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  • USAID’s health initiatives impacted 17m Nigerians – Official

    Initiatives

    By Abujah Racheal

    Abuja, June 5, 2024(NAN) The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) says  its health initiatives have reached over 17 million Nigerians, including 7.8 million children under the age of five and 600,000 pregnant women.

    This was highlighted at a Breakthrough Action Nigeria Project’s Learning and Transition event showcasing the project’s significant contributions to improving health outcomes across the country.

    Ms Suegatha Kai Rennie, Director of Health Population & Nutrition, USAID Mission in Nigeria, gave the figures  at the event with the theme: Celebrating Successes, Consolidating Learning, and Transitioning for Sustainability.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Breakthrough Action has been USAID’s global flagship social and behaviour change project for the past seven  years.

    In Nigeria,  the project has worked to improve the practice of priority health behaviours across multiple programme areas.

    The areas include Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH), family planning, nutrition, malaria, tuberculosis, COVID-19 and priority zoonotic diseases.

    Kai Rennie said that Breakthrough Action Nigeria Project, funded by USAID and led by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Communications Programmes,  focused on Social Behaviour Change (SBC).

    This, the official said,  was to enhance MNCH, nutrition and reproductive health, as well as improve malaria and tuberculosis treatment outcomes.

    She said that since its inception in 2017, the project had implemented a variety of successful health campaigns such as Albishirin-Ku, Ji-de-Ki-Ji, and Mama Put Fever Care.

    “These campaigns have demonstrated remarkable success.

    “A behavioural survey conducted in 2022 revealed that women exposed to these campaigns were more likely to engage in health-seeking behaviours such as malaria testing and treatment, family planning, and seeking antenatal care.

    “The data indicates that exposure to SBC messages significantly increases the likelihood of adopting health-positive behaviours,” she said.

    She said that in addition to reaching millions with critical health information, USAID’s initiatives had strengthened community health structures by training over 2,400 community volunteers.

    She said that these volunteers, equipped with skills to mobilise communities, deliver health messages, and manage referrals, became essential assets in the Community Health Influencers and Promoters programme.

    The event also underscored the importance of sustaining the efforts beyond the current funding cycle.

    Kai Rennie said that USAID was  committed to partnering with the Nigerian Government to continue improving health outcomes through innovative and effective SBC programmes.

    “This collaboration aims to ensure that the progress made in health behaviours and service demand continues to grow beyond the project’s duration,” she said.

    NAN reports that the event was attended by  representatives of the Nigerian Government, development partners and the academia.

    The event also  highlighted the project’s innovative approaches and successes. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AIR/CHOM/IGO 

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

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Volleyball: NAF Rockets eye promotion to Premier league

    Volleyball: NAF Rockets eye promotion to Premier league

    Volleyball

    By Georgina Adegbie

    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Team leader of Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Rockets VC, Fortune Bako, says the team hopes to maintain its lead in the Division One men category so as to gain promotion to the Premier league.

    Bako stated this in an interview with  the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    She  said that the team will not relent in picking up valuable points in the second phase of the 2024 National Division One Volleyball League.

    NAN reports that NAF Rockets finished tops with 22 points at the end of the first phase of the just concluded league in Abuja.

    Bako thanked the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar for his support in ensuring the team attends the National Division One.

    She  also thanked the Chief of administration, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani for his speedy approval for the release of players as well as the Director of Sports, Air Commodore Abanum Magnus for his guidance.

    Bako said that mistakes observed during the first phase will be corrected before the second phase.

    The leader  said that recruitment of players as well as series of training was responsible for the exceptional performance of the team during the first phase of the league.

    “I am happy and I think we deserve to be on top of the 2024 National Division One Volleyball League (first phase) because we put in so much effort.

    “Series of training were conducted and proper selection of players were done by the coaches through the proper supervision of the Director of Sports.

    “Losing 2-3 to LifeCamp VC is not a big deal for us because they were the champions of Division 2 and getting a point from them is a good development.

    ” Out of 9 matches, we lost only one which was against LifeCamp VC.I feel it was a first step and I am certain we are going to up our game when we meet in the second phase,”she said.

    Bako who is  also the  captain of the women’s team said that the men’s team deserves to be in the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League.

    “The results of the first phase will not be a distraction to the players.

    “NAF Rockets are four points ahead of LifeCamp after the end of the first phase. It is obvious that we are going to qualify for the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League next season.

    “We will not allow the results of the first phase distract us as the coaches will continue to work on the lapses observed,”she said.

    NAN reports that NAF Rocket VC finished with 22 points to occupy the first position on the table.

    Life camp of Abuja VC finished second with 19 points, UCEM of Enugu finished third with 16 points while Oluyole Spikers of Ibadan finished fourth with 14 points.

    NAN reports that the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVF) has not fixed a date for the second phase of the league. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    BOG/MUYI/JPE

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

    Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Joseph Edeh

     

  • FG initiates training to promote active, healthy behaviour

    FG initiates training to promote active, healthy behaviour

    Training

    By Abujah Racheal

    Abuja,  June 5, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government has announced the commencement of training aimed at cultivating master trainers to champion active and healthy behaviours across communities nationwide.

    Dr Bako Ladi-Aiyegbusi, the Director, Nutrition Department, Federal Ministry of Health, made the announcement during Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria Learning and  Transition event with the theme “Celebrating Successes, Consolidating Learning, and Transitioning for Sustainability” on Wednesday in Abuja. 

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Breakthrough ACTION has been USAID’s global flagship Social and Behaviour change project in the past seven years.

    In Nigeria, the project has worked to improve the practice of priority health behaviours across multiple programme areas including – Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) and Family Planning (FP).

    Other areas are nutrition, malaria, tuberculosis, COVID-19 and Priority Zoonotic Diseases (PZDs).

    Ladi-Aiyegbusi said that with the rising concern over public health challenges, the initiative underscored government’s commitment to proactive measures in addressing lifestyle-related illnesses and promoting overall wellness.

    “The training is designed to equip selected individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively advocate for and facilitate behaviour change in communities.

    “Through a comprehensive curriculum covering topics such as nutrition, physical activity, mental health and preventive healthcare, master trainers will be empowered to lead initiatives that promote healthy living and disease prevention.

    “By engaging local populations and leveraging culturally relevant approaches, they will serve as catalysts for positive lifestyle changes, inspiring others to adopt habits conducive to optimal health outcomes,” she said.

    She said that the endeavour aligned with global efforts to combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and underscores the importance of preventive healthcare strategies. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AIR/HA 

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Heritage Bank customers throng headquarters for payment

    Heritage

    By Grace Alegba

    Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Customers of the liquidated Heritage Bank Plc gathered at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, to seek clarification on the beginning of their deposit payments.

    A visit by a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent on Wednesday revealed that security personnel stationed at the bank’s entrance prevented customers from entering the premises.

    Addressing the customers through the gate, an official informed them that payments had begun for savings account holders and would
    continue until Friday.

    “You don’t need to take any action. NDIC staff are already processing payments. Your money will be transferred to your other account linked with your BVN,” the official assured.

    However, corporate account holders were advised to return “next week,” leading to concerns among some who noted that BVN is typically associated with individual accounts, not companies.

    The atmosphere remained sombre as customers declined interviews with NAN.

    A customer simply stated, “Mine is an entrepreneurship account.”

    Efforts by a NAN correspondent to gain entrance were thwarted by security personnel, who referred to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s press release dated June 3, announcing the revocation of the bank’s license, as the response to all inquiries.

    CBN revoked Heritage Bank Plc’s license on Monday, citing a breach of Section 12 (1) of BOFIA, 2020, and appointed the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) as the liquidator.

    NDIC Managing Director, Mr Bello Hassan, disclosed at a news conference in Abuja that 99 per cent of Heritage Bank depositors had total balances less than N5 million.

    He assured that payments would start before the end of the week, with insured benefits capped at N5 million.

    According to him, those with deposits exceeding N5 million would be paid after sale of the bank’s assets.

    He added that payments would begin before the end of the week. (NAN)

    GA/AWA

    ==========

    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • 81,000 residents to benefit from FG’s cash transfer in Ondo

    81,000 residents to benefit from FG’s cash transfer in Ondo

    Transfer
    By Segun Giwa
    Akure, June 5, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than 81,000 residents of Ondo State are to benefit from the Federal Government’s Cash Transfer programme.

    Mrs Tosin Olupona, Manager, Ondo Cash Transfer, office of the Public and Intergovernmental Relations, made this known on Wednesday in Akure during a training programme for local government cash facilitator.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was organised in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and the National Social Investment Programmes Agency.

    According to Olupona, each of the beneficiaries would receive the sum of N25, 000 each for three months.

    She said the programme was for the poor households, adding that in the past the state had only 12, 000 beneficiaries.

    ”Now it has been increased to 81,000 in line with the renewed hope agenda of the present government.

    “The benefit is to cushion the effect of removal of fuel subsidy. It is an economic shock response, because the fact remains that nobody is finding it easy now, particularly the poor and vulnerable households.

    “The FG has started paying them N25, 000, and they are going to take this for three months, after which they will exited the programme and another set of people will benefit.

    Olupona revealed that the beneficiaries were drawn from the National Social Register and their BVN and NIN were linked for accountability, with the money paid directly into beneficiary’s account.

    Similarly, the Administrative Secretary, Office of Public and Intergovernmental Relations, Mrs Yemi Pirisola, said the public should have knowledge about the activities of the Agency.

    Pirisola urged the desk officers and beneficiaries to let people know about what the government was doing and steps taking to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy and improving the lives of the vulnerable people. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/DCO/IKU
    =========

    Edited by Deborah Coker/Tayo Ikujuni

  • No merger talks with any party – PDP

    [contact-form][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Website” type=”url” /][contact-field label=”Message” type=”textarea” /][/contact-form]

    PDP not in  merger talks with any party – Ologunagba

    Merger

    By Emmanuel Oloniruha

    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it is not in  merger or amalgamation talks with any  political party or interest.

     

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary,Mr  Debo Ologunagba, disclosed this in a statement issued after the party’s NWC 587th meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

     

    Olugunagba said that while PDP was open to  all Nigerians ,including its former members who left for other parties, the party remained strong and formidable.

     

    According to him, the party is capable of winning elections in a free, fair and transparent electoral process in Nigeria.

     

    “The NWC acknowledges the influx of millions of Nigerians into our party in the on-going party membership drive in all the electoral wards across the country.

     

    “This further confirms that the PDP remains the party of choice for majority of Nigerians.

     

    “The public, teeming members of PDP and of course, the international community should therefore, disregard any report suggesting any form of merger between the PDP and any other political party, as such is not in the contemplation of our great party,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    OBE/FON/BHB
    =============

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Buhari Bolaji

  • Civil servants resume work in FCT as labour relaxes strike 

    Resumption
    By Okon Okon
    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Most civil servants working in Abuja, the nation’s capital resumed work on Wednesday, as organised labour
    relaxed its indefinite nationwide strike declared on Monday.
    The indefinite strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) was relaxed for one-week, to allow for continuation of negotiations on the National minimum wage and electricity tariffs increase.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the strike, which was successfully held for two days had paralysed the critical sectors of the economy.
    NAN correspondent who monitored the resumption at the Federal Secretariat, however,  observed that the level of compliances by the workers was encouraging.
    NAN also observed that businesses within the Secretariat were booming including banking services.
    Some of the civil servants interviewed by NAN, said they were still hopeful of positive responses by the Federal Government over the minimum wage demands.
    Mr Ibrahim Musa, said civil servants had no option than to obey the labour leaders directive on resumption, since they were the ones that ordered the strike in the first place.
    Musa expressed optimism that there would be positive results at the end of the deliberation between the government and the organised labours before the expiration of the one week relaxation of the strike.
    “I strongly want to believe that President Bola Tinubu is a human being with human feelings, and he knows quite well the plight of the workers and other Nigerians over the economic situation at this present time in Nigeria.
    “We don’t need to say much about the situation, it’s very clear to everyone one that it is hard for Nigerians and it’s only reasonable salaries that can give us a little hope, ” he said.
    Mrs Helen Kudirat appreciated the labour leaders for their efforts at ensuring that civil servants receive better wages.
    She said it was a wise idea to relax the industrial actions for further negotiation with the government.
    She, nevertheless, used the medium to appeal to the Federal Government to consider the fact that, many workers were the breadwinners in their families, hence the need for improved wages so as to cushion the effects of the hash economy.
    “Someone like me, I know what I usually go through whenever I receive salary at the end of the month.
    “I have to settle my younger ones in schools, my parents who are still alive, my children’s feeding, upkeep and school fees and other financial obligations, ” she explained.
    Similarly, Mr Ebong Attah, said reasonable salaries for the civil servants would go a long way to reduce hardship in Nigeria.
    According to Attah, a civil servant who is the breadwinner in the family receiving up to N500, 000 in a month could solve some problems in his immediate family and even among his extended family members.
    “If for example, I get such money in a month, what stops me from sending my siblings to school, assisting a poor relative by giving him/her money to start up businesses.
    ” You will agree with me that if civil servants are treated well by the government, there will be a multiplier effects in the society and it will go a long way to reduce poverty in Nigeria,” he said
    Attah said he believed in the government of Tinubu, but urged the administration to create history in the nation’s civil service to reflect what was obtainable in other countries of the world.
    According to Attah, enhanced welfare package for the civil servants, will contribute positively to the nation’s economy and as well  enhance better working conditions of the workers.
    NAN  suspended their industrial action over a lack of consensus on a new minimum wage and the hike in the electricity tariff for one week for further negotiation with the F(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MZM/ROT
    =========
    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Climate Change: HYPPADEC to plant 1 million tress in Plateau 

    Climate Change: HYPPADEC to plant 1 million tress in Plateau
    Trees
    By Polycarp Auta
    Barkin-Ladi (Plateau State), June 5, 2024 (NAN) The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYYPADEC) has pledged to plant one million economic trees to mitigate the effects of environmental degradation in Plateau.
    The Managing Director of the commission, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, made the pledge at an event it organised to commemorate the 2024 World Environment Day (WED) on Wednesday in Barkin-Ladi.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WED is celebrated every year on June 5 to raise awareness and call for actions to protect the environment.
    The global observance day has “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience” as the theme for 2024.
    According to the N-HYYPADEC boss, the commission believes tree planting will aid in restoring degraded land and support renewal of energy sources.
    Sadiq also said that the move would  improve soil fertility and create new sustainable sources of income for communities, noting that tree planting would be extended to other hydroelectric power producing states.
    The managing director, who decried dam overflows which displaced million of Nigerians, expressed the commission’s commitment toward addressing ecological problems and dam overflows in the country.
    He said “dam overflows have led to deadly floods that displaced millions of
    Nigerians, as the deadly incidents of flood and erosion that destabilised the country about two years ago is still fresh on our minds.
    “In addition to the effects of dams’ overflow, changes in vegetation contribute to desertification and other ecological challenges.
    “This is why we are launching an ambitious project to establish a community tree nursery with the capacity to produce one million seedlings of indigenous economic trees.
    “The initiative is to promote agroforestry practices, enhance biodiversity and support the livelihoods of local communities across the N-HYPPADEC states.”
    Earlier, Mr Peter Gwom, the Plateau Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Minerals Development, thanked N-HYPPADEC for the gesture, insisting that all hands must be on deck toward tackling climate change.
    Gwom said that the state government would soon domesticate the climate change policy enacted by the Federal Government.
    “We want to have an act that will enable us to have 10-year environmental plan on the Plateau.
    ”It will enable the state to have a direction on how to deal with environmental issues,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AZA/HA
    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Ibadan NBA inaugurates bar centre in honour of late Akeredolu

     

    Centre

    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

    Ibadan, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, on Wednesday, inaugurated a two-storey bar centre annex in honour of late Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the branch also named the bar centre annex after the late governor.

    The bar centre annex is located at  the NBA, Ibadan Branch premises.

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, said at the inauguration that Akeredolu was a great Ibadan bar man and an outstanding personality.

    Ariwoola said  that the late Ondo State governor deserved to be honoured because of the sacrifices he made.

    The CJN praised NBA, Ibadan, led by Mrs Folasade Aladeniyi for being outstanding.

    “The chairman, Aladeniyi, has done wonders even as a woman.

    “Akeredolu really deserved what the branch has done for him.

    “He is not here but I know his spirit and family will be happy for this.

    “May God bless and reward everyone who ensured that this project was completed,” Ariwoola said.

    The Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), remarked that Akeredolu worked tirelessly to see that NBA was given a prime place in Nigeria.

    He urged NBA members to emulate the late governor’s diligence and  selflessness.

    “We have seen how he is being appreciated today.

    “Others have to advise themselves and follow his good lifestyle.

    “I thank Ibadan NBA for building and naming the annex after him,” Fagbemi said.

    The Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, praised  the NBA branch and other stakeholders for  completion of the building.

    Akeredolu’s widow, Betty, said that her late husband dedicated his life to the service of all.

    She said that her husband transformed Ondo State through his visionary and innovative projects, while fostering peace and harmony.

    “He cared for his people and had their needs at heart, his outstanding services cannot be forgotten,” she said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of NBA, Ibadan Chapter,  Aladeniyi, said that Akeredolu was one of the country’s foremost and finest legal luminaries who championed the promotion of rule of law and social equality.

    “We decided to honour our late Patron, Akeredolu, in this way, not just because he was the highest single donor to this project, but because we recognise the indelible impact he made in the legal profession.

    “His legacy of leadership and friendship has had a deep and sustained impact on the Nigerian Bar Association, particularly Ibadan Bar.

    “I recollect he happily gave his approval and vowed his support to this project while I was sharing the vision all around even before I assumed office as Chairman.

    “We  have not only built a structure with rich innovative architectural creations and works of art but have also built a good legacy,” she said.

    Aladeniyi said that the building was a symbol of collective effort to promote legal excellence, protect human rights, and uphold the integrity of the legal profession, all of which Akeredolu stood for.

    “This building will serve as a hub for law professionals, providing a conducive environment for learning, networking and collaboration.

    “As we commission this building, we commit to using it as a tool for advancing the cause of justice and human rights, supporting professional development of our members, fostering a culture of integrity and ethics, and promoting access to justice for all Nigerians.

    “The recreation hub will foster lifetime friendships among members.

    “The secretary’s office and meeting room was named after late Bolaji Agoro Esq, the indefatigable two-time branch secretary who lived solely for the bar and humanity.

    “My unreserved appreciation goes to my lord, Hon Justice Olu Ariwoola, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who happily accepted to do the bar, the honour of commissioning this edifice named after his lordship’s friend,” Aladeniyi said.

    Dignitaries at the event include Ondo State Deputy Gov. Olayide Adelami, the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Folake Solanke;  representatives of body of SANs, as well as family members and friends of the late Akeredolu. (NAN)
    CC/IGO
    ======

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • World Environment Day: NNPC Foundation seeks to mitigate desertification, degradation

    Desertification
    By Emmanuella Anokam
    Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The NNPC Foundation Ltd. says it is focused on mitigating land erosion, desertification and drought by re-vegetating the environment through aggressive tree planting campaigns.
    Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, the Managing Director, NNPC Foundation Ltd., said this at the 2024 World Environment Day (WED) in partnership with the Ministry of Environment on Wednesday in Abuja.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the WED is celebrated globally every June 5.

    The theme for 2024: “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience.”

    Arukwe who described the environment as being intricate noted that it must be preserved by creating a balance in the ecosystem.
    Arukwe, represented by Mr Aminu Muazu, Executive Director, Programme Management, NNPC Foundation, said environmental degradation could be mitigated through partnership with relevant government agencies.
    According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, about 40 per cent of the world’s land is degraded, directly affecting half of the global population, threatening economies and means of livelihood.
    The convention also said that drought increased by 29 per cent since the year 2000 and if persistent, may effect over three quarters of the global population by 2050.
    Nigeria, according to the United Nations, has the highest deforestation rate in the world, with an estimated 3.7 per cent of its forest lost every year.
    She said that 15 out of the 35 states, predominantly in the northern part of the country, are affected by desertification.
    Arukwe added that 63.3s per cent of the country’s entire land mass suffer desert encroachment.
    She said land mass vegetation, farmlands agro-economies and other means of livelihood in the country were fast being overtaken by the twin challenge of desertification and drought.
    Based on this, she said part of its efforts at the NNPC Foundation, was to mitigate land erosion, desertification and drought by re-vegetating the environment, through aggressive tree planting campaigns.
    “I extend to you compliments from the NNPC Ltd. management and its Group Chief Executive Officer, Malam Mele Kyari, who is passionate about executing positive and impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes in the country.
    “As a recently transited privately company, NNPC Ltd. is positioned to align with global best practice in the energy industry and is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals.
    “The NNPC Foundation was established as the social arm of NNPC Ltd. to be the connect between the stakeholders who are the over 200 million Nigerians and the company, through execution of impactful and sustainable CSR initiatives/projects
    “One of the key focus areas of NNPC Foundation is to undertake impactful initiatives on environment and in commemoration of the 2024 World Environment Day; we have lined up strategic programmes.
    “These include tree planting campaigns in schools, sponsorship of quizzes/competitions to celebrate the day, presentations to school children and other events all targeted to sensitising the citizenry on environmental preservation,” she said.
    She said our existence with that of our environment was interwoven and we were mutually bound to our environment and must be careful not to hurt it through our activities.
    She listed such activities as tree cutting, indiscriminate timber logging business, bush burning and others, adding that by so doing, we tend to hurt our own very existence.
    Arukwe called for collective affirmative action of responsibility for the survival of our immediate environment and in essence, bring about positive spiral effects of our action to the global habitat.
    “It is most pertinent that we intentionally work toward sustaining the balance in our ecosystem, by keeping our planet replenished with its natural forms and maintain its equilibrium,” she said.
    NAN reports that the highlights of the event were environmental preservation sensitisation, enlightenment programmes and ceremonial tree planting at some schools in the Federal Capital Territory.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ELLA/JNC
    =========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma