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  • Tinubu reaffirms commitment to enhance living condition of Nigerians

    Nigerians

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Abuja, May 3, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Abuja reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to enhancing the quality of lives for all Nigerians.

    Represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu stated this at the commissioning of the Expansion of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road 1 (RRI).

    He said that the expansion of the outer southern motorway would not only alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation but would also stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for prosperity.

    Tinubu said, “What is unfolding in our capital city is a testament to what can be achieved with our government Renewed Hope Agenda, quality transformation of the Federal Capital Territory and indeed Nigeria.

    “This ambitious undertaken holds profound significance for the FCT and its residence. With additional interchanges we are enhancing connectivity and accessibility.

    “Making it easier for residence and visitors alike to navigate our beautiful capital city.”

    The President, therefore, commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and his remarkable team in the territory, for their visionary leadership and tireless dedication to the upliftment of the capital city.

    “Wike is redefining the meaning and concepts of modern leadership in Nigeria.

    “The President is mightily proud of you for your dedication, for your persistent, for your courage and the will to do well.”

    Tinubu, who asked Wike to stand and take a bow, noted that under Wike’s leadership, FCT had witnessed remarkable strive in infrastructural development, urban planning and sustainable growth in the nation’s capital.

    “Under Wike, we have proven to the world that what counts is leadership, and what this nation needs is quality leadership.

    “The completion of this motorway expansion is not merely a field of engineering but a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership.

    “It is a shining example of what we can accomplish when we work together, towards a common goal transcending political divide and personal interest for the greater good of our nation.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/AMM

    ========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Lagos LG Chair empowers 400 traders with over N20m

    Some beneficiaries of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA We Lift Initiative

    Agboyi-Ketu Chair empowers 400 traders with over N20m

    Empowerment
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Monday empowered no fewer than 400 petty traders with over N20 million to mitigate current socio-economic hardship.

    Mr Dele Oshinowo, Executive Chairman, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, said at the council’s monthly “WeLift 400 Petty Traders Initiative” that grassroots governance should be all about empowering the people and making life better for them.

    The monthly scheme, witnessed by the Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and top politicians saw the direct transfer of N50,000 cash support to 400 traders selected from various markets in the council.

    “The WeLift initiative is designed to empower 400 residents of Agboyi-Ketu by providing them with a grant of N50,000 each.

    “This financial support aims at enhancing their means of livelihood, alleviating their burdens, and paving the way for greater economic stability.

    “This is what I have been doing in the last five years. Our “WeLift Empowerment Programme” has just taken a new dimension now with better methodology to ensure transparency.

    “The rationale behind it is to lift people from abject poverty and alleviate their suffering.

    “We have decided to help them with a token which we believe will have multiplier effects on their trade,” Oshinowo said.

    The chairman said that his team went round markets and streets to do on-the-spot assessment of the market values of some traders, and those who met its criteria were selected to enjoy the gesture.

    He saw: “Let us reaffirm our commitment to support the dreams and aspirations of every member of our community.

    “Our administration will continue to be a pillar of support, fostering an environment where opportunity knows no bounds and every individual has the chance to realise their full potential.

    “We will continue to do this, empowering our people is very important especially during this difficult time that our President is trying to put the country on the path of sustainable prosperity and progress.

    “This is what we are doing and we are going to continue to do that till the end of my tenure.

    “We will continue to empower our people, build infrastructure, improve on grassroots healthcare, help our youths and elderly people, and build our society and community.”

    Expressing satisfaction with the feedbacks from past gestures, Oshinowo said that the success had been an encouragement to him.

    Noting that the gesture had no political colouration, the council boss said that his team always engaged the community development associations.

    In his remarks, the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, commended Oshinowo for his giant developmental strides and populist programmes targeted at improving the welfare of the residents.

    Ojelabi said that everyone, including the party’s state executive, had been watching Oshinowo’s initiatives for the betterment of the people, adding that the party was proud and not disappointed in the council boss.

    “You are truly serving the people with all your strength and complementing the efforts of the state government, promoting and expanding the goodwill of our party.

    “You are growing the economy and putting food on the table of the vulnerable.

    “With these you are doing, you are securing a better future for yourself. Continue to do what you know how to do best, you shall be rewarded,” he said.

    Also speaking, Chief Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, the APC Women Leader in Lagos State, lauded Oshinowo for prioritising the people above personal and political interest.

    She said that she was impressed by the chairman’s records of help to the less-privileged.

    Some of the beneficiaries who spoke glowingly about the empowerment initiative, noted that their businesses had received a boost that would enable them survive the challenges.

    Mrs Yemisi Ayeni, from Ward G, commended Oshinowo for the gesture, adding that it would go a long way to alleviate the current economic challenges.

    Also expressing her joy about the initiative, Mrs Yinusa Adejoke, a Food Vendor, said, ” Oshinowo is doing well. He is always surprising us. May God reward him.”

    The event was attended by APC state and local government executive council members, traditional rulers and other groups.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/COF

    ===========

    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • VC tasks alumni on LASU’s development

    Development

    By Oluwakemi Oladipo

    Lagos, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), has appealed to the university’s alumni to participate actively in the institution’s development for a monumental growth.

    Olatunji-Bello made the appeal on Monday at the Coconut Breaking  Festival of the university’s alumni association.

    The event was part of activities marking LASU’s 27th Convocation Ceremonies. 

    The vice-chancellor implored the alumni association to use its goodwill to attract construction of an independent power plant and large lecture halls to further develop LASU.

    “All these needs, among other things, will facilitate attainment of the strategic goals of the university.

    “LASU is willing to partner with you and other stakeholders to fast-track the realisation  its vision of becoming the best university in West Africa within the next two years.

    “It is attainable because we are on the path. We need more visible support of all our alumni and stakeholders.

    “Many landmark projects have been commissioned since my assumption of office to bridge the gap between   gown (through alumni  members) and town,” Olatunji-Bello said.

    She said that the festival promoted mutual understanding, cooperation and a sense of oneness in the university.  

    “This is why this symbolic activity should be celebrated by all members of our university community.

    “It also showcases the rich cultural heritage that is peculiar to LASU, Lagos State, and promotes unity, peace  and development of the  university,” Olatunji-Bello said.

    Retired Maj.-Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe, President, Lagos State University Alumni Association, congratulated the university’s management for graduating another set of students. 

    According to Esekhaigbe, the festival is a yearly tradition of the association which symbolises breaking of barriers and revealing of new potential into the institution.

    “We will continue to support the management with our wealth of knowledge and connections” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

    OKG/IGO 

    =========

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Strike: Organised labour barricades Plateau Government Secretariat, others

    Strike: Organised labour barricades Plateau Government Secretariat, others

    Barricade

    Jos, June 3, 2024 (NAN), The organised labour, under the auspices of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Monday, barricaded the Plateau Government Secretariat, over the ongoing workers’ strike.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the organised labour declared the industrial action after months of failed negotiations with the Federal Government over a New Minimum Wage (NMW).

    Mr Sunday Akin, Plateau NLC Vice Chairman, who led the enforcement, said that there was a high level of compliance from Plateau workers.

    Akin told NAN that, apart from the state secretariat, the NLC/TUC monitoring teams were going around organisations to ensure compliance.

    “We will continue with the action until further directives from our headquarters.

    “As you are aware, the strike is an indefinite one, and workers will continue to stay at home till further notice,” he said.

    Dr Dalyop Badung, Plateau NLC, told NAN that there was effective compliance by workers, except at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Jos Network Centre and NHIS office, where the monitoring team had to enforce compliance.

    Badung said that workers would continue to sit at home till the government agreed on a new minimum wage and withdrew the electricity hiked tariff.

    NAN reports that the Plateau councils of the NLC and TUC had on Sunday in a statement, urged all affiliate unions to fully mobilise their members for the industrial action.

    “Comrades, this is to remind you of the commencement of a nationwide strike commencing on Monday, June 3, 2024, as a result of the failure of the government to agree on a new national minimum wage with organised labour.

    “The strike is also for the government to withdraw the unilateral hike in the tariff of electricity in the country.

    “Consequent upon this, you are urged to immediately mobilise your members to commence the strike as directed, please,” the two unions said in the statement. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PAT/DOR
    ========
    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Organisation states values of cycling

    The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed with cyclists at the event to mark the 6th annual celebration

    Cycling
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The President, Africa Urban Cycling Organisation, Mr Emmanuel John, has advocated for cycling in Africa for affordable, reliant and environment-friendly mode of transportation.

    John made the call during a media briefing to mark the celebration of the 6th World Bicycle Day on Monday in Abuja.

    He said that world leaders recognised the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle which he said had been in use for two centuries.

    He also said that the theme of the observance — “Cycling as a tool for Urban Freedom” — would be a way to call for change in mindset.

    “What we are saying as regards this year theme is that we need freedom from congestion.

    “Freedom from delays and man hour losses in traffic, which health and socio-economic losses are estimated to be more than three per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in developing countries.

    “We need freedom from road accidents that claim lives, damage property and render families helpless with its costs estimated at 3.5 per cent of GDP in developing countries.

    “We need freedom from car centric mindset that has forced all road infrastructure budgets into building and expansion of wide roads for speeding cars instead of sustainable mobility systems,” he said.

    John said that there ought to be freedom from emissions that “pollute the air, damage human health and environment and put the human future existence in danger.

    “Cycling emits nothing because it burns nothing other than calories, achieving this freedom means that all hands must be on deck.

    “We need all stakeholders to go to work, the press should champion the mindsets change; and we need government at all levels to take steps towards the change we need’.”

    John call on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to provide the lead by recovering bicycle lanes on all arterials and higher road corridors in Abuja as provided for in the master plan.

    He also urged the FCT minister to include cycling in the light rails and other public transport development.

    He called for the provision of bicycle parking facilities in all rail and bus terminals, public building, markets and office premises.

    Earlier, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed, said that many might wonder why the international for safety bodies, FRSC and key stakeholders attached so much relevance to a simple age long non-motorised machinery such as the bicycle.

    “The answer is not far-fetched as the bicycle is not only simple and reliable but it is also environmentally fit and sustainable means of transportation that has a positive impact on the climate.

    “FRSC is dedicated to creating a safer and more supportive environment for cyclists throughout Nigeria”, he said.

    Earlier, the Director General, Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute (NIBRRI), Prof. Samson Duna, said that the agency would provide technical support.

    He commended the FRSC for championing the course of cyclists to enhance transportation system in the country.

    Highlights of the event included the FRSC Corps Marshal riding a bicycle with pupils of a private primary school in Abuja to symbolise the beginning of the activities to mark this year’s World Bicycle Day.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ICA/KAY
    =======
    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Embrace cycling for healthy living, transportation – FRSC tells Nigerians

    Embrace cycling for healthy living, transportation – FRSC tells Nigerians

    Cycling
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed has urged Nigerians to embrace cycling for healthy living and transportation.

    Mohammed gave the advice while addressing newsmen  mark the 6th edition of the United Nations World Bicycle Day on Monday in Abuja.

    He said that the FRSC had provided leadership on the subject since 2010, adding that the corps would continue to uphold the cause while streamlining the objectives with policies and programs for maximum impact.

    He also said that the corps has reviewed the Nigeria Highway Code to reflect this new thinking of safe and sustainable transport system as witnessed across the world.

    He added that advocacy had also been adequately captured in the Nigerian Road Safety Strategy II, 2021-2039 as approved by President Bola Tinubu.

    This, he said included all legal and regulatory documents, which where were being aligned to ensure that cyclists could ride safely on the roads.

    According to him, the motoring public should therefore be reminded that we shall continue to enforce the provisions of the law including the protection of the rights of cyclists.

    ”Without mincing words, no mode of transport promotes the culture of serenity, orderliness, friendly neighborhood and urban peace as the bicycle.

    ”It is the only individual means of mobility fit for all residents irrespective of age, gender and class.

    ”We hereby emphasise the use of bicycle as a panacea for promoting health, preventing disease, promoting tolerance with a sense of community, mutual understanding and respect and facilitating social inclusion”, he said.

    The FRSC boss implored relevant authorities to create an enabling road features and environment that would aid stakeholders and all motoring public to advance the use of the bicycle.

    He assured that the corps would continue to champion the course in solidarity with the objectives of the United Nations and desire of all safe and sustainable transport enthusiasts all over the world.

    Mohammed cautioned cyclists to remain vigilant on the road and assume responsibility for safe roadway cycling.

    He also admonished the motoring public to treat cyclists with the same precautions and respects accorded any other vehicle on the roads.

    He further assured that the renewed hope of scaling road traffic administration and safety management in Nigeria would stand the test of time.

    ”Roads must be safe to unleash the pore of cycling and encourage riders to have buy in.

    ”The corps responds to this concern by pledging to continue the use of the powerful and effective tool of advocacy to get the desired change.

    ”We will not relent in bridging the gaps to ensure cycling is a shining priority and gets appropriate attention”, he added.

    Similarly, Mr Emmanuel John, President, African Urban Cycling Organisation, said that since the inception of the World Bicycle Day in 2018, the organisation had been resolute and committed to promoting the use of bicycle as a means of eradicating poverty.

    John said that the organisation had also been committed to furthering sustainable environment and development as well as strengthening education.

    This he said included physical education for children and young people, promoting health, preventing disease and facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace.

    ”We have collaborated with relevant stakeholders for the hosting of activities to mark the day in Nigeria including workshops, cycling rallies among others.

    ”We call on relevant stakeholders at all levels to join hands to champion the course”, he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the year 2024 is the 6th annual World Bicycle Day with the theme ”Cycling As a Tool For Urban Freedom”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/DCO/SH

    ==========

    Edited by Deborah Coker/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Court sentences housewife to death for murdering her ex- husband

    Court sentences housewife to death for murdering her  ex- husband

    Sentence
    By Ibrahim Bello
    Birnin Kebbi, June 3, 2024 (NAN) A High Court in  Birnin Kebbi on Monday sentenced a woman, Farida Abubakar to death by hanging for killing her former husband, Chief Magistrate, Attahiru Muhammad-Ibrahim.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Abubbakat was arraigned before the court for murder on Aug. 25, 2022 while the main charge was filed on July 26, 2023.
    The prosecution said that the convict stabbed chief magistrate Muhammad-Ibrahim with sa sharp object on his abdomen, neck and left arm which led to his death .
    Delivering judgment, the Chief Judge of the state, who adjudicated on the case, Justice Umar Abubakar held that the court was convinced that the accused person based on the evidence adduced by the prosecution.
    “The defendant was last seen with the deceased in his house in Birnin Kebbi, shortly after, he was found dead.
    “Circumstantial evidence linked the defendant to the offence.
    “The burden of proof is on the prosecution to establish guilt against the accused person beyond reasonable doubt within the boundary of evidence adduced.
    “With the extra judicial statement of the accused person and the testimony of 12 prosecution witnesses, the court is overwhelming convinced that the circumstantial evidence is an irresistible fact that she was the one who killed the deceased.
    “The evidence adduced is cogent, compelling, not controverted.
    ” Her Hijab was found smeared with blood. It was her intention to kill him. She knew death will  be the consequences of her action. The offence committed at a time the deceased was about to marry a new wife.
    “The court is satisfied, it is clearly established that the defendant mercilessly planned and marshalled the attack with sharp object, obviously to cause death or knowing the consequence of her act to cause death or does not care.
    “The court has found you guilty of culpable homicide and bodily harm, the court has convicted you as charged.
    “The court has sentenced you to death by hanging in accordance with section 191(b) penal code law of Kebbi State. You are to be hanged by the neck until you are dead.
    “The court has also sentenced you to seven years in prison for causing bodily harm in accordance with section 224 (1) of penal code law of Kebbi State,” the Judge read out in the judgment.
    In mitigation, the defence counsel, Mudashiru Sani, holding brief for Abdulnasir Sallau, described the convict as first time offender with aged parents.
    The counsel said that the convict was her parents’ caregiver and also has a young daughter in need of motherly care.
    He pleaded with the court to give the convict lighter sentence, so that she could finish her time and come back to the society as reformed individual, considering her age.
    In reply, the Prosecuting Counsel, who is the Director, Public Prosecution in the state Ministry of Justice, Lawal Hudu-Garba, enjoined the court to follow the latter of the law to serve as deterrent to others from committing the same heinous offence.
    Shortly after the judgment, the defence counsel, Sani, said, his client would appeal the verdict. (NAN).
    IBI/SH
    ======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Strike: Anambra records 90% compliance- NLC Chairman

    Strike: Anambra records 90% compliance- NLC Chairman

     Strike

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

     Awka, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Mr Humphrey Nwafor, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Anambra on Monday, said that the organised labour recorded 90 per cent compliance in the state.

     Nwafor told newsmen after going round Awka to monitor compliance in Awka and its environs.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that offices at the federal and state secretariats, the state House of Assembly schools, banks and courts did not open for business.

    Nwafor, while commending union leaders for their cooperation, said the strike would continue until the federal government yield to their demands

    “To be honest with you, I am very much delighted with the Anambra workers’ total compliance to the strike.

     “Picketing is ongoing across the state according to the directive from the national body, and it will continue until 6p.m. to ensure that no office is open for any administrative businesses,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng) 

    LCO/AMM

    ========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru 

     

  • Strike: Labour records 100% compliance in Niger

    Strike: Labour records 100% compliance in Niger

    Strike

    By Rita Iliya

    Minna, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Mr. Ibrahim Gana, Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Niger, on Monday said the union recorded 100 per cent success compliance with the ongoing  strike over the minimum wage in the state.

    He said this in an interview with newsmen shortly after monitoring the level of compliance in Minna, the state capital.

    Gana said that unlike in the past, the officials of the organised labour did not struggle with workers in their offices this time around.

    “This is a fantastic strike we have ever had, the level of compliance is 100 per cent, we didn’t struggle with people in their offices this time around.

    “Just a circular that workers should comply with national directive of both NLC and TUC and virtually everywhere we have gone we have 100 per cent compliance.

    He said that the level of compliance indicates that workers were beginning to listen to the labour leaders and also understanding the yearnings of the union in the country.

    The chairman said both Federal and state organisations observed total compliance, adding that the strike would continue until the union received further directives from its national body.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that parts of organisations shut down by NLC included the Minna General Hospital, Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Federal Inland Revenue and the state High Court.

    Other places visited by the union officials were the Niger state House of Assembly, the state Secretariat, office of the Secretary to the Niger Government and office of the Deputy Governor.

    NAN recalls that NLC had on June 1, announced nationwide strike commencing on June 3, following the tripartite committee’s failure to reach an agreement on a new minimum wage for workers.

    In addition, unions are protesting against recent hikes in electricity tariffs, which they said had placed an undue burden on workers and consumers across the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    RIS/BAB/JPE

    ==========

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

  • Anniversary: Agency produces herbal medicines for treatment of diabetes, others

    Anniversary: Agency produces herbal medicines for treatment of diabetes, others

    Medicines

    By Folasade Akpan

    Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Martins Emeje, the Director-General, Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), says the agency has produced four medicines in appropriate dosage forms, in its drive to promote the use of herbal medicines.

    He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday that the four medications were part of activities carried out by the agency in the last one year.

    According to Emeje, a professor of Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine, the agency converted natural foods and herbs indigenous to Nigeria to drugs to treat sickle cell, diabetes and slow aging process.

    He added that the products, which are organic in nature, were launched on March 8.

    He explained that “the medicines are Aberecin, used in the management of Diabetes Mellitus and Namdasan for the management of sickle cell disorder, which is a huge issue in the black population of the world and Nigeria is home to more than four million sufferers.

    “We have that product containing at least eight different plants indigenous to Nigeria”, he added.

    The director-general also said that the first herbal nano-product in Africa called Nanobere was also developed by the agency, and used in the treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections.

    He added that an anti-aging agent called Namdamune was developed by harnessing natural plants and herbs that do revitalisation, build the immune system and is responsible for slowing aging process.

    He said “we got all these done in one year and it is not just about health, the significance of this is that Nigeria can develop its own products locally and manufacture locally, and that is medicine security.

    “It means that the life of your people is in the hands of your people because the greatest disservice you can do to yourself is to have your own life in the hands of another person.”

    He also said that the production of the herbal medicines resulted to job and wealth creation.

    “This is because unlike the synthetic products that are imported, the basic materials used in making these medicines are from farms, local plants, animals, insects and sea animals all in Nigeria.

    “The ingredients are abundant in the nation and farmers are needed to cultivate the herbs.

    “So, you can imagine the millions of people that we need to cultivate one of the plants so by our calculation in producing one of our products, the process from the farm to the final production, we would have employed 3.8 million Nigerians.

    “You can then imagine for four products, how many would have been employed?.

    “So, if by two years of this administration, we are able to produce 10 medicines, multiply 3.8 million by 10 that’s the number we would have employed”, he said.

    Emeje said that the aim of the agency is to use science and technology to innovatively address and put the herbs and plants in a form that they would not just be useful to Nigerians, but to also export them and get foreign exchange for the country.

    This, he explained, is because the herbal medicine market alone is predicted to be about five trillion dollars in the next 13 years.

    He, however, said that the plan of the agency is to have good agricultural and cultivation research farm in each political ward in the country.

    According to him, the agency will establish a herbal manufacturing factory, using the prototype approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    He also said that the agency subjects itself to the evidence-based regulatory approach that NAFDAC is using for products regulation.

    Additionally, the agency would establish a garlic research farm in Benue because studies have shown that there is high prevalence of asthma in Benue, he said.

    “We will produce medicines for asthma in Benue because we do not want the people in Vandekiya to travel to Makurdi before they can get the products.

    “We want them to be accessible to them in Vandekiya. This is the practical way to show renewed hope.”

    He said that the process would begin in the 774 local government areas of the country first before cascading to the wards.

    On other achievements of the agency, he said medicinal plants used in the treatment of diseases in Nigeria had been documented.

    According to him, the documentation is aimed at boosting Nigeria’s traditional medicine sector for optimal performance.

    He also said that this would help in addressing some of the challenges the nation’s health sector faced.

    “Every plant that is useful in treating one form of disease or the other in Nigeria is documented.

    “We are going into full documentation of traditional medicine in Nigeria, all the 774 local governments in Nigeria, we have marked them out.

    “We are going to document and do digital database of all traditional medical practitioners in Nigeria, what they do and give to people.

    “All of these are aimed at standardisation.”

    Emeje said that the project, which had already taken off in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, involved in going from house to house to get the full statistics needed and that it would cascade to other LGAs in the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NNMDA was established by the Federal Government in 1997 to research, collate, document, develop, promote and preserve knowledge, practice and products of natural medicine.

    This is with a view to facilitating its integration into the national healthcare delivery system. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FOF/HA

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu