Author: oyekan zainab

Plateau Gov.’s wife raises alarm over rising cases of drug abuse

Drugs

By Zainab Oyekan

Jos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Helen Mutfwang, the wife of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, has raised concerns over the rising cases of drug abuse in the state.

Mrs Mutfwang spoke out during an event to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Jos, on Wednesday.

The governor’s wife, who said that illicit drugs had been a serious threat to development, security and public health in Plateau, noted that it had also destroyed lives, broken homes and undermined the state’s social fabric.

She said that drug abuse was no doubt affecting millions of people worldwide; from those struggling with substance use disorders, to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organised crime.

“The truth is that the impact of drugs are far-reaching and complex, and will require collective efforts to tackle,“ Mrs Mutfwang said.

She said this year’s campaign had recognised that effective drug policies should be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion and a deep understanding of the social, economic and health implications of the menace.

She said that the theme for 2024 celebration, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention “, was apt and should be embraced by everyone.

She said the government and relevant stakeholders would implement prevention policies and programmes for the youths to take a firm stance against drug addiction through administrative and legal measures.

Mrs Mutfwang therefore, urged everyone especially the youths, to avoid the destructive path of drug abuse and embrace a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Also speaking during the event, Dr Moses Audu, a psychiatrist, who warned against substance abuse, advised that prevention was key to achieving a drug-free society.

Audu advised parents and guardians to always caution and monitor their children and wards against abusing drugs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that 15 secondary schools graced the event, and four students were awarded scholarships by Rise Above Substance Abuse (RASA), an NGO, for exceptional performance.

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Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

NGO champions mentoring for young journalists

Mentorship

By Zainab Oyekan

Jos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Mr Gad Peter, the Executive Director CLEEN Foundation, an NGO, says mentoring young journalists should be paramount in the minds of veterans.

Peter said this during a 2-day workshop organised by the NGO, in collaboration with UNWomen on Tuesday in Jos, to train women journalists.

According to him, mentoring and networking are important aspects of the overall training that will enable younger ones gain valuable skills and knowledge.

The director said mentoring would afford young journalists supportive network of contacts that would help them build professional connections.

“Mentoring is likened to sewing a seed that if well nurtured, will produce good fruits, so we expect every professional to mentor at different levels,” he said.

Peter further noted that the good thing about mentoring was that it would help the young journalists develop confidence and self esteem, which was a top requirement to be on the field.

He therefore, urged professional journalists to take mentoring as a mandatory aspect of their job and be intentional about it. (NAN)

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Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

Plateau govt trains 200 widows on household items production

Training

By Zainab Oyekan

Jos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Helen Mutfwang, wife of Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, has declared open a training for 200 widows in production of household items, to mark the International Widows Day.

Mrs Mutfwang, who made the declaration during a press briefing in Sunday in Jos, said the widows were selected across the 17 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

According to her, the widows will also be supported with cash gifts to start up the production.

“The training is in line with the demonstration of our commitment to continuously improve the well-being of our widows in the state, “ she said.

The governor’s wife said the theme for this year’s celebration: “Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality”, was apt.

She said the training and empowerment would enable widows achieve equality and financial independence.

”You will agree with me that once a widow is empowered through various trainings, she will be able to take care of her children and live a good life, “ she said.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government and promised to utilise the opportunity.

Mrs Uchu Okuyho, from Bassa LGA, said the training had been impactful.

Ladi Gyang , a mother of five, said any form of empowerment or training given to widows would enhance many lives; and commended the efforts of the governor’s wife. (NAN)

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Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

Plateau governor’s wife urges end to harmful practices against widows

Widows

By Zainab Oyekan

Jos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Helen Mutfwang, wife of Plateau Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, has called on governments at all levels and other stakeholders, to end harmful practices against widows.

Mrs Mutfwang made the call during a press briefing on Sunday in Jos, to mark the International Widows Day.

She reiterated the need for governments at all levels, Civil Society Organisations, religious groups, community leaders, and the society at large, to work together to protect widows from harmful cultural practices.

According to the governor’s wife, it is imperative that all hands are put on deck to ensure a widow-friendly environment that provides support and inclusion.

She noted that in many countries with traditional societies, including Nigeria, women often found themselves in poverty situations, because they were most times denied inheritance and land rights, evicted from their homes, ostracised and abused, following the death of their husbands.

According to her therefore, the International Widows Day seeks to encourage action on achieving full rights for widows, highlighting the need for more research and statistics into violence, discrimination and poverty suffered by widows.

She further stated that the day was aimed at developing policies and programmes that should address widows’ plight.

”The day also affords us the opportunity to reevaluate our levels of commitment to the plight of widows in the state, and to continue to work assiduously to initiate programmes that would improve the well-being of widows in particular, and women generally,” she said.

Mrs Mutfwang said that the state acknowledged the invaluable contributions of widows in building the state and nation, and so would support and empower them.

“The state, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in an effort to ensure widows are empowered economically, has trained 102 widows in three vocational skills acquisition.

“The skills include; tailoring, catering and knitting; and widows were given modern equipment and tangible Startup packs to enable them support their families and contribute to the growth and development of society, “ she added.

Mrs Mutfwang further pledged her office’s commitment to uplifting widows in the state, and called on all hands to be on deck to end harmful practices against vulnerable women. (NAN)

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Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

Trader jailed 1year for illegal possession of firearms

Sentence

By Zainab Oyekan

Jos, June 20, 2024 ( NAN) A Jos Magistrates’ Court on Thursday , sentenced a 35 year-old trader, Samaila Salisu to a year imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms.

The Magistrate, Shawomi Bokkos, summarily tried and sentenced the defendant after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

The magistrate, however, gave the convict an option to pay N20, 000 or spend one year in prison.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp Ibrahim Gokwat told the court that the case was reported on May 13, at the Laranto Police station, Jos, by a team of police officers on patrol.

The offence, according to him, is punishable under the Plateau State Penal Code Law. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh