Category: Community

UniAbuja to construct 9600 bed space ultramodern students’ hostels

Hostel

By Uche Bibilari

Gwagwalada (FCT), June 20, 2024 (NAN) The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has commenced the construction of N16 billon 9,600 bed space ultramodern students’ hostels under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to be completed in September 2025.

Mr Philip Uzouku, the Chairman/Managing Director, Philkruz WA Ltd., disclosed this during the ground breaking ceremony of the construction of the students’ hostels on Thursday in Abuja.

Uzouku said that the company would build and manage the hostels for over 30 years, recoup their money before handing it over to the university.

“We have been on this journey for over eight years, pushing through thick and thin.

“This project will not stop until we finish it, so that by next year September, we will start taking new students to live in it.

“The 9,600 bed space will cost N16 billion and I have six slots in the university of Abuja that will cost about N48 billion to complete it.

“The landmark is 10 hecters per slot; each slot is 1600 beds spaces.

“When we build and manage it for over 30 years and recoup our money before we hand over to the university,” he said.

He said that the company’s motivation to embark on this project was not only to make profit and enrich their pockets.

According to him, the motivation was born out of the desire to partner with the university to contribute in their efforts to provide modern, affordable and state of the arts students’ hostels.

Uzouku appreciated the Vice-chancellor, Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, for giving him the opportunity to be among the investors that have been selected to help alleviate the accommodation problem facing the university.

On his part, Na’Allah called on wealthy citizens of Nigeria to come and build facilities in the university, adding that public universities should not be a government business alone.

He said that the university could accommodate any PPP arrangement that would like to come and build hostels, staff quarters, and canteens among others in the university.

According to him, with enough hostels the university will make a policy that all students’ will be in the hostels, so that anyone who wishes to stay off campus will need to apply for exemption.

The Registrar, Yahaya Mohammed said that at the moment, the university could only accommodate 6,000 out of the 26,000 regular students.

Mohammed said that the hostels when completed would be a big relief to the students who were off campus.

“If there are enough hostels, many students will like to stay as this will help to ease the stress of coming from outside the campus.

“This will be a good market also for other investors to come and invest as they will recoup their money within a short period of time.

“It will not be a project that any investors would lose or regret partnering with the university,” he said.

He said that the university has over 63,000 regular and non-regular students.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that UniAbuja and Philkruz signed the hand-over certificate and the project was officially handed over to the company. (NAN) (www.nannews)

UU/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FCT farmers augment fertiliser with poultry, cow dung

Fertiliser

By Veronica Dariya

Bwari (Abuja) June 20, 2024 (NAN) Some farmers in Bwari Area Council, FCT, say they have resorted to patronising livestock farmers for poultry manure and cow dung as fertilisers on their farms.

The farmers, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said they now used poultry manure and cow dung in place of industrial fertilisers.

They said industrial fertilisers have become expensive  and almost unaffordable for them.

According to them, most farmers have resolved to using organic fertilisers and the rush for the manure has increased since the planting season began.

Mr Yakubu Bala, a farmer in Sabon-gari community said, more people now rush to poultry farms and houses to buy the manure and litter.

Bala said that a bag of poultry excreta which initially cost N3,000, now goes for N5,000.

He attributed the increase in price to the high demand for the poultry manure that farmers are now using to augment.

Mr Bawah Malik, a farmer said he buys cow dung from herders in Kogo community, close to where his farm is located.

Malik said that although what he spent could not be quantified to the cost of industrial fertilisers, adding that the cow dung was enough for him to spread on his crops.

” I sometimes give them N10, 000 or a little more and they ask me to pack as much as I want, sometimes I go four to five times with a wheelbarrow.

” I started patronising them during the dry season farming in December and so, I just continued because it is cost effective as compared to a bag of industrial fertiliser.

” The crops are doing well so far, if God continues to be graceful to us with the rains, we hope to have bountiful yields,” he said.

Mrs Rabi Usman, a poultry farmer in the area, said the patronage for organic manure has been impressive, adding that she was making additional profit from the business.

Usman said she also used poultry excreta on her vegetable garden as well, adding that it was good fertiliser if used with caution.

” Poultry manure and litter is good for farms, it is a low cost fertiliser but you have to be able to use it properly so you don’t do more harm than good to the crops.

”This is because too much of it on crops may kill the crop.

” Science says it returns nutrients and organic matter to the soil and helps to build soil fertility and quality, adding calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and micronutrients to the soil.

” Both chicken and cow manure are some of the best resources of nutrients for organic crop farmers and it makes it easier to earn and maintain or increase your soil’s water retention,” she explained.

Mr Phillip Akuso, one of the farmers in the Baran-goni community, said that as at May a bag of Golden Urea was being sold for N37, 000, while others sold for N35, 000 and above.

” Fertilisers are so expensive this year and now that the planting season is here, it has even gone higher than earlier in the year.

” In 2023, the highest we bought was N20, 000 and slightly above but this year, as at May, Golden Urea was N37, 000.

” NPK 20-20-10 was sold for N35, 000 and above, while NPK 15-15 is scarce in the market and even when you eventually get it, it might be adulterated.

” So if you have to put at least 20 bags on your farm, where will you get the money and why will you not sell the produce at the end at a high price, ” Akuso said.

Akuso  decried the cost of agro inputs, adding that chemicals were essential for a good yield, however, getting them had also become a major challenge for farmers.

He said he had already spent close to N500, 000 to start his farm but was yet to be satisfied with what was on ground, adding that he was not sure of a fruitful yield.

” If I cannot afford fertilisers and agrochemicals, I don’t know what will become of the crops this year, ” he said.

He urged the government to increase access to loan acquisitions for small holder farmers, and farmer groups so that they will be able to boost production on a larger scale.

Akuso urged the government to improve on security in farming communities to enable farmers to produce more and ensure food sufficiency in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

DVK/DE/JPE

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joseph Edeh

Residents butcher stranded whale for meat in Bayelsa community

Whale

By Shedrack Frank

Brass (Bayelsa) June 19, 2024 (NAN) Residents of Okpoama Community in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa, have butchered a stranded giant whale at seaside of the Atlantic ocean close to the community.

The stranded whale, measured about 15 meters long, 5 meters wide and 3 meters height, may have been washed off on Tuesday evening due to low sea wave at the river bank.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that residents of the community meeting the stranded whale on Wednesday morning, trooped out with machetes, hacksaws and axes to dismember the sea animal for fish.

NAN reports that the butchering is still ongoing as at the time of filling the report at Okpoama waterside.

Mr Nengi Omietimi, a resident of the community, said: “as you can see, giant whale was washed off this morning in Okpoama beach; things like this happen every five to six or 10 years.

“Young men are here doing what they know best, a lot of people are still queuing waiting at the beach to get their own share of the fish.

“This thing started happening since morning, as you can see this fish can feed the whole community.

“We just found it this morning at the beach, the people you’re seeing here came from different communities to get their own share of the large mammal,” he said.

Mr Tarinyo Akono, a former chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Bayelsa, who is also an indigene of the community, said that the whale might have died after it got stranded, due to low wave.

He stated that the animal was grounded in the night when the people had gone to sleep, adding that if it was found alive, it could have been rescued and pushed back to the sea.

Also, the Youth President of Okpoama community, Mr Seiyefa Felix Ben-Basuo, who confirmed the incident, also said that the people were at the waterside butchering the sea mammal.

NAN reports that in August 2019, a similar giant whale got stranded at the same waterside and was also butchered by the residents for meat. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

FS/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Project

By Ibrahim Kado

Yola, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has commended his community, Bako Ward of Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa, for the ongoing construction of an Islamic Centre Complex.

Ribadu gave the commendation in Yola on Wednesday, after inspecting the ongoing project, which consists of a mosque, Islamic learning centre and other facilities.

He commended members of the community and other philanthropists who worked for the realisation of the project.

He called for more efforts and financial support to enable completion of the complex, “which is currently at 80 per cent completion.”

The NSA advised members of the community, particularly the youths, to use the complex, when completed, as a rallying point and to advance learning for their educational growth and development.

“We complain a lot about eroding values. A lot of it is because we have abandoned proper learning and inculcating morals in our young ones.

“I hope this place will help address that,” he said.

He pledged to support the project to meet the aspiration of the community.

Alhaji Ahmadu Baminda, a community leader and member of the Mosque Project Committee, explained that Ribadu was invited to the project site to see the community’s efforts and to seek his support.

The goal, according to him, is to galvanise more support to ensure the completion of the project.

“We appreciate all you are doing as an illustrious member of this community.

“We hope that you will help us so that the dream of our community to have a befitting Islamic centre is realised,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

IMK/FDY

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Edited by Philip Yatai

Initiate developmental projects, Ex-NOA boss urges LG chairmen

Projects
By Adedeji Egbebi
Oye-Ekiti(Ekiti), June 19, 2024(NAN) A former Director of the National Orientation Agency(NOA) in Ekiti State, Mr Bamitale Oguntoyinbo, has advised local government chairmen to initiate and execute projects that would promote community development.

Oguntoyinbo gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Oye-Ekiti, Oye Local Government area of the state.

He noted that some LG chairmen in the state were not living to expectations of the residents in providing the dividends of democracy.

Oguntoyinbo, also a former Chairman of Oye Local Government, described local government as the bedrock of democracy.

He said it is also the closest government to the people where developmental projects must be carried out to complement the state government.

He urged the chairmen to work harder in their various local governments to complement the good work of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

According to him, the governor has been working tirelessly to fulfil his electoral promises, and need the support of the chairmen for the people to enjoy dividends of democracy.

“I enjoin the local government chairmen to initiate and execute developmental projects to promote development in their communities.

“The chairmen must interact with the community people, share ideas with them on their needs and initiate projects that will meet their needs.

“They should also initiate good projects and ideas that can attract the approval of the governor to release funds,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

DJ/CEO/IKU
Edited by Chidi Opara/Tayo Ikujuni

Sallah: Rep. donates foodstuff, offers scholarship to orphans in Jos

Scholarship

By Polycarp Auta

Jos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau), has donated foodstuff and offered scholarship to orphans at the Anwarul Faidah Orphanage, also known as ”Gidan Marayu”, in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau.

Gagdi, representing Pankshin/Kanke/ Kanam Federal Constituency of the state, visited the orphanage on Monday as part of activities marking the 2024 Eid-el Kabir celebrations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the orphanage is housing over 70 orphans whose parents were killed in Borno, Adamawa, Southern Kaduna, and Plateau.

The lawmaker said that the gesture was aimed at supporting the orphans to get quality livelihood, adding that it would go a long way to give them a sense of belonging.

Gagdi, who said that the scholarship was basically for the orphans in primary and secondary schools, expressed deep concern over the growing number of out-of-school children, particularly in the northern region.

“Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our children, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child has access to quality education.

”We need to come together to address this challenge; we need an action that is aimed at reducing the number of idle children forced to beg on the streets, instead of attending school.

”So, we are here to provide succour to these underprivileged kids and give them a sense of belonging,” he said.

Gagdi also reiterated his commitment to prioritise the welfare of his constituents, particularly the vulnerable ones.

He, therefore, called on spirited individuals to support the less privileged persons at all times.

The lawmaker also donated food items and cash to the Quintessential Health Care Centre, a mental rehabilitation centre in Jos.

Responding, Prof. Goar suwa, the Executive Director of Quintessential Health Care Centre, Jos and Auwal Mustapha, the Administrative Manager of the Gidan Marayu, thanked the lawmaker for the gesture.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of items donated include bags of rice, cartons of spaghetti and noodles, meat, clothing, cash, among others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AZA/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Involve boys in house chores – Nigerians say

Chores

By Anita Uzoagba

Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Nigerians from all walks of life on Sunday expressed their views on the need for parents to get boys involved in doing house chores.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, that  allowing only the girl child to do the house chores, while the boys play football or other games, was “old fashion”.

Some believe that involving the male child in house chores would instill discipline and responsibility in them.

The Executive Director, Administration, of Every Life Matters Foundation, Mr Benjamin Obasi, advised parents to invest time to train their male children to become responsible adults.

Obasi said that the society had invested so much time to train and educate the girl child in terms of house chores and neglected the boy child to become a nuisance.

According to him, no girl child will be abused if the boy child gets adequate home training.

”Doing house chores are part of the training a boy child should undergo. It is bad to make them grow up with the mentality that a girl child is less valuable,” he said.

On his part, Mr John Atomore, an activist, said it was important to involve the male child in house chores, because chores are not gender based.

“It is a form of training for the boy child, who will live alone some day before starting a family.

“Parents should encourage the male child by making them understand that house chores are not a gender role, but a survival skill.

”When a male child is involved in chores, he will not know whether certain duties are meant for a girl child or not.

“He gains satisfaction in doing it himself when he is used to it,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs Bisiola Adeyanju, a mother of one, said that she has a male child and was going to train him to be a responsible adult to himself, family and society.

“A male child should be involved in chores immediately he can differentiate between left and right.

“We need to involve them early to reduce gender bias in the society because home, they say, is where charity begins.

“The male child should see chores as a normal life responsibility,’’ Adeyanju said.

Mr Ezeabasili Okwudili, a civil servant, said that involving male children in household chores would help break gender stereotypes.

“It will promote equality, and teach important life skills like responsibility, empathy and teamwork.

“It sets a foundation for more equitable relationships and domestic responsibilities in the future.

“My mother involved me in house chores as early as pre-school age. I was washing my socks,” he said.

Okwudili said that helping with laundry could instill a sense of responsibility and contribute to the child’s overall development.

He said as the child grows older, the parent could gradually increase the complexity of the chores assigned to him.

“One way to encourage a male child to take ownership of his chores is by involving him in the decision-making process.

“As a parent, we should provide positive reinforcement and praises for his efforts,” he said.

Okwudili added that setting clear expectations and offering the child rewards for completing chores could also motivate him.

He also urged parents to lead by example and show appreciation for their contributions.

Also, Mr Mmesomachi Anyanwu, a teacher, said that parents could involve a male child in chores by putting them in charge of their personal toys.

“Chores like this send the message to your child that his contribution is important.

“Boys need to learn some housework because, eventually, they are going to be on their own.

“There is nothing as pathetic as a grown man who does not know how to wash his clothes,” he said.

Anyanwu said that chores were training for house responsibilities as adults. He identified the major tasks to include cleaning dishes and sorting out clothes for washing.

He opined that these were basic life skills for the upkeep and maintenance of a home, which everyone needed to know.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AU/DE/AMM

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

FCT residents celebrate Sallah amidst high cost of rams, foodstuff

Sallah

By Veronica Dariya

Bwari (Abuja), June 16, 2024 (NAN) Muslim faithful in Bwari community in the FCT, celebrated the 2024 Eid-el Kabir amid high cost of rams and other food items, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Some of the residents told NAN in separate interviews on Sunday in Abuja, that the economic situation would not deter their joy and cost them the celebration.

Mr Aliyu Nafada, a Muslim faithful in Sabon-Gari community, Bwari, said the cost of ram had increased and was almost unaffordable due to the prevailing economic challenges.

“I went to Dei-dei market last week to purchase a big ram but ended up with a small one because I could not afford the big one.

“The one I ended up buying cost me N85,000, while the big one I wanted to buy was sold for a negotiable price of N190, 000.

“Many buyers went there and couldn’t afford the rams and they went home disappointed,” he said.

Nafada said that he also bought perishables like tomatoes and peppers at exorbitant prices, adding that no matter the situation, the celebration would hold.

Mr Rilwanu Isah, a commercial motorcyclist, said that people were only trying to fulfill their religious obligations but Allah did not put a burden on anyone, who could not afford the sacrifice of ram.

He said: “I could not afford a ram last year and even this year because the price keeps going higher due to the inflation in the economy.

“If Allah permits me to buy, I will, but people must know that Allah has not put a burden on any Muslim who cannot afford a ram.

”It is good if you can afford a ram, if you can’t, just celebrate either way.”

Isah said that he bought just two kilograms of beef for N5, 500 each, tomatoes worth N5, 000 and four ‘mudu’ of rice for N9, 600, to cook and make merry with his family, friends and neighbours.

However, another Muslim faithful, Malam Adamu Sale, a public servant, told NAN that with the help of his wife, a business woman, they were able to buy one ram at N220,000, for the celebration.

Sale said that since his family could not afford to travel for the holiday, as they usually do each year, it cost him less to celebrate in Bwari alongside other friends and neighbors.

“As you can see, we just came back from the praying ground to thank God for today, we will go home to perform our sacrifice, eat and share with others.

”After that, we can go out to see places of recreation, if not today, tomorrow.

“We will definitely celebrate, irrespective of the economic challenges because we are grateful to Allah for life.”

He also noted that, celebrating the day on a Sunday with Christians going to Church was a sign of unity and a blessing.

A NAN correspondent, who visited some ram selling points and markets in the area, reports that an average-sized ram was sold from N80,000, with some going as high as a negotiable price of N500, 000.

A big basket of tomatoes was sold for N190, 000 as compared to its previous price of N150,000 in May.

A smaller baskets and mini buckets of the perishable item was sold from N10,000 to N15,000 respectively.

NAN further reports that sacrificing a ram during Sallah, also known as Eid al-Adha, holds profound religious significance for Muslims.

It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command, demonstrating immense faith and submission.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

DVK/DE/AMM

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

Men share coping with hormonal changes in pregnant wives

Changes

By Vivian Eze/Veronica Dariya

Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) A cross section of men in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have shared their experiences on how they coped with the hormonal changes in their wives during pregnancy.

The men spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

NAN reports that women experience significant hormonal changes during pregnancy to support the growth and development of the fetus and also to prepare the body for childbirth and motherhood.

NAN further reports that these changes can lead to various physical and emotional symptoms, such as mood swings, fatigue, morning sickness, weight gain, skin changes and unusual cravings.

The men, however, told NAN that these changes did not only affect the mother and child but also affected the people around them.

Mr Eunan Ubor, a father and resident of Karu, said the experience was an uneasy one for his family but they were able to cope with the behavioural changes in his pregnant wife.

He said that he had no option than to tolerate his wife’s anger as well as cope with her new likes and dislikes and always listened to her fears and anxiety during the period.

According to him, my wife’s life changed and so did mine; we both had to adjust to the situation that came with the pregnancy at the different stages.

“I had to hide my perfumes and deodorants because it irritated her and started using a particular soap that she liked, so she would not vomit.”

Ubor said that due to the high blood pressure his wife had during the pregnancy, which took them in and out of the hospital, he had to reschedule his closing time at work, to return to his pregnant wife.

This, he explained, was the routine for both of them until she delivered her baby.

He also said that his wife had series of weird nightmares and the fear of giving birth, which kept him awake and praying most nights.

“I had to bear with her and gave her all the support needed during the period, as we waited for the joy that comes after the pains.

“I salute women for all they have to go through to give birth; God has given them grace and all that men need to do, is to support them during this period,” Ubor said.

Similarly, Mr Leonard Ogbiabor, another father, said he has two children and the pregnancy journeys with his wife were worthwhile experience.

Ogbiabor said that during his wife’s first pregnancy, she had weird likeness for smells that were naturally offensive.

He said that she liked the smell of gutter and turned away from food because her taste bud changed, which made her craved for foods, different from what she normally liked.

“She began to develop mood swings; most times, she got angry with no provocation, the harmless jokes I make with her became offensive and this drained me too.

“She also became very weak and could barely take her bath without help; I had to do the house chores myself and still go to work.

”In fact, I had to adjust to a lot of things at that period,” he said.

Ogbiabor also said that although the period was a challenging one as he never blamed his wife for her actions at that time but did his best to support her patiently.

He described his experience as a beautiful one that ended with jubilation, which he added, prepared him for fatherly responsibilities and made him more prayerful.

However, Mr Steven Abah, a father of four, said he was lucky to have his wife’s pregnancies coming with no challenges.

He said that the change in his wife during her pregnancies was not much and not demanding.

“She did not request for much but I made sure she ate good foods as well as fruits and plenty of water.”

Abah said that most times, his wife had issues trying to sleep after turning to several positions but he always assisted her to get comfort.

He emphasised that hormonal changes in his wife during pregnancy varied for each of their children but none was stressful and mentally exhausting. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

VEN/DVK/DE/AMM

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru