News Agency of Nigeria
Ordinance day: NOA urges Nigerians to respect national symbols
General News

Ordinance day: NOA urges Nigerians to respect national symbols

Symbols

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA)  Lanre Issa-Onilu, has urged Nigerians to show greater respect and commitment to the country’s national symbols.

Issa-Onilu made the call in a statement to commemorate the National Ordinance Day 2025 on Tuesday in Abuja.

He reminded citizens that the National Flag, Coat of Arms, National Anthem, Pledge, Constitution, and other emblems of sovereignty represented the unity, dignity, and identity of Nigeria.

According to him, giving proper recognition to these symbols is both a civic duty and a mark of patriotism.

“Respect for our national symbols is respect for Nigeria itself. Each time we hoist the flag correctly, recite the pledge sincerely, or sing the anthem with pride, we affirm our loyalty and commitment to the ideals of our nation.”

The NOA director general noted that, Sept. 16 is set aside annually as National Ordinance Day to commemorate the handover of Nigeria’s national symbols at independence.

Issa-Onilu urged Nigerians to use the day as a reminder to live out the values of unity, discipline, and service embedded in the ordinances.

He further encouraged schools, communities, organisations, and government institutions to consciously integrate respect for national symbols into their daily practices, adding that this would help deepen national identity and strengthen social cohesion.

“We reaffirm  our commitment to continuous nationwide sensitisation and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that every Nigerian understands and upholds the dignity of the country’s symbols”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

CMY/CHOM
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma

IMF: Italy’s labour gap opens door for Nigerian expertise 
Foreign

IMF: Italy’s labour gap opens door for Nigerian expertise 

Labour

By  Olawunmi Ashafa

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says Italy’s drive to boost productivity and attract more workers could open opportunities for Nigerian businesses and professionals.

IMF, in its country focus report on Tuesday, said Italy’s economy, though resilient, faces long-term challenges.

The challenges range from an ageing population, weak productivity, and a shortage of skilled labour, making foreign expertise increasingly valuable.

“The Italian economy is resilient, but long-term growth will require higher productivity and more people in work,” said Lone Christiansen, IMF mission chief for Italy.

She noted that Italy’s ageing population and shrinking workforce make foreign expertise vital. “This is where skilled migrants and stronger trade ties can make a difference.”

Christiansen explained: “Growth was supported by strong investment through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and improvements in the labour market, with more jobs on permanent contracts.”

For Nigerian firms, this could mean fresh prospects in trade and investment, particularly as Italy seeks stronger economic partnerships with emerging markets to support growth.

The labour gap may also encourage skilled Nigerian migrants to explore opportunities in Italy, especially in healthcare, agriculture, technology, and small-scale manufacturing.

“Healthcare, engineering, and digital services are areas where Nigeria’s skilled youth could contribute,” a Lagos-based economist told  the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Italy’s resilience last year was evident, recording a primary surplus of 0.4 per cent of Gross Domestic Products (GDP) in spite of global economic uncertainty and trade tensions.

Christiansen said growth was supported by investment through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and improved labour market performance.

However, growth is projected to slow to 0.5 per cent this year before rising to 0.8 per cent in 2026 as NRRP projects near completion.

Christiansen warned that external risks, including trade tariffs, energy costs, and regional conflicts, pose challenges for Italy’s export-driven economy.

She stressed reforms to boost labour participation, especially among women, through childcare support and tax reforms, while improving education, training, and innovation capacity.

The IMF estimates reforms raising participation, skills, and productivity could lift Italy’s growth by up to 0.4 percentage points annually between 2025 and 2050.

Fiscal consolidation remains central, with recommendations for a 3 per cent primary surplus by 2027 to reduce public debt, now about 135 per cent of GDP.

Christiansen also called for stronger corporate dynamism, noting Italy lacks global innovation leaders and struggles with scaling firms, which could open collaborative opportunities with foreign investors.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Bank disburses N1trn empowerment loans, 62% benefits women – MD
General News

Bank disburses N1trn empowerment loans, 62% benefits women – MD

By Talatu Maiwada

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) says it has disbursed over N1 trillion in empowerment loans since 2015, with 62 per cent of the beneficiaries being women.

DBN’s Managing Director, Mr Tony Okpanachi disclosed this on Tuesday in Yola during an empowerment programme for women.

Okpanachi was represented by the bank’s Head of Corporate Services, Mr Idris Salihu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that DBN, in partnership with the Organisation for Environmental, Agricultural and Health Development (OEAHD), trained 200 women across the 21 local government areas of Adamawa.

NAN also reports that the programme, with the theme, “Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship for Economic Inclusion,” seeks to promote gender empowerment, economic inclusion and financial independence among women.

Okpanachi said the initiative was aimed at improving women’s access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

He added that the training was also designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to transition from financial exclusion to financial inclusion.

“Empowering women has become increasingly critical. Women contribute significantly to economic growth and community wellbeing.

“This initiative seeks to strengthen their capacity to become financially independent and economically productive,” he said.

The DBN Chief explained that a robust monitoring and evaluation framework had been established to assess the impact and sustainability of businesses created through the programme.

Also speaking, Mrs Tabitha Sallah, President of OEAHD, said the training covered practical skills in agriculture, environmental sustainability, health services and entrepreneurship.

She described the initiative as an investment in the future, noting that it was designed to bridge the gender gap in economic opportunities.

“We are committed to ensuring that women are not left behind in the economic transformation of our nation.

“Our participation and leadership are not optional; they are essential,” she said.

Sallah commended DBN for the partnership, saying the collaboration reflected national recognition, targeted to enable women drive economic progress.

On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Neido Kofulto, lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and essential.

She urged participants to take the training seriously and apply the skills acquired to improve their livelihoods and contribute to community growth.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Christiana Filibus, a physically challenged participant, expressed appreciation for the opportunity.

She pledged to apply the knowledge gained, especially on business registration, marketing and regulatory compliance.

“The professional advice we received from CAC, NAFDAC and BOI was invaluable.

“We are committed to registering and formalising our businesses to ensure long-term growth,” she said. (NAN)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Kevin Okunzuwa

Ebola: Experts urge reactivation of health surveillance system
Health

Ebola: Experts urge reactivation of health surveillance system

Surveillance
By Lilian U. Okoro
Amid reports of a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) some health experts have called for reactivation and strengthening of the public health surveillance system.
The experts made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
NAN recalls that Nigeria’s only Ebola outbreak occurred in 2014, when the virus was imported from Liberia by a traveler, resulting in 20 cases and eight deaths before successful containment.
The DRC Ministry of Health confirmed 63 suspected Ebola cases and 16 deaths as at Sept. 8 in Kasai Province, including four health workers, identifying the Ebola Zaire strain as the outbreak’s cause.
This was the 16th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since the virus was discovered there in 1976.
The outbreak has spread across Bulape and Mweka health zones and recorded a mortality rate of 57 per cent, raising concerns over the disease’s high fatality and potential for further spread.
A Virologist, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, said that Nigeria should be at high alert; enhancing surveillance at the borders, healthcare facilities and building trust with communities.
Tomori, also the Chairman, Biovaccines Nig Ltd., said that public health facilities should be reactivated to position them for detection and treatment of any identified case.
Tomori, who regretted that the nation’s borders were porous, urged the personnel working at these entry points to scale up their responsibilities to be able to identify suspected travellers.
“Sometimes, after containment of an outbreak, the health facilities and measures may be abandoned; there is need to reactivate these facilities like the laboratory centres and other detective tools to enable easy track down of suspected casas for prompt treatment.
“The workers at the borders should be at a very high alert to inspect mostly travelers coming in from Addis Ababa and Lome; because those are the major connection points from DRC, where the Ebola outbreak has been confirmed.
“Hence, the need for adequate preparedness for infection control, prevent importation and transmission into the country,” Tomori said.
Contributing, an Epidemiologist, Dr Igwe Chukwubike, said that continuous public health education remained critical at this point to educate the populace on how to prevent contraction of the disease.
Chukwubike emphasised the need for frequent hand-washing with soap and water, saying that regular hygiene remained key preventive measure to reduce transmission risk from contact with infected surfaces or individuals.
He also stressed the need to avoid physical contact with anyone showing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding, which were common signs of Ebola infection.
According to him, people should always raise alert and report to relevant agencies and health facilities as soon as they noticed any suspected person or unusual illnesses.
“Increased public sensitisation is paramount to put people in the position to know where and when to report any suspected case.
“Optimum hygiene practices are expected among citizens at this time,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chioma Ugboma

FG sues Sowore, Facebook, X, for allegedly cyberbullying President Tinubu
Judiciary

FG sues Sowore, Facebook, X, for allegedly cyberbullying President Tinubu

Suit
By Taiye Agbaje
The Federal Government, on Tuesday, sued a politician, Omoyele Sowore, for allegedly cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu.
The FG, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/484/2025 also joined Mata (Facebook) Incorp. and X Incorp. as defendants at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The criminal charge dated Sept. 16, was filed by Mohammed Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions, Federal Ministry of Justice.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the five-count charge, Sowore, the Publisher of Sahara Reporters, was alleged to have made a false claim against the person of the President by referring to him as “a criminal.”
The charge was filed few days after an earlier request by the Department of State Services (DSS) for the pulling down of the post on Facebook and X, the former Twitter, allegedly used by Sowore for the defamatory message.
Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2019 and 2023, in the charge is accused of contravening the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count one of the charge alleged that Sowore, on or about Aug. 25, did use his official X handle page, @Yele Sowore, to send out a message/tweet.
The message is said to be, “THIS CRIMINAL @ OFFICIAL PBAT ACTUALLY WENT TO BRAZIL TO STATE THAT THERE IS NO MORE CORRUPTION UNDER HIS REGIME IN NIGERIA. WHAT AUDACITY TO LIE SHAMELESSLY!,”
The message, which he knew to be false, was posted “for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order in the country, especially among individuals, who hold divergent views on the personality of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).”
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act, 2024, among other counts.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG frees 1,600 women from obstetric fistula burden, says NHIA
Health

FG frees 1,600 women from obstetric fistula burden, says NHIA

Women
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

No fewer than 1,600 women suffering from obstetric fistula have undergone free surgeries under the Federal Government’s National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Fistula-Free Programme (FFP).

Dr Saka Agboola, Head of the Standards and Quality Assurance Unit at NHIA, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Monday.

He explained that the government initiative aims to provide free surgeries, rehabilitation, and health insurance coverage for women affected by obstetric fistula.

“The government recognized that the number of fistula treatment centres in the country was very limited, which is why we have increased the number to 18 centres nationwide. Through this initiative, over 1,600 fistula cases have been successfully treated,” he said.

Agboola also noted that Nigeria is committed to improving the health outcomes of the estimated 400,000 women living with obstetric fistula by reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.

NAN reports that fistula is an abnormal opening that connects two organs or vessels that should normally be separate.

Obstetric fistula, specifically, occurs between the vagina and the bladder (vesicovaginal fistula) or the vagina and rectum (rectovaginal fistula), often resulting from prolonged labor without access to proper medical care.

Agboola said that developing countries bear the highest burden of obstetric fistula, with approximately 1 million cases globally.

He added that through this programme, patients are not only saved from physical and emotional pain but are also supported financially with coverage for feeding, transportation, and stipends.

(NAN)
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Bayo Sekoni

Jigawa SBMC committees hail EU, UNICEF’s school enrolment intervention
Education

Jigawa SBMC committees hail EU, UNICEF’s school enrolment intervention

Enrolment

By Aisha Ahmed

The School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs) in Jigawa have commended the European Union (EU) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for their implementation of the school enrolment campaign in the state.

Mr Ja’afar Danbaba, SBMC Chairman of Jahun Local Government Council, made the remarks on Monday in Dutse.

He described the intervention, which aims to improve school enrolment in seven pilot local government areas, as “commendable and timely.”

He added that the campaign included a town hall meeting to mobilise stakeholders and promote understanding of their individual and collective roles in increasing school enrolment.

Ahmad Ciroma, SBMC Chairman of Birnin Kudu LGC, called for the campaign’s sustainability to enhance enrolment and retention in schools.

“If such campaigns are constant and frequent, they will keep us aware of our collective roles, enabling us to solve multiple issues affecting our education system.

“Jigawa indeed needs regular campaigns to engage the community in issues requiring prolonged intervention, especially those involving behavioural change.

“As parents, we appeal to the state government and partners to continue these campaigns even after the EU and UNICEF intervention ends.” He said.

Aminu Hassan and Ali Babale, SBMC Chairmen of Hadejia and Kafin Hausa respectively, praised the inclusion of mothers in the campaign.

“Initially, women were excluded from educational discussions in our communities, but with their inclusion, positive changes are becoming visible,” Hassan stated.

Babale described the campaign as an excellent strategy to raise awareness about improving school enrolment in the state.

While stressing the need for sustainability, he also urged for the campaign’s expansion to all local government areas to boost enrolment statewide.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EU and UNICEF officially launched the school enrolment campaign on Monday in collaboration with the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

EFCC urges greater role for women in anti-corruption battle
Defence/Security

EFCC urges greater role for women in anti-corruption battle

Women

By Isaac Aregbesola

Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has urged Nigerian women to play a more active role in the fight against corruption and financial crimes.

Its Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, Olukoyede made the call at the “You Against Crime Festival,” an event organised by You Against Crime International (YACI) in Abuja.

The EFCC boss represented by Aisha Muhammed, Head of the EFCC’s Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit, stressed that mothers and women were pivotal in shaping a culture of integrity.

He highlighted the commission’s long-standing focus on preventive strategies and early intervention through education and cultural reorientation.

“Mothers and women play crucial roles in everything we do, and they can do the same in the fight against corruption and cybercrime.

“We are talking of culture, and we have to take it back to parenting. Parents should know their children’s friends, monitor their activities, and not leave them to society. Parenting is the most important part of our culture,” Olukoyede said.

He further explained that the EFCC has established Integrity Clubs in primary and secondary schools and Zero Tolerance Clubs in universities and other tertiary institutions as part of its “catch them young” initiative.

He also referenced the commission’s Women Against Corruption programme, designed to empower women to actively participate in combating economic and financial crimes.

President of YACI, underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing crime.  He said the platform was created to explore solutions and mobilise young people, students, and civil society to support the efforts of security agencies.

“We are here to work together to see how students and youths can contribute positively to the services of security agencies.

“We can’t do it on our own. This is a dialogue to proffer solutions and not to complain any longer,” Florunsho said.

Also speaking at the event, Adedayo Laniyi, Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), stressed that tackling financial crimes requires collective responsibility.

Laniyi called for stronger partnerships among government institutions, civil society, and communities to curb corruption and protect Nigeria’s socio-economic development. (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Kano govt. approves ₦1.1bn for school uniforms
Education

Kano govt. approves ₦1.1bn for school uniforms

Uniforms

By Aminu Garko

The Kano State Government has approved N1.1 billion for procurement of free school uniforms for primary one pupils in the state to encourage enrolment.

This is contained in a statement issued by Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa, the spokesman of Gov. Abba Yusuf on Friday in Kano.

According to the statement, providing free school uniforms will boost enrollment, improve retention, and ensure equal opportunity.

He emphasised that education is a right, not a privilege, and this initiative will ease the burden on parents.

“The move aims to attract out-of-school children into classrooms and complements other education reforms, aligning with the government’s comprehensive education agenda”.( NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

WHO launches vaccination drive following Ebola outbreak in Congo
Foreign

WHO launches vaccination drive following Ebola outbreak in Congo

Ebola

A vaccination campaign is due to begin in the Congo at the weekend, in response to the Ebola outbreak in the Central African country, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said.

A first batch of 400 vaccine doses arrived by helicopter in the remote affected area earlier in the day, Patrick Otim, the local head of WHO operations, said in Geneva on Friday.

A new confirmed case around 70 kilometres from the outbreak area in the Bulape region of Kasaï province is fuelling concerns about a wider spread of the often fatal disease.

Aid workers who reached the area have identified hundreds of people who were in contact with those infected and would be the first to be vaccinated.

The first cases were reported in early September.

One problem is that the vaccine must be kept at low temperatures but there is no reliable electricity supply in the region.

This is now being achieved with special cool boxes, Otim said.

Another 1,500 vaccine doses are to be flown in once a reliable cooling system is set up on site.

According to the WHO, there are now 25 confirmed cases.

Fourteen people have died, including three children under the age of five.

African health authorities has reported several dozen suspected cases.

However, as this number changes hourly following laboratory analyses, the WHO only reports confirmed cases.

Transmitted through physical contact and contact with body fluids, Ebola is a contagious and life-threatening infectious disease that causes fever, vomiting, bleeding and diarrhoea.

The mortality rate is extremely high if infected individuals are not treated immediately.

In 2014 and 2015, more than 11,000 people died in an outbreak in West Africa. (dpa/NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ummul Idris/Chioma Ugboma

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