NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Lagos Govt., SFH drive family planning expansion through e-pharmacy
Health

Lagos Govt., SFH drive family planning expansion through e-pharmacy

149 total views today

 

By Oluwafunke Ishola

 

The Lagos State Government and the Society for Family Health are expanding family planning access for residents through online pharmacies to achieve a more inclusive, efficient and equitable health system.

 

Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the State Governor on Health, said this at the E-Pharmacy for Family Planning Project First Phase Dissemination on Tuesday in Lagos.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was themed, “The Digital Shift: Shaping the Future of Healthcare Access and Delivery Through e-Pharmacies”.

 

An e-pharmacy, also known as an online pharmacy, is a pharmacy that operates over the internet, allowing customers to purchase medications and other health-related products online.

 

The e-Pharmacy for Family Planning Project (ePharma4FP) seeks to improve access to high-quality family planning (FP) products, information/counselling, and services for women in Lagos.

 

E-Pharmacies have emerged as a critical solution to bridge gaps in access and delivery as health systems face surging demands to provide safe, efficient, accessible, and affordable medicines and health services for all.

 

Ogunyemi emphasised that the ePharma4FP project was critical as the state strives to build a more inclusive, efficient and equitable health system, particularly in reproductive health and family planning.

 

She noted that access to contraceptives and essential health commodities is more than a health service but a fundamental right that empowers women, supports families and strengthens communities.

 

“We are living in an era where technology and data are reshaping every aspect of our lives and healthcare is no exception at all.

 

“By enabling digital access to these services, e-pharmacies are breaking down barriers – geographical, social and economic, that have too often stood in the way of progress.

 

“The e-pharmacy project for family planning is a commendable demonstration of what can be achieved through innovation, collaboration and data-driven decision-making led by the Society for Family Health,” she said.

 

According to her, the initiative is generating physical evidence on how e-pharmacy models can be scaled and sustained across Nigeria to ensure a steady supply of medications.

 

Ogunyemi restated the state’s commitment to digital health transformation and improving reproductive health outcomes.

 

She disclosed that the findings from the project would play a vital role in informing policies, strengthening regulation and guiding future investments in digital health systems.

 

Ogunyemi commended the Gates Foundation for funding the project, emphasising that the foundation’s dedication and innovation were a footstool for a more accessible, responsive and resilient health system.

 

Similarly, Dr Segun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, noted that the project reflected innovation and equity that brings private health services closer to communities within the state.

 

Ogboye noted that the policy and regulation environment for digital health services should be strengthened to discourage quackery in the system.

 

Mr Samuel Onoja, representative of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), described the initiative as a strategic step toward inclusive healthcare delivery in Lagos.

 

Also, Dr Akin Akinbajo, a public health physician with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), said the private sector was critical to the adoption of modern contraception.

 

Akinbajo noted that UNFPA was working with the Federal Government and states to deepen access to family planning services.

 

Similarly, Mr Kunle Daramola, State Consultant, Gates Foundation, lauded Lagos State’s strides in family planning, submitting that the project would assist to reduce maternal mortality and improve the state’s health indices.

 

Dr Jennifer Anyanti, Deputy Managing Director, Strategy and Growth, SFH, noted that Lagos State’s support for the e-Pharmacy initiative was a testament to its commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services for all residents.

 

Highlighting the impact of trained pharmacists on residents’ health, Anyanti noted that they are the first point of call for health services for 70 per cent of the over 20 million residents and are available on almost every street.

 

“This E-Pharmacy platform aligns with our goals of increasing access to essential medicines and health services. We believe that this innovative approach will help bridge the gap in healthcare delivery, especially in hard-to-reach areas,” she said.

 

Similarly, Dr Uchenna Okafor, Chief of Party, E-Pharma for Family Planning Project, SFH, said the project is at the forefront of integrating e-Pharmacy solutions into health systems and contributing to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage.

 

She added that the project leveraged the HealthPlus e-pharmacy platform, to deliver FP products, information, and counselling and conducted implementation research in Lagos to understand the viability of e-pharmacies to provide family planning services.

 

Disclosing the project findings, Okafor said that digital health has undergone rapid growth globally due to increasing smartphone penetration and internet connectivity.

 

She further said that Nigeria and Lagos have shown significant growth in digital health adoption.

 

Okafor, however, said in spite of the rise of digital health, challenges like prescription abuse, counterfeit drugs, data privacy, and limited trust remain.

 

She disclosed that over 46 million women of reproductive age (WRA) live in Nigeria, where the total fertility rate is 5.3 live births per woman, dropping to 3.4 in Lagos.

 

Okafor submitted that low contraceptive uptake remains a contributor to the high fertility rates in Nigeria, adding that e-pharmacy would assist in expanding access to FP services.

 

She noted that the situational analysis and landscape study conducted by the project identified key policy gaps for the e-pharmacy ecosystem in Nigeria.

 

To bridge the gaps and create a supportive environment for e-pharmacy in the country, Okafor recommended immediate action to address PCN’s regulatory gap and an enhanced collaboration between stakeholders for a cohesive e-pharmacy ecosystem.

 

Others include improved investment in sensitisation and awareness programmes about e-pharmacy services, establishing a sustainable feedback mechanism for e-pharmacies to facilitate continuous improvements and ensure patient satisfaction.

 

She also recommended developing a National Electronic Pharmacy Platform and investing in in-school and in-service training about e-pharmacy services provision to increase knowledge and skills.

 

Okafor submitted that the project was working with PCN and other stakeholders to bridge identified gaps for success.

 

NAN reports that the project funded by the Gates Foundation focuses on generating evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, and business case of optimising epharmacy models to deliver family planning information, products, and services in Lagos state.

 

The Epharma4FP project is implemented by a consortium of four partners led by the Society for Family Health, Busara Centre for Behavioural Research, HealthPlus Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Foundation (PSNF). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Local content: Firm trains youths on emissions management
Oil & Gas

Local content: Firm trains youths on emissions management

195 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

By Yunus Yusuf

 

A company, Alfa Designs Nigeria Ltd. (ADNL), has inaugurated a capacity-building programme focused on Green House Gas (GHG) emissions management for young Nigerian graduates.

 

This is in a strategic effort to promote sustainable development and deepen local participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

 

ADNL’s Group Managing Director, Mr Fatai Quadri, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday, said that the initiative was part of the company’s  corporate social responsibility and local content strategy.

 

He said it was aimed at nurturing a new generation of environmental professionals with practical skills to address climate-related challenges.

 

According to him, the programme seeks to empower Nigerian youths with the expertise needed to contribute both locally and globally to the fight against climate change.

 

He emphasised the importance of building indigenous capacity in emissions management.

 

“Our objective is to develop a pool of Nigerian experts, who can lead in managing emissions and offering practical solutions to environmental issues.

 

“This goes beyond Nigeria, it is about building global competence.

 

“Delivered through the company’s Centre for Emissions Reduction and Monitoring Solutions (ACFERMS), the training combines theoretical knowledge with field-based practice,” Quadri said.

 

He said that participants were taught carbon accounting, emissions tracking technologies, regulatory compliance, and environmental policy frameworks.

 

The ADNL boss said that the programme leveraged global best practices and incorporated tools such as the EyeCGas 2.0 Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) camera.

 

The camera is used to detect and quantify fugitive emissions from valves, flanges, and fittings in simulated real-world scenarios.

 

According to Quadri, so far, 13 young graduates have completed the programme, gaining insights into key local and international emissions regulations, including the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission guidelines.

 

“Also, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Appendix K Part 40, UNFCCC GHG Reporting Protocols, and the Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 Framework.

 

“ADNL has already achieved 100 per cent compliance with USEPA Appendix K, setting a benchmark for regulatory adherence in the sector,” he added.

 

Quadri said the company planned to take central control of the GHG management process over the next five years by developing a skilled team, enhancing research capabilities, and providing high-quality emissions data.

 

“With this foundation, we aim to become the industry leader in Optical Gas Imaging and emissions monitoring,” he said.

 

He also projected that Nigeria could save significant revenue currently lost to uncontrolled leaks, while ADNL would support oil and gas operators in strengthening asset integrity, eliminating substandard equipment, and improving project reliability.

 

“This is more than just training, it is the beginning of a movement.

 

“In five years, we envision a Nigeria with a robust emissions management system, outperforming many of its international counterparts, ” Quadri said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Olawunmi Ashafa

Lagos Govt. provides financial support to 750 widows  
General News

Lagos Govt. provides financial support to 750 widows  

118 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

By Kemi Akintokun

 

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) on Monday disbursed N50,000 in cash support to 750 widows across the state.

 

The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, made this known while speaking at a programme organised by the Ministry in Lagos.

 

She said the gesture was in commemoration of the 2025 International Widows’ Day.

 

Dada reaffirmed the state government’s zero tolerance for all forms of violence against women, especially widows.

 

According to her, WAPA has translated the vision of the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration into tangible programmes that have transformed lives through measurable impact.

 

The commissioner said initiatives such as the Livelihood Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP), the Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative, and other empowerment programmes organised by the ministry have helped alleviate the plight of widows.

 

She said: “Today is an opportunity for us to reflect, uplift, and recommit to the welfare and dignity of widows in Lagos State.

 

“The Lagos State Government continues to pursue a governance model that places a premium on inclusiveness, compassion and empowerment.

 

“Through targeted initiatives, widows are empowered with practical, marketable skills in trades such as catering, hairdressing, fashion design, tie and dye, and soap making.

 

“We are proud to say that many widows have immensely benefited from this program, and more continue to enroll. Upon completion, participants are supported with start-up kits, ensuring that training is not an end, but the beginning of a sustainable livelihood.

 

“We also recognise that widowhood comes with emotional trauma, legal vulnerabilities, and social exclusion.

 

“This is why WAPA continues to offer psychosocial counseling and legal advisory services through our Family Social Services and Domestic Violence Unit.”

 

She explained that the beneficiaries of the cash gift were selected from a social register, NGO-focused groups, and widows who registered with WAPA.

 

Dada said WAPA would continue championing advocacy against cultural and structural discrimination against widows, advocating for laws and systems that uphold their rights and dignity.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that International Widows’ Day, marked every June 23, is dedicated to women who suffer exploitation, deprivation, and persecution as a result of their husbands’ demise. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Chinyere Omeire

Economic reforms: Tinubu deserves second term in office – Rep member
Politics

Economic reforms: Tinubu deserves second term in office – Rep member

149 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Abiodun Lawal

 

The House of Representatives member representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, Gboyega Isiaka, says President Bola Tinubu deserves a second term in office considering the massive reengineering of the nation’s economy.

 

Isiaka stated this at a news conference to showcase his scorecard at the House of Representative in the last two years, on Sunday in Abeokuta.

The lawmaker said that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda had created the enabling policy framework for meaningful reforms across the nation.

Since assuming office, he added that the President had pursued a reform-driven economic agenda anchored on difficult yet necessary decisions.

“From the removal of fuel subsidy to the unification of foreign exchange rates, these measures have begun to yield measurable outcomes.

“The federal fiscal deficit has narrowed significantly, signaling stronger financial discipline and improved economic management.

“Also, our exchange rate policy has yielded a stable and predictable exchange rate that enhances planning and encourages greater direct investment flows into the economy.

“The recently passed Tax Reform Bill represents a major step forward, optimising revenue collection, reducing leakages, and enable more sustainable investments in infrastructure and social services,” he said.

Isiaka, who is the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, noted that, though, there were still challenges, the reforms had laid the groundwork for long-term stability and shared prosperity.

“The essence of leadership is to take you through the best route that will give you desired results.

“I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the path Mr President is taking us to is the best.

“We need to exercise some patience and by the time the President gets his second term, which I am sure by the time he’s sworn in by May 2027 Insha Allah, I am sure we are going to see more better and better days,” he said.

On his constituency projects, he noted that he had empowered over 4,000 constituents through carefully designed intervention programmes spanning key sectors.

“We are intentionally equipping our people with different means to build sustainable livelihoods and foster economic self-reliance,” he said.

The lawmaker also disclosed that in the last two years, he had sponsored five bills and five motions.

“I have sponsored five bills and five motions, one bill passed, two passed second reading and the other two under public hearing stage,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Indigenous solutions vital for Nigeria’s emission reduction goal – Alfa Designs GMD
Oil & Gas

Indigenous solutions vital for Nigeria’s emission reduction goal – Alfa Designs GMD

192 total views today

 

 

By Yunus Yusuf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr Fatai Quadri, Group Managing Director of Alfa Designs Nigeria Ltd.(ADNL), says Nigeria possesses the inherent capacity to effectively manage fugitive emissions within its borders.

 

He said this during the innauguration ceremony and media facility tour of the company in Lagos on Monday.

 

Quadri emphasised the critical need to cultivate local expertise and infrastructure to address the challenges posed by Greenhouse Gas (GHG) and fugitive emissions, particularly those escaping from industrial equipment and facilities.

 

Quadri said that fugitive emissions, which are often unintentional leaks of gases such as methane and carbon dioxide, represent a significant yet addressable environmental concern in Nigeria’s oil, gas, and industrial sectors.

 

He stressed that, with proper investment in technology, training, and regulation, Nigeria could become a leader in emission monitoring and mitigation across West Africa.

 

“There is no need to rely solely on foreign interventions.

 

“We have the technical talent and innovation potential to manage these emissions right here in Nigeria,” he said.

 

Highlighting the company’s role in advancing sustainable environmental practices, Quadri called for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, and academia to develop a robust local capacity for fugitive emission detection and management.

 

He also urged policymakers to create enabling laws and incentives that support indigenous solutions.

 

“What we need now is commitment, both from government and industry players, to prioritise environmental integrity through locally driven solutions,” he added.

 

He said that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) guidelines on GHG emissions are aimed at reducing environmental and social impact, caused by the emissions of components of natural gas including methane and other compounds.

 

The expert explained that embracing cleaner technology would help to mitigate carbon output, especially carbon soot being emitted by a fuel engine, contributing majorly to environmental pollution and health hazards.

 

”As it is now, we are supposed to be winding down on all diesel-powered engines in the country, based on the GHG emissions statement.

 

”Nigerian government had already pledged that by 2030 we are going to cut down our methane emissions, stop flaring completely and also do away with carbon soot formation, a bye-product from diesel-fired engines.

 

”We have to do away with all these things because they normally absorb infrared radiation that comes from the outer space.

 

“Once they absorb it, they keep the earth warmer than what is anticipated and that’s the effect on the climate change,’’ he said.

 

Quadri explained that in view of high cost of diesel and the abundance of an alternative energy (gas) in the country, there was need to be economically wise and encourage usage of CNG.

 

”However, staring us in our face is a solution of an alternative that all of us are supposed to come out and really agitate to see how this can be implemented as soon as possible to reduce impact, ” he said.

 

He added that in the bid to promote cleaner and affordable energy in the country, the Alfa Designs Nigeria Ltd., a leading oil and gas company, would soon begin conversion of diesel-powered engines to CNG in the country.

 

He said that Nigeria signed on to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in Sept. 2016; and, consequently, began the implementation of several initiatives aimed at reducing emissions from all sectors of the economy.

 

“As part of Nigeria’s commitment on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement, in 2021, it committed to reducing GHG emissions by 47 per cent in 2030, conditional on international support.

 

The pledge followed the signing into law of the country’s first climate bill after the UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021, having set an ambitious global net zero targets by 2060.

 

To achieve Nigeria’s emission reduction targets of the NDCs, the key abatement measures are: elimination of routine gas flaring (100 per cent gas flaring eliminated by 2030) and fugitive emissions/leakages control (60 per cent Methane Reduction by 2030).

 

These measures were established under the NUPRC operators’ guidelines on the actions and mechanisms for the management of fugitive methane/GHG emissions from the upstream oil and gas operations.

 

He said that the company had invested between 17 million dollars to 18 million dollars in infrastructures and equipments to enhance Green- House emission control.

 

Ouardri said that the company had selected 13 Nigerians from six geopolitical zones to undergo a “train-the-trainers” course on greenhouse gas (GHG)/fugitive emission detection and quantification, using the EyeCGas 2.0 Optical Gas Imaging Camera.

 

Also, Mr Mubarak Abdul, Chief Operating Officer of ADNL, advised the Federal Government to actively encourage indigenous companies to enhance local capacity in environmental management.

 

Abdul urged both the government and oil and gas companies to engage the services of in-country companies like Alfa Designs Ltd. to address the nation’s emission challenges.

 

He also highlighted ADNL’s partnership with OPTGAL Optronics Manufacturer in Israel to detect and address gas leakages in facilities, noting their extensive work with major companies in Nigeria.

 

Accordinging to him, they icluding Chevron, NNPCL, ND Western, and Seplat.

 

Miss Louisa Kpohearor, one of the trainers, commended Alfa Designs training and certification programmes, which aim to further retrain more Nigerians.

 

She confirmed that they were now verified in Optical Gas Imaging and are capable of conducting investigations and surveys in any oil and gas facility.

 

Miss Oghobi Sandra, another OGI trainer, emphasised that the training provided by Alfa Designs clearly demonstrates their status as the only authorised and certified trainers for detecting gas leakages in facilities.

 

ADNL is an indigenous Engineering, Procurement, Installation, Commissioning & Asset Integrity Management (EPICA) Company, incorporated on July 20, 2006.

 

The company is dedicated to continuously identifying and exceeding client needs in technical expertise through total service delivery.

 

lt also focuses on clear communication, superior performance, talent, teamwork, professional integrity, and cost-effective solutions for its private, government, and energy engineering clients.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Int’l Widows’ Day: Foundation calls for legal, economic support for widows
General News

Int’l Widows’ Day: Foundation calls for legal, economic support for widows

176 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

 

A non-governmental organisation, Pa Philip Akintoye Development Foundation (PAPADEF), has called on the Federal Government to urgently review and amend laws that continue to harm widows across the country.

 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PAPADEF, Mr Akintoye Festus, made the call in a statement on Sunday, to commemorate the International Widows’ Day 2025.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day, observed by the United Nations since 2011, is celebrated annually on June 23, to raise awareness about the challenges widows face and to push for their rights to be respected and protected.

 

Festus said that the theme for year 2025 commemoration is, “Beyond Grief: Rebuilding Lives, Strengthening Communities, and Challenging Stigma”.

 

According to Festus, the theme calls for urgent attention to the many challenges widows face every day—especially in rural areas where harmful traditional practices remain common.

 

The PAPADEF CEO noted that many widows in Nigeria were suffering in silence due to outdated laws and cultural practices that denied them inheritance rights, economic opportunities, and protection.

 

Festus said that it was time to include widows in national development plans and policy-making processes.

 

“Widows are part of our society — they are mothers, caregivers, and contributors to the economy but many are treated unfairly and pushed aside.

 

“Many widows are treated unfairly after losing their husbands. Some are denied access to property, forced into harmful rituals, blamed for their husbands’ deaths, and pushed into poverty,” he said.

 

Festus noted that thousands of widows were left homeless, jobless, and in deep emotional distress after losing their husbands, with little or no legal support.

 

“Some widows are still being forced to undergo harmful traditional practices or blamed for their husbands’ deaths. These things must stop,” he said.

 

He described the situation as a hidden crisis, with millions of women suffering in silence.

 

Festus said that although there are between 15 and 21 million widows in Nigeria, many of them remained invisible in national planning, data collection, and public discourse.

 

He urged lawmakers to harmonise civil and customary laws, particularly around inheritance and property rights, to stop the cycle of abuse and neglect.

 

The PAPADEF CEO said that real change could only happen when widows were protected by law and empowered to rebuild their lives.

 

He stressed: “Widows are not weak or helpless—they are mothers, caregivers, farmers, teachers, and entrepreneurs who just need support to live in dignity.

 

“Widows are not looking for pity. They want the right to live freely, to earn a living, and to raise their children in peace”.

 

Festus also encouraged the government to include widows in poverty alleviation programmes, job creation schemes, and health and social services.

 

He said: “No widow should be invisible in our development plans. Their voices matter, their lives matter.”

 

He explained that widows often faced serious problems like loss of property, no access to healthcare or education, and are sometimes victims of violence or forced remarriage.

 

Festus said that many widows were hardworking mothers, businesswomen, and caregivers but are often treated as if they do not exist.

 

“Widows are not invisible, and their pain should not be ignored. We must see them, hear them, and support them,” he added.

 

Festus advised that widows should be given economic help, such as business support and job training.

 

He called for the provision of mental health support, grief counseling and legal services, especially in rural areas.

 

He also recommended the inclusion of widows in leadership and policy-making roles.

 

The PAPADEF CEO also appealed to traditional and religious leaders to speak out against dehumanising widowhood practices and help build a more compassionate culture.

 

“Ending stigma starts with changing how we think and talk about widows. We need to listen to their stories and support their journeys,” Festus said.

 

 

 

He said that the foundation would continue to fight for widows and ensure no woman was left behind.

 

“Let this International Widows’ Day be more than a ceremony.

 

“Let it spark real change. We want a Nigeria where widows are not shamed or ignored, but respected and empowered,” he said.

 

PAPADEF is an NGO working for women, children, and community development, and has supported over 500 widows in Nigeria through legal help, business training, health services, and mental health support. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

COREN partners engineering firm to enhance practice in Nigeria
Science & Tech

COREN partners engineering firm to enhance practice in Nigeria

234 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

By Stellamaris Ashinze and Funmilola Gboteku

 

 

 

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has initiated a collaboration with ITB Nigeria Ltd. to advance engineering practice across the country.

 

During a courtesy visit to ITB’s head office in Lagos, the President of COREN, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, stated that the partnership with the firm would provide training and internship opportunities for young engineers.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while COREN is a statutory body established to regulate the practice of engineering in Nigeria, ITB Nigeria Ltd. is a civil engineering and construction company.

 

NAN reports that COREN president was represented by Vice President, Mr Olaolu Ogunduyile.

 

At the visit, Abubakar underscored the importance of practical experience and skills in engineering practice.

 

He explained that COREN was committed to empowering Nigerian engineers to compete and practice globally.

 

He also noted that COREN was a provisional member of the Washington Accord, an international agreement recognising the equivalence of engineering education and professional competence.

 

“We have seen what you are doing here, but we need collaboration because we cannot achieve this alone. We need training opportunities for younger engineers,” he said.

 

“We believe your efforts will have a significant impact on the nation. This facility, equipped with fibre optics and power capacity capable of generating up to 1.5 gigabytes, is a giant stride forward.”

 

According to Abubakar, COREN regulates all aspects of engineering practice and education in Nigeria.

 

“The council is working on multiple roadmaps to empower Nigerian engineers to be competitive on the global stage.”

 

He highlighted the example of India, which generates about $44 trillion annually through mobility in engineering and technology, reducing pressure on foreign exchange.

 

“If we develop our engineers here in Nigeria, it will create similar mobility.

 

“Even when engineers travel abroad, which cannot be prevented, they will be able to practice their profession effectively wherever they go.

 

“COREN collaborates with several organisations and recently signed an accord to strengthen engineering regulation and monitoring across various sectors.

 

“Our goal is to eliminate issues like building collapses by ensuring strict regulation in all engineering fields.

 

“COREN is not focusing only on the building sector but also on mining, maritime, power, telecoms, and eleven other sectors where engineering practice is critical.”

 

 

ITB’s management expressed gratitude for the visit and appreciation for COREN’s efforts in promoting engineering excellence in Nigeria.

 

They welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with COREN and support the development of young engineers in the country.

 

The Managing Director of ITB Nigeria Ltd., Mr Ramzi Chidiac, led the company’s delegation during the visit.

 

Chidiac pledged to collaborate with COREN on engineering training and certification.

 

He expressed commitment to registering its engineers with COREN, with over 40 engineers already registered.

 

According to the managing director, the company also plans to establish a training school for young engineers and artisans.

 

He said that the proposed training school aims to equip students with practical skills in areas like carpentry, welding, and MEP work.

 

According to him, upon completion, graduates will be certified and potentially absorbed into ITB’s workforce or other industries.

 

‘’This initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s national skill framework, which encourages outcome based education and certification for artisans and young people without formal education.”

 

Both parties agreed to work together to make this initiative a success, with potential involvement from relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzua

Lagos Govt. flags off student sensitisation on town planning
General News

Lagos Govt. flags off student sensitisation on town planning

139 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

By Grace Alegba

 

 

 

Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) on Friday unveiled a sanitation campaign targeting secondary schools across the state.

 

LASPPPA is an agency under the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

 

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, flagged off the initiative, starting with schools in Ikeja.

 

The initiative is part of efforts to inculcate a culture of adherence to good physical planning practices and development among the younger generation.

 

Olumide led a delegation of senior officials from the ministry and LASPPPA to three schools in Ikeja.

 

He said the initiative aligned with the ministry’s mandate on public advocacy and sensitisation, adding that it aimed to deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of orderly physical development.

 

He said the government is serious about physical development issues, highlighting that comprehensive master plans had been documented for every part of the state to ensure coordinated growth.

 

He added that the programme would culminate in an inter-school competition, during which students with outstanding knowledge of physical planning processes will win prizes.

 

While addressing students at Tunwase High School, Ikeja, Olumide explained the adverse effects of unplanned development, such as erosion and environmental degradation.

 

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Mr Olumide Sotire, said the exercise would inculcate early physical planning values in students.

 

“You are the ones who will take over from us, and it is our duty to guide you along the right path.

 

“We must begin to correct past mistakes to ensure that our state and nation develop like other advanced countries,” he said.

 

The General Manager of LASPPPA, Mr Kehinde Osinaike, said the exercise reinforced the state government’s commitment to public enlightenment and engagement to counter impressions that it is focused only on enforcement.

 

Osinaike thanked Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for approving the school sensitisation initiative and for his consistent support of physical planning and permit processes.

 

In his remarks, the Principal of Tunwase High School, Dr Dare Oguntade, thanked the government for selecting the school and its interest in nurturing future town planners and professionals in related fields.

 

Oguntade added that the interaction with top officials of the ministry might inspire students to consider careers in town planning and allied disciplines.

 

He also assured that the students would share the knowledge gained with their peers and enlighten their parents or guardians on the importance of securing planning permits before any construction.

 

Other schools visited were Mayor Heights Secondary School and Ikeja Senior High School. (NAN)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Galaxy Backbone, NPTF sign MoU on smart policing
Science & Tech

Galaxy Backbone, NPTF sign MoU on smart policing

213 total views today

 

By Jessica Dogo

 

Galaxy Backbone (GBB) and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance and support the development and integration of smart police stations nationwide.

 

The event, which was held on Friday in Abuja, is seen as a strategic move to advance national security through innovation digital infrastructure.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MoU is  a commitment of the two institutions to foster a more secure, connected, and technologically empowered Nigeria.

 

Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director of GBB, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, emphasised the importance of the collaboration in strengthening digital-led policing.

 

“Today’s agreement represents more than a partnership—it reflects a shared vision for a smarter, more resilient and inclusive Nigeria.

 

“Our collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund brings cutting-edge technology into the heart of Nigeria’s security architecture through the deployment of Smart Police Stations.

 

“These initiatives reflect our firm commitment to innovation, trust, and nation-building,” he said.

 

He explained that under the terms of the agreement, GBB would provide high-speed fibre connectivity, cloud platforms and secure digital infrastructure to support the deployment of smart police stations in key locations nationwide.

 

“These stations will be equipped with advanced ICT tools to enhance real-time communication, surveillance, data sharing, and operational efficiency within the Nigeria Police Force.

 

“The partnership is expected to significantly improve public safety outcomes by enabling more data-driven decision-making, improved incident response times, and greater transparency in law enforcement,’’ he said.

 

According to him, this initiative reinforces Galaxy Backbone’s strategic role as the digital spine of government operations, enabling secure, interoperable platforms that support innovation, governance and national development.

 

“The agreement with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund is a bold step toward building a more secure and technologically advanced Nigeria,” Adeyanju said.

 

In his remarks, the Executive-Secretary of NPTF, Mohammed Sheidu, said the initiative was part of broader efforts to modernise the police and enhance its effectiveness in maintaining law and order.

 

He also said the partnership would digitalise police station nationwide, adding that it would introduce digital systems for collecting and sorting data as well as connecting police stations to one another.

 

Sheidu further said the goal of the project was to develop a solution that would enable the police to capture intelligence and information effectively.

 

“We want to move policing in Nigeria towards the 21st century and more than police force.

 

“We can only achieve this by strategic collaborations and partnerships with agencies like yours to be able to achieve the digitalisation agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

 

“When we discussed, we talked about how we want to walk into police stations and see digitalised statement forms not having to write on papers.

 

“We can also have a way our police stations are connected to one another,’’ he said.

 

He identified lack of data collection as one of the major problems with the Nigerian Police.

 

“With this, your organisation and our organisation partnering together will be able to put out a solution that will capture this intelligence and information gathering.

 

“We are going to make history by changing the narrative of not just the NPF but the security architecture of Nigeria as a whole,’’ he said. (NAN)

 

Edited by Abdul Hassan/Uche Anunne

Ministry urges women to prioritise nutrition
Gender

Ministry urges women to prioritise nutrition

176 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

By Kemi Akintokun

 

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) on Thursday urged women to prioritise family nutrition and adopt healthy eating habits for well-being.

 

 

 

Mrs Bolaji Dada, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, made the appeal at a WAPA-organised programme titled, ‘Ounje l’ore awo’.

 

 

 

Dada said the nutrition intervention was designed to inform and address urgent health and dietary needs of grassroots women across Lagos State.

 

 

 

She noted that the programme aligns with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s agenda, which prioritises women’s welfare, healthcare, and social protection in state development plans.

 

 

 

According to her, WAPA has reached thousands of vulnerable women through this initiative in various local government areas across Lagos.

 

 

 

The current beneficiaries were selected from Ikosi-Isheri, Kosofe, Agboyi-Ketu, and Ikeja local government areas of the state.

 

 

 

She stated that 250 women from these areas received food items including rice, beans, chicken, vegetables, eggs, garri, oil, and salt.

 

 

 

The Commissioner said: “This initiative is not just about food; it restores dignity, promotes wellness, and empowers women to live healthier and more informed lives.

 

 

 

“We have engaged nutritionists and dietitians to educate women on proper diets, healthy lifestyles, and preventing nutrition-related illnesses.”

 

 

 

She said WAPA’s multi-sectoral approach aims not only to reduce poverty, but to prevent illness and ensure women thrive in health and confidence.

 

 

 

“The role of women in the home and community is vital. When a woman is nourished, the entire household and community benefit,” she said.

 

 

 

Speaking at the event, Mr Olusola Malomo, Chief Dietitian at Ajeromi General Hospital, stressed the need for mothers to adopt healthy eating habits.

 

 

 

Malomo said a balanced diet including vegetables, fruits, fibre, fish, and meat helps prevent diseases that can affect the family and the wider community.

 

 

 

According to him, mothers are change agents at home and in the community, hence they must be well-informed about proper dietary choices.

 

 

 

“The importance of nutrition cannot be overstated, especially now when rising food prices are affecting the quality of meals.

 

 

 

“It is crucial to educate mothers at home because they are the ones responsible for food preparation,” Malomo said.(NAN)

 

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

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