By Abiodun Azi

Greyhub Therapeutic Centre, a mental health centre, has urged Nigerians to always exercise to improve their mental health and well-being.

Dr Oluwakemi Akintoyese, Clinical Psychologist, Grey insights/Grey Hub Therapeutic Centre, gave the advice at a mental health awareness walk organised by the centre in commemoration of the 2024 Mental Health Awareness Week on Thursday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Mental Health Awareness Week, which has the theme, “Movement: Moving More for our Mental Health’’ aims to promote awareness about mental health.

Akintoyese explained that exercise helps to release endorphins, which aid improvement of moods and combats physical illnesses.

She said: “So, annually there is an international mental awareness week.

“Each year, there is a theme to sensitise people about the nature of mental health and to also understand that mental illness is real and that people can actually get help.

“But this year they are looking at the theme, `Movement: Moving More for our Mental Health’ and what the emphasis is, is that we need to move more.

“Exercises helps to release what we call the endorphins hormones, with the endorphins hormones, a feel good hormones, it helps us psychologically and helps us physically to be able to combat a lot of physical illnesses like depression, colon cancer and quite a whole lot of issues.’’

The clinical psychologist added that the walk, beyond raising awareness about mental health, was also aimed at reducing stigma.

According to her, stigma often prevents people from seeking help.

She noted that the economic hardship had led many Nigerians into depression, which according to her, could lead to faulty thinking patterns, negativity, social withdrawal and anxiety about the future.

She advised that it was crucial for people to open up communication about mental health, saying there was no shame in seeking help.

Akintoyese said that there were resources available, like Grey Hub Therapeutic Centre, where people could talk to professionals and receive support.

She said: “At GreyHub Therapeutic Centre, one of the things we do and will be doing during this mental health awareness week is to create a space on Thursday and Friday where people can come in and get help.

“They can talk to professionals and then they can express themselves, assessment will be done and then they will tell you what you need to do.’’

Yussuff Alawode, Clinical Psychologist, GreyInsights Limited /GreyHub Therapeutic Centre, advised people against using substances like alcohol, cannabis, and gambling to cope with mental health challenges.

He said that self-medicating with alcohol, cannabis, or gambling was not a solution to these problems.

These crutches, he said, could lead to addiction and worsen their situation.

Alawode said: “You are stronger than your problems; you have the inner strength to overcome difficult circumstances. Don’t rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms.

“Gambling creates a cycle of debt and disappointment. It’s based on luck, not skill, and will likely lead to financial ruin.

“Regular cannabis use can become an addiction, and will make it difficult for you to function without it.’’(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Dr Monday Adenomon, an expert in data science and machine learning, says big data has the potential to produce more relevant and timely statistics than traditional sources of official statistics.

Adenomon, Associate Professor of Econometrics and Financial Time Series, Nasarawa State University, said this in his presentation at the ongoing 1st Bi-Annual Meeting of the National Consultative Committee on Statistics (NCCS) 2024, on Wednesday in Keffi.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the meeting, organised by the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS), has the theme “Understanding Big Data and Data Science: A New Perspective to Data Analysis and Dissemination.”

He said that big data referred to larger, more complex data sets, especially from new data sources.

“This data is characterised by the fact that it contains greater variety (texts, images, audios, videos etc), arriving in increasing volumes and with more velocity.

“These data sets are so voluminous that traditional data processing software just can not manage them.”

He said the NBS and other agencies could explore the potential of big data by combining big data with official statistics and replacing official statistics with big data.

“Also by filling new data gaps, that is by developing new ‘big data – based’ measurements to address emerging phenomena (not known in advance or for which traditional approaches are not feasible).

“ One big advantage that NBS has is the existence of infrastructures to address the accuracy, consistency and interpretability of the statistics produced.

“By incorporating relevant big data sources into their official statistics process, NBS is best positioned to measure accuracy and ensure the consistency of the whole systems of official statistics.

“Also, interpretation while constantly working on relevance and timeliness.”

Adenomon said big data could be used by the NBS and other agencies in traffic and transport statistics, economic activity statistics, and social media statistics.

He said big data could also be used by the NBS for price statistics to assist in Consumer Price Index(CPI) computation, tourism statistics, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage statistics.

The expert said data science on the other hand was the study of data to extract meaningful insight for business and society.

“It is a multidisciplinary approach that combines principles and practices from the fields of mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence and computer science/engineering to analyse large amounts of data.”

He said building new skills, developing/embracing new methodologies, appropriate ICT infrastructure and examining legal and ethical issues were required to embrace data science.

Adenomon also said identifying, accessing, evaluating, and using new data sources were also required.

He said some of the benefits of data science for NBS and other agencies included fresh insights from new data sources, frequency and timeliness of data, cost savings, and utilising the potential of improved computing power.

“Big data and data science present ample opportunities to foster data analytics and dissemination by the NBS and other agencies.

He said to overcome the challenges of big data, the NBS with other agencies should ensure strategic coordination, legal framework, IT Infrastructures and human resources. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Taiye Olayemi

An aviation institute, Aeroport College of Aviation and Travel Management (ACATM), has introduced additional three professional courses to boost manpower development in the sector.

The Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Dr Oludayo Taiwo, made this known in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

He listed the additional courses as Aviation Management, Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) course and Drone Piloting.

Taiwo explained that the additional three specialised aviation courses were expected to have a value chain curriculum that would help the aviation and travel sector to produce professional workforce.

He said that the courses would provide opportunities for students interested in building a career in the travel and aviation industry.

According to him, the college has experts in the field to start training.

Giving an overview of the HLO course, Taiwo said that the course was designed to equip students with the basic skills required to perform the role of an offshore helicopter landing officer.

He said that theoretical knowledge would be balanced with practical training.

“Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) can pursue exciting careers in various sectors, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue operations and executive transport. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

By Victor Nwachukwu

Eight South-East based Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have urged the judiciary to use the upcoming judgement of the 2023 Imo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal to deliver justice to the people who felt shortchanged in the election.

The call is contained in a communique signed by the CSOs, made available to newsmen after their meeting in Owerri on Friday, as the tribunal prepares to deliver judgement.

The CSOs said the judiciary should use the upcoming judgement to redeem its image and to remain steadfast and loyal to the constitution.

“We hope that the actions or inactions of some people will not put the nation’s judiciary under global scrutiny,” the CSOs said in the communique.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Hope Uzodinma was returned by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a declaration that was vigorously disputed by the opposition political parties in the state.

The candidates in the forefront of the election petitions are Senators Athan Achonu and Samuel Anyanwu of the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party respectively.

“For the 2023 Imo State governorship elections, all eyes are once again on the Judiciary. What judgment will they deliver? Will it be a judgment that will reflect the wishes of the people or the wishes of the politicians?

“Will it be a judgment that will reinstate electoral law, election guideline and the constitution as supreme in elections or the affirmation of only the interpretations of tribunal judges?,” they asked.

The CSOs decried the excruciating economic hardship faced by Nigerians, noting that the outcome of the Imo tribunal judgment would either provide succour or worsen the agony of Imo people and the southeast in general.

They urged the judiciary not to adopt the use of technicalities to undermine the alleged injustice served on “Ndi Imo” during the 2023 governorship poll.

“All over the world, election cases are easier to determine because the election laws are very clear but in Nigeria, even when infractions are very glaring, some tribunals tend to rely on technicalities and look the other way.

“In fact, commentators have concluded that it is judiciary that now votes in representatives into political offices in place of the citizens who own the sole right of determining who represents them.

“Nigeria and Nigerians are bleeding to the point of death and the only succour they need now is justice whose colors lie in the determination of who actually won the election.

“The judiciary should also determine whether it was free, fair and credible; nothing should be added or removed,” they said.

They, however, insisted that Nigerians must hold the tribunal judges accountable as they prepare their judgement.

“Time has come to hold judges accountable for every judgment they pronounce.

“This is because in 2020, a Justice of the Supreme court warned the apex court that any judgment they delivered, which is considered a miscarriage of justice, will hunt electoral jurisprudence for a long time.

“Instead of hunting only electoral jurisprudence, it has also been hunting Imo citizens since over four years”.

Led by the South-East Social Accountability Network and Democracy & Development Coalition, the CSOs warned that electoral malfeasance and compromised judgement can fuel social unrest and add to the misery faced by citizens.

They also said that a betrayal of public confidence and erosion of the rule of law can result to unimaginable consequences.

“When people perceive that election courts are not delivering fair outcomes, they may lose remaining confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold the rule of law and protect their rights thus resorting to anarchy and self-help during elections.

“The rule of law is based on the principle that laws are applied equally and impartially to all individuals.

“When courts fail to deliver just outcomes, it undermines this principle, leading to a weakening of the rule of law and potentially paving the way for deepening of arbitrary or discriminatory practices.

“Injustice can fuel social unrest and discontent, particularly among marginalised or disenfranchised groups who feel that they are not receiving equal treatment under the law; this can manifest in protests, demonstrations or other forms of civil disobedience.

“When court decisions are perceived as unjust, it can undermine the legitimacy of judicial institutions and the broader legal framework; this, in turn, can weaken the authority of the judiciary and other institutions responsible for administering justice.

“Injustice may lead to an increase in litigation as aggrieved parties seek to challenge unfair rulings or seek redress through the legal system. This can result in a backlog of cases and further strain on judicial resources.”

The CSOs added that lack of justice can deter investment and economic growth by creating uncertainty and instability.

“Businesses may be reluctant to operate in environments where the legal system is perceived as arbitrary or corrupt,“ the communique added.

The document was signed by Mr Emmanuel Acha, of The South-East Social Accountability Network (SESAN ); Mrs Onyenoha Nnenna of Citizens Centre For Integrated Development and Social Rights as well as Nnaemeka Onyejiuwa of the Democracy and Development Vanguards.

Others who signed were Chibundu Uchegbu of Better Community Life Initiative; Victor Koreyo of Abraham’s Children Foundation, Ebonyi and Mr Nelson Nwafor of the Foundation For Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), Aba in Abia.

Also Mr Okoye Peter of the Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), Enugu as well as Amb. Peggy Chukwuemeka of the Parent Child Intervention Centre (PCIC), Enugu, signed the communique. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Members of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 26 Short Service Course (SSC) Association, have donated food items, toiletries and other consumables to Abuja Children Home, Karu.

The General Secretary of the association, retired Brig.-Gen. Bassey Etuk, in a statement on Friday, said the gesture was part of their humanitarian activities to give back to the society.

Etuk said the visit and donation to the orphanage was part of activities to mark the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association codenamed, SSC 26 Nigerian Army (NA) Biz.

He said the association had in 2023, introduced humanitarian activity into its AGM where spouses of members visit orphanages.

Etuk said the 2024 AGM was the 12th in the series, adding that their spouses visited the Abuja Children Home (ACH) in Karu where various items were donated.

According to him, the items include bags of various types of grains, cartons of biscuits and Indomie noodles, sanitary tissues and used clothing items.

“The Forum was formed to enhance espirit-de-corps, foster bond of friendship, promote cordial relationship and look into the welfare of retired members and their families.

“The Association’s next AGM will be its 13th and also the 40th Anniversary of members of NDA 26 SSC since they were commissioned as officers into the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Doris Esa

The Federal Government says agritourism development in Nigeria will strengthen food and nutrition security as well as encouraging industrialisation for wealth and job creation.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, made this submission at the 2024 World Agri-tourism Day on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that agritourism, a short form of agricultural tourism, is a form of tourism that involves visitors participating in or experiencing various aspects of agricultural activities.

The minister said that agritourism also aimed to enhance the current capacity and growth in the non-oil sector.

Abdullahi said the theme of the event, “Food Security for All’ was in consonant with President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of State of Emergency on food security.

He said that the theme was also in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu to promote agritourism development in Nigeria which was geared towards an agricultural revolution.

Abdullahi explained that agritourism encompassed a range of activities, including farm tours, agricultural festivals, farm stays, and educational programmes that connected visitors with the agricultural landscape.

“It benefits both farmers, who gain additional income and tourists who gain insights into the agricultural world/activities relating to agritourism.

“Agritourism ranges from farm tours and workshops to seasonal festivals and tastings of farm-produced goods among others.

“Agritourism presents a unique opportunity to combine aspects of the tourism and agriculture industries to provide a number of financial, educational, and social benefits to tourists, producers, and communities,” he said.

Earlier, the President, World Agritourism Organisation (WAO), Amb. Trust Ogboi, said that the enormous value in agritourism would generate huge foreign exchange to the Nigeria economy and beyond national boundary.

Ogboi said that the Organisation was in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to establish Nigerian Agritourism Villages in the 36 states and FCT to ensure food security, job creation and attract investment.

He expressed hope that WAO would metamorphose into United Nations World Agritourism Organisation like the United Nations World Tourism Organisation(UNWTO).

In a remark, Prof. Garba Sharubutu, the Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), said that food security and industrialisation of the economy was at the center of Tinubu’s administration.

He said that every Nigerian must work towards achieving the food security agenda of the Federal Government to ensure that food was available to all.

In a goodwill message, the Country Director, World Food Programme (WFP) in Nigeria, Mr David Stevenson, said the Organisation was humbled by the progress it had made in advancing food security and rural development in Nigeria.

According to him, agritourism stands as a beacon of promise for Nigeria, offering a myriad of benefits including heightened food production, rural community development, job creation, and bolstered foreign exchange.

“As we commemorate World Agri-Tourism Day, Nigeria is presented with a golden opportunity to spotlight agriculture and agri-tourism as key drivers of progress,” he said.

Stevenson was represented by Mrs Olabisi Ogungbemi, Lead for Government Relations, United Nations World Food Programme, Nigeria.

Also, the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri- Erewa, represented by Felix Imologhume, said that agritourism would help support local farmers and promote sustainable agriculture.

She said it would also empower small- scale farmers, rural communities, support local economies as well as community development. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Franca Ofili

The Ministry of Youth Development says that its 2024 ministerial retreat will focus on reduction in youth unemployment rates by promoting entrepreneurial mindset.

Dr Jamila Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development, said this in Abuja on Thursday during a two-day ministerial retreat on presidential deliverables.

Ibrahim said that the retreat marked a critical step in achieving the ministry’s goals by focusing on three key outcomes.

“The first is reduction in youth unemployment rates by promoting entrepreneurial mindset, thereby, harnessing the vast innovative energy that’s the hallmark of the typical Nigerian youth.

“Second is increase in youths with relevant and global in-demand skills, especially in emerging areas of environmentally sustainable sectors.

“This holds the key to the economy of the future and in other priority sectors that will put our vast youths in the driving for the attainment of a national goal of a trillion-dollar economy.

“The last key outcome is increase in youth participation in social, political and economic development, including strategic participation in governance and leadership,” she said.

According to the minister, the outcomes are the pillars upon which the ministry will build a stronger, more vibrant and resilient Nigeria.

She said that the Renewed Hope Agenda deliverables with the selected Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are its guiding lights.

“They provide us with measurable goals that ensure we stay on course and make tangible progress.

“Let us frequently remind ourselves of these KPIs, as they will be our benchmarks for success and accountability,” Ibrahim stressed.

According to her, the youth constitute a significant proportion of our population, and represent immense potential and opportunity.

“Yet, they face challenges that require our immediate and sustained attention such as unemployment, skill gaps and limited participation in socio-economic activities.

“These challenges are not insurmountable with a strategic, well-coordinated approach, we can turn them into opportunities for growth and empowerment,” Ibrahim said.

The Minister of State in the ministry, Mr Ayodele Olawande, noted that three things must be put in place, which are action, thinking outside the box and being committed to issues that concerned the youths.

Olawande said that they must think differently to make the ministry powerful as people believed.

“The youths want to see and touch the government because it is the youth that will change themselves,” he said.

In his welcome address, Mr Dunoma Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said that the government had made significant commitments to improving the lives of the youth.

He noted that the government was set to achieve this through various policies, programmes and initiatives.

“Our government has recognised the importance of the youth as a critical factor in our nation’s development.

“And has, therefore, prioritised their welfare, development and empowerment, particularly in areas such as education, health, employment, entrepreneurship, access to capital and innovation,” Ahmed said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare