News Agency of Nigeria
Kuwait commits to empower 200,000 out-of-school children in Kaduna
General News

Kuwait commits to empower 200,000 out-of-school children in Kaduna

Empowerment

By Sarafina Christopher

The Kuwaiti government has reiterated its commitment to empowering 200,000 out-of-school children in Kaduna State, through the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) project.

Mr Salim Almuzayen, the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Nigeria, made this announcement during the 64th National Day and 34th Liberation Day commemoration of Kuwait in Abuja.

Almuzayen explained that the initiative aimed to provide equitable access to quality primary education, especially for children with disabilities, girls, and adolescents in Kaduna State.

He noted that the project, funded by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development in collaboration with partners and UNICEF, was designed to support more than 200,000 students.

The Ambassador also highlighted the long-standing bilateral relations between Kuwait and Nigeria, dating back to the 1960s, when the Al-Sabah School was built in Kaduna.

“It reflects the depth of these historical relations and shows the potential for further cooperation in various areas between our two friendly countries,” he added.

On his part, Mr Adeolu Okenla, the Senior Councillor of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, lauded the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Kuwait.

These ties, he noted, began in 1971, with collaboration in political and economic areas.

Okenla explained that Kuwait’s National Day and Liberation Day were significant milestones in the country’s history.

“The National Day marks Kuwait’s independence from British protection in 1961, while the Liberation Day commemorates the country’s freedom from Iraqi occupation in 1991.

“Kuwait has made significant progress since then, becoming a wealthy and safe country with a high standard of living,” he said.

He further commended Kuwait for its contributions to regional peace and development, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Okenla also expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s free education policy, which spans from primary school to university and has contributed to a 96.46 per cent adult literacy rate in the country. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG promises to support local enterprises for economic growth
Economy/Business

FG promises to support local enterprises for economic growth

Businesses

By Oluwatope Lawanson

The Federal Government says it will continue to support indigenous companies to survive and excel, as a strategy to transform the economy.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima
gave the assurance during a visit  to mark the 20th anniversary of SecureID Manufacturing Facility at Iyana-Isolo, in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SecureID is a certified smartcard manufacturing plant  that produces smart cards.

It produces smart cards for banks, including MasterCard, Visa and Verve, as well as SIM cards for telecommunition companies.

Shettima also said that  the government would create opportunities  for emergence of more companies that would transform the economy.

The vice president said that the government’s policies would be geared toward ensuring the growth of local industries.

He emphasised the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.

He also noted the importance of Nigeria’s digital transformation in the knowledge-driven post-industrial age.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated that the survival of  enterprises is crucial for a vibrant economy.

He highlighted the government’s efforts to revitalise the economy through fiscal reforms and other initiatives.

He praised SecureID for remarkable successes, noting its capacity to manufacture 200 million cards per annum, including international passports and voter cards.

“Our needs as a nation are unique; so are the expectations from our enterprises.

“As a government, we will continue to support enterprises by fostering an environment where innovation thrives and  every citizen has the opportunity to succeed,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Nigeria, Belgium strengthen ties on food security 
Agriculture

Nigeria, Belgium strengthen ties on food security 

By Nana Musa

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said on Tuesday that Nigeria and Belgium would strengthen economic ties to enhance food security.

Mr Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Finance, disclosed this in a statement he signed and released in Abuja.

According to the ministry’s Director of Information, the minister and the Belgian Ambassador, Mr Pieter Leenknegt, held a meeting to explore ways to facilitate cooperation in agriculture and food security.

“At the meeting, Edun highlighted Nigeria’s improving economy, declining inflation, price stability, and increased savings in the federation account.

“Also, the government’s ever-increasing support for farmers through sustainable policies in order to boost agricultural productivity,” he said.

Edun further reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to key macroeconomic reforms.

Manga stated that Leenknegt had earlier expressed Belgium’s interest in deepening economic relations with Nigeria for mutual benefit.

“This meeting marks a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and Belgium.

“The two countries would continue to explore opportunities for cooperation,” Manga quoted Leenknegt as saying. (NAN)

Edited by Bukola Adetoye/Tosin Kolade

UK pledges £204m for Nigeria’s agriculture growth
Agriculture

UK pledges £204m for Nigeria’s agriculture growth

UK

By Abbas Bamalli

The United Kingdom (UK) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has expressed readiness to leverage 204 million pounds in private sector finance and investment into agriculture in Nigeria.

Mrs Adiya Ode, Country Representative for Propcom+, a programme funded by the UK FCDO, disclosed this in Katsina on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting.

According to her, Propcom+ is UK Aid’s eight-year climate-resilient agricultural market development programme.

It aims to support economic growth for smallholders and SMEs in conflict- and climate-affected regions.

“We’re improving the resilience of smallholders and small-scale entrepreneurs to climate change while increasing productivity and incomes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining natural ecosystems.

“The programme, which runs from 2023 to 2030, supports climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture and forestry that benefits people, the climate and nature.

“It also aims to transform Nigeria’s rural economy by addressing environmental, social and economic challenges in the country’s food and land-use system,” Ode said.

Ode explained that the programme will achieve this by increasing productivity, improving nutrition and food security, enhancing climate resilience, reducing emissions, and protecting nature.

“It will also help tackle some of Nigeria’s underlying drivers of conflict and insecurity, supporting sustainable, pro-poor, climate-resilient growth in selected rural markets.

“We work as a ‘market facilitator’, identifying constraints in market systems and enabling changes that help rural markets benefit poor and climate-vulnerable smallholders and entrepreneurs.

“Propcom+ aims to increase the incomes and climate resilience of 3.79 million poor and vulnerable Nigerians, 50 per cent of whom will be women.

“The programme aims to support over four million people in adopting sustainable agricultural practices while about £95 million was earmarked for the programme,” she added.

She revealed that the programme is already active in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, Plateau, Gombe and Adamawa. Katsina has just been approved as a beneficiary.

Ode said this development followed a meeting between Gov. Dikko Radda and the FCDO, where they discussed the programme’s implementation in Katsina.

“Today, we had a very good meeting with farmers, businessmen, processors, academics, women’s groups and cooperatives.

“They support the decision to implement the programme in Katsina.

“In the coming days, we’ll meet government officials to better understand the challenges and how we can address them,” Ode stated.

According to her, Propcom+ aims to tackle three major challenges: low agricultural productivity, conflict over natural resources, and the impact of climate change.

She noted that the programme seeks to transform the rural economy and increase smallholder farmers’ and SMEs’ incomes, ensuring people can earn a decent living and reduce poverty. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

WHO says breast cancer cases projected to rise by 38% by 2050
Foreign , Health

WHO says breast cancer cases projected to rise by 38% by 2050

Cancer

By Cecilia Ologunagba

World Health Organisation (WHO) says in a new report that breast cancer cases are expected to increase by 38 per cent globally by 2050.

The findings from a report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialised branch of WHO, also projected annual deaths from the disease to rise by 68 per cent.

It warned that if the current trend was not checked, the cases would continue to rise.

The findings were published in Nature Medicine on Monday.

They warn further that if current trends continued, the world will see 3.2 million new breast cancer cases and 1.1 million related deaths each year by mid-century.

“The burden will be disproportionately felt in low- and middle-income countries, where access to early detection, treatment and care remains limited,” the findings indicate.

“Every minute, four women are diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide and one woman dies from the disease, and these statistics are worsening,” the report, quoted Dr. Joanne Kim, an IARC scientist and co-author of the report, as saying.

“Countries can mitigate or reverse these trends by adopting primary prevention policies, such as WHO’s recommended ‘best buys’ for non-communicable disease prevention, and by investing in early detection and treatment,” she added.

Kim noted that breast cancer remained the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second most common cancer overall.

In 2022 alone, an estimated 2.3 million new cases were diagnosed, with 670,000 deaths reported.

However, the report highlights significant disparities across regions.

The highest incidence rates were recorded in Australia, New Zealand, North America and Northern Europe, while the lowest rates were found in South-Central Asia and parts of Africa.

Meanwhile, the highest mortality rates were reported in Melanesia, Polynesia and Western Africa, where limited access to healthcare contributes to poorer outcomes.

The link between breast cancer survival and economic development is stark.

In high-income countries, 83 per cent of diagnosed women survive, whereas in low-income countries, more than half of women diagnosed with breast cancer die from it.

WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative in 2021, aiming to reduce breast cancer mortality rates by 2.5 per cent per year, which can prevent 2.5 million deaths by 2040.

The initiative focuses on early detection, timely diagnosis and access to quality treatment.

Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of IARC’s Cancer Surveillance Branch, emphasised the need for high-quality cancer data to drive better policies in lower-income regions.

“Continued progress in early diagnosis and improved access to treatment are essential.

“These will help to address the global gap in breast cancer and ensure that the goal of reducing suffering and death from breast cancer is achieved by all countries worldwide,” she said.

The report underscores the importance of stronger health systems, increased funding for breast cancer screening and treatment and the adoption of cost-effective prevention policies.

With the projected rise in cases and deaths, the international community faces an urgent challenge.

This is the one that requires coordinated action to ensure millions of lives are not lost to a disease that is increasingly preventable and treatable.(NAN)
(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Aiyedatiwa sworn-in as Ondo State Governor
General News , Politics

Aiyedatiwa sworn-in as Ondo State Governor

Swearing-in
By Segun Giwa
Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has said that he was not under any illusions that the task ahead of his administration was going to be easy.

Aiyedatiwa said this on Monday in Akure at his inauguration as the governor, but expressed confidence that with the continued support and cooperation of  the people of the state, the administration shall succeed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor and his Deputy, Mr Olayide Adelami, were sworn-in by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola at the ceremony witnessed by APC National Chairman, Alhaj Abdulahi Ganduje.

Also present at the occasion were Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, former APC Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba.

Also in attendance were Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Youths, Mr Olawande Ayodele and former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko among others.

NAN reports that Aiyedatiwa and his deputy were elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Nov. 16 governorship election.

In his inaugural speech, Gov. Aiyedatiwa paid tributes to past leaders of the state for laying the foundation upon which successive governments have built.

He said that his administration had in the last 14 months been able to restore the confidence of the people in government.

Aiyedatiwa said that in spite of the political division and crisis brought about by the sickness and the eventual death of  Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, he had demonstrated utter commitment to the development and welfare of the people.

He acknowledged and appreciated the support and goodwill of President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the state, for his leadership and unwavering commitment to evolving a new Nigeria.

The governor stated that security of lives and properties would remain on the top of his agenda as well as creation of jobs for the people.

Aiyedatiwa said that focus would also be given to technology and innovation as part of efforts to also create new opportunities for the unemployed youth.

He added that government would build technical schools across the senatorial districts of the state.

“Our dear Sunshine State has witnessed tremendous progress in infrastructural development, provision of social amenities and public buildings, while we have kept on the front burner the social well-being of the people.

“We have impacted the state positively in agriculture, health, revenue generation, urban renewal, rural roads construction, education, employment, investments promotion and entrepreneurship.

“We like to assure you that the overwhelming renewed mandate you have freely given to us has further placed on us a huge burden of leadership and we promise never to rest on our oars.

“We make a solemn pledge this day that we shall lead and govern with the fear of God and utmost dedication to the progress of the state.

“We will prioritise the welfare of our people, particularly the most vulnerable among us – the poor, the sick and the marginalised,” the governor said.

Aiyedatiwa also appealed to opposition parties to join hands with his administration to develop the state.

He added that there was no need for unnecessary political distractions which would cost time, resources and energies that could be redirected and gainfully utilised for accelerated development. (NAN)
GSD/FAT/AOS
=========
Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Bayo Sekoni

NAFDAC warns against use of calcium carbide for fruits ripening
Health

NAFDAC warns against use of calcium carbide for fruits ripening

Ripening

By Habibu Harisu

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has warned fruit dealers and sellers against using calcium carbide on fruit ripening for commercial purposes.

The warning was made by the NAFDAC Coordinator in Sokoto state, Mr Abdulsalam Lawal, during a public awareness campaign at fruits market on Monday in Sokoto.

Lawal urged fruit dealers and sellers to stop the dangerous practice, which he noted was harmful, stressing that it posed serious risks to public health.

He warned that the use of calcium carbide could lead to severe health issues, including kidney damage, cancer, hypertension, and even terminal diseases.

” With Ramadan fasting approaching, a period of increased fruit consumption, using calcium carbide to hasten the fruits ripening is hazardous to our health,” Lawal stated.

He explained that only welders were permitted to use calcium carbide for tasks such as melting iron, and that NAFDAC would increase surveillance to ensure that it’s being used properly and not sold to fruit vendors.

He said fruits such as mango, banana, pawpaw, water melon and others were mostly ripened  with calcium carbide in the areas.

Alhaji Bello Danda, Chairman of the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Marketers and Distributors in Sokoto, advised fellow sellers to adopt hygienic methods at all times.

He warned that violators of this process would face penalties.

Danda demonstrated how mangoes, bananas, and watermelons could be ripened safely in commercial quantities without posing harm to consumers.

He noted that fruits market was widely patronised by people from all parts of Nigeria as well as neighbouring countries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ongoing  awareness exercise commenced  from Feb. 18  and the  NAFDAC team has  held discussions with marketers at various locations on  related issues.(NAN)

Edited by Gabriel Yough

Vatican says pope’s condition has improved
Foreign

Vatican says pope’s condition has improved

Improvement

The clinical condition of Pope Francis who is suffering from pneumonia has improved slightly, the Vatican said late Thursday.

The 88-year-old pontiff also has no fever, a spokesman said.

Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday last week.

There is currently no indication when he might be discharged.

A few days ago, doctors diagnosed pneumonia in both lungs.

Francis had resisted going to hospital since mid-December, in spite of evident health problems.

Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi on Thursday said he thought the pope would consider resigning if his health deteriorated.

“If he found himself in a situation where he was compromised in his ability to have direct contact with people, then I believe he might consider resigning,” Ravasi said in a radio interview.

He described the pope’s condition as “complex, but not critical.”

French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline also did not rule out resignation. Regarding speculation that Francis could follow the example of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, Aveline said: “Everything is possible.”

Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 and lived a secluded life in the Vatican until his death at the end of 2022.

Pope Francis has repeatedly rejected rumours of his possible resignation.

However, some time ago he announced that he had deposited a signed letter of resignation at the Vatican Secretariat of State at the beginning of his term of office – but only to take effect if he were incapacitated and too severely affected by a serious illness to carry out his duties.

The health of the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide has been poor for a long time.

Pneumonia can sometimes be life-threatening, especially at such an advanced age and with various pre-existing conditions.

French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline called for prayers to be said for Pope Francis during a news conference in the Vatican earlier on Thursday.

“He is tired. He is one of those people who have to be taken to hospital if we really want them to get better.

“Otherwise they never recover,” the influential archbishop of Marseille told journalists.

Aveline said he had no more precise information and would not engage in speculation. But he also expressed his concern. The 66-year-old cardinal is among the possible successors to Francis.

Earlier on Thursday, the Corriere della Sera newspaper reported that Francis had been in jovial mood when Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni popped in to visit him in hospital.

“The doctors have said that I have to watch my health, otherwise I would go straight to heaven,” the 88-year-old pontiff said, according to the report.

“I know that there are people outside there who say my time has come,” he added.

Meloni visited the pope on Wednesday, for an audience lasting around 20 minutes.

Her office subsequently reported that Francis had been awake and alert.

“We joked constantly. He has not lost his proverbial sense of humour,” Meloni said after the visit.

The Vatican reported that the pope had spent a sixth “restful night” in hospital without further complication.

He had got up and taken breakfast in an armchair, the Vatican statement said.

The pope was admitted after falling ill with bronchitis. Concerns grew following a Tuesday update in which the Vatican reported that he was suffering from double pneumonia.

While there are more than 250 cardinals around the world, only 138 of them are currently under the age threshold of 80 and would participate in the conclave to elect the next pope.

The conclave sits in secrecy in the Sistine Chapel. A plume of white smoke from the chapel’s chimney indicates that a decision has been reached. (dpa/NAN)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

FG mobilises resources to exit dependency on external health aid – Minister
Health

FG mobilises resources to exit dependency on external health aid – Minister

Healthcare

By Peter Uwumarogie

The Federal Government says it is mobilising domestic resources to meet the basic health needs of Nigerians following the recent U.S. funding and other donor funding cuts.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Ali Pate stated this in an interview with journalists, on Thursday in Gombe.

Pate said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was committed to the health and wellbeing of Nigerians, hence it adopted proactive steps to bridge the gaps in healthcare service delivery.

He said that the federal government has committed more resources into the health sector in line with the agenda of the administration to prioritise the health of Nigerians.

The minister said the administration and all state governors were responsible for the health and wellbeing of the citizens.

While appreciating the U.S. government’s support in the last 20 years, Pate said the federal government was mobilising resources to maintain provision of healthcare services.

“We are mobilising domestic resources from our own budget and the federal government has announced additional resources for health.

“President Tinubu will ensure that we have the resources to maintain the treatment, drugs and other services so that we can over time exit from dependency on external assistance.

“We may not have as much resources as what other more advanced countries have but we have to learn to use what we have and use it well,” he said.

According to Pate, as Nigeria grows, there is the need to build its own national systems and institutions, and put domestic resources to improve healthcare service delivery.

He said the federal government was looking forward to strengthening partnership with the U.S. government and other partners across the world in spite of recent development.

This, he said, would ensure that Nigerians have to access good healthcare services they need.

He urged the state governments to emulate the federal government by prioritising the health sector, and committing the resources required to improve the health needs of citizens.

Pate assured that the government was doing all within its means to provide quality healthcare services to the people, stressing that, “it’s our responsibility to do that.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Pate is in Gombe to meet with Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, who doubles as the Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum.

The meeting was to strategise ways of exiting Nigeria from polio which manifested in the northern part of the country. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

EFCC arraigns foreigners over alleged cybercrime
Judiciary

EFCC arraigns foreigners over alleged cybercrime

Cybercrime
By Sandra Umeh

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday,  arraigned several foreign nationals before a Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged cybercrime and attempt to destabilise the nation.

The defendants, who include Filipinos, Indonesian, and Chinese nationals, are standing trial before Justice Musa Kakaki, on a two-count charge bordering on cybercrime, and identity theft.

The defendants are, Kayceelyn Remorin, Jonylyn Agulto, Donny Hermanto, Guo Bin, Darwa Esmael, Lari Tayac, Jhena Samiento, Jessa Sai Chui, Rain Torida, and Kimbaley Nisperos.

Others are, Winnie De Jesus, Shairah Reyes, Gladys Joy, May Iba, Jean Calaga, Huo Wen Jie, Zhao Sui Tao, Gong Yua, and Anjeannet Topacio.

The defendants, all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Mr N.K. Ukoha, urged the court to also enter a plea of not guilty, against a company, Genting Internation C.O. Ltd, also allegedly linked to the charge, but not represented by counsel.

Following the defendants’ plea, the prosecutor urged the court to remand them in a correctional facility, pending trial.

But the Defence Counsel, Mrs Bridget Omoteno, raised objection, and urged the court to grant a short adjournment to enable parties explore plea bargain option.

Kakaki, however, granted the prosecutor’s request and ordered the remand of the defendants in custody of the correctional service, pending trial.

The Judge adjourned the case until the March 18 and March 20, for trial.

According to the charge, the defendants and the company allegedly committed the offence on Dec. 18, 2024, in Lagos.

They were said to have wilfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of Nigeria, when they procured Nigerian youths for identity theft.

They were alleged to have done so, with the intent to gain financial advantage for themselves.

The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravene the provisions of sections 18, 22, and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (as amended) (NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

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