NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Defence/Security

Prioritise road safety for sustainable devt- FRSC boss

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By Ibironke Ariyo
The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed, has said that Africa must prioritise robust road safety measures to protect lives and property.

Mohammed said this at the 1st Congress of the African Union of Transport and Logistics Organisations on Tuesday in Tangier, Kingdom of Morocco.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in recognition of the critical roles played by FRSC in West African sub region, the Corps Marshal was honoured with an award.

NAN reports that the award was presented by the President of the Africa Union of Transport and Logistics Organisation, Mr Mustapha Chaoune, during the opening ceremony.

The FRSC boss emphasised the continent’s need for effective transportation infrastructure, while urging African nations to make road safety top priority.

He said that the theme of the joint exhibition titled “Building Sustainable Logistics Chains for Africa’s Structural Transformation” was relevant to the current global trend in urban transportation systems.

“We are all aware that for an effective transportation system, we need a workable transport infrastructure that is interconnected to provide a dynamic and sustainable safe mobility of persons and service.

“This is expected to unite and enhance collaboration between African countries and foster better regional integration, especially in the area of road transport safety.

“I must therefore commend the vision behind the 1st Congress of African Union of Transport and Logistics Organisation.

“Permit me to also mention that the choice of the theme for the 1st International Exhibition on Mobility, Transport and Logistics seeks to address the challenges of Africa’s infrastructural transformation through sustainable supply chains.

“Apparently, Africa has admitted that road transport sub-sector remains the major channel for the mobility of goods and services. However, one of the major logistic challenges of the road transportation system in Africa is road safety.

“This is because road crashes have been a recurring decimal on African roads with high human casualties and unquantifiable destruction of goods and services,” he said.

The corps marshal said that Nigeria developed the Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) document in line with the UN resolution for African countries to develop a national road safety development plan.

“The NRSS is a national blue print expected to galvanise both Government and Private Sector as critical stakeholders to ensure that road crash related deaths and injuries are reduced by 5 per cent by 2030.

“Furthermore, the FRSC initiated and developed measures to ensure the safety of persons, goods and services plying the highways.

“The road safety programmes were anchored on two policy thrusts; public awareness component of the road safety, and the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations.

“From the history of our road safety awareness ccampaigns, it is clear that the enforcement of road traffic regulations is a major logistic component in road transportation.

“No doubt, enforcement of road traffic laws and penalizing traffic offenders remains a major deterring factor. This has improved safety in the road transportation system,” he added.

Speaking further, the FRSC Corps Marshal said that Nigeria also acceded to the United Nations Road Safety Convention to strengthen road safety as a key logistic component on the road transport sub-sector.

“Therefore, in our deliberations during this congress, we should consider the following legal instruments as key logistics components that must be regulated and enforced for a sustainable Africa’s structural transformation, especially, in road transportation

“This includes Traffic Rules, Road Signs, Vehicle Regulations, Transport of Dangerous Goods; and Professional Driver Fatigue, among others.”

The corps marshal who was the head of the Nigerian delegation, said that Nigeria was also a member of the Advisory Board of the United Nations Road Safety Trust Fund.

He added that the fund was conceived as a deliberate effort to bridge the gaps in road transportation by improving safety as a logistic component in road transport sub-sector.

“Furtherance to that objective, FRSC is also proposing a dedicated road safety fund (RSF).

“If this is achieved, it will foster the integration of road safety into project planning; including safety assessments, designs and implementation, thus, improving safety in the road transportation sub-sector,”he said.

Mohammed said that in the course of the Congress, discussions would further reveal possibilities and opportunities for Africa to collaborate and develop a cost effective integrated transport logistics.

This, he said, would promote economic growth and improve Africa’s socio-cultural integration.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

My dream- Nigerian Para-athlete

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By Oluwole Sogunle

A para-athlete, Oluwakemi Ladipo, says she looks forward to winning an Olympic gold medal, donning the national colours, in her sporting career.

 

Ladipo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

 

She said that since her entry into the sports scene in 2007, she had won several laurels on the local scene representing Ogun and Bayelsa state, but she had her eyes on the international stage.

 

“I wish to make the national team, to run and win in the Olympics, God helping me, and with good sponsors,” Oladipo, whose sporting career has so far spanned 17 years said.

 

She said that actualising the dream could be facilitated by an environment that was conducive for para-athletes through provision of necessary equipment.

 

“Our major challenge on the wheelchair race, or para-athletes majorly, is our equipment.

 

“Our equipment are very expensive, individuals cannot easily afford it.

 

” With government intervention, Yes, I believe something good can come out of it” she said.

 

Ladipo said that presently, they were only managing some equipment left behind for them by a retired para-athlete and coach.

 

“All thanks go to my boss, Chief Aliu Adebayo, he was a former wheelchair racer before he retired.

 

“During his reign, he was able to acquire some wheelchairs that he used in training us, so it’s that one that we’ve been using.

 

“Even the equipment are getting old and outdated as new models are coming in, but thankfully enough, we’re still managing them and God has been helping us,” she said.

 

The para-athlete said that the government could also revisit an area of support it had rendered in the past.

 

“Before, what the government did was that, if you make the national team, there are wheelchairs available for you at the national, but for some time now that is no more the case, so if this can be revisited, and aid is given to states that want to procure, that would go a long way,” she said.

 

Ladipo said that, apart from the wheelchair, the government could also assist with other gadgets, hand gloves, and the like.

 

“If that can be done, it will be a timely intervention for us ,” the para-athlete, a graduate of Business Administration, said.

 

She said that the present scenario was that if one was not in the limelight, people didn’t seem to reckon with him or her.

 

*I will love for sponsors to come and sponsor our games, let them come and encourage us. Disability is not easy, and many of us don’t want to be beggars on the road.

 

“Let them come and encourage us. Let there be encouragement; we find solace, we find joy in this game that we play.

 

” Anyone you see on the road, introduce them to sports. Sports can take you a long way, even longer than you can imagine.

 

“With more of us in this game, that will be less of us on the streets,” she said.

 

Ladipo said that the government could also create a niche for PWDs in sports, to make them look forward to something that would make life easier for them after retirement. (NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

General News

Nigeria will explore viable, sustainable solutions to transportation- Shettima 

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Nigera will continue to explore viable and sustainable solutions towards solving its transportation challenges.

It will also collaborate with relevant players in the private sector to work out alternatives for the challenge to achieve optimum result.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima stated this on Thursday during a facility tour of the Scania headquarters in Södertälje, Sweden.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Scania is a world leading provider of transport solutions.

The visit is a strategic engagement to discuss Nigeria’s market potential and explore deeper collaboration opportunities.

It focused on Biofuel solutions for Nigeria’s transport sector which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s push for cleaner and efficient transportation, with emphasis on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

On arrival at the company, Shettima was received by the Head of Sales Africa, Middle East and Central Asia, Mr Fredrik Wijkander.

They had discussions to innovative solutions to ease Nigeria’s transportation challenges through heavy-duty trucks and buses.

The company expertise is expected to play a crucial role in modernising Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.

NAN reports that the Vice-President, who is on a two-day working visit to Sweden, held a close-door meeting with its Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Agriculture

Agric. fund sensitises farmers, herders on peaceful coexistence

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By Rita Iliya

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) has sensitised farmers and herders on peaceful coexistence and sustainable agricultural development.

Mrs Elizabeth Isah, Business and Marketing Development Officer, VCDP in Niger, said this at a programme in some local government areas in Niger.

The programme is for promotion and sensitisation on Conflict Resolution through Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF) in Mokwa, Edati, and Borgu Local Government Areas.

She said the initiative was taken by IFAD-VCDP to foster harmonious relationships among farmers and herders in order to enhance agricultural productivity.

“The sensitisation organised by IFAD-VCDP, aims to educate farmers, and herders on effective conflict resolution strategies through CAF,” she said.

Isah noted that development is faster through effective conflict resolution, stressing that IFAD had zero-tolerance towards conflicts because it retards long-term sustainability of its projects.

According to the resource person, Mr Julius Karma, conflicts arise from clashes between economic interests and value systems, particularly among farmers and herders competing for limited land.

“With the growing population, pressure intensifies as farmers seek to produce crops and herders seek grazing land, leading to clashes between them.

“Unresolved issues increases tensions; parties involved in conflict should always seek dialogue for amicable resolution,” he said.

He said that conflicts were inherent aspect of human interaction, but could be destructive as well as beneficial resulting to positive change and growth when resolved.

Similarly, Hajiya Maimuna Abubakar, Rural Institution Gender and Youth Mainstreaming Officer, VCDP in Niger, decried the reports of some farmers exploiting their positions to sexually harass and abuse women and children.

“Cases of men harassing women and vice versa have been received; IFAD-VCDP is against such behaviour as it is a deviation from the project’s objectives,” she said.

She disclosed that farmers would be sensitised and trained on their roles and responsibilities to combat sexual harassment to ensure a safer environment for all.

Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, Village Head of Mokwa, represented by Alhaji Adamu Ndarafi, Magajin Rafi, commended IFAD’s agricultural development intervention, and urged farmers and herders to live in harmony for sustainable growth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sensitisation was attended by stakeholders, village heads, local government chairmen, farmers, Miyetti Allah, divisional officers of police and NSCDC.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Stakeholders canvass Commission for LG elections

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By Peter Okolie

Stakeholders in Imo have advocated for the establishment of a federal commission to oversee local government elections across the country.

 

According to them, this will promote a more transparent, fair, and credible electoral process at the local government level.

 

The stakeholders made the call in Owerri at a town hall meeting organised by SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, with funding from European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU SDGN).

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders included members of civil society groups, traditional and religious leaders, election management bodies, women and youth groups, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and security agencies.

 

Speaking at the occasion, the state Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Ichie Ekeh, decried the alleged hijacking of electoral process at the local government level by political parties.

 

“Part of the reasons we have voter apathy is because ruling parties often hijack the process in various states.

 

“Some candidates who took part in the local government elections are unknown and were not allowed for scrutiny by community members,” he said.

 

The traditional ruler of Umuekwure community in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, Eze George Nwosu, called for the strengthening of institutions to hold politicians accountable.

 

“There is the need to interrogate the leadership recruitment process from the delegate level to elected officials,” he stated.

 

In his own contribution, the Chief Imam of Imo, Sheikh Suleiman Njoku, said rather than emphasising on love for material things, the society should focus more on reviving moral and societal values.

 

On his part, Mr Chimezie Ebosie, from SALTI Initiative, a civil society organisation, urged political parties to step up voter education rather than leaving it for election management bodies alone.

 

To Mr Okechukwu Egwumba, Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC), financial independence of electoral management bodies is key to improving electoral system.

 

Also, the Head of Voter Education Department, INEC in Imo, Mrs Emmanuella Ben-Opara, restated the commission’s readiness to improve partnership with stakeholders with a view to improving democratic process in the country.

 

Others who spoke at the meeting also advocated for collaborative network with stakeholders and improved advocacy to strengthen the country’s electoral process.

 

They also called for compliance with legal frameworks, prosecution of electoral offenders and establishment of electoral offenders’ commission.

 

Earlier, the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Mr Eghosa Erhumwunse, said the meeting was organised to review previous elections in the state, beginning with the 2023 general elections to the local government polls.

 

Erhumwunse, who was represented by the Consulting Manager of the group, Mr David Gabriel, said the meeting would enable participants to share experiences and proffer solutions to future elections.

 

“Through these dialogues, participants reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence, active citizen participation, and enhancement of the democratic process in Nigeria,” Erhumwunse said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

General News

Gboko communities enjoy Dangote Cement CSR schemes

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By Ismail Abdulaziz

The Dangote Cement in Gboko, Benue, has scaled up its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) schemes for its host communities, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

This is contained in a statement from its Branding and Corporate Communications Department, on Wednesday in Abuja.

It said that this was its expanded interventions as part of the company’s observance of Global Sustainability Week.

Sustainable Week is a private initiative that tackles sustainability in its three dimensions: economy, social and environmental.

“Dangote Cement Plc., Gboko is committed to addressing the impact of its activities and contributing to sustainable development through projects and initiatives that promote safe, inclusive, and sustainable communities,” it said.

It added that the annual Sustainability Week initiatives include medical and charity outreach programmes.

‘’The Sustainability Champions in Gboko serve as role models for students, making a positive impact on their lives.

‘’The company engages students through environment clubs established in local schools during World Environment Day, which are used for educational and engagement sessions.

‘’Empowering women remains a key focus of the company’s programmes in the community,’’ the statement added.

This year’s Sustainability Week was launched on Monday in Gboko by the Plant Director, Louis Raj, who emphasised that Dangote Cement is one of the most socially responsible companies in Nigeria.

NAN reports that some of the programmes during the week in Gboko communities are training in liquid soap and Vaseline production, school mentoring, medical outreach, and donations to orphanages.

It said that the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, is encouraging businesses to adopt energy efficiency practices in light of the on-going global climate crisis.

Head, Sustainability at Dangote Cement Plc., Dr Igazeuma Okoroba, had said the manufacturing giant was committed to sustainability of its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Okoroba said: ‘’this year’s sustainability week afforded the cement company another opportunity to demonstrate our love for humanity by sharing our sustainability message and showing support to the residents of our host communities.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Culture & Tourism

FG to launch ‘DuduPlugs’ for Nigeria’s culture

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By Joshua Olomu

The Federal Government is set to launch a digital repository of Nigeria’s cultural practices and traditions known as “DuduPlugs”.

“DuduPlugs is a cutting edge global digital platform developed by ACITeksystem, a Nigerian-American company, in collaboration with the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).

Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary/CEO of NICO, at the pre-launch on Tuesday in Abuja said DuduPlugs allow users to explore, share, and celebrate nine distinct cultural categories.

They include Music, fashion, Art, Film, food, dance, Green/Artistic building, technology, language and literature using technology as an enabler.

Ajiboye said the platform would serve as a repository and connecting platform for  Nigeria’s culture and creativity, as well as increase international exposure of Nigeria’s cultural assets and ingenuity.

“This seamless combination of social connectivity aims to promote and preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage with the view to pass it down to younger generations.

“It will attract global acceptance and accessibility; attract foreign exchange earnings as well as evoke appreciation of the Nigerian culture, thereby strengthening its economy and international image.

“You will agree with me that today, our nation bleeds for lack of inflow of foreign exchange and even internal production is stifling.

“This is why we have decided to think out of the box to use culture, a hitherto forgotten sector to rescue this impending catastrophe, within our own space and ability.

“DuduPlugs also seeks to position Nigeria as a prime cultural destination, promoting tourism and global appreciation of the country’s heritage.

“It will serve as an accessible educational resource and foster collaborations between cultural organisations, government agencies, and individuals to create a sustainable platform for cultural preservation and knowledge-sharing,” he said.

Foluke Michael, the Project Management Executive, said the project was over 80 per cent completed, and when launched would serve as tool for cultural diplomacy for Nigeria and create jobs for its teeming youths.

“Dudu Plugs is coming at this time to reintroduce Nigeria in positive light with 9 Plugs, including culture, art, creativity and bringing them together is possible in Nigeria.

“I also want the world to know that we are not just cut out for what they read in the news and there is something positive about our nation.

“This project is actually domiciled in America and that is why we keep saying Nigerian- America organisation as we are a group of passionate Nigerians telling Nigeria’s story,” she said.

In her address, Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, lauded NICO for championing the initiative, adding that the platform would endear Nigeria’s rich cultural and creative sectors to the world.

Musawa, who was represented by Ibiene Roberts, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said the platform would serve as a veritable tool for national unity.

“As we unveil DuduPlugs today, may it serve as a symbol of unity and pride in our cultural heritage because it reflects the colours, stories and experiences that define who we are as a people.

“I, therefore, encourage each of you to embrace this initiative to engage what the platform provides and to collaborate in celebrating our unique narratives.

“Our celebration of life through our numerous festivals will also be projected to an audience in the Diaspora, which encompasses Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad, and Tobago, Jamaica and the large African-American population.

“They are not only thirsty for a substantial taste of our vibrant Nigerian cultures but are also yearning for a return to their roots,” she said.

In his goodwill message, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, commended the Ajiboye-led management of NICO for  the initiative.

He said that the President Bola Tinubu administration was committed to ensuring that the culture and creative sectors become robust sources of national income and job creation.

NAN reports that top government functionaries, including heads of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy were present at the pre-launch event.(NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Foreign

ECOWAS court gets new leadership as Asante bows out

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Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, new President, ECOWAS Court of Justice.

 

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court of Justice (CCJ) has elected Cape Verde’s Justice Ricardo Gonçalves as its new President.

 

 

It also elected Sierra Leone’s Justice Sengu Koroma as new Vice President, both for non-renewable four-year tenure.

 

 

They were elected by the court’s college of five judges, and subsequently inaugurated by Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Embalo.

 

 

Embalo is the former Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

 

 

Gonçalves succeeds Justice Edward Asante, who had presided as the court’s president for six years, while Koroma succeeds Ivory Coast’s Gberi-bè Ouattara as Vice President.

 

 

Meanwhile, Justice Asante has been recommended for Ghana’s Supreme Court, although he still remains a judge of the CCJ until the end of his extended tenure in 2026.

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that under Asante, the CCJ witnessed remarkable growth and transformation in its jurisprudence, case management system and physical infrastructure.

 

 

Asante made possible the relocation of the Court from its former overcrowded location to its new complex at Gudu District, Abuja in 2023.

 

 

The legal luminary also brought innovations in the CCJ’s processes through the introduction of the electronic case management system and the consequential amendment of the Court’s practice direction.

 

 

The innovations have enabled seamless virtual and physical court sessions, as well as easing access to the court by case applicants from ECOWAS member states.

 

 

This has reduced the financial burden on applicants because applications can now be filed, cases heard and judgments delivered virtually.

 

 

He also filled most of the vacancies in the Court’s organogram with the recruitment of experienced lawyers into the Registry and Research Departments.

 

 

Asante described his tenure as a “worthwhile experience and a privilege to serve the community”, which enabled him to gain valuable insights into the ECOWAS integration process.

 

 

The eminent jurist added that his six-year tenure enabled him to “understand the value of the respect for extant instruments of the community, including its commitment to respect for human rights, accountability and transparency.”

 

 

Speaking, Gonçalves said his vision for the court was focused on two fundamental pillars of responsibility and dialogue.

 

 

He stressed the need to uphold the institution’s mission as an independent, reliable, efficient, and accessible court.

 

 

Gonçalves expressed his commitment to foster continuous dialogue with other ECOWAS institutions, agencies, member states, civil societies and ensure prudent management of ECOWAS funds.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Group seeks solutions to drive investment, economic devt

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By Lucy Ogalue

The South-East Business and Investment Summit Group (SEBIS) has sought for a credible solution to reawaken industrialisation in the zone.

 

They also sought for the exploration of the South East Zone as an economic powerhouse to drive business, investment and economic development.

 

The group’s Executive Secretary, Dr Ifedi Okwenna, made the call on Monday while briefing newsmen in Abuja.

 

Ifedi decried low business innovations and technology penetrations, low capital inflow and absence of institutions in the zone.

 

He stated that this has significantly contributed to dwindling businesses, investments and wealth in the region.

 

He recalled that Eastern Nigeria, which comprised the South East and part of South South, was between 1958 and 1967, the fastest growing economy.

 

He said it was at above nine per cent Annual Percentage Rate, outperforming countries like Singapore, Bangladesh and Taiwan.

 

The executive secretary said the economic indices of the South East had since nose-dived comparatively due to many fundamental challenges.

 

He said this included the three years civil war which ravaged the eastern landscape and increased migration of human and capital resources.

 

“In major cities of Nigeria and Africa as a whole, they dominate and control trade and commerce. They are the import and export merchants.

 

“Onitsha and Aba markets in the region were once the largest markets and commercial powerhouses of West Africa.

 

“(This is) based on geographical size and volume of goods, attracting visitors from parts of West Africa, Central Africa as well as all parts of Nigeria.

 

“Sadly, the zone may have lost this preeminent rating to other zones, due to the itinerant nature of the South East people.

 

“The people of South East have human and material capital, but that capital is no longer fully working for them.

 

“This is because the people find it more attractive to invest in other parts of the country because of enabling environment, infrastructure and skills,” he said.

 

Ifedi said capital repatriation and remittances from Nigeria diasporas were mainly not invested in the South East States.

 

According to him, it is not getting appreciable Foreign Direct Investment because of her position in the ease of doing business index.

 

He said:”many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that managed to sustain their operations beyond the first five-year period were owned by the South Easterners.

 

“(They) play crucial roles in Nigeria’s economy, driving innovation, job creation and economic growth. ”

 

Ifedi, however, decried the lack of government support, limited access to finance, high interest rates and absence of financial education.

 

He added that lack of sustainability structure had remained major impediments to their sustained growth and expansion.

 

The executive secretary said the group was organising the 2024 South East Business and Investment Summit to tackle these challenges.

 

He said the summit with the theme “Remaking the South East as Economic Powerhouse” would hold in Enugu from Dec. 11 to Dec. 13.

 

Ifedi said the summit would feature policy leaders, top government officials, investors, diplomats and entrepreneurs.

 

He said it would serve as a source of inspiration for transformation of corporate business investment activities.

 

“The Premium Business Conference Session will run concurrently with the Women in Business Conference and Youth Entrepreneurship Summit.

 

“These are aimed at carrying all segments of South East Nigeria in the new reality of remaking the zone,” he said.

 

SEBIS is a public/private sector structured initiative; a partnership driven programme and an annual reunion meeting of government/policy leaders, investors and businesses from diverse sectors.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

FCT nurse bags international DAISY award

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By Folasade Akpan

Ms Rosemary Okoroafor, a nurse at Karshi General Hospital, a surbub of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has bagged the DAISY Foundation award for extraordinary nurses.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that DAISY is an acronym for Diseases that Affect Immune Systems.

 

The award is a recognition programme to celebrate and recognise nurses by collecting nominations from patients, families, and co-workers.

 

Okoroafor was conferred the award on Monday at the hospital premises by members of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America (NANNNA).

 

At the ceremony, Dr Emilia Iwu, a board member of NANNNA, said that the DAISY award was initiated in 1999 to recognise nurses that gave compassionate care to their patients.

 

She said the foundation was established after the death of Patrick Barnes, a 33-year-old, who died of a group of diseases that affected his immune system, but was taken very good care of by the nurses.

 

His family decided to honour his memory with the foundation and the nurses’ recognition.

 

She said it was a global award that was just brought to Nigeria and would henceforth be done yearly.

 

“So we brought the DAISY award to Nigeria to really recognise Nigerian nurses who are giving excellent care, taking care of patients regardless of any situation they are faced with in the hospital.

 

“It has been happening in the United States and other countries, but DAISY and NANNNA are partnering to bring the award to Nigeria to recognise the excellent work nurses are doing in Nigeria.”

 

Iwu said that to be eligible, nurses are nominated by their patients and their families.

 

The award recipient, Okoroafor, thanked the organisers for the award, adding that she was so proud to be a nurse and being the first recipient of the award in Nigeria.

 

“I didn’t know that I would be nominated in the first place, but I feel that’s the work of God and good work always pays.

 

“When you’re doing good things, nobody sees you, but God in heaven sees everything.

 

“My advice to my colleagues is that good work pays. I pray that they would also work hard.

 

“Do things with your heart, don’t do eye service, show compassion to the less privileged and your patients.”

 

Describing Okoroafor’s relationship with patients, the Head of Nursing at the Hospital, Ms Sarah Imohionsen, said that she was very caring and often referred to as “Maman Yara” because of how she helps even with patients’ bills.

 

“The kind of patients we have in Karshi are actually indigents. Most of them cannot actually afford their bills.

 

“We task ourselves, or at times we meet our Medical Director to write off the bills, and at other times we feed the patients, and she goes to all lengths to care for patients, either for drugs or blood.

 

“They know her around the hospital, so I am very happy with these little things we do, unnoticed, but it has been noticed today.”

 

Mr Jama Maden, the Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT, said he was impressed with the recognition to the rural nurse.

 

He said this indicated that good things would always locate those deserving of it irrespective of their location.

 

“The little care and the little steps you take to help somebody extraordinarily will also be traced to you wherever you are.”

 

Dr Esther Oshinluyi, Chair of the Health Mission Committee of NANNNA, said that the association was an umbrella body of nurses in the United States, Mexico and Canada.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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