News Agency of Nigeria
Ex-NDA commandant tasks officers on unity, life after service
Defence/Security

Ex-NDA commandant tasks officers on unity, life after service

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Former Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), retired Maj.-Gen. Patrick Akpa, has urged officers of the Short Service Course 33 to sustain brotherhood forged in service and prepare deliberately for post-retirement life.

Akpa gave the advice on Saturday night at the inaugural reunion dinner of SSC 33 to mark their 22nd anniversary in Abuja.

He said he considered the course dear to his heart because of his role in planning the intake as Military Secretary, and also being the commandant when they passed out of NDA.

“Course mates are brothers from different mothers. The bond is strong because it was forged out of love, shared hardship, physical indoctrination and adversity in training.

“That glue lasts for life – from the academy until you go six feet below the ground,” he said.

Akpa said he was impressed that SSC 33 convened the reunion while many members were still serving, saying it was worthy of emulation.

He praised the theme of the event, which is, “Legacy for Excellence, Uniting for a Greater Tomorrow”, stating that reunions provided rare opportunities for officers to reconnect with colleagues, families and widows of fallen classmates.

The retired general also paid tribute to military wives and widows for the burdens they bear on the home front, especially amid frequent deployments and the uncertainties of counter-insurgency operations.

“Just as the husbands are fighting, the wives are also contributing to national development. And widows, whose husbands paid the ultimate price, must never be abandoned,” he said.

On career paths, Akpa reminded officers that whether regular or short service, promotion depended on merit, not entitlement.

According to him, it is not a chieftaincy title. The officer decorates the rank, not the rank decorating the officer.

He advised serving officers to begin preparing for retirement early, warning that military life was “addictive” and could make many forget the need to build a secure future.

“With hindsight, I would say the day you are commissioned should be the day you start thinking of retirement. Do not retire until you have adequate security for your family.

“Choose carefully if you venture into business or politics after service. Select a line you have passion for. Do not rush into risky investments or allow others to run your business for you.

“By staging this reunion, you have done something novel. May the memory of your fallen comrades remain eternal, may the bonds of your brotherhood never fade, and may your collective future shine brighter than the past.”

Earlier, the President of SSC 33, Col. Ikechukwu Akabike, described the 22nd anniversary and reunion of the course as a celebration of enduring camaraderie, sacrifice and service to the nation.

Akabike said the gathering was not just of individuals but of a family bound together by shared experiences, trials and triumphs.

According to him, the bonds they formed during training have endured the test of time, and it is a testament to the strength of our camaraderie that we continue to support and inspire one another.

Akabike recalled the hardships and sacrifices of military training, noting that they helped shape officers of “character, courage and dedication” who have left a mark on the Nigerian Army.

He also paid tribute to departed colleagues, stressing that though absent in body, “their memories and legacies continue to inspire us.” (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

ECOWAS Court protocol validation to boost justice delivery — President
Foreign

ECOWAS Court protocol validation to boost justice delivery — President

By Mark Longyen

President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Ricardo Gonçalves, has said that validating the court’s Harmonised Protocol will reinforce its ability to effectively discharge its regional justice delivery mandate.

Gonçalves made this known at a meeting of ECOWAS ministers of justice in Banjul, The Gambian capital, on Saturday, aimed at validating two critical instruments of the Community Court.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two instruments slated for validation by the ministers are the Harmonised Protocol and Arbitration Rules of the Community Court.

The court’s president said that the adoption of the instruments would ensure alignment with the Revised ECOWAS Treaty and decisions of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

According to him, adopting the protocol will strengthen the credibility of the court’s legal order, shape its future, and safeguard the principles of justice, equity, and human rights, which underpin ECOWAS’ integration project.

“The Harmonised Protocol reflects lessons learned over more than two decades of judicial practice and ensures alignment with the Revised ECOWAS Treaty and decisions of the Authority of Heads of State and Government.

“The Protocol will reinforce the court’s ability to discharge its mandate effectively, while safeguarding the principles of justice, equity, and human rights that underpin the ECOWAS integration project,” he said.

Also speaking, The Gambia’s President, Adama Barrow, represented by Vice President Muhammed Jallow, described the meeting as a “historic milestone” in consolidating the ECOWAS Court’s mandate.

He noted that the new Arbitration Rules will enable the ECOWAS Court to provide a credible regional mechanism for resolving commercial disputes.

The president said that it would further strengthen investor confidence and support the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Chairman, ECOWAS Ministers of Justice and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, described the Court as “a beacon of justice and a symbol of collective commitment to regional integration and Rule of Law.”

“Our work here will have significant impact on the role that the court continues to play in the sub-region and will strengthen access to justice for our citizens.

“Through this, we honour our duty to the protection of human rights, promotion of regional integration, and the resolution of disputes through arbitration,” Sesay said.

Dawda Jallow, The Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, in a keynote address, underlined the importance of equipping ECOWAS with arbitration tools comparable to international standards.

According to him, the ECOWAS Court has the potential to become a continental hub for arbitration, hence the need to empower it to address regional human rights and economic disputes.

ECOWAS Resident Representative to The Gambia, Mrs Miatta French, lauded the court’s management for the initiative toward ensuring that the court’s work was made less cumbersome, and enhancing its effectiveness.

NAN reports that the Harmonised Protocol aims to integrate years of fragmented amendments into a single comprehensive text that defines the Court’s composition, jurisdiction, procedures, and enforcement mechanisms.

The consolidation also aims to eliminate inconsistencies, streamline judicial processes, provide better clarity and greater legal certainty to Member States and citizens.

The meeting, which was convened by the ECOWAS Commission and hosted by The Gambian Government, follows an experts meeting for the review of the court’s Draft Harmonised Protocol and Arbitration Rules.

Once validated by the ministers, the document will be submitted to the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government for adoption.(NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Librarians must embrace AI to stay relevant – Association
General News

Librarians must embrace AI to stay relevant – Association

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has called on librarians across the country to embrace innovation and reposition themselves for relevance in an era defined by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and rapid technological change.

The Immediate Past President of the association, Dr Dominic Omokaro, made the call in Abuja on Saturday at the 2025 Annual Dinner and Award Night of the NLA.

The event had as its theme: “The Library, the Librarian and Society in the Age of Innovation: The Challenge of Relevance”.

Omokaro stressed that while digital transformation is reshaping knowledge management and access, librarians must not lose sight of the profession’s enduring values of service, integrity, and knowledge preservation.

He said: “We live in a time defined by Artificial Intelligence and technological change. For librarians to remain relevant, we must adapt to these innovations while holding firmly to the essence of our calling”.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive of Havilah Group, Mr Lanre Adesuyi, described libraries as indispensable pillars of national progress and called for the completion of the long-abandoned National Library of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja.

Adesuyi, who chaired the occasion, said: “In today’s world where information is the new currency of progress, the role of libraries and librarians has evolved beyond traditional boundaries.”

He further described the library as “a living hub of knowledge, ideas, innovation, and societal transformation” and the librarian as “a navigator, guide, and innovator helping society make sense of overwhelming information”.

While celebrating awardees for excellence in the profession, he underscored the urgent need to complete the National Library’s headquarters, which had remained uncompleted for more than two decades.

“The project, originally envisioned as a national symbol of intellectual pride, has instead become a metaphor for neglect.

“How can we truly speak of innovation, of global competitiveness, and of national pride, when our own National Library stands unfinished?”

Adesuyi appealed to the Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, to prioritise the completion of the project without further delay.

In her keynote address, Prof. Roseline Echezona discussed numerous challenges facing Nigerian libraries.

She said these include “limitations in physical infrastructure, reimagining the library in the digital age, a significant digital divide, and the lack of programmes promoting a vibrant reading culture”.

She called for “adequate investment in infrastructure and supportive policy to bridge the digital divide”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to distinguished library professionals, including fellows and brand ambassadors.

It also featured the investiture of the new President of NLA, Dr Lawal Umar. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

NDPC, ISACA push for more data protection, reward inventors
Science & Tech

NDPC, ISACA push for more data protection, reward inventors

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in collaboration with the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), has rewarded winners of the Code4Africa Privacy Hackathon.

They also called for development for data privacy solutions to enhance data protection in the digital ecosystem.

The hackathon, which held during the 17th annual ISACA conference in Abuja on Thursday, brought together students who pitched innovative solutions on data privacy and protection.

Being the second edition, the competition was also hosted in partnership with Scratch and Script Ltd, an IT and data privacy company.

Mr Daniel Segun emerged overall winner with his Data Guardian application and received a cash prize of N750,000.

Segun expressed delight over his win, saying he was fulfilled to contribute value and happy that such value was being recognised and rewarded.

Other winners were Mr David Adegunse, who developed a Digital Privacy Legacy Manager to help track handsets before power on the device goes out, and Mr Ogenyi Adams, who created an AI Summariser.

Both received a cash prize of N250,000 each.

Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of NDPC, said the hackathon aimed to build the capacity of youths in developing Artificial Intelligence-driven solutions for data privacy and protection.

Olatunji said the innovations demonstrated how emerging technologies were shaping the data privacy.

Olatunji commended ISACA for its support and pledged that NDPC would sustain the collaboration for the socio-economic impact on the country.

Mrs Chidera Ike-Okonkwo, Project Coordinator of the Code4Africa Hackathon, said the competition received over 250 entries, including 10 virtual teams from Kenya, with one of the winning solutions emerging from a Kenyan university.

Ike-Okonkwo said they would create more awareness on the innovations to attract support for incubation, internships and opportunities to scale up the solutions.

“We are happy that one of the winners emerged from Kenya and we are going to give these solutions a lot of publicity.

“We want to solicit support that can help them grow their ideas into real-world solutions,” she said.

Ike-Okonkwo also said that subsequent editions of the hackathon would be expanded to include more African countries.

Other award categories at the event included humanitarian award, volunteers award, award for top scorers in Certified Information Systems Auditor examination, among others.

The theme of the conference was “AI and Digital Trust: A Global Perspective on Opportunities, Threats and Future Strategies.”(NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Japan affirms Afreximbank’s A- rating, stable outlook
Economy/Business

Japan affirms Afreximbank’s A- rating, stable outlook

By Lucy Ogalue

The Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. (JCR) has affirmed the African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) A- issuer credit rating with a stable outlook.

In a statement on Thursday, Afreximbank said the rating reflected JCR’s positive assessment of the Bank’s strong strategic positioning, resilient capital base, consistent profitability, prudent liquidity management, and robust risk framework.

JCR also acknowledged Afreximbank’s critical role in supporting trade finance and economic development across Africa and the Caribbean.

“The agency expects the rating to remain stable over the next 12 to 18 months in spite of external economic pressures.”

It quoted Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, Mr Denys Denya, saying the rating underscored the Bank’s credibility in global markets and its systemic importance to Africa.

“The JCR’s affirmation highlights our strong fundamentals and prudent risk management practices.

“It also enhances our ability to diversify funding sources, including tapping into Japan’s capital markets,” Denya said.

He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to its member states, clients, and partners, noting that sustained delivery in challenging times had helped maintain its strong credit standing.

“This rating is a testament to our resilience and strategic focus, enabling us to mobilise resources for trade and development across Africa and the Caribbean,” he added.

In 2024, Afreximbank successfully completed its inaugural Samurai bond issuance in Japan, raising JPY 81.3 billion (approximately 530 million dollars).

The transaction attracted a wide range of Japanese institutional investors, further demonstrating the Bank’s rising appeal in global capital markets. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

ECOWAS standby force requires .6bn for takeoff — Touray
Foreign

ECOWAS standby force requires $2.6bn for takeoff — Touray

By Mark Longyen

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, has said that the regional bloc requires approximately 2.61 billion dollars to operationalise its proposed 5,000-strong ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF).

Touray disclosed this during a joint meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Finance and Defence on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting aimed to finalise the modalities for mobilising funds to activate the regional anti-terrorism force.

The president noted that terrorism in any form remained a significant threat to regional integration, prompting ECOWAS leaders to prioritise the creation of a military response force.

“The emergence of terrorist group activities within and around West Africa has become a matter of serious concern to governments and citizens of the region,” Touray said.

He warned that such activities threatened international trade and investment, disrupted regional commerce, and restricted the free movement of people, goods, and services across West African borders.

Citing the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 report, Touray said Africa has now become the global epicentre of terrorism, displacing the Middle East as the most affected region.

He explained that the Sahel region, in particular, has seen a surge in terrorist operations, driven by political instability, weak governance, and prolonged conflicts.

“In response, ECOWAS has taken a multi-dimensional approach to counter-terrorism, including the development of a comprehensive strategy, establishment of a Standby Force, and regional collaboration on intelligence, training, and humanitarian interventions,” he said.

Touray recalled that at a previous meeting held on June 27, 2024, in Abuja, the ministers had deliberated extensively on activating the standby force to combat both terrorism and unconstitutional changes of government in the region.

He described the creation of the 5,000-man force as a top priority, with the goal of restoring peace and stability wherever they was a threat in the ECOWAS sub-region.

Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, emphasised that the region was facing growing threats including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational crime, and unconstitutional power grabs.

He said the Abuja meeting marked a critical step toward operationalising a regional counter-terrorism force that reflected a collective resolve to defend sovereignty, uphold constitutional order, and protect citizens.

“As we advance with these proposals, it is important to align our strategic objectives with predictable, sustainable, and transparent funding mechanisms,” Abubakar noted.

He listed potential funding options such as adjustments to the Community Levy, recovery of levy arrears, GDP-based contributions, direct budget allocations, blended financing, and targeted partnerships.

“This moment must be viewed not just as another meeting, but as a mandate to act decisively.

“The people of ECOWAS are counting on us, not only for protection but for leadership,” he added.

Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Defence, retired Col. Brima Massaquoi, highlighted ECOWAS’s broader role in economic integration, conflict resolution, governance, and human rights.

In spite of progress, he said, the region still faced significant challenges, including political instability, recurring conflicts, transnational crimes, humanitarian crises, and terrorism.

Massaquoi stressed that effective counter-terrorism required strong leadership, coordination, and capacity-building to strengthen regional preparedness and response capabilities.

He urged the bloc to adopt inclusive and innovative financing models, including contributions from member states, partnerships with regional financial institutions, and the establishment of specialised regional security funds.

“We must also explore Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and invest in training, intelligence infrastructure, and coordination centres to maximise the impact of available resources,” Massaquoi added. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG to recognise ‘panteka’, other Informal training hubs
General News

FG to recognise ‘panteka’, other Informal training hubs

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Government plans to formally recognise Nigeria’s informal training hubs, including the ‘Panteka’ centres in Kaduna, Jos and other cities.

These centres will be integrated into the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).

The initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to equip Nigerian youths with practical, employable skills.

The announcement was made on Friday during an engagement meeting between the Minister of Education and the National Association of Pantekas in Abuja.

Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, revealed that the Kaduna Panteka had already been registered under the NSQF, with support from Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani.

“The state government has commenced infrastructure upgrades, including roads, ICT centres, a clinic, fire service, and water systems.

“Kaduna Panteka is one of the oldest and most vibrant informal industries in Nigeria.

“Every week, even during COVID-19, trailers of their products were shipped to Niger and Mali,” Bugaje said.

He noted that more than 38,000 apprentices were currently being trained at Kaduna Panteka, more than the student population of Kaduna Polytechnic, underscoring its impact on youth empowerment and crime reduction.

Bugaje called for formal recognition of Panteka and similar hubs as national training centres.

He also urged the creation of a dedicated budget line to equip them with modern tools, enabling them to compete globally in innovation and manufacturing.

He cited Lagos’ Computer Village and Aba’s Ariaria Market as examples of informal hubs already making international impact, such as exporting shoes to Botswana.

“These informal hubs are economic treasures. We must harness these assets to fight unemployment, insecurity, and poverty,” he said.

In response, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, pledged support for TVET centres across the country.

He announced a results-based funding model where accredited centres would receive N45,000 per trained student, disbursed in three tranches, 40 per cent, 30 per cent, and 30 per cent, to ensure accountability.

“We’ve already accredited 308 centres.

“Once accreditation is secured, the government will fund every student trained,” Alausa said, adding that graduates would also receive starter packs to help them launch businesses or join the workforce.

To reduce barriers to access, Alausa said the government will subsidise accreditation costs, provide stipends, and offer transport support to students to ensure inclusivity regardless of financial background.

“This approach not only trains youths but creates direct pathways to employment.

“The goal is to revive Nigeria’s strong tradition of skilled technical manpower,” he added.

Panteka National President, Nasiru Adamu, applauded the government’s recognition of Panteka’s role in job creation and poverty alleviation.

He urged further government support, including acceptance of NSQF certificates earned at Panteka centres and curriculum revisions to reflect the training offered at those informal hubs.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

BPP urges emergence of procurement Lawyers to tackle corruption
Economy/Business

BPP urges emergence of procurement Lawyers to tackle corruption

By Lucy Ogalue

lThe Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, has urged the emergence of procurement lawyers to address corruption and procurement deficits in Nigeria.

Adedokun, in a statement by his Head of Public Relations, Zira Nagga, on Friday made the call at the 65th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Enugu.

He said lawyers must take ownership of the standard bidding document if procurement loopholes were to be eliminated and public resources utilised more effectively for national development.

The director general recommended specialised training for lawyers on revised bidding documents, contract drafting, and procurement reforms to build capacity and curb corrupt practices in the system.

He emphasised that procurement remained a strategic enabler for national development, requiring transparent practices, anti-corruption measures, and stakeholder collaboration to deliver value to citizens.

On infrastructure, Adedokun projected that Nigeria required 100 billion dollars annually, and about three trillion dollars in 30 years, to close the country’s wide infrastructure gap.

He warned that without governance reforms, transparency, and institutional capacity, increased funding could result in waste, corruption, and policy inconsistencies.

Adedokun urged the NBA to champion procurement reforms, saying procurement lawyers will play a vital role in ensuring accountability and bridging the infrastructure deficit.

“Procurement is a strategic enabler for national development, ensuring efficient resource utilisation and delivering value to citizens.

“There is need for strong anti-corruption measures, transparent procurement, and stakeholder engagement to bridge Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

NANPF hails Tinubu on Nigeria-Brazil aviation deal
Sports

NANPF hails Tinubu on Nigeria-Brazil aviation deal

By Victor Okoye

The Nigeria Association of National Professional Footballers (NANPF) has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Brazil.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agreement, signed during Tinubu’s official visit to Brazil, is expected to improve air travel and boost sporting and professional exchanges between both countries.

CSP Chijioke Kalu, NANPF Director of Players’ Safety and Security, told NAN on Friday that the agreement could transform Nigerian football through strategic collaboration with Brazilian and South American football clubs.

He said the deal would enhance player exchange, technical partnerships, and competitive exposure for Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs.

Kalu noted that Brazil enjoys global football prestige, having produced legends like Pelé, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar, and winning five FIFA World Cup titles.

He said Brazil’s experience hosting the FIFA World Cup and Olympics offers valuable insights for Nigeria in football infrastructure and stadium safety.

Kalu added that Brazil’s expertise in facility maintenance and crowd control management could benefit Nigerian football administrators and the NPFL.

He urged the NPFL, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and other leagues to act fast in leveraging the aviation deal’s opportunities.

He called for proactive engagement with Brazilian football bodies on youth development, training camps, friendlies, and scouting exchanges.

President Tinubu confirmed the deal on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle following his visits to Japan and Brazil.

He said the agreement aligns with his government’s goal of restoring Nigeria’s global standing and driving reforms.

Tinubu said the Japan trip focused on technology and industry, while Brazil opened new cooperation in aviation, trade, and sports.

Kalu, who is also a board member of the Nigerian Mixed Martial Arts Federation, noted wider benefits for other sports.

He said Brazil’s leadership in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts presents opportunities for Nigerian athletes and coaches.

He said Nigerian fighters could access Brazilian training camps, take part in coaching exchanges, and compete internationally.

Kalu advised sports authorities to include martial arts in future exchange programmes with Brazil.

He urged them to learn from Brazil’s successful sports infrastructure and training systems to grow Nigeria’s sports sector.

Kalu said Brazil has become a global sports leader by leveraging its expertise in football and combat sports.

He described the Nigeria-Brazil aviation deal as a strategic opportunity for long-term development and international sports diplomacy.

Kalu said proper planning can unlock career paths, raise standards, and deliver lasting value for Nigerian sports. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Church partners NCWS, donates food items to five states
Gender

Church partners NCWS, donates food items to five states

By Dorcas Jonah

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in partnership with the National Council of Women Societies, (NCWS) Nigeria, has donated food items to vulnerable people in Adamawa, Plateau, Sokoto, Akwa Ibom and Enugu states.

Mr Isaac Morrison, a representative of the church, presented the food items to the NCWS on Thursday in Abuja.

Morrison said that the states were chosen for the donation in response to various challenges that had befalling them in recent times.

He said that between December 2024 and February 2025, Nigeria faced multiple devastating crises which include insurgent attacks in Adamawa, destroying homes and causing mass displacement.

He also listed violent assaults on Christian communities with loss of life and displacement in Plateau, and a military airstrike that hit civilian areas, causing casualties in Sokoto.

Morrison also said that in Akwa Ibom, floods affected over 33,000 people across 12 Local Government Areas, while erdsmen attacks caused fatalities and food insecurity in Enugu.

He said that the NCWS approached the church for support, requesting aid for 2,000 affected families across these states.

According to him, moved by compassion, the church mobilised resources to provide staple foods like rice, beans, garri, vegetable oil and noodles and some essential non-food supplies.

“The NCWS will oversee distribution to ensure aid reaches those in need efficiently,’’ he said.

Morrison said that each state would receive supplies for 400 households, bringing relief, dignity, and hope to families in despair.

“For communities and Nigeria as a nation, this is a powerful reminder that compassion transcends borders and faith can be a force for good.

“It is not merely aid but a message of love, telling the recipients they are loved.” he said.

Morrison said that the church was deeply committed to emergency relief and humanitarian aid worldwide.

Earlier, the National President of NCWS, Princess Edna Azura, said that the donation of foodstuffs and non-food items was more than just a gift.

Azura said that the donations were lifelines that would bring immediate relief and hope to countless women and their families across these states.

She commended the church for seeing the need and acting decisively.

“This kind gesture is a beacon of hope in these challenging times, offering direct support to the millions facing food insecurity across our nation, particularly women and children in vulnerable communities.

“This act of compassion is a powerful reflection of a partnership built on shared values.

“We have long admired your incredible humanitarian footprint, not just here in Nigeria, but across our continent,’’ she said.

Azura charged the state presidents of NCWS in Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Plateau, and Sokoto, to ensure that the donation reached the vulnerable people it was intended for.

“Let transparency and accountability be your watchwords. Please diligently record the distribution process, with pictures, videos and registers, and forward these records to the national office.

“This diligence is not just for our records; it is a testament to our partners that their trust is well-placed, and it will encourage them to do even more,’’ she said.

Speaking on behalf of the state presidents, Mrs Celina Ali, Plateau NCWS president, promised that the items would be distributed religiously to vulnerable people in communities within the five states.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the highlight of the event was the decoration of Morrison and a Ghanaian representative of the church as NCWS ambassadors.(NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahm

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