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  • Malala Fund solicits policy for quality education

    Education
    By Ibukun Emiola
    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Malala Fund Advocacy Manager Femi Aderibigbe has called on government at all levels to do more to improve the quality of education that would reduce the number of out-of-school children.

    He made the call on Tuesday in Abuja in a training on “Change Reporting Media Fellowship on Gender Responsive Education Planning” organised to develop journalists’ skills.

    He also emphasised the importance of funding education as critical to human capital development.

    According to him, the training is co-organised by the fund two civil society organisations to build the capacity of 27 journalists across the country with the resources needed to hold the government accountable in the education sector.

    He said that programme would develop the skills of journalists to focus on measurable impact and issue-based reports along with the ethics of journalism to create credible stories in the sector.

    “We need to speak against issues that prevent girls from accessing education up to senior secondary school.

    “You can do a random sampling to ask how many children are out of education at the senior secondary level. I am not sure most of us can speak to data on the issues that we have.

    Most times, we speak about basic education forgetting that a higher number of out-of-school children exist at the senior secondary school level,” Aderibigbe said.

    Aderibigbe noted that the country provided free education, that is, Universal Basic Education for nine years and what that meant was that it invested in its children up to the stage where they were to make career decisions and then withdrew funding.

    He said many people made their career decisions much later in life and not at the end of their junior secondary school level where free education stopped.

    Aderibigbe called for a review of the government policy on UBE stressing the need to improve funding as it is connected to human capital development and economic prosperity of the nation.

    Also, the founder of one of the partnering civil society organisations System Strategy and Policy Laboratory, Dr Murtala Mohammed, urged the fellows to base their reporting on evidence-based verifiable data and adhere to best practices in journalism.

    He stressed the importance of good and qualitative education, adding that the state governments had to prioritise education in line with sustainable development goal four.

    Mohammed, however, called on all the states to develop state education sector plans that will be gender-responsive to address some of the issues bedevilling the sector.

    The two-day training will be held in Abuja from June 24 to June 25.

    Malala Fund is an international, non-profit organisation that advocates for girls’ education.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IBK/KAY
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    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Sudan spiraling into chaos. UN agency warns

    Sudan spiraling into chaos. UN agency warns 

    Chaos

    Khartoum, June 24, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Monday said Sudan continues to spiral into chaos, with the humanitarian crisis worsening.
    “The lives of 800,000 people; women, children, men, the elderly and people with disabilities are hanging in the balance as bombing and shelling continues in densely populated areas.
    This caused widespread and long-term harm to civilians and severely disrupted the essential services they much depend on,” the OCHA said in its latest update on Monday.
    Over the past three months, it noted, up to 143,000 people may have been displaced from Al Fasher, the capital city of Sudan’s North Darfur State.
    The people were displaced as a result of clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
    The intensifying fighting in and around Al Fasher has claimed over 300 lives, according to Ibrahim Abdullah Khatir, director-general of North Darfur State’s Health Ministry.
    Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the RSF since April 15, 2023.
    According to recent estimates by the OCHA, the conflicts have so far claimed more than 15,550 lives and displaced over 8.8 million people nationwide. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DAMI/SAF/SH

    ===========

    Edited by Sarafina Christopher/Sadiya Hamza

  • No Cholera outbreak in Anambra – Health Commissioner

    No Cholera outbreak in Anambra – Health Commissioner

    Cholera

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Anambra State Government, on Tuesday, said it has not recorded any case of Cholera in the state.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka that the ministry has nevertheless activated Emergency Response Teams across the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

    Obidike said the proactive measures and heightened vigilance in the state followed reported confirmed cases of cholera in neighbouring states of Imo, Abia, and Delta.

    “Although Anambra has not yet reported any case of cholera, but we have activated the state’s Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers across the 21 LGAs in response to cholera outbreak in Nigeria.

    “Emergency response teams are also actively conducting surveillance in communities in the 21 LGAs to promptly identify and contain any potential cases.

    “We have commenced public education campaigns to raise awareness about cholera and emphasise on preventive measures in homes and communities.

    “The media has been engaged to disseminate crucial information and educate the public about the signs, symptoms, and preventive strategies for cholera,” he said.

    The commissioner described cholera as an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

    According to him, the bacterium poses significant health risks due to its potential to cause severe dehydration, vomiting, and, in severe cases, death if left untreated.

    Obidike said that the transmission of cholera was primarily through the consumption of contaminated food or water.

    He urged residents to imbibe clean, hygienic and safe health practices and be vigilant of happenings within their environment.

    “As of January 2024, Nigeria has been grappling with a significant cholera burden, with 1528 suspected cases and 53 reported deaths across 31 states and 107 LGAs.

    “So, the collaborative efforts of health authorities, emergency response teams, and community members are crucial in containing the spread of cholera and mitigating its impact on public health,” the commissioner said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LCO/AOS

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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

     

  • How Cholera outbreak is changing our lifestyles – Ibadan residents

    Cholera

     

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

     

    Ibadan, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Some residents of Ibadan, Oyo State, said on Tuesday that the cholera outbreak had compelled them to reconsider their eating habits and develop mechanisms to keep up with the situation.

     

    The respondents made their views known in separate interviews by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

     

    A motor mechanic at the Scout Camp area of the town, Mr Wale Adeyemi, says others like him feel hit the most being artisans.

     

    According to him, since artisans rarely cook at work, they depend on food vendors.

     

    “One can’t expect people like us to cook when we are at our workshops. We buy food to eat as the only food most of us have at home is dinner.

     

    “We have food hawkers who come daily to sell to us but now, many of us don’t patronise them again.

     

    “Now, as my wife is packing the food for the children, she’s packing mine along. I also take garri and groundnuts or bread to ensure I have at least two meals at work.

     

    “I’m not buying food from anyone until the government will announce there’s no more cholera in Ibadan,” he said.

     

    A pepper seller at Challenge, Mrs Basirat Lawal, likens this period to the days of COVID-19, as she recalls the precautionary measure of the COVID-19 days being replayed.

     

    Lawal says she’s practising regular handwashing and mindful of where she buys her cooked foods.

     

    “Since I heard about the cholera incident and learnt it started from drinking tiger nuts, I have stopped buying zobo from my customer.

     

    “If I don’t bring food from home, I buy food from just one person because I trust her cooking hygiene, or I simply buy bread and coke.

     

    “My children need me healthy and alive because they are still young,” she said.

     

    Meanwhile, a barber, Mr Ahmeed Yinusa, described the experience restraining him from eating from different sources as the toughest in his over 30 years of existence.

     

    “One of the toughest things on earth is seeing food and not being able to eat it because that’s the fastest way to contact cholera.

     

    “I won’t lie, it is not easy for me. Well, maybe it wouldn’t have been this tough if I had been married.

     

    “I hope the government are proactive in ensuring that this situation ends soonest,” he said.

     

    In the banking sector, Miss Opeyemi Aboderin said hand sanitisers had become their go-to having to attend to several customers daily.

     

    Aboderin says she applies her hand sanitiser after exchanging items or documents with customers.

     

    “I know hand sanitisers are not 100 per cent effective as using water and soap, but looking at my environment, going back and forth to the washroom is not possible.

     

    “To stay healthy, I now wake up a bit earlier than before to prepare food that I’ll have as lunch.

     

    “This is, however, not convenient considering the nature of my work,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    SEY/MAS

     

    Edited by Moses Solanke

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  • KNSG urges donor agencies to report breaches in project implementation

    KNSG urges donor agencies to report breaches in project implementation

    Report

    By Aminu Garko

    Kano, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has  called on donor agencies to report any breaches or anomalies in the implementation of projects in the state.

    Yusuf stated this at the inauguration of a programme on effective utilisation of International Development Funds (IDF) on Monday in Kano.

    The governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Shehu Sagagi, restated his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption.

    The governor assured of his administration`s commitment towards ensuring accountability, and prompt execution of projects to benefit the people of the state.

    He encouraged donor agencies to report directly to him any breaches observed in project implementation.

    The Accountant General of the State, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, convener of the event, stressed the importance of effective utilization and implementation of IDF to achieve project deliverables within time, cost and scope.

    He said that the state has released N600 million as counterpart funding for new projects, highlighting the need for value for money and effective implementation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event covered various sectors, including water supply, agriculture, food security, climate change, education, sanitation, rural access roads and healthcare services.( NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

    AAG/MAM/JPE

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    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Joseph Edeh

     

     

     

     

     

  • NGO champions mentoring for young journalists

    NGO champions mentoring for young journalists

    Mentorship

    By Zainab Oyekan

    Jos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Mr Gad Peter, the Executive Director CLEEN Foundation, an NGO, says mentoring young journalists should be paramount in the minds of veterans.

    Peter said this during a 2-day workshop organised by the NGO, in collaboration with UNWomen on Tuesday in Jos, to train women journalists.

    According to him, mentoring and networking are important aspects of the overall training that will enable younger ones gain valuable skills and knowledge.

    The director said mentoring would afford young journalists supportive network of contacts that would help them build professional connections.

    “Mentoring is likened to sewing a seed that if well nurtured, will produce good fruits, so we expect every professional to mentor at different levels,” he said.

    Peter further noted that the good thing about mentoring was that it would help the young journalists develop confidence and self esteem, which was a top requirement to be on the field.

    He therefore, urged professional journalists to take mentoring as a mandatory aspect of their job and be intentional about it. (NAN)

    OIZ/DOR
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    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Tinubu congratulates Sanwo-Olu on birthday

    Congratulation
    By Salif Atojoko
    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday congratulated the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on his birthday.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The statement noted that Sanwo-Olu had a successful career in the private sector before joining the public service, scaling the leadership ladder.

    “Mr  Sanwo-Olu was elected Governor of Lagos State in 2019 and re-elected in 2023 for a second term in office.

    “The President prays for many more years in good health for the Governor and wishes him more wisdom and energy in his service to Lagos State and the nation,” said the statement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    SA/JNC
    =======
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Gombe State begins water chlorination to prevent cholera outbreak

    Gombe State begins water chlorination to prevent cholera outbreak

    Chlorination
    By Hajara Leman
    Gombe, June 25, 2024 (NAN) Gombe State Government has started distributing chlorine to
    the 11 local government areas as part of measures to mitigate cholera spread.

    Dr Umar Musa, the Waste Manager of the Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA), made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Tuesday.

    Musa said the targeted areas are wells, stagnant ponds and reservoirs, while areas that fetch water from rivers would get aqua tabs “since they cannot chlorinate a running river or stream.”

    He added that the aqua tab would be given to them, and the personnel handling the chlorination would teach them how to apply it in their drinking water.

    He explained that “chlorine is a measure to mitigate cholera spread because it will destroy all  pathogens in water which contain the bacterium called Vibrio Cholerae which causes cholera infection and other water-born diseases.”

    The manager, who said that the chlorine distribution would continue until December, added that “110 trained personnel are handling the distribution of both chlorine and the aqua tab to communities.

    “The use of chlorine was the preventive method Gombe State also adopted in 2023 and it yielded positive results because there was no single case of cholera recorded.

    “In 2023, however, the distribution was only to hot spots but this time around, we expanded to other areas and increased the quantity from six to 10 drums.

    “Chlorination is a proactive measure against gastroenteritis and cholera, which is a water-borne disease.”

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, said “so far, of the cases of gastroenteritis recorded in the state, none turned out positive for Vibrio Cholerae.

    “What we are doing in Gombe is more of preventive measures because people travelled during Sallah and on their return, they may habour the organism, hence the need for prevention.”

    The commissioner emphasised the need for safe water and basic sanitation and hygiene practice as  critical ways of preventing and controlling the transmission of cholera and other waterborne diseases.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    HUL/HA
    ========
    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • EU extends protection rules for Ukrainians fleeing war until 2026

    EU extends protection rules for Ukrainians fleeing war until 2026

    War

    Brussels, June 25, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The European Union has extended emergency rules to shelter people who fled the war in Ukraine until at least March 4, 2026.

    “Day after day, Russia terrorises the Ukrainian people with its bombing,” Belgian Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration, Nicole de Moor, who led talks to prolong the rules, said in a statement.

    “Those who fled from Russia’s aggression can continue to count on our solidarity,” she said.

    Ukrainians, who fled to the European Union after the full-scale invasion of their country by Russia in 2022, were granted immediate protection.

    The protection granted was after EU member states set up a temporary regime designed for cases of mass influxes of people.

    However, the existing regime was set to end in March 2025.

    The proposal was designed to avoid the lengthy national asylum-seeking procedures required to process large numbers of displaced people.

    Extensions of the temporary rules were possible for up to one year.

    In addition, people under temporary protection were entitled to social benefits, housing, and access to education and work permits, among other things.

    The European Commission reported that almost 4.2 million Ukrainians are currently residing in the EU under these rules, with Germany hosting the most people at 1.2 million. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MERCY/COO/AMM

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

    Edited by Cecilia Odey and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Child’s body found in north-west Germany amid search

    Child’s body found in north-west Germany amid search

    Body

    Berlin, June 25, 2024 (dpa/NAN) A farmer found a child’s body while mowing in the German state of Lower Saxony, the police reported on Tuesday.

    The farmer discovered the body on Monday at 4:30 p.m. (1430 GMT) in Estorf municipality in the district of Stade, about 80 kilometres west of Hamburg, the police statement said.

    The police said that no information could be provided about the exact location and the circumstances of the discovery, and that it was not initially possible to determine the identity of the child.

    A six-year-old boy named Arian has been missing in the region since April 22.

    For about a week, emergency services and volunteers, at times up to 1,200 of them, searched for the boy day and night.

    Specialists from the investigation group of Arian’s case have conducted a forensic analysis of the discovery site, but no further details were initially released.

    The police have multiple theories about Arian’s disappearance.

    The most likely scenario is that Arian had an accident without any involvement of third parties.

    Small footprints found near the Oste River, likely Arian’s, could indicate this was not a criminal case, according to the police. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/AMM
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    Edited by Cecilia Odey and Abiemwense Moru