WordPress

Blog

  • Shettima inaugurates distribution of NEDC-assisted agric inputs in North East 

     

    Some of the mini rice mills and other farm inputs distributed to farmers

    Shettima inaugurates distribution of NEDC-assisted agric inputs in North East

    NEDC

    By Yakubu Uba

    Maiduguri, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has inaugurated the distribution of agricultural inputs and equipment supplied by the North East Development Commission (NEDC), to farmers in the zone.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vice president also laid the foundation of the over N26.8b NEDC head office complex in Maiduguri.

    NAN also reports that the VP conducted the Ground Breaking ceremony of the 2nd phase of Jere Bowl Road network embarked on by the commission in Borno, on Wednesday.

    Shettima speaking on the development lauded the commission for embarking on people oriented projects in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    He assured the commission of sustained support in its interventions in all sectors affected by the insurgency in the North East.

    “The NEDC is a critical engine driving the development of the North-East.

    “In the face of adversity, it has demonstrated resilience, vision, and an unyielding dedication to its mission,” Shettima said.

    Also, the Managing Director of NEDC, Mr Mohammed Alkali, said that the commission remained committed to the implementation of the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP), which is a holistic roadmap consisting of 11 Pillars that cut across various sectors.

    Alkali said the pillars were fashioned to propel Socio- economic development and long-term prosperity in the North-East Region.

    “The Master Plan, which is in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Present Administration, requires synergy, cooperation and collaboration by all Stakeholders to make a meaningful impact,” Alkali said.

    Alkali urged all stakeholders to join in re-building a safe, peaceful, enterprising and prosperous region.

    On his part, Retired Maj. Gen. Paul Tarfa, the Chairman of NEDC Board, reiterated the commitment of the commission to intervene in critical sectors that would impact positively on lives of the resilience people of the zone.

    Speaking on behalf of North East governors, the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, lauded the commission for its interventions across the six states, urging it to stick to its master plan.

    Yahaya said that if the commission could deliver 75 per cent of its plan for the zone, it would cover everything in the zone.

    Members of House Committees on Special Duties from the National Assembly, who spoke also lauded the commission’s sustained interventions and assured it of the national assembly’s support to continue to deliver.

    NAN reports that the agricultural inputs distributed to farmers at the occasion included rice transplanter, ridger, rice thresher, rotary tiller, iron bull tractor, disc plough and mini rice mill. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YMU/AMM

    ===========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • PDP felicitates Gov. Oborevwori on birthday

    PDP felicitates Gov. Oborevwori on birthday

    Birthday

    By Emmanuel Oloniruha

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated  Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta  on his birth anniversary.

    This is contained in  a statement issued by   its National Publicity Secretary , Mr Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja on Wednesday.

     

    The party described Oborevwori as a  focused ,humble and visionary leader.

     

    The main opposition party also said Oborevwori was as a man of integrity and  a seasoned administrator.

    According to PDP, the Delta governor has  continued to demonstrate an incomparable commitment in ensuring the progress, well-being and development of Delta, the party and the nation.

    The party added that  when he was  Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly and now democratically elected governor, Oborevwori was  unwavering in his abiding love and selfless service to the people.

    “This is evident in Oborevwori’s life-enhancing legislation and governance policies in Delta”,the party said.

    The PDP said it was  proud of Oborevwori’s  agenda of meaningful development, opportunity for all, realistic reforms and enhanced peace and security.

    It said with the agenda ,Oborevwori was delivering impactful citizens empowerments , infrastructural development projects in all sectors ,in line with the manifesto and policy thrust of PDP.

    The party congratulated Oborevwori and prayed  God to grant him many more years of sound health and vigour in the service of Delta, the nation and humanity.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    OBE/BHB
    ===

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Group seeks collaboration with Abia Govt. to boost tourism

    Tourism

    By Leonard Okachie

    Umuahia, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A group, Royal Ambassadors Family Enlightenment Foundation, has sought collaboration with Abia Government to enhance performance of tourism and entertainment sector in the state.

    The group’s Director-General, Mr Jonathan Okwudiri, made the request, during a courtesy visit on Mr Justice Martin, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism and Entertainment in Umuahia on Wednesday.

    He said that the request was in line with Gov. Alex Otti’s vision for economic growth.

    Okwudiri said that the group was eager to explore avenues for collaboration to develop some of the moribund tourism sites, for business opportunities.

    He listed the sites of interest to include:  Ojukwu Bunker, National War Museum, Azumini, Blue River, Arochukwu Caves and Long Juju Slave Route.

    Okwudiri also said that the foundation wished to organise and host the Miss Abia Tourism Beauty Pageant 2024, where models in the 17 local government areas would participate.

    “Also, we propose Talent Hunts as well as Dancing Competition for women and youths from the 17 LGAs of Abia.

    “These events will not only celebrate beauty pageants and talents hunts, but also attract visitors, fostering tourism and cultural exchange,” he said.

    Responding, Martins said that the government would be willing to collaborate with the foundation and any other group that had the interest of humanity.

    He told the group that the state government did not have control over Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum, saying that they were  Federal Government-owned monuments.

    On the state-owned tourism sites, Martins asked for time to put things in order, saying that the state was going through some recovery process.

    He said that the present administration decided to ban beauty pageantry in the state because some organisers decided to exploit participants.

    “Rest assured that we will collaborate with you, but we ask that you give us some time,” the governor’s aide said. (NAN)(www. nannws.ng)

    LEO/OIF/MNA
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

     

     

     

  • Online media killing our businesses–newspaper vendors lament

     

    Online
    By Benson Ezugwu
    Enugu, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Newspaper vendors and sales representatives of some print media houses in Enugu say their businesses are at the edge due to the infiltration of the online media.
    In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday, they said that the infiltration of online media has led to drastic reduction on sales of hard copies
    They also sited the current economic challenges in the country as worsening the situation.
    Mr Emmanuel Okeke, who said he has been in the business for over 30 years, described the situation as very bad.
    “I have been in this business for over 30 years, built a house with it and married and raised children with the business but since I joined the business, I have never had it so bad.
    “Things started declining as the online media crept into the business, as many of the readers now enjoy reading on their mobile phones, ” he said.
    Okeke said he was now relying more on real estate business as an agent to feed his family.
    A sales representative of one of the leading newspapers in Nigeria, told NAN on the condition of anonymity, that the lack of patronage was affecting even the company negatively.
    “Before I used to receive 500 copies of the newspaper and sometimes you cannot find unsold at the end of the day but today I receive less than 100 copies and 70 per cent is unsold,” he said.
    According to him, while the advent of online media started the declining fortunes of hard copies, the current hardship had worsened the whole situation.
    “Since the advent of online media, people no longer read hard copies, before you see someone buying newspaper unless he had an advert or change of name.
    “The situation has been made worse by the current hardship, people prefer to use their money to find food than to read newspaper; so, it’s as bad as that,” he said.
    The rep also disclosed that the rising cost of printing materials also led  to declining fortunes of newspapers.
    “Now newsprint used to cost N600,000 and N700,000 a rim but today it has risen to between N1.5 million and N1.6 million, due to the unstable foreign exchange market, ” he said.
    Another vendor, Mrs Agnes Ezeora, said that many newspapers that she was their agent  in Enugu had gone online.
    “All the papers have gone online and no longer hard copy; so, I am just doing nothing at the moment.
    “Before I used to go to the Airport daily for supply, I supply 50 copies of only This Day, and supply other national dailies as well, but today I don’t go anywhere,” she said.
    Ezeora said that she had resorted to selling provisions to make ends meet.
    “I can no longer rely on the business, instead I am now combining it with selling of provision store to survive, ” she said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that many old vendors at the popular Edinburgh Street Enugu, have joined property and house agents to make ends meet. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).
    BEN/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Destruction of campaign billboards worries APOSPON in Edo

    Destruction of campaign billboards worries APOSPON in Edo

    Billboards

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin,June 19, 2024(NAN) The Edo State Chapter of Association of Professional Outdoor Signage Practitioners of Nigeria, (APOSPON) on Wednesday lamented the destruction of campaign billboards across the state.

    Speaking with newsmen in Benin,  the State Chairman of APOSPON, Mr Esokpunwu Ekuase, said that the development had negatively affected their business.

    Ekuase said that the destruction of the billboards cut across all political parties.

    He added that the association would formally write a petition to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, Benin and the state police command to notify them of the development.

    He noted that the practitioners always bear the cost of replacing any billboards already paid for by political parties when vandalized.

    “We are using this medium to call on all those going about vandizing and destroying  campaigns/advert messages deployed on our billboards to desist from this act forthwith.

    “These structures are our investments and capital intensive. Same can be said of our clients who spend so much money producing advert materials deployed on our structures.

    “We cannot fold our hands and watch our investments being destroyed.We are therefore, activating every device to protect our investments and source of livelihood from going down the drain.

    “We have been engaged to handle political campaigns over the years, and this year’s should not be different, we are law abiding citizens doing our business legitimately,” he said.

    According to him, any person caught perpetrating  or linked to act of vandalism would be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the state.

    It would be recalled that the governorship candidate of Labour Party, (LP) Barr. Olumide Akpata had few weeks ago raised an alarm over the destruction of his campaign billboards.(NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng)
    NY/JI

    Edited by Joe Idika

  • Social protection can douse economic crisis – IPCR DG

    Social protection can douse economic crisis – IPCR DG

    By Sarafina Christopher

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Dr Joseph Ochogwu, the Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), has described social protection as a policy instrument with the potency to douse socio-economic crisis in the country.

    Ochogwu made the description on Wednesday in Abuja at a conference on “Social Protection and Economic Uncertainties in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Societies”.

    The conference was organised by  Conflict Research Network (CORN) West Africa, a knowledge platform for research on conflicts, political violence, and peacebuilding in the sub-region.

    The director-general of IPCR said since 2015, social protection “has become an important policy instrument used by the Federal Government” to tackle inequality nationwide.

    “We have studied some strategic conflict assessments of Nigeria and several other studies which have identified poverty and unemployment as the major drivers of conflict across the country,” he said.

    He added that there is a wide gap between policies and their actual implementation.

    “We have embarked on this conference journey because we believe that we will go further to showcase social protection as a policy that requires much more empirical information to inform policy and practice.

    “There is no doubt that there are obvious gaps in the implementation of social protection, depending on the population category we are targeting alongside,” he said.

    In her remarks, Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, reiterated the global body’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

    “Our work in this country reflects our dedication to supporting the most vulnerable, particularly in conflict-affected regions.

    “We strive to ensure that these children receive the protection, education, healthcare, and nutrition they need through government-led social protection systems.

    “We must address the pressing issue of economic uncertainty in fragile and conflict-affected societies and support the government in defining social protection measures relevant to the needs of the citizens; the financial hardships families face in such regions exacerbate the already daunting challenges,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) 

    SAF/YEE

    =======

    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Nasarawa govt. closes mining site in Kokona LGA

    Mining
    By Sunday John
    Lafia, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Nasarawa State Government says it has closed a mining site in Amba community of Kokona Local Government Area of the state for illegal operation.

    Mr Yakubu Kwanta, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, announced this on Wednesday in Lafia.

    He explained that the illegal company was discovered by the personnel of his ministry during their routine inspections of mining sites in the state.

    “Our personnel discovered that the was operating without the consent of the state government and Amba community.

    “We took a bold step and closed the site on April 19 to secure the community following series of complaint in the area,” he said.

    Kwanta added that the illegal company was closed by a joint team of security agencies and currently the security had taken over the site on the directive of the state government.

    “The community also wrote a petition about the illegal mining activities in their area without proper consent and we needed to take action to avoid breakdown of law and order,” he added.

    The commissioner noted that Gov. Abdullahi Sule had issued Executive Order No 02 of 2022 that communities’ consent must be forwarded to the state government before any company could begin mining in any part of the state.

    “All community consent and development agreement made pursuant to Section 116 of the Mineral and Mining Act, 2007 and prior to signing by authenticated community heads shall be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice.

    “The said documents will be forwarded through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to be vetted and certified by the Attorney-General of Nasarawa State,” he explained.

    He explained that the Executive Order would avoid multiple issuances of community consents and development agreements to mining entities and ensure that community development commitments made therein would not be in conflict with the overall development master plan of the state.

    The commissioner said that the Executive Order provided that all mining entities arriving the state with authority of the Federal Government must undergo checks by the ministry responsible for environment and mining to verify their legal status, citizenship and background before settlement.

    Kwanta called on the public to disregard insinuations in all quarters, adding that the decision was to ensure peace and adherence to the existing laws guiding mining activities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SDJ/OIF/KAY
    ==========
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Kayode Olaitan

  • Sickle cell, worst of all health disorders – Group

    Mrs Aisha Edward-Maduagwu, National Co-ordinator, Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder

    Sickle cell, worst of all health disorders – Group

    Sickle Cell

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Aisha Edward-Maduagwu, National Co-ordinator, Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder says that sickle cell is the worst of all health disorders.

    Edward-Maduagwu made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka, to mark World Sickle Cell Day.

    World Sickle Cell Day is observed every June 19, to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and highlight the challenges that patients and their caregivers face.

    The theme of this year’s commemoration is ‘Hope Through Progress: Advancing Care Globally’.

    She described sickle cell disease as a genetic disorder in which the red blood cells were shaped abnormally, thereby affecting blood flow, causing pain and tissue damage in the body.

    She said: “Sickle Cell is the most serious and worst disorder out of all the health disorders but it is sad that it is not getting adequate attention in our society.

    “How come more attention is given to cancer patients than sickle cell whereas we go through the same pains?

    “Our government and the society at large need to pay adequate attention to sickle cell disease.

    “This is because the patients go through pain and spend so much to stay alive or survive the pains inflicted in them by others,” she said.

    Edward-Maduagwu lamented the rate of stigma in the society as persons living with sickle cell disorder were seen as not marriageable, not adoptable and not employable.

    “The society is mean and insensitive to the plight of persons living with sickle cell. They are intellectually and academically sound, but no job opportunities for them.

    “Our organisation will continue to educate the public on the adverse effects of genotype incompatibilities, and ensure that people get tested for genotype, especially intending marriage couples,” she said.

    She commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, for free enrolment of 71 persons living with sickle cell into the state’s health insurance scheme, to reduce the burden of medical bills on patients and their families.

    She urged well-meaning individuals and the government to donate a permanent and central sickle cell centre in Anambra.

    “We are appealing for support to acquire a centre for moral, psychological and emotional management as well as rehabilitation of vulnerable sickle cell patients,” she said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    LCO/AMM

    =========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • CSO urges FG to include poor, unemployed in national health insurance scheme

     

    CSO urges FG to include poor, unemployed in national health insurance scheme
    Tuberculosis
    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
    Awka, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Civil Society for the Eradication of Tuberculosis in Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to include the poor, less privileged and unemployed in the National Health Insurance scheme.
    Mrs Ifeyinwa Unachukwu, the society’s Coordinator in Anambra state, made the call at a news conference on AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM Network project), on Wednesday in Awka.
    The project is for Community-Based Organisations implementing COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM) in Awka.
    Unachukwu said that including vulnerable groups in the scheme would reduce the burden of diseases and drive universal health coverage in the country .
    She said the poor, less privileged and unemployed were usually vulnerable to diseases due to their inability to pay for the high cost of drugs and treatments and often lack  access to healthcare services.
    “Many Nigerians cannot afford the out-of-pocket payment for healthcare services and this has made them vulnerable to illness and disease.
    “The inclusion of these vulnerable groups will increase their health-seeking behavior and access to quality healthcare, which will help reduce disease burden in the country,” the coordinator said.
    Unachukwu said that the project was aimed at increasing services in AIDs, TB and Malaria treatments in preparedness for future pandemics and epidemics.
    She called on Anambra state government to invest in disease control, eradication, and other evidence-based intervention programmes to boost healthcare delivery in the state.
    Also speaking, Prof. Dennis Aribodo, South-East Zonal Coordinator, Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition, called on the state government to make treatment of AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria free.
    According to him, making the treatment of these diseases free, especially Malaria, would not only assist in poverty reduction, but eliminate the disease from the state.
    “In that way, you are leaving families with more resources to address other needs.
    “That is one of the ways countries like Algeria eliminated Malaria in 2020. I’m sure Anambra can achieve that also,” he said
    Earlier, Mr Onyekachi Ololo, Programme Officer,TB Network project in Anambra, urged government to fund disease control and elimination to drive sustainability.
    According to Ololo, dependency on donors has had negative impacts and it is not sustainable.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
    LCO/AOS
    =========
    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

     

  • 50 years on pulpit: Adegbite, Ashimolowo, others felicitate Bishop Odeleke

     

     

     

    Tribute

    By Uchenna Eletuo

    Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Clerics and other Nigerians on Wednesday paid tribute to Bishop Margaret Bolanle Odeleke, General Overseer of the Power Pentecostal Church, on her 50 years of  gospel evangelism and 74th birthday anniversary.

     

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, Archbishop Stephen Adegbite, and Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo of the Kingsway International Christian Church were among the clerics that felicitated  Odeleke.

     

    The celebration took place  at the Power Pentecostal Church Headquarters at Cele, Okota, Lagos State.

     

    They described Odeleke as a  woman of virtues, who should be emulated.

     

    Adegbite described her as a light  that illuminated its surroundings.

     

    According to him, the celebrator has remained a role model to many.

     

    He said that Odeleke had a character that endeared her to all who encountered her.

     

    “As a preacher, her message and disposition have been uncontroversial.

     

    “Fifty years on pulpit and 74 years of age are eloquent testimonies,” he said.

     

    Ashimolowo said that the celebrator started preaching when women preachers were rare.

     

    He said that he had known her for the past 45 years.

     

    According to Ashimolowo, Odeleke lost her mother  when she was two years old but she confronted her challenges and remained steadfast.

     

    “Bishop Odeleke’s standing in the ministry is that of a groomer of people; many ministers of the gospel can trace their inspiration to her.

     

    “She is a role model for the youth,” Ashimolowo said.

     

    He charged the youth to be steadfast in Jesus Christ in spite of any challenges. (NAN)

    EUC/IGO

    =========

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola