UNICEF seeks support to eradicate NTDs in Nigeria

By Victor Adeoti

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has sought the support of stakeholders in eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria.

Mr Monday Johnson, UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) specialist, made the call in Lagos at a two-day media dialogue on ending open defecation in Nigeria and eradicating NTDs.

According to him, NTDs are diverse group of conditions caused by a variety of pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, toxins) and associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences.

 

Referencing the Nigeria master plan for NTDs 2023-2027, Johnson said that the country had the highest NTD burden in Africa, with more than 200 million people at risk of at least one of the diseases.

 

Johnson, however, said that WASH was critical in the prevention and care for all the 17 NTDs.

 

The UNICEF WASH expert noted that NTDs were associated with poverty and prevalent in areas that had poor sanitation, inadequate or no safe water sources and substandard housing conditions.

 

Johnson said that NTDs and poor access to WASH contributed to a vicious cycle of poverty and disease, adding that the disease could lead to catastrophic health expenditure and reduced economic productivity.

 

He said the goal of the programme was to progressively reduce morbidity, disability, and mortality due to the disease using integrated and cost-effective approaches with the view to eliminating NTDs in Nigeria by 2030.

 

Johnson noted that to eliminate NTDs by 2030, there was a need for behavioural change among the people by embracing the use of toilets and avoiding open defecation.

 

He said that achieving open defecation-free Nigeria should include the use of any form of improved toilets that prevent exposure of faeces to the environment, to move up the sanitation ladder.

 

He advised people to always cultivate the habit of disposing of faeces (human and animal) in the toilet and avoid urinating in the river, lake or pond, among other measures.

 

In his remarks, Mr Dare Olatunji, Sanitation and Hygiene Manager, Water Aid, said adequate provision of potable water and clean hygiene were important in achieving open defecation-free Nigeria.

 

Mrs Chizoma Opara, a Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, said that only 18 per cent of Nigerians, that is 37 million people, have access to safely managed sanitation services.

 

Opara, who is also the National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria Campaign, noted that the national vision was that by 2030, every Nigerian would have access to safely managed sanitation, and hygiene facilities in cities, small towns and rural communities. (NAN)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

FG unveils initiative to reduce unemployment by 20% in 5 years

By Michael Ajayi / Franca Ofili

The Federal Government has unveiled the National Youth Skills Programme (NYSP), a transformative initiative aimed at addressing unemployment and equipping youths with essential skills for the future.

Dr Jamila Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development, said this at the unveiling of the programme on Thursday in Abuja.

Ibrahim said the programme was developed to tackle unemployment and equip young people with employable skills.

“The key goals are to reduce youth unemployment by 20 per cent in the next five years and achieve up to a 50 per cent increase in youth-led enterprise.

“Through regular assessment, feedback loops and data analysis, we will adjust our strategies as needed to ensure that we stay on track and that no one is left behind.

“With the right skills and training, our youth cannot only find employment but also become the driving force behind these sectors, creating a ripple effect of job opportunities.’’

According to her, beyond technical skills, the government is committed to empowering the youths with financial tools to succeed.

“It is not enough to be skilled; we must ensure these young men and women have access to the capital they need to start their business.

“Through the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, we have already allocated 110 billion Naira for the 2024 fiscal year to support youth-led businesses.

“With the upcoming National Youth Development Bank, we will expand this, providing more youth with the grants, loans and mentorship they need to turn their ideas into thriving enterprise.’’

The minister said that woman and persons with disabilities were often left out of the economic conversation.

“That is why we are committed to ensuring that 50 per cent of programme participants will be female and we have designed specific pathways for young women to thrive in sectors like technology, healthcare and entrepreneurship.’’

Ibrahim said that the framework would also allow them to track key performance indicators such as the number of jobs created, the success rate of youth-led businesses and the overall contribution to national economic growth.

“We have also partnered with local and international organisations to ensure that persons with disabilities have full access to all training programmes, with necessary accommodation as well to be provided.

“We will also measure long-term impacts such as income growth and poverty reduction.’’

According to Ibrahim, NYSP is designed to target 11 key sectors crucial to Nigeria’s development – agriculture, renewable energy, digital economy and manufacturing.

She listed others as healthcare services, creative arts, sustainable mobility, circular economy, teaching skills, mining and gemstone processing, and blue economy.

“This dual focus on skills and financial support aims to address the gaps in previous initiatives that lacked sufficient backing.

“The programme will also ensure nationwide outreach, utilisng digital platforms to connect with both urban and rural areas,’’ she said.

Also speaking, Dr Aminu Abdullahi, Senior Special Adviser to the Minister, reiterated the programme’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Abdullahi said the programme aimed at equipping more than five million youths with employable skills and fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.

According to him, the NYSP will implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress and measure impact.

He said the framework would assess key performance indicators such as job creation, business success rates and economic contributions and annual evaluations.

This, he said would ensure transparency and continuous improvement, learning from past experiences to better support the youth.

He urged private sector partners, government agencies and international organisations to collaborate in driving the NYSP’s success. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Ministry to partner NAN on policies, programmes

 

By Nana Musa

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, says the ministry will partner with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in promoting government policies and programmes.

 

Bagudu said this when the management staff of NAN, led by its Managing Director, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, visited him on Thursday in Abuja.

 

NAN reports that the visit was to brief the minister on the upcoming Maiden Annual International Lecture of the agency scheduled to hold on Oct. 3.

 

The theme of the lecture is: ‘Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges, Genesis, Impacts, and Options’.

 

Bagudu, commended the agency, adding that the topic chosen for the lecture was crucial for the advancement of the country.

 

“The ministry is willing to relate, support, participate and join hands with NAN not just on the lecture, but to encourage consensus building.

 

“We are facing challenges, but we are still a blessed nation; blessing cannot go anywhere if we do not work for it according to the scripture.

 

“We need to communicate and drop the anger and join hands together for a better future,” the minister said.

 

He said that mutual relationship with all stakeholders, particularly the media was important.

 

Bagudu said that the failure of federalism could be corrected by the media in reporting the true facts and bringing the citizens under one umbrella.

 

He said that part of the ministry’s mandate was to interact with all groups and mobilise public support for government programmes and policies.

 

The minister expressed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu in taking the country to the next level.

Speaking earlier, the managing director of NAN, Ali lauded Bagudu for the tremendous achievements he recorded as Governor, Senator and now a minister under the present administration.

 

Ali said that the lecture was imperative looking at Nigeria’s state of insecurity and NAN’s position of disseminating news across international level.

 

“We are here to intimate you of our impending first international lecture organised by NAN. We are here to let you know first hand, and also to invite you formally,” he said.

 

While speaking on the choice of the topic, Ali said NAN management was looking at the state of insecurity, as not only a disturbing issue in Nigeria but within the Sahel region.

 

“Actually, we are looking at insecurity in the Sahel region, and that is why it is an international lecture.

 

“The insecurity is becoming a serious issue, and we restricted it between 2008 and 2024.

 

“it is part of the national effort to enliven public discourse on the debilitating challenges of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and militancy, among others,

 

“We have renowned speakers expected to be present and the key note speaker will be the former president of ECOWAS,” he said.

 

According to Ali, the agency is the biggest news content provider on the continent of Africa, with several partnerships with renowned media across the globe.

 

He said that the agency had 36 offices nationwide and 12 zonal offices with plans to open more district offices.

 

The managing director commended efforts of the present administration in fighting insecurity by equipping the Nigerian Armed Forces to curb the ugly situation across the country.

 

“So, we are looking at all of these, beyond the shores of Nigeria.

 

“We are convinced that the editorial board of the News Agency of Nigeria will look at this beyond Nigeria, at the Sahel region, which has remained a hotbed of crisis,” Ali said.

 

Members of the NAN delegation includes the Director of Administration, Abdulhadi Khaliel, the Editor in Chief, Ephraims Sheyin and the Director Special Duties, Mr Mufutau Ojo. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Ese E. Eniola Williams

Tinubu meets King Charles III at Buckingham Palace

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu was received on Wednesday at Buckingham Palace, London, UK, by King Charles III for a private meeting.

Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, in a statement on Thursday, said the meeting highlighted the enduring and cherished relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.  

He said this was the two leaders’ first meeting since they met in Dubai at the COP 28 Climate Summit last year. 

“The latest meeting was at the King’s request.

“Both leaders discussed global and regional matters of shared priority, focusing on the urgent and complex challenge of climate change,” said Onanuga.

He said Tinubu and King Charles also explored opportunities for collaboration in anticipation of the upcoming COP 29 Summit in Azerbaijan and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.

“President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s firm commitment to addressing climate change in a manner that aligns with the country’s energy security objectives whilst affirming Nigeria’s readiness to adopt global strategies for sustainability. 

“During their dialogue, the two leaders shared ideas for innovative approaches to climate financing and funding, expressing mutual interest in strengthening partnerships by harnessing Nigeria’s leadership position in Africa and the Commonwealth,” Onanuga stated.  (NAN) 

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu’ll land Nigeria safely from turbulence- Akume

 

By Okon Okon

President Bola Tinubu has been described as a veteran captain that would safely land Nigeria from its current turbulent situations.

 

 

Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said this when the management of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) visited him on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

 

The NAN delegation, led by Malam Ali M. Ali, Managing Director of the Agency, included the Director of Administration, Abdulhadi Khaliel, and the Editor in Chief, Ephraims Sheyin.

 

 

The aim of the visit was to brief Akume on the forthcoming inaugural Annual International Lecture by NAN slated to hold on Oct. 3.

 

The theme of the lecture is ‘Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges—Genesis, Impacts and Options’.

 

 

The SGF described the state of Nigeria that Tinubu met as a situation being witnessed by a pilot who took off in a turbulent weather.

 

 

He added that such pilot must be an experienced type for safer landing.

 

 

“It’s true that there are a lot of turbulent situations in the country.

 

 

“Tinubu’s government is like a plane that takes off in turbulent weather; when a plane takes off in turbulent weather, it’s not easy to control.

 

 

“But when you have a pilot who is very skillful, he knows where he is going, he knows there’s a problem but is focused on safe landing. Tinubu will land us safely that’s why he is a veteran captain,” he said.

 

 

While describing NAN’s forthcoming lecture as a ‘wonderful initiative’, Akume said media sectors had critical roles to play to disseminate information on government’s policies and programmes to educate the public.

 

 

 

“This is a very wonderful initiative. There is no way you can do any meaningful and purposeful summit and conference in this country now without having a very rich content of security.

 

 

 

“And for those of you in the Media, you have a critical role to play and that’s why your forthcoming lecture is one of these roles you are playing to disseminate this information through such initiative about government’s policy. “

 

 

The SGF explained that security architecture had been redesigned by the present administration, adding that things had started picking up gradually in the country.

 

 

Speaking earlier, Ali lauded Akume for the tremendous achievements recorded by his office since the inception of the present administration.

 

 

Ali said that the lecture was imperative looking at Nigeria’s state of insecurity and NAN’s position of disseminating news wider across the international level.

 

 

“We are here to intimate you of our impending first international lecture organised by the News Agency of Nigeria.

 

 

“We are here to let you know first hand and also to invite you formally,” he said.

 

 

While speaking on the choice of the topic, Ali said NAN management was looking at the state of insecurity, as not only a disturbing issue in Nigeria but within the Sahel region.

 

 

“Actually we are looking at insecurity at the Sahel region and that’s why it is an international lecture.

 

 

“The insecurity is becoming a serious issue and we restricted it between 2008 to 2024 as part of the national effort to enliven public discourse on the debilitating challenges of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, militancy among others,” he said.

 

 

He used the visit to laud the efforts of Tinubu’s government on its commitment to fight the insecurity by equipping the Nigeria Armed Forces to curb the ugly situation across the country.

 

 

“So, we are looking at all of these, beyond the shores of Nigeria.

 

 

“We are convinced at the editorial board of the News Agency of Nigeria to look at this beyond Nigeria at the Sahel region, which has remained a hot bed of crisis,” Ali said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NLC confirms release of Ajaero

By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has confirmed the release of its President, Mr Joe Ajaero from detention.

Mr Adewale Adeyanju, Deputy President of NLC gave the confirmation in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ajaero was reportedly arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport on his way to the UK for a meeting.

Adeyanju said NLC was pleased to inform the public that ”Ajaero was released late last night, at approximately 11:00 p.m following intense pressure mounted by the NLC.

“This is in compliance with the demands issued by the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the NLC.

“NAC had given the government a firm ultimatum, with a deadline of 12 midnight, to release Comrade Ajaero, whose detention was a clear violation of our rights and an affront to the principles of democracy.

“While we celebrate his release, the NLC remains vigilant.

“We will conduct a comprehensive medical check on Comrade Ajaero to ensure that his health has not been compromised as a result of the illegal and unjust treatment meted out to him.

“The well-being of our President is paramount, and we will not rest until we are assured that his health is intact,” he said.

Adeyanju said the NLC “unequivocally condemned” the reckless abuse of power and reaffirms its commitment to standing firm against all forms of oppression, intimidation, and lawlessness.

He said that the NLC stood on its demands on the reversal of the hikes in the price of Petrol (PMS), electricity tariffs and demanded immediate implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.

Adeyanju commended Nigerians, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), affiliates, and the international community for the unwavering support and massive solidarity.

“The NLC will not waver in its duty to defend the rights of workers, and we remain prepared to take all necessary actions to protect these rights and restore justice.

“The National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC which was proposed for today has therefore been suspended to assess the situation and determine the next steps in our collective struggle.

“The NLC is committed to ensuring that justice prevails and that the rights of workers and citizens are respected. Together, we will overcome these challenges and secure a better future for all,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LEdited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Tinubu expresses concern over Maiduguri flood

 

 

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday expressed concern over the flood that affected parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno.

The President extended condolences to the government and people of the state, especially to the families that lost their means of livelihood.

Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, said in a statement.

“The worst flood in recent decades, triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam, has displaced thousands of residents and affected facilities such as the Post office and the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

“While relevant authorities are still assessing the damage wrought by the flood, the President calls for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas.

“Tinubu assures Gov. Babagana Zulum that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate to address the immediate humanitarian needs of the affected people,” said Onanuga.

He said the President ordered the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist the flood victims, and remained committed to mobilising federal resources to support the state during this difficult time.  (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Presidency denies TUC’s human rights abuse claims, says Nigeria governed by law

By Salif Atojoko

Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, on Tuesday accused the Trade Union Congress (TUC),  United Kingdom, of making false claims about human rights abuses and violations in Nigeria.

He said, in a statement, that TUC leaders made the false claims at the opening session of TUC conference on Tuesday in London.

He said the Nigerian government was wrongly accused of rights abuse because the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, was stopped from travelling abroad after he snubbed the invitation of a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation. 

“Ajaero, who probably considers himself above the law, was slated to speak at the same conference where the UK TUC leader attacked Nigeria.

“His actions, however, have serious consequences, as no one is above the law in Nigeria. 

“Clearly, under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), no person is above the summons of law enforcement agencies and lawful investigation,” said Onanuga.

According to him, like the United Kingdom and other civilised nations, Nigeria is a country of law governed by the constitution.

“We, therefore, reject any notion and allusion to human rights violations in Nigeria.

“The accusations made by the Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom are, thus, unfounded and based on a misunderstanding of the situation,” he stated.

He said the Nigerian government was being led by a pro-democracy activist president who would do everything to protect civil liberties and the rights of all citizens. 

He said there was no adversarial relationship between the Labour Movement in Nigeria and the government.

“While labour unions and the government may not always agree on policy direction, the government has consistently shown readiness to engage on any issue with labour despite the latter’s political partisanship.

“Contrary to the erroneous impression being created, the invitation extended by the Department of State Services to Mr Ajaero has nothing to do with his role as the President of NLC. 

“As a responsible citizen of Nigeria, Mr Ajaero should honour any invitation from security agencies and resolve issues that may arise during the investigation instead of stirring adverse public opinion against the security agencies,” he said.

The presidential aide accused labour unions of stunting the economic growth and development of the country in the past, and even compromising the material well-being of the workers and the poor people they ought to protect. 

He cited the opposition of the NLC and TUC to the sale of Port-Harcourt and Kaduna Refineries to Bluestar Consortium, promoted in 2007 by Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. 

He said 17 years after the labour movement forced the successor government of Umar Yar’ Adua to cancel the sale of the two refineries, none of the four government-owned refineries worked.

“In the obverse, Mr Aliko Dangote, one of the promoters of Bluestar, has built the largest single-train refinery in the world.

“In a twist of fate, the same Labour Movement that fiercely opposed Dangote from taking over the two refineries in 2007 hailed him on completing his 650,000-bpd refinery in Lagos,” Onanuga noted.

He said the administration of President Tinubu would continue to promote the best economic interest of Nigerians despite the current challenges.

“It will also continue to pursue policies and programmes that will expand national economic output and create prosperity for our citizens,” he said. (NAN) 

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

NG-CARES improves 9m beneficiaries’ livelihood in Nigeria

 

By Rita Iliya
Mrs Elizabeth Egharevba, Chairman, Federal CARES Technical Committee, says the committee has  disbursed 645 million dollars (about N1.062 trillion) to states for the implementation of NG-CARES in the country.

She said this at the Zonal Peer Learning and Experience Sharing summit of Nigerian Communication for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) in Minna on Monday.

Egharevba, represented by Dr Abdulkarim Obaje, National Coordinator of NG-CARES, also said that 750 million dollars (about N1.2 trillion) was earmarked to implement the programme from 2021 to 2024 across the country.

“NG-CARES is a World Bank Assisted project, the funds were disbursed under three results programme components for states, including FCT.

“The result areas are social safeness, livelihoods grant and basic services support to poor and vulnerable communities.

“Other areas are support increase food production and enhancing food supply chains, mitigating food loss through food processing and Nano micro-small enterprises,” she said.

She said the programme had 150 delivery platforms across the country and had impacted on more than nine million people, adding that NG-CARES had been adjudged as most successful among other programmes.

She lauded states for ejecting N120 billion into NG-CARES.

Egharevba said that the summit brought stakeholders across regions to share experiences, best practices and insights that would help drive progress on shared objectives.

In his address, Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger, noted that Niger re-invested the earnings from the last Independent Verification Agents (IVA) on social security in the current cycle to demonstrate the importance of NG-CARES.

Bago, represented by his deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, said that the summit was a platform to engage in insightful discussion, exchange best practices and explore innovative solutions.

In his opening remarks, Mr Lawal Maikano, Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning in Niger, said that the state had invested in the programme with beneficiaries across the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants at the summit were from Benue, Kaduna, Gombe, Kogi, Plateau, Rivers and Niger states as well as the FCT.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Religious body seeks partnership with NAN on peace, nation building

By Angela Atabo/Sarafina Christopher

A religious organisation, Brotherhood of the Cross and Star has sought the partnership of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to propagate the message of peace and nation building for a prosperous nation.

Prof. David Irefin, International Chairman Christ Universal New World Fellowship of the organisation, made the call when he led a delegation of the organisation to NAN in Abuja on Thursday.

Irefin said that the delegate represented the mandate of their leader, Olumba Obu, who they described as the Sole Spiritual head of the organ Universe.

He said that there was need to find a better Nigeria with a focus on cultural exchange and improvement.

“NAN management welcomes listeners and agrees on search for a better Nigeria.

“The importance of accountability and citizens enlightenment in Nigeria is key to nation building.

“NAN sends message of blessings and solutions to Nigerians through various channels and that is why we seek partnership with NAN to share the message of blessings and qualifying for God’s blessings”.

Irefin encouraged Nigerians to listen to the voice of reason and cross fertilise ideas to build a greater country.

Using historical evidence and examples, he said God had the power to end conflicts and gave examples of how God intervened in history to bring peace and end conflicts.

He emphasised the importance of spiritual discipline and self-denial to reveal God’s presence in one’s life.

He also said that there has been a lot of misconceptions about the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star and encouraged Nigerians to read the organisation’s literatures to better their understand on the movement.

He added that they should also learn and listen to the teachings Olumba Obu to better their spiritual growth.

He invited Nigerians to join their religious community, which offers services and literature, and promises to work in partnership with them to spread their message.

The Resident Priest of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Karu, Cathedral Abuja, Otu Okoi, urged Nigerians to love God and desist from acts that were deterrents to his blessings.

Okoi said that Esau in the Bible suffered the consequences of his disobedience to God’s principles as well as the children of Israel who had to be punished by God for neglecting His ways.

He called on Nigerians to embrace God, the foundation of all things be it peace or prosperity.

Okoi said that the nations of the world had been struggling to bring peace on earth and they have not succeeded without God.

Responding, Mr Ali M Ali, Managing Director of NAN, reiterated the commitment of the agency in promoting the peace and prosperity of the nation.

Ali, represented by Mr Ephraims Sheyin, the Editor-in-chief of NAN, promised to spread the message of hope and peace and others of the group and relate them to Nigerians .

“As a media organisation, we share in this need for an enlightened citizenry, so that together we will be able to focus on that same goal.

“Thus is to mobilise Nigerians to know where the solution to the problem lies how to get there, how to get hold of it and make it work for Nigeria so that continue on better.

“I am happy that you are taking the pains to share these messages with all of us.

Ali said that NAN has a lot of subscribers and services such as PRWire and SMS services, among others.

He said the agency intended to run the group’s messages through all of those channels so Nigerians would hear and see the need to find solutions to the nation’s challenges.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kayode Olaitan

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