NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
2,000 Warri residents benefit from Navy medical outreach 
Defence/Security

2,000 Warri residents benefit from Navy medical outreach 

220 total views today

2,000 Warri residents benefit from Navy medical outreach

By Edeki Igafe

No fewer than 2,000 residents of Warri South on Monday benefited from the medical outreach organised by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta.

 

The event, held at the Warri South Local Government Secretariat Annex, was to mark the 68th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy (NN).

 

Beneficiaries of the medical outreach comprised youth and adults from Ubeji, Ugbuwangue, Igbudu, Okumagba, Agbasa and other neighbouring communities of the local government area.

 

The Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Abba Muhsin, said the exercise was held as directed by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

 

“To commemorate this milestone, the Nigerian Navy, in fulfilment of its commitment and social responsibility to her host communities, is organising a Medical Rhapsody as part of the anniversary celebration,” he said.

 

Muhsin said the essence of the outreach was to help the people within its host communities as part of the mandate of the NN.

 

Muhsin said the medical outreach involved reaching out and rendering free medical services to selected communities by specialist medical personnel of the NN.

 

“We want the local communities to feel that they are part of us as much as we are part of them.

 

“The beneficiaries of this medical outreach are usually communities in the host local government area, which is Warri South.

 

“Warri South has been chosen as the beneficiary of this medical outreach and our choice is not influenced by any other factor but purely on humanitarian,” he said.

 

He said the exercise comprised free medical checks, blood pressure checks, consultation and treatment, dental, eyes check, sugar tests, and laboratory tests.

 

Muhsin said the NN was committed to the well-being of the people and urged them to always visit the Nigerian Navy Hospital in Effurun for medical attention.

 

“We have for long identified with you as being part of us and we as part of the larger society,” he said.

 

The commander urged the people to join the Navy in its bid to make the society safe and conducive for everyone.

 

Muhsin expressed joy at the reception and the turnout of people for the exercise, noting it would encourage the navy to do more.

 

He assured that beyond the anniversary, the NN would continue to identify with the

people.

 

In his remark, Chief Eyituoyo Awani, who spoke on behalf of the communities, thanked the NN for the gesture.

 

Awani described the outreach as a “legacy programme”, considering the high cost of executing health programmes in the country.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a public health talk on hypertension was held as delivered by a medical practitioner of the NN.

Drugs were also distributed to beneficiaries at no cost. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Moses Solanke

Children’s Day : NHRC ,CALDEV collaborate against violation of children’s rights
General News

Children’s Day : NHRC ,CALDEV collaborate against violation of children’s rights

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Children’s Day : NHRC ,CALDEV collaborate against violation of children’s rights

By Joshua Olomu

The National Human Rights Commission(NHRC) and the Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative (CALDEV) have expressed willingness to work together against all forms of violation of the rights of Nigerian children.

The two organisation made this known when a delegation of CALDEV officials and school children paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of NHRC on Monday in Abuja.

Bamidele Salam, Founder and President of CALDEV, who led the delegation, said the visit was part of stakeholders engagement to rally support for the rights of Nigerian children as they mark the International Children’s Day.

According to Salam, who represents Ede North,South/Egbedero/Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State at the Federal House of Representatives, there is a gap on issues affecting children in Nigeria in spite of the Child Rights Act.

“One of those gaps is the one that has to do with children’s rights to education, and is sad that in the whole world, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children.

According to UNICEF, about 17.5 million children do not have access to education in Nigeria today, and over 15 million are involved in forced labour.

“Children have been victims of violence in their homes, violence in schools, violence even in religious places and violence in several spaces.

“This is largely because there are inadequate measures to protect them from abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional trauma that they face.

“I believe that an occasion like this should be used to drum up the awareness and ask for the intervention of government at all levels on addressing these problems.

“So we are here today to further extend to you our hand of collaboration and readiness to work together with the National Human Rights Commission for the purpose of protecting the rights of Nigerian children.

“Together we can raise awareness and initiate measures that will ensure that there are consequences for those who abuse the rights of children, because where there are no consequences, impunity is bound to continue.

“So we are asking the National Human Rights Commission to please focus more attention on the rights of children because they can hardly speak up for themselves,” he said.

Salam therefore presented a formal proposal for a collaborative partnership with NHRC to the Executive Secretary

In his remarks, Mr Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary/CEO of NHRC commended CALDEV for the initiative and expressed his goodwill to Nigerian Children on the celebration of their day.

Ojukwu who was represented by Mr Harry Obe, Director in the Department of Economic,Social and Cultural Rights of NHR, said the commission has a department that is dedicated to issues of children and women.

He therefore expressed the commission’s readiness to collaborate with CALDEV in protecting the rights of the Nigerian child.

“We also have programme areas that focus on issues of children because we believe that dealing with human rights abuses and violations is a question of vulnerability.

“The fact that children are vulnerable is not in doubt because of their age and circumstances they find themselves, they are subject to control and possible manipulation by older members of the society.

“So there must be a dedicated effort like you have shown and then institutions like the NHRC must work with you to ensure that the children are protected from possible violations or abuses.

“Our law envisage that we partner with civil society organisations, and for a civil society organisation that is focusing on a particular area that is within our mandate,we will work with you,” he said.

Obe added that a committee comprising of members from both organisations would be set up to draft a memorandum of understanding for the collaboration.(NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Ekiti govt partners FMBN to deliver 2,000 houses
General News

Ekiti govt partners FMBN to deliver 2,000 houses

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Ekiti govt partners FMBN to deliver 2,000 houses

By Angela Atabo

The Ekiti State government is seeking partnership with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to deliver 2,000 housing units to the people of the state.

Governor of the state, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, said this during a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of FMBN, Shehu Osidi, on Monday in Abuja.

Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser, Bureau of Housing and Mortgage Development, Gboyega Oloniyo, said the visit was to congratulate Osidi on his appointment as well as to make some requests.

According to him, there is need for the Ekiti government to synergise with FMBN on housing delivery to address the housing deficit in the state.

“Our government holds housing sector in high esteem but there is a challenge for us in achieving housing delivery because houses are not cheap now.

“You will agree with me that we don’t have low cost housing any longer and there cannot be medium cost housing because the cost of building materials has gone up.

“Where do we run to for shelter? It is only by coming to your organisation to see how we can truly join hands together,” he said.

Oyebanji said his government had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a company to work with FMBN to deliver the 2,000 housing units.

He said Ekiti State had a huge diaspora population that could match any state in the country as well as a good number of civil servants, hence there would not be a problem with the off takers of the houses.

He said the housing idea was not only about availability of houses but affordability.

He said the housing project would address the challenges people in the diaspora faced by sending money home for building which were usually diverted by friends and family members.

He said the construction of the houses would be in all the local government areas of the state so that people would buy houses in places closest to them.

“The government is ready for this because we are providing hectares of land in each of the local governments to take care of this,” he said.

Osidi assured the Ekiti State government of the bank’s readiness to partner with the state to deliver houses.

Osidi said, “We feel normally excited when state governments extend hands of fellowship to us to partner to provide affordable houses to Nigerians.

“Like you know, our mandate is to provide homeownership, by way of mortgage financing to the lower and middle income earners in this country.

“This is for Nigerian workers in the public and private sectors, but even self employed individuals are also at liberty to contribute to the National Housing Fund and take advantage of our various loan products.

“One of the reasons FMBN decided to venture into financing housing construction is so that we can achieve controlled prices for the kind of houses that we are financing.

“This is because generally, houses that are available in the market are not within the threshold of affordability for our target market.”

Osidi said the Bank would partner with Ekiti State government to provide mortgage financing to indigenes of the state who were contributors to National Housing Fund at six per cent interest rate.

He said the bank also partnered with developers to deliver houses in the state, adding that it currently had three ongoing projects worth over N2 billion, already disbursed for the construction of 145 housing units.

He said the state would also benefit from the President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope housing agenda to delver 100,000 houses across the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

Tinubu’s renewed hope and the paradigm shift in sports development
Sports , Features

Tinubu’s renewed hope and the paradigm shift in sports development

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Tinubu’s renewed hope and the paradigm shift in sports development

 

By Muhyideen Jimoh

 

When President Bola Tinubu on Aug. 16, 2023 named Sen. John Owan Enoh as the country’s new sports minister to drive the renewed hope agenda for the Sports sector, not many stakeholders knew what to expect.

 

As the Tinubu administration marks one year in office, Enoh in a short period has continued to unveil and implement far reaching policies aimed at transforming the sporting landscape in Nigeria.

 

The minister in a deliberate and bold move to transform the sports industry unveiled a six-point agenda titled  ‘W.A.I.F.A.R’ to drive Nigeria’s sports development.

 

The strategic initiative which is the pillar of foundation upon which a vibrant sports industry is being built is thus explained.

 

W- Welfare: activating and enabling a welfare system that caters to serving and retired athletes as well as an annual recognition platform.

 

A- Activation of grassroots sports development; early age (under 18) sports and revitalization of school sports.

 

I – Infrastructure, development. Investment in building and revamping stadiums, as well as focus on grassroots sports facilities.

 

F- Funding for sports development. Exploring collaborative funding models between the government and the private sector

 

A- Activation of grassroots sports development; early age (under 18) sports and revitalization of school sports.

 

R- Reorganisation of sports federations for impact. Sports governance and effectiveness of sports federations.

“This agenda is meticulously designed to bolster growth and excellence within the country’s sports sector.

 

“We must key into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and strive to propel the sports industry to newer heights.

 

“President Tinubu’s genuine enthusiasm for sports underscores his unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where the sports sector, not only flourishes but also reaches unparalleled success,“he said.

 

He said Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon passion for the growth of sports, stating that his commitment has seen his administration practically remove all obstacles that will hamper the discovery of budding talents and progress in all sports.

 

“His commitment to the development of sports which informed the creation of the full Ministry of Sports Development is unrivalled. Indeed, Mr President has demonstrated uncommon passion for the growth of sports in our country.

 

“For instance, our President graciously cleared all the debts accumulated by the former administration in the funding of football in excess of N12 billion.

 

“There is no doubt that this new lease contributed significantly to the stellar performance of our national team, the Super eagles who placed second to the hosts, the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in the 2023 African cup of Nations.

 

“Nigeria’s heroics and achievement at the 13th African Games in Ghana would not have been possible without Mr President full support.

“Our sports loving president spared no effort to ensure that our athletes were adequately funded in spite of the paucity of funds and competing national priorities,” Enoh said.

 

With a keen focus on fostering grassroots participation, infrastructure development, athlete empowerment and making sports big business, the Tinubu administration is beginning to usher in a paradigm shift in sports development in Nigeria.

Aside the reforms, another critical area that is being pursued vigorously is attracting private-sector investment, and positioning sports as a significant sector for employment and revenue generation.

 

To this end the Federal Government in October, 2023 approved the adoption of the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) for full implementation.

 

“It is important that going forward, the investments and funding for sports should come from the private sector, as obtainable in other parts of the world.

 

“One of the plans of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development is to see how to sell sports to the private sector.

 

“We want to build the trust and confidence of the private sector, so that competitions and the initiatives of the ministry can enjoy the supports and endorsement of the private sector,” the sports minister explained.

 

The ministry subsequently signed three ground-breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with corporate organisations to bolster sports development and funding.

 

The agreement with Yanga Games Technologies (YGT), a private sector company will help Nigerian sports raise N35 billion over the next four years to augment budgetary allocations.

 

While the MoU with Effa Management Ltd. will create facility clusters in the six geopolitical zones, not forgetting the GTI partnership that seeks to revamp the former Challenge Cup, now called the President Federation Cup, among other things.

 

As Nigeria intensifies preparation for the Paris Olympics in July, there is an increasing number of Nigerian athletes who have secured qualification for the Games.

 

The Nigeria women’s national football team, Super Falcons, leads the pack by breaking a 16-year jink to qualify for the summer Olympics.

 

Others are Nigeria’s strong contingent in the track and field, boxing, wrestling, Taekwondo, Canoeing, Cycling, women Basketball among others.

 

Under Tinubu`s leadership, Nigerian athletes have achieved various successes across  sporting events, including the African Cup of Nations, the African Games, and the World Relay Championships in the Bahamas.

 

They have also achieved positive strides on the international stage, showcasing the nation’s prowess and determination in the world of sports.

 

In spite of the notable achievements in the sector, stakeholders are quick to stress the need for better welfare for athletes, increased funding, transparency, infrastructure development and grassroots development.

 

The stakeholders maintain that the Tinubu administration must continue to prioritise sports development and create the enabling environment for the private sector to key into the vision of running sports as a big business and not just for mere recreation.

 

***If used please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria

Children’s Day: AMAC inaugurates ‘Endowment Fund’ for rural children
Education

Children’s Day: AMAC inaugurates ‘Endowment Fund’ for rural children

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Children’s Day: AMAC inaugurates ‘Endowment Fund’ for rural children

By Philomina Attah

The Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Mr Christopher Maikalangu, has announced the establishment of an ‘Education Endowment Fund’ to enable children in rural communities have access to education.

The AMAC Chairman announced this on Monday, at the 2024 Children’s Day celebration at LEA Primary School, Aleyita, Abuja.

Highlighting the theme of this year’s celebration, “Inclusion, for Every Child”, Maikalangu emphasised the role of education in protecting children from various forms of abuse.

He said that no child should be denied access to basic education and called for community vigilance in reporting any cases of child abuse, violence, or molestation.

“I am honoured to join the rest of the world in commemorating Children’s Day with our children in AMAC. Education is a fundamental right, and it is imperative for every child to resist any form of child abuse.

“This administration has adopted the Child’s Right Act to ensure no child is abused or molested in our schools and communities,” Maikalangu stated.

To reinforce this commitment, Maikalangu announced the formation of a task force and the deployment of intelligent officers dedicated to gathering information and prosecuting cases of child abuse.

The AMAC chairman vowed to personally monitor the situation by paying unannounced visits to schools and communities, ensuring that no violator, regardless of status, would go unpunished.

“Every child must go to school. As Executive Chairman, I will be visiting schools and communities to interact directly with children and gather firsthand information.

“No violator of children’s rights will be spared,” Maikalangu declared.

According to him, the newly announced ‘Education Endowment Fund’ is designed to provide educational opportunities for children in rural areas, offering them a chance to study within Nigeria and internationally.

He also said that the initiative underscored the commitment to inclusive education and the vision of empowering future leaders through learning.

Maikalangu extended his gratitude to the teachers and caregivers for their dedication and hard work, urging them to continue their diligent efforts, as their actions significantly influenced the children’s learning and development.

In his address to the children, Maikalangu congratulated them on Children’s Day and encouraged them to focus on their studies, reminding them of their role as the leaders of tomorrow.

He also prayed for a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for the children’s growth and development.

Delivering her goodwill message, Hajara Musa, Head Teacher, Gwagwa LEA, urged students to be committed to their education and community activities.

She congratulated the students and emphasised the importance of staying away from illicit drugs.

On his part, Mr Obiora Arinze, the Supervisory Councillor, Education and Social Development, AMAC, said the Chairman’ s cardinal objective was to ensure that every child within AMAC had access to education.

“Every May 27 is actually a special day for the children. There’s this saying that when you actually educate a child, you are building a formidable future. And that’s the dream of this administration.

“The Chairman has always put education in the front burner. I just hope and pray for these children to see the need to be more committed in their learning for a better future tomorrow, “he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the celebration was cash donation for the participating schools, exercise books, and white boards to support learning.

NAN also reports that a cash sum of N300,000 was presented to the school that came first position in the match pass, while N200,000 was given to the first runner-up.

The second runner-up got N100,000 as its share of the money that was donated by the AMAC Chairman, among other incentives. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/ Abiemwense Moru

Human trafficking: Danish envoy canvases awareness, improved border security
General News

Human trafficking: Danish envoy canvases awareness, improved border security

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Human trafficking: Danish envoy canvases awareness, improved border security
By Muhyideen Jimoh
The Denmark Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Sune Krogstrup, has called for more public awareness and improved border security to curb human trafficking and irregular migration from Nigeria.
Krogstrup made the call on Friday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of a documentary premiere titled “I wish I Knew” in Abuja.
The documentary was produced by MeCAHT in partnership with EXIST and funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.
The envoy, who decried the global problem of human trafficking, advised that all hands to be on deck to address the challenge in Nigeria.
“Denmark has been a supporter of organisations such as MeCAHT who is producing advocacy initiatives aimed at combating trafficking and irregular migration.
“The focus of our support for this project is very much about awareness raising, but there are other elements such as border security and border management which we have also done with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the UN.
“We have also worked with the organisation called International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) to boost the capacity of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to address issues related to irregular migration, ” he said.
The envoy described irregular migration and human trafficking as complex issues that required holistic measures to curtail.
He said that available statistics showed that Nigerians top the list of victims trafficked to Denmark, hence the need for more public awareness and enlightenment.
“Denmark is a relatively small country in northern Europe, and yet what we are seeing in statistics is that Nigerians are on top of the list in terms of victims of trafficking.
“These are typically young women that are trafficked for what is now called sex trafficking, so it’s a huge tragedy.
“And the Danish government will continue to play its part in combating this, because it’s also a human right issue for the Nigerians being trafficked,” he said.
Krogstrup emphasised the need for stronger synergy among organisations such as NAPTIP, MeCAHT and IOM in identifying and reaching out to vulnerable communities across Nigeria, to prevent them from becoming victims of human trafficking.
Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery which involves the illegal trade of people for exploitation or commercial gain and is estimated to be a 150 billion dollars global industry. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
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Denmark, MeCAHT premiere documentary on curbing human trafficking in Nigeria
General News

Denmark, MeCAHT premiere documentary on curbing human trafficking in Nigeria

248 total views today
Denmark, MeCAHT premiere documentary on curbing human trafficking in Nigeria
By Muhyideen Jimoh
The Media Coalition and Awareness to Halt Trafficking (MeCAHT), an international NGO in collaboration with the Embassy of Denmark in Nigeria on Friday premiered a documentary film in Abuja to create awareness against human trafficking.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the movie titled ‘I wish I knew’, had in attendance anti- human trafficking stakeholders.
The Denmark Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Sune Krogstrup told NAN that the documentary was one of Denmark’s numerous ways of supporting public awareness/preventive outreach against the menace.
“Denmark has been a supporter of  the organisation MeCAHT who is producing advocacy initiatives aimed at combating trafficking and irregular migration.
“This is really about spreading the word about what trafficking is and how it looks, so that people who are vulnerable to it are able to spot it,” he said.
Earlier, MeCAHT international Executive Director, Ms Anne Abok stressed the need for stronger synergy among stakeholders to curb human trafficking, which she describes as an endemic form of modern slavery.
“We have always worked in partnership and we believe that the fight against human trafficking can never thrive when we work in silos.
“So when we work and form partnerships, then we can see good results.
“This film is studded with survivals of human trafficking. In the course of our work we discovered that our voices is not exactly the voices that prevent human trafficking, but the voices of survivals, when they share their experiences,” she said.
Abok emphasised the need for rehabilitation, psychosocial support and empowerment for victims of trafficking, so that they can get their lives back together and also contribute in the advocacy against the crime.
NAN reports that the documentary film chronicles the touching story of four Nigerian survivors of human trafficking who share their
tragic stories.
It paints a gory picture of human trafficking, exposes the tricks of traffickers and showcases ways to curb the crime.
The premiere was attended by stakeholders including International Organization for Migration (IOM), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), NGOs among others.
The film  which is produced by MeCAHT in partnership with EXIST and funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
Denmark, will also be screened in five other most vulnerable states to ensure the awareness gets to the grassroots. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Anti-corruption: Al-Habibiyyah tasks FG on partnership with religious organisations
General News , Religious

Anti-corruption: Al-Habibiyyah tasks FG on partnership with religious organisations

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Anti-corruption: Al-Habibiyyah tasks FG on partnership with religious organisations

By Suleiman Shehu

An Islamic organisation, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, has urged the Federal Government (FG) to partner with genuine religious organisations in its fight against corruption.

The association’s Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr Kola Adeyemi, gave the advice at a 2-day sustainability training on Anti-Corruption and Accountability campaign in Ibadan on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by the Islamic Society for Imams and Islamic scholars in the South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

Adeyemi said partnering with sincere religious organisations would help the government in changing the attitude of Nigerians toward corruption.

“Government should partner with those religious organisations that will not take advantage of their enormous influence in misleading the society, but use it to advance the course of governance.

“The government should be able to identify what they want without mixing or playing politics with religion,” the chairman said.

He said the programme was organised for Imams and Islamic scholars to ensure they lead and show good leadership examples in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

Adeyemi called on the participants to always inculcate good morals in their children and followers to avoid indulging in vices and to impact positively on the society.

He further called on the participants to engage in one form of business or the other to avoid consuming what was forbidden by Almighty Allah.

“Al-Habibiyyah have gone around the country to ensure that Imams and Islamic leaders come together and work for the good of the society and be role models in their deeds.

“We have also taught the children the importance of digital technology to discourage them from its negative use; they must use it positively for the development of the society,” he said.

In his remarks, the Executive Director, The Just Foundation, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, said 95 per cent of the country’s challenges would be solved if issues of corruption were adequately addressed.

Adeyemi added that Nigerians would experience peace of mind if everyone worked together in fighting corruption.

According to him, some of the challenges of food, health and other social amenities provided by the government will be resolved.

“We, the scholars, must come together; we must be upright and disseminate the right messages to the citizens for the good of the country,” Adeyemi said.

He further says Al-Habibiyyah, apart from being a religious organisation, also engages in agriculture and will soon come out with good agricultural products to the admiration of Nigerians. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Moses Solanke

Children’s Day : NGO urges govt. to tackle menace of Out-of- school children
Education , General News

Children’s Day : NGO urges govt. to tackle menace of Out-of- school children

485 total views today

Children’s Day : NGO urges govt. to tackle menace of Out-of- school children

By Joshua Olomu

Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative(CALDEV), a non government organisation has called on government at all levels to adequately tackle the challenge of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Mr Bamidele Salam, Founder and President of CALDEV, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of a rally to garner support for children’s right on Saturday in Abuja.

The event with the theme; “Children have a Voice, Lend Them Your Ears”, was part of activities by CALDEV to mark the 2024 International Children’s Day.

According to Salam, who was represented by Mr Akintayo Jimoh, a trustee of CALDEV, the spate of out-of-school children in Nigeria was a national menace that must be addressed headlong.

He said that the collective future of Nigeria as a nation was bleak, and unsecured if the increasing trend of out-of-school children across the country was not checked.

Salam urged Nigerians to prepare and celebrate their children on May 27.

The founder said that there was a need for critical thinking on the way forward for the compulsory education of the Nigerian child.

“It is pathetic that many of our children today are out of school, and as a matter of fact, there are over 20 million children who are out of school in Nigeria today.

”This is the highest in anywhere in the world, while other countries are working to ensure that their children are educated ,yet we are not the most populous country in the world.

“This portends danger for this country if urgent leadership steps are not taken at all levels and it means the future of this country is doomed.

“There are laws that have guaranteed the protection of our children’s rights and education is part of those rights, so we must ensure that our children’s rights are protected.

“Laws ranging from the UBEC Act which says that a child must attend school, and if you did not send your child to school, there is punishment for that.

“There is also the Child Rights Act and all other laws that compel us as citizens of Nigeria to ensure that we have the duty of care to ensure that our children attend school.

”This laws ensure that our children are not exploited sexually, that our children are not abused and we have the duty of care as parents.

“So, if anybody fails there are provisions of the law that has prescribed punishments for that negligence,” he said.

Jimoh said that although the Child Right Act has been domesticated by many states across the federation, effective implementation of the law was still a problem.

He urged state governments to show leadership and political will by implementing the Act to ensure that the Nigerian child enjoys the right to education and protection.

“Most states are beginning to realise their duties to domesticate the Child Rights Act, but what we need to do is to enjoin those leaders to have the courage to implement those laws.

“We as citizens should also elect those who are courageous enough to implement this laws, those who love these children enough to ensure that their interests are protected,” he said.

NAN reports that highpoint of the advocacy rally was presentations by children drawn from different background, including poems, speeches, drama and sports.

Some of the children who spoke with NAN, expressed delight for being part of the event, as it offered them the opportunity to know their rights.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Reps C’ttee kick as NAFDAC ignores sachet alcohol resolution
General News , Health

Reps C’ttee kick as NAFDAC ignores sachet alcohol resolution

207 total views today

Reps C’ttee kick as NAFDAC ignores sachet alcohol resolution

By Femi Ogunshola

The House of Representatives Committee on National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has frowned at failure of NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to implement its resolution on sachet alcohol.

The House said the action of NAFDAC management was disrespect to the Parliament.

The Vice-Chairman of the committee, Rep. Uchenna Okonkwo, said at a news conference on Friday in Abuja that the agency was duly served with the resolution.

He said to the greatest surprise of the committee, no action had been taken to implement the resolution.

“The agency had failed to comply with the directives, two months after it was passed.

“You need not be told that the parliament is the centre piece of our democracy.

“If the Nigerian parliament that is the fulcrum and giant of African democracy is abused in this manner, the future of not only Nigeria, African democracy is doomed,” Okonkwo said.

He said the committee regretted the sudden deteriorating mutual relationship between the agency and the parliament, which according to him is counter-productive to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“We view the Director-General’s action as a direct affront on the rule of law and the people’s parliament.

“If this display of impunity is allowed to go through, it will set a dangerous precedent for future abuse and disregard for legislative directives,’’ he said.

The committee chairman also claimed that the NAFDAC boss’s action clearly suggested insensitivity to the plights of Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the House had on March 21 adopted a motion sequel to the consideration of the committee on NAFDAC to suspend the ban imposed by the agency on sachet alcohol and less than 200ml pet bottle.

The House directed that the ban be lifted because of the wrong timing and unstable state of the economy where unemployment rate is staggering and the inflation rate is soaring.

Okonkwo said the action was also informed by the paucity of FOREX at the time. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Uche Anunne

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