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Author: Talatu Maiwada

  • Adamawa govt. receives 1,207 metric tons of grains from FG

    Grains
    By Talatu Maiwada
    Yola, June 28, (NAN) Adamawa Government, on Friday, received 1,207 metric tons of grains from National Strategic Reserve for distribution among schools and vulnerable groups in the state.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commodities include: 462 metric tons of maize, 199.5 metric tons of millet and 546 metric tons of sorghum.
    Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, who handed over the items to the state government in Yola, said the gesture was aimed at mitigating the adverse economic challenges in the country.
    The NEMA director-general, represented by NEMA Zonal Director, North-East, Mr Yakubu Suleiman, said that the items would be distributed equally to all the 21 local government areas in the state.
    NAN reports that President Bola Tinubu had directed that 20 per cent of the food items allotted to each local government be given to religious organisations, Jama’atu Nasril Islam and Christian Association of Nigeria and three per cent to boarding schools the council areas.
    Earlier, the state Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, appreciated the president for the support, while also commending NEMA for safe and timely delivery of the food items.
    Farauta promised that the commodities would be distributed equally and that they would be judiciously used by the state.
    Executive Secretary, Post Primary Schools Management Board, Mr Samuel Wagereng, who received the items on behalf of the benefiting schools, appreciated the Federal Government for the laudable initiative.
    According to him, the food items will go a long way in feeding students in boarding schools across the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    TIM/GOM/WAS
    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • NEDC inspects ongoing projects in Adamawa

    NEDC inspects ongoing projects in Adamawa

    Projects

    By Talatu Maiwada

    Yola, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Mr Alkali Goni, Director-General NorthEast Development Commission (NEDC) and the management team, on Friday inspected ongoing and completed projects executed by the commission in Yola.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the projects include; Accident and Emergency (A and E) complex of Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola.

    Others are; rehabilitation and re-equipment of Technical Skills Acquisition Centre in Jimeta Yola, construction of solar powered borehole at Fottudde Sanda, Yola South and Federal College of Education Yola, among others.

    Goni said the aim of the inspection was to ascertain and review the progress of work achieved thus far.

    He, however, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at site and the quality of job executed, while assuring that ongoing projects would be completed in record time.

    Speaking on the ongoing construction of the A and E complex, Goni said that the structure was aimed at enhancing the emergency medical services in the region with modern facilities and equipment.

    He, however, expressed concern that various challenges including economic variables have stalled the completion of the project.

    “The project was awarded in 2023, which ought to have been completed, but some challenges arise in terms of economic variables that delayed the completion.

    “It’s not just to award a contract, completing it is the most important, so we are working closely with the contractor and consultants to ensure its completed in record time for use.

    “The NEDC decided to intervene by providing a comfortable and befitting structure where they can work effectively, when we realised the present one is small and congested,” The D-G said.

    In his remark, the Chief Medical Director MAUTH, Prof. Adamu Bakari, appreciated the management of the NEDC, for embarking on such laudable project for the hospital, saying it would enhance service delivery for its citizens.

    “The present A and E unit is just 10 per cent of the ongoing project, while describing it as an edifice.

    “When completed, the structure will have about four theatres, laboratories, ultrasound units, with several consulting rooms and offices,” the CMD added.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

    TIM/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru 

     

  • Adamawa Govt. approves Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board’s constitution

    Adamawa Govt. approves Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board’s constitution

    By Talatu Maiwada

    Board

    Yola, June 25, (NAN)Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri has approved the constitution of the State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, with Rev. Theophilus Shadrach and Geoffrey Garba as Executive Chairman and Secretary respectively.

    The approval was announced in a statement, by Mr Humwashi Wonosikou, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, in Yola on Tuesday.

    The Board members include: Rev. Moses Luckson, Rev. Anslemn Kachalla, Rev. Bukar Lala, Pastor Biyasa Abraham, Rev. Joel Lamba, Rev. Stephen Stephen.

    “Other members include; Rev. Pius Ayuba, representing the Southern Zone, Pastor Alfred Sunama representing Central Zone, and Rev. Sixtus Wuylshiri representing the Northern Zone.

    “Also on the list are representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    “I wish the Board members well and urged them to steer the office with decorum and the fear of God, as ordained Ministers,” he stated.

    According to the statement, the Board would be inaugurated on June 27.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

    TIM/EAL
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    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

  • ANAN assures participants of security ahead of MCPD programmme in Adamawa

    Security

    By Talatu Maiwada

    Yola, June 24, (NAN) The Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Adamawa branch, has assured the participants of security ahead of its upcoming third session of the 2024 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Programmme.

    Association’s Branch Chairman, Dr Titus Obadiah, during a news conference in Yola on Monday, said the security situation in Adamawa had greatly improved.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MCPD programme with the theme: “Sustainable Accounting and Economic Social and Governance (ESG) Reporting’’, is scheduled to hold from July 1st to 3.

    Obadiah, who was represented by Mr Tyona Terkimbi, Chairman, Local Organising Committee, restated the association’s commitment to collaborate with security agencies in providing a safe and secured environment.

    “The event is expecting to host over 2000 participants from across the country, with some visiting the state for the first time.

    “At a time when all-over the state is branded as Boko Haram area where no human being exists, but now the security situation in Adamawa has greatly improved.

    “We have engaged in meaningful discussion with the security agencies towards confidence building and sensitisation on the security implication of the stay of our numerous participants in town.

    “We are satisfied with their response and participants are enjoined to exercise minimum level of caution without fear as security agencies are in control of the situation, “Obadiah assured.

    He said the objectives of the association aimed at
    advancing the science of accountancy by determining the standard of knowledge and skills of persons seeking to become registered members of the profession.

    According to him, association carries out its mandate through two organs, firstly, the Nigerian College of Accountancy as the training arm for advancing the science of accountancy, thereby ensuring broad training like law and medicine.

    “Secondly, the MCPD programme is aimed at continuous development of existing professional accountants knowledge on current issues and developments in the profession.

    Obadiah listed activities line up for the event to include courtesy call to the Adamawa State Governor, gala Nite, technical sessions and induction off new members, among others. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

    TIM/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

  • Drug Abuse: NDLEA arrests 454 suspects in Adamawa

    Drug

    By Talatu Maiwada

    Yola, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLE), Adamawa Command, says it has arrested no fewer than 454 suspected illicit drug traffickers/peddlers from June 2023 till date.

    State Commander of NDLEA, Mr Samson Agboalu, disclosed this on Friday at a news conference to begin the commemoration of the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Drug Day with the theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention” is celebrated annually on June 26 globally.

    Agboalu said that the arrest figure made by the agency reflected a 9.38 per cent decrease from the 501 arrests made in the previous year.

    He noted that the drug seizures significantly increased, with a total of 4,732.128 kilo grammes of hard drugs confiscated.

    ”This is a 75 per cent increase from the 1,164.750 kg seized between June 2022 and June 2023.

    “These seizures include a range of substances such as Cannabis Sativa, Methamphetamine (ice), Cocaine, Tramadol, Exol-5, Diazepam tablets, Codeine-based syrup, Rohypnol tablets, and Pentazocine injections.

    “Our Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) efforts have also been fruitful, with 107 residential clients treated, counseled, and rehabilitated, and 222 trafficking clients receiving brief intervention counseling,” he said.

    Speaking on prosecution efforts and forfeitures from June 2023 till date, he said 148 individuals were convicted, with notable increase from 115 convictions recorded between June 2022 and June 2023.

    “The highest sentences handed down were between10 and five years imprisonment, with the least six months.

    “Monetary forfeiture recorded an increase, with the sum of N851,153 forfeited to the Federal Government and deposited into the Treasury Single Account (TSA), compared to N729,480 in the previous year.”

    The NDLEA commander called for the adoption of preventive measures as a strategic approach in addressing drug abuse in the state.

    He said that it was imperative to invest in prevention through increased public education, collaboration with communities by ensuring youths have access to accurate information to discourage drug use.

    “As we reflect on the theme, it is clear that investing in prevention is a strategic approach that promises long-term benefits and only effective way to address the root causes of drug abuse.

    “Evidence has shown that prevention programmes can significantly reduce the initiation of drug use, thereby reducing the burden on law enforcement and the healthcare system.

    “By focusing on education, awareness, and early intervention, we can protect our communities, particularly the youth, from the devastating effects of drug abuse,” he said.

    Agboalu also emphasised the need for collaborative effort in the fight against the menace, in order to create a future where children could grow up in a safe, healthy, and drug-free communities.

    NAN reports that the command has organised one-week activities in line with the commemoration of the  World Drug Day to raise awareness and promote preventive measures (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

    TIM/DCO/ADA

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    Edited by Deborah Coker/Deji Abdulwahab

  • FAO, Adamawa Govt. distribute farm inputs to 187,250 farmers

    Farmers

    By Talatu Maiwada

    Jabbi-Lamba (Adamawa) June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Adamawa Government have begun the distribution of farm inputs to 187,250 farmers in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States

    Speaking at the event on Thursday at Jabbi-Lamba, Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa, Mr Dominique Kouacou, FAO’s Nigeria/ECOWAS Representative, said that the support followed the seeming escalation of food insecurity in the country.

    Represented by Mr Luck Manga, Head of Office, North-East, Kouacou, said that a large population of people in the North-East were at the risk of facing food insecurity.

    Kouacou said that the intervention, supported by the European Union, USAID, Swiss Development and Norway’s Foreign Affairs among other partners, was targeted at benefiting about 26,750 households.

    “In all, the intervention will benefit no fewer than 187,250 individuals across the the three states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe,” he said.

    The FAO representative, said that a total of 5,350 households and 37,450 individuals would benefit from the programme in Guyuk, Madagali, Michika and Girei areas of Adamawa.

    “They will receive essential inputs such as cereal seeds, legume seeds, vegetable seeds and NPK fertilisers.

    “This collaborative effort is geared towards restoring and strengthening food security in the state.

    “It is also aimed at supporting the communities to restart their individual means of  livelihood, improve food production and foster economic resilience,” he said.

    Earlier, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, said that the collaboration was a significant milestone in the effort to transform agriculture in the state and the North-East region at large

    Represented by Prof. David Jatau, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Fintiri commended FAO for the support, describing it as timely and impactful.

    “Agriculture is not just a sector, it is a way of life. Your support has been instrumental in building resilience in our agriculture sector and ensuring food security.

    “From these initiatives, the farmers will receive high quality seeds, fertiliser and other inputs that will help to produce high yielding crops,” he said.

    The governor said that the state government was already providing training supports to farmers to improve their skills and competence.

    “Our intention is to develop sustainable agricultural practices that will ensure long-term food security for our people,” he said.

    Halilu Bello, a beneficiary, appreciated FAO and the state government for the initiative, saying that the inputs would help the farmers to eliminate hunger and rebuild their sources of livelihood.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that is leading international efforts to eliminate hunger. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TIM/FON/AZU

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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu and Azubuike Okeh

  • Group seeks  community-based approach to end GBV in Adamawa

    Group seeks  community-based approach to end GBV in Adamawa

    GBV

    By Talatu Maiwada

    Yola, June 19, 2024 ( NAN) The Anglican Compassion and Development Initiative(ACADI), an NGO, has called for community involvement and other stakeholders coordinated efforts to end the rising cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Adamawa.

    Rev. Ifeanyichukwu Mmaduakonam, GBV Desk Officer of the  Anglican Dioceses of Yola, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Yola.

    Mmaduakonam said the increasing cases of GBV in the country prompted the Church Of Nigeria (CON) through ACADI, to embark on a transformational response to GBV aimed at preventing and reducing it’s occurrence.

    He said that the role of churches for effective GBV response involves a shift from focusing only on private spiritual matters to public social issues.

    Mmaduakonam explained that GBV is a violation of fundamental human right which affects anyone, and cuts across class, race, ethnicity, religion, educational background among others.

    He stressed that unified efforts and community involvement, as well as government implementation of policies would reduce and eventually end GBV cases in the country.

    “In Nigeria, GBV manifests in various forms, including physical, sexual and psychological harm such as abuse, bullying, rape, genital cutting, early and forced marriage, deprivation of basic necessities of life.

    “ACADI has conducted several key projects on social intervention and capacity building since it’s establishment in 2021 on GBV across the country.

    “We use manuals, theological materials to create awearness, encourage conversations to teach leaders and community dwellers, on their rights and what constitutes GBV.

    “In Adamawa, we had community dialogue with religious and traditional leaders, trained over 150 people in some LGA’s on GBV, set up GBV clubs in schools for teachers and students,” he said.

    The clergy  said the programmes executed were community based, geared towards behavioural change with a view to end the practice in the society.

    He called on stakeholders, including government agencies, traditional and religious leaders, security operatives, citizens to unite efforts and eradicate the menace.

    Mmaduakonam further emphasised the need to ensure perpetrators of GBV are prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others, while stressing the role of media through public awearness on ending GBV. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

    TIM/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • UNICEF engages NYSC on digital learning in Adamawa

    Learning

    By Talatu Maiwada

    Yola, June 15, 2015 (NAN) The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has engaged 500 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to promote digital learning in schools across 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Adamawa.

    Its Education Specialist, Mr Abdurahman Ibrahim, said this on Saturday while speaking with newsmen at a two-day training of 500 corps members on the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP) in Yola.

    Ibrahim said the NLP, which is a digital learning platform, was created to promote and strengthen digital learning for children in schools and those out of school.

    “The NLP is a platform with over 15,000 learning content and the idea is to ensure every child is enrolled on the platform, register courses and complete all the courses.

    “We had a bitter experience during COVID-19, where all activities were shut down, including the education of the children, hence we came up with the idea of an alternative learning programme,” he said.

    He said the engagement with the 500 corps members serving as teachers in schools across the state was to complement and address the limited number of teachers available on the NLP platform.

    ” We are engaging corps members especially those serving in schools, to leverage on their one year service experience to boost learning activities among the children.

    ” Each corps member will be introduced to the NLP, so that when they return to their respective schools they can register more learners on the platform, register their courses and ensure they learn.

    ” This engagement will certainly increase the number of teachers, improve the learning ability and learning outcome of children in the state,” he said.

    The education specialist added that the NLP comprises of various components which captures the educational needs of children in school.

    He said the non-formal education component includes the integrated Quranic education, saying the NLP was applicable and targeted at all children both at the primary and secondary school levels.

    “Presently, we have started the programme in some schools and we distributed tablets, routers for internet access as well as projectors to amplify the NLP platform in their various classes.

    “We understand the power of children having tablets, therefore, we encourage parents to engage the children on the learning platform and minimise their indulgence in playing games daily.

    Speaking on distribution of tablets and access to internet facilities across all schools in rural communities, Ibrahim said various partners are available to support the programme.

    “We will like to state that there are other partners supporting the NLP here in Adamawa, providing all the necessary items like the tablets, routers and projectors to schools inorder to bridge the educational gap in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TIM/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

  • 221 Christians from Adamawa to perform 2024 Pilgrimage, says official

    221 Christians from Adamawa to perform 2024 Pilgrimage, says official

     

    Pilgrimage

    By Talatu Maiwada

    Yola, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Adamawa Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board says it has concluded plans to airlift 221 intending pilgrims to Jerusalem on June 29.

    The Ag. Executive Secretary, of the Board, Ms Angelina Emmanuel disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola on Monday.

    She said, the board had successfully screened all the intending pilgrims both at the state level and local governments.

    “We have 179 prospective pilgrims from the state and 42 from the local governments, where two persons were selected from each of the 21 local governments in Adamawa.

    “Altogether we have 221 registered prospective pilgrims from Adamawa state who would be airlifted on June 29 to Jerusalem”, she said.

    Emmanuel said that the screening exercise conducted for intending pilgrims was towards achieving a seamless 2024 Christian Pilgrimage.

    According to her, the screening exercise was a demonstration of government’s commitment to safeguard pilgrims’ health and ensure proper documentation before travelling.

    The Executive Secretary said that the screening excercise was conducted by various bodies including; team of medical personnel, officials from Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Department of State Service (DSS) among others.

    “The exercise is an annual routine to ascertain the health status of intending pilgrims, ensuring relevant documents such as international passport, yellow card, COVID-19 card are complete and accurate.

    “The officials also do a background check on pilgrims personality and guarantors in order to avoid abscondment, while those with chronic diseases, less than 30 years and pregnant women are disqualified,” she said.

    Emmanuel urged the intending pilgrims to be of good behaviour and shun acts that could bring the state and the country to disrepute while in Jerusalem.

    The executive secretary said that a pilgrimage was not going on a tour for pleasure, but a period of commitment to spiritual exercise — “like praying for themselves, family, state and country”.

    She stressed the need for intending pilgrims to comply with the procedures and protocols established by the commission.

    Emmanuel further expressed gratitude to the State Governor for his unwavering support towards the entire operations as well as the sponsorship of the Pilgrims for the 2024 pilgrimage.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TIM/AOS

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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni