WordPress

Category: Community

  • Bayelsa traditional ruler, NGOs partner to address health issues

    Bayelsa traditional ruler, NGOs partner to address health issues

    Subjects

    By Nathan Nwakamma

    Yenagoa, June 30, 2024 (NAN) His Royal Highness Prof. Augustine Ikein, the Paramount Ruler of Igbogene in Bayelsa, on Sunday pledged to collaborate with Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) to address health and social issues in the Igbogene community.

    Ikein made the commitment during a community engagement and advocacy visit by the NGOs, the Women Organised for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN) and the Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation (ENWAF), in Yenagoa.

    Mrs Eunice Nnachi, Executive Director of WOMAN, speaking, highlighted the urgent need to tackle the consequences of cholera outbreak, drug abuse, and the neglect of maternal health in the area.

    Nnachi emphasised the importance of improving sanitation and access to clean water to prevent cholera, implementing comprehensive drug abuse prevention and treatment programmes, and increasing investment in maternal healthcare services.

    In his response, the royal father expressed gratitude for WOMAN’s initiative and pledged to collaborate with local authorities, healthcare providers, and community leaders to develop a holistic strategy to address the identified challenges.

    He advocated the need for a multifaceted approach that leveraged the expertise and resources of various stakeholders to improve the overall well-being of the Igbogene community.

    He said that the visit was a crucial step in empowering the community and fostering collaborative efforts to address the pressing health and social issues affecting Igbogene community.

    The traditional ruler emphasised the importance of private initiatives like WOMAN and ENWAF in partnering with traditional rulers, the government, and other stakeholders to promote human welfare and collective well-being.

    He said, “Both advanced and developing countries, encourage your kind of organisation to partner not only with traditional rulers, the government itself, in attempt to promote human welfare that should be about governance.

    “You cannot leave it alone for the government to take all the work. This private initiative is a welcome idea, to add value, promote and create collective welfare.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NN/AMM

    ========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • Cleric reiterates importance of thanksgiving, cautions against evil conscience

    Cleric reiterates importance of thanksgiving, cautions against evil conscience

    Thanksgiving

    By Veronica Dariya

    Bwari (Abuja), June 30, 2024 (NAN) Pastor Abraham Maji of Living Faith Church, Sabon-Gari II, Bwari, Abuja, has urged Christians to imbibe the attitude of praise and thanksgiving in spite of the economic challenges in the country.

    Maji gave the charge on Sunday during the Church’s Thanksgiving Service, in Bwari.

    He also urged worshippers to discard the thoughts of indulging in evil acts because of the challenges.

    He said the fact that one was alive meant he or she was yet to fulfill their destiny and so must keep faith and believe that all things would work for good.

    Citing the Book of 1 John 5:4, he said: ” For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

    “It is therefore important that we continue to trust God, to show himself in times of our struggles and not give in to temptations that will lead us to regrets.

    “If you are able to eat once or twice in a day, give God the glory because someone is in lying sick in the hospital and cannot even eat.”

    He further urged the congregation to have good conscience and self control concerning the issues of life because they determined the destiny of life.

    He emphasised that an evil or dead conscience could lead to inhuman feelings and actions that have unfortunately increased in the society today.

    He added that God appreciates a heart, who gives thanks at all times and not grumble or deviates to do evil in order to meet the pressing demands of life.

    “Check your inner mind, what type of conscience controls you?

    “Rejoice and be happy for people who have made progress and achieved success because it plays a vital role in fulfilling your own divine destiny.

    “Also, when you are grateful and contend with what you have and appreciate others, you encounter all round rest and peace according to John 14: 27.”

    Maji also said that Christians must continue to trust God and rely on Him and not on man, whom he said, may fail or disappoint at any time.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    DVK/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Esu Karu confers traditional titles on Wike, Abass, others

    Esu Karu confers traditional titles on Wike, Abass, others

    Confer

    By Blessing Ibegbu

    Karu (Nasarawa state) June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Esu Karu of Karu Chiefdom, Mr Luka Panya-Baba, on Saturday conferred the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, with the traditional title of Bakuku.

    Panya-Baba conferred the title in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, at the celebration of his 20th Anniversary on the throne as the traditional ruler of Karu Chiefdom.

    He also conferred on Rep. Tajudeen Abass,Speaker, House of Representatives, with the traditional title of Kpatta”, which means ‘Shield’ of Karu Traditional Council.

    He said that the recipients have exhibited exemplary leadership over the years and shown tremendous love and support to the Gbagyi ethnic group.

    Panya-Baba also conferred the traditional title of “Katah” which means ‘Shed’ on Sen. Phillip Aduda, while also awarding the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr Zaphaniah Jisalo, with an Award titled “Outstanding Son of the Gbagyi nation”.

    The Nasarawa State governor’s wife, Hajiya Silifat Sule, was awarded with the traditional title of  “Anyi Koya” of Karu Chiefdom, which means “Women’s mother.

    Dr Lazarus Gaza, an eminent Nigerian, was awarded the title of “Magna” which means instrument.

    Responding on behalf of the recipients, Sen, Adudu appreciated the traditional ruler for the gesture.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Karu is the closest satellite town to the FCT.

    Karu is predominantly occupied by the Gbagyi and Gwandadara speaking people.

    It is highly populated because most workers working in the FCT are resident in Karu (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    BLE/DE/AMM

    ===========

    Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Esu Karu marks 20 years on throne, sues for peace

    The Esu of Karu and his wife during the 20th anniversary
    Esu Karu marks 20 years on throne, sues for peace

    Throne

    By Blessing Ibegbu

    Karu (Nasarawa State), June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Esu Karu of New Karu in Nasarawa State, Mr Luka Panya-Baba, has called for peaceful coexistence among communities and the nation at large.

    Panya-Baba made the call at the celebration of his 20th Anniversary on the throne, on Saturday in Karu, Karu Local Government Council of Nasarawa State.

    He said he envisioned a future that Karu continued to thrive and grow to an enviable height.

    “I am committed to strengthen our unity and ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to succeed, as I embark on the journey into the future.

    “Let us remain united and steadfast in our resolve to support these noble ideals and endeavours together, as we continue to move forward with hope and determination.

    “Together we can achieve greater heights and ensure that Karu remains a land of unity, peace and prosperity,” Panya-Baba said.

    The Esu noted that from the beginning of his reign, his mission was to bring harmony to all the diverse communities.

    He said, “Our efforts at conflict resolution have transformed Karu into a model of peace, setting examples for others to follow.”

    He appreciated the people of Karu and chiefdom, adding that for two decades, he had achieved great things with the collaboration.

    According to him, we have overcome several challenges and brought people with different backgrounds together.

    He thanked the Federal and State governments for their immense contributions in seeing that Karu thrived in several ways.

    The Esu also expressed gratitude to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, for his contribution to the welfare of Karu and for his promise to build a multipurpose hall for the palace.

    Earlier, the Chairman of Karu Local Government Council, Mr James Thomas, in his welcome address, thanked the Esu for his immense contribution to the growth and peace in Karu.

    He said Karu over the years, had recorded so much successes and calmness as a result of the reign of the Esu.

    The FCT minister, Nyisom Wike, represented by Mr Bitrus Garki, Head, FCT Areas Council, urged the Esu to continue in his good works of supporting the FCT and Nigeria to ensure peace.

    Wike, who said it was not easy to be on the throne for two decades, admonished the Esu to keep partnering with the people and government at all levels.

    Similarly, the Lafia Old Student Association (LOSA) led by former Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib, congratulated the Esu.

    He said that LOSA came to celebrate with one of their own, the Esu, an Alumni for his achievements and good conduct in the last 20 years.

    Prof. Jerry Gana, Former Minister of Information, while praying for the Esu, added that Karu would be a land of favour, blessings, prosperity and peace.

    Also, the Chairman, Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, Justice Sidi Bage 1, who called on all traditional rulers to celebrate the Esu with him, prayed for God’s guidance and grace upon him.

    However, Mr Gaza Gbefwi, representing Karu constituency on behalf of the people of Karu chiefdom, presented a white horse to Rep. Tajudeen.

    On the other hand, the Karu Chairman presented a certificate to the speaker and named a road along New Nyanya, after Rep. Abbas Tajudeen.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the occasion was graced with different dance groups from the indigenous people of Karu and other settlers as well.

    All the chiefs in the Karu chiefdom, some officials from past government; the former FCT minister, Jeremiah Useni, also graced the occasion.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    BLE/DE/AMM

    ============

    Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

  • Anyim lauds lawmaker’s efforts to revive culture in Ebonyi

    Youths
    By Chukwuemeka Opara
    Ikwo (Ebonyi) June 29, 2024 (NAN) Former senate president Pius Anyim on Saturday hailed the efforts of Chief Chinedu Ogah, who represents Ikwo/ Ezza South in the House of Representatives, towards reviving culture in his area.
    Anyim made the commendation at Amagu, Ogah’s community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi, while inaugurating the community’s cultural centre initiated by its development authority and completed by Ogah.
    The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) said that the centre would provide an avenue for cultural mentorship of youths of the area and also serve as a meeting point for its elders.
    “The centre will enhance interaction within the community and create the much needed understanding between the young and old.
    “The state government should be commended for placing emphasis on the project by assisting the community ‘s development authority to initiate it,” he said.
    Anyim described the occasion as epochal, adding that culture remain a viable tool for societal rejuvenation.
    “Imbibing cultural values, especially into our young ones, will set the society on the path of growth and development,” he said.
    The state’s immediate past deputy governor, Dr Kelechi Igwe, in a remark, ommended Ogah for the feat, saying that he had surpassed expectations as a lawmaker.
    Igwe, who also inaugurated a complex constructed by Ogah for  elders of the community, described him as a treasure and asset to the community, Ikwo Local Government and Ebonyi.
    “The state governor could have concentrated more on human empowerment if other legislators created the same impact Ogah has, on infrastructural development,” he said.
    Igwe described Ogah as someone who respects elders and therefore deserves respect.
    “He told me that I will inaugurate some projects for him and I replied that wherever the projects are situated, I will come.
    “I want to also thank our Leader, the former Senate President, Sen. Pius Anyim, for coming to our area to inaugurate projects, as he remains my friend and brother.
    “He will always be remembered for stabilising the Senate during his reign and providing panache to the office of the SGF,” he said.
    Ogah, in his remark, thanked the personalities for honouring his invitation, remarking that he was happy to complete the centre on the community’s ancestral home.
    “I was approached by the former leadership of the community’s development authority to complete the project after only laying its foundation despite the state government ‘s contributions.
    “I lobbied at the national assembly and the project was graciously captured in the 2024 appropriation act,” he said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogah has been initiated projects alongside the empowerment of his constituents as part of activities to mark his 48th birthday celebration.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    RCO/OJI/BRM
    =================
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Ikorodu LG to partner NGOs on youth empowerment

    Ikorodu LG to partner NGOs on youth empowerment

    Recycle

    By Adepote Arowojobe

    Ikorodu (Lagos State), June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Ikorodu Local Government Area in Lagos State on Saturday says it will partner with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Wecycler and Sahara Foundation on youth empowerment in the area.

    Mr Wasiu Adesina, the Chairman of the council, made the commitment during the inauguration of Go Recycle hub at Ojogbe area of Ikorodu, Lagos.

    Adesina appreciated the initiators of the projects for the innovation, adding that, “it is an empowerment programme that has the potential to transform lives, communities, climate and our planet,”

    The council chairman in his quest to create the enabling environment, promised to embark on acquisition of 10 acres of land for large scale agricultural production and a trade fair to sell products at cheaper rate.

    “Through this initiative, we empower communities and take ownership of their waste management.

    “We will empower entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions and encourage individuals to make sustainable choices.

    “This idea can turn a liability into an asset, a burden into a blessing, and turning waste to wealth,” he said

    Earlier, Mrs Folashade Oluyinka, representing the Wecycler, advised residents to efficiently manage their waste products since they generated tons of waste daily, from household trash to industrial byproducts.

    Oluyinka advised the youths to join recycling business, as a means of livelihood through monitoring of waste materials produced, as a result of human activity to get valuable resources.

    “The whole purpose of the waste management is to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfill, while empowering the people.

    “However, waste can be a catalyst for change.”

    “We will also empower marginalised groups to access economic opportunities.

    “We are not just empowering people to convert waste to wealth but we want to achieve other ideas.”

    She said that the other ideas include; building skills and capacities, creating jobs and income streams, promoting sustainable livelihoods and reducing inequality and poverty.

    Mr Seun Adeyeri, one of the youths, commended the chairman for his initiative and urged more youth to key into the re-cycling business for self-reliance. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ADEX/ISHO/AMM
    ===============

    Editor by Yinusa Ishola and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • Traders count loses in Karu market fire

     

    Traders count loses in Karu market  fire

    Market
    By Blessing Ibegbu
    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Some traders in Karu market,  Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday, said they lost goods worth millions in the fire outbreak.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fire incident occurred on Thursday at about 7pm.
    Some of the traders who spoke with NAN in tears,  said they don’t know how to manage the fire incident.
    One of the affected traders, Alhaji Abdulhadi Abubakar, who is the Chairman of the Karu Traders Association,  said he was still trying to recover from the shock.
    According to him, the fire was believed to have resulted from a spark of wire from a shop when power was restored.
    Abubakar expressed disappoinment over the inability of the Fire Service to put off the fire before it escalated to several shops.
    “I have seven shops and everything was razed down by the fire. Not even a pin came out of my shops.
    “The Fire Service cannot do much due to lack of access road.,” Abubakar said.
    Another victim, Mr Sunny Mba popularly called ‘Sunnytex’ who deals in  drinks and provisions, said he could not believe that his business which he had been building for years could just vanished.
    Mba who sustained serious injury as a result of the flame, said he was trying to recover goods from his shop.
    He faulted the Fire Service for their inability to respond quickly.

    “I sustained severe burn in my right hand, from the  flames while trying to recover some goods from my shops.

    “The Fire Service and security guards refused people to go inside the market during the fire.
    l
    Part of the burnt Karu market
    ”I think if they had allowed people to go in, probably, there will not have been so much damage.
    “I have two shops with goods worth over N10 million,” Mba lamented.
    Mrs Gladys James, a trader, expressed gratitude to God for preserving some of her goods.
    James said that she was able to remove some of her goods when people were finally allowed to go inside the market.
    ”I sympathise with traders who lost everything to the fire incident, while praying that God Almighty replenish every loss,” she said.
    James said she could not even account for all her recovered goods,  as there was also high rate of theft going on in the market at the time of the incident.
    Mrs Juliet Thomas, a resident of Karu, called on the FCT administration to assist traders that lost all their earnings to the fire incident.
    Thomas said her friend offloaded two trailer load of rice a day before the fire incident.
    According to Thomas, her  friend cannot talk at the moment because goods worth over N100 million were destroyed.
    However, an official of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Gregory Eze, Head of workshop,  told NAN that in spite of the fact that there was no access road to the market, his men tried their best.
    “Our officials had to jumped into the market through the fence, when they discovered there was no access road.
    “I am conversant with this area, because I was once an Area Commander here. We have complained several times even before now, about access road incase of any incident.
    “Water was never a problem. Our tankers had over 10,000ltrs and help came from both military and Julius Berger. Infact there was over 200,000ltrs, but access road was a problem.
    “Yes pipe was used, but the force of water from a distant pipe cannot be compared to the full presence of the truck itself,” Eze said.
    Eze, who is also an Assistant Controller in the service, advised those managing the market to look into the market plan and see how access roads could be created to ensure safety.
    NAN reports that efforts to speak with the facility Managers of the market proved abortive as their offices were under lock.
    There was also an incidence of theft as a teenager was mercilessly and brutally beaten when seen attempting to steal some goods from the victims.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    BLE/DE/JPE
    =========
    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joseph Edeh

  • Bayelsa Govt. cautions IYC, others on collection of unauthorised taxes

    Taxes

    By Shedrack Frank

    Yenagoa, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Bayelsa Government has called on the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and similar organisations in the state to desist from collecting unauthorised taxes from the public

    The Deputy Governor, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the warning in Yenagoa during a meeting with leaders of Tungbo communities in Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.

    He expressed concerns that members of IYC, the Movement for the Survival of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta and other similar groups were collecting unauthorised levies and taxes in the state.

    Ewhrudjakpo urged the leaders to report indigenes of their communities found collecting unauthorised taxes from members of the public to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

    He also called on the police and security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found collecting such taxes in the name of IYC and similar groups in any part of the state.

    “It is illegal to use the name of these organisation to collect illegal taxes and levies in our communities, such act is punishable.

    “Such illegal taxes imposed on traders, transporters and developers are capable of retarding the development of our rural communities.

    “We shall henceforth deal decisively with such individuals who are using the IYC, MOSIEND and other groups to extort money from innocent businessmen and transporters.

    “The state  government will not fold its hands to watch a few persons take the laws into their hands to disparage the government and people of the state,” he said.

    The deputy governor said that such illegal collections from merchants and transporters who brought goods into the state had portrayed the state in bad light

    “Some transporters now decline coming to our communities, others now charge double the actual cost of transportation because of the illegal taxation, this is not good for us.

    “This ugly development has contributed to the consistent rise in the price of goods in the state,” he said.

    NAN reports that the meeting was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Mr Collins Ifidi, and the Divisional Police Officer, in charge of Sagbama Town, CSP Kennedy Teiyeibo.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FS/AZU

    =====

    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

     

  • Ekiti LG boss to introduce new local security outfit 

    Ekiti LG boss to introduce new local security outfit
    Insecurity
    By Adedeji Egbebi
    Ado-Ekiti, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Chairman for Moba Local Government Area in Ekiti, Mr Bamidele Fadugba, on Friday said his administration would unveil new local security outfit to address insecurity within  the community.
    Fadugba made the declaration while interacting with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Ado Ekiti.
    He said that the local security outfit would be called “Mase”, which means “Don’t do it”.
    He explained that the aim of establishing the outfit was to ensure the protection of lives and property of the people in the local government area.
    Fadugba further explained that the local security outfit would comprise of local hunters with special uniforms to distinguish them from other security outfits.
    The chairman promised that the new security outfit would collaborate with the conventional security agencies to get rid of criminals in Ekiti.
    Fadugba also promised to establish a sports hub, which would serve as an opportunity for youths to develop their talents.
    Reacting, the Chairman of NUJ Ekiti State Council, Mr Kayode Babatuyi, commended Fadugba for his contributions to the development of Moba local government.
    He assured the chairman that journalists would continue to assist him to promote his activities in the local government area.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    DJ/AMM
    ==========
    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • UniAbuja senate appoints Aisha Maikudi acting Vice-Chancellor

     

    UniAbuja appoints Aisha Maikudi as acting vice-chancellor

    Acting

    By Uche Bibilari

    Gwagwalada (FCT), June 27, 2024 (NAN) The University of Abuja (UniAbuja), has appointed Prof. Aisha Maikudi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic as the acting vice-chancellor of the University.

    This is contained in a statement to newsmen signed by Dr Habib Yakoob, the Acting Director, Information and University Relations, on Thursday in Abuja.

    According to the statement, her appointment was announced following her nomination at the valedictory Senate meeting held on June 26.

    Yakoob quoted the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah as saying that “Maikudi’s appointment was in a temporary capacity effective after the tenure of the current vice-chancellor.

    This, he said was pending the ratification by the Governing Council.

    He said that Na’Allah would round off his tenure on June 30 after a five year impactful and transformational leadership at the University.

    He said that Maikudi in her acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to members of the Senate for the confidence reposed in her.

    “I want to extend my deepest respect and appreciation to you all for the strong support and unwavering commitment that you have accorded me,” she said.

    According to Yakoob, Maikudi was on born on Jan. 31, 1983, the youngest female professor of Law in the Northwestern Nigeria and UniAbuja.

    She attended Queens College, Lagos where she obtained her West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    She proceeded to the University of Reading, graduating with LLB in 2004 and LLM from the London School of Economics & Political Science in 2005.

    She later bagged a PhD in International Law in 2015 from the University of Abuja.

    Maikudi joined the service of the University of Abuja on Sept. 4, 2008 as Lecturer II and rose to the rank of professor in 2022.

    She became the first female Deputy Dean, at the University’s Faculty of Law, in 2018 and later the pioneer Director, University of Abuja International Centre in 2019.

    Maikudi has attended several National and International conferences in the UK, U.S., South Africa, Germany, Italy, and Egypt.

    She has conducted several researches on United Nations Law and has written extensively in the area.

    She is a member of several professional bodies including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigerian Law Teachers Association (NLTA), and International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    UU/DE/

    =======

    Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru