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  • FCTA commits to improving maternal, child nutrition

    Nutrition

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is committed to improving Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) to ensure optimal growth and development of children in the nation’s capital.

    Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environmental Secretariat, FCTA, gave the commitment at the ongoing 7-day training of trainers on MIYCN, in Abuja.

    Fasawe, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Babagana Adam, said that the training of 60 trainers from different sectors became necessary to mobilise relevant stakeholders to promote exclusive breastfeeding and age-appropriate complementary feeding.

    She also stressed the need to ensure optimal feeding of young children using nutrition-rich locally available food sources, towards building a healthy and productive population for sustainable development.

    Fasawa called on the participants, who were expected to step down the knowledge with other stakeholders to be agents for change and advocate for improved nutrition within their respective communities.

    She said that the trainees would be expected to train wider stakeholders, including healthcare providers, caregivers, and policymakers.

    According to her, addressing malnutrition requires a multisectoral approach, through cost-effective interventions that will yield desired results.

    “There is a need for concerted and aggressive efforts to change the disturbing nutrition indices of women and children in the FCT.

    “We will not relent but strive more to achieve our expected goal as enshrined in the FCT Policy on Food and Nutrition,” Fasawa said.

    The mandate secretary thanked the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for organising the training and the World Bank-supported Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria project for funding the training.

    This, according to her, is a demonstration of a collective commitment of all stakeholders towards improving the nutrition status of women, children and young persons in the FCT.

    The Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr Mohammed Yakubu, said the essence of the training of trainers was to improve the knowledge of stakeholders on MIYCN.

    He said that the goal was to equip healthcare workers with the needed knowledge and skills on how to improve the nutritional status of mothers, infants, and young children especially those in difficult circumstances. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/BRM

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

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Ebonyi Fire Service trains 152 LPG dealers on safety measures

    Ebonyi Fire Service trains 152 Gas dealers on safety measures

    Safety

    By Uchenna Ugwu
    Abakaliki, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Ebonyi Fire Service has trained about 152 members of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association (LPGAR) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on fire risk control and precautional measures.

    The programme was held on Tuesday during fire safety and ignition control training for LPGAR – NUPENG association at the service parade ground, Abakaliki.

    The Chief Fire Officer, Mr Ralph Ibiam said that the training became necessary because of the need for more safety consciousness on happenings and reoccurrence of fire incidents in the state.

    “The training is aimed at exposing the dealers on how to ensure safety in case of any emergency at their business places.

    “It is an annual event and statutory obligation for the service to conduct such awareness for the group,” Ibiam said.

    He further disclosed that the programme would be extended to petroleum dealers as well as outlets to address the trend of fire disaster in the state.

    Ibiam called on the association to create community awareness and educate residents on the cause.

    The Deputy Fire Officer and Resource Person, Mr Chukwuma Nweke, urged the association to adopt precautionary measures like ensuring proper gas storage, practice exit drill at home, purchase fire extinguisher among other safety tips.

    In his remarks, Mr Jude Ani, Chairman LPGAR – NUPENG, appluded the personnel for disseminating information to spur safety consciousness among members of the association.

    Ani encouraged members to extend the training to their sale representatives and promised continuous partnership with the fire service to ensure safety.

    The News agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the training featured some fire marshals who exposed the dealers to real term safety measures.

    NAN reports that the command also urged the public to call its fire service emergency numbers to include, 07069752627 and 08032554317 Abakaliki and 07036845645, 08032635818 Afikpo LGA.

    Other unit numbers include, 08030647592 Uburu, 07069717263 Onueke.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    UVU/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Abia Govt. restricts operational hour of tricycles, motorcycles

    Abia Govt. restricts operational hours of tricycles, motorcycles
    The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Uzor Nwachukwu
    Restriction
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Umuahia, June 25, 2024(NAN) The Abia Government on Tuesday announced the prohibition of the operation of tricycles and motorcycle in Aba and Umuahia between 7 pm and 6 am, with effect from July 1.
    The Commissioner for Local Goverment and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Uzor Nwachukwu, made this known  at a press conference at the end of a meeting between the government and stakeholders in the transport sector, in Umuahia.
    Nwachukwu said that the decision to restrict the operating hours of tricycles and  motorcycles was informed by the need to secure lives and property in Abia.

    He said:”The information available to security agencies reveal that most of these robbery attacks happen in the evening hours, late night hours and very early morning hours in these cities.

    “The restriction does not stop Keke and Okada operators from operating from 6am in the day to 6pm in the evening.
    “So they are still doing their business; it’s just that the state government has decided to curb the operations of these criminals who use these means of transport to perpetrate their criminal activities.”
    According to him,  the government had met with leadership of the relevant unions of the operators and  urged all  residents to comply accordingly.
    He said that government would equally attempt to review the restriction when it becomes necessary and said security agents have been alerted on the development.
    Nwachukwu said that the government would implement the policy with human face assuring the people that there would be no victimisation of any innocent individual.
    He said that as part of measures to enhance security in the state, the government would commence a compulsory enumeration and registration of all commercial vehicles in the state.
    Nwachukwu also said that the exercise would enable the government and security agencies to identify the real owners and  operators of commercial vehicles for security purposes.
    The commissioner said that a committee had been set up to that effect, with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security , Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd) as the Chairman.
    He also said that the government set up the committee to ensure effective compliance  by all  commercial vehicle operators in the state.
    “Security is everyone’s business and we want everybody to please take this message home because to develop as a state, we must ensure that there is safety and security of lives and property in Abia,” he said.
    In his remark, the Technical Adviser to the Governor, Mr Charles Egeonu, said that the present administration evolved  policies focused on improving the welfare of the people.
    Egeonu said that the government had engaged with the tricycle and motorcycle operators and believed that their deliberation would be very fruitful.
    He said :”Please bear in mind that it is a decision that we would undertake and would attempt to review as we go along.”
    In their separate speeches, Mr Victor Azubuike, the Chairman of  Abia State Tricycle Operators Union(ASTOU), Aba Zone, the Chairman of  ASTOU,  Umuahia zone,  Mr  Godson Chinwotito, and the  Chairman of Abia State Motorcycle Operators Union, Mr Chiemela Ugboaja , described the restriction as a “welcome development”.
    They commended the government for getting them involved in the process of  formulating the new policy and assured that their members would comply accordingly.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    INA/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • We’ll pay salary arrears in tranches—Abia Govt.

    We’ll pay salary arrears in tranches – Abia Govt.
    Salaries
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Umuahia, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Abia Government has said it would pay salary arrears owed workers in the state civil service, in tranches.
    The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Mike Akpara, made this known on Tuesday during a press conference in Umuahia.
    Akpara expressed the determination of the present administration to completely change the narrative of owing workers salaries because “a worker deserves his wages”.
    According to him, the present administration inherited a debt of  N16.5 billion of salary arrears owed workers in state-owned institutions of learning.
    He said that the government had resolved to clear the arrears, and ensured that the advancement it recorded in other sectors of the economy would be sustained.
    “We need to jump start the economy of the state and for the velocity of money to improve in Abia, we need to stop going to bed by 7pm.
    “For salary arrears,the governor has set up machinery in motion to ensure that salary arrears would become a thing of the past.
    “One thing I will promise is that it will be paid  but  it is not going to be in one sweep.
    “We will do it in  instalments, so that it does not hamper the progress other sector of the economy,” he said..
    Akpara said that the government would commence payment of the salary arrears owed workers of state-owned institutions of learning by “July or August”, with the hope of completing payments by the end of the year.
    He said that the total amount of salaries owed to all the institutions, was N16.5billion and the government was expected to pay those arrears and do something in other sectors.
    Akpara said that the state-owned institutions of higher learning include Abia State University (ABSU) College of Education, Arochukwu, College of Health Sciences, Abia state Polytechnic, Aba and Abia State University Teaching Hospital.
    The commissioner said that the government had paid the salary arrears for April and May owed workers in ABSU.
    “We decide to run away from situations where subventions are being given to them,  yet the are unable to pay salaries.
    “In the past, there was something called generate and use and we noticed that things were not being done properly, a situation where salaries are being owed for 11 months, 33 months, 22 months respectively, in most of those institutions .
    “As a matter of fact the past government owed Abia Polytechnic -33 months, College of Education Arochukwu -22 months, Abia state University -11months.
    “Hospital Management Board was owed for several months. Theirs was humongous that they down trod.
    “We also have ASUBEB and SEMB , the total amounts being owed to them is over N4billion.”
    He said that it was  unfair for people to begin to call names and refer to Gov. Alex Otti of Abia as a liar, and urged the people to support the policies and programmes of the government.
    Akpara said that the present administration had not applied for any loan facility since its assumed office and had been managing its finances well enough to fulfill its  obligations on time.
    He said that the previous administration began the process for requesting loan from Africa Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank.
     He said they were completing what the past administration started,  since  ”government is a continuum”.
    Akpara added that the loans had not  been released to the government and we have been managed our resources.
    He said that the government had resolved to continue to conduct verification exercises whenever the  need arises to restore sanity in the civil service.
    “We will continue to apply ourselves to the good works  that the state requires to ensure that the people get the dividend of democracy,” Akpara said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    INA/ACA/MNA
    =========
    Edited by Chidinma Agu/Maureen Atuonwu

  • Minister calls for proactive guard against cholera in FCT

    Cholera

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCT), has called on the FCT Primary Health Care Board to put precautionary measures in place against cholera.

    Mahmoud, who made the call during the 190th FCT Joint Account Allocation Committee meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, expressed concern over reported cases of cholera outbreak in some states of the country.

    She also expressed delight that no case of cholera haad been reported in the nation’s capital.

    She, however, said that as the seat of government, all necessary measures should be put in place to ensure that the disease did find its way into the FCT.

    ”I am indeed delighted that no case of the cholera epidemic has been reported in any of our primary healthcare centres across the six area councils in the FCT.

    ”However, that does not give us room to relax because this is the seat of government.

    ”The FCT Primary Health Care Board should put in place measures to guard against any outbreak of the disease.

    ”By now, I was expecting the board to commence radio jingles in different major languages and sensitisation programmes in our schools, markets, mosques and churches.

    ”We should not give room for the outbreak before we start a fire brigade approach. That will not be acceptable,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/DOE

    ========

    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • FCTA to relocate artisans, mechanics, others to Wassa

    Relocation

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Federal Capital Territory Administration, says it will begin the relocation of mechanics and traders operating on road corridors and buffer zones to Wassa.

    The AMMC Coordinator, Mr Felix Obuah, disclosed this to newsmen after a meeting with representatives of the affected traders and mechanics in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Obuah explained that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has approved the exercise designated for such businesses, adding that the evacuation would begin in a month’s time.

    He identified those to be relocated as all traders, artisans, mechanics, spare parts dealers, furniture makers, roadside cooking gas dealers and others operating on road corridors across the city.

    “We have decided to relocate all the traders on the road corridor, the buffers, and right of ways to Wassa any moment from now and they are all happy.

    “By the special grace of God, we will do it to the satisfaction of everybody.

    “The minister has given the approval and as I speak to you, the taskforce in charge of the area has been set up.

    “The technical team in charge of the relocation will be set up any moment from now,” Obuah said.

    He said that Wike has given a matching order, adding that it would be followed judiciously without compromise.

    Obuah said that the development would put an end to the over 15 years struggle to relocate operators of Apo mechanic village sitting on a road corridor and obstructing right of way.

    The coordinator added that the over 50 associations of artisans, mechanics and spare parts dealers in the FCT have been collapsed into four unions for effective coordination and information sharing.

    He said that the land allocation would be given to genuine traders, spare parts dealers, mechanics, furniture makers and artisans among others.

    “We are not given the land to individuals, friends, or civil servants. It is purely for traders, mechanics, spare parts dealers and artisans operating on road corridors.

    “The beneficiaries will provide National Identification Number, phone numbers, their addresses and the kind of business they are operating.

    “We will also set up an enumeration team to go and verify the information provided before we can give out the allocations.

    “It is no longer when one family will bring father, mother, son and everybody to get land while other people do not have,” Obuah said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • IBEDC apologises, explains challenge in darkness-hit area

     

    Power

    By Olatunde Ajayi

    Ibadan, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has apologised to customers over the state of power supply in Lalupon environs due to a collapsed bridge in the area.

    The Coordinating Head, Corporate Services, Mrs Angela Olanrewaju, at a news conference on Tuesday, in Ibadan, said that the collapsed bridge damaged several poles on its network.

    The press conference was in response to a peaceful protest organised by some residents of the affected communities on Monday.

    Olanrewaju stated that the incident had caused part of Lalupon 33KV feeder to be isolated due to lack of right of way to re-erect the broken poles.

    This, she said, had made 32 substations out of supply, thereby affecting several communities in the area.

    She reiterated the commitment of thé company to resolve the main long-standing issues in the area when fund was available.

    Olanrewaju said that temporary solution would, however, be provided to restore supply to the area.

    “It is part of projects included in the Performance Improvement Projects (PIP) submitted to Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission(NERC) in 2022.

    “We got approval from NERC, unfortunately we didn’t have the funding for the project which is over N1.5billion.

    “When the CBN intervention fund in the form of loans to DISCOs came up, we decided to take advantage of that, however, the project couldn’t commence in December 2023, because CBN put the intervention fund on hold, “she said.

    She also revealed that the IBEDC had commenced a quick win solution that would ensure supply of electricity to affected communities in the interim, pending the construction of the collapsed bridge.

    “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and we are using this medium to assure our customers that every effort is being made to expedite the completion of the 33kV substation project and restore full power supply.

    “As a customer-centric company, we are deeply concerned about the supply situation, as such, we have held over 10 meetings with the leaders of the communities to explain the situation.

    “This meetings with community leaders underscore our commitment to resolving these issues and improving service delivery,” she said.

     

    IBEDC’S Officer in charge of technical services, Christopher Lawal, said that a technical team had been working to back-feed the affected communities from neighbouring community with electricity supply within three weeks.

     

    “We appreciate the patience and understanding exhibited by the affected communities so far.

    “We are working toward more reliable and efficient power supply for Lalupon and its environs, “he said

    NAN reports that residents of the affected communities on Monday took to the streets to protest inability of IBEDC to supply electricity to them.

    The protesters, in large numbers, stormed the IBEDC office and obstructed vehicular movement.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    TUN/MAM/SOA

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Oluwole Sogunle

     

  • FCTA rises against negligence, torture of widows

    Widows

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has reiterated its commitment to ending negligence, torture and stigmatisation of widows in the territory.

    Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, gave the assurance in Abuja on Tuesday, at an event organised to commemorate the 2024 International Widows Day.

    The theme of the event – “Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality”, was geared towards strengthening widow’s land and property rights.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FCTA Women Secretariat also distributed food items, wrappers, detergents and cash to no fewer than 300 widows.

    The food items included cooking oil, rice, and semovita.

    Benjamins-Laniyi said that the Women Affairs Secretariat was a deliberate and strategic hub, established to take care of all vulnerable people, including the widows.

    “Today, we rise with one voice to say “no” to negligence, torture and stigmatisation of widows in the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria at large.

    “We assured that the current administration is committed to ending violence against widows and their children, and promoting poverty alleviation, education and other support to widows.

    “The FCT Administration under the watch of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, is poised to identify vulnerable people in our society with a view to alleviate their suffering,” she said.

    The gesture, according to her, is in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, who is bent on giving hope to the hopeless, and putting smiles on the faces of the vulnerable.

    “Losing a dear husband is a traumatic experience that no sane woman would want to have.

    “Widowhood is caused by so many factors including disease, poverty, war, accident, negligence and sometimes hatred, which always culminates in the death of a dear husband.

    “For many women around the world, the devastating loss of a husband is always characterised by negligence and long-term fight for their basic rights and dignity,” she said.

    She argued that widows have historically been left unsupported in the various spectrums of the society.

    She added that experiences from different cultural backgrounds shows that widows were often denied inheritance rights, while others had their property grabbed after the death of a husband.

    “This in the long run, usually leads to extreme stigma and discrimination.

    “It is, therefore, important to note that empowering widows to support themselves and their families also means addressing social stigmas that create exclusion, discrimination or harmful practices,” the mandate secretary said.

    The Permanent Secretary in the secretariat, Alh. Kolawale Adetoyi, explained that the palliative support was a means to appreciate and show respect for widows.

    Adetoyi said that the FCTA would continue to empower and uplift widows to overcome the obstacles they faced.

    “We will continue to give them the necessary support to thrive and together, we can create an equitable society for all,” he said.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mary Peter, who lost her husband 18 years ago, thanked the FCTA and the First Lady for the food support.

    The widow, a resident of Kado Fish Market, described the support as lifesaving.

    Mrs Salamatu Jibrin, another widow, physically challenged and mother of six, also appreciated the FCTA for the support, saying “this will go a long way in feeding my children. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/IU

    ==========

    Edited by Isaac Ukpoju

  • Tinubu mourns Deputy Comptroller of Customs Etop Essien

    Tinubu mourns Deputy Comptroller of Customs Etop Essien

    Mourning

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Mr Etop Essien, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of revenue at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), with profound sadness.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, in a statement on Tuesday, said the President extended his condolences to the family of Essien.

    He described Essien’s passing while on an official assignment as most distressing.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Essien passed away shortly after showing signs of discomfort during a presentation before the National Assembly House  Committee on Public Accounts, on Tuesday.

    “The President also commiserates with the Comptroller General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as well as the officers, men, and women of the Nigeria Customs Service.

    “The President prays for the repose of the soul of the deceased officer and comfort for his family,” said the statement.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SA/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Police recruitment: PSC says list of successful candidates remain valid

    Recruitment

    By Monday Ijeh

    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Police Service Commission (PSC) said it has not and would not cancel the list of successful candidates released for recruitment into Constables cadre of the Nigeria Police Force.

    The Head of Press and Public Relations of PSC, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, stated this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Ani said the clarification was followed by the statement being circulated in the social media, alleging that, PSC had succumbed to pressure and cancelled the final list of successful candidates.

    According to him, the statement did not emanate from PSC and we urge the public to disregard same.

    He added that the recruitment exercise was conducted in clear adherence to relevant guidelines and provisions of the law.

    He said the commission had just concluded a routine maintenance of its portal containing the list of the successful candidates.

    “The commission is in control of the situation and has since restored the recruitment portal with its original contents.

    “Successful candidates are advised to ignore this deliberate antics of desperate groups bent on destroying the good work of the commission.

    “The commission is committed to giving the nation a merit based and inclusive recruitment exercise.

    “It will continue to ensure that federal character, gender sensitivity and merit are the bedrock of its recruitment process,” he said.

    Ani, therefore, urged those behind the circulated statement to desist from undermining the recruitment exercise, adding that, anyone caught would be dealt with.

    “The portal is now fully functional and accessible hence, candidates can now log in and access all its features without any disruptions. Ani said (NAN)

    IMC/MAM/AMM

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

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Abiemwense Moru