Day: October 21, 2023

The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former President John Dramani Mahama has provided relief to flood victims in Volta and Eastern Regions.

This, he did through donation of relief items which included 2,000 bags of rice, 500 boxes of cooking oil, 500 boxes of tomato paste, 500 boxes of canned fish and 1,000 packs of bottled water, worth about GHS1.5 million to alleviate the suffering of the affected people in some 11 constituencies in both regions.

At a brief ceremony held at Sogakope, South Tongu, the leadership of the NDC and the Minority Caucus in Parliament on behalf of the former President, presented the items to chiefs and Members of Parliament (MPs) in the affected areas for onward distribution to the victims.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman, NDC said the donation on Friday was in no way to take over the responsibilities of the state towards the disaster victims but to commiserate with them.

He said their presence was also to see for themselves, the extent of damage caused, to enable them to add their voices to the rest of Ghanaians in calling for relief for the affected persons and as well, be in a position to speak to facts ‘when we are calling for accountability for what has happened.

Mr Nketia said: ‘The few relief items that we managed to lay our hands on and are presenting today, we do not pretend that they will be sufficient to address the needs of the affected communities, but it is just a token to show our concern about the problem you are going through

‘We still urge the government to do the needful to any Ghanaian who has suffered from any disaster, be it natural or man-made.’

Mr Kobby Mensah Woyome, MP for South Tongu acknowledged the proactiveness of Mr Mahama since the onset of the floods saying he had so far shown love and empathy to the affected persons.

Togbega Kadzi Zogah II, Paramount Chief of Sokpoe Traditional Area who spoke on behalf of Tongu chiefs thanked Mr Mahama, the NDC and all those who had remembered their people in such tough times.

He appealed to the party and its Flagbearer and other benevolent individuals and groups to do whatever was necessary to keep the needed support coming to the victims to avoid any unforeseen situation.

Mr Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, MP for Ho West and Volta Caucus Chairman on behalf of the MPs, expressed gratitude for the donations and assured that the items would reach the affected people to alleviate their plight.

The day also saw donations of 80 bags of rice from Zipline Ghana and cash amounts of GHS50,000.00 and GHS100,000.00 from the Anglican Church, and Mr Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, respectively.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Nigerian Army has graduated new set of battle-ready troops to confront insecurity in the country, after months of rigorous training at the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kachia in Kaduna state.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig -Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Friday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the graduation event featured practical demonstration of military drills, showcasing the soldiers’ newly acquired competences in tactical manouvre, physical proficiency, advance shooting drills, Warrior ethos, unarmed combat, among other vital skills.

He said the training package, code named, “Exercise Restore Hope V”, was to adapt personnel who recently passed out of Depot Nigerian Army to the challenges posed by the ever-changing nature of threats within Nigeria’s security environment.

Addressing the graduating troops, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the objective of the exercise was an effort by the Nigerian army to close observed gaps in its operations through focused, adaptive, and effective training.

Lagbaja said the training was conducted with a view to producing highly skilled and competent manpower for operational engagements in all theatres.

He added that the training perfectly resonates with his Command Philosophy, which is to “transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force, towards achieving its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.”

The COAS said that ‘Exercise Restore Hope’ would offer a unique post-depot training model, designed to enhance the professionalism and battle readiness of young soldiers.

He emphasized that training was a key investment needed to achieve operational successes, adding that a nation that places high premium on funding troops training will spend less in prosecuting her wars.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of training and performance of the troops in the demonstration drills and implored them to apply the skills and knowledge gained from the exercise in the field, to create a safe and secure environment for socio-economic development.

The COAS appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his untiring support to the Nigerian army as well as the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa for their efforts in the capacity development of the army to deliver on its constitutional mandate.

During a tour of facility at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, located in the same Kachia, Lagbaje urged troops to shun all social vices and remain professional and loyal to the Constitution and Government of Nigeria.

He reiterated his commitment to guaranteeing their welfare as topmost on his agenda for the Nigerian army.

He used the opportunity to inaugurate the school Bakery to meet the confectionary needs of both personnel and students in the school.

At the graduation, the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, said that the 16 weeks rigorous training had imbued the troops with requisite military bearing to adapt to the highly dynamic security situation in the country.

Dignitaries who witnessed the ceremony are Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters, General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Commandants of Nigerian Army Schools and Heads of Security Agencies in Kaduna.

Also at the event are the Agom Kachia of Kachia Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Zamani Dogonyaro and representatives from Kachia Local Government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government has solicited collaboration from the UN-Habitat to facilitate its Urban Renewal, Slum Upgrading and New City Development Project.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa made the appealed when Mr Oumar Sylla, Director, African office of UN-Habitat based in Nairobi visited him on Friday in Abuja.

Dangiwa said basis on UN-Habitat’s vision “a better quality of life for all in an urbanising world” aligns fully with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration of Sustainable and Urban Development.

“So as a ministry, we have a plan to increase access to decent, quality and affordable housing for all Nigerians.

“This includes 80 per cent of low and medium income segments of the society.

“It is for this reason that I am impressed with your Strategic Plan for the period 2020-2023. I see several points of intersection with the Renewed Hope Agenda of our government,’’ he said.

Dangiwa urged UN-Habitat to continue to render technical support to the ministry as the focal point for implementation of Sustainable Development Goals especially Goal 11, aimed at making towns and cities safe and sustainable.

“We will like to seek UN-Habitat collaboration in advancing the SDGs and helping us to mobilise multilateral funding for our Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrading Projects and New City Development Project,’’ he said.

The minister assured the UN-Habitat director of the country’s commitment to fulfill its obligations.

“We have set in motion the process for our country to pay its statutory contribution to UN-Habitat; this was delayed due to the transition to a new administration in the country.

“We belief that the continuous funding support for the UN-Habitat Support Office (UN-HAPSO) in Nigeria will reposition the office to adequately play its role in providing technical support services to housing stakeholders in our country.

“In developing a future work plan, we will like to have a series of engagements with UN-Habitat so that the activities and programmes mapped out will align with the priorities of the current administration,” Dangiwa said.

He expressed optimism that the visit would bring more impactful partnership between the ministry and UN-Habitat that would reflect the vision which included reduced spatial inequality and poverty in communities.

Earlier, the leader of UN-Habitat delegation, Sylla congratulated the minister on his appointment and pledged the organisation’s support with the government on the realisation of urban development.

“We have a long standing partnership with Nigeria in various areas and at the continental level.

“We have been promoting sustainable urbanisation and Nigeria has been supporting the development of the new urban agenda which is the frame work of acceleration of the SDGs.

“At the national level, we are working in support of the revision of National Urban Policy, National Housing Policy and supporting member states in planning to anticipate growth, where UN- habitat is bringing its expertise,’’ he said.

Sylla said that the organization was working in various states on the issue of basic service and support many states like Yobe on provision of water and sanitation especially during COVID 19.

“Moving forward, we are here to see how best we can start this collaboration between UN-habitat and the government of Nigeria knowing that there is a new administration and new vision.

“We are happy to see urbanisation being one of the priority areas of this government where UN-habitat can bring some valid addition to make sure the cities offer better lives to all citizens.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the UN-habitat is the leading agency on human settlement and urbanisation that provide support to member states in anticipation of urban expansion.

The organisation also supports member countries to make sure cities become livable place and energetic for economic transformation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has collaborated with the SKaL Club International to harness and promote Nigerian culture and tourism potential to the global communities.

Its Director-General, Chief Olusegun Runsewe, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos on Friday.

Runsewe stated that the agreement was reached when he received a delegation from SKal Club International, led by its President, Mr Daisi Olotu in Abuja.

He added that the agreement aimed at promoting global tourism.

“NCAC has cemented a pact with SKal Club International; a professional organisation whose mandate is to promote global tourism, friendship and harness the huge tourism potentials in Nigeria for the global market.

“Nigeria with enormous tourism potentials and home to about 250 ethnic groups and 500 distinct languages, endowed with a plethora of historical sites, monuments, and richly diverse cultural heritages is a tourist heaven.”

He noted that despite its huge potentials, tourism as an alternative source of revenue to crude oil had been neglected for many years owing to the country’s heavy reliance on the mono product.

He said that in many other countries, culture and tourism were the main stay of their economy.

According to him, the benefits to Nigeria’s tourism sector will be enormous,

” If its tourism potentials is well harnessed and marketed as a veritable tourist destination.”

Runsewe said that the value chain of Nigeria’s tourism potential range from the hospitality sector to aviation and transportation.

Othera are destination management, souvenir production, event packaging, carnivals, festivals and cultural promotions and more.

He said the opportunities of leveraging this key growth sector to create jobs and add to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) were limitless as no one could be regarded as a failure in the sector.

He noted that the platform created by Skal International would help in marketing the nation’s unique cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and warm hospitality to the world.

According to him, it will also create a distinct and compelling brand identity through collaborative marketing campaigns, both domestically and internationally.

Earlier, Olotu said the purpose of the visit was to identify with NCAC director-general who had remained a constant phenomenon in the tourism, arts and culture space in Nigeria.

He said the group was proud to be associated with Nigeria’s favourite culture and tourism ambassador whose passion and drive on his job in this sector was evidently unrivaled.

He noted that SKal Club International with headquarters in Torremolinos, Spain was founded 89 years ago with a mandate to promote global tourism, friendship and unite all sectors of the tourism industry.

He also sought ways of collaboration with NCAC to harness and market Nigeria’s tourism potentials globally.

The visit featured an interactive session where the visitors bore their minds on sundry challenges militating against their smooth operations and ways to overcome them. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Adekoya Oluwagbemiga, Chief Executive Officer, Adbond, Nigeria’s pioneering Agro-to-Home Development Company, has emphasised the need to reawaken the interest of agriculture among youths to boost food production.

Oluwagbemiga said the call became pertinent to ensure food security and food sufficiency in the country.

He said this during a press conference to mark the company’s seventh year anniversary on Friday in Lagos.

Oluwagbemiga said Nigerians needed to embrace the fact that we were first farmers before any profession.

“We all should go back to promoting agriculture as our backbone in Nigeria.

“The truth is that agriculture from inception is the core profession of Africans and our forefathers that have been the source of our national, corporation, and individual prosperity .

“You can be a medical doctor, you can still own a farm, as a legal practitioner you can still own a farm, as a tech giant owning a farm doesn’t leave you out.

“Owning a farm is a simple task every generation of Africa needs to be part of starting from Nigeria in fulfilling the Nigeria purpose to aid its gross domestic product.

“No farm goes big without starting small and note you don’t have to buy it from Adbond, all you need is just start from where you are,” he said.

He said the company, since its inception, had embarked on initiatives to woo youths to agriculture.

He said the company had sensitised 50 people on gardening and global approach in solving food insecurity through its green wealth summit event where they gave out seeds to encourage people.

“Also, we have 2,000 youths employed both directly and indirectly as virtual staff, who work passionately to realise the vision and they remain the backbone of our success.

“We have also successfully awarded 10 outstanding students with lands through our academic excellence award programme, a platform for nurturing talents,learning and encouraging quality education.

“We have successfully empowered the lives of 600 corps members as landowners, which we call villa owners.

“By integrating agriculture and residential development, we not only redefine comfortable living but also pave the way for sustainable and prosperous communities in Africa,” he said.

According to him, the company’s vision and purpose is to promote wealth and unity from Nigeria and Africa.

“Our impact over the years cut across also fulfilling some sustainable development goals in the areas of zero hunger, no poverty, gender equality, quality education and economic growth and empowerment,” Oluwagbemiga added.

On his part, Mr Steven Awoyemi, Director of Agriculture for Adbond, called on governments to support farmers with grants to enable them venture into mechanised farming.

Awoyemi also urged the government to provide farmers with resources to market their produce to avoid wastage and loss. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’allah, has reiterated the need to train the youth on leadership values to achieve the ‘New Nigeria of our dreams.’

Na’Allah stated this at the third induction ceremony of 140 students from the Abuja Leadership Centre, Tetfund Centre of Excellence in Public Governance and Leadership on Friday, in Abuja.

He said the problem of the nation today was leadership, adding that the youth needed to be mentored on time to imbibe the culture of good leadership.

“There is the need to start training the younger ones on good leadership, to ensure that in future they will be able to move Nigeria to that height, where it is supposed to be as a nation,” he said.

On this part, the Deputy Vice Chancellor/Director, Abuja Leadership Centre, Prof. Afaha Philip, said the centre was established to train Nigerians on the elements of good leadership.

Philip said that leadership was an act that was not inherit but must be taught certain aspects of leadership.

“We understand that everybody is born with some aspect of leadership in them but there are other things you need to be trained on concerning leadership that is why the centre was setup for training.

“We are looking on the whole gamut of leadership to see how we can upgrade the status of Nigerians in that sector.

“We say every now and then that leadership is the problem of Nigeria, the centre is looking at the possibility of reaching out to Nigerians to cultivate this idea of good leadership,” he said.

He said that the university was making efforts to train Nigerians on how to lead well, adding that it would not be achieved in one day.

He called on the inductees to do more than they have been taught and show what good leadership entails in their offices, communities and wherever they have the opportunity to lead.

Similarly, the President, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku, in his lecture; ‘Leadership and Politics: Towards a Paradigm Shift for Africa’ said when leaders demonstrate good leadership those they lead would celebrate them.

Neliaku said that there was need for leaders to rebuild trust in order to restore the confidence of their citizens, adding that Nigerians has distrust for their leaders.

“Bad leadership should not be contemplated. It ruins nation, citizens, family, the whole essence of society and in Nigeria this has been a major challenge that we are facing.

“We are beginning to build a new generation of Nigerians that will build the new Nigeria that will meet our dreams and unless we do that, we will just be deceiving ourselves.

“If you do not groom leaders don’t expect to have good leaders, what is going on today is grooming good leaders, ‘grooming’ new leaders that will have a new mindset to give new leadership to Nigerians,” he said.

He advised the inductees to always show genuine leadership to whatever role given to them, saying that they would be responsible for the legacies they leave behind.

Neliaku also said, “When people find themselves in leadership it is very important to realise that people are watching, therefore whatever you have to do, do it well.” (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF) and Self Help Africa, on Friday sensitised students from 20 FCT schools on the importance of handwashing practices.

The sensitisation was aimed at curtailing the spread of diphteria and other communicable diseases in the country.

Mrs Tayo Erinle, Executive Director, TCF said the exercise was also part of activities to mark the 2023 Global Handwashing Day, with the theme: “Clean Hands are Within Reach.”

“Global Handwashing Day is designated by the UN to draw peoples attention to simple techniques that can save lives, communities and take away unnneccessary expenses that can keep children safe.

“ And the best people to teach are children, if you come to them at that level because they are the ones who play with with sand, interact much more than adults children because they interact more very freely, there can be spread of diseases and sicknesses through children.

“ So, if children have an understanding of the importance of these simple life saving techniques, they can also each others and at the end of that it is taking away sicknesses like diphtheria, diarrhea, stomach upset and alot of ailments. So it is just a simple way of passing a message that can be life changing,” she said.

Dr Joy Aderele, Country Director, Self Help Africa, said the organisation partnered with the Tabitha Cumi Foundation to demonstrate that clean hands are within reach and should be imbibed by all.

She said that targeting young children is deliberate, as they have the willpower to replicate what they learnt from the day’s event at home and among their peers.

According to her, using young people as hygiene heroes is crucial as they are influential and have the means to influence decisions around them. She said her organisation works with a vision of healthy lives for all, working within four thematic areas of food and water security, livelihood supports, waste management and land restoration.

Aderele said although Nigeria still has a long way to go in terms of open defecation-free target, it is important for everyone to keep safe by washing their hands and practicing safe sanitation.

“We want to make sure that the message of clean hygiene is passed across to reduce diseases and also to ensure healthy lives for all.

“It’s not just enough to wash hands, you must wash your hands with soap, it’s the most cost effective way to keep clean and to maintain healthy lives,” she said.

Similarly, Mr Shadrack Guusu, Assistant Head of Programs, Self Help Africa, said: ” Data in Nigeria shows that about 80,000 children die yearly due to water and sanitation related diseases and effective washing of hands can cut that down by at least half of those deaths.

“So the theme of this year’s celebration, we believe that hand washing is very simple. Just practice it at home with with just water and soap and and just because of that we can reduce this avoidable deaths.

“So we targeting these children because they are in their formative ages. And because of that they are able to take these messages, imbibe them and take it back homes, parents, schools to their colleagues as a hygiene heroes promoting the simple act of hand washing.

” I believe that with this more people will be reached, this habit will be imbibed. It leads to healthier lives for Nigerians,” he said.

On his part, Mr Habu Jamilu, representative from the Water Resources Ministry, noted the global health crisis affecting the world, adding that awareness creation will promote good hygiene practices, foster access to clean water and improve sanitation conditions globally.

“Access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental right that should be accessible to every individual, regardless of their geographical location or social standing.

” Events like the Global Handwashing Day play a vital role in furthering this vision and during positive change.

” Their commitment to sustainable development and their dedication to empowering communities is truly commendable. Together we can work towards achieving safe water and sanitation for all.

“ Let us embrace this occasion as an opportunity to learn, collaborate, strengthen our collective efforts.

” Together, let is reaffirm our commitment to hand washing, clean water and sanitation beyond aid, and work towards a future where every person has the power to protect their health and the health of their communities,” he said.

Also, Dr Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary, Education, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), commended the organisers for their supports to the government in promoting hand washing practices amongst young people.

Hayyo, represented by Mrs Magdalene Uzoanya, Director, School Services, FCTA Education Secretariat, said: “The importance of handwashing cannot be overemphasised. The hand is a gateway to the transmission of so many diseases if not neatly or properly washed.

“ Diseases like measles, diphtheria, cholera, dysentery and so many diseases can be transmitted if the hands are not properly cleaned. And it is not just the hand, hygiene generally is very important for our overall health, well being and promotion of longevity in the community.”

Other activities to mark the day were various drama, poem recitations, dance and other presentations by students from Junior Secondary Schools in Wuse, Durumi, Mpape, Kubwa, Pegi, amongst others. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has expressed optimism that the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme would revitalise and transform the agricultural sector in the territory, particularly livestock.

Mr Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, FCTA, stated this at the opening of a 5-day workshop for members of the Programme Implementation Committee in Abuja on Saturday.

According to him, the programme will not only generate significant revenue for the FCT but also create employment opportunities and infrastructural development in host communities.

Geidam affirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to support the implementation of the programme to achieve the desired outcome.

He urged the committee members to work in ensuring that the objectives of the programme were achieved.

Also, an agricultural consultant, Dr Adesola Oyebanji, while providing an overview of the programme, said that the workshop was designed to equip the committee members with project management skills.

This, according to him, will enable them to overcome both anticipated and unforeseen challenges.

Oyebanji called on the FCT Administration to address all the challenges at the proposed Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve, which could become the hub of livestock production, processing, and marketing in the FCT.

According to him, resolving the issues promptly will facilitate the smooth commencement of the programme.

Earlier, the Programme Coordinator in FCT, Hajiya Umma Abubakar, thanked the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for supporting the programme.

She assured the banks of the Programme Implementation Committee preparedness to transform the livestock sector in the federal capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first phase of the programme being supported by AfDB would be implemented in Cross River, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ogun Oyo and the FCT.

The programme seeks to support inclusive and sustainable agro-industrial development in Nigeria.

The four components of the programme aim to support the development of enabling climate adaptive infrastructure for agro-industrial hubs, and improve agricultural productivity and enterprise development to enhance agricultural value chain as well as job creation.

Others are to support agro-industrial zone policy and institutional development, and programme coordination and management.

The programme is expected to be implemented between 2022 and 2026. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) has sought the collaboration of the

Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) for the regulation of blood related establishments.

Dr Eneye Suberu, Acting Director-General of the Commission, made the appeal in Abuja on Friday when he paid a courtesy visit to the council.

Mrs Fidelia Ginikanwa, Head, Corporate Affairs, Public Relations (MILSCN), made this known in a statement in Abuja.

According to him, the team’s visit is to express appreciation for the contributions of MLSCN in the health sector and introduce the commission’s law.

Suberu said the law had given the commission the mandate to regulate blood service all over the country.

According to him, the team will need the support of the council as a sister agency with a lot of experience in the regulatory space.

“We wish to seek your help in the regulation of blood establishments by ensuring that any medical laboratory facility seeking to register with you also has registered its blood service component with our commission.

“On our part, we will also ensure that any blood establishment seeking to register with NBSC has also registered with MLSCN, and has a medical laboratory scientist duly registered and licensed by your agency.

“This will be a mutually-beneficial relationship that will ensure that the interest of the patient is put at the front burner,” he said.

Suberu complained of the incessant cases of inter-professional rivalry or rancour among health professionals, saying that they were unnecessary.

“Our patients should always be our focus.

“There should be no superiority or inferiority complex among health professionals; instead, we should focus on the quality of service that should benefit the people of this country.

“Therefore, we must learn to work together to move the country forward,” he said.

Responding, Executive Officer, Dr Tosan Erhabor of the council, commended his counterpart for the visit.

Erhabor assured him that the council as an organisation driven by quality, safety, and sustainability, was always willing to collaborate with like-minded organizations to meet the yearnings of the patients for quality service.

“The interest of the patients should be paramount to all of us as health professionals.

“We are glad that you have come to seek collaboration with us, and we are willing to explore ways of working with your commission,” he said.

Erhabor requested the visitors to come up with a framework on how the collaboration could work.

He said that the council would do likewise, adding that both teams could meet at an agreed date in the future to harmonise positions as a prelude to a proper Memorandum of Understanding.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria