Blog

Nwifuru inaugurates new executives for Ebonyi Market Traders Association

Trader
By Uchenna Ugwu
Abakaliki, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Gov Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has inaugurated 23 new State Executive of Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) in the state.
Nwifuru inaugurated the executive on Thursday, during the Association’s first executive stakeholders meeting in Abakaliki.
He charged them on transparency and accountability for collection of quality data of all members.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the newly elected exco, comprised 10 members from the state level and 13 at the local governments and it is headed by Mr Godwin Okpoto as Chairman.
The governor, represented by Prof Nwogo Obasi, Commissioner for Market Development and Park, urged the group to take charge of the operation through collaboration with partners to achieve set goals.
He lauded the programme and expressed readiness of the state government to provide and support the group to succeed.
He expected that the function of the group goes beyond being member but work with human face.
“Be transparent and thorough for smooth exercise in collection of quality data because the state and federal governments will rely on the data to carry out equitable distribution of its plans to the informal sector,” Nwifuru said.
In his remarks, Okpoto, member of the new executive, promised to unite all members of the market, abide by the rules and regulation that guided the market to achieve the needed results and collection of data.
Okpoto described MATAN as an umbrella body for all trading associations in the country.
According to him, the project initated by the federal government, was aimed at enhancing living standards of the informal sector, rural dwellers and others involved in goods and services.
“The project will accommodate everyone and incentives that will pass through MATAN will reach the grassroots with records that will show inputs, palliatives, grants, loan and others were given to number of people.
“We will not default and promise not to disappoint the group,” Okpoto said.
Mr Okey Otielekwa, Assistant Manager, Federal Inland Revenue Service in the state, said collaboration with the group would make services and plans seemless.
Mr Greg Nwerem, the South East Zonal Project Coordinator, said that the body was founded in 1995 and largest player in the country’s market space with a membership of over 40 million traders across the country.
Nwerem explained that the focu was on market welfare to better lives, adding that some members had been profiled for employment which was a relief for state government.
Another participant and Chairman Stakeholders Forum, Mr Peter Oba, pledged to work with the organisers of the project to ensure the aims and objectives were achieved.
NAN reports that the event featured presentation of award of recognition to Nwifuru as the National patron of MATAN with certificates to exco members.
NAN also reports that the meeting featured lecture on “data collection for good budget. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
UVU/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
June 6, 2024
Institute seeks support for government policies to boost food industry
Institute seeks support for government policies to boost food industry
Food
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), Abuja, has sought stakeholders’ support for government policies in research and innovation to ensure favourable regulatory environment for food industry.
The President of NIFST, Prof. Joseph Abu, made the call during the 10th Regional Food Science and Technology Summit (ReFOST), and NIFST’s Day celebration in Abuja.
The theme of the Summit is “the role of food science and Technology professionals in the sustainability and security of food with high Nutritional Benefits to man’’.
Abu regretted that in the face of abundant natural resources and a rich agricultural heritage, Nigeria was still grappling with the challenges of ensuring that every citizen had access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food.
According to him, food security and nutritional wellbeing are fundamental human rights and represent the cornerstone of sustainable development.
“This partly explains why the role of food scientists and technologists is indispensable.
“We can still achieve together with other stakeholders in our collective quest to bring all forms of hunger to an end in this country and beyond,’’ Abu said.
He emphasised that through research development and deployment of existing and new technologies, food professionals must strive to enhance the nutritional profile of foods.
He added that foods professionals must scale up relevant innovations that would make food nutritious more accessible to every segment of the population.
“As the challenges we face in achieving sustainable food and nutrition security are complex and interwoven, fostering collaboration among stakeholders is essential.
“In addition, government policies must support research and Innovation, provide incentives for sustainable practices and ensure a favorable regulatory environment for the food industry,” Abu said.
He, however, said academic institutions and research organisations must continue to lead scientific research, development and innovation, providing the knowledge and tools needed to address current and future challenges.
Abu said that private partners sector, including food producers, processors and retailers, should play the critical role of bringing innovations to the market and ensuring their widespread adoption.
He said NIFST remained committed to supporting educational initiatives, professional development programmes, and research endeavors that empowered members, adding that capacity building was also important.
Abu, who said investing in the education and training of the youths was necessary, added that the country was preparing the next generation of food scientists and technologists as well as entrepreneurs who would move the food industry forward.
The Director-General, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Mrs Agnes Asagbra, said some of the challenges of food security include climate change impact, erratic rainfall patterns increased frequency of droughts and land degradation.
Asagbra, represented by an Assistant Director from the Agency, Mrs Blessing Aligwekwe, said millions of metric tons of food were lost or wasted in Sub-Saharan African each year.
The Director-General of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr Ifeanyi Okeke, said food safety was paramount and directly impact the health and wellbeing of individuals across the country
Okeke, represented by the Principal Standard Officer of SON, Mrs Chiamaka Anyagwa, urged all Food Science and Technology professionals to uphold the highest standards of quality, safety and sustainability in production and distribution of food products.
The FCT chapter Chairman of NIFST, Mrs Promise Ogbonna, said the food summit was organised annually for the celebration of the birth of NIFST by deliberating on vital and current issues that affect food safety, food security advancement in food science and technology.
She said the chapter had engaged in sensitisation campaigns at market places and abattoirs.
“Our food safety approaches must be measured by evaluating our processes, products, ingredients, packaging materials, processing aids and product contact surfaces.
“We must identify potential hazards and put action in place to eliminate them,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OEO/OIF/AMM
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Abiemwense Moru

June 6, 2024
Group builds 124 solar-powered boreholes in 1 year
Group builds 124 solar-powered boreholes in 1yr
Boreholes
By Polycarp Auta
Jos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) An NGO, called Transfer of Appropriate Sustainable Technology and Expertise (TASTE), says it has constructed 124 solar-powered boreholes in different communities in the country in 2023.
The Country Director of the organisation, Mr Nuhu Yakubu, disclosed this in Jos on Thursday, when officials of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Plateau Council, visited him in his office.
Yakubu also said that the NGO had resuscitated 300 malfunctional hand-pumps in different places from January to date.
He said that communities in Plateau and Kaduna States constituted the majority of the beneficiaries of the gesture.
He further said that the gesture aimed at providing quality and potable water to the people, particularly the less privileged, in rural areas.
”We are committed to providing access to quality and potable water to a large number of communities across the country.”
”Our aim is to ensure that the water collected by the people is safe for consumption at all times,” Yakubu said.
He further disclosed TASTE’s plan to create waste management hub in Plateau, adding that the measure would go a long way toward tackling environmental degradation.
He said that the organisation would go into aggressive sensitisation on tree planting and afforestation in Plateau.
Earlier, the Chairman of the chapel, Mr Polycarp Auta, said that the visit was to seek partnership with the organisation toward projecting its programmes and activities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AZA/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah

June 6, 2024
Minister inaugurates NIMR genomics centre, unveils Hepatitis B Viral kits

Unveiling of the NIMR Hepatitis B Viral kits by Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, in Lagos
Minister inaugurates genomics centre, unveils Hepatitis B Viral kits
Inauguration
By Kemi Akintokun
Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, on Thursday inaugurated the Centre for Human Virology and Genomics at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR).
Inaugurating the centre in Lagos on Thursday, Alausa said it would open up avenues for more research and boost the country’s public healthcare.
Alausa, who also unveiled the institute’s Hepatitis B Viral (HBV) Kits, said Nigeria had a prevalence rate of 13.2 percent chronic hepatitis B, which translated to millions of carriers in the country.
According to him, kits will help in monitoring response of patients to treatment and the level of the viral load in them.
“We are here today to commission this centre as a reflection of the environment the current administration has created to invest in research and development.
“The centre will create an enabling environment for more Genomics studies on HIV, hepatitis A and B, and other diseases peculiar to our country.
“The standard here can be compared with what is obtainable in the developed countries in terms of genomics and virology.
“The production of the NIMR HBV kits shows that our researchers can compete with other researchers across the globe.
“NIMR should commercialise these kits, which is effective and cheap ,” he said.
The minister commended NIMR for its proactive and futuristic approach to research development in the country.
Earlier, Prof. Babatunde Salako, the Director-General NIMR, said the institute, which is the foremost in the country, had contributed significantly to science and nation building.
Salako said the inaugurated centre was a purposed built facility that would further assist NIMR to fulfill its mandate of investigating viruses affecting humans and genomics variation influencing disease outcome.
He added that the HBV kits, formulated by NIMR researchers, would improve detection and assessment of hepatitis B viral load, which was key to monitoring of patients.
According to him, a systematic review and meta-analysis identified the prevalence of HBV as 13.6 percent in the country, making it a major public health concern affecting millions.
Salako said: “This growing human infrastructure capacity is poised to enable this centre to soon become a power house for genomics and precision medicine in Nigeria.
“The facility will become a core research facility for Nigerians, given that viruses are leading contenders for the next world pandemic and the increasing recognition of human genomics role in determining disease outcome.
“In Nigeria, the diagnosis for HBV has become expensive and far fetched, majorly because of cost of purchase and availability.
“The NIMR HBV PCR kit is developed to enable reliable detection and quantification of all hepatitis B genotypes,”he said.
NAN reports that the NIMR HBV kit was developed by Dr Joseph Shaibu. a Molecular Virologist at the institute.(NAN)
KOA/KOLE/IFY
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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Ifeyinwa Omowole
June 6, 2024
Group calls for memorialisation of civil war to honour victims, veterans

Honour
By Stanley Nwanosike
Enugu, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Nzuko Umunna, a global pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, has called for the memorialisation of the 30-month civil war to honour victims and veterans through erection of monuments in key locations in the country.
This is contained in a communiqué of the second edition of Nzuko Umunna monthly dialogue issued in Enugu on the topic: “Memorializing the Nigerian–Biafran War – A Catalyst to Better Civic Engagement and Sustainable Development in South-East Nigeria.”
The communiqué was signed by President of Nzuko Umunna, Prof. Chinedu Nebo and its Executive Secretary, Dr Uju Agomoh, and after a monthly dialogue held worldwide via Webinar meeting on May 30, 2024.
The stakeholders of the meeting were drawn from academics, traditional, civil society organizations, community leaders and policymakers.
They reflected on memorialising the civil war and its implications for civic engagement and sustainable development.
The participants deliberated and reminiscence extensively on the devastating effects of the war on Igbo land.
They extolled the resilience and determination of the Igbo people in the face of adversity which brought about the significant progress made in rebuilding and reconstructing Igbo land in spite of all socio-economic and political challenges that tried frustrating sustainable development.
The session called on the government and stakeholders to establish memorial museums, digital archives and online platforms dedicated wholly to the history of the civil war.
According to the statement, this is to showcase personal stories, artifacts, photographs and historical documents with interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations to engage visitors and educate them on the impacts of war.
Other recommendations by the session were to “develop school curriculum that includes comprehensive lessons on the civil war with emphasis on the importance of peace and reconciliation.
“There is a need to organize workshops and seminars with historians, survivors and scholars to facilitate deeper understanding and dialogue.
“An annual commemorative events in forms of memorial services, peace walks and cultural festivals on significant dates related to the war.
“Implement policies and programmes that address the lingering effects of the war. Support initiatives that promote civic engagement and sustainable development in the region.
“Encourage community participation in these events to foster a sense of collective memory and solidarity,” it said.
The statement called on governments at all levels to collaborate with non-governmental organizations like Nzuko Umunna, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and international bodies to fund and implement memorialisation projects.
It said: “This will ensure that initiatives reflect the experiences and perspectives of all affected groups to foster inclusivity and ownership.
“Government should identify and preserve significant sites related to the war, such as battlefields, refugee camps and historical buildings; to support initiatives that will bring solutions to the root causes of conflict and encourage sustainable and remarkable development in Alaigbo.
“The communique, when implemented, will not only help in memorializing the dead war veterans but also help to promote healing and educate the future generations and bring about sustainable development and peace in the South-East and Nigeria.”
Continuing, the communique noted the resolve of participants to nurture a culture that enhanced peace, tolerance, and understanding in the midst of the diverse communities in Alaigbo and Nigeria in general.
Other resolutions taken were to sponsor and encourage a participatory and inclusive governance to ensure that all citizens had a voice.
“To encourage massive investment in vital areas of the economy like health, infrastructure and education which will lead to massive human capital and economic growth.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
KSN/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
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June 6, 2024
Suspension of $300 Helicopter Landing Levy right step — AON
Suspension of $300 Helicopter Landing Levy right step — AON

Operators

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) on Thursday applauded the federal government’s suspension of the 300 dollars helicopter landing and take-off levy as a step in the right direction.

The AON made this known in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, in Lagos.

Okonkwo commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN) on the suspension, saying it would support growth and sustainability of operators in the industry.

He said that AON and other stakeholders’ stance on the matter was not ignored, as the minister listened and acted appropriately.

According to him, the controversial landing and take-off fee to be collected by Messrs. Naebi Dynamic Concepts Limited, started in 2018, with the company demanding the levies to be paid in dollars, contrary to the provision of section 15 of the CBN Act.

The fees were to be paid for helicopter landings and take-offs on and from oil rig platforms and private helipads, among others.

Okonkwo said that the company had proposed to the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who wrote to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), for comments.

He said that the NCAA, however, said there was no legal justification for the introduction of the levy.

Okonkwo said that the NCAA had stated that aside certification of helipads, most of which are privately-owned, and for which it charged certification fee, it did not provide any service to helicopter operators that would justify the imposition of such fee.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) which manages airports also had neither legal framework nor justification to impose such a charge, other than at its airports, which helicopter operators pay just like other aircraft operators in Nigeria.

According to him, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has as one of its functions, under its Act, provision of navigation services necessary for the operation of aircraft taking off or landing, and to integrating them into the overall air traffic within the Nigerian airspace.

He said that NAMA did not charge helicopter landing and take-off fee on or from oil rig platforms, Field Support Programme Officers (FSPOs) and private helipads, because it did not provide any service in respect thereto, to the operators.

He said that Section 7(1) (r) of the NAMA Act which was in force at the time was clear that NAMA should charge fees only for the services provided by the Agency, and helicopter operators pay the air navigation charges as generated on monthly basis just like every other aircraft operator in Nigeria.

Okonkwo said that AON rejected the imposition of the suspended Helicopter Landing and Take-off Fee for several reasons.

He said that NAMA does not provide any additional service to helicopter operators to justify the imposition of the fee at all helipads, oil rig platforms, FSPOs, FSOs among others.

Okonkwo said that when no service is provided at those locations to the helicopter operators by NAMA, such levy is contrary to the provision of section 7 (1) (r) of the then applicable NAMA Act as well as to section 1, paragraph 2 (1) of ICAO Document 9082 for such impositions.

He said that NAMA did not adhere to the policies, principles and guidelines contained in ICAO Documents 9082 (ICAO’s Policies on Charges for Airports and Air Navigation Services) and 9161 (Manual on Air Navigation Services Economics).

Before imposing the Helicopter Landing and Take-off Fee. Part 18, section 18.8.1.1 (e) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations requires NAMA to adhere to the policies, principles and guidelines contained in those documents.

He said NAMA did not obtain the approval of NCAA before imposing the new charge.

Part 18, section 18.8.1.1 (b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations require NAMA to obtain the approval of NCAA before imposing any new charges and fees for its services.

NCAA has the statutory power to regulate the charges that may be made in respect of air traffic control and for the use of aerodromes and for services provided at such aerodromes.

He said that NAMA did not consult the helicopter operators and other stakeholders before imposing the Helicopter Landing and Take-off Fee.

Okonkwo said Part 18, section 18.8.1.1 (d) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations requires NAMA to adhere to the principles and procedures of consultation with users, cost-relatedness, non-discrimination and transparency in the application of charges and fees.

He noted that contrary to the Ministry’s Press Release of May 13, neither NCAA nor FAAN was a party to the MoU between NAMA and Naebi Dynamic Concepts Limited. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
ITM/SOA
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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

June 6, 2024
Performance indices on NGX down 0.15%
Market
By Rukayat Adeyemi
Lagos, June 6, 2023 (NAN) The Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) recorded a negative performance on Thursday, with a loss of N84 billion in market capitalisation.

Specifically, the market capitalisation lost N84 billion to close at N56.079 trillion, representing 0.15 per cent when compared to N56.163 trillion posted on Wednesday.

Consequently, the All-Share Index lost 0.15 per cent or 150 points to close at 99,134.85, having opened at 99,284.38.
As a result, the Year-To-Date (YTD) return declined to 32.58 per cent.
Sell-offs in Transnational Corporation, Stanbic IBTC, Fidelity, May & Baker, Nigerian Breweries, and Ikeja Hotels, among other declined stocks pulled the market’s performance down.
Also, the market breadth closed slightly negative with 18 laggards and 17 leaders on the floor of the Exchange.
On the losers’ chart, May & Baker led by 10 per cent to close at N6.03, Fidelity Bank followed by 9.72 per cent to close at N9.75 per share.
Sovereign Trust Insurance lost 9.52 per cent to close at 38k, Stanbic IBTC Bank went down by 9.52 per cent to close at N52 and Sunu Assurances shed 6.98 per cent to close at N1.20 per share.
Conversely, Oando Plc led the gainers’ chart by 9.77 per cent to close at N14.05, Eterna trailed by 9.67 per cent to close at N14.75, and Veritas Kapital rose by 9.52 per cent to settle at 69k per share.

NEM Insurance also gained 8.75 per cent to close at N8.70 and Wapic Insurance added 6.25 per cent to close at 68k per share.

However, market analysis indicated that trade turnover settled higher relative to the previous session with the value of transactions up by 10.74 per cent.

A total of 309.81 million shares valued at N5.39 billion were exchanged in 6,765 deals, as against 308.14 million shares valued at N4.86 billion exchanged in 7,690 deals posted in the previous session.

Fidelity Bank led the activity chart in volume with 49.20 million shares valued at N483.14 million, Access Corporation followed by 42.38 million shares worth N728.80 million.

Oando sold 28.62 million shares worth N394.75 million while Guinness traded 19.60 million shares valued at 975.58 million to lead the chart.

Veritas Kapital transacted 18.62 million shares worth N12.20 million. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
RUKY/AWA
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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

June 6, 2024
Youth ministry, centre partner on drug abuse, rehabilitation
Dr Hope Omeize, Executive Director, Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA), with Mr Ayodele Olawande, Minister of State for Youth Development.
Youth ministry, centre partner on drug abuse, rehabilitation
Abuse
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Youth Development is prepared to partner with Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA), to raise awareness against drug abuse.
It is also prepared to rehabilitate and provide skills for youths affected by substance abuse.
Mr Ayodele Olawande, Minister of State for Youth Development, made the pledge on Thursday in Abuja when he received Dr Hope Omeiza, Executive Director of VGADA detox centre.
The News Agency Of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the VGADA detox center, a rehabilitation centre in Abuja, is a leading provider of addiction treatment and recovery services in Nigeria.
Olawande noted, with appreciation, the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying that it would lift Nigerians in all spheres and make life meaningful for all.
He emphasised the need to engage those at the grassroots, adding that they were the informal people who needed the good message of the campaign.
“There is also need to enlighten the parents, especially the mothers at the grassroots, so as to help educate children and youths on drug abuse and illicit trafficking,” he added.
He said that the ministry had been to 19 states and many local governments to campaign against dangers of drugs, substance abuse and illicit trafficking.
“From our experience, we have two different types of young people today – the formal and the informal
“The formal people know and are aware of the dangers of these drugs, but the informal are at the grassroots level.
“We are not engaging the informal people and that is why illicit drug use has been spreading widely to the towns, the villages, and to the grassroots.
“This is the reason you’ll see me in every community engaging with the stakeholders, the women especially.
“We believe that everything begins from the home; with the mothers talking to their children, it will help curtail the menace to the barest minimum,” he said.
Olawande said that the Tinubu administration was doing all it could to ensure that issues relating to illicit drugs were resolved to the barest minimum.
He said that the ministry would continue to educate and enlighten the youths and children to make them better patriots, promote peace and enhance unity in the country.
“We have 774 local governments. We are planning to hit at least 500 so that we will bring the government to the doorstep of the people.
“This will help a lot. People need to see and touch the government in every aspect. It is not everything that is about money.”
Earlier, Omeiza had painted a grim picture of the drug situation in Nigeria, especially as it affects the youth population.
Omeiza stressed the urgent need for all stakeholders, at all levels, to strengthen partnership with necessary rganisations, especially VGADA.
“Such partnership will curb the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, especially since there is a strong nexus between drug abuse and security challenges facing the country.
“We have a programme coming up on June 28 and it is for the youth. The event will address the pressing issues of drug abuse, mental health challenges and their impact on the future of Nigerian youth,” he said.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
ICA/ETS
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June 6, 2024
Plateau LGA builds special clinic for snakebite treatment
Plateau LGA builds special clinic for snakebite treatment
Snakebites
By Peter Amine
Jos, June 6, 2024 (NAN), Qua’an Pan Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau, has built a special clinic for the treatment of snakebites, which has become rampant in the area.
Mr Christopher Manship, Transition Implementation Committee Chairman of Quanpan, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Jos, that the number of deaths from snakebite complications had reduced significantly since the clinic became operational.
Manship said the snake anti-venom was also being administered to the patients at a subsidised rate to make the treatment affordable.
The chairman stated that he prioritised the completion of the clinic, which was initiated in 2018 by his predecessor, Mr Isaac Kwalu, because of its importance.
He pointed out that the people of the area were vulnerable to snakebites because of the location, weather, and their major occupation, which was farming.
Manship emphasised that, apart from the few civil servants, 99.9 per cent of the people of Qua’an Pan were farmers and prone to snakebites.
“When you go there, you will see so many patients and their relatives because we have subsidised the anti-snake venom from about N95, 000 to N40,000.
“People come from various parts of the state and country, most especially from Taraba, Nasarawa, and Benue states.
“They come because of the low cost, and before they are discharged, they are given three to four doses of the anti-venom.
“Initially, when a snake bites you, you are sure of dying, as 98 per cent of those bitten by snakes before now had died.
“The death rate has dropped considerably, and since I became the chairman, nobody has died in that clinic,” he said.
According to him, all the staff of the clinic were specially trained outside the state to handle the cases.
He further said that apart from snake treatment, his administration had also built many other clinics and renovated others, to cater for the health needs of the people of Qua’an Pan. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
PAT/DOR
Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore
June 6, 2024
Tinubu approves N150,000 grant for each MSMEs clinics participants
Grant
By Salisu Sani-Idris
Ado-Ekiti, June 6, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has directed the disbursement of N150,000 grant to each participant of the Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinic.
Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this on Thursday while declaring open the third edition of the MSMEs Clinic at the Trade Fair Complex, Old Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti state
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the expanded National MSME Clinics is one of federal government’s strategies for ease of doing business in Nigeria.
It is a series of business forum organised in different cities across the country to proffer on-the-spot solutions to challenges confronting MSMEs.
NAN reports the first and second editions of the clinics were launched in Benue and Ogun states respectively earlier in the year.
The Vice-President explained that the N150,000 was an outright grant that does not require beneficiaries to repay.
” I am pleased to share that Mr President has directed me to ensure that all outstanding exhibiting MSMEs at the Clinic today receive a grant of N150,000 each.
” This is an outright grant, and the beneficiaries will not need to repay it. We extend our gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support,” he said.
Shettima disclosed that the same clinics would be launched in Borno and Enugu States ” before culminating in the National MSME Awards in FCT on June 27, to commemorate the United Nations World MSME Day.
He noted that small businesses “are the lifelines of communities across the nation and a strong pillar of stability during this critical phase of our economic transition”.
” We cannot claim to have excelled in our interventions unless they remain our top priority.
” Our commitment to revitalising the MSME sector ensures that these businesses continue to serve their essential buffering function,” he explained.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports earlier on his arrival in the state, Shettima, who was received by Gov. Biodun Oyebanji and other top government officials, commissioned the Ekiti State Ultra-Modern Fashion and Garment Hub at Odua Textile Complex, Basiri, Ado Ekiti.
The Vice-President and his entourage also inspected the Adire Ekiti Hub, a pet project of the first lady of the state.
Shettima said while it competes ideally with others globally, the hub has the potential of creating an estimated 48,000 jobs annually.
He described the hub as a significant milestone by the Tinubu’s administration to empower local industries.
” It boasts the capacity to produce a wide range of fashion gear, including military uniforms, and rivals any facility in the world.
” Equipped with modern-day machinery and technology, this hub holds immense potential for job creation, with projections estimating an average of 48,000 jobs annually.
” We anticipate that this facility will be managed by a competent private sector entity, while both federal and state governments will maintain vigilant oversight over its operations.
” With over 300 pieces of cutting-edge equipment, this hub represents a significant milestone in our efforts to empower local industries,” he said
In his remarks, Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the Vice-president for his wise counsel and support for his administration in the state.
He noted that President Tinubu had, indeed, been a father, who has fulfilled all of his campaign promises.
He called on the political class in Ekiti to support his administration, noting that “it is only in unity that we can attract so much for the good of the our people.”
Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele commended the effective collaboration between the federal and state governments, culminating in the execution of the MSME focused projects.
He disclosed plans by his office to devote a portion of his constituency project funds in the coming year to support the development of MSMEs in the state.
The Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr Dele Alake, assured the people of the state that their welfare and wellbeing were being prioritised by the Tinubu administration.
He urged Ekiti people to support the federal government regardless of the prevailing conditions, assuring that “the future is bright, as Nigeria is going through the challenges of economic restructuring and socio-economic re-engineering.” (NAN)
SSI/ROT
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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

June 6, 2024