WordPress

Blog

  • IWD: 800 widows benefit from LASG N40m welfare package

    IWD: 800 widows benefit from LASG N40m welfare package

    Widow
    By Kemi Akintokun
    Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than 800 widows on Monday received 50,000 cash gift from the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), in commemoration of the 2024 International Widows Day (IWD).

    Mrs Bolaji Dada, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, disclosed this at a media parley organised by the ministry to mark the day.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day is annually celebrated on June 23 across the globe to raise awareness about violation of human rights that widows suffer following the death of their spouses.

    The theme of this year’s global observance is ”Widows for Peace through Democracy”.

    The commissioner noted that the challenges faced by widows are enormous and grievous,
    adding that it could only be rectified through access to decent living and justice for the oppressed, among others.

    She reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government in advocating and protecting the rights of widows toward attaining best international human rights practices, which emphasises equality of all persons.

    According to her, Lagos State as a centre of excellence, joined the developed world to make provisions for laws geared toward protecting widows from discrimination, stigmatisation and violence.

    She added that “all agents of socialisation must, in fact, be effectively engaged to secure a society free from discrimination against widows.

    “It is in recognition of this that WAPA has been strategic in ensuring that some of these laws that require states to educate their populace toward changing negative societal norms and cultural practices are promulgated.

    “The agenda of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for social inclusion to leave no one behind has endeared him to graciously approve funds to support widows yearly with cash gifts for inclusive governance.”

    Dada disclosed that widows accounted for 10 per cent of the more than 70,000 women empowered by the ministry through various skills in the state.

    She explained that beneficiaries of the cash gifts were selected from various NGOs, faith-based groups, widows from Lagos State Social Register (LASSR), and vulnerable widows from the ministry’s register.

    She urged individuals that maltreat and victimise widows to desist from such evil act.

    Mrs Olufunke Shyllon, the Director of Women Affairs in the ministry, commended the Lagos State Government “for its unwavering support to vulnerable women in the state.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    KOA/DCO/HA
    ===========
    Edited by Deborah Coker/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • NDLEA secures 86 convictions in 5 months in Ogun

    Ogun NDLEA secures 86 convictions in 5 months

    NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.- Gen. Buba Marwa

    By Bukola Adetoye

    NDLEA

    Abeokuta, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ogun says it secured convictions of 86 illicit drug dealers between January and May 2024.

     

    The Narcotics Commander of NDLEA, Ogun Command, Mr Tijjani Rabe, said this at a news conference to commemorate 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking in Abeokuta on Monday.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2024 celebration of the Day is: “The Evidence is Clear; Invest in Prevention.”

     

    Rabe said that families, schools, religious organisations, and professional bodies need to invest in prevention to stop activities leading to illicit drug use.

     

    “This theme emphasises the importance of a prevention-oriented approach to reduce illicit drug use among the youth, often influenced by peer pressure and the desire for acceptance.

     

    “it also aligns with the command’s drug control initiatives, highlighted through it’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) activities that target schools, and religious organisations to improve the well-being of the state’s residents,” he said.

     

    The Narcotics Commander also disclosed that 3.33 tonnes of marijuana, 10.949 kg of psychotropic substances, 0.017kg of Cocaine and 0.129kg of Methamphetamine were withdrawn from circulation during the period in review.

     

    “Other illicit drugs withdrawn from circulation during the period under review included 227 litres of skuchies and 11.0 litres of Codeine,” he said.

    Rabe said further that the command arrested  157 suspected illicit drug dealers that comprised of 127 males and 30 females.

     

    He also said that 112 suspected drug users including  5 females and 107 males were counseled and rehabilitated during the period. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OBA/AYO/AOS

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

    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Bayo Sekoni

  • NGO pledges partnership with pharmaceutical firms to assist vulnerable Nigerians

    NGO pledges partnership with pharmaceutical firms to assist vulnerable Nigerians

    Partnership

    By Diana Omueza

    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Hope Everyday Foundation, an NGO, says it is seeking partnership with Emzor Pharmaceuticals and other pharmaceutical companies to provide medical aid to underprivileged Nigerians.

    Dr Nkechi Akinwale, Executive Director of the foundation said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

    Akinwale who spoke shortly after official inauguration of her NGO, said that the foundation is planning to hold a medical outreach to some hard to reach communities within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    “Today is actually the official inauguration of the foundation, however we have been carrying out medical outreaches since the foundation was founded in March 24.

    “Hope Everyday foundation was founded out of the passion and the desire to provide free medical services to those who are unable to access or afford medical services due to finance or location.

    “Our drive is to give hope to the hopeless, by rendering comprehensive medical services, from doctor’s consultations, to laboratory services, free medications, medical referrals, counseling and awareness campaigns among others.

    “Our intends to partner with pharmaceutical companies like Emzor in order to access bulk, subsidised and authentic medications for our next outreach and future events,’’ she said.

    Akinwale said that since inception of the foundation, it had held three medical outreaches and offered all medical services freely to at least 159 persons in Tukpechi Community in Kuje Area Council of Abuja.

    She said that the foundation was able to achieve success in all the outreaches already held because of the support from some medical NGOs.

    She however said that more support was needed especially in the area of providing medications for treatment of Malaria, Peptic Ulcer, Typhoid fever and others.

    Akinwale called for contributions and donations of medical items including food and clothing items for the nursing mothers and babies.

    “In all our outreaches we discovered that food supply and clothing especially for nursing mothers with children who are most vulnerable to malaria are very important.

    “So we need support to provide mosquito nets for pregnant women, clothes for children within the ages of zero to 36 months, as well as clothes for mothers,’’ she said.

    She appealed to privileged Nigerians to extend help to the vulnerable group, adding that it is the only part of humanitarian act that lasts long in the hearts of people.(NAN)

    DOM/FEO/EAL

    ==========

    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Ekemini Ladejobi

  • ICAN tasks accountants on accountability

     

    ICAN

    By George Edomwonyi

    Auchi (Edo), June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has called on accountants in the country to be accountable and work within the ethics of their profession.

    ICAN President, Davidson Alaribe, made the call on Monday at the Investiture of the 9th Chairman and Inauguration of the Executive Committee, Auchi and District Society, Auchi, Edo.

    Alaribe, who was represented by the 1st Deputy Vice President, Hajia Queensley Seghosime, urged accountants to work with a sense of probity and honesty.

    He said as the custodian of liquid assets in any organisation, accountants must possess high level of integrity and responsibility to ensure that these assets are well managed.

    “My professional colleagues are called upon to uphold the tenets of the profession.

    “Our motto is integrity and accuracy and I want to plead with you to stand by that motto.’’

    He urged accountants not to, in any way compromise the work that they do as ICAN members.

    “You should not get involved in things that are unbecoming of a chartered accountant.’’

    The ICAN president congratulated the new chairman as well as other executive members and encouraged them to be good leaders.

    “We congratulate the incoming executive team of Auchi district society.

    “We encourage the new executive to continue to sustain the commitment of ICAN to advancing the accounting profession in Auchi and its environs,” he said.

    Alaribe said ICAN had a total of 71 district societies and eight chapters which include five international districts in the U.S., UK, Canada, Malaysia, Cameroon and 66 others spread across 36 states of Nigeria.

    He, however, urged the new executive to ensure that the Auchi district and the executive committee were well mobilised to attend the 54th annual accountants conference scheduled for October 2024.

    In his remarks, Mr Abu Oseni, the immediate past chairman of the district society appreciated members for their support during his tenure.

    He wished the new chairman well and prayed God to give him wisdom along with his team to make positive impacts in the society.

    The new chairman, ICAN, Auchi, Dr Samuel Oshiole, thanked the branch for considering him worthy to be elected as the 9th chairman of the district.

    “Our noble profession is practiced in towns and cities where our members largely find employment or practice.

    “The increasing number of chartered accountants who work and reside within Auchi and its environs necessitated the formation of the district.

    “It is my intention to do my best to build on the legacy established by my predecessors so that the ICAN brand noted for accuracy and integrity will excel in the comity of professional bodies.”

    He promised to commence the building of the district secretariat.

    “In my chairmanship year, effort will be made to commence the building of the district office.

    “As the district that controls the whole of Edo North, the need to have a befitting secretariat cannot be over emphasised,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    GE/BEN/CJ/

    ==========

    Edited by Benson Ezugwu and Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Security: Minister directs principals to register schools with centre

    Schools

    By Funmilayo Adeyemi

    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, has given principals of all Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) one-week deadline to register their schools with the National Safe School Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC)

    Sununu, who gave the directive in Abuja on Monday during an interactive session with principals of FUCs, said the purpose was to protect schools from attacks.

    The NSSRCC, an initiative of the Federal Government, was established on Feb. 23, 2023, in response to increased cases of attacks on schools by bandits.

    It is saddled with the responsibility of coordinating safety and security responses against violence in schools and host communities.

    The minister noted that all schools must be duly registered on the national safe school response coordination centre to filter information that would help secure the schools.

    “We are giving a deadline of one-week for all schools to be registered with NSSRCC to filter information and escalate to the security agencies for quick response,’’ he said.

    Sununu also expressed decline in the enrolment rate of students, calling on the principals to ensure their schools get more students.

    He said that the ministry had developed a portal for self-learning, urging the principals to key into the portal for their students to build their skills through technology education.

    He, therefore, charged them to put efforts in making their schools better, especially in the area of quality education so as to boost students’ enrolment.

    Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to work closely with the principals to achieving quality education in all schools. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FAK/OJI/ADA

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Deji Abdulwahab

    ====

     

     

     

     

     

  • Agency warns of landslide risk in western Japan

    Agency warns of landslide risk in western Japan

    Warning
    Tokyo, June 24, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) on Monday said that heavy rain with thunder is expected in western Japan through Tuesday, calling for vigilance against landslides.

    The weather agency said a warm, damp air mass is flowing toward a seasonal rain front over western Japan, which has made atmospheric conditions very unstable in the region.

    The front is expected to move south to waters off the main island of Honshu, and will then stay around southern Kyushu, according to the JMA.

    Weather officials said up to 150 mm of rainfall is expected for southern Kyushu in the 24 hours though Tuesday morning.

    It said up to 130 mm is also expected for northern Kyushu and 80 mm for the Kinki region.

    The agency warned that even a little more rainfall could increase landslide risks because the ground may already be saturated in some areas, calling on people to be on the alert over risks of landslides.

    Flooding in low-lying areas, swelling rivers, lightning strikes, violent gusts like tornadoes and hailstorms would be experienced. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    COO/HA
    =======

    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

  • Plateau has no recorded case of cholera–Official

    Plateau has no recorded case of cholera–Official

    Cholera

    By Blessing Odega

    Jos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Dr Cletus Shurkuk, Plateau’s Commissioner for Health, says the state has not recorded any case of cholera.

    Shurkuk, in a statement on Monday, said that
    in spite of the ongoing outbreak in 30 other states in Nigeria, the state was yet to record any case, as the two suspected cases reported tested negative for cholera.

    The commissioner defined cholera as an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which could lead to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and even death if left untreated.

    He said the disease was transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food and water, and could spread rapidly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.

    Shurkuk urged the public to inculcate the act of hand washing with soap and water, or alcohol based sanitisers.

    He further cautioned the public to ensure they boiled their water before drinking, if it was not from a safe source.

    He also urged the public to wash their fruits and vegetables thoroughly with salt and clean water before consumption.

    Shurkuk further cautioned the public to desist from the act of open defecation and ensure they maintained good environmental sanitation practices.

    He advised anyone with symptoms suggestive of cholera to visit the nearest health facility for prompt treatment.

    Shurkuk said that the ministry had robust epidemiological surveillance systems in place, to monitor for any signs of infectious disease outbreaks, including cholera.

    “The Ministry of Health is prepared to handle potential outbreaks as preventive measures, including water quality monitoring and community education on hygiene practices, are continuously enforced to prevent the spread of waterborne and other priority diseases.

    “Our routine health checks and sanitation measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens,”he assured.

    He said the ministry was working closely with primary healthcare providers, community leaders, and international health organisations to maintain a high standard of public health preparedness to respond promptly to any disease outbreak and prevent further spread.

    He urged the public to remain calm and avoid any form of panic.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    UBO/AMM

    ===========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Stampede at political rally leaves 1 dead, 37 injured

    Stampede at political rally leaves 1 dead, 37 injured

    Stampede

    Kigali, June 24, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) One person was killed and 37 others injured in a stampede at a political rally on Sunday in western Rwanda, the government has said.

    The stampede occurred when people tried to exit from a venue where President Paul Kagame, the Candidate for the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front, addressed supporters in Gisa, Rubavu District, Western Province.

    The Ministry of Local Government made this known in a statement on Sunday night.

    “A team of health workers at the site did their best to care for the injured but  one person died.  Thirty-seven people were still injured,’’ the statement said.

    Many of the injured were taken to nearby Gisenyi Hospital. Four critically-injured ones were transferred to the main hospital in the capital, Kigali.

    The ministry urged candidates’ supporters to always abide by stipulated guidelines to ensure safety for all.

    Campaign started Saturday in Rwanda ahead of the July 15 presidential and legislative elections, with about 9.5 million Rwandans eligible to vote.

    Kagame is in the race with two others – Frank Habineza of the opposition Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/IGO
    =======
    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Ijeoma

     

  • Stakeholders call for increased investment in RMNCAEH+N

    Stakeholders call for increased investment in RMNCAEH+N 

    Investment
    By Abujah Racheal
    Abuja, June 24, 2024(NAN) Stakeholders have called for increased investment and improved accountability and transparency in the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Elderly Health and Nutrition (RMNCAEH+N) sector.

    They made the call during a workshop organised by the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) on Monday in Abuja, saying increased investment would enhance maternal and child health outcomes in the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop brought together diverse group of participants, including representatives from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the media, youth and government officials.

    The primary objectives are to present the draft Nigeria RMNCAEH+N Strategy, review and build consensus on indicators for RMNCAEH+N Accountability Scorecard, and develop a scoring sheet.

    The Coordinator of AHBN, Dr Aminu Magashi, stressed the critical need for robust investment in RMNCAEH+N services to ensure comprehensive healthcare for all demographics, including mental health services, sexual and reproductive health services and nutrition interventions.

    Magashi also highlighted the urgent need for increased budgetary allocation to the RMNCAEH+N sector.

    He said “investment in maternal and child health is not just a health issue, it is of economic and social value.

    “Adequate funding will enable us to achieve universal access to vital health services and improve outcomes for women, children and adolescents across Nigeria.”

    Mr Olympus Adebanjo, a Youth Advocate, who expressed concern and commitment to advocacy for greater accountability, said “we need to hold leaders accountable for every Naira spent on health.

    “Transparent reporting and effective use of resources are essential to achieving health goals.”

    The CSOs Representative, Mrs Chika Offor, who is also the Executive Director of Vaccine Network for Disease Control, called for unified approach to tackling health challenges.

    She said “collaboration among stakeholders, government, CSOs, the media and youths is crucial.

    “We must work together to ensure that health investments are not only increased but are also efficiently and transparently managed.”

    On her part, Ms Racheal Abujah, the representative of Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ), said that the call to action from the workshop was apt.

    Abujah, who is also the Vice President of ANHEJ, said that greater investment in RMNCAEH+N and improved accountability mechanisms are indispensable to advancing Nigeria’s health agenda and achieving sustainable health outcomes for all.

    She stressed the importance of governance and leadership in driving accountability and transparency in the health sector.

    NAN recalls that during the plenary sessions, stakeholders discussed the development of indicators that would ensure better tracking and reporting of health investments and outcomes.

    These indicators cover budgetary allocation, governance, leadership and overall accountability and transparency.

    The workshop concluded with a consensus on key indicators for the RMNCAEH+N Accountability Scorecard, which will serve as vital tool for monitoring and evaluation process in the sector.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AIR/KAE/HA
    ===========
    Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

  • Court remands 2 students over alleged attempted murder

    Court remands 2 students over alleged attempted murder

    Remand

    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

    Ibadan, June 24, 2024 (NAN) An Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, on Monday remanded two teenage students, in a correctional facility in Ibadan for allegedly attempting to murder a student.

    The duo, whose addresses were not provided were charged with conspiracy and attempted murder.

    The Magistrate, Mrs M. Olagbenro, did not take the plea of the defendants for want of jurisdiction.

    She directed the Police to return the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

    She adjourned the case until July 10, for mention.

    The Prosecutor, ASP Foluke Adedosu, told the court that the defendants allegedly committed the offence on May 21, at about 2.40 p.m., at Saint Louis Secondary School, Molete, Ibadan.

    She alleged that the duo conspired and unlawfully attempted to cause the death of a 14 year student of the school, by matcheting him on his head.

    Adedosu said the offence contravened Sections 516 and 320 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2,000. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CC/DEB/JPE

    ==========

    Edited by Joseph Edeh