NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

EU consultant says AI, art can play significant roles in food security

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By Patricia Amogu

Patricia Carvalho, a Policy Support Consultant of the European Union (EU) said science, technology in the form of Artificial Intelligence (AI), arts, and culture have significant roles to play in ensuring food security in Africa.

Carvalho said this via webinar in the course of a media briefing organised to unveil the S-T-ARTS4AFRICA Programme, an art-driven initiative aimed at creating opportunities for African artists to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to proffer solutions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the S-T-ARTS4AFRICA Programme is an initiative driven in Nigeria by the Gallery of Code, a research, development, and innovation company.

The EU consultant said it would be intriguing to get to the core of what artists could achieve in promoting food security and access to clean water using science and technology tools such as AI.

“We believe that science, technology, arts, and culture can play a significant role in tackling socio-economic and ecological challenges that are science-related.

“Through host institutions like the Gallery of Code, using an already existing approach from the European continent, we are connecting local and international artists with regional stakeholders to boost synergy among continents.

“Currently, there are eight residencies going on in Africa under the S-T-ARTS4AFRICA programme.

“One of the residencies is in Nigeria. The second one is in Tanzania. The third one is in Senegal, and there are two in Ghana, among others.

“At the end of the projects, there will be a final event in Senegal to bring all the residency hosts together at a meeting point to connect.

“It is a short project but not a one-off collaboration, and I believe that lessons will be taken away from it and will be applied across continents,” she said.

She reaffirmed EU’s commitment to supporting the programme and praised the visual artist that the Gallery of Code is working with to develop an innovative modular storage system for roots and tubers like Yams.

Speaking at the briefing, Mr Oscar Ekponimo, the Managing Director of Gallery of Code, stated that the initiative is a dedicated version of STARTS for Africa, an EU-led intervention in Nigeria.

“STARTS was initiated in 2016 but now there is a dedicated version for Africa.

“This is the first phase and the first time this is coming up in Africa and a Nigerian has been selected from among 300 applicants.

“Jibril Baba, a visual artist, has just been awarded a grant to support his project – a smart technology (model) that will address food storage challenges, boost food production, and curb rising food insecurity gaps in Nigeria,” he said.

Ekponimo stated that the EU is pushing for innovations, with an artistic perspective because innovation is more practical and impactful when it is artistically driven.

“Our visual artist that has been selected is to implement a model yam barn that will use artificial intelligence to monitor the change in climate conditions and also check the air quality around the yams, as well as monitor the possibility of spoilage.

“This will automatically control food wastage and address food insecurity.

“This will be the first of it’s kind and the project is still in its early stages,

“We have just finished the reflection stage and going further to the actualisation stage.

“I am happy to say that there will be a final exhibition in Nigeria and our artist has also been selected to exhibit at a festival that will be held in Austria early in September,” he added.

Dr Femi Adeluyi, the National Co-ordinator, National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), a new initiative of the Federal Government, said the project “is in full alignment with what the President Bola Tinubu administration seeks to achieve by investing in the creative industry.

“This is a good model that could be enhanced and made elaborate.

“Today it’s yams we are focusing on. Tomorrow it could be another agricultural product, and we can leverage this one.

“We want opportunities where our artists can showcase their skills and our products abroad and then benefit from such investments.

“This can enhance our socio-economic strength, and it shows we have a lot of value that we can bring to the table,” he said.

Speaking on the initiative, Baba said the core of the project “is a prototype yam barn; a modular storage system where yams will be slotted into storage spaces and use sensors that can check the climate conditions, and air quality and equally shield the yams from too much sunlight.

“During our preliminary research we visited different states in the Northeastern part of the country and discovered that out of 1,500 yam tubers harvested, 600 are lost due to lack of a good storage system.”

According to him, the production of the yam barn can help reduce wastage due to spoilage while increasing productivity and strengthening the chances of ensuring food security in Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Health

Veritas Kapital workers donate blood to save lives

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By Rukayat Adeyemi

In commemoration of the World Blood Donor Day, staff of Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc, on Friday donated blood to the nation’s blood bank to save lives, and as service to humanity.

The blood donation drive was through a partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service(LSBTS) and the National Blood Service Commission(NBSC) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the World Blood Donor Day is held annually on June 14 to appreciate voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood and to raise awareness of the need.

The 2024 World Blood Donor Day, which marks the 20th year anniversary of celebrating blood donors, is with the theme: “20 years of celebrating giving: Thank you, blood donors!”.

Commenting, Mr Sunkanmi Adekeye, Executive Director, Operations of Veritas Kapital Plc, said that the blood donation was done simultaneously in the insurance company’s Lagos and Abuja offices.

Adekeye said this was part of the insurance company’s Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) to the public and to also support the government’s campaign on voluntary donation into the country’s blood bank.

Adekeye explained that Veritas Kapital had keyed into the blood donation programmes since year 2022 when it partnered the NBSC in Abuja for its staff to donate blood.

The Executive Director noted that the insurance company extended the mandate to staff of its Lagos office through the LSBTS this year, as a commitment to reach more Nigerians who need blood.

“As a corporate entity, we are committed to saving lives and giving more people opportunities to live; service to humanity is the best gift of life.

“We are fully aware of the importance of blood for survival, and as a dutiful insurance firm, we are committed to support government’s campaign and effort to ensure sufficient blood supply in the nation’s blood bank.

“We need all Nigerians to live in good health and sound mind, as it is a living being that can be insured; hence our effort to also contribute and champion the course of blood donation.

Reacting, Mrs Temitope Balogun, Lead Team, LSBTS Voluntary Blood Donation Drive at Veritas Kapital, lauded the underwriting firm for partnering with LSBTS and championing the mission for sufficient blood supply in the country.

Balogun said that Veritas Kapital through its partnership with the blood donating services has joined the league of companies with life saving culture in the country.

“Veritas Kapital is now on the list of partnering companies with the LSBTS and saving lives of Nigerians,”she said.

According to Balogun,voluntary blood donation increases the availability of blood in blood bank for those who need blood urgently to survive.

She listed patients in need of blood to include: sickle cell and cancer patients, children that are anemic and need blood transfusion, accident victims, a woman who delivered of a baby with complications or bleeding, among others.

According to her, blood donation is beneficial to donors, as it helps them to shed excess iron in the heart, ascertain their blood pressure and hemoglobin level, as well as check their prostrates and weights.

Balogun advised male Nigerians to donate blood every three months and for women, every four months.

This, she said, would help in maintaining appropriate well-being as well as contribute to saving the life of others.

NAN also reports that Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc is a leading insurance company in Nigeria licensed to cover all classes of non-life insurance products and services.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Sports

Adewumi pledges support for golf development in Nigeria

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

Dr Rowland Adewumi, a golf enthusiast and promoter has pledged to invest more in the development of golf in Nigeria through his “Rowland Adewumi” golf classic tournament.

Adewumi stated this on Saturday at the tee-off of the tournament at the prestigious IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, where both professional and amateur golfers are slugging it out for honours.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the inaugural tournament is meant to serve as a veritable platform for the development of amateur and professional Nigerian golfers to international standards.

The philanthropist stressed the need to have sustainable tournaments for golf development across the country, in line with international best practices.

“I think the game of golf has been lagging behind, so I just decided to make my own contribution to the develop the game better in Nigeria.

“This is the inaugural tournament and I intend to make it a yearly affair in the spirit of developing the sport further.

“So apart from the game, we intend doing charity today, so we are supporting about four charity homes/orphanages and widows, so it’s not all about the game but at the same time supporting charity,” he said.

Adewumi, who is a professional golfer Handicap 7 with the IBB Int golf and country club called on government and the private sector to show more commitment to the development of the sport in the country.

“We need to support the pros in the country,, because if you look at the ranking in the world, Nigerian pros are not performing better.

“So I think the private sector, the government and other stakeholders need to support the pros as well to lift up the game to a higher height,” he added.

He said the tournament was put together to celebrate his 50th birthday, but promised to make it an annual event that will serve as platform for grooming professional and amateur golfers.

Earlier, Captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Ibrahim Babayo extolled the support of Adewumi to the growth of the sport in the country, while calling on others to emulator him.

“We have got talents that are not opportuned to be exposed to this game and this philanthropist, Dr Adewumi has created a platform for these talents.

“I can tell you what he has done for us in this club is unprecedented, so we wish him happy birthday.

“We thank him for deepening the game of golf in Nigeria, we thank him for the sponsorship he’s been doing in IBB golf club, he’s one of our biggest donors and he’s been supportive of all our programmes,” he said.

NAN reports that the three-day tournament featured more than 100 golfers competing in a stroke play format over the renowned 18-hole, lush green IBB golf course.

A total of N20 million prize money and other consolation prizes are up for grabs at the end of the classic. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Health

Blood donation noble act of giving–NNPC

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By Franca Ofili

Mrs Mirian Anabui, Manager Diagnostics Services NNPC Medical Services Limited (NMSL), has described blood donation as a noble act of giving that symbolises the essence of humanity.

Anabui expressed this view on Friday in Abuja at an event to commemorate the 2024 World Blood Donor Day.

The theme of the event was “20 years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You Donors!”

“We stand united in gratitude and admiration for the noble act of giving; the act that sustains lives, fuels hope, and embodies the essence of humanity.

“Today, we come together to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 20 years of giving.

“With each donation, you have provided hope to those in need, strength to the vulnerable, and reassurance to the weary,” she said.

According to her, donors have represented the spirit of solidarity and compassion; demonstrating that a single act of kindness has the power to transform lives and shape the course of our shared humanity.

She urged them to reaffirm their commitment to supporting blood donation initiatives, raising awareness and advocating for equitable access to safe blood supplies for all.

“Together, we can ensure that the legacy of giving continues to thrive and that future generations inherit a world where the gift of life knows no boundaries,’’ she said.

Delivering a lecture, Mr Oyetunde Akinloye, a educator, Blood Safety Consultant, said that the event was to create awareness for blood donations to ensure the quality, safety and availability of blood and blood products.

According to him, there is life in every drop; hence the need to give blood.

Akinloye said that blood services were vital part of the healthcare system, providing life-saving transfusion for a variety of medical conditions.

“However, maintaining a sustainable blood supply can be challenging due to factors like short shelf life of blood products, fluctuations in donor availability and increase demand for blood transfusions.

“Others are fund, high turnover of trained, skilled personnel and infrastructure/equipment,” he said.

According to him, blood transfusion situation in Nigeria lacks of reliable data.

Akinloye said that enhancing blood service sustainably should be a national blood policy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that certificates was given to donors.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Economy/Business

Trade Modernisation Project to empower 2,500 customs personnel with technical skills

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By Martha Agas

The Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Ltd, will empower 2,500 personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) with technical skills.

According to Mr Ahmed Ogunshola, the General Manager of the project, this is in line with the project’s capacity building framework.

Ogunshola said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

NAN reports that TMP Ltd is the concessionaire of the NCS trade project.

It is a 20-year concession agreement which has three phases, with phase one covering year one to six; phase two, seven to 13, and phase three from 14 to 20 years .

The agreement was signed on May 27, 2023 between the Federal Government of Nigeria represented by NCS Board, and Trade Modernisation Project Ltd.

TMP is the automation of the business processes of the NCS to simplify , and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain.

According to the manager, the training aims to empower the personnel with the requisite skills to operate state-of-the art technology that will be deployed to automate trade processes.

“More than 2,500 NCS personnel will be trained by the first quarter of 2025,
in line with the project’s capacity building framework.

“ This will cover strategy, management and technical training, as well as direct skills and knowledge transfer.

“TMP has jointly designed, developed and deployed all technology systems and platforms for the project. This ensures that NCS has complete knowledge of all technology software, hardware and services from inception,” he said.

He said that the company was developing a software known as the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), to be deployed to monitor all stages of transactions by traders and other processes.

According to him, the revenue cluster of the new system has been released and is currently undergoing user acceptance tests to facilitate the smooth integration of other stakolders in to the system.

“TMP has signed and is implementing nine technical agreements with its technical and financial partners.

“TMP invested 2.5 million dollars to retrofit the NCS Project Management Office, a one-story building donated by NCS to the project.

“TMP, upon handover of the Project Management Office (PMO) by NCS, renovated the space to world class standard, with latest-in-class technology, including a Modernisation Hub and teleconference facilities.

“The PMO is now host to about 100 professionals daily, drawn from NCS and TMP and its partners, working on the delivery of Phase 1 of the project,” he said.

NAN reports that the project is expected to generate in excess of 250 billion dollars for the Federal Government during the life of the concession.

The concessionaire is expected to invest 3.2 billion dollars to deliver the project over the 20-year period. (NAN)(www.nannew.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Sports

Osimhen, Okocha, Pires, others storm Abuja for Attom charity cup

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Attom Foundation, an NGO in collaboration with some football legends will on Saturday play a Charity Champions Cup to raise awareness and funds for the eye treatment of  over 10, 000 Nigerians.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the much anticipated match is billed for the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

 

Reigning African footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen and some Super Eagles stars will join African legends like Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Eboue among others.

 

Yahaya Attom, the Founder/CEO of Attom Foundation, disclosed this at a pre-match news conference  on Friday in Abuja.

 

He said the charity match will go a long way in raising awareness about the plight of Nigerians in need of eye treatment.

 

He said the goal is to raise awareness and ultimately provide medical assistance to over 10,000 indigent Nigerians.

 

Attom who was represented by Emmanuel Ugonna, a comedian popularly known as Craze Clown,  said the foundation has offered free surgery to over 2,000 Nigerians in Maiduguri as part of it’s outreach.

 

He said going forward, the foundation plans to have mobile eye clinics in each of the 36 states of the country in line with international best practices.

 

‘Our plan is to have 36 mobile eye clinics across all states in the country where you can have eye tests, cataract surgeries and so on.

“Each of the mobile clinics costs 250,000 dollars   so you can see what we are talking about, we have four already at the Lagos port,” he said.

 

Earlier, Super Eagles stand-in captain, Kenneth Omeruo urged Abuja fans to troop to the stadium to enjoy good football for a noble cause.

“When the foundation contacted me, I had no hesitation because am also involved in charity, especially as it involves the blind, my foundation is also supporting some schools.

“Abuja is also my city, so am proud to be part of this project, we have Jay Jay here, Kanu is here and a lot of other legends,” he said.

 

Dr Ozy Okonokhua, a public health optometrist and partner for the charity match decried the the lack of access to eye care/ treatment for most Nigerians, especially in the rural areas.

 

Okonokhua said about 84 per cent of blindness in Nigeria are preventable/ avoidable with early checkup, treatment or surgery.

 

He said the north-east and northern part of Nigeria has the highest number of people with blindness/visual impairment, stressing the need for all hands to be on deck to reverse this trend.

 

According to him, HMC is partnering with the Attom Foundation to raise awareness and give some intervention and free consultation to Nigerians in this regard.

 

Kafayat Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, a dance instructor/fitness coach, who is the Project Director for the Foundation assured of a world class event on Saturday.

 

NAN reports that the event was graced by ex-internationals and celebrities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Foreign , General News

French embassy launches plastic waste management project in Nigerian universities

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By Joshua Olomu

The French Embassy in Nigeria, through its Cooperation and Cultural Department, has launched a plastic waste management project to be executed in 13 Nigerian universities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Sebastien Bede, Science and Higher Education Attache, stated this at a news conference on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, the project, under the French Embassy Fund(FEF), is worth €753,000 and is focused on developing innovative and adaptive ideas for reducing plastic waste and enhancing campus sustainable practices.

He said a steering committee has been set up involving , participating universities, representatives of the National Universities Commission, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, and the Ministry of Environment.

Bede said the benefiting universities include the Alex Ekwueme Federal University; Bayero University, Kano, Nile University of Nigeria, Covenant University; Babcock University and the University of Jos.

Others he said, include Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, University of Calabar, University of Nigeria Nsukka and the University of Delta.

“Plastic waste is a pressing global issue and through this project, we aim to reduce the plastic footprint on Nigerian campuses.

“It will also inspire a new generation of environmental stewards who can champion the cause for a plastic-free world starting with their immediate communities.

“I also see the opportunity that we organise a study tour in Nigerian universities, French universities, business schools, and engineering schools, to discuss cooperation.

“Whether it is for plastic recycling or any other areas of cooperation, we are willing to open the cooperation to more universities in Nigeria.

“A key component of this project is sustainability and that is why I said that we have also co-designed a business model for these microplants, and total amount for this project is €753,000,” he said.

Bede added that the components of the project for deployment within the next 18 months include delivering two micro plants co-designed by and for two universities, research initiatives in innovative solutions for sustainable development.

He added that circular economy, qualitative value chain, gender inclusivity, and entrepreneurship to support the research projects, and an exchange programme between Nigerian and French researchers were also parts of the project’s components.

In her remark, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, said the project is not just about money but about value delivery, especially through students.

“I think it is with the young ones we can find that and we have to ask them, we have to test whatever hypothesis we have, and that you can only do on the campus in the university, so it’s a lot of work.

“We have already started it at the University of Lagos and we do know that students will do it, but not every student is doing it.

“Right now, with what we already do, we make about a million from waste but it is ploughed back, and we still have a lot of waste to get rid of.

“So working with the French government and the other French universities, we will be able to up our game, improve the technology, and we’re looking at technology that’s robust that we can use .

“We looking forward to the micro plans because it is going to make what we do more efficient, we already have things to help with sorting but it is not enough,” she said.

Also, Prof Dilli Dogo, Vice Chancellor,Nile University of Nigeria, said about 70 per cent of the component of waste generated in Nigeria is food waste or recyclable organic waste.

Dogo, who was represented by Prof Abdulhameed Mambo, Dean Faculty of Environmental Science, said recyclable waste comprises vapour, metals, as well as plastic which is about 30 per cent.

“If you look at that 30 per cent again, around 10 per cent is made of plastic, and this is what you see outside campuses.

“But studies carried out in Nigeria found close to 60 per cent of the waste component on campus, while the food component and the other components are quite low,” he said.

The FEF-funded project is an initiative of the French government as part of the global dynamic to fight against plastic pollution.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Politics

Tinubu among heroes of Nigeria democracy – Benue NASS caucus

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By Femi Ogunshola

The National Assembly members, Benue caucus has described President Bola Tinubu as one of the country’s living heroes of democracy and an exemplary leader committed to democratic values

Rep. Philip Agbese, spokesperson of the group praised Tinubu’s efforts in promoting economic growth, good governance and social justice, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday to mark Democracy Day.

He said the president’s dedication to the nation’s progress is a testament to his statesmanship and vision.

He also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, for his crucial role in supporting the president’s agenda and ensuring effective implementation of policies.

“On this auspicious occasion of Democracy Day, the Benue caucus in the national assembly salutes and celebrates Tinubu, a shining exemplar of democratic values and a champion of the Nigerian people.

“We are honoured to extol the virtues of the president, who has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the growth and development of our beloved country, Nigeria”, he said.

He said that Tinubu’s leadership and vision had rekindled hope and inspired a new generation of Nigerians to embrace democracy as a way of life.

“We also commend the SGF for his love and dedication to the people of Benue and Nigeria at large.

“His selfless service and contributions to our nation’s progress are duly acknowledged and appreciated.

“We pledge our continued support, loyalty and collaboration with this administration to ensure the realisation of our shared vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria”, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne

General News

Nigeria can become global talent pool, says NATEP boss

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By Patricia Amogu

Dr Femi Adeluyi, the National Coordinator, National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), says Nigeria could become a global talent pool because of the quality of talents and skills it exports.

Adeluyi said this when the Managing Director, Gallery of Code, Mr Oscar Ekponimo, led a delegation of experts alongside winner, STARTS4AFRICA in Nigeria to pay him a courtesy visit Tuesday in Abuja.

STARTS4AFRICA is an initiative that will allow artists to address regional challenges around food and water, digital mapping and speculative landscapes, culture, among other thematic areas.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NATEP was launched by the Federal Government in 2023 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to catalyse job creation by exporting local talents.

“Nigeria has a lot of niche export areas and one of our greatest exports is our talents.

“In the next couple of decades, Africa and Nigeria will become a talent hub because we are getting closer to becoming third largest continent in the world.

“What NATEP is focusing on is to not just jobs inside Nigeria but we are focusing on jobs that are outside the country.

“The idea is to create jobs that can bring in foreign exchange into Nigeria that can strengthen the economy thereby using NATEP to change the Nigerian narrative’’, he said.

He said that what virtual artist, Jibril Baba, was doing with the sponsorship from STARTS4AFRICA was a welcome development because it could help in strengthening food storage system in Nigeria.

“This is a really good model which can be enhanced and elaborated on.

“What Gallery of Code is doing with the STARTS4AFRICA programme is interesting, I also like the STARTS initiative’’, he said.

Ekponimo said the visit was meant to bring home one of the three winners from the STARTS4AFRICA challenge and seek inputs and areas of collaboration with NATEP.

According to him, the programme, a science, technology and arts-driven initiative, is a dedicated version of STARTS for Africa, an EU-led intervention with the Gallery of Code serving as the umbrella body for the initiative in Nigeria.

“This is the first phase and the first time this is coming up in Africa and a Nigerian has been selected from among 300 applicants.

“Jibril Baba, a visual artist, has just been awarded a grant that will support his project – a smart technology that will address food storage challenges and boost food production in Nigeria .

“We look forward to your mentorship and collaborations and we are open to push further discussions forward on the “niche areas’ that we can leverage on for future stakeholder collaborations.

“Jibril will be showcasing his final exhibition in Nigeria and also Austria. He was selected among the winners to exhibit at an Arts festival in Austria from Sept 4-Sept 8’’, he said. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

General News

Flood: NEMA seeks activation of NSCDC emergency team

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By Philomina Attah

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for activation of emergency response teams of the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) towards a disaster free 2024.

NEMA Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, made the call during a courtesy visit to the NSCDC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said the call was necessary in anticipation of predicted floods, which would be affecting 148 LGAs in 31 states this rainy season.

Umar emphasised the importance of enhancing collaboration among government agencies, .

“Specifically, 148 LGAs in 31 States are predicted to be within the high flood risk areas.

“249 LGAs in 35 states and the FCT are considered to fall within the moderate flood risk areas during the 2024 rainy season.

“I seek for your collaboration with NEMA in the onerous task of saving lives and livelihoods.

This will also restore normalcy in the event of floods and associated secondary disasters as the rainy season intensifies,” she said.

According to her, the visit follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on Feb. 2, by NEMA and NSCDC, aimed at bolstering disaster preparedness and response.

She underscored the need for continuous engagement to ensure the safety, security, and dignity of Nigerians during disasters.

Umar praised the NSCDC for its consistent support in providing security during disaster response operations, highlighting their role in safeguarding relief interventions and protecting vulnerable groups.

“NEMA distribution of relief materials can not have been a success without the NSCDC providing safety and security to our staffers, the beneficiaries, and the items distributed.

“The NSCDC has provided safety and protected the dignity of women, children and the elderly living in Internally Displaced Persons Camps and those forced to take refuge in host communities as a result of disaster situations,” she said.

Responding, the NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Ahmed Audi, expressed the organisation’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with other agencies.

The CG highlighted the importance of collaboration in disaster preparedness, distribution of materials, and training.

According to him, NSCDC would deepen the collaboration and ensure a more robust approach to addressing the current security challenges in the country.

He also emphasised the need for coordination and cooperation among agencies to provide solutions to the ongoing conflicts.

Additionally, the CG assured NEMA of its organisation’s support in terms of workers’ safety and security during material distribution.

He reiterated NSCDC’s dedication to working together with its partners to ensure peace and security in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

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