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  • Women council urges schools to prioritise drug abuse prevention

    NCWS with the Principal and students of FSTC, Orozo

     

    Drug

    By Sarafina Christopher and Justina Auta

    Abuja, June 29, 2024(NAN) The National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) has cautioned students against drug abuse and advised schools to prioritise prevention initiatives to combat the ugly trend.

    The council gave the advice at an awareness campaign in Abuja to commemorate World Drug Day with the theme “The Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention.”

    The campaign was held at Federal Science and Technical College(FSTC), Orozo.

    Mrs Geraldine Etuk, acting National President, NCWS, said that schools played a vital role in shaping the attitude and behaviour of young individuals towards substance abuse.

    She stressed that investing in prevention programmes within educational institutions was crucial to raising awareness, providing support and fostering a drug-free environment for students.

    “As a society, we cannot afford to overlook the devastating consequences of drug abuse, especially among our youth.

    “It is important that we take proactive measures to prevent and address this issue effectively,” she said.

    Etuk also appealed to school administrators to collaborate with local authorities, healthcare professionals and community organisations to create a network of resources to address the multifaceted aspects of drug abuse.

    Mr Nduka Augustine, Superintendent of Narcotics at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, FCT Command, utilised visual aids to showcase the adverse effects of various drugs.

    Augustine said the visuals aimed to dissuade students from engaging in such harmful practices.

    He advocated for the implementation of comprehensive drug prevention programmes encompassing education, counseling and support services for students at risk of substance abuse.

    Mr Fayomi Ayo, the Principal of the school, expressed appreciation to the council for bringing the awareness campaign stating that prevention was key in the fight against drug abuse.

    According to her, schools play a pivotal role in shaping a drug-free future for students.

    Ayo added that by heeding advice and investing in effective prevention strategies, youths could be empowered to make informed decisions, steer clear of substance abuse and contribute to a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the council distributed sanitary and learning materials to the students.

    The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is marked on June 26 annually.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    SAF/JDA/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

  • Food security: Coalition lauds minister on agriculture sector reforms

    Reforms

    By Sarafina Christopher

    Abuja, June 26, 2024(NAN) The Coalition for Human Rights Promotion in Africa (CHRPA) has commended the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, on his viable reforms in the agriculture sector.

    Dr Emmanuel Agabi, convener of the coalition, gave the commendation at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He hailed Kyari’s visionary leadership, effective resource utilisation and strategic initiatives which had yielded significant progress in the past year.

    Agabi said the minister had made notable strides in enhancing food security and nutrition, improving market access and generating employment opportunities.

    He also acknowledged the minister’s other achievements including the successful inauguration of the 2023-2024 dry-season farming programme, the distribution of 58,500 metric tonnes of milled rice and the development of 23 improved crop varieties.

    “Kyari has demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication to the agricultural sector, which has yielded remarkable progress in the past year.

    “His commitment to food security, sustainable agricultural practices, and farmer empowerment has set a strong foundation for a prosperous and sustainable agricultural sector.

    “Under Kyari’s leadership, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has made significant strides in enhancing food security and nutrition, improving market access and generating employment opportunities in the agricultural sector.

    “The allocation of N309 billion towards these critical endeavors demonstrates the government’s unwavering support for the agricultural sector.’’

    Agabi further applauded Kyari for his dedication, vision and efforts, urging him to continue prioritising the agriculture sector as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth.

    “Kyari’s leadership embodies a commitment to good governance, accountability and the promotion of human rights; thereby serving as a beacon of inspiration for exemplary leadership in the public sector.

    “His achievements include effective resource utilisation, agricultural transformation agenda, national agricultural technology and innovation policy, strategic initiatives, collaborative approach, rural infrastructure development, and climate-smart agriculture.

    “Kyari’s emphasis on scaling up these successes to improve food security and boost export potential reaffirms the government’s dedication to ensuring the agricultural sector remains a key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth.

    “The minister’s leadership has set a strong foundation for achieving the goals of the agriculture sector and contributing to the overall development of the nation,’’ he said.

    Agabi  hailed the minister’s commitment to good governance, accountability and human rights; serving as a beacon of inspiration for exemplary leadership in the public sector.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

     

    SAF/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

     

  • Ajimobi’s legacies will never be forgotten, Says lawmaker

    Ajimobi’s legacies will never be forgotten, Says lawmaker

    By Sarafina Christopher

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, House of Representatives member representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, has described late governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, as a true statesman whose legacies will never be forgotten.
    She said this why paying tribute to Ajimobi to commemorate his remembrance in a statement made issued in Abuja on Wednesday.
    Ajimobi passed away on June 25, 2020 at the age of 70 after a brief illness.

    Late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi

    According to the lawmaker, Ajimobi was an exceptional statesman who made indelible marks in public service.

    She also said the late former governor could best be described as the architect of modern Oyo State, saying he left the office with distinct legacies and achievements.

    “He Came. He lived. He Conquered the Myth. He was worthy leader”, she said.

    Akande-Sadipe, the House Committee Chairman on Ethics and Privileges, Assembly saluted late Ajimobi’s patriotic spirit.

    She said Ajimobi gave her the opportunity to serve in his cabinet, which was the platform she leveraged to be in the position to serve her people in Oluyole Federal Constituency.

    “Sadly the vacuum created by the demise of the former governor and Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Oyo State, late Senator Abiola Ajimobi is clear to all”, she said.

    Rep. Akande-Sadipe said the late former governor made a significant impact in governance of Oyo state through many innovations and ideas. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

    SAF/KUA

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    Edited by Uche Anunne

     

  • Institute urges stakeholders to address flooding 

    Institute urges stakeholders to address flooding

    Flooding

    By Sarafina Christopher

    Abuja, June 25, 2024(NAN) The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, has urged relevant stakeholders to take proactive measures to address the issue of flooding and prevent the loss of lives and property.

    Mr Nathaniel Atebije, the President of the institute, stated this during its 6th annual conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is t “What shall we say: gains or pains of democracy”.

    He said that the Federal Capital Territory and other areas are back to another regime of flooding due to poor drainage systems among others.

    “The flooding which ensued yesterday as a result of the downpour was speculated to have drowned some lives in a popular residential estate in Abuja.

    “Poor drainage systems have made the location flood-prone and vulnerable during the rainy season,”he said.

    Atebije said that actions designed to solve the problem are being impeded by court orders at the expense of human lives.

    “What value do we place on human lives as a nation? Can the value of that whole estate be equated to the lives lost?

    “We hereby call on Judges to consider the safety of human lives when granting orders to retain inconsistent developments.

    “This is an indicator of the need for continuous engagement with the various stakeholders in human settlements development.

    “For Judges, and anyone for that matter, to make decisions that are favorable to environmental sustainability, they must be enlightened about physical planning and human settlements development.

    “We particularly emphasise that the Federal Capital Territory and other affected areas need to take decisive measures on disaster preparedness and management,”he said.

    Atebije called on the government to put aside the relative success of its first year in office, to see the pains and agony of its population.

    “We must empathise with the tears running down the cheeks of Nigerians and focus on the years ahead.

    “This will bring a lot of gains, diminish a lot of pains, and then we can truly look forward to handing unto our children a banner without stain,”he  said.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

    SAF/JPE

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    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

     

     

  • Organisation seeks more blood donors to save lives

    Organisation seeks more blood donors to save lives

    Blood

    By Sarafina Christopher and Eletta Mercy

    Abuja, June. 22, 2024 (NAN) Jela Development Initiative (JDI) a non-profit organisation has appealed to the public to generously donate blood to alleviate the critical shortage of blood supply in hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide.

    The organisation made the appeal in Abuja  on Saturday, in collaboration with the National Blood Service Commission and Rotary Club of Abuja Federal, during a blood drive.

    The blood drive is themed “Be a hero, donate blood and save lives”.

    Mrs Angela Ochu-Baiye, the CEO of JDI, stressed the importance of providing blood donations to aid patients in life-threatening conditions.

    Ochu-Baiye, represented by Ms. Oluchi Ihezie, Programmess Assistant at JDI, highlighted that blood donation was a noble and selfless act that could profoundly impact someone’s life.

    “The organisation is dedicated to promoting voluntary blood donations, recognising the challenges many face in accessing blood due to its high cost.

    Ihezie further stated that there was a surging demand for blood not only within the nation but also across the continent and globally.

    “Patients requiring blood, such as those grappling with severe illnesses like cancer or undergoing intensive medical treatments, heavily rely on blood transfusions for their survival,”she said.

    Also speaking, Mrs Omotayo Ottun, Donor Recruiter NBSC, pointed out that blood donors not only contribute to a life-saving cause but also benefit from comprehensive medical check-ups prior to donation, promoting overall health and well-being.

    “The main targets of the donation are the excess blood in your system, which the body is not using, a sachet of that blood after every three months for men and four months for women can save three people’s life.

    “Donations also help to produce new red blood cells making it more active in your system, it helps burn calories and also regulates the heart effectively,”Ottun said.

    Mr Theophilus Apeh, representing the Rotary Club of Abuja Federal, expressed gratitude to all blood donors for their invaluable contributions to the humanitarian endeavor.

    Apeh also urged the relevant authorities to ensure that donated blood reached patients in need without imposing any financial burdens.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an anonymous first-time blood donor shared her experience in partaking in the noble cause and overcoming initial apprehensions surrounding blood donation.

    She also expressed appreciation for the rigorous screening procedures carried out to ensure donor eligibility and blood safety.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

    SAF/AMM
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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Social protection can douse economic crisis – IPCR DG

    Social protection can douse economic crisis – IPCR DG

    By Sarafina Christopher

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Dr Joseph Ochogwu, the Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), has described social protection as a policy instrument with the potency to douse socio-economic crisis in the country.

    Ochogwu made the description on Wednesday in Abuja at a conference on “Social Protection and Economic Uncertainties in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Societies”.

    The conference was organised by  Conflict Research Network (CORN) West Africa, a knowledge platform for research on conflicts, political violence, and peacebuilding in the sub-region.

    The director-general of IPCR said since 2015, social protection “has become an important policy instrument used by the Federal Government” to tackle inequality nationwide.

    “We have studied some strategic conflict assessments of Nigeria and several other studies which have identified poverty and unemployment as the major drivers of conflict across the country,” he said.

    He added that there is a wide gap between policies and their actual implementation.

    “We have embarked on this conference journey because we believe that we will go further to showcase social protection as a policy that requires much more empirical information to inform policy and practice.

    “There is no doubt that there are obvious gaps in the implementation of social protection, depending on the population category we are targeting alongside,” he said.

    In her remarks, Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, reiterated the global body’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

    “Our work in this country reflects our dedication to supporting the most vulnerable, particularly in conflict-affected regions.

    “We strive to ensure that these children receive the protection, education, healthcare, and nutrition they need through government-led social protection systems.

    “We must address the pressing issue of economic uncertainty in fragile and conflict-affected societies and support the government in defining social protection measures relevant to the needs of the citizens; the financial hardships families face in such regions exacerbate the already daunting challenges,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) 

    SAF/YEE

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    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Expert advocates locally developed AI for accurate information

    Expert advocates locally developed AI for accurate information

    AI

    By Sarafina Christopher

    Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Mr Arnold Agure-Dam, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert, has advocated for a locally owned platform to enhance accurate and unbiased information retrieval about the country.

    Agure-Dam, who is the CEO of GreyDots, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) firm, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos state.

    The AI app is called Nigeria Info’ Generative Pre-trained Transformer (NiGPT) and will harmonise the nation’s information from a local system.

    According to Agure-Dam, NiGPT is a necessity for Nigeria because most of the data about the country are not controlled locally and has created room for information bias.

    “So we decided to provide a platform that will democratise Nigerian specific information and bring it to the fingertip of our citizens.

    ”This will be easy to access information without going on a long research to get answers. We aim to replace Google with Ask NiGPT in Nigeria.

    “We want to make questions about our country a priority without having to go through long and biased research,” he said.

    Agure-Dam also added that NiGPT was a revolutionary project designed to harness the power of AI to revolutionise various sectors.

    “The goal is to develop sophisticated AI solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into industries such as healthcare, finance, education and agriculture, among others.

    “AI is a cutting-edge technology that not only addresses complex problems but also enhances the efficiency and productivity of businesses and organisations.

    “Therefore, by leveraging AI, NiGPT aims to bring about significant positive changes in how industries operate, ultimately improving everyday life and business operations,” Agure-Dam said.

    The Minister of State for Youths, Ayodele Olawande, said that AI was a welcome development that everyone in Nigeria should key into, adding that it would help improve intelligence.

    Olatubosun Alake, Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, reiterated the government commitment towards supporting innovations that would promote accurate information about Nigeria.

    “The launch of this app is along the lines of building capacity in Artificial Intelligence. It also goes to show that our Nigerian companies have the capacity.

    “We are proud to announce that now our local team has built a solution that we own as Nigerians.

    ”This is a significant advantage for us as we can now start to solve problems from a local context,” Alake said.(NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng)

    SAF/COO/IS

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    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Pray for peace in Nigeria, IPCR urges Muslims

    Pray for peace in Nigeria, IPCR urges Muslims

    Development

    By Sarafina Christopher

    Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has charged Muslim Ummah in Nigeria to pray for peace and development of the country.

    Dr Joseph Ochogwu,  Director-General of the Institute, gave the charge during the Eid-el Kabir celebration on Monday in Abuja.

    According to him, the festival of sacrifice is a celebration of faith, obedience and devotion.

    He urged Nigerians to acknowledge the values of sacrifice, compassion, generosity that are embodied in the spirit of Eid-el Kabir.

    Ochogwu also appealed to Nigerians that regardless of their religious beliefs or backgrounds, they should use the occasion to promote peace, unity, love and harmony, noting that without these virtues a nation remained far from development.

    “Occasions like this call for sober reflection; our minds should dwell on those things that bind us together and are also capable of promoting development in the country,” he said.

    He also urged Nigerians to support the President  Bola Tinubu administration in his steady steps to make Nigeria great.

    “The President’s decisions are geared toward revamping the economy, blocking all loopholes, curtailing insecurity, promoting businesses and infrastructural development, amongst other things.

    “Let our thoughts and actions be peaceful, tolerant, and receptive toward one another as this is the only organic means to change the dangerous narrative that has eaten deep into our social fabrics and national cohesion.

    “Nigerians should rise up with one accord to build the nation of our dreams.

    “I congratulate all Nigerians on this auspicious occasion and wish everyone a happy Eid-el Kabir,” Ochogwu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

    SAF/CHOM/SA

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Salif Atojoko

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  • NGO urges Nigerians to donate blood to save lives

    Blood

    By Sarafina Christopher

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), a humanitarian organisation, has urged Nigerians to donate blood in order to save lives.

    The Chairman, DNKI, Abuja Chapter, Mr Kolawole Otepola, made this call on Friday at the Wuse District Hospital, Abuja, during the organisation’s visit to hospitals to commemorate 2024 World Blood Donor Day.

    According to Otepola, blood is God given; hence the need to reach out to others who do not have; who cannot pay and donate freely from what God has freely given.

    He said that blood donation was what the organisation did on a yearly basis.

    “This time, we chose Wuse hospital because we looked around; we have been to Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, Abuja six times; we have been to Maitama and Gwarinpa.

    “So, we decided to go somewhere new this time;  we decided to go to where our impacts will be further felt; where we have not gone before,” he said.

    He advised that Nigerians should make use of the opportunity to turn out and donate blood to save lives and help humanity.

    In his response, Dr Oluseyi Asaolu, Medical Director, Wuse District Hospital, said that blood was life and the act of donating it reduced the rate of death.

    “Blood is very crucial to human life; everybody needs blood; when you make that intervention to donate blood, it becomes a saving moment for someone in need.

    “It is a beautiful initiative when the world does a blood donation day; we are happy that this has been sustained even up till now.

    “There is a need to donate blood; there is nothing you are doing with the blood just storing it there and the good thing is that if you donate blood, the body has a way of replenishing it, so it is a win-win for everybody.

    “We really want to appreciate DNKI that considered Wuse District Hospital, for bringing people to donate and support what we are doing here,’’ he said.

    Asaolu said that Wuse District Hospital had one of the best blood donation and blood transfusion services.

    He said that the hospital maintained the services and screened blood properly before administering to the patient.

    Mr Ogbobe Mathew, a member DNKI, said rendering humanitarian services to people in need was the organisation’s culture and what it did every year.

    “When the organisation came up with the blood donation thing, we discussed it knowing that giving our blood will save lives

    “You never can tell whose life the blood is going to be safe.

    “We tend to render humanitarian service like helping people in need in order to make the society a better place,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

     

    SAF/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

     

  • Nigeria’s Jibromah set to break GWR in 144hrs singing marathon

    Blessing Jibromah (middle) declaring her intention to break GWR

     

    Marathon

    By Sarafina Christopher

    Abuja, June 14, 2024(NAN) Blessing Jibromah, a talented Nigerian singer, has declared her intention to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) of 105 hours in a singing marathon event.

    Jibromah is attempting to set a new record of 144 hours of singing.

    Jibromah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Thursday in Abuja, that she would target to surpass the current record of 105 hours singing marathon held by an Indian singer, Sunil Waghmare.

    She said her aim was not only to etch her name in the annals of music history, but to inspire aspiring singers and performers to dream big and push beyond their limits.

    “I am thrilled to announce my desire to break the GWR for the Longest Singing Marathon (Sing-A-Thon).

    “This record-breaking event promises to be a spectacular; showcasing endurance, talent and community spirit.

    “I am driven not just by the challenge itself but by the potential benefits it can bring to Nigerians,” she said.

    Jibromah said  successfully breaking the record would inspire countless young Nigerians to pursue their dreams, no matter how ambitious they might seem.

    She said the marathon scheduled for July 27 to Aug. 2nd, was open to the public at 9 a.m. daily at Unique Park Gardens, Sky Memorial, Zone 5, Abuja.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

    SAF/DE/CJ/

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    Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Chijioke Okoronkwo