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  • Genetic disorders: Don urges establishment of pre-marital counselling centres

     

     

    Genetics

    By Oluwakemi  Oladipo

    Lagos, June 19,2024 (NAN) A  Professor of Human Genetics and Bioinformatics, Idowu Taiwo,  has called on governments to establish genetic centres for pre-marital and marital counselling in many parts of Nigeria.

    “In one of our population genetic studies, the frequency of carriers of sickle cell genotype is 25 per cent among the Yorubas in Lagos State.

    “The result revealed the importance of a rigorous awareness campaigns and proper genetic counselling regarding sickle cell disorder in Nigeria,” Taiwo, a lecturer at the University of Lagos, said.

     

    The professor, who teaches at the university’s Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, made the call  at the 18th Inaugural Lecture of the university on Wednesday.

    The  inaugural lecture  had the theme: “Principalities and Powers or the Gene: Which is to Blame”.

    He said that intending couples would need to be aware of their odds of giving birth to a baby affected by a genetic condition.

    “An informed couple is a better prepared couple.

    “Government should legislate for a compulsory newborn screening programmes to ensure that doctors test for not less than 10 genetic disorders when every baby is born.

    “Many of the genetic conditions, if detected early, can be prevented or ameliorated,” Taiwo said.

    According to him, genes are the units of inheritance located in chromosomes.

    “Genes and chromosomes are made of DNA; so, a mutation of changes that adversely affects DNA may result in severe genetic disorder or even untimely death.

    “Every individual including identical twins, has a unique DNA identity.

    “This attribute of DNA explains its usefulness in paternity testing, personal identification and criminal justice system,” Taiwo added.

    He emphasised that the quality of life of a child regarding health and susceptibility to genetic diseases was determined largely by the genetic quality of the mother’s egg and the father’s fertilising sperm cell.

    “The genesis of adult onset chronic diseases originated through fetal adaptations to undernourishment.

    “Genetic diseases can be broadly classified into two main groups,  namely; chromosomes and genic,” he said.

    He noted that genetic diseases were not curable except by gene manipulation such as genetic engineering and genome editing.

    “The majority of genetic conditions that are wrongly attributed to evil forces are actually due to genetic abnormalities.

    “Out of ignorance, people usually visit the wrong places instead of seeking proper genetic and medical attention.

    “Chances of survival worsen with increasing delay in seeking appropriate attention,” he said.

    Taiwo urged that  a course in forensic DNA should be made compulsory for law students.

    “Forensic DNA evidence is taking a centre stage in personal identification and criminal legal system of many advanced countries,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OKG/DE/IGO

    ===========

    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Smallholder farmers most impacted by climate change – Expert

     

    CAAF2024
    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Ms Grace Mbah,   the Chief Executive Officer and Convener of Climate Action Africa Forum (CAAF2024), says smallholder farmers are most impacted by the climate change.
    Mbah said this while delivering an address of welcome at the CAAF 2024 on Wednesday in Lagos.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of CAAF2024 is: “Green Economies, Brighter Futures: Innovating and Investing in Africa’s Climate Smart Development.”
    Mbah said that smallholder farmers who make up 60 per cent of the population and produce 90 per cent of food are greatly impacted by climate change.
    “Their lives and livelihoods are on the frontlines of this existential threat,” Mbah said.
    Mbah said the challenges of climate change are stark, adding that Africa is warming nearly faster than any other region, with 130 million people at risk from rising sea levels.
    “How we react to the challenges we encounter is up to us, the stories we choose to write of ourselves is up to us.
    “We at Climate Action Africa live on the premise that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world.
    “In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
    “So, we choose to push ourselves continually, to innovate, and invest in the future we want for Africa.
    “A future that is sustainable, green, prosperous and harmonious with nature. That is the story of Africa we choose to write
    “It is this drive that motivates us to boldly announce today the launch of our ‘Billion Trees for Africa’ Initiative under our community programmes,” Mbah said.
    She said the project would address environmental degradation and enhance the ecological and economic resilience of African communities.
    “As we celebrate the vibrant innovations happening across our continent following the registration of over 800 innovators for the CAAF24 deal room, and the selection of outstanding projects for today’s pitch, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing innovators and climate solutions through our new Pan-African Green Economy Programme (PAGE).
    “PAGE created in partnership with IDEA AFRIC will support 5,000 innovators across the continent by 2035,” Mbah said.
    Mbah said that the CAAF recognises the critical role of investment in climate action and is  proud to support the Pan African Climate Action Fund.
    She explained that the fund, a $20 million initial investment fund, co-created by dedicated Africans, seek to empower small growing businesses and startups in the energy, agriculture, circularity and transportation sectors.
    She expressed gratitude to the sponsors, innovators, inventors and exhibitors at the forum for making the summit a success. (NAN)
    FBO/JNC
    =========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Stakeholders call for education, standardisation to boost intra-Africa trade

    Stakeholders at the ARSO General Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday.

     

     

    Trade

    By Lucy Ogalue

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders at the ongoing 30th General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation have called for standardisation in promoting sustainable development, innovation, and export-oriented manufacturing across Africa.

    The stakeholders said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the ongoing 30th General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO).

    According to them, such measure will facilitate trade in the African region.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the programme is  “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century, Building a Quality Culture: One Market, One Standard.”

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite, said a symbiotic relationship existed between education, sustainable development, industrialisation, and trade in the 21st century.

    The minister was represented by her Permanent Secretary, Nura Rimi.

    According to Anite, the ministry considers these essential for economic efficiency, trade facilitation, and tackling developmental challenges.

    She said standardisation was a strategic pillar for governments, stakeholders, and the standardisation community.

    “The theme points out the need to equip the African youth with relevant skills and SMEs with innovative tendencies needed for the 21st Africa’s Industrial Development and Integration Agenda.

    “As provided under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), it is necessary to create awareness of the role of standardisation in sustainable development to catch up with the rest of the world.

    “Standards shape our everyday lives, drive economic efficiency, facilitate trade and are the fulcrum for tackling the challenges of moving towards a more sustainable and resilient development model,” she said.

    The minister called for enhanced synergy and collaboration among African nations and ARSO member states to implement the AfCFTA agreement effectively.

    She reiterated the Nigerian government’s goal to rejuvenate the economy through innovative strategies in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with standardisation playing a key role.

    She urged delegates to leverage on the platform to foster greater political commitment and strategic partnership to effectively implement AfCFTA and the African Union’s 2024 Year of Education.

    Earlier, the Director-General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said it was important to address the enormous challenges hindering progress on the continent.

    Okeke called for concerted efforts to equip African youth with the cognitive skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and succeed in an increasingly complex global landscape.

    “Standardisation is not merely about setting guidelines; it is about fostering a quality culture that permeates every aspect of our lives.

    “Stakeholders must re-commit and work collaboratively to address challenges such as out-of-school children and learning poverty rates.

    “Our task is daunting yet achievable with concerted efforts and innovative approaches through the application of available technologies,” he said.

    Mr Zubairu Abdullahi, representing the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, said the ministry would introduce standardisation courses in its curriculum.

    According to him, this is a way of ensuring the standard of products and will also help raise consumer awareness in the country through education.

    Meanwhile, the President of ARSO, Prof. Alexander Dodoo, called on African countries to use trade standards and collaborate to change the narrative for Africa.

    “We have to create African solutions for African problems. If not, quality education will be meaningless.

    ” Our biggest challenge is our jobs; our youths are going across borders in the new slave trade because we have not created meaningful jobs for them.

    “We owe it to ourselves as leaders to confront the African reality and forge a way for progress,” he said.

    NAN reports that the event was attended by government officials and  key stakeholders in the sector  on the continent. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LCN/FEO/EEE

    ===========

    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Ese E. Eniola Williams

  • Sickle Cell Day: FG to integrate care, services into maternal, child healthcare

    Sickle Cell Day: FG to integrate care, services into maternal, child healthcare

    Sickle Cell

    By Folasade Akpan

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says it will integrate Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) care and services into maternal and child health to improve early identification of cases.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a media conference to commemorate the 2024 World Sickle Cell Day (WSCD) with the theme “Hope Through Progress: Advancing Care Globally.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that sickle cell is a group of disorders that cause red blood cells to become misshapen and break down.

    With sickle cell disease, an inherited group of disorders, red blood cells contort into a sickle shape and die early, leaving a shortage of healthy red blood cells (sickle cell anaemia), blocking blood flow and causing pain (sickle cell crisis).

    NAN also reports that the World Sickle Cell Day is annually commemorated on June 19 to raise awareness about the disease and the need for urgent action.

    The global observance day is also to draw attention to the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by SCD.

    The health minister, who was represented by the ministry’s Director of Public Health, Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, said the integration was targeted at both primary and secondary levels of healthcare in the country.

    According to him, the integration will improve early detection of cases and enrollment into the comprehensive care for SCD.

    He also said that plans were underway to deploy newly validated, efficient and cost-effective Point of Care screening methods that would identify SCD in new-borns, and in other age groups, as first line screening method for SCD at different levels of care.

    He listed other measures to reduce the burden of the disease as: revitalisation and re-positioning of the six SCD centres for improved SCD service delivery and access to care for those living with the disease.

    Pate said SCD is the most prevalent genetic disease in the WHO African Region, and that in many countries of the region including Nigeria, 10 to 40 per cent of the population carry the sickle-cell gene, resulting in estimated SCD prevalence of at least two per cent.

    He said “the situation in the region also indicates that national policies and strategic action plans are inadequate, while appropriate facilities and trained personnel are scarce.

    “In Nigeria, SCD contributes significantly to both child and adult morbidity and mortality.

    “Nigeria stands out as the most SCD endemic country in Africa and globally, ahead of India and Democratic Republic of Congo, with an annual infant death of 100,000, representing eight per cent of infant mortality.”

    The minister added that those that managed to survive, do suffer end-organs damage, which not only shorten their lifespan, but also affects their quality of life.

    He also said it is one disorder that may negatively undermine the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) one, three and four.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo, said that among the more than 120 million people affected globally by SCD, an estimated 66 per cent live in Africa.

    He also said that “an average of 1,000 children are born every day with SCD, making it the most prevalent genetically-acquired disease in the African region.”

    Mulombo, who was represented by Dr Kelius Msyamboza, said about 6.4 per cent of under-five mortality in Africa is attributed to SCD, with a 26 per cent increase in deaths from 2000 to 2019.

    He, however, said in response to the situation, the organisation developed a strategy to tackle the disease in the WHO African Region, adopted by member states during the 66th Regional Committee for Africa.

    Mulombo said the strategy provided a set of public health interventions to reduce the disease burden through improved awareness, prevention and early detection.

    According to him, early diagnosis in new-borns through point-of-care screening allows early treatment that can save lives, alleviate symptoms and reduce suffering from pains.

    “As for adults with SCD, regular checks are crucial to monitor signs of organ damage, early detection and effective management, he advised.

    He disclosed that Nigeria had been selected as one of the 20 priority countries to implement the PEN-Plus intervention.

    On her part,  Prof. Obiageli Nnodu, the Director, Centre of Excellence for SCD Research and Training, University of Abuja (CERSTA), said the centre was carrying out conventional screening of new-borns in 25 Primary Health Care (PHC) centres in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    She added that the centre had screened 22,000 babies in the FCT and 12,000 in Kaduna State, while 344 babies had been identified, while efforts were underway to follow them up.

    Nnodu added that infrastructure was built to support a national SCD disease registry, and that capacity had been built to support the immediate role-out of universal new born screening.

    She explained that though the barriers to screening had been addressed, the centre was still encountering other barriers to enrollment of detected babies.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FOF/HA

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

  • Stock market: investors lose N49bn on sell pressure 

    Loss
    By Rukayat Adeyemi
    Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The stock market, resuming from the Sallah break on Wednesday, closed on a negative note with indices dropping by 0.08 per cent, amid sell pressure.

     

    Sell pressure in the stocks of MTN Nigeria, alongside Tier-one banks, namely: FBN Holdings, United Bank For Africa (UBA), as well as Nigerian Breweries, SUNU Assurances, among other declined equities drove the market’s weak performance.

     

    Specifically, the market capitalisation, which opened at N56.527 trillion, lost N49 billion or 0.08 per cent  billion to close at N56.478 trillion.

     

    The All-Share Index also declined by 0.08 per cent or  84.43 points to settle at 99,840.95, as against 99,925.38 recorded on Friday.

     

    As a result, the Year-To-Date (YTD) return slipped to 33.52 per cent.

     

    However, market breadth closed positive with 41 gainers and 15 losers on the floor of the Exchange.

     

    On the gainers log,  UPL led by 10 per cent to close at N2.75, Guinness Nigeria followed by 9.96 per cent to close at N66.25 per share.

     

    Champion rose by 9.83 per cent  to close at N3.24, Honeywell Flour gained 9.52 per cent to close at N3.45, and Veritas Kapital advanced by 9.46 per cent to close at 81k per share.

     

    On the other side, Caverton led the losers’ log by 9.62 per cent to close at N1.41, ABC Transport trailed by 9.52 per cent to close at 57k per share.

     

    Nigerian Breweries lost 8.37 per cent to close at N29, Wapic Insurance declined by 5.71 per cent to close at 66k, while AXA Mansard came down by 4.37 per cent to close at N5.25 per share.

     

    Also, analysis of the market activities showed trade turnover settled higher relative to the previous session, with the value of transactions rising by 233.02 per cent.

     

    A total of 1.38 billion shares valued at N16.48 billion were exchanged in 9,899 deals, in contrast to 318.10 million shares valued at N4.95 billion traded in 7,302 deals posted in the previous session.

     

    Fidelity Bank led the activity log in volume and value with 1.05 billion shares worth N11.32 billion, AIICO Insurance followed by 60.67 million shares valued at N58.90 million.

     

    Veritas Kapital sold 55.73 million shares valued at N44.31 million, UBA transacted 21.64 million shares worth N480.50 million, and Zenith Bank traded 15.27 million shares worth N545.48 million.

     

    Meanwhile, analysts at Cowry Asset Management, predicted a mixed trend trading, driven by profit-taking activities for the week.

     

    They stated that sector rotation and portfolio rebalancing on the exchange are expected to continue.

     

    According to the analysts, this is in anticipation of the second half of the year’s window dressing activities and the release of the May, 2024 consumer price inflation report.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    RUKY/AWA
    ===========
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Sickle Cell Disorder, neglected health challenge – Mrs Soludo

    The Wife of Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo

    Health

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Wife of Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, says Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) remains one of the most largely neglected health challenge in the society.

    Soludo, Founder of Healthy Living Initiative, made the assertion on Wednesday to commemorate the World Sickle Cell Day marked on June 19 annually.

    She said there was the need to raise awareness about the disorder and deliberate on the challenges faced by persons living with sickle cell disorder.

    “Today, as we join the global community to mark the World Sickle Cell Day, it is essential to note that sickle cell disease remains the most neglected health challenge in our society today.

    “We need to think of what we have been able to do or what more we can do to help them through the whole journey.

    “We have a responsibility to care for and support these special people, whether in our homes, workplaces, and larger communities,” she said.

    Soludo advocated increased campaign on genotype education and provision of basic platforms for persons living with sickle cell disorder to succeed in their own ambitions.

    She also urged Nigerians to stop stigmatising persons with sickle cell disorder as it was not their making to live in such health condition

    “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo will intensify public enlightenment on sickle cell disorder and how it can be prevented.

    ”The initiative will as well support persons living with the disorder to ensure a healthy living,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LCO/DE/VIV

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    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Vivian Ihechu

     

  • Group charges FG, labour groups to quickly agree on living wage

    Negotiation
    By Mujidat Oyewole
    Ilorin, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWGN) on Wednesday in Ilorin called for further negotiation on the minimum wage and a quick agreement on a living wage.

    The group said in a statement that this would be in accordance with the promise made by President Bola Tinubu to increase the minimum wage of Nigerian workers in 2024.

    It added that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the negotiating team of the Federal Government needed to expedite action on the negotiation.

    The group, in the statement signed by its National Coordinator, Alhaji lbrahim Abdullahi, and the National Secretary, Dr Nasir Balogun, frowned at the recent strike action called by labour.

    “This affected essential service delivery, such as the switching-off of the national grid, while it also hampered air-travels and led to workers’ withdrawal of services in hospital facilities.

    “However, Section 31 of the Trade Union Act forbids essential workers from participating in strike actions, because of the critical nature of their duties,” it said.

    While stating that there was the need for a new minimum wage for workers and enhanced pension for Nigeria’s senior citizens, the group however insisted that a nationwide strike was unnecessary.

    ”Once it involves essential workers, it will be counter-productive.

    “This type of action will create more hardship for the citizens of the country,” it stated.

    The group urged labour unions to forget about strike actions and pave way for reasonable conclusion of negotiation in the interest of all Nigerians.

    “However, we urge the Federal Government to give a reasonable offer as new minimum wage when negotiation resumes,” it added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MOB/BEKI/OLAL
    ===============

    (Edited by Abdulfatai Beki and Olawale Alabi)

  • Germany beat Hungary 2-0 to reach Euro last 16 

    Win

    Stuttgart, June 19, 2025 (dpa/NAN) Hosts Germany on Wednesday became the first side to qualify for the Euro 2024 last 16 after Jamal Musiala’s controversial goal and an Ilkay Gündogan strike in a 2-0 win over an enterprising Hungary.

    Croatia’s draw with Albania earlier and the situation in Group C means there will be at least two third-placed sides who cannot match Germany’s six points.

    The four best third-placed teams out of six groups would qualify for the knock-out stages alongside each top two.

    Germany’s 5-1 thrashing of Scotland lit up the opening of the tournament and Julian Nagelsmann unsurprisingly kept the same starting line-up.

    Hungary, who lost 3-1 to Switzerland in the first match, started brightly but Germany got the opener midway through the first half.

    Musiala rifled home his second of the tournament after good work from captain Gündogan.

    Hungary appealed for a foul by Gündogan in the box before he pulled it back, but a video review allowed the goal.

    Hungary continued to threaten but Gündogan settled matters on 67 minutes when he swept in left back Maximilian Mittelstädt’s low cross.

    Manuel Neuer was kept busy on his 17th Euro appearance as he moved level with ex-Italy icon Gianluigi Buffon as the goalkeeper with the most Euro outings.

    The Marco Rossi’s side also had a goal ruled out for offside.

    Hungary’s hopes of progressing are slim but they next meet Scotland, who will later play against Switzerland in the other Group A game. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MUYI/EMAF

    =========

  • How physical verification exercise exposed ghost workers – Yemi-Esan

    Verification

    By Okon Okon

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), said the recent physical verification exercise by her.office, exposed workers living abroad but still earning salaries from the service.

    Yemi-Esan revealed this during a chat with media executives on Wednesday in Abuja, being part of activities to mark 2024 Civil Service Week.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the theme for 2024 celebration is ‘Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality and Relevant Learning in Africa’.

    The HoCSF said many of the civil servants, who were caught up in their games, had to resign their appointments, following their failure to carry out the physical verification exercise.

    According to her, the verification exercise was one of the measures by her office, to check corrupt practices, run a smooth civil service and reposition the sector.

    “Recently, there was a circular that went out to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that, they should do a physical headcount in their MDAs.

    “That means, everybody on the nominal roll, that is receiving salaries, should appear physically and the names of those who did not show up for the exercise should be forwarded.

    “In the circular, I cautioned that Permanent Secretaries and CEOs that give wrong information will be held liable if anything is discovered outside of the information that was given,” she said.

    The HOCSF added that the decision by the government was that, after the exercise, they would stop the salaries of those, in one way or the other, had left the service without proper documentation, but still earning renumeration.

    “From what I saw, the number of people that have gone out of the country and are still earning salaries, is more in the parastatals than in the core ministries.

    “I actually called one of the heads of the agencies and queried why there is such a number of people earning salaries and are not on their desks.

    “I asked how the agency come about such a huge number of the purported workers,” she said

    Yemi-Esan said the reply she got was that some of the civil servants even returned from the UK for the verification exercise.

    Yemi-Esan said: “The Head of that agency told me that he discovered that, a week after the verification exercise,  some of them rushed from the UK to the country, with the intention to do their own verification

    “He said they came to him saying,  aah! Oga, we are around; we heard they did verification.

    “The agency head, asked them to come back in two weeks time for their verification; knowing fully well that  nobody working in the UK, will be able to have such luxury of time,” she said.

    The HOCSF said from the incident narrated to her, most of the affected workers had to resign their appointments because they knew that the game was over.

    She decried the situation, where civil servants who did not have official permission to be out of their office, would travel out of the country for years, and still earning salaries.

    Yemi-Esan added that such development was unacceptable, when there were millions of Nigerians waiting to be employed.

    She also used the opportunity of the event, to appreciate media partners whom she described as “backbone for the successful reforms carried out” by her office since her assumption of duty.(NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

    MZM/ROT

    =========

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

     

  • UN agencies donate households materials, dignity kits to Benue IDPs 

    Donation

    By Emmanuel Antswen

    Makurdi, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The International Organisation for Migration (IOM),  has donated essential household materials to  over 2,000,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue.

    The IOM  Chief of Mission in Nigeria,  Mr Laurent De Boeck  performed the ceremony on Wednesday at Ichuwa IDPs camp in North Bank Makurdi,
    The items donated by IOM included: mattresses, gallons, blankets, mosquito nets, cooking utensils, buckets, among others.
    De Boeck said the non food items were to support the IDPs as they were  still in the camps while the state government and other development partners would execute the durable solutions.
    He said the delegation also included members of the North -East Ambassadors Group, UN delegation, all headed by the IOM chief of mission.
    He called for  collaboration and cooperation between the  government and the development partners for effective and efficient handling of the humanitarian crises in the state.
    While  commending  the state government for the work done so far, he  urged the government to redouble its efforts at actualising  the  identified durable solutions.
    Also, the United Nations  donated 2,000 prepared sets of dignity kits to preserve the dignity of women and girls while in the camps.
    Dr Matthew Onoja, Humanitarian/SRH Analyst , UNFPA,  while making the UN presentation said all women,  irrespective of wherever they might be, needed their dignity intact.
    Earlier, Gov.  Hyacient Alia while receiving the team led by the IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria,  commended them for their overwhelming support to the humanitarian crises.
    He said the state government would on Thursday,  launch the Rapid Response Fund, an initiative made possible through  collaboration with  the IOM and the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA).
    Represented by his deputy, Mr  Sam Ode, Alia said their presence in the state representing ambassadors, high commissioners, heads of international financing institutions, the UN, and other international bodies, underscored their  unwavering commitment to security, stabilisation, and development of Benue.
    He further commended them for their dedication to providing life saving humanitarian assistance to the distressed Benue people.
    “The Rapid Response Fund is not just a project; it is a lifeline for many in our community. It is designed to provide immediate relief and to uphold the dignity of our displaced populations. .
    “It will  address urgent protection and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) issues, improving hygiene conditions within the camps, and facilitating closure of IDP camps on economic sites to allow business activities to resume.
    “This initiative aligns with our Durable Solutions Plan, ensuring that while we provide temporary relief, our long-term commitment to sustainable solutions for IDPs remains steadfast.
    “Your support in this endeavour is invaluable, and I am confident that together, we can create meaningful and lasting change.”he said
    Also, the Executive Secretary (ES) State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr James Iorpuu said the delegation was also in the state to launch 5,700 temporary shelters for IDPs.
    He also said the team while in the state would participate in the launching of the State Repaid Response Fund.
    Speaking to Journalists, Mrs Mimidoo Kadev, Special Adviser to the governor on Humanitarian and Disaster Affairs said the governor remained committed to the resettlement of IDPs in the State.(NAN)( www.nannews.ng)
    AEB/CHOM/YGA
    ===============
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Gabriel Yough