife, I played a pivotal role in facilitating the peaceful resolution.

“Delegates from the palace, at the behest of the Ooni of Ife, visited Tunde Kelani at his Abeokuta home to seal the settlement.

“This historic reconciliation is a testament to the Ooni of Ife’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and the core aim of Aroba Groove Ltd. in preserving the rich cultural history of the Yoruba lineage.

“The Aroba Groove successfully mediated the reconciliation which has given birth to the seamless production of ‘ASIYANBI’, the stage adaptation of TI OLUWA NILE,” he said.

According to him, ASIYANBI is produced by Aroba Groove in collaboration with the House of Oduduwa with the endorsement of the Ooni of Ife, for the younger generation to learn the rich history of  Yoruba culture.

He said that their actions demonstrated the importance of intergenerational collaboration, ensuring a seamless transfer of knowledge and values between the old guard and the next generation.

“By working together, we can avoid misunderstandings and misaligned efforts, ultimately driving progress and development in the entertainment industry.”

Taylor said that the two veterans expressed gratitude to the Ooni of Ife for his intervention.

According to Taylor, Baba Wande in his remarks during the reconciliation said that Kelani is his bosom friend.

Kelani was also quoted to have said that the peace initiative was a reminder that their work (Ti Oluwa Nile) was appreciated.

Mr Ibitayo Akindeji, the Producer and Project Coordinator of ‘ASIYANBI’, said that Aroba Groove was reviving the classic tale through a groundbreaking stage production, promising a thrilling and innovative theatrical experience.

Akindeji said that the captivating stage play was set to captivate audiences in major cities in Nigeria, UK and USA later this year. (NAN)

AKA/FAA

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Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Cholera

By Kazeem Akande

Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Agege Local Government in Lagos State has suspended food vendors in schools in the area as a way of preventing the outbreak of cholera.

The council has also embarked on rigorous sensitisations to prevent outbreak of the disease in its communities.

Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi, Executive Chairman of the council, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.

According to the chairman, efforts have been put in place to sensitise market stakeholders and schools on radio to prevent the outbreak within the community.

“We have suspended all school food vendors to ensure safety of the pupils and students.

“We have informed both the pupils and students on radio stations to come with their foods to ensure their safety from the cholera disease.

“This development will allow us to detect and prevent the outbreaks in our community,” he said.

Egunjobi added that schools were visited and inspected to ensure the children are in good health and environmental condition.

According to him, market traders in various communities were also enlightened and sensitised to adopt environmental hygiene in their places to prevent the outbreak.

“We are working tirelessly to prevent the menace of cholera outbreak in our community.

“We are using various means to talk to our people, through landlord associations and others,  to caution them on ensuring hygiene in preparing  foods and drinks.

“We urge residents to acquaint themselves with precautionary measures against the deadly cholera disease outbreak.”

NAN reports that the killer disease has spread to over 30 states with Lagos recording 24 deaths from 417 cases. (NAN)

AKA/CHOM/FAA

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Folasade Adeniran

Empowerment
By Kazeem Akande
Lagos, June 20, 2024(NAN) Dr Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), and Dr Wale Ahmed (APC- Lagos) have offered N30 million to 135 youths in Agege area of Lagos State for start-up business.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the youths are graduands of a free empowerment and skills acquisition programme organised by Ahmed, representing Agege Federal Constituency.

Obasa, who gave N15 million to the graduands, advised them to make good use of the training and capital to start their businesses.

According to him, this is not just happening, it’s beyond empowerment, we must not allow anything to divide us in the community, not even poverty.

“I thank the honourable member, Ahmed, who organised this programme for the youths to ensure self reliance.

“You cannot depend on begging, just take advantage of this training to move a step forward in your life to achieve your goals.

“To grow in life is not about money but seriousness and hard work, don’t rely on begging because it will reduce you to nothing in the society.

“I used to sell Nylon bags while I was young at Agege market, at least to have my personal money rather than begging from people.

“You need to contribute your own positive quota to the society by eradicating the challenges of unemployment,” he said.

Ahmed, in his remarks, said the empowerment was facilitated to reduce the rate of unemployment in the society.

According to him, the training will go a long way to better the life of the youths and allow them to be self reliant.

“This programme is initiated to support the youths with different free training in various skills like hairdressing, catering, ICT, Event Planning and Decorations and others.

“We organised training for over 135 youths in the community with stipends for transportation during the four weeks programme.

“We only appeal to them to make proper use of the training and focus on how to move forward and contribute positively to,” he said.

Esther Fagbemi, one of the beneficiaries in her remarks, thanked the lawmakers for giving them the opportunity to learn the skills.

Fagbemi said the skill acquired would go a long way to advance her life and put food on her table.

“The N200,000 each we received from the speaker and Ahmed will go a long way in sustaining our businesses,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)
AKA/CHOM/IKU
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Tayo Ikujuni