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  • Abuja traders decry rising food prices, seek government’s intervention

     

    Abuja traders decry rising food prices, seek government’s intervention

    Food

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Some residents and foodstuff traders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have decried the instability in produce prices as well as the worsening inflation in the country.

    The residents and traders voiced their complaints in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Mr Nduka Ndubisi, a food stuff trader at Aco AMAC Market, said that the unpredictability of food prices had limited the trade, as they could no longer take large stock.

    Ndubisi said, “The prices of most food stuff items are currently unstable; we cannot even predict the prices anymore. This is tiring and frustrating.’’

    A resident of Aco AMAC estate, Mr Victor Azikiwe, said that the rising cost of food items in the market was because of the hike in the price of petrol.

    Azikiwe expressed concern that some sell a litre of petrol at N650 while others at N690, thereby affecting the cost of transportation of the goods.

    “This contributed to the rise in food prices as the cost of transportation of foodstuffs across the country increased. For instance, Abuja to Ilorin is N18,000 as compared to N7,500 before now,” he said.

    Another resident, Sherifat Musa, said that her major concern was on how people, especially the Muslims, would cope with the situation during Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

    Musa stressed the need for the authorities to do the needful before things get out of control.

    “Our annual celebration is here. How do we buy all we need?

    “I am scared of going to the Market because I don’t know what I’ll meet there. It’s scary because the hike in price keeps going getting worse,” she said.

    On her part, Hajiya Amoke Omole, a tomato and pepper trader at Gosa market, said that the, “ups and downs’’ in the price of produce had made most traders wary of the trade.

    “We do not even understand the situation; the price of foodstuff has been fluctuating for a while now.

    “The price of tomatoes is also fluctuating; last week, we bought a basket-full for as high as N100,000; this week, it is N130,000 per basket which means the price is high and unpredictable.

    “Sometimes, when pepper becomes affordable, tomatoes become more expensive, but now everything is on the high side. In fact, pepper is now more expensive than tomatoes,” she said.

    A civil servant, Mr Ibrahim Sule, described food as one of the most important basic needs for survival.

    Sule said that its availability and accessibility were very important to any nation because its unavailability could lead to civil unrest, untimely death, malnourishment and more.

    “Unfortunately, the price of food items in the markets has increased exponentially, daily.

    “Nigerians have to spend more money these days before they can afford enough food for themselves and their families and this alone contributed enormously to the increase in food inflation.

    “The current situation is beyond explanation. I think we need to pray and seek the face of God for his divine intervention,”he said.

    Oluwaseun Soleye, a student in University of Abuja, said that only God could help in the situation affecting Nigerians and Nigeria as a whole.

    Soleye opined that the country was suffering from a form of sin and God needed to forgive, “so we could overcome the issues bedeviling the country”.

    “We have to turn to God and seek his forgiveness, because what is happening goes beyond human explanation. Imagine noddles (Super pack) of N80 before, is now N400 per one.

    “To many of us, life has never been so difficult than what we are going through. Many households cannot afford three meals in a day,” she said.

    Mrs Juliana Arome, a food seller, lamented low patronage by customers as a result of the hike in price of commodities and the low purchasing power of citizens.

    Arome revealed that she had reduced the quantity of food she sells to her customers as “everything has gone high”.

    She, however, called on the government to salvage the the people adding that there was need for stability in food supply.

    “Imagine, maggi moved from N700 to N1,300 per pack and Spaghetti is N850. We are not making any gain, government please help us, this is too much for us,”she said.

    A trader, Mrs Bose Oluwole, who sells groceries and provisions at Wuse market, believed that President Tinubu could address the situation and provide solutions to the disturbing concern.

    Oluwole said, “before, we used to buy a bag of milk for 5,500, now it is N15,000.

    “The loaf of bread that I used to buy from bakers at N600, now sells for N1600 to N2000 because of the high cost of the flour, milk and sugar.

    “As traders, we are tired; we just sit under the sun getting nothing and we pay for shop and shade in the market,” she lamented.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/OJI/AMM

    ============

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • VSF constructs skill acquisition centers in Yobe communities

    VSF constructs skill acquisition centers in Yobe communities

    VSF
    By Ahmed Abba
    Fika(Kukargadu), June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Victims Support Fund (VSF) has begun construction of skill acquisition centers in select Yobe communities as part of its post-insurgency recovery programmes.

    Retired Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, Chairman of the VSF, announced the initiative during the project inauguration on Wednesday in Kukargadu.

    Represented by Prof. Nana Tanko, the VSF Executive Director, said the organisation was targeting nine communities across three Yobe local government areas for these interventions.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three local governments ares are Gujba, Gulani and Fika.

    “We are building these centers in various communities across three local government areas to ensure their sustainability.

    “These centers will serve not only women but also youth and others. Kukargadu, for instance, will receive the most significant VSF intervention.

    “We are establishing a comprehensive skill acquisition training centers such as computer training, tailoring, electrical work, welding, carpentry, and other trades,” Danjuma said.

    He added that VSF has been actively supporting the Northeast region since 2014 with various interventions and livelihood supports.

    “For example, we have provided educational materials to children affected by the insurgency, established savings and loans associations for women who engaged in similar economic activities.

    “(We also) bring them together and provide them with grants to grow their businesses,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AIA/IS
    ======
    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Police raid IPOB/ESN camp, neutralise 2 in Enugu

    Raid
    By Stanley Nwanosike
    Enugu, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Police operatives in Enugu have raided the camp of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) in a forest in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of the state.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two members of the outlawed group were neutralised during the raid.
    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement on Wednesday that the feat was achieved by the police, in collaboration with the Neighborhood Watch Group, around 2 a.m. on Wednesday.
    Ndukwe said that the raid was conducted following intelligence report on the activities of the group in the forest and its general area.
    He stated that the criminal elements opened fire on the operatives upon sighting them.
    “However, the police operatives returned fire at a superior level, forcing the criminals to escape with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
    “Thereafter, two of the fleeing suspects’ lifeless bodies were discovered and recovered in the forest.
    “Police also recovered one AK-47 rifle, four magazines loaded with a total of 75 live 7.62 mm calibre ammunition and one Beretta pistol loaded with eight live 0.9 mm calibre ammunition.
    “Further recovered were: one KC Sanya and Honda Today, lady’s motorcycles, one GTB ATM card, a cash sum of N2,600 and several raw food items. The manhunt for others on the run is ongoing,” he said.
    Ndukwe said that preliminary investigations suggested that the group was responsible for numerous heinous crimes in Nsukka area of the state, including the recent attack and murder of police and other security personnel.
    He said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, commended the team for the success of the operation.
    The spokesman said that the commissioner called on owners of medical outfits and the public to quickly report individuals sighted with gunshot wounds to the police.
    “The commissioner further directs Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Heads of Tactical Squads to remain steadfast and ensure that they further identify hideouts and hunt down die-hard criminal elements in their respective operational jurisdictions,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    KSN/OJI/WAS
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • June 12: Be committed to the tenets of democracy – Sanwo-Olu tells Nigerians

     

    Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat (Middle), laying a wreath at the Tomb of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo (MKO) Abiola alongside other Lagos State officials, friends and family members of  MKO

     

    Democracy
    By Oluwatope Lawanson
    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged Nigerians to commit to the principles of democracy  to make it deep-rooted in the country.

    Sanwo-Olu made the call at the 13th National Discourse of  the Coalition for a Better Nigeria.

    The event held at the residence of the family of late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the 1993 Presidential Election, in Ikeja.

    The event had the theme: “Converting the Pain of June 12 Election Annulment To Gain for Present Administration”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 12, 2024, marks 31 years of the annulment of the presidential election.

    NAN also reports that Nigeria has had 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.

    Sanwo-Olu  was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

    He said the nation was blessed with democracy which must be jealously  protected.

    The governor  said that democracy remained the best form of government, expressing optimism that it had come to stay in Nigeria.

    According to him, the fear of God and love for the country must have helped to sustain democracy in the nation.

    “We must cherish our democracy and be democratic in all we do. Democracy is not about force but conviction of ideas.

    “It is not about forcing one’s views on others, but about debate. We must talk about it and must come together to agree about it,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu urged public commentators to speak with the fear of God, be patriotic, love the country and adhere to the tenets of democracy.

    He said that these were also essential for good governance.

    “It is also important for citizens to be patriotic and protect the integrity of the country in order not to destroy the legacy of our forefathers, who paid the ultimate price for democracy, particularly the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.

    “It is important to respect our past heroes especially those that are still living,” the governor added.

    In his lecture titled “Impact of June 12 on the Democratic and Economic Development of Nigeria”, Mr Debo Adeniran said that Abiola was a pillar of strength and hope for Nigerians and other  Africans.

    According to him, Abiola made  sacrifices for Nigerian’s freedom.

    Adeniran described the late Abiola as a good man and philanthropist, who served humanity and had welfare agenda.

    “This was what made Nigerians  to give him their votes to become the president as they believed he would change the economic situation of the country.

    Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs Lola Abiola-Edowor, first daughter of the late Abiola, urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.

    Abiola-Edewor expressed optimism that by the end of Tinubu’s tenure, all his laudable dreams for the nation would have been realised.

    “Rome was not built in a day; therefore, l urge you all to be patient with him and keep hope alive,” she said.

    Abiola-Edewor thanked the federal and Lagos State Government for their support.

    “It is my prayer that God will help President Tinubu  to steer the ship of the country successfully,” she said.

    NAN reports that the highpoint of the event was laying of a wreath at the graveside of the late Abiola.

    The wreath was laid by Hamzat.

    The event brought together government functionaries, Abiola Family members, civil society groups and others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LAW/EOB/IGO

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    Edited by Edith Bolokor/Ijeoma Popoola

     

  • Democracy Day: NYAN lauds Nigerians’ resilience, seeks economic stabilisation

    Stability

    By Funmilayo Adeyemi
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The National Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN) has commended Nigerians’ resilience for making great strides for 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.

    The National Speaker of the assembly, Amb. Usman Shagari, said this on Wednesday at a news conference in Abuja.

    Shagari called on government to ensure.economic stabilisation through industrialisation and agricultural development.

    The theme of the conference titled “Unlocking the Power of Youth: Leveraging Nigeria’s Demographic Dividend for National Progress”

    Shagari recalled that over the last 25 years, Nigeria’s democracy had achieved some notable milestones, including consolidation of democratic institutions, expansion of political participation and improvement in human rights and rule of law.

    “Significant strides have been made in enhancing national security, although challenges persist.

    “Through collaborative efforts between government agencies, security agencies, and communities, tangible progress has been achieved in safeguarding the lives and properties of all citizens,” he said.

    He said that alongside these achievements, there had been the existing non-achievements of democracy, including persistent challenges such as the issue of minimum wage.

    “Addressing such socio-economic disparities remains imperative to fostering inclusive growth and ensuring the well-being of all Nigerians.

    “We also acknowledge that our democracy still faces other challenges, including corruption, inequality and ethnic sentiments, unemployment and insecurity, among others,” he said.

    The speaker advocated enhanced nationwide security, promoting the spirit of unity, diversity and harmony, and stronger democratic institutions as ways to address these challenges.

    He also called for the implementation of the minimum wage to ensure a living wage for all workers, urging members of the National Assembly to uphold the principles of democracy.

    He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the youth assembly to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.

    He, therefore, called on Nigerian youths, government institutions, civil society organisations, and private sector to unite in their collective pursuit for prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FAK/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
    ====

  • Police confirm killing of youth in Ebonyi community

    Police confirm killing of youth in Ebonyi community

    Killing
    By Uchenna Ugwu
    Abakaliki, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Ebonyi has confirmed the killing of one Ikechukwu Idenyi at the popular Okwor-Ngbo Market in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

    The command’s Spokesman, DSP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Wednesday.

    Ukandu said that the youthful Idenyi was shot severally and killed by yet-to-be identified gunmen at midnight on Monday.

    He said that the command had deployed its operatives to the area for proper investigation.

    He condemned the incident, describing it as wicked.

    Ukandu urged the people to support the police efforts toward achieving sustainable security in the state.

    Also reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the Local Government, Mr Ikechukwu Odono, said the victim died after multiple gunshots were reportedly firee at him by the gunmen.

    “He was shot severally, while trying to lock his shop at the market.

    “I visited the scene of the incident, alongside the Deputy Speaker Of Ebonyi House of Assembly, Chinedu Onah, some policemen and other stakeholders in the area.

    “The incident is unfortunate,” Odono said, adding that no property was taken away by the assailants.

    “Right now, normalcy has returned to the area,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    UVU/NCI/USO
    Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Sam Oditah

  • Democracy Day: Labour insists on N250, 000 minimum wage

    Democracy Day: Labour insists on N250, 000 minimum wage
    Wage
    By Joan Nwagwu
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says its demand for the new National Minimum Wage  remains N250,000.
    The Acting President of NLC, Mr Adewale Adeyanju, said this in a statement, while reacting to President Bola Tinubu Democracy Day speech on Wednesday, in Abuja.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Federal Government  had offered N62, 000 as the new national minimum wage, at the end of the tripartite committee meeting, involving the Organised Private Sector (OPS) .
    According to him, the union appreciates the President’s commitment to those fine democratic ideals which allowed the work of the Tripartite National Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee to proceed unhindered despite some hiccups.
    “Our demand still remains N250,000 only and we have not been given any compelling reasons to change this position which we consider a great concession by Nigerian workers during the tripartite negotiation process.
    “We are, therefore, surprised at the submission of Mr President over a supposed agreement.
    “We believe that he may have been misled into believing that there was an agreement with the NLC and TUC.
    “There was none and it is important that we let the President, Nigerians and other national stakeholders understand this immediately to avoid a mix up in the ongoing conversation around the national minimum wage,” he said.
    Adeyanju also noted that the union had not seen a copy of the document submitted to Mr President and it would not accept any doctored document.
    He, however, reaffirmed the union’s belief that the president on whose table the Tripartite Committee’s report presently resides would prepare an Executive Bill which content would reflect the true demand of Nigerian workers.
    “We think that this is an opportunity for him to demonstrate his love for Nigerian workers and masses.
    “That is by shunning the pieces of advice that may be coming from those whose intentions are continuously focused on hurting the poor and struggling workers of Nigeria.
    “Mr President should not allow these individuals and groups to sabotage his promise of lifting Nigerian workers out of poverty,” he said.
    According to him, the president’s advisers obviously did not tell him the truth that the leaders of the trade unions were intimidated and harassed.
    “It is, therefore, important that Mr President understands that we were threatened severally by his operatives perhaps without his consent.
    “Series of media propaganda calculated to intimidate and harass us were, and, are still being waged against the trade unions by senior officials of this government.
    “Fully armed soldiers surrounded us while we were in a negotiation with the government,” he alleged.
    He added the NLC remained assured that the president’s democratic credentials will come to the fore in favour of Nigerian workers and masses.
    He also noted that NLC never agreed on a five-year duration of the minimum wage Act though acknowledged that the president mentioned five years or less.
    According to Adeyanju, the union also agreed that inflation should be pegged at a level for certain amount to be agreed as minimum wage. This is to bring clarity to what the report should contain.
    “Once again, we reiterate that it will be extremely difficult for Nigerian workers to accept any national minimum wage figure that approximates to a starvation wage.
    “We cannot be working and yet remain in abject poverty.
    “We seek justice, equity and fairness for all Nigerians and this we hope would also drive the actions of Mr. President who promised a Living Wage to Nigerian workers.
    “This is an opportunity to show that he listens to Nigerians as he promised,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JAN/IAA
    ======
    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • Nigerians hail Tinubu over planned executive bill on new minimum wage

    Wage
    By Ibukun Emiola
    Ibadan, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Nigerians have commended President Bola Tinubu for his promise to send an executive bill on the new national minimum wage (NNMW) to the National Assembly, asking him not to dash the hope of the workers.
    They stated this on Wednesday while reacting to the president’s national broadcast to commemorate the 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.
    A former Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, noted that the presidential address highlighted the significance of the June 12, 1993 presidential election believed to have been won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
    Olayinka said that the election was adjudged to be the freest and fairest election in the history of in the history of Nigeria.
    “That election was held some 31 years ago, and in the nature of things, most Nigerians who are currently under 40 may not recollect what happened before and immediately after that event.
    “It is gratifying that the president paid deserving tributes to all the heroes of June 12, many of whom are no longer alive today,” he said.
    The former vice-chancellor also stated that the promise by Tinubu to transmit an executive bill to the national assembly on a new minimum wage as soon as possible would douse the tension among Nigerian workers.
    According to him, the bill is in order since it is widely accepted that workers in both the public and private sectors of the economy deserve a living wage for survival.
    Also, a financial expert, Mr Tunji Adepeju, described the presidential address as good, noting that it recognised those who sacrificed their lives, time and resources to take the country out of the quagmire of that time.
    “Like the president said, some of them were in exile for some time, while some lost their lives during the period, but here we are today enjoying democracy continuously for 25 years,” he said.
    Adepeju expressed happiness with the president’s statement that there had been some agreement with organised labour on the new minimum wage.
    “What that portrays is that labour leaders might not be telling us the truth. At the end of the day, all the N250,000 and N494,000 that were being thrown on the papers were just demands that they themselves did not believe in.
    “The figures were just being paraded to satisfy the wishes of their members.
    “Now, the president has tactically disclosed to Nigerians that they an agreement had been reached and fortunately, the labour leaders and others were part of the tripartite committee that look into the issue,” he said.
    The financial expert described as a thing of joy the assurance given to Nigerians by Tinubu that with his administration’s policies and programmes, Nigerians would be better off at the end of the day.
    Adepeju noted that the president said that he would do all within his powers, even as he sent warnings to those who were out to destabilise the progress being made by his administration.
    “I want to believe that those people, whether they are politicians, bureaucrats or businessmen, would exercise some caution, going forward,” he said.
    However, a Professor of Education Evaluation, Adams Onuka, said he was not impressed by the contents of the presidential speech, aside acknowledging the roles played by some heroes of the democracy which the country is enjoying now.
    Onuka said that the speech only made a veiled acknowledgement of the harsh economic condition currently being experienced by Nigerians.
    “The president could not tell us in his speech exactly what the minimum or living wage agreed upon. No concrete amount was agreed as minimum, not even a living wage was stated. This, to me, smacks of not being transparent enough.
    “The speech would have highlighted in concrete terms the steps being taken to bring the nation’s economy country to a prosperous path, the timelines for realising it and how it will be realised,” Onuka said.
    He stressed the need for the president’s economic team to sit down and articulate ways out of the present quagmire.
    “For me, so much was left to be desired in the speech and it is quite below my expectations,” the don said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IBK/KOLE/WAS
    Edited by Remi Koleoso and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Democracy Day: Anyaoku, others reiterate call for new constitution

    Democracy Day: Anyaoku, others reiterate call for new  constitution

    Constitution

    By Adekunle Williams

    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN)Former Commonwealth General Secretary, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and other prominent Nigerians have reiterated calls for a new democratic constitution that will  be determined by the Nigerian people.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anyaoku made this known at the June 12, 2024 Democracy Day Rally in Lagos on Wednesday.

    The  programme was organised by the June 12 Movement of Nigeria in conjunction with The Patriots,a group of eminent Nigerians.

    The theme of the event is: Ensuring the Future of Nigeria Through New Democratic People’s Constitution.

    Anyaoku said the present 1999 constitution was imposed on the country  by the  military.

    The former Commonwealth Secretary- General said the country needed a new  Constitution that would reflect true federalism and address the problems of the country.

     

    He charged the National Assembly to put a legal framework in place for the birth of a new constitution that would be determined by the Nigerian people.

    “If eminent Nigerians; people who have used better part of their time serving this country have a conversation and we cannot take it forward and make sure that we have a complete solution, then we are wasting our time.

    “Given the number of people that are here, we should make this conversation very effective. Many speakers have said that it is not the National Assembly that will make those amendments and it makes a lot of logical sense.

    “It is for the National Assembly to constitute a law where people will come together and make those amendments themselves,” he said.

    , t

    Speaking ,A former minister, Sen. Ike Nwachukwu ,said the country  needed a completely  new federal constitution that would give autonomy to the federating units ( States or Zones) as created and agreed.

    Nwachukwu noted that the new constitution must be subject to a referendum, adding that anything else would, pretty much, further estrange citizens  and deepen the pains Nigerians currently endure.

    According to him, the country is in need of a people’s constitution that would guarantee freedom of speech, movement and assembly.

    “(We are in a need of a constitution)that provides access to the mineral and human resources domiciled in the federating units with taxes paid to the central government.

    “That supports development in all spheres of human endeavours (education, science and technology, health and others).

    “That, provides security of life and property. That, promotes trust among its citizens. That forges a country which is sustainable and balanced to which its citizens can proudly belong and defend”,he said.

    Also speaking, Prof. Anthony Kila, said the present democratic dispensation had attempts to  produce a constitution to accommodate the wishes and aspirations of the people ,but had not succeeded.

    Kila said the reason for the failures, in his view, could be found primarily with those in authority at those times, wishing to force the citizenry to conform to their own personal ethos rather than those of the people who genuinely desire a better and more effective polity.

    The don said the 2014 National Conference attached a draft new constitution for a balanced and workable Nigeria.

    He said: “It firmly placed sovereignty and power in the people, with all citizens equal subjects under the law.

    “It made government and its officials accountable to the people. And unequivocally granted autonomy to states (the federating units) and for them to deal with matters concerning their local communities including policing and security.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    WAC/BHB

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Don urges teachers to invest in research, teaching tools

    Don urges teachers to invest in research, teaching tools
    TrainingBy Joy Mbachi

    Awka, June 24, 2024  (NAN) A lecturer at Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Dr Churchill Okonkwo, has urged lecturers to invest in academic research in order to meeting the teaching needs of the 21st century.

    Okonkwo, a lecturer, in the department of physics at the institution, is the Vice-President, College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU).

    Okonkwo said this on Wednesday in Awka during a two-day international training for guidance counselors on ecological approach to social-emotional learning.

    It had as its theme: “Envisioning an Ecological Classroom to Enhance Knowledge in Social- Emotional Learning.

    It was jointly organised by US-based NGO, Life Care Coalition Outreach (LCCO), Igwe Davison Okafor/ Mercy Ikeanyi (IDOMI) and Anambra State Ministry of Education.

    Okonkwo said scientific research would help teachers to improve in their teaching and learning in a changing world for impactful development.

    He said teachers should also avail themselves of new teaching tools and technologies to effectively engage in knowledge transfer in a digital age.

    He urged them to invest on research to gather more knowledge of new technologies and methods of teaching so as to be fit in transferring same to students as the world evolve.

    Also speaking, the Coordinator, IDOMI, Dr Chinedu Ikeanyi, said the workshop was part of their contribution towards improving the standard of education in the state.

    He said the organisation was conscious of the role of quality education in the development of any society.

    According to him, the training was in response to calls by the present and previous administrations in the state for the repatriation of knowledge by those in the diaspora.

    Ikeanyi said with the right teaching and learning environment students would learn and impact positively on society.

    Ikeanyi assured that the programme would be sustained in the same way the organisation had sustained its free medical and scholarship programmes.

    He, however, said it would be evaluated to know areas of improvement.

    The LCCO Coordinator, Mrs Victoria Anago, explained that the programme would also empower counselors to act as social workers in schools while improving the education system.

    Anago said it would expose the teachers to ways of improving their teaching skills  and enhance their competence.

    Dr Sevaughn Banks, a professor of social Work, California state University, Stanislaus, Thurrock,California, argued that classroom ecology could addressing students learning and educational needs while customising the school resources.

    Classroom ecology is the study of how students and their teachers interact both with the classroom environment and with each other within that specific space.

    One of the participants, Mrs Loretta Uzuagu from Aguata educational zone, said she would share the knowledge gained with her colleagues in the zone.

    Mrs Chinwe Chukwuemeka from Otuocha zone commended the organisers for the training said it had improved her communication skills.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was geared towards enhancing and addressing the needs of students and teachers towards improved learning and social development. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    JOY/KUA

    =======

    Edited by Uche Anunne