NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Kosofe LG distributes food items to 5000 residents
Community

Kosofe LG distributes food items to 5000 residents

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By Oluuwaseun Nubi

 

The Kosofe Local Government in Lagos State has donated food items to no fewer than 5,000 residents during its 10th edition of Kosofe Food Bank Initiative.

 

Mr Moyosore Ogunlewe, Chairman, Kosofe LG, said this on Monday in Lagos, adding that plans were in the works to extend the initiative to Kosofe estates and senior citizens in the next edition.

 

He said that this would further expand the initiative and also show the LG’s commitment to its residents.

 

The chairman said that the initiative was a way to cushion the effect of hardship in the council area.

 

“This initiative did not just start. We started this since we came into office and it is not going to stop now.

 

“We are taking it to diverse community groups, including the CDC, Non-indigene coalition, Christian Association of Nigeria, League of Imams, and Widows Association among others.

 

“They will all receive comprehensive food packages containing essential staples such as rice, gari, beans and semolina,” he said.

 

Ogunlewe expressed gratitude to residents for emerging winner at the recently just concluded primaries.

 

He said that the votes by the delegates reflect the collective satisfaction with his administration and service delivery to Kosofe residents.

 

“Following my unanimous election as the APC chairmanship candidate for Kosofe LG, securing all 25 delegate votes in the concluded primary election, I want to extend my profound gratitude to everyone.

 

“I appreciate all distinguished party leaders across Kosofe LGA and Lagos State and especially to my people, thank you all,” he said.

 

Ogunlewe restated his unwavering commitment to the residents if re-elected.

 

Some residents expressed their appreciation, noting that the gesture was timely and impactful.

 

A beneficiary, Mrs Funmi Adeyemi, a trader, said that the initiative had brought relief to her family.

 

“This food distribution programme has brought immense joy and relief to my family.

 

I am grateful to the Chairman, for his kindness and commitment to our well-being,” she said.

 

Also, Mr John Olabode said that the chairman had committed himself to see to some of the basic needs of the community.

 

He urged other leaders to emulate this kind of grassroots initiative.

 

“We appreciate the Kosofe Food Bank initiative, which has been a lifeline for many of us.

 

“Thank you for addressing food insecurity in our community,” he said. (NAN) (wwww.nannews.ng)

Edited by Adebayo Sekoni

Enugu LG boss establishes land mediation centre to resolve disputes
Community

Enugu LG boss establishes land mediation centre to resolve disputes

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By Alex Enebeli

The Enugu East Council Chairman, Mr Beloved-Dan Anike, on Saturday inaugurated the Enugu East Land Mediation Centre, a move to foster peace and development within communities and address land issues.

Signing the bill into law during a ceremony attended by dignitaries and local officials in the council headquarters in Nkwo Nike, Anike said, “The establishment of this centre is crucial, especially given the rising significance of land as a vital asset globally.

“With the influx of residents and investors into our urban area, we have seen a corresponding increase in land disputes that often escalate into lengthy court battles”.

According to him, the centre aims to provide an Alternative Dispute Resolution platform, allowing individuals to address land-related issues amicably without the need for court intervention.

“I am optimistic that this centre will significantly reduce land disputes, conserve our resources, and foster better relationships among our community members,” Anike added.

He, however, extended an open invitation to anyone experiencing land disputes to approach the centre for assistance, assuring them of a peaceful resolution process that would safeguard their investments.

He stressed that the centre would mark a turning point in the management of land disputes, ultimately contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous council area.

In a remark, Justice Okey Anike of the Enugu State High Court, praised the initiative, stating that the mediation centre would serve as a beacon of hope for many who have felt trapped in protracted disputes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Enugu East Local Government Area is one of the urban councils in the state and has witnessed numerous land disputes due to its location. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Gombe artisan makes N3.6m from recycling old tyres in 1 year
Community

Gombe artisan makes N3.6m from recycling old tyres in 1 year

182 total views today

By Peter Uwumarogie

A Gombe-based artisan, Malam Aliyu Yahaya, says he made N3.6 million from old tyres recycling trade in 2024.

Yahaya, 52, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Gombe that he recycled worn-out tyres into reusable products.

He said that old tyres were being recycled to produced spare parts, tools and other products for domestic purposes.

Yahaya said the vocation has provided job opportunities for unemployed youths, who engaged in the recycling or marketing the products.

He said that he had been in the vocation in the last 35 years, built two houses and fend for the domestic and education needs of his children.

“The trade provided me with the resources to take care of my household needs, built two houses, bought a tricycle and motorcycles.

“Also, I take care of the educational needs of my eight children through this business. I have no regret being an artisan in the last 35 years,” he said.

Yahaya said that government and other organisations could leverage on the opportunity to create jobs and empower the youths as well as protect the environment through recycling of used tyres.

The trade, he said, attracted many youths, who were currently sponsoring their education and fend for their households.

Some young artisans making products out of used tyres at the Gombe main market

Yahaya, who is also the National Chairman, Nigeria Used Tyre Artisan and Design Multipurpose Cooperatives, said the association registered over 2,600 members in Gombe State.

He listed some of the products to include bumper and other rubber products used by cars, lorries and motorcycles, shoes, engine belts, roofing materials, water fetching pail, chairs among others.

He said the products were recording high sales in neighbouring states as well as Cameroon, Niger and Chad Republics.

Yahaya also identified high cost and scarcity of the old tyres as the major obstacle militating against effective growth of the trade,

He said that a set of old tyres used by bulldozers and heavy-duty vehicles was sold for over N700,000, adding that he gained about N150,000, after recycling each set of the old tyres. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Ayobo Ipaja LCDA supports artisans, traders, others with N100m
Community

Ayobo Ipaja LCDA supports artisans, traders, others with N100m

194 total views today

By Kazeem Akande

Ayobo Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA), on Monday empowered 1000 traders, artisans and other residents with N100million.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports that beneficiaries were given N100,000 cash grant each, to support their businesses.

Speaking at the empowerment programme held at the council secretariat, Chairman of the LCDA, Mr Ladi Oluwaloni, said that his administration was committed to fostering economic prosperity and uplifting lives in the council area.

“Today we are here to launch Ajumose Season 1, the Growth Together Entrepreneur Empowerment Grant.

“This is not merely an event; it is a bold declaration of our administration’s unshakable commitment to fostering economic prosperity, uplifting lives, and building a vibrant, inclusive Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA.

“Today, we take a historic step by empowering over 1,000 hardworking entrepreneurs across our wards with non-repayable grants to strengthen and expand their businesses.

“These grants are more than financial support;they are a testament to our belief in your ingenuity, resilience, and determination.

“They are seeds of opportunity, planted to cultivate a harvest of sustainable livelihoods, job creation, and community progress,” he said.

He said the beneficiaries included tradesmen and artisans, members of transport unions, Community Development Association officials and others.

The chairman said the empowerment was informed by the council’s belief that small and medium-scale enterprises are the soul of any thriving economy and community.

He said the grants would promote, innovation, create employment, and break the chains of poverty in the area.

“We are nurturing a culture of enterprise, paving the way for financial independence, and ensuring that every citizen has a stake in our collective growth.

“This is not just a programme; it is a movement to transform lives and re-write the economic story of Ayobo-Ipaja,” the chairman said.

Speaking, a traditional ruler, Oba Ahmed Orelope-Laka, Elegbeda of Egbeda, thanked the council boss for his development initiatives.

He said Oluwaloni had impacted many lives since he assumed as chairman of the council a few months ago.

“Let me also say here categorically that this type of empowerment is new to me in this Ayobo/Ipaja Community.

“This is first of its kind for a chairman to empower the residents with this huge amount of money to support businesses.

“We really appreciate this gesture by the LCDA chairman and I have no doubt that this will go a long way in supporting businesses,” he said.

Mr Wole Aina, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Party Chairman in the LCDA, also commended the council chairman for impacting lives in the area.

“This is the first time this large number of people are benefitting from an empowerment programme.

“Let us support the chairman and participate actively in the coming local government elections to bring about more development.

“The primary election is approaching, let us imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship, no matter the outcome.

“At the same time, we appeal to you to use these grants for your businesses and not for unimportant things,” he said.

Mrs Taibat Awosika, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the council chairman, saying the money would go a long way to grow her trade.

Awosika added the N100,000 would be used to stock her shop with goods. (NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Yagba Summit: Leaders call for unity, development
Community

Yagba Summit: Leaders call for unity, development

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By Thompson Yamput

The sons and daughters of Yagbaland in Kogi, under the aegis of ‘Apapo Omo Yagba Organisation’ has tasked their community on unity and peaceful coexistence to ensure meaningful development.

The group made the call in a communique signed by, Mr Ayodele Osasona and Mr Philip Orebiyi, Chairman and Secretary respectively, on Sunday after its 2025 Unity Summit held in Mopa, Kogi.

The summit had the theme:”Unity in Diversity: Building a Brighter Future for Yagbaland”.

According to the communique, the summit aimed to discuss the challenges facing the Yagba people and propose solutions.

“Our unity is non-negotiable and must be prioritised to overcome challenges, boost our economic fortunes and achieve the desired development,” it stated.

It noted the terrible state of Federal Roads in Yagba land, which they said was no longer acceptable.

“All elected and appointed political office holders in conjunction with Yagba sons and daughters with capacity should immediately interface with relevant agencies of governments to ensure that our roads are fixed.

“All Local Government Chairmen and Royal Fathers should interface with Gov. Ahmed Ododo to provide more funds to local councils to address security issues and encourage investment in Yagbaland,” it added.

The communique urged the local government chairmen to keep the peace by ensuring that local securities collaborate with conventional security agencies to fight insecurity.

It added that regular town hall meetings should be organised as a way forward.

“Strengthening the security system is crucial due to the security challenges posed by mineral resource exploration going on in our land.

“For infrastructural development, we strongly call for the establishment of federal institutions, such as universities and polytechnics, in Yagbaland,” it read.

The communique also highlighted the need to prioritise quality education and healthcare services in order to enhance the lives of Yagba people.

On security funding, the communique advocated for the creation of a separate account for security trust funds with a strategy put in place to make the collection and spending of such funds transparent.

It also said that regular town hall meetings should be organised to engage political office holders and get feedback from the electorate.

“A lobbyist committee should also be constituted to identify opportunities for development and create employment opportunities for youths,” it added.
(NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Isaac Ukpoju

Bwari Area Council intensifies effort to address out-of-school children
Community

Bwari Area Council intensifies effort to address out-of-school children

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By Veronica Dariya

Mr Tanko Isuwa, the Education Secretary, Local Education Authority (LEA), Bwari, FCT, says the authority is intensifying efforts to address the number of out-of-school children in the district.

Isuwa made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Abuja.

NAN reports that there is no specific data available for the number of out-of-school children in the council, but a significant number of children, aged six to 11 are out of school in most communities.

The secretary said that the LEA had since 2024, began the mobilisation of all such children in the area, as mandated by the council and had started arrangements for their return to school.

According to him, the secretariat is working in synergy with other stakeholders like religious leaders and heads of communities to strategise on better measures to tackle the situation.

“We are on it 24/7 to make sure that all the children return to school irrespective of their challenges, because a society that is not educated is bound to have all types of crises.

“This is why we have involved all the necessary stakeholders to find better measures to handle the situation,’’ he said.

Isuwa, who did not give an exact figure or category of children, said that significant progress had been recorded.

He noted that some of the empty public primary school structures in, especially, Kubwa axis, which had not only been vandalised, but taken over by “miscreants” would be recovered very soon.

“We are aware of the situation and have written to the council chairman for urgent action on how to go about it and stop them from destroying our properties,’’ he said.

On the ongoing demands of striking workers in the council, the secretary urged all stakeholders involved to have a roundtable discussion to find lasting solution to the incessant action.

He urged the council administration to consider the plight of the workers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Christiana Fadare

Rep urges emergency on drug abuse
Community

Rep urges emergency on drug abuse

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By Oluwaseun Nubi

Mrs Kafilat Ogbara, Member of the House of Representatives for Kosofe 1, Lagos, has called for declaration of a state of emergency on drug abuse.

 

 

 

She specifically called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to lead such declaration.

 

 

 

Ogbara made the call during the “Refill Your Gas for Free” initiative to mark her birthday on Friday in Lagos.

 

 

 

According to her, the rise in drug abuse is destroying lives and increasing crime across Nigeria.

 

 

 

“I am a drug abuse campaigner and advocate. There is urgent need for an emergency response in this sector,” she said.

 

 

 

She stressed that NDLEA, NAFDAC and relevant agencies must urgently act to address drug abuse and narcotics use nationwide.

 

 

 

“We must take drastic steps to combat this crisis,” Ogbara said during a drug abuse awareness walk in her constituency.

 

 

 

The lawmaker emphasised the need for proper rehabilitation and reintegration for those affected by drug addiction.

 

 

 

“We have a hotline to support addicts. We want to rehabilitate them and help improve their lives,” she explained.

 

 

 

She noted that many children are now victims of addiction, and that action is needed before more lives are destroyed.

 

 

 

“Our campaign must be intensified. We must work together to solve this problem and support affected families,” she added.

 

 

 

She said the awareness walk was part of efforts to tackle drug abuse.

 

 

 

“Curbing drug abuse will reduce crime significantly. This initiative is the right step forward,” she stated.

 

 

 

Ogbara expressed hope that the sensitisation effort would educate more people on the dangers of drug abuse.

 

 

 

“This is my personal project, managed by me and my team. I’ve also introduced it to the Women Affairs Committee,” she said.

 

 

 

She added that campaigns had been carried out across zones, targeting stakeholders and communities to curb drug abuse.

 

 

 

Ogbara also explained that the free gas refill was aimed at helping residents deal with the rising cost of gas.

 

 

 

She said celebrating her birthday with constituents made the day more meaningful and impactful.

 

 

 

“I’m committed to serving and improving the lives of my constituents. These initiatives meet our community’s needs and promote well-being.

 

 

 

“I will keep working hard to represent Kosofe effectively. I don’t believe in lavish birthday parties. This kind of outreach gives me true joy,” she said.

 

 

 

She also revealed that more projects for the constituency would be unveiled later this year.

 

 

 

The lawmaker said she was passionate about giving back to her community in any way she could.

 

 

 

“I don’t hold any executive position, so I have no official budget for this. But with every opportunity, I find ways to support my people. It’s not budgeted, but I’ll always do my best,” she said.

 

 

 

She said she had lobbied for more projects to benefit the constituency in 2025.

 

 

 

“My constituents should rest assured—they have a smart legislator. I’m not relenting. I’ll keep lobbying and pushing for more projects in Kosofe,” she added.

 

 

 

Mrs Tola Abubakar, Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lagos, praised Ogbara’s effort to distribute gas and food items.

 

 

 

She said the initiative brought relief to many families and was well received by the community.

 

 

 

“We’re proud of her. The women are grateful. Relieving our burdens helps the whole family,” she said.

 

 

 

A beneficiary, Mrs Funke Adeyemi, expressed her appreciation to Ogbara for the timely support.

 

 

 

“The gas refill helped us save money. The food items brought relief,” she said.

 

 

 

Mr Sulaimon Akinola, a fashion designer, who also benefitted, urged other politicians to emulate Ogbara’s gesture.

 

 

 

He noted the gas refill scheme would greatly help many residents facing economic hardship. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

UTME: Candidates will sit for exams in states of registration- JAMB
Community

UTME: Candidates will sit for exams in states of registration- JAMB

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By Veronica Dariya

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has assured that no candidate would sit for the board’s examination outside their state of registration.

Dr Fabian Benjamin, Public Communication Advisor, JAMB, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Benjamin explained that some candidates, who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) outside their state of registration and residence, were sent to the available mock centres close to their areas.

He said this was because not all the Computer Based Test (CBT) centres were available to conduct the mock examination, adding that all registered centres would be available for the main exercise.

“If centres for mock in Abuja are filled up and there were available centres in Nasarawa State, candidates will be sent there.”

According to him, this is not likely to happen in the main examination because there will be more centres conducting the main examination.

He also explained that early registration of the UTME also determined how close a candidates’ centre would be to him or her.

He said that once a closer centre was already filled up, the candidate may be assigned any available centre within the state.

Benjamin had earlier in a statement on Sunday, said that the board acknowledged the delays and other challenges experienced by some candidates during the examination and regrets any inconvenience caused.

The challenges, the spokesperson had said, were anticipated due to the new features implemented to enhance the overall conduct of the main UTME.

“The mock examination serves as a trial version of the UTME, allowing the board to test new innovations while helping candidates familiarise themselves with the CBT environment.

“Over the years, this initiative has successfully achieved its objectives, addressing noted lapses and equipping candidates with valuable experience for the main examination.

“JAMB urges all candidates to continue making the necessary sacrifices to ensure a better examination experience that effectively serves their interests,” he said.

The 2025 UTME is scheduled to begin on April 25. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Ilaje Community Demolition: Group demands justice
Community

Ilaje Community Demolition: Group demands justice

249 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Oluwaseun Nubi

 

A group, Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide, on Wednesday condemned the recent demolition of Ilaje Otumara Community in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, describing it as inhumane and unlawful.

 

 

 

Mr Iwamitigha Irowainu, President of the group, during a news conference in Lagos said that over 500,000 residents had been rendered homeless following the demolition.

 

 

 

He alleged that the demolition was carried out by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with traditional rulers and land grabbers, without regard for human lives or property.

 

 

 

According to Irowainu, the community had over 5,000 houses and was home to nearly 500,000 people who have now been displaced.

 

 

 

He claimed that land grabbers, with support from some traditional rulers, led the demolition, using force and intimidation against residents.

 

 

 

Irowainu alleged the demolition occurred between March 7 and 10, involving government officials, armed thugs, and police. Properties worth over ₦200 billion were destroyed or looted.

 

 

 

He further disclosed that the land was subject to ongoing court cases, yet state officials proceeded with demolition despite legal restrictions.

 

 

 

“On Feb. 11, Mr Gbolahan Oki, LASBCA General Manager, came with armed police and thugs, threatening eviction within three days, without any formal notice,” he said.

 

 

 

In response, residents protested at the governor’s office on Feb. 12, where a representative denied knowledge of any planned demolition.

 

 

 

Irowainu cited two court cases—Suit No. LD/4292/LMN/17 and Suit No. 25126/2017—before Justice Suke-Amsat, showing the land’s disputed status.

 

 

 

He accused demolition teams of being backed by armed police, thugs, and area boys, leaving residents defenceless and without prior warning.

 

 

 

He said scores were forced to seek shelter in neighbouring communities, having lost their homes and possessions overnight.

 

 

 

Irowainu urged President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and provide relief for the displaced victims.

 

 

 

“We call on President Tinubu to direct security agencies to conduct a full investigation and hold those responsible accountable,” Irowainu stated.

 

 

 

He also appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu to establish an IDP camp with relief materials to support the affected residents.

 

Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide warned that Ilaje people would no longer tolerate aggression and would defend their communities if provoked.

 

“We demand immediate relief, including financial support, for victims of this unlawful demolition,” Irowainu insisted.

 

 

 

He called on the Ondo State Government to support displaced Ilaje residents, following examples set by governors in Eastern Nigeria.

 

 

 

He disclosed that Ebonyi State and others had evacuated their indigenes and provided financial aid, urging similar action for Ilaje people.

 

 

 

Irowainu warned that other Ilaje communities in Lagos—Ijora Badia, Iwaya, Makoko, Ayetoto, Orioke Alala, Bariga, Ajah-Lekki, Itedo—could face similar treatment.

 

 

 

Mr Dayo Johnson, Otto Youth Leader, urged government to return the land to his people, stressing that it was a communal creek, not private property.

 

 

 

“I’ve lost confidence in government and traditional rulers. Even elected local leaders ignored us and failed to offer support,” Johnson said.

 

 

 

He added that many casualties, including children, resulted from tear gas, and the number of deaths remained uncertain.

 

 

 

“We sheltered women and children under a bridge, yet we’re still harassed and victimised.

 

 

 

“All we want is peace and to reclaim our ancestral land,” he said.

 

 

 

Mrs Emita Egbyelo, a local hairdresser, said tear gas left her coughing uncontrollably. No demolition notice was given, she claimed.

 

 

 

She pleaded with the government to intervene and restore peace, calling for immediate action to prevent further suffering. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Foundation donates boreholes to communities in Jigawa
Community , Water Resources

Foundation donates boreholes to communities in Jigawa

296 total views today

By Aisha Ahmed

The Ike Odoeme Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, on Tuesday donated two hand-pumped boreholes each to Facawa and Riniyal communities in Ringim Local Area (LGA) of Jigawa.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Programmes for the Foundation, Miss Suzie Agas, said the donation was part of its efforts to complement the government’s initiative in providing potable water to underserved communities.

The Director stated that the donation was also part of the foundation’s activities to mark World Water Day, observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater and promote sustainable water management.

Agas said that concerted effort was required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 of providing safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene, as government alone cannot handle the situation.

She said that the donation was in recognition of the need to ensure that hinterland communities had access to clean water, regardless of their location and status.

According to her, their findings reveal that the communities, predominantly composed of farmers, herders, and traders, lack access to water, which is crucial for sustaining their livelihoods.

“Water is fundamental to public health and economic development, but unfortunately many communities have challenge in accessing safe and clean water.

“Lack of access to clean water leads to water borne diseases, lack of productivity and limits opportunities for children to focus on their education.

“At the foundation, we believe that development enters meeting the basic needs of people, so we have worked closely with community leaders, to ensure the boreholes are strategically located.

“The boreholes are not just about providing water but also aimed at improving the overall well-being of the people, `she said.

She commended the local government authority, community leaders, and members for partnering with them in securing a safe location for the project and for their hospitality throughout its execution.

She, however, appealed to the community to take ownership of the boreholes by maintaining them and using the water responsibly.

In his remarks, the District Head of Sankara, Alhaji Yusi Ahmed, said the two communities, located in an arid zone, had long suffered from water shortages because previous boreholes in the area could not provide a reliable water supply.

He urged the residents to maintain the boreholes properly to ensure they last longer than the previous ones.

On his part, the Chairman of Ringim, Mr Badamasi Dabi, commended the foundation for its intervention, stating that the local government remained committed to collaborating with non-governmental organisations for community development.

Dabi pledged the council’s continued support for vulnerable communities in the local government to foster the overall development of the state.

Speaking on behalf of women, Mrs Jamila Saidu thanked the foundation for its intervention, noting that it would prevent children from arriving late to school, due to long trips to fetch water.

“Most of our children have obtained scars due to physical fights at places to obtain water, also, some times, they go to school without taking a bath or having drinking water, “ she said.

NAN reports that the foundation also donated 100 bags of 5Kg of rice to the communities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Martha Agas/Gabriel Yough

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