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Category: General News

  • Lagos moves to tame climate change

    From left, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Oniru of Iru, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Chairman House Committee on Environment, Lagos House of Assembly, Mr Olanrewaju Afinni; Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab; Obanikoro of Lagos, Chief Adesoji Ajayibembe and Consulate-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr Michael Deelen, during the inauguration of Lagos Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan and Lagos Climate Change Mainstreaming Strategy in Lagos on Tuesday.
    Climate
    By Aderonke Ojediran
    Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos State says the state’s Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan and Climate Mainstreaming strategy will promote renewable energy for implementing sustainable waste management.

    He said this on Tuesday in Lagos when he inaugurated the strategy, explaining that it would also build resilience in the face of climate variability.
    The governor, represented by the Deputy Dovernor, Dr Obafemi Hazmat, said: “We, as a government, believe and understand the effect of climate change.
    “Even though some world leaders do not understand the enormity of the situation, look at what happened in Dubai and even Texas, we as a society need to protect our environment.
    “This seed that was planted when our former governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), saw the need to protect our environment because of the impending danger.
    “When there’s flooding and one people are displaced the only logical thing to do is find succour where there’s calm.
    “We just want those migrating to Lagos to follow our plans, you just can’t bring your shop and say this is where I want it, ask yourself if it fits into Lagos plan.
    “I want to  call on residents  to desist from blocking or building on drainage channels, taking care of our environment is a collective responsibility.
    “I strongly believe that when the plan upon which a community is built is followed, the environment will be better structured”.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fashola, started the climate change summit in 2009 when he was governor of the state, said the government must urgently increase access to safe water.
    Similarly, the immediate past Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola, commended his successors in the state for sustaining the summit initiative which he started in March, 2009.
    Fashola called on the Lagos state government not to lose its leadership role in promoting the awareness on opportunities and challenges that comes with Climate change.
    “I’d like to commend Gov. Sanwo-Olu for keying into the vision, seeing this continuity says a lot about leadership.
    “When our video came up when we began this summit, I had black hair, but now climate change has happened to my hair, it’s all grey, this nostalgic feeling will stay with me, the sustainability of this summit is predicated on good governance,” he said.
    The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said that the three days summit was to explore ways to mobilise climate finance into the adaptation space to enable transition to a low carbon economy for the benefit of residents.
    “We will continue to collaborate to build a resilience city in a bid to reducing carbon emission profile and adapting to climate change for the collective good of all.
    “I also call on people to comport themselves to avoid flooding by adhering to the physical planning framework as the state government is committed to converting waste to wealth,” he said.
    Also speaking at the event, a former Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Dr Muniz Banire, urged government to further build on existing templates of development in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    OAF/KAY
    =======
    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Educationist advocates curriculum adjustment to promote inclusive learning 

    Educationist advocates curriculum adjustment to promote inclusive learning

    Inclusion

    By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

    Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) A diversity and inclusion advocate,  Ms Akhere Aghedo-Akran, has called for review of education curriculum to recognise inclusive classrooms.

    “The inclusion is about teaching students with disabilities in the same classroom as their non-disabled peers, offering a full range of services to meet all students’ needs within the general education classroom.

     

    “It is important for special education and general education to work together in order to improve teaching and learning, Aghedo-Akran told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.

    Aghedo-Akran, also the Education Manager of Lagos-based St. Agatha Inclusive Learning Centre, said that such  a practice would improve teaching and learning.

    According to the educator, the step will go a long way to create a more enriching learning environment and build effective support systems for the children to acquire knowledge in their natural settings irrespective of any physical challenges.

    “General education should not neglect students with mild disability but should instead strive for effective teaching for all.

    “General education students receive better-tailored instructions and learn valuable skills of collaboration and helpfulness, which can benefit their lives and make a positive impact on the world.

    “Inclusive education is essential for successful learning, especially for students with disability who have unique individual needs; hence, the need to review/adjust curriculum and teaching methods,” she said.

    According to the educator, inclusive education aims to ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, have access to an appropriate and effective education, ultimately building support systems.

    “It is also important to recognise that inclusive education is a right for all children who are capable of effective learning and should be included in the teaching and learning process.

    “This has become necessary as it will create an enabling environment for the individuals to demonstrate their potential,” she added.

    She solicited more awareness campaign on inclusive education, adding that  there was need to train teachers on it.

    “Experts should create a structured in-service course to improve understanding of diversity.

    “In order to improve education experience for students with disabilities in Nigeria, it is essential to prioritise collaboration, monitoring, curriculum review and inclusive practices in the classroom.

    “Adopting the curriculum and instructional practices will help every student to enhance his or her strength and address any perceived weakness.

    “It is important for educational institutions to create a culture of understanding and acceptance towards students with disabilities,” she added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MIL/KOO/IGO
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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Group canvasses revival of value system for egalitarian society

    Values
    By AbdulFatai Beki
    Ilorin, June 11 2024 (NAN) A socio-cultural organisation, llorin Emirate Descendants Progressives Union (lEDPU), Central zone, has called for revival of value system in order to have an egalitarian society.

    Chairman of the group, Alhaji Hameed-Amode Ajao, made the call when he led the executive members of the zone on a courtesy visit to the Kwara office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in llorin on Tuesday.

    According to him, the revival of value system will minimise moral decadence among Nigerians, especially the youth.

    Amode stated that no nation could become great without paying special attention to the activities of its youths.

    The chairman said the annual Sallah programme embarked upon by the central zone of the union was aimed at reminding youths of the need for them to contribute their own quota toward the growth of the society.

    He said that the central zone of the union, with 56 branches, would continue to embark on activities that would keep youths away from social vices.

    Amode commended NAN for its informative and enlightenment roles in Nigeria and beyond.

    Responding, the NAN State Correspondent in Kwara, Alhaji Abdulfatai Beki, thanked the union for the visit.

    NAN reports that the visit was in continuation of the union’s activities to further strengthen its relationship with media organisations in the state. (NAN) (www nannews ng)
    BEKl/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Tinubu to address nation on Democracy Day

    Tinubu to address nation on Democracy Day

    Democracy

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu will address the nation in a broadcast on the occasion of Democracy Day at 7.00 a.m. on June 12.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, in a statement, urged television, radio, and other electronic media outlets to join the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Tinubu greets Justice Muhammadu Uwais on birthday

    Tinubu greets Justice Muhammadu Uwais on birthday

    Birthday

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday congratulated Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais,a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, on his birthday.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement that the President celebrated the eminent jurist who  served the nation in many capacities, including as Chairman of the National Judicial Council.

    He also served as Chairman of the Nigerian Body of Benchers, and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute.

    “President Tinubu extols the courage, wisdom, and fine thread of brilliance, which ran through the illustrious legal career of the elder statesman.

    “The President commends Justice Uwais for his service to the nation, acknowledging his role in shaping the foundations of Nigeria’s judiciary.

    “The President prays for many more years in good health for the elder statesman and his family,” Ngelale said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/BHB

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Tinubu condoles with Malawi over death of VP Saulos Chilima

    Tinubu condoles with Malawi over death of VP Saulos Chilima

    Condolence

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to President Lazarus Chakwera and the people of Malawi over the death of Vice President Saulos Chilima and other officials in a plane crash.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Monday, in Abuja, that President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the deceased over the June 10 incident.

    “The President assures the Malawian nation of Nigeria’s support during this time of mourning and prays for the repose of the souls of the departed.”

    Recall that Chilima and nine others were reported to be flying within Malawi on Monday morning when their aircraft disappeared from airport radars.

    On Tuesday, the search and rescue team was reported to have found the aircraft near a hill in the Chikangawa Forest, completely destroyed, with no survivors.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/SOA 

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Tinubu condemns Katsina attacks, directs security agencies to go after assailants

    Tinubu condemns Katsina attacks, directs security agencies to go after assailants

    Attacks
    By Salif Atojoko
    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the recent attacks against citizens in Dutsin-Ma and Kankara Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Tuesday that the President described the latest attacks as grisly and sinister.

    He said the President emphasised that more would be done to secure citizens and completely degrade terrorists and other harbingers of death and sorrow in any part of the country.

    “President Tinubu directs security agencies to go after the assailants and ensure that they are brought to justice.

    “The President condoles with the families of the deceased, as well as the Government and people of Katsina State, and prays for the repose of the souls of the departed,” said the statement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    SA/IKU

    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • Eid-el-Kabir: TRACE advises motorists on safe driving

    Motorists

     

    By Ige Adekunle

     

    Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) has advised motorists to desist from drunk-driving and driving against one-way to stem mishaps during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

     

    Ijoko Unit Commander of TRACE, Mrs Temitope Oseni, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ota, Ogun.

     

    NAN reports that Muslims will celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival across the country on Sunday.

     

    Oseni said the advice was necessary for motorists to awaken their consciousness that only the living celebrate.

     

    “We are appealing to them to refrain from indiscriminate parking on the road to prevent incoming vehicles ramming into them.

     

    “In addition, they should obey traffic rules and regulations and drive with caution to arrive at their various destinations,” she said.

     

    Oseni also cautioned traders against displaying goods on the highway to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.

     

    She said that the Corps Commander of TRACE, Mr Seni Ogunyemi, had directed all unit commanders and zonal commanders to deploy personnel to accident-prone areas to ensure a hitch-free festival.

     

    Oseni appealed to motorists to cooperate with TRACE personnel and other sister agencies to ensure sanity on the road during the Eid-el-Kabir festival and at all times. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    IGE/OJI/MAS

     

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Moses Solanke

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Implement public health laws, Enugu judge urges federal, state govts.

    Implement public health laws, Enugu judge urges federal, state govts.

    Health

    By Ifeoma Aka

    Enugu, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Justice Chinyere Ani of the Enugu State High Court has appealed to the federal and state governments to implement public health laws to protect the well-being of Nigerians.

    She made the appeal on Tuesday in Enugu during the inauguration of the National Association of Health Educators and Practitioners (NAHE&P), Enugu State chapter.

    Ani, the guest lecturer at the event, said “Nigeria does not need to enact new laws but should rather, implement the already enacted ones,” adding that the country has enough laws on public health.

    She regretted that the right to health as enshrined in Section 260 of the 1999 Constitution is not justiciable, noting that Nigerians can only qualify with public health when the section is justiciable.

    The judge cautioned against doing something that would endanger peoples’ health, including burying loved ones in a house where people are living, pointing out that Section 246 of the Criminal Code outlaws such act.

    Ani urged the people to form the habit of burying their loved ones at the cemetery to avoid outbreak of disease, and challenged the association to educate the people effectively.

    Earlier, the National President of NAHE&P, Prof. Raheem Adarama, revealed that the major thrust of the association is to empower individuals, communities and nations to take control of their health and well-being.

    Adarama, who was represented by the Anambra President of the association, Chrysantus Onwurah, declared that health education is a fundamental human right.

    According to Adarama, every individual deserves access to accurate information, resources, and support to make informed decisions about their health.

    He said “as health educators and practitioners, we play a vital role in shaping the health landscape of our country.

    “We are the catalysts for positive change, the champions of health promotion, and advocates for health equity.

    “Our work has the power to transform lives, break down barriers and build a healthier future for all.”

    In her remark, the Enugu State President of the association, Prof. Ngozi Ani, said that the group would embark on massive public health education to encourage  people to prevent themselves from contacting diseases.

    Ani hinted that the association would partner hospitals and health institutions in the state to ensure that health education gets to the people in the rural communities.

    She said that the association would be vibrant and active in carrying out its responsibilities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IFO/OJI/HA

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

  • Kano residents lament lingering water scarcity

    Kano residents lament lingering water scarcity

    Scarcity
    By Muhammad Nur Tijani
    Kano, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Some residents of Kano metropolis have expressed great concern over the lingering water scarcity in the city.

    A cross-section of the residents, who spoke on the situation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Tuesday said that the situation had lasted for about one year.

    They said that it had caused them untold economic hardship.

    They appealed to the State Government to quickly come to their rescue.

    NAN reports that the areas mostly affected include Kano Municipal, Dala, Nasarawa, Taurauni, Gwale, Kimbotso and Fagge Local Government Areas (LGAs).

    A resident of Dakata in Nasarawa LGA, Tanko Idris, said the water scarcity had persisted for about a year in some areas with no solution in sight.

    Idris said that he was worried that the problem had lingered without any solution by the government.

    He said: “I am a petty trader and I have seven children. I buy a cart of six jerrycans of water for N1,200 on a daily basis.

    “Government spends billions of naira on over head bridges, flyovers and interchange projects.

    “Why not channel part of the money to provide water for the people?”

    Also, Baba Ali of Tarauni area said that the situation had made life unbearable for most families in the affected areas.

    Ali said that families now relied on unwholesome water from vendors, in spite of its impurity and health risks.

    “The taps have not run for about nine months to one year in some areas and the few available hand pumps are overstretched.

    “Children spend several hours in the queue waiting to fetch water.

    “We are experiencing difficulties in accessing clean water in Kano,” Ali said.

    A resident of Fagge LGA, Aisha Isa, described the situation as disheartening, saying that they struggled to find alternatives to public water supply.

    Isa, who called for “urgent government intervention”, said that she was spending an average of N1,500 daily on water.

    A civil servant in Kumbotso, Saleh Musa, also said that the situation was overwhelming and taking too long to solve.

    “Authorities concerned should look into our plight and find a way to address it immediately because water is life and we need it to survive,” Musa said.

    He further said that he used five carts of water in less than a week, which cost him N1,500.

    A bank worker from Gwale, Muhammad Nura, also decried the situation, saying that water vendors hiked the price of water per cart by about 100 per cent.

    Nura said that residents were buying a 25-litre jerrycan of water between N100 and N120 as against the former price of N50 and N60.

    “We are left with no option than to patronise unwholesome water from the vendors even at exorbitant prices.

    “I urge the State Government to declare a state of emergency on portable water supply,” he said.

    Efforts to get the Commissioner for Water Resources, Ali Makoda, to react to the ugly development, were unsuccessful.

    However, a top ministry official, who pleaded anonymity, said that government was aware of the crisis and was making efforts to tackle it. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MNT/BEN/USO
    Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Sam Oditah