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  • Foundation, Ajinomoto Foods empower widows through cooking competition in Lagos

     

    Participants with the prizes at the cooking competition on Saturday in Lagos.
    Participants with the prizes at the cooking competition on Saturday in Lagos.

    Foundation, Ajinomoto Foods empower widows through cooking competition in Lagos

    Widows
    By Lilian U Okoro
    Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Healing Heart Foundation, an NGO in collaboration with the Ajinomoto Foods Nig Ltd., has empowered some widows through a cooking competition, to enhance their living standard.

    Mrs Sophy Mbanisi, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, made this known at the cooking competition exercise organised by the two bodies in commemoration of the 2024 International Widows Day (IWD) on Saturday in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IWD is celebrated annually on June 23 to explore some of the issues affecting widows around the world and what must be done to safeguard and advance their rights.

    Mbanisi explained that the Foundation moved the IWD celebration to Saturday to enable it accommodate its monthly meeting, usually held on the last week of every month.

    She said that the programme, which had became an annual event since its first edition in 2023, would run from the zonal level to the state and national level by the foundation.

    Speaking on the objectives behind the project, Mbanisi said the programme aimed at challenging widows to achieve more in life to be able to fend for their families.

    She added that the major objective of the programme was to empower widows with healthy cooking skills that would enable them sustain living despite the demise of their spouses.

    According to her, many of the widows have a lot of hidden dreams that are lying dormant in them.

    She said, “The cooking competition project, which started in 2023, is in partnership with Ajinomoto Foods Nigeria Ltd., who is the sole and major sponsor.

    “It was conducted among the Foundation’s widows in its first edition last year, but this year, we are able to compete with another Foundation – the Ebere Otigba Foundation, Ajao Estate Lagos.

    “The fact remains that many of these widows have a lot of hidden dreams and talents that are just lying unexplored in them.

    “We want to see how we can revive some of their dreams and aspirations that were abandoned when their husbands died.

    “So, we want to bring this healthy cooking competition among them because it will spur many of them that are good cooks and some of them that have the aspiration to run good restaurants or work as cooks in organisations.

    “It will equally spur other widows that are out there to know that they can do more, even beyond cooking, to sustain themselves and their families after the demise of their husbands.’’

    According to her, all the widows that participated in the programme went home with tangible gifts, adding that all the contestants in the cooking competition were given remarkable prizes to help them enhance their livelihood and businesses.

     

    Speaking, Mrs Francisca Ikediashi, Corporate Communications Manager, Ajinomoto Foods Nig Ltd., said that the cooking competition aimed at adding value and enhancing the skills of the widows.

    Ikediashi described the project as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, through which it gave back to the society.

    She said that the company collaborated with the Healing Heart Foundation to share values with widows and other vulnerable in the society.

    “Competition is the spice of life; that your husband is dead is not the end of life. As a widow, don’t be limited, you got a lot of potential in you; keep pushing until something happens.

    “From the competition today, there are great cooks. So, what is limiting you; stand up and start doing something for your future and those of your children.

    “There is joy in winning. The first prize winner got a 120litre refrigerator, which can help her if she wants to do any cold business.

    “The second prize winner got a set of big cooking pot; she can start a cooking business with that and others were all given beautiful gifts – coolers and the likes.

    “Learn to be empowered; whatever thing you have, manage it well and start doing something,” Ikediashi urged.

    The President, Lagos State Caterers and Decorators Association, Mrs Olajumoke Abraham-Agbelusi, described the cooking competition as a ‘beautiful one’, as the contestants properly used the Ajinomoto seasonings to enhance the taste of their meals.

    Abraham-Agbelusi, also the competition’s Chief Judge, said there was no excessive usage of the seasoning in the meals, that might cause any individual constipation, vomiting or stooling.

    According to her, excessive usage of the Ajinomoto seasonings remains the reason why some people may complain about the taste of Ajinomoto seasonings.

    “The reason some people complain about the taste of Ajinomoto seasonings is because they don’t know the right quantity to use at a given time.

    “But, when a cook put the right quantity for the right recipe, you will know that Ajinomoto seasoning is a good product.

    “Women cook in diverse ways, but, in the cooking competition, the contestants are able to use the seasoning in a right proportion to give a unique taste to the meals,” she said.

    Mrs Onyekachi Imo, Winner of the cooking competition, appreciated the two bodies for organising the programme, saying it had enhanced her cooking skills.

    According to her, the refrigerator prize she received will not only boost her living standard, but also enhance her business. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    LUC/COF

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    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • We need more people with disabilities in Lagos politics– Centre

    We need more people with disabilities in Lagos politics– Centre

    Disabilities
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 29, 2024( NAN) The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and other stakeholders have advocated the active involvement of individuals with special needs in political activities in Lagos State.

    They made the call at a “Stakeholders Dialogue on Way Forward in Enhancing the Participation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)in Political and Electoral Process in Lagos State”, calling for inclusive political participation focusing on disability rights and policy changes.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by CCD with support from Voice Nigeria.

    They emphasised the importance of inclusive political participation and highlighted the need to remove barriers, such as societal norms and perceptions, to ensure equal political representation.

    Mrs Florence Chima-Austin,  Head of Finance and Administrative, CCD, outlined some challenges faced by persons with disabilities in participating in politics, including the need to review political party policies and sensitise members of political parties and the general public on the rights of PWDs.

    She also emphasised the need for inclusive policy for communities in different parties to be involved, sensitising people on their rights.

    Ms Christiana Njoku, Programme Manager, CCD, explained that the project was targeted at engaging stakeholders and advocating political participation as in the Disability Act.

    According to her, the project focuses on enhancing access to justice, political participation, and democratic governance for youths, elderly women and PWDs.

    She said that so far, key achievements recorded in engagements included establishing contacts within the Nigerian Police Force,  NSCDC  and others, to address disability rights issues among others.

    She emphasised the importance of political participation and encouraged the audience to join a political party to get involved in governance.

    Speaking on the theme, Mr Kayode Afolabi, the Chairman, Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), Alimosho Chapter, in his presentation, educated aspiring politicians with disabilities about the procedures involved in the political system and how to go about it.

    Highlighting types of disabilities to include physical, sensory, mental health and learning difficulties, Afolabi affirmed that PWDs faced a lot of challenges.

    According to him, general challenges facing the PWDs include societal and structural barriers, physical barriers communication barriers, attitudinal barriers, legal and policy barriers.

    He listed other challenges to also include stigma and discrimination, saying “negative attitudes lead to social exclusion”.

    Speaking on accessibility issues, the chairman said that inadequate infrastructure always limits mobility of PWDs.

    On economic barriers, Afolabi said that limited access to education and jobs increase poverty rates among PWDs.

    He also said that PWDs had challenges with health care accessibility as well as in political participation.

    On political participation of PWDs, Afolabi said: “Inaccessible polling stations and party offices prevents full participation.

    “Lack of accessible information formats (braille, sign language) excludes many PWDs.

    “Lack of awareness and sensitivity among political parties and the public marginalises.

    “Outdated or poorly enforced laws fail to protect political rights,” he said.

    On way forward to enhance political participation of PWDs in Nigeria, especially in Lagos State, Afolabi advocated improving accessibility to ensure all public buildings, including polling stations were fully accessible to them.

    Calling for inclusive communication, the chairman urged the political stakeholders to always provide political information in multiple accessible formats.

    On education and sensitisation, Afolabi said there was the need to raise awareness about the rights and capabilities of PWDs.

    Speaking on strengthening legal frameworks, he called for an update and enforce laws protecting political rights.

    Afolabi called for an enhanced access to education and employment for PWDs for the economic empowerment of the special people.

    “Addressing the challenges faced by PWDs in political and electoral processes is vital for creating an inclusive society.

    “By breaking down barriers and promoting accessibility, we can ensure that the voices of PWDs are heard and valued in our democratic systems.

    “This dialogue is a significant step towards achieving these goals, and I look forward to our discussions today.

    Various speakers advised PWDs on how to get involved in politics whenever they choose to do so.

    Hon. Richard Echiabu, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Surulere, said the importance of political organisation membership could not be overemphasised.

    He said that transparency and accountability,  inclusivity and diversity, should be key drivers in political parties.

    “There is  the need for a balance between transparency and inclusivity in political organisations to ensure their effectiveness and legitimacy”.

    Hon. Temitope Agbabiaka, (APC) , Councilor representing Apena Ward, Isolo LCDA, shared their personal experience of near  assassination and joining a political party.

    Also a PWD, he emphasised the importance of aligning with a party that supports disability rights and the significance of embracing a political party that aligned with one’s values and goals.

    Adeola Adeyemi of Action Peoples Party (APP) highlighted the party’s potential to bring about positive change in Nigeria.

    The Lagos State Chairman of Zenith Labour Party emphasised the importance of the party’s ideology and the welfare of all Nigerians.

    He highlighted the need for disability insurance and stressed the need for inclusivity and the importance of addressing the needs of marginalised groups, including PWDs.

    PWDs in attendance were given opportunity to register in some available political parties present at the programmes to foster their effective participation political practices. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Foundation laments stigmatisation against women drug users, others

  • Police arrest driver for attempting to escape with boss’ car

    Police arrest driver attempting to escape with boss’ car

    Driver

    By Moses Omorogieva

    Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Lagos State has arrested a 36-year old man for allegedly attempting to run away with his boss’ car after dropping her off at the market.

    The Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

    Hundeyin said that the complainant, whose identity not disclosed, reported the theft of the car, a Lexus ES 350 with Reg. No., EXY 950 FZ, including her laptop, at the command at about 1.30 p.m. on Tuesday.

    According to Hundeyin, the unnamed driver, allegedly drove away the boss’ car after dropping her off at Tejuosho Market, Yaba.

    “On getting this report, police detectives trailed the suspect to shubiri road, Ojo where he was arrested and the car recovered.

    “The suspect will be charged to court on the conclusion of the investigation,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MIO/KOO/AMM
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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • FEMD rescues 2 persons from collapsed building in Abuja

    Rescue

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) says it has rescued two persons from a collapsed building in Abuja.

    Mr Florence Wenegieme, the acting Director-General of the department, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, said that the incidents happened at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday.

    Wenegieme explained that the building collapsed at Close 10, Drive 5, Second Gate of Prince and Princess Estate, Gudu District, Abuja.

    She said that FEMD activated the National Emergency Management Agency and the FCT Fire Service, immediately it received a distress call about the building collapse.

    The acting D-G, who was accompanied by the Director, Department of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, explained that the collapsed building was a duplex under construction.

    She added that the construction workers ran out of the building as soon as they saw signs that the building was going to collapse.

    “However, two persons in the detached bungalow behind the building were trapped by the rubbles from the collapsed building.

    “The trapped workers were rescued by the FEMD Search and Rescue Team, who cut through the window protectors and pulled them out,” she said.

    The acting D-G appealed to developers and individuals to adhere to building codes and carry out integrity tests on existing buildings before carrying out renovations.

    She underscored the importance of engaging professionals as well as the provision of protective wears to ensure safety of workers on site.

    She also appealed to developers to provide insurance coverage for both the building and the workers on site. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Fund social protection interventions to reduce poverty- EU tells governments

    Fund social protection interventions to reduce poverty- EU tells governments

    Poverty

    By Tosin Kolade

    Abuja, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The European Union (EU) has urged the Federal and state governments to increase funding for social protection interventions, emphasising its importance in reducing poverty nationwide.

    Mr Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation for the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made the call in a communiqué at the end of the 3rd edition of the Social Protection Cross-Learning Summit (SPECS) in Abuja.

    He described social protection as a crucial support system for vulnerable and poor households, providing both a safety net and hope.

    The summit was organised by the Federal Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Social Protection Development Partner Group (DPG) under the theme “Social Protection Towards Human Capital Development.”

    De Luca stressed that social protection plays a vital role in human capital development by ensuring access to essential services such as education, health, and nutrition.

    According to De Luca, this contributes to economic stability, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth, forming a strong foundation for the country’s overall development.

    Referencing a World Bank report that estimated Nigeria’s poor population at 104 million, or 46 per cent, in 2023, De Luca stated, “Investing in social protection means investing in our collective future and fostering resilience”.

    He said it would ensure that every individual had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society in spite of background, location, or uncertainties.

    He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to collaborate with the Nigerian government to address poverty.

    “The EU is supporting Nigeria’s social protection sector with 46 million Euro in its 2021 to 2027 programming, aimed at system strengthening and the design of social safety net programmes.

    “We are finalising processes with UNICEF and GIZ to implement the project in the focal states,” he said.

    De Luca added that the intervention would enhance the social protection system, focusing on the interoperability of related databases, maintaining a functional shock-responsive social register.

    He added that the initiative was also supporting safety net programmes in three North East states targeting communities affected by climate change. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    TAK/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Cholera: Council urges creation of isolation centres in health facilities

    Centre

    By Felicia Imohimi

    Abuja, June 29, 2024(NAN)The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has called on all health facilities to create isolation centres  or camps for effective management of cholera patients.

    Dr Yakubu Baba, EHCON Registrar,  made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

    He said the centres would be managed by the medicals and Environmental Health Officers (EHO).

    Baba said that environmental health could be achieved by putting the necessary preventive measures in place.

    He said that the measures included graduated buckets that collected patient vomitus and the diarrhea; adding that the bucket was purposely for measuring the level of dehydration of patient.

    “The level of dehydration is reported to the medical doctor to make sure that the necessary fluid is been replaced as the patient is passing the vomitus and stool.

    Baba said that the EHO was responsible for the management of contaminated faecal matter and the vomitus of the patient by ensuring continuous disinfection of stool and vomitus.

    “I encourage all EHO working in such facilities to embark on current and concurrent disinfection.

    “The patient and caregivers must also take the necessary universal precautions because of the infectious nature of the disease.

    “I call on healthcare givers to ensure they put on necessary protective equipment and also embark on five level of disinfection which is normally adopted as standard operation procedure as far as cholera outbreak is concern.

    “They should embark on five stages of disinfection measure before they leave the facility, “he said.

    Baba frowned at the rate of visitation of diarrhea patients by loved ones which undermined the infectious nature of the disease.

    He tasked environmental health authority to establish disinfection point adding that any visitor coming in and going out of the centre must be disinfected being the standard protocol of environmental health isolation centres.

    The registrar identified cholera as an infectious disease that caused severe watery diarrhea and vomiting and could lead to dehydration and death if untreated.

    According to him, cholera is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called vibrio cholerae. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FUA/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Women council urges schools to prioritise drug abuse prevention

    NCWS with the Principal and students of FSTC, Orozo

     

    Drug

    By Sarafina Christopher and Justina Auta

    Abuja, June 29, 2024(NAN) The National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) has cautioned students against drug abuse and advised schools to prioritise prevention initiatives to combat the ugly trend.

    The council gave the advice at an awareness campaign in Abuja to commemorate World Drug Day with the theme “The Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention.”

    The campaign was held at Federal Science and Technical College(FSTC), Orozo.

    Mrs Geraldine Etuk, acting National President, NCWS, said that schools played a vital role in shaping the attitude and behaviour of young individuals towards substance abuse.

    She stressed that investing in prevention programmes within educational institutions was crucial to raising awareness, providing support and fostering a drug-free environment for students.

    “As a society, we cannot afford to overlook the devastating consequences of drug abuse, especially among our youth.

    “It is important that we take proactive measures to prevent and address this issue effectively,” she said.

    Etuk also appealed to school administrators to collaborate with local authorities, healthcare professionals and community organisations to create a network of resources to address the multifaceted aspects of drug abuse.

    Mr Nduka Augustine, Superintendent of Narcotics at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, FCT Command, utilised visual aids to showcase the adverse effects of various drugs.

    Augustine said the visuals aimed to dissuade students from engaging in such harmful practices.

    He advocated for the implementation of comprehensive drug prevention programmes encompassing education, counseling and support services for students at risk of substance abuse.

    Mr Fayomi Ayo, the Principal of the school, expressed appreciation to the council for bringing the awareness campaign stating that prevention was key in the fight against drug abuse.

    According to her, schools play a pivotal role in shaping a drug-free future for students.

    Ayo added that by heeding advice and investing in effective prevention strategies, youths could be empowered to make informed decisions, steer clear of substance abuse and contribute to a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the council distributed sanitary and learning materials to the students.

    The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is marked on June 26 annually.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    SAF/JDA/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

  • Tinubu celebrates Fashola at 61

     

    Celebration

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 29, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Saturday congratulated Mr Babatunde Fashola, former Governor of Lagos State, on his 61st birthday.

    In a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, the President described Fashola as a highly esteemed lawyer, administrator, author, essayist, and  a public officer per excellence.

    “He has had a brilliant career trajectory – in private practice as a lawyer and in public service.

    “He was the Chief of Staff when President Tinubu was the Governor of Lagos State and had served in various capacities before his election as the Governor of the state in 2007.

    “The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also served as Minister of Power, Works and Housing from 2015 to 2019, and Minister of Works and Housing from 2019 to 2023,” it stated.

    It added that the President “joins family, friends and well-wishers to celebrate one of Nigeria’s most gifted minds on this special occasion.

    “While thanking Mr Fashola for his fervent services to the nation, President Tinubu prays for many more years in good health for him and his family, as well as for renewed vigour as an active voice and stakeholder in building a greater Nigeria.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/YGA

    Edited by Gabriel Yough

     

  • Consider LGs for GDP growth – NULGE

     

    Autonomy
    By Esenvosa Izah
    Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has called for financial, administrative and political autonomy for local governments.

    The NULGE National President, Mr Ambali Olatunji, said in Lagos on Saturday that the autonomy was important for Nigeria to  grow its gross domestic product more and curb insecurity.

    Olatunji spoke in an interview with the  News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Olatunji said: “We must make local governments to be financially, administratively and politically autonomous.

    “We must consider community policing, so that there must be guarding at the community level.

    “Our policing policy should not be reactionary, but  pre-emptive to be able to address insecurity.

    “Our opinion is that the local government must be the platform for policing evolution in Nigeria.”

    The labour leader also called on  the Federal Government to create a policy that would address unemployment at the local government level.

    He called for revival of the vocational skills acquisition department of local governments.

    According to him, this will ensure that women and youths in the rural communities are trained and empowered.

    “The vocational skills acquisition department across local governments has been erased systematically, overtime.

    “This level of government should be given adequate attention to address the needs of those in the rural settings.

    “It will go a long way to improve  livelihoods and ensure a better Nigeria for everyone,“ Olatunji said. (NAN)
    EEI/IGO
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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola