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  • FRSC deploys 1,536 personnel for hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir in Kano

    Eid-el-Kabir
    By Bosede Olufunmi
    Kano, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Command in Kano State has deployed 1,536 personnel to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.

    The State FRSC Sector Commander, Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Friday in Kano.

     

    Abdullahi stated that the command would do everything to ensure the free flow of traffic at critical road junctions.

     

    He noted that five ambulances, 30 patrol vehicles, one heavy-duty towing truck, and other operational equipment had been deployed on major routes and highways to facilitate smooth operations.

     

    Abdullahi added that the deployed personnel include 1,300 regular marshals and 236 special marshals positioned on major routes.

     

    According to him, special patrol operations to combat road crashes have commenced since June 14, with the main objective being the reduction of road traffic crashes and victims.

     

    “FRSC officers in all the 44 local government areas will be on standby to manage road traffic and ensure prompt removal of obstructions and conduct rescue operations during the period,” he said.

     

    He identified some of the significant reasons for road crashes to include; the use of trailers and trucks to convey human beings, embarking on night trips, fatigue, speed violations, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

     

    Abdullahi added that the FRSC had flagged off an inter-agency joint task force to enforce compliance against using trailers to convey passengers and to mitigate road traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries resulting from the lawlessness of trailer drivers.

     

    “Since the commencement of the joint task force, they have successfully arrested 222 trailers loaded with 3,169 passengers hanging on top of goods and animals,” he said.

     

    The sector commander warned trailer drivers to desist from conveying human beings, taking night trips, and violating speed limits to avoid road crashes.

     

    He also warned tricycle drivers, especially underage drivers, to stop plying highways to avoid unforeseen circumstances, noting that violators would be prosecuted.

     

    He called on motorists and other road users to obey all traffic rules and regulations to ensure a crash-free and smooth traffic flow on the roads.

    The FRSC commander also warned the general motoring public, particularly parents who habitually give vehicles to their wards below the age of 18 during festive seasons, to desist, as there would be sanctions for violators.

     

    He congratulated Muslims and Nigerians generally on the Sallah celebration, urging drivers to exercise caution while on the road. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    BO/KOLE/AWA

    ==============
    Edited by Remi Koleoso/Olawunmi Ashafa

  • FG sensitises Niger residents to hazards of child labour

    FG sensitises Niger residents to hazards of child labour

    Labour
    By Rita Iliya
    Minna, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry for Labour and Employment, in conjunction with other agencies, has organised a road walk in Minna, Niger to sensitise the public to the hazards of child labour.

    The Minister of State, Labour and Productivity, Mrs Nkiruka Onyejeocha, in a remark, said the road walk was to commemorate the 2024 World Day Against Child Labour.

    The minister was represented by Hauwa Zakariya, Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, in Niger.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the road walk, which started at Obasanjo complex in Minna, terminated at Labour House.

    Onyejeocha said the day was set aside to sensitise the public on the dangers associated with child labour.

    She called on the public to intensify to eradicate the menace and the need for the stakeholders to join hands in the fight against child labour bedeviling the society.

    “Our expectation is to see that all children are given the right to education,right to live,and right to recreation,” she said.

    The minister disclosed that some communities had been identified for depriving children from going to school, adding that the event has been used to sensitise the parents.

    Onyejeocha said the ministry would leave no stone unturned in the efforts to enroll out-of-school children to school and engage them to acquire skills.

    She lauded Niger government and the stakeholders involved in accelerating action for the elimination of child labour in the state.

    In their separate remarks, Halima Ibrahim, from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals,  and Ibrahim Gana, Chairman, Trade Union Congress in Niger, described child labour as ‘a cancer that must be fought vigorously .(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    RIS/BRM

    ==========

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Group advocates justice, gender progress in politics 

    Group advocate justice, gender progress in politics

    Gender

    By Justina Auta

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) A Non-Governmental Advocacy Group, Feminism Lab,  has called for social justice and political advancement of women to ensure gender development in Nigeria’s politics.

    The group,  in conjunction with Friedrich-Ebert-Stitung Nigeria,  made the call during an inter-generational dialogue to promote political gender progress and social justice on Friday in Abuja.
    Leonard Oestergaard, Resident Representative, Friedrich-Ebert-Stitung Nigeria, encouraged women to demand for favourable gender principles that would promote social justice and create access to gender justice.
    Oestergaard urged leaders in the feminist struggle to articulate compelling vision of inclusive governance and gender parity.
    According to him, this will give women opportunities to occupy key policy-making positions, as well as access to essential service.
    “Gender justice is both a question of representation in government and political spheres.  It is not only about number or percentage of women in parliament, it is more than that.
    “Over the years we realised that it is not necessarily skills that are lacking in the struggle for gender development but more of the political economy that is not correct.
    “For us to make impact on this journey is to create alliances, not only to work with similar people but to form an alliance or create an alliance that fights for gender and social  justice,” he said.
    Austin Aigbe of West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network, during the panel session,  affirmed the need for equal representation and opportunity for gender equality.
    Aigbe called for reforms that would address the issue of feminism appropriately.
    According to him,  each time women are empowered without creating a place for the man, it creates disaster for the future.
    “This will create a situation where men will have no knowledge about the conversation on feminism,” he said.
    Aigbe said there was need for  affirmative action, adding that “if there is no law in place, it will be extremely difficult to address the issue of gender equality in politics.
    “But by passing a single gender and equal opportunity law, this will increase participation of women in governance and that is the way to go,” he  said.
    Earlier, Vina Adams of Feminism Lab, said the dialogue brought together diverse and dynamic coalition of feminists and community leaders to discuss, understand and promote progressive feminist discourse.
    Adam said the dialogue was a deliberate effort to pass down feminist skills and knowledge to the younger generation in confronting and overcoming discrimination, building resilience, and engaging in protests and activism for emancipation.
    “One of the most significant aspects of this initiative is its emphasis on bridging the generational gap by bringing together feminists of all ages and backgrounds, to foster a rich environment of mutual learning and support.
    “We decided to host this intergenerational dialogue to interrogate the misconception and misunderstanding of feminism, and to ³connect the theory and practice of feminism especially in Nigeria.
    “The dialogue will lay emphasis on the importance of feminism, the history of different feminist movements, and some of the most famous types of feminism.
    “Also, it will help us to understand how continued engagement with feminist theory and practice will mitigate the challenges of misconception and misunderstanding of feminism in Nigeria, ” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JAD/KAE/HA
    ============
    Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • LASEMA rescues commercial bus in lone accident

     

    Bus
    By Henry Oladele
    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), on Friday, rescued a commercial bus alongside the driver who recklessly swerved into a ditch to avoid the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) officials.
    The agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Oke-Osanyintolu said that a female sustained minor injury during the accident.
    “The incident happened at Obadore along LASU-Isheri road.
    “We activated the state’s emergency response team from Igando base to the accident scene
    “Upon arrival at incident scene at about 11.01hrs, it was observed that a commercial bus, with registration number FKJ 870 YG, was involved in a lone accident at the aforementioned location.
    “Further investigations revealed that the accident occurred when the vehicle’s driver swerved recklessly in attempts to avoid a VIS checkpoint,” he said.
    He added that the reckless driving led to the loss of the vehicle’s control and subsequent falling into a ditch.
    “No loss of lives were recorded in the incident. However, an adult female sustained minor injuries in the process.
    “The bus was recovered with the help of LASEMA response team, the Lagos State Fire Rescue & Service and the Nigeria Police Force who were all in attendance,” he said. (NAN)
    HOB/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • FG to introduce electronic blood management system – Minister

    FG to introduce electronic blood management system — Minister
    Press briefing in commemoration of the 2024 World Blood Donor Day organised by the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) on Friday in Abuja.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Blood
    By Justina Auta
    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, says efforts are in place to introduce Electronic Blood Management System for effective and efficient blood service delivery nationwide.
    He disclosed this at a press briefing in commemoration of the 2024 World Blood Donor Day with the theme “20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You, Blood Donors!”, organised by the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC).
    The minister, who was represented by Chris Isokpunwu, Director, Health Planning, Research and Statistics, said that the idea was to ensure availability of safe blood and blood products in Nigeria.
    He said “we are in the process of scaling up activities of the commission to all parts of the country, and introducing an Electronic Blood Management System to ensure effective and efficient blood service delivery.”
    He acknowledged the role of blood donors in saving lives, adding that “the donation rate in Nigeria shows that over 80 per cent of blood collected are from family replacement and commercial blood donors.
     “Data on the donation rate in Nigeria shows that more than 80 per cent of blood collected are from families.
    “Empirical evidence shows that the most reliable and safest source of blood comes from a stable base of regular, voluntary, unpaid blood donors, rather than from commercial sources.
    “The World Health Assembly resolution WHA63.12 urges all member states to develop national blood systems based on voluntary unpaid donations and to work toward the goal of self-sufficiency.”
    The minister said that the use of blood and blood products had become an integral part of modern medical practice as access to safe blood and blood products was critical to achieving an effective health system.
    “With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria’s estimated blood need is about two million units per annum.
    “Unfortunately, much less is currently donated, leading to avoidable deaths, morbidities, or ill health, particularly among our womenfolk, newborns, and victims of road traffic accidents and insurgency.
    “This situation can improve if only one per cent of our country’s adult population commits itself to voluntary non-remunerated blood donation regularly,” he said
    Also, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, the Director-General, NBSC, said “blood donation plays a critical role in saving lives and strengthening the healthcare system in the country.”
    According to Yuguda, transfusion of blood and blood products help patients to live longer and with higher quality of life.
    “Additionally, blood transfusion supports complex medical and surgical procedures, thus, making it indispensable in maternal and childcare, as well as during man-made and natural disasters.
    “Recent data indicates that more people are dying from lack of access to blood and blood products than communicable diseases in developing countries,” he said.
    Dr Walter Mulombo, the Country Representative, World Health Organisation (WHO), said Nigeria is one of the 16 African countries with 80 per cent of blood donation from voluntary blood donation.
    Mulombo, who was represented by Dr Hamzat Tayo, however, stressed the need to create awareness on blood donation as the total number of blood collected was still low at 5.2 units per one thousand population.
    Mohammed Ibrahim, the Chief Route Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), emphasised the need for more voluntary non-remunerated blood donors.
    According  to  Ibrahim, the goal is to save lives and to see that injury and death are reduced by five per cent.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other highlights of the commemoration include conferment of awards to notable blood donors and engagement and advocacy with the media, community and religious leaders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JAD/KAE/HA
    ===========
    Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Stakeholders call for elimination of lead from paints

    Lead
    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders on Friday have advocated the total elimination of the use of lead in the manufacturing of paints in Nigeria.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders said this at an event organised by the Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev) and its partners in Lagos.
    The workshop is titled: “Strengthening National Capacity Towards Elimination of Lead Paint in Nigeria.”
    Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of SRADev, Dr Leslie Adogame, said the clamour for the elimination of lead from paint manufacturing resulted from its attendant health risks.
    Adogame said that lead paint poses significant health risks, especially to children, including neurological damage and developmental delays.
    According to him, efforts to eliminate lead paint are critical to safeguarding public health and ensuring a sustainable environment.
    He added that strengthening national capacity involves implementing regulatory measures, enhancing public awareness, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
    He said the technical committee component of the lead exposure elimination project had agreed that all paints manufactured in Nigeria going forward would carry “No Added Lead.”
    He said the resolution would be a big win because anybody going to the market to buy paint should look for the paint with the label, “No added Lead.”
    Adogame said that “the focus is Small and Medium Enterprises since they are the once who use all manners of additives, cutting corners in the paint manufacturing process.”
    The executive director said that there should be a standard to be adopted in paints manufacturing, noting that buyers of paints should go for ‘No Added Lead’ on the paint label before purchase.
    Also speaking, Mr Abimbolu Babatunde, the Chairman, Paints Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, advised informal paint manufacturers to desist from using lead additives in the process of paint manufacturing.
    NAN reports that the workshop was organised by SRADev in partnership with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, and the Paints Manufacturers Association of Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FBO/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • LASG reiterates commitment to supporting SMEs

    Activities at the Lagos Tourism Naija Brand Chick Trade Fair on Friday in Lagos.

     

    By Grace Alegba

    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has reiterated commitment toward boosting the ease of doing business and helping Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to thrive.

     

    The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, said this at the kickoff of the ‘Lagos Tourism Naija Brand Chick Fair’, held in Oregun, Lagos.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day hybrid fair, organised by the state government, is holding from June 14 to June 16, with Wema Bank as the major sponsor.

     

    Aregbe said the trade fair was aimed at growing SMEs in the state, Nigeria and Africa at large.

    “It is about growing the Naira, about taking the average SME in Nigeria and Lagos and giving them the support they need.

     

    “It’s about telling our story. Nigerians are ready for business, and that is what we are seeing here today.

    “And that is what Lagos Tourism is about. It is also about music, dance, and art,” he said.

     

    He called for support from all residents toward building the “Lagos of our dreams” through business, entertainment, and art to showcase the state to the world.

    “A working Nigeria and a working Lagos is what we all need to do together,” he said.

     

    Also, Wema Bank Head of Department (HOD) Brand/Marketing, Mabel Adeteye, told NAN that the impact of the fair had been significant since the bank became a major sponsor in 2023.

    Adeteye said the fair was an opportunity to connect with customers and empower the SME business community, which is very important to the bank.

    She emphasised the importance of market access for SMEs.

    “Access to markets is crucial for businesses of all sizes because it determines their ability to sell products and services, reach customers, and expand their operations,” she said.

     

    Meanwhile shoppers defied the rainfall to attend the fair as those who spoke to NAN expressed their joy at finding affordable and quality local products, as well as goods from other states.

     

    A cloth vendor selling children’s jean trousers at N1,000 each struggled to control the crowd, mostly women, who created human traffic as they bought large quantities.

     

    One shopper, Hajia Hadiza Bankole, a trader, told NAN that she bought 30 pieces because she owns a boutique.

     

    “The prices are incredible. I bought it for children between ages one and 12. I believe I can finish selling all during this Sallah,” she said.

    Another shopper, Uduak Uzor, said she was able to buy hair care products from a vendor that came from Abuja.

    “I always see these products online. Today, I was able to buy as many as I wanted without thinking of shipping costs,” she said.

     

    An exhibitor, Mary Ojora, thanked the Lagos State Government for the opportunity to make sales and connect with clients.

    Ojora, the Marketing Manager of Blends and Blinzg, appreciated the platform to showcase all the firm’s brands, which are 100 per cent made in Nigeria.

     

    Another exhibitor of paints and other wall products, Mrs Precious Kenneth, said her firm was leveraging contacts from travel agencies and other luxury item providers at the fair.

    “We are here because people who come to buy clothes and travel would also need to live in beautiful houses. We are here for everyone,” she said.

     

    NAN reports that there were several side attractions, including the sale of various cuisines, pastries, drinks, medical checks, music, and more. (NAN)

    GA/AWA
    =========
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Eid-el-kabir: FRSC mobilises 589 personnel for patrol in Borno

    Eid-el-kabir: FRSC mobilises 589 personnel for patrol in Borno

    FRSC

    Maiduguri, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) command in Borno says it has mobilised 589 personnel for patrol and traffic control to ensure smooth Eid-el-kabir celebrations in the state.

    The Borno Sector Commander, Mr Yelwa Dio, made this known in Maiduguri on Friday while briefing stakeholders comprising transport unions, youth groups, drivers, media, religious and traditional rulers on the ccomman’s preparations for the festival.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all is now set for the Muslim festival of sacrifice (Eid el-kabir) on Sunday, after Hajj pilgrims have observed the standing on Mount Arafat on Saturday.

    Eid el-Kabir dates back to the historic event when Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was commanded by Allah (God) in a vision to sacrifice his son, Ishmail (Isaac).
    The festival is to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah ‘s command. 
    Dio, therefore, said that the FRSC personnel comprised 87 officers, 464 Marshals and 38 Special Marshals.

    He added that the command also mobilised 11 patrol vans, three ambulances and a tow truck, stressing that “our rescue standby will be 24 hours. If there’s any accident or crash, don’t hesitate to call 122 emergency toll free or CUG number 08077690122.”

    He urged drivers to respect traffic rules and regulations, adding that the corps was into partnership with other security agencies to ensure motorists obey necessary rules and regulations during and after the festive period.

    He cautioned parents and guardians against giving their wards cars to be speeding around in the name of celebration.

    Dio said the command was also talking with the judiciary for a joint task force with mobile court for instant trial of offenders.

    While urging for full support and cooperation of stakeholders toward a hitch-free celebration, the commander lauded the Borno Government for its support and commitment to improving the transport sector in the state.

    He noted that the construction of roads and provision of subsidised buses and taxis to ease transportation was a welcome development that deserves commendation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    HSM/YMU/HA

    Edited by Yakubu Uba/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Nigeria’s civil service transformative, worthy of emulation – HOS

    Nigeria’s civil service transformative, worthy of emulation – HOS
    Transformation
    By Okon Okon
    Abuja June 14, 2024 (NAN) Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil service of the Federation (HOCSF), says Nigeria’s transformative processes in the civil service has placed the sector worthy of emulation among other nations of the world.
    Yemi-Esan stated this at a special Juma’at prayer, being part of the activities to mark 2024 Civil Service Week.
    The week is with the theme, ‘ Educate an African fit for the 21st century: Building resilient systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality and relevant learning in Africa’.
    Represented by Dr Sani Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Yemi-Esan said the ongoing reform was a reality which would transform the service to a different standard from what it used to be.
    “The reform is the reality, believe me, if you come to see the civil service of today as it is, it’s totally different from civil service that you knew before and the trajectory is upward and the speed in which we are moving is a phenomenal.
    “I believe that very soon Nigerians will see a civil service that is not only transformative but is worthy of emulation by any civil service in the world, ” she remarked.
    According to her, the civil service has undertaking the bold steps toward reformation and has reached a critical stage in the reform processes.
    “This is the right time to celebrate the success so far recorded as it has realigned with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
    “The African civil service day is also celebrated around the same time, we have harmonised our theme not only relevant to Nigeria but also aligned with the global efforts being made by civil servants all over the world and in Africa  particular.
    “The civil service is reforming and whatever Mr president is trying to achieve with the renewed hope agenda, we are ready to support him in that direction,” she said.
    Also, Prof. Ibrahim Maqari, Chief Imam of the National Mosque Abuja, commended the civil servants and the government in their efforts to reposition the sector to meet the global standards.
    Maqari said the nation’s civil service sector had contributed immensely to the present stage of the country, hence it’s transformation had influenced the greater part of the nation building.
    “Civil service is an integral part of  nation building without whom Nigeria would not be what it is today.
    “So our role as Muslims Umar in Nigeria is to do whatever we can’t to support the Nigerian civil servants in delivering their responsibilities.
    “We remained prayerful that Allah continues to guide our leaders to help them in all the transformational agenda they have in transforming the civil service to become a better civil service to Nigeria and for the whole world at large, ” Imam prayed.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ‘Civil Service Week’ is celebrated yearly in Nigeria, in compliance with the 1999 Tangier Declaration by African Ministers for Public Service, which is set aside every June 23 as African Public Service Day (APSD).
    This is to recognise the values and virtues of the service to the community. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MZM/IAA
    ========
    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • NATOP markets Kwara’s tourist attractions for global exploration 

    Tourism
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) says it will be committed to  marketing tourism attractions in the state of Kwara during its forthcoming 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
    Mrs Ime Udo, National President of NATOP, who disclosed this during a virtual media briefing in Lagos on Friday, said the AGM had been slated to hold from July 17 to July 20 in Ilorin, Kwara.
    Udo said the essence of marketing the sites was to attract local and international tourists to the state and most especially, the ancient city of Ilorin.
    According to her, the association is in partnership with the Kwara Government to host the AGM.
    “It has always been our tradition to host our AGM in different states of the federation to deliberately put searchlight on the tourism potential in each state.
    “Our 8th AGM would hold from July 17 to July 20 in Ilorin, Kwara state. So, we have planned to market most of the sites in Kwara state as local and global choice destinations.
    “We will be visiting Sobi Hills, Owu falls, the University of Ilorin Zoological Garden and iconic places where local fabrics of Aso-oke are made.
    “We were in Ekiti last year. We did the same marketing for the state and we are set to do it again in Kwara state this time,” she said.
    According to Udo, states have become eager to host NATOP AGM annually,which she said, is a testament to the success of previous AGMs.
    Udo revealed the theme for the AGM as “Tourism as Catalyst for Progress, Peace and Partnership”.
    She said the theme was carefully coined to address salient issues of insecurity and the need for tourism industry players to improve on collaborations.
    Speaking further on the AGM, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, Deputy President of NATOP, who also doubles as the Chairperson, Planning  Committee for the AGM, said July 18 would feature a conference at the Banquet Hall, GRA, Ilorin.
    According to her, this segment of the programme will have a keynote speaker address important issues in the industry, as well as panel sessions.
    “July 17 is for arrivals. For 18th, we will hold the conference. On the 19th, we will have the city tour of Ilorin while every delegate returns to their destination on July 20.
    “As tour operators, we want to encourage Nigerians to travel within the country. That is the reason we go extra miles to identify hidden tourism sites and promote them.
    “During the AGM, we will have a tour of Ilorin. We will have each local government area showcase all their cultural and tourism endowments so that all tour operators present will be better informed on what to market.
    “We are set to open Kwara state up for tourism,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
    PTB/VIV
    ========
    Edited by Vivian Ihechu