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  • NNPC foundation reiterates commitment to restoring Nigeria’s landscape, greener future

    Officials and some students during the tree planting by NNPC Foundation Ltd at the Junior Secondary School, Hajj Camp, Gwagwalada on Wednesday.

     

    Trees
    By Lucy Ogalue
    Gwagwalada , June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Foundation Ltd., has reiterated its commitment to restore Nigeria’s landscape and build a greener future for all citizens.

    The Foundation’s Managing Director, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, said this at the planting of trees at the Junior Secondary School, Hajj Camp, Gwagwalada.

    Arukwe, represented by Dr Bala David, the Executive Director, Programme Development, NNPC Foundation, said the importance of tree planting could not be overemphasised.

    “We are here to mark World Environment Day, which is celebrated every June 5, and we have come to celebrate it with the pupils of Junior Secondary School, Hajj Camp, Gwagwalada.

    “We had a session with the students on the Foundation and what we do. We are mandated to operate in the environment, health and education areas.

    “So, being the world’s environmental day, we came here to be able to plant trees that will eventually restore the environment,” she said.

    The principal of the school, Hajia Hauwa Aliyu, said collective climate action was needed to protect our environment.

    “This day aims at encouraging communities to take action towards protecting their environment.

    “As our climate changes and its impact continues to affect us, we must continue to find sustainable ways to protect it for future generations,” she said.

    The principal, while commending the group for their efforts in restoring the school’s environment, said she was surprised by the team’s presence.

    “I feel great that the NNPC Foundation remembered my school and is here to celebrate this remarkable day with us.

    “When I was called yesterday, I did not believe it was real until I saw you here. I am very happy, and the students are equally very happy.

    “Your presence today has taught me and the whole school a lot of things that we did not know about the environment and the need for it to be restored,” she said.

    The principal then expressed the school’s commitment to ensure that the trees planted were cared for for the benefit of the students and Nigerians.

    “I have a team of agricultural science teachers on ground, and I have given them the mandate to ensure the sustainability of this project.

    “And I assure you that they will do their best to take care of the trees being planted today,” she said.

    Meanwhile, Mr Abe Ajayi, the Vice-President, Association of Flower and Nursery Practitioners Abuja, said tree planting was important because it sustained life.

    “Some of these trees have economic and health benefits. So it is key that we plant trees.”

    He advised against cutting down trees, saying it was better to trim them instead of cutting them and distorting nature.

    A student, Etuka Smile, expressed pleasure at the idea of planting trees in her school.

    “I feel great about what is happening here because I want the environment to be clean. “I want to advise those cutting down trees to stop, as it is affecting our climate and living standard.

    Another student, Sanusi Alamin, said, ” I am very happy that we got to celebrate World Environmental Day in our school today.”

    “There are some areas I know without a single tree where one can have shade, and I wish this kind of exercise would reach such places.

    “So that the people will understand the advantages of planting trees, what it signifies and be inspired to plant trees for the good of our environment.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    LCN/EEE

    =======

    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

  • Ondo 2024: Edema emerges as NNPP governorship candidate

    Ondo 2024: Edema emerges as NNPP governorship candidate
    Poll
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Akure, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Mr Olugbenga Edema, a former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ondo State, on Wednesday, was announced as the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the Nov. 16 governorship poll.
    The News  Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Israel Ayeni, who won the party’s primary on April 26, voluntarily withdrew, paving way for his substitution with Edema.
    At the substitution primary held on Wednesday, Edema, the sole candidate of the election, was affirmed by a voice vote by the 180 delegates across the 18 local government areas of the state.
    The Chairman of the 2024 NNPP  Electoral Committee, Mr Ayeni Aladelusi, who announced Edema as the party’s candidate, said that there was a constitutional provision for substitution within a stipulated period.
    Aladelusi explained that following the withdrawal of Isreal Ayeni, the members resolved to substitute him with Edema, a tested politician and administrator, to fly the party’s flag.
    Also speaking, Ayeni said that he withdrew his interest in the governorship race in the interest of the party.
    In his acceptance speech, Edema thanked the  God for giving him the opportunity to present himself  to serve the people of the state.
    He also appreciated the National Chairman, members of the National Working Committee, State Working Committee of NNPP and delegates for their support and confidence reposed in him.
    “ I offer myself as your candidate and standard bearer for the Ondo State gubernatorial election coming up on the 16th November 2024.
    “I accept the challenge, I accept the mandate freely and willingly granted to me today, and I promise not to ever look back,” he said.
    Edema further said that the manifesto of the party aligned with his vision as encapsulated in the ‘Igbega Ondo’ manifesto.
    The governorship candidate, who was one of the 16 aspirants that jostled for the April 20 governorship primary of the APC, stated that his vision was set on the “consolidation and sustainability lane for total development of the state.”
    Edema, who decried the conduct and process of the APC primary poll in April, said that internal democracy was well rooted in the NNPP.
    According to him, the purported primary election conducted by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on April 20 lacked internal democracy.
    “This act of impunity should not be supported and be allowed to continue in our polity. It is trite that you cannot give what you do not have.
    “ And as the saying goes “a house built with spittle will certainly collapse under the early morning dew”.
    “The demise of APC is just around the corner like its sister, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from which it took over the reign of power.
    “It is on this note that I hereby formally announce my resignation from APC forthwith.
    “I hereby pitch my tent with the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), a truly progressive and people-oriented party,” Edema said.
    He subsequently nominated Dr Rotimi Adeyemi as his running mate in the Nov. 16 governorship election in the state.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    OKEO/AOS
    ===========
    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

  • Fidelity Bank concludes plans to raise N127.1bn

    Offer

    By Rukayat Adeyemi

    L-R: Mr Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director, Chief Operations and Information Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr  Oladele Sotubo, MD/CEO Stanbic Capital,  Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr Mustafa Chike-Obi Chairman, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ms Ezinwa Unuigboje, Company Secretary, Fidelity Bank Plc, and Jubril Enakele, Chief Executive, Iron Global Markets Ltd., at the signing of the Fidelity Bank Public Offer and Rights Issue in Lagos

    Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Fidelity Bank Plc says it has concluded plans to raise N127.1 billion by way of rights issue to existing shareholders and a public offer, which is a combined subscription.

    The bank said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos.

    It said that the combined offer was part of the bank’s strategy to increase its share capital base in compliance with the revised minimum capital requirements for commercial banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    The bank expressed optimism that the fresh capital would support its drive for sustainable growth and diversification of its earnings base.

    The bank said that the signing ceremony of the combined offer was held in Lagos, revealing
    that its shareholders had already approved the rights issue and public offer at its Extra-Ordinary General Meeting held on Aug.11, 2023.

    “Under the rights issue, 3.2 billion  ordinary shares of 50 kobo each will be offered in the ratio of one new ordinary share for every 10 ordinary shares held as of Jan.5, 2024, at N9.25 per share, totalling N29.6 billion.

    “For the public offer,10 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each will be offered to the general investing public at N9.75 per share, totalling N97.5 billion.

    “Stanbic IBTC Capital is the lead Issuing House to the combined offer, whilst the joint issuing Houses include Iron Global Markets Ltd. and Cowry Asset Management Ltd.

    “Others are Afrinvest Capital Ltd., FSL Securities Ltd., Futureview Financial Services Ltd., Iroko Capital Market Advisory Ltd., Kairos Capital Ltd. and Planet Capital Ltd,” Iit added.

    According to the bank, the acceptance and application lists for the rights issue and public offer are expected to open on June 20 and close on July 29.

    The Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said that the proceeds of the combined offer would be channelled to investment in Information Technology infrastructure.

    Onyeali-Ikpe revealed that the proceeds would also be invested in regional expansion and product distribution.

    She noted that the rights circular for the issue, which contained a provisional allotment letter and the participation form, would be mailed directly to shareholders of the Bank.

    The managing director stated that printed copies of the public offer prospectus could be obtained at the offices of Fidelity Bank and the issuing Houses during the public offer application period.

    “All existing shareholders and prospective investors said explained, are advised to read documents and consult a Stockbroker, Fund/Portfolio manager, accountants, bankers and solicitors among other professional for guidance, where necessary, ” she said.

    The Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Capital, Mr Oladele Sotubo, commended Fidelity Bank’s management for their commitment towards executing the combined offer.

    He lauded the management for being at the forefront of achieving the CBN’s revised minimum capital requirements for Nigerian commercial banks.

    Sotubo thanked the bank for the confidence reposed in Stanbic IBTC Capital to lead and advise on the landmark transaction.

    He expressed confidence that the deal would encourage others to tap into the equity capital markets to raise funds to meet their strategic business needs.

    Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank, operating primarily through branches and service centres across Nigeria, with authorisation from the CBN to operate internationally through branches located in foreign countries.

    The bank provides a wide-range banking and other financial services to over 8.3 million corporate and individual customers from 250 businesses in the country with a total asset base of N6.2 trillion, as at Dec.31, 2023.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    RUKY/AWA

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    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

     

  • RMAFC wants full autonomy for local govt. councils

     

    Autonomy

    By Vivian Emoni

    Abuja, June 6, 2024 ( NAN) The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on Wednesday called for full autonomy for Local Government Councils (LGCs) to ensure efficient governance in the country.

    The Chairman of the RMAFC, Mr Mohammed Shehu, made the call while addressing newsmane in Abuja.

    According to Shehu, the call backs the Federal Government in its ongoing efforts to free LGCs from the firm control of state governments through legal means by giving effect to the provisions of constitution.

    “The LGCs, as the third tier of government domesticated at the grassroots level, ought to be outside the control of state and Federal Governments as they were solely established to ensure effective governance at the grassroots level.

    “The constitution of Nigeria recognises federal, state, and local governments as three tiers of government and the three recognised tiers of government draw funds for their operation and function from the federation account created by the constitution,” he said.

    Shehu said that the state governments’ dominance over the affairs of LGCs emasculates their political, administrative and fiscal independence.

    He emphasised on the LGCs inability to provide quality service delivery in the area of infrastructure and social services to the grassroots as provided for in the constitution.

    He said that the political control of LGCs had made it virtually difficult and almost impossible for the masses to decide who becomes their leaders at that level of governance, which was closest to the people.

    He added that the commission believed that giving full autonomy to LGCs would reduce the rate of poverty, rural-urban migration, and bring more dividends of democracy to the people.

    “This will attract more qualified candidates for council elections that will improve the governance system at all levels in the long run.

    “Full autonomy will engender good governance, transparency and accountability at the local level.

    “ Security challenges like banditry, kidnappings, terrorism, electoral violence, among others will reduce to the barest minimum if the quantum of funds meant for local governments is channeled towards rural development.”

    “ This will raise agricultural productivity, increase income generation, arrest rural-urban migration, create wealth and generally improve the socio-economic living conditions of the rural populace,” he said.

    The chairman said that the current spate of insecurity in all parts of the country could be arrested if LGCs are granted full autonomy.

    He said that as local government administration was the closest level of government for effective participation of population in the country in its governance system, it would avail the local population greater independence to determine their development needs.

    He emphasised the importance of granting full autonomy to LGCs, allowing them to recruit, manage staff, raise finances, make bylaws, and discharge their functions without state government interference.

    According to him, this will ensure their full bureaucratic autonomy.

    Shehu said that financial autonomy of local government entailed the freedom to impose local taxation, generate revenue within its assigned sources.

    He added that allocating its financial and material resources,  would determine and authorise its annual budgets without external interference.

    “It will relate to the disposition of tax powers, retention of revenue, and methods adopted in sharing centrally collected revenue by the constitutional responsibilities of all levels of government.

    According to Shehu, it is worth noting that the constitution made it explicitly clear that there must be a democratically elected local government system in place.

    “The constitution has not made provisions for any other systems of governance at the local government level other than democratically elected local government system.

    “It is the position of the RMAFC that local governments should be granted fiscal autonomy by paying statutory allocations from the federation account directly to their coffers.

    “The commission, therefore, fully supports the ongoing suit instituted by the Federal Government asking for an order permitting the funds standing in the credits of local governments to be directly channeled to them from the Federation Account”.

    He said that RMAFC would continue to be a strategic partner in the efforts to reposition local government councils to discharge their constitutional responsibilities in the country.

    He, therefore, called on Civil Society Organisations, (CSOs) and the media to be at the forefront of efforts to ensure that local government autonomy becomes a reality in Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nan.ng)

     

    VOE/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • World Environmental Day: Group sensitises students on environmental abuse

    Environment

     

    By Ibukun Emiola

     

    Ibadan, June 5, 2024 (NAN) A Non-Profit Organisation, Eleven Eleven Twelve Foundation (EETF), has decried the effects of human pollution and land degradation on the environment across Nigeria.

    EETF Founder, Mr Adetunji Lam-Adesina, cried out at a symposium to commemorate the 2024 World Environmental Day in Ibadan on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the organisation used the forum to sensitise students on the effects of pollution and land degradation on the environment, emphasising urgent actions to reverse the trend.

    According to Lam-Adesina, the current situation indicates that the world is in distress due to continuous harmful practices by humans.

    “Hence, the need to sensitise young people to inculcate good habits that would protect the earth.

    “It takes all of us to get the environment back to what it should be. Our planet needs help and it takes all of our efforts and actions to get it back.

    “Today, we decide to focus on the youth, as we need their efforts now more than ever because the future belongs to them.

    “And we need to carry them along so that we can catch them young and instil the culture of giving back to the environment in them,” he said.

    Earlier, a professor of Agricultural Engineering, Emilolorun Aiyelari, underscored the need to harness the weather and the nation’s abundant natural resources to reverse desertification and drought.

    According to him, the government should step up tree planting and treat the soil well to address food insecurity and climate change.

    “We have all it takes to grow crops in Nigeria; good weather and water bodies that can be tapped for irrigation.

    “If we do this in the North, cattle herders will not migrate to the South.

    “This will address some of the insecurity issues in the country, as farmers will once again have the confidence to farm,” he said.

    Prof. Grace Oloukoi of the Department of Urban and Environmental Management, Lead City University, Ibadan, said land degradation has a way of impacting every aspect of the environment.

    She emphasised the need to protect nature and restore the damage done to the land.

    “For us to live well, go green and embrace planting trees; we are already restoring and enriching the earth by so doing.

    “We must stop plastic pollution and other habits that have adverse effects on the earth,” Oloukoi said.

    On what the education sector could do to promote sustainability, Mrs Helen Ojehomon, Deputy Head of School, Ibadan International School, said environmental management should be inculcated into the school curriculum.

    According to her, environmental awareness or knowledge is not a subject that should be taken on its own but something to be integrated into all of the subjects.

    “So, while treating economics, we should be talking about environmental impact as well; the same thing for agriculture and other subjects.

    “This is necessary so that students can understand that no man is an island, and nothing is completely separate, but they are all interconnected and the environment is what joins all of these together,” Ojehomon said.

    Two students of the participating schools, Oluwalonimi Jenrola of American Christian Academy, and Precious Adejumo of Ibadan International School, thanked the organisers for the knowledge gained.

    Both students said they would henceforth become advocates for the promotion of good environmental habits among their peers.

    NAN reports that the 2024 World Environment Day is themed, “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience” with the slogan, “Our land, Our future’. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IBK/KOO/MAS

    ===========

    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Moses Solanke

     

     

  • NNPC Foundation partners ministry to promote climate resilient environment

    Some officials of NNPC Foundation and staff of GSS Kuje on Wednesday in Abuja.

     

    Environment

    By Lucy Ogalue

    Kuje, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The NNPC Foundation Ltd. is partnering with the Ministry of Environment to promote climate resilient environment for citizens.

    Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, the Managing Director of the foundation said this at an event to mark the 2024 World Environment Day (WED) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2024 WED is “ Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”.

    The WED is celebrated globally every June 5.

    Arukwe, represented by the foundation’s Executive Director, Programme Development, Dr Bala David, said the aim of the foundation was to support environmental sustainability.

    According to her, one of the ways of doing this is by planting of trees which is the reason for the gathering at the Government Secondary School (GSS) Kuje.

    She said: “today being the World Environment Day, we are running this type of programme together with three planting in Bauchi, Enugu, Benin, Lagos and three schools in FCT.

    The theme of this year’s event calls for the need to restore our environment and the importance of tree planting was to regulate climate, biodiversity support and soil protection among others.

    Representing the Ministry of Environment and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Mr Sampraise Itomo, urged Nigerians and the World at large to treat the environment as its neighbour.

    “Environment is everything around us inclusive of living and non-living things. As humans, we need to know and interact with our environment.

    “And the environment around us is our neighbour and they contribute to our longevity, happiness, and joy so we should have regard for it and try to preserve it,’’ he said.

    While reiterating the advantages of tree planting in our environment, Itomo said it was our responsibility to restore the environment for our safety and that of our future generation.

    Also speaking, Mr Sani Adamu, the Manager Education of the foundation, restated that the environment was ours and there was the need for us to take care of it.

    “There are various ways of taking care of our environment and one of such ways is tree planting and that is the essence of why we are here today.

    “As the vice principal has rightly said, when you cut down a tree you should plant two more as a replacement

    “We must take our environment very seriously so that the eco climate can be achieved and by so doing, we will live longer,’’ he said.

    Similarly, the Vice-Principal Administration, Government Secondary School, Kuje, Muhammad Muhammed expressed the commitment of the school to safe guard the trees planted.

    “We have gone ahead to make a protector around the plant to ensure it is protected from being eaten by animals or being destroyed

    “We will make sure that morning and evening, we water them so that we can see them grow well and serve its purpose.

    “Also, where ever we see encroachment or desertification, we should try as much as possible to grow trees in such areas, deforestation should be afforestation,’’ he said.

    Meanwhile, the students of the school commended the foundation for including them in the WED celebration and thanked them for the knowledge impacted on them. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LCN/EEE

    ========

    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

  • Desertification: NNPC Foundation plants 500 trees, targets 1million

    Desertification: NNPC Foundation plants 500 trees, targets 1 million

    (L-R) Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director, NNPC Foundation Ltd. and Hajiya Jammaylah Yakubu, Principal, Government Day Secondary School Wuse 2, Abuja,  planting trees in the school premises, to mark World Environment Day.

    Trees

  • HYPREP coordinator urges intensified campaign against oil theft, vandalism

    Oil
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, the Project Coordinator, Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called for intensified campaign against pipeline vandalism oil theft in the country.
    Zabbey made the call in Port Harcourt on Wednesday while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in commemoration of the 2024 World Environment Day.
    He said that oil theft, pipeline vandalism and artisanal refining had become hydra-headed monsters staring the nation’s oil industry in the face.
    Zabbey said that the world environment day was a wake up call on HYPREP’s mission and the ongoing clean up efforts in Ogoni land.
    “The day provides us an opportunity to reflect, design and facilitate approaches to protect our land and commonwealth.
    “It is an opportunity to restore degraded areas and discourage human activities that compromise the integrity of the environment and biodiversity,” he said.
    He said that all hands should be on deck to tackle the challenge of oil pollution occasioned by oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and artisanal refining.
    “We need to all stand up to protect our environment by not polluting it and taking deliberate steps to make it safe,” he said.
    The project coordinator reaffirmed  HYPREP’s commitment towards the remediation and restoration of oil impacted areas in Ogoni.
    “The future of the Ogoni people and the Niger Delta region at large is hugely dependent on their land.
    “HYPREP is equipped to lead the process of protecting the land and environment. So,  a holistic approach is required to address the endemic trends that negatively impact our land.
    “We are remediating degraded lands and shorelines, restoring mangroves, providing potable water and strengthening public health systems,” he said.
    Zabbey said that HYPREP’s approach to community engagement was inclusive, consultative, and participatory.
    “This is because true restoration goes beyond environmental clean-up. We are actively involving local communities in our projects,” he said.
    NAN reports that the theme for this year’s World Environment Day celebration is : “Our land, Our future: Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    PA/AZU
    ======
    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Obasanjo to Govs: Focus more on food security 

    Obasanjo to Govs: Focus more on food security
    Food
    By Habibu Harisu
    Sokoto, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised state Governors to focus more on food security while calling on them to prioritise policies that enhance people’s well-being.
    Obasanjo gave the charge on Wednesday in Sokoto at the unveiling of 136 housing units purchased at the cost of N1.8 billion by the Sokoto State Government for allocation to low income earners.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former president was in Sokoto on a two-day visit to unveil projects executed by Gov. Ahmed Aliyu as part of his  one year anniversary.
    Obasanjo described food security as a priority, followed by personal health and security situation, adding,”good feeding enhances health and other productive engagements.”
    He acknowledged the efforts of Aliyu, who he described as a ”leader running a good race in the areas of transportation, road construction, agriculture and housing projects”.
    ”Your strong, energetic and resilient qualities in leadership have made you to get it all within one year.
    “Putting all these in place will surely brighten your chances of seeking a future mandate without stress.”
    Earlier, Aliyu said the idea of coming up with numerous housing projects was to fulfill his campaign promises to deliver human-oriented projects that would improve the welfare and standards of the people in the state.
    Aliyu explained that the state government has set up committees on completing and initiating similar projects across the state.
    They include road constructions, youths and women empowerment, water supply and agricultural inputs for farmers as well as equipping hospitals.
    ” We are determined to continue developing the state for proper repositioning; we shall provide state-of-the-art facilities at all sites including Islamiyya schools, markets and playgrounds, among others,” he said.
    Aliyu said that the houses were acquired from the Federal Government for  the citizens in the state to own based on owner-occupier basis in order to address the growing need for shelter in the state.
    He appreciated the former president for honouring the state’s invitation to be part of history. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    HMH/BRM
    ============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • USAID’s largest health programme celebrates transition

     USAID’s largest health programme celebrates transition 

     

    Health

    By Abujah Racheal

    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Breakthrough Action Nigeria, with investments exceeding $100 million (about N1.5 billion), remains USAID’s most significant social and behaviour change programme in Nigeria.

    The Project Director, Dr Shittu-Abdu Aguye,  gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja. 

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Breakthrough Action Nigeria is a USAID -funded Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) project.

    It is designed to increase the practice of priority health behaviours in the areas of malaria and tuberculosis control, maternal, newborn, and child health; and family planning/reproductive health.

    The project works closely with federal and state ministries of health and other USAID implementing partners.

    Aguye said that the substantial investment of the project had fuelled initiatives driving tangible improvements in health outcomes nationwide.

    The transition event, held in Abuja on Wednesday, brought together representatives of governments,  donors, media organisations, and programme champions to celebrate the project’s accomplishments.

     The project  showcased its multifaceted approach incorporating mass media campaigns, community engagements and innovative social media strategies.

    Aguye emphasised the collaborative efforts that led to the project’s success.

    “With USAID’s support, we have had the privilege to enhance the health and well-being of people across Nigeria.

    “Together, we have saved and improved the lives of millions of mothers, fathers, children and babies across Nigeria,” he said 

    According to him, the project marked a pivotal transition on Wednesday as it will be transferring its efforts and outcomes to Nigerian Government agencies and community organisations.

    He said  that the projecf would leave behind a legacy of impact, setting the stage for continued progress in Nigeria’s journey toward improving the health and well-being of its citizens. 

    Social and behaviour change identifies what individuals and communities believe and how they behave.

    Identifying these enables  development of innovative strategies which will enable the citizens  to adopt healthier behaviours and access vital health services.

    Since it started in Nigeria, the project used a multi-faceted approach, including mass media, community outreach, and user-driven social media campaigns – to inspire long-lasting change.

    Among countless other findings, Breakthrough Action found that women who participated in community activities were more likely to practice multiple preventive behaviours compared to women who did not participate.

    The behaviours include  at least four ante-natal visits,  exclusive breastfeeding, dieting and receiving preventive malaria medication at least three times during pregnancy. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    AIR/KOO /IGO 

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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Ijeoma Popoola