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Author: Sunday John

  • NGO trains 45 MSMEs on safe packaging of food products

     

     

    Packaging

    By Sunday John

    Lafia, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), an NGO has trained 45 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on modalities for safe packaging of food products in line with global best practices.

    The MSMEs drawn from four Local Government Areas (LGAs) each of Nasarawa and Benue States, included  farmers, processors and producers of various types of food products.

    Speaking at the training on Wednesday, in Lafia, Mr Kefas Musa, Lead Consultant, Herald Consultants and facilitator, said that the participants were taught safe food packaging, marketing and how to run successful businesses.

    He said that the training had exposed the participants to the rudiments of  packaging vitimin-A maize, cassava and orange-flesh sweet potato into finished and highly nutritional products.

    Musa noted that despite the nutritional values of Vitamin maize, cassava and orange-flesh sweet potato, products from their value chain were not readily found in the market.

    He said that GAIN and many partners were supporting MSMEs with funds and technical know-how to encourage the massive production of products from crops with Vitamin A.

    “We taught them how to package their  products without destroying the Vitamin A in the process of production, storage and transportation to the market,” he said.

    The consultant explained that packaging improves the shelf life of a product, and  protect its quality and safety against  damage and contamination.

    He tasked the MSMEs to carve a niche for themselves with their identity and register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to enable them to access support from government and partners.

    “Without packaging, your products will be vulnerable to hazard during distribution and storage thereby making it unsafe for consumption.

    “Packaging serves as an identification of the product as it is package in a special size and colourful container to keep it unique from competitors’ products,” he added.

    Also speaking, Mr Orngu Africa-Orngu, Junior Associate Strengthening Nutrition in Priority Staples of GAIN, said the training was aimed at ensuring food nutrition security.

    He added that the organisation was supporting farmers and businesses to strengthen value chain, thereby improving nutritional products.

    Orngu said that nutrition security was one of the most pressing challenge for sustainable social and economic development in the country.

    “Meeting this need is our target in order to tackle malnutrition because many Nigerians are living on poor diets.

    “Many Nigerians are currently experiencing vitamin and mineral deficiencies leading to severe health outcomes including premature and preventable death of children under five,” he said.

    Mr Ehada Isa, from Nasarawa State and Nguveren Ukange from Benue, who spoke on behalf of other participants, expressed gratitude for the training.

    They promised to use the knowledge gained to improve their businesses and package their products to ensure its safety. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

    SDJ/NCI/IU

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    Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna / Isaac Ukpoju

  • FRSC warns driving schools in Nasarawa against sharp practices

     

    Drivers

    By Sunday John

    Lafia, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned proprietors of driving schools Nasarawa State against sharp practices.

    Corps Commander Lucia Samuel-Mhii, Nasarawa Sector Commander, gave warning while declaring open a  workshop for Proprietors and Instructors of driving schools on Wednesday in Lafia.

    Samuel-Mhii said that the exercise was in compliance with the directive from the Training Department of FRSC Headquarters, Abuja,  to conduct mandatory training for owners of driving schools across the country.

    She pointed out that operators of driving schools must ensure that applicants undergo full training before being given permission to go for practical test on the road and thereafter acquire drivers’ licence.

    The sector commander maintained that on no account must applicants names  be uploaded into the system by proxy in their absence.

    “Fellow the right channel because compromising the process will produce negative results and increase crashes on the highways,” she added.

    She said that the current state of affairs on the road was a direct result of the actions or inactions of the driving schools.

    “The drivers on the roads are products of these schools, and their contributions to either the reduction or increase in crashes should be a matter of concern.

    “Pay close attention to the lectures and apply the knowledge gained to make our highways safer for all road users,”she said.

    In his remarks, Mr Sunday Egwu, acting Chairman, Nasarawa State Driving Schools Association of Nigeria, appreciated FRSC for workshop, saying  the exercise was apt.

    He, therefore, promised on behalf of others to implement the lessons learnt at the workshop with a view to producing qualified and certified drivers.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 22 out of the 45 driving schools across  the state participated in  the training.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SDJ/IU

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    Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

  • Livestock transporters union commits to phase-out rickety vehicles

     

    Vehicles

    By Sunday John

    Lafia, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Livestock and Other Transporters Organisation of Nigeria, says it will no longer allow the use of rickety articulated vehicles by member to transport livestock.

    This, according to organisation will go a long way to reduce road crashes associated with the transportation of animals.

    Mr Simeon Iliyasu, National Chairman of the organisation made the commitment during a courtesy visit to Corps Commander Lucia Samuel-Mhii, Nasarawa State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Monday in Lafia.

    The Chairman who was accompanied by the National Secretary, Mr Clement Ameh, said that they would ensure that articulated vehicles under their union were certified road-worthy before operating.

    He explained that the action became imperative as a result of many crashes involving articulated vehicles leading to loss of lives and property.

    He also said that the union would ensure that their drivers adhered strictly to traffic rules, possess valid drivers’ license and vehicle papers.

    Iliya said that the visit was aimed at seeking collaboration with the FRSC to ensure smooth operations for members.

    Responding, Samuel-Mhii, appreciated the union for the visit and said that FRSC would partner with them and all other stakeholders interested in making the highways safe for all road users.

    She urged the union to subscribe to the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS) in line with the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (As amended in 2016).

    She said that the laws mandates  operators with five or more vehicles to register under the scheme and appoint a competent Safety Manager.

    “Given your organisation’s nationwide presence of over 2000 vehicles, you should appoint multiple safety managers.

    “Registration is Free, but non-compliance carries a fine of N200,000. So, register to avoid sanction,” she added.

    The sector commander explained that vehicles were designed for special purposes and that users should use them accordingly to avoid increasing crashes.

    She pointed out that the rate of road crashes on the highways was unacceptable and efforts must be made to reduce it to the minimum.

    The sector commander also warned against loading passengers in articulated vehicles.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SDJ/NNO/IU

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    Edited by Nick Nicholas/ Isaac Ukpoju

  • Nasarawa Govt offers free hepatitis testing, treatment to 78,000 persons

    Hepatitis

    By Sunday John

    Doma, (Nasarawa State), June 7, 2024 (NAN) Nasarawa State government has begun free screening and treatment for hepatitis for no fewer than 78,000 indigent persons in the state.

    Dr Emmanuel Akabe, the state’s Deputy Governor,  inaugurated the exercise on Friday in Doma Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that free medical outreach was organised by the State government in collaboration with Doctors from the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi.

    According to the deputy governor, the gesture is targeted at people in rural communities in keeping with the  determination of Gov. Abdullahi Sule-led administration to provide affordable healthcare services to the people, especially the poor and vulnerable.

    He explained that the choice of Doma for the inauguration of the exercise was as a result of the high prevalence rate of hepatitis in the area in recent time.

     

    “Records have shown that the prevalence rate of hepatitis in the state and particularly Doma LGA was above the national prevalence rate.

    “The national prevalence rate indicated  two out of every 100 persons, but for Nasarawa is 11 out of 100 persons, while in Doma LGA it’s  15 out of 100 persons.

    “The burden in our state is very high and worrisome, hence the governor directed that it should be tackled using every government machinery.

    “Already, as a state,  we have a robust programme on the elimination of hepatitis before 2030 in line with the target of World Health Organisation (WHO),” Akabe added.

    The deputy governor also disclosed that the state government had entered into agreement with FMC Keffi to deploy its medical experts and equipments for outreach services in three LGAs.

    “We have been pursuing this agreement for the past 15 years and thank God it has come to reality today.

    “As from today, General Hospital Doma and ofcourse other facilities in the selected LGAs are appendages of FMC.

    “You can now access all medical services you could get at FMC Keffi now in Doma  because experts will be deployed on rotational basis to work here and the other two facilities.

    On his part, Dr Gaza Gwamna, the  Commissioner for Health, said that the outreach would be replicated in all local government areas of the state.

    The commissioner said that based on the facilities available, the medical team would be targeting 6,000 persons in each of the 13 LGAs, making a total of  78,000 persons.

     

    He further explained that individuals  that test negative during the screening would be administered vaccine while those found positive would be placed on treatment.

    In his remarks, Alh. Ahmadu Aliyu-Ogah,  the Andoma of Doma and Chairman Traditional Council of the area thanked the government for gesture aimed at bringing succour to the people.

    The traditional ruler called on his people to avail themselves for the exercise saying “it’s safe and aimed at improving your health.”

    Also speaking, Dr Yahaya Baba-Adamu, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FMC Keffi, appreciated Nasarawa government for the partnership aimed at addressing the menace of hepatitis.

    The CMD represented by Dr Ahmed Kana, Head of Clinical Services at the hospital, gave assurance that consultants and other medical personnel would be deployed for the outreaches to ensure its success. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

    SDJ/IU

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    Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

  • Union partners FRSC to check motorcycle-related crashes in Nasarawa

     

    Partnership

    By Sunday John

    Lafia, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Nasarawa State chapter of the Motorcycle Transport Union of Nigeria (MTUN) says it will partner with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to tackle motorcycle – related crashes in the state.

    Kawo Muhammad-Mahmud, Chairman of the union, said this on Thursday at a mega rally organised by the FRSC at the Old Lafia Motor Park, Lafia, to sensitise members of the union.

    Muhammad-Mahmud, in his address, appreciated the  Sector Commander of FRSC in the state, Lucia Samuel-Mhii, for the “timely initiative”.

    He promised to set up machinery across the state to further sensitise  members on the need to adhere strictly to traffic rules and desist from reckless riding.

    The chairman said that he would also set up a disciplinary team to sanction any member caught riding recklessly or disobeying traffic rules.

    Earlier in her address, Samuel-Mhii stressed the importance  of sensitising motorcycle riders to prioritise and adhere to safety protocols.

    She emphasised the dangers of taking hard substances before and while riding as well as riding against traffic light and breaking other traffic rules.

    “It is important for every road user, including motorcyclists, whether private or commercial, to obey  traffic lights,” she said.

    Samuel-Mhii also urged the union to ensure that its members obtain riders’ licenses, proper number plates  and wear safety helmets while riding, to reduce impact in case of crashes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SDJ/OAJ/FAA

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    Edited by Olawale Jokotoye/Folasade Adeniran

  • Energy Crisis: Lafia Varsity holds symposium to proffer solution

     

    Energy

    By Sunday John

    Lafia, May 4, 2024 (NAN) The Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) on Tuesday held an Energy Transition Research Symposium, with the theme, ‘Unlocking Nigeria’s Energy Potential through Policy and Innovation’ to proffer solution to the country’s energy crisis.

     

    Speaking at the event in Lafia, Prof. Emmanuel Kwon-Ndung, Director, Centre for Energy Studies of the institution, said that the event brought together energy researchers, captains of industry, policy makers and students among others.

    The director said that Nigeria was blessed with abundant natural resources. However, realising its potential required visionary policies, innovative technologies and collaborative efforts across all sectors.

    He further said that as a research institute, they were ready to contribute their part towards addressing the challenges faced in the energy sector head-on.

    “We intend to explore and identify sustainable pathways that can lead to more resilient and conclusive energy future for the country.

    “Effective policy framework are fundamental and are the bedrock of any successful energy transition to unlock the country’s potential, ” he said.

    According to him, the symposium will provide a platform for dialogue between policy makers, industry leaders, academics and other stakeholders to forge policies that are ambitious, pragmatic and align with national goals.

    Kwon-Ndung maintained said that innovation was the driver of the energy sector capable of turning potential into reality as witnessed in advanced economies of the world.

    Similarly, Prof. Shehu Abdul-Rahman, Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University appreciated the participants and organisers of the symposium and said  that it was a way of contributing to issues of energy access.

    The VC added that the institution had placed strong emphasis on research and innovation that addresses local and global challenges through different research centres and directorate, saying that the energy centre was one of such centres.

    He said, already, the global energy landscape was undergoing a profound transformation and Nigeria with its abundant natural resources and vibrant human capital would be in the forefront of the transition.

    “As a university, we understand that by fostering collaboration between academia, industry and government, we can create a robust framework that supports innovation solutions and sound policies.

    “The transition to more sustainable and resilient energy future is not a choice but an imperative for the wellbeing and prosperity of the nation.

    “Our centre will continue to drive this transition to enable the country to harness the renewable energy sources, promote efficiency and build a more sustainable energy ecosystem,” the VC added.

    Prof. Abubakar Sambo, the keynote speaker said the country has the capacity to export energy to other countries of the world if its potentials in different areas were properly harnessed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SDJ/BEN/IU
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    Edited by Benson Ezugwu / Isaac Ukpoju

  • Gov Sule lauds First Lady’s food distribution to PWD, others

     

    Food

    By Sunday John

    Lafia, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has commended the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for  donating food items to no fewer than 1,200 vulnerable persons including People with Disabilities (PWD) in the state.

    Sule, represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe gave the commendation at the inauguration of the distribution exercise on Tuesday in Lafia.

    The food distribution was under the Renewed Hope Social Investment Programme Food Outreach Scheme for PWD and other valuable groups, an  initiative of the first lady.

    The beneficiaries comprised of  Persons With Disabilities (PWD), Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), widows and other vulnerable groups drawn from the 13 local government areas of the state.

    The governor noted that the gesture was a testament of the first lady’s determination to provide succour to the indigents members of the society.

    He added that the initiative had resonated the Renewed Hope agenda of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to ensure zero hunger in the country.

    “It will be recalled that the Federal Government removed fuel subsidy in 2023 aimed at transforming the nation’s economy, enhance infrastructure and improve the welfare of the citizenry.

    “This exercise was one of the many modalities developed to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.

    “We must be patient with the government at this time, because very soon the economy of the country will become stronger and sustainable,”he said.

    Sule said that his administration had keyed into the initiative of the Federal Government to cushion the effects of subsidy removal by distributing food and other items to vulnerable groups, students and farmers.

    On her part, Hajiya Silifat Sule, wife of the governor welcomed the first lady, represented by wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President and her entourage to the state.

    She thanked the first lady for the gesture and said it would go a long way to ameliorate the hardship being faced by the beneficiaries.

    Hajiya Sule said that the beneficiaries  were carefully selected to ensure that only those that truly deserved the support were given.

    She said that machinery had been put in place to ensure that the items were not resold but used to better the living conditions of the beneficiaries.

    In his remarks, Retired Justice Sidi Bage-Muhammad, Emir of Lafia, thanked the first lady, the Federal and state governments for catering for the vulnerable groups in the society.

     

    The emir expressed confidence in the capacity, experience and good intension of the Tinubu-led administration to transform the country and appealed to Nigerians to be more patient with the government.

    He said that the country would soon begin to reap the fruits of the policies and decisions taken by the federal government and the economy would be better for it. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SDJ/IU

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    Edited by Isaac Ukpoju