News Agency of Nigeria
Implementation of FOI Act key to tackling corruption—Minister
General News

Implementation of FOI Act key to tackling corruption—Minister

By Naomi Sharang

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF),  Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has said that the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act will help tackle corruption in the country.

He said this at an event in Abuja, on Monday, organised by the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) in collaboration with the ministry to mark the “2024 International Anti-Corruption Day”.

The theme for the 2024 commemoration is “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”.

Fagbemi who was represented by the Head of FOI Unit in the ministry, Mr Godwin Garba said that the Act had paved way for transparency in governance.

“The freedom of information act has paved way for transparency in conduct of government businesses and where public sector can be held accountable.

“The States High Courts and Federal High Courts, in plethora of cases, have given landmark rulings and judgements in FOI cases in order to promote the implementation of the act”.

On ease of accessing public information using the act, Fagbemi said that in respect to the public sector, the onus was on the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure that the Act was populated among government institutions.

“In the area of the citizens, the Act also expects CSOs to get the citizens involved on how to use the ACT.

“On our own side, we found out that the majority of the Nigerian citizens are not even aware of the Act and that has been a major bottleneck to its implementation.

“In the government space, the AGF has tried as much as possible to release guidelines, train so many desk officers and even the CEOs of various government offices on how to use the Act and on how to release information.

“Their response has been encouraging,” he said.

In her address, Executive Director, Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), Ms Faith Nwadishi said that corruption undermined democratic institutions, distorts economies and erodes public trust.

Nwadishi said that Nigeria’s ranking on Transparency International’s (TI) Corruption Perceptions Index underscored the urgency for collective action against corruption.

“As we reflect on our journey, we recognise the Freedom of Information Act 2011 (FOIA) as a potent tool in combating corruption.

“This legislation empowers citizens to demand transparency and accountability from government institutions”

She noted that CTA was working towards a Nigeria where citizens have access to information.

“We are also working toward a country where citizens are free to request records and documents from public institutions and have them.

The executive director therefore, called for effective domestication, implementation and deployment of the FOI Act across states in Nigeria as this would expose embezzlement, misappropriation and abuse of office.

“It will ensure transparency in budgeting, contracting and public procurement leading to good governance while empowering citizens to hold leaders accountable through inclusive participation in decision making”.

Also speaking, Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General of Edo, Samson Osagie said that modalities were in place to ensure that all the bills currently before the Edo State House of Assembly were speedily attended to.

Osagie was represented by Roseline  Osunde, a legal associate.

“The FOI shall take priority in that list. In addition, upon the passage of the bill, speedy reforms will be set for an FOI Act desk in the state”.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

37 graduands bag first class at PAU’s 21st convocation
Education

37 graduands bag first class at PAU’s 21st convocation

By Rukayat Moisemhe

No fewer than 37 graduating students bagged first class honours at the 21st convocation ceremony of the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.

The event held on Friday and Saturday involved 219 students from the university’s undergraduate schools who had successfully fulfilled requisite academic requirements for the 2023/2024 session

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the undergraduate programmes in the university include School of Science and Technology, School of Management and Social Sciences, and the School of Media and Communication.

NAN also reports that Mr Oluwatomilola Adeniran of the Department of Information Science and Media Studies emerged the overall best student of the 2023/2024 academic session.

He had a cumulative grade point average of 4.98.

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, Prof. Enase Okonedo, celebrated the perseverance of the students and urged them to embody the university’s values in all their endeavours.

She thanked the parents, guardians and sponsors for their unwavering support, sacrifice and belief in the potential of the young graduands.

“Today is a culmination of four years of dedication and commitment to the academic journey, and I say, congratulations and well done on your achievements.

“As we reflect on the year gone by, I am reminded of our shared vision; an unwavering commitment at Pan-Atlantic University to excellence,” she said.

Okonedo expressed satisfaction that the university had made great strides in fulfilling its five-year strategic plan between 2022 and 2026.

She revealed that the plan was centred on five key pillars; teaching and learning, research and scholarship, infrastructure, people and culture, and community engagement.

According to her, the university is introducing a Masters in Management to promote the growth of business management in Africa.

Okonedo also announced a partnership with Mastercard Foundation on a ‘Scholars Programme’ with the aim of empowering and educating 700 scholars in the next 10 years.

The partnership, she said, would deepen the university’s commitment to inclusive education and enable young people from underserved communities to access the high-quality education offered at the Pan-Atlantic University.

On his part, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Henry Ajumogobia, described the event as a celebration of excellence and hard-earned accomplishments.

He praised the university’s implementation of a robust core curriculum and minimum academic standards, emphasising the initiative’s role in preparing students for the future.

“Courtesy of its 2022-2026 strategic plan, the university has integrated 40 per cent experiential learning and cutting-edge technology into all programmes.

“Each course now incorporates practical skills and innovative thinking, equipping students to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities of tomorrow,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Oluwole Sogunle

Tennis: Enoh pledges continued support for sports in Cross River
Sports

Tennis: Enoh pledges continued support for sports in Cross River

By Isaiah Eka

The Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Owan Enoh, has pledged to continue to support sports development in Cross River.

The minister stated this on Saturday at the grand finale of the second edition of the Renewed Hope and People First National Tennis Open in Calabar.

The tournament sponsored by Enoh, the immediate past Minister of Sports Development drew top players from across Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highly entertaining final took place at the hard court of the Calabar Sports Club 1898.

John Nubari and Rebecca Ekpenyong stole the show at the hotly contested  finals in the men’s and women’s category respectively.

Nubari pipped Maxwell Timiprie, while Ekpenyong defeated Aliyah Precious to smile home with cash prizes, gifts and trophies.

The highly enthusiastic crowd had a lot to cheer as the hard hitting dueling players displayed their mastery of the game with powerful drives and wonderful backhand strokes executed with utmost precision.

The pulsating games tested the technical depth  and calculations of the players who spoke with their rackets in a bid to outwit their stubborn opponents.

NAN reports that the tournament is  staged annually to promote the growth and development of tennis in Cross River and Nigeria as a whole .

The focus is for players in the state to have the needed exposure to excell in the sports of tennis while fostering the spirit of unity and sportsmanship amongst Nigerians and sports lovers.

Enoh said that the tournament not only celebrates excellence, but reinforces the importance of industry, tourism, and sports as catalysts for socioeconomic development.

He said although he was no longer Minister of  Sports, he will continue to support the growth and development of Tennis and sports in Cross River his home state.

‘I will continue to give young Cross Riverians who show excellence and hard work, the platform to excel right to the Zenith  of tennis and football,” Enoh said.

The minister restated his commitment to increasing the prize money in subsequent editions of the tournament.

He also used the opportunity to announce plans for a football talent hunt across Cross River in early 2025, in order to ‘catch them young’.

” This is a clarion call to Cross Riverians ,that there is an opportunity and early support for those who show seriousness to excell in tennis and football.

“I am ready and willing to give the needed support”, he added.

Enoh appreciated the efforts of Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River for his passion towards sports development in the state and incorporating the tennis tournament into the grand annual Calabar Festival.

Earlier, Gov. Bassey Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Agnes Atsu lauded the initiative and committed to working with the talents from the tournament to elevate the state in tennis.

NAN reports that the second edition of the tennis tournament saw an array of ranked tennis players in Nigeria, including, female Nigeria no.7 Rebecca Ekpenyong, no. 11, Timiprie Maxwell and Amarachi Odoh ,Nigeria no. 24.

The high point of the tournament was the presentation of cash prizes, gifts and trophies to players and coaches.

The overall male and female winners smiled home with N350,000 each, while first runner up male and female got N250, 000 each

Semi finalists in the male and female categories got N150,000 each, while quarter finalists earned N100,000 each, with first round participants getting N50,000 each.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Ojo-Lanre calls for robust national tourism policy to grow sector
Culture & Tourism

Ojo-Lanre calls for robust national tourism policy to grow sector

By Joshua Olomu

Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, has called for the formulation of a robust national tourism policy to adequately drive the sector for increased contribution to national economy.

He made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline at the just concluded annual National Tourism Transportation Summit in Abuja.

The 2024 summit, with the theme “Tourism Transportation Connectivity: Accelerating the Synergy for National Economic Development”, brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

According to Ojo-Lanre, as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economic mainstay from oil, its rich tourism potential is a veritable alternative, if properly harnessed.

He said the absence of workable legal framework in form of national tourism policy was a major drawback to the sector, and therefore urged the federal government to expedite action toward providing such a framework.

The DG said such a crucial document would serve as roadmap for stakeholders at all levels toward harnessing the vast potential of Nigeria’s tourism industry and align it with global standards and best practices.

“Nigeria must develop a solid tourism policy, and without a tourism policy, whatever we do will just be meeting in the dark.

“The first thing you have to do is have a tourism policy, and then you develop a workable, sustainable tourism development plan.

“This will bring all states on board, so, these are steps we must take to show that we are serious to develop our tourism.

“I know about Ekiti state, because our Governor is very passionate about tourism,” he said.

He added that a robust policy document would ensure sustainable tourism, community engagement, diversification of tourism products, create jobs and promote Nigeria’s rich culture.

Ojo-Lanre, who bagged the ‘Long Service in Nigeria Tourism Development and Promotion Award’ at the summit, faulted the recent decision of the federal government to subsume the ministry of tourism into that of arts and culture.

He said there was need for the federal government to rethink the scrapping of the ministry of tourism if the sector would witness speedy growth.

“We agitated for the creation of a stand-alone ministry for tourism, and I even approached the eight Senate.

“But while we were happy with its creation by the federal government, it was later scrapped,” he said.(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Military efforts could be enhanced through development journalism— CDS
Defence/Security

Military efforts could be enhanced through development journalism— CDS

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says that military efforts to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty could be enhanced through development journalism.

Musa stated this at the Roundtable Discussion on Nigeria’s Security and National Interest organised by the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on Thursday in Abuja.

The roundtable was organised for members of the Defence Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (DECAN).

He said that development journalism sought to promote public awareness and understanding of defence as well as security issues, while holding governments, the defence sector and other stakeholders accountable for their actions as well as informing decision-making by policymakers and defence officials.

According to him, the adoption of a development journalism approach allows for a more active collaboration with journalists and media organisations, enabling them to play a more effective role in promoting national cohesion and stability thereby advancing Nigeria’s national interest.

“Therefore, our national security cannot and should not solely be reliant on the strength of the Armed Forces of Nigeria rather it should be strengthened by Nigeria’s educated, healthy and socially cohesive population underpinned by development journalism.

“More so, the development journalism approach will not only require collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders, it will also focus on people centrism in the accomplishment of Nigeria’s national interest.

“This approach thus resonates with my leadership concept which is, “to Nurture a Professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is People-Centric, Capable of Meeting its Constitutional Responsibilities in a Joint and Collaborative Environment” he said.

The CDS said that defence beat should be tailored through a development journalism lens through various options available.

The options, according to him include the continuous prioritisation of human security, adoption of investigative reporting on policy impact and the real-world implications as well as promoting dialogue, inclusivity and stakeholders’ engagement through available fora.

He also called for the need to advocate for sustainable practices through reporting on innovative practices in defence as well as using available data to tell the stories as evidence-based outcomes allows for a more informed public discourse.

”These options will engender trust and cooperation between the military, civil society and other stakeholders and enhance contextual understanding of local dynamics for enhanced social cohesion and effective collaboration.

“Today’s occasion presents me the rare opportunity to make a statement on the critical role of the media in fostering Nigeria’s national security and defence matters thus necessitating collaboration to further Nigeria’s national security interest.

“The theme for the discussion: ‘National Security and National Interest: A Development Journalism Approach for the Defence Beat’ is apt.

“This is in considering the propensity of development and sits at the intersection of national pride, global responsibility as well as the pursuit of peaceful coexistence and sustainable development,“ he added.

Musa commended the NCTC for its efforts towards enhancing development journalism.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said that journalists were pivotal in shaping public perception and policy on critical issues of national security and interests.

Laka said that journalists had the responsibility to report with accuracy, fairness and sensitivity in an environment that was often fraught with misinformation and heightened emotions.

He pledged the centre’s readiness to continue to collaborate with the media and other critical stakeholders to achieve and sustain the destruction of terrorist propaganda.

He said the objective of this roundtable discussion was to foster an open and insightful exchange of ideas.

“By sharing your experiences, observations and challenges, together we aim to enhance collective understanding of the dynamics of terrorism and its evolving tactics and discover the ethical considerations of reporting on such sensitive issues,” he said.

The Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris, represented by the Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba-Ndace, commended the centre for organising the roundtable.

He urged the centre and the military to sustain such media engagement to be able to counter the terrorists’ narratives.

He also urged the media to maintain responsible reporting bearing in mind national security and national interest.

In his lecture, former Defence Spokesman, retired Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said that defence reporting should align with the broader goal of safeguarding national unity and security.

Olukolade said that journalists must recognise the potential impact of their stories on public perception and national stability.

He also called for fact-checking practice in counter-terrorism reporting to avoid disseminating false or exaggerated claims that could inflame tensions or jeopardise security operations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Effective communication pivotal for setting development agenda – NASENI boss
Science & Tech

Effective communication pivotal for setting development agenda – NASENI boss

By Sylvester Thompson

Mr Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), says that effective communication is a vital tool for setting Nigeria’s developmental agenda.

Halilu said this when he declared open a three-day training workshop for online media practitioners and staff of the agency’s Information and New Media Unit in Abuja.

The EVC said that through effective communication, developmental agenda around innovation and technology could be set to influence public opinion.

“It must be deliberate because what that does is to give people what to think about,” he said.

The NASENI boss stated that promoting innovation, science and technology would go a long way in propelling Nigeria as far as technological advancement was concerned.

He said NASENI was committed to driving Nigeria’s industrialisation through innovation and technology, adding that effective communication was vital to the success of this pursuit.

Halilu said the theme of the training: “Enhancing Effective Delivery of Communication Objectives in a Changing Digital Environment” would help enhance capabilities and foster effective communication of the agency’s activities.

“This training is designed to equip participants with knowledge and skills necessary to excel.

“As we navigate the evolving digital media landscape, it is crucial that we stay focused on the content of our narratives while keeping abreast of the latest trends, ethics and best practices,” Halilu said.

Mr Segun Ayeoyenikan, Director, Information, New Media and Protocol, said that under Halilu’s leadership, 35 new products in NASENI brand name had been marketed.

He further highlighted that within Halilu’s one year in office, 56 projects had evolved and were in various phases.

“Will anyone call that a joke? NASENI is now the leading technology agency of the Federal Government, driving hardest President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Ayeoyenikan said.

The director disclosed that the training was the first of its kind in NASENI, adding that the theme was carefully chosen to enhance skills and knowledge in effectively communicating the agency’s mission and vision.

Mrs Onyeachi Nonye, Coordinating Director, Planning and Business Development, remarked that in the past the agency’s information and protocol unit faced some challenges.

“Today, with the EVC’s support, who brought in new and fresh ideas, we’ve made progress.

“Our presence in social and mainstream media has been impactful,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

NiDOA pledges to promote national unity
Foreign

NiDOA pledges to promote national unity

By Fortune Abang

Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation-Americas (NiDOA) General Assembly (NiDOA-GA) has restated its commitment to promote national unity and foster progress among Nigerians in the diaspora.

The NiDOA-GA stated this on Thursday in a resolution issued by Ms Bukola Sonuga, the Vice-Chairman of the NiDOA Board of Trustees, after the NiDOA-2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Conference.

The event with the theme: New Nigeria: Fresh progress, vision of united NiDO” was attended by 75 persons from Nov. 22 to 24, in Cleveland, Ohio, in the U.S.

“The assembly remains committed to advancing NiDOAs’ mission to promote unity and foster progress among Nigerians in the diaspora.

“NiDOA aims to rebuild trust, restore operational integrity and continue driving meaningful impact for Nigerians worldwide,” Sonuga said.

She said that NiDOA-GA deliberated extensively on critical issues that affect the organisation’s operational structure in a business session attended by members and two observers.

According to her, the focus is on years of disruptions, grievances and harmful activities that has undermined the organisation’s unity and credibility.

“The assembly highlighted persistent challenges, including deliberate misinterpretation of NIDOA Bylaws for personal gain, Bylaws violations and misconduct.

“ It also discussed dissemination of misinformation and defamation of the NIDOA brand, misrepresentation, impersonation and trademark infringement.

“Other issues discussed include, theft and breach of the NIDOA membership hi-database, Illegal hosting of parallel AGMs and false communications with Nigerian government officials.

“The assembly also deliberated on the
formation of unauthorised parallel NiDO-structures with fake leadership titles, alignment with the Nigerian Inspiring Development Organisation, Calgary, Canada to sabotage and undermine the activities of NiDOA.

“In spite of exhaustive efforts to reconcile with the breakaway actors, the assembly concluded that decisive action was necessary to protect the integrity and mission of NiDOA,” she said.

The vice-chairman said that the assembly with one member exception had indefinitely suspended some members for violations of established laws.

She identified such members to include Zee Nagberi, Toni Ogbanufe, Bukola Olaoye, Doyin Owobamirin, Chika Emmanuel, Uche Uzoigwe, Barth Shepkong, Chinyere Ibezim-Adom, Odion Ojo, Adeola Popoola, Noyo Edem, Michael Chukwuonye, Tokunbo Onabanjo and Collins Ikegwuonu.

She further stated that the executive members of NiDOA Board of Trustees had unanimously reaffirmed the election of its leaders to steer the organisation until the next election with a date to be determined.

The elected leaders include Dr Victor Ubani – Chairman, Sonuga – Vice-Chairman, Dr Toyin Ajayi, – Secretary-General, Mr Felix Okhifo, – Community Affairs Director, Dr Helen Abasute, – Treasurer, Dr Perpetua Uwechue, – Financial-Secretary and Mr Chris Anukwu, – Public Relations Officer. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

FEPSGA 2024: Team Information extinguish Petroleum resources in men’s  volleyball
Sports

FEPSGA 2024: Team Information extinguish Petroleum resources in men’s  volleyball

By Victor Okoye

The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (FMINO) men’s volleyball team on Friday defeated the Ministry of Petroleum Resources at the ongoing Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highly mobile Information team won resoundingly in two straight sets (15-4, 15-6), to open their campaign on a bright note in the competition.

The team is made up of nine members of staff from the ministry and it’s agencies namely: Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Voice of Nigeria (VON).

The players include; Chris Odhomi (FMINO), Godwin Samuel (FMINO), Solomon Mundung (FMINO), Thomas Bello (FRCN), Sylvester Bikut (FRCN), Ishaku Musa (FRCN), Victor Okoye (NAN), Muhyideen Jimoh (NAN) and Isah Tsamiye (VON).

Team Information dominated the first two sets, coming out hot right out of the gate and not allowing Team Petroleum Resources to find its footing.

The highlight of the first two sets came from the dexterity of the team Captain Godwin Sam, who smacked four kills over the span of five rallies in the first set.

The struggling Petroleum Resources team did not pick their first point of the match until, when a service error from Information made it 10-1.

This gave the petroleum team some gas as they managed to ganer three more points on the board for a 10-4 scoreline.

However, that rally did not last long as Team Information came back roaring with five straight points on the bounce to rap up the first set 15-4.

The second set mirrored the first, as Team Information continued to display offensive skills on the court and went on a 9-0 run.

But a few mishits and one service error once again kept their opponents afloat, albeit for a short while.

Team Information quickly bounced back to wrap up the set at 15-6 as their offensive efficiency proved too much for their opponents who succumbed to a straight set demolition.

The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (FMINO) men’s volleyball team in action at the ongoing Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) (Photo Credit:(NAN)

“We did a really good job trying to stay steady,” player coach Odhomi said.

“One of the things we wanted to do was keep the same mindset no matter who we are playing.”

Team Information are back in action Saturday when they take on Ministry of Finance, ICPC, and NAPTIP with first match time set for 9 a.m. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Muhyideen Jimoh

Climate change: Netherlands to assist Nigeria curb methane emissions
Environment

Climate change: Netherlands to assist Nigeria curb methane emissions

By Angela Atabo

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is supporting the Federal Government of Nigeria to have a methane tracker to reduce emissions in the oil and gas sector.

The Executive Director of Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), Adam Heal, made this known in Abuja on Friday during a workshop organised by SDN in collaboration with Nigeria’s central government.

The workshop had “Presentation of the Prototype Methane Tracker” as its theme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is released during oil and gas production, processing and transportation.

Heal said that methane affects climate change by contributing to increased warming and reducing its emissions is critical to mitigating it.

He said that methane tracker would enable Nigeria to monitor methane emissions, have credible methane emission data from emitters in the oil and gas sector, and help effective regulation.

“The SDN has been supporting the tracking and monitoring of methane emissions in Nigeria.

“The tracker is being developed by SDN in collaboration with the Federal Government and supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“This is because we all know that without better identification of major methane sources, it will be difficult for government, relevant regulatory agencies and the private sector to identify and respond accordingly,” he said.

He said that the idea was to try and take more action on methane, getting a better baseline picture where emissions are occurring and staying on top as quickly as possible.

“Identifying new sources of methane is absolutely critical.

“What we are hoping to do is to build on freely available data from sources and integrate it into a platform which is tailored specifically for the needs of Nigerian regulators and industry,” he said.

Heal said that the tracker would serve as a one-stop shop to regulators and others, providing real information.

He said that it would also help to tell which companies were making efforts to reduce methane emissions.

“In some cases, some companies may be making efforts and they may not have the credible data needed to show it,” he said.

Dr Jude Samuelson, Head of Environment, SDN, said that the tracker would make it easy for the government and regulatory agencies to have credible data and help to report emission reduction globally.

According to him, this is necessary so that Nigeria’s nationally determined contributions will be correctly reported.

Samuelson said that the tracker was a ground breaking tool that, if well developed, would be useful for the regulatory agencies.

According to him, the workshop is the first phase of presenting the prototype to regulators in the oil and gas sector to get their feedback and recommendations.

Ms Adesola Olatunde, a representative of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, said that the tracker was a significant milestone for Nigeria.

“This is very critical and it is a a very good thing for the country.

“What is needed now is a detailed collaboration and engagement with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the tracker fits into our national priorities and then we can report appropriately,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Public health: Don urges adoption of traditional Nigerian diets
Education , Health

Public health: Don urges adoption of traditional Nigerian diets

By Emmanuel Afonne

Elkenah Ndie, a professor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja, has called for the adoption of Nigerian diets as part of measures to promote nutrition in public health.

Ndie made the call on Thursday in Abuja while presenting the 30th Inaugural Lecture of the university, themed, “Nursing Science: An Applied Science Care for All.’’

The don, who lectures in the university’s Faculty of Health Sciences, said the call became necessary to highlight the grave impact of poverty and income inequality on food accessibility.

“There is a need for robust nutritional education to improve dietary choices, especially among vulnerable populations.’’

Presenting the lecture at the NOUN headquarters in Abuja, Ndie revealed that his research focused on the availability, accessibility and quality of food, particularly in rural areas.

He highlighted the importance of food security and urged policymakers to address the systemic barriers, to improve national health outcomes.

“There is the connection between drivers’ health and road safety; many commercial drivers in Nigeria suffer from health issues such as hypertension and high blood sugar; this is worsened by poor dietary habits and substance abuse.

“Many drivers miss meals, rely on alcohol or drugs to stay awake and lack access to regular health check-ups,” Ndie said.

He emphasised the significant risks the behaviour posed to road safety and called for the establishment of workplace clinics for transport companies to address the challenges.

Ndie also recommended a mandatory nutritional education for drivers and a stricter enforcement of drug and alcohol testing policies as part of measures to address the challenges.

The lecturer, who emphasised the important role of nurses in addressing public health challenges, including malnutrition, infectious diseases and chronic illnesses, called for the collaboration of healthcare professionals, policymakers and community members, to improve health outcomes.

Ndie challenged the misconception of nursing as a “female profession.”

According to him, the nurturing qualities of nurses transcend gender, making them essential contributors to patient care and public health.

Speaking earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, commended the inaugural lecturer for his groundbreaking contributions to the field.

He described the lecture’s theme as a critical exploration of care’s transformative power in health and society.

Peters, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Chinedu Mafiana, said nurses had become the backbone of healthcare systems.

“The work of nurses goes beyond medical interventions to fostering holistic well-being; their impact is felt in every aspect of our lives,” Peters said.

He commended the organisers and reaffirmed NOUN’s commitment to advancing excellence in education and health sciences.

The vice-chancellor also congratulated the Faculty of Health Sciences and advocated for a continued innovation and dedication to improving lives through care and education. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

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