By Muhyideen Jimoh
The Alhabibiyyah Islamic Society (AIS), an Islamic NGO, has underscored the need for continuous leadership training for Nigerian youths, to evolve a better and more prosperous nation.
The national Chief Imam of AIS, Sheikh Fuad Adeyemi, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the end of a two-day workshop on leadership training, organised by AIS in collaboration with Mambayya House, Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies, Kano.
Adeyemi who stressed the importance of continuously mentoring the youth, said the growth of any nation was directly related to the quality of its youth population.
“At Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, we are trying to build systematic training of the young ones, so that they will be interested in leadership, so that at the end of the day, the entire nation will be better for it.
“The intention of this workshop is for these youths to take back what they have learnt to their localities and we can collectively have a systematic leadership process,” he said.
Earlier, Prof. Habu Muhammad, Director, Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies, said the workshop was part of efforts to engage the youth productively.
“The workshop is of great significance in the sense that we have been able to train our youths on issues that will promote their active participation in governance,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop, which had as it’s theme “inter-generational dialogue on youth for leadership role in Nigeria”, had participants from across the country.
The workshop, which had sessions on leadership skills, training for trainers and youth political participation, was supported by the MacArthur Foundation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Justina Auta, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Mrs Mary Danlami, stood at the entrance of the emergency unit in the hospital looking dejected with tears streaming down her cheeks, as she awaits the doctor’s for counsel concerning her daughter, who was rushed in some hours ago.

Eight-year old Mercy, a vibrant primary three pupil has been diagnosed with the cancer of the blood otherwise called leukemia.

Before the diagnosis, efforts to treat her of what seemed to be a strange ailment had seen them visit several hospitals and ‘miracle healing’ places. They proved futile.

Several thoughts flashed through her troubled mind including any chance of her daughter growing up to fulfill her destiny as she sat in the hospital’s waiting room.

Danlami has just been told that her daughter needed another blood transfusion due to her low blood count. It will go a long way in alleviating her daughter’s problem.

But, there is a major challenge to the recommended blood transfusion. Money.

With the reality of her inability to finance the treatment, Danladi’s next option is to move her ailing child to a local medicine man, whom many claimed has power over all ailments.

Like Mercy, the parents of many children diagnosed with various forms of cancer have either sought alternative treatment and care of completely or stopped seeking cure as the cost of managing the condition continues to soar.

Sourcing blood remains one of the greatest challenges they face.

Experts say children suffering from cancer may need blood on a regular basis during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications, which can put them at risk of low red blood cell and platelet counts.

Ms Kemi Adekanye, the Chief Volunteer, Okapi Children Cancer Foundation, during a recent Cancer Awareness Walk said diagnosis and treatment of cancer was expensive and not easily affordable and accessible for some families, especially those in rural areas.

Adekanye, suggested that incorporating childhood cancer treatment and care into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) would reduce the burden and support parents and caregivers.

Also, Dr Adamu Alhassan, the President, Nigerian Cancer Society, at the same event said cancer treatment in children was highly neglected and underestimated in Nigeria in spite of high death rate among victims.

Alhassan added that early detection and treatment could have averted such deaths.

He said one of the major challenges faced by such patients is that of accessing blood for their ailing children.

No humans can live without blood, as it helps in transporting oxygen and nutrients to the lungs and tissues, forms clots to prevent excess blood loss, amongst others.

However, voluntary blood donation without expecting any gratification is not common in the country.

This is due to various factors including religion, social and cultural beliefs, according to Hajiya Hussaina Baba, a cancer awareness advocate.

Dr Omale Amedu, the Acting Director-General, National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) decried the poor attitude of Nigerians in voluntarily donating blood.

Amedu said blood saves lives and avoidable deaths, morbidities or ill health, particularly amongst cancer patients, pregnant women who suffer from postpartum hemorrhage, new born babies and children, victims of road accidents and insurgencies.

The NBSC chief said that global health report shows that Nigeria needed an average of two million pints of blood annually to carter for the blood health need of the over 200 million population some them are children living with cancer.

“It is sad to note that out of these 200 million units of blood required as a nation, the blood service Commission collects only500,00 units, which is 25 per cent of the expected annual blood donation.

“This leaves us with a shortfall of 1.5 million units of blood, which is 75 per cent of our expected annual blood donation”, he said.

Unfortunately, most Nigerians do not voluntarily donate blood, unless the recipient is a family member, friend or acquaintance.

Some are of them argue that if blood is freely donated, it should also be freely transfused to those who need it.

But, the NBSC boss explained that screening one unit of blood cost over N60, 000, hence the charges by health facilities or hospitals between N10,000 to N13,000 was merely to cover some expenses association with the transfusion.

Mr Nathan John, 42 years, is Nigeria’s highest blood donor. He has voluntarily donated blood over 75 times and said he engaged in blood donation to save lives, especially for those in emergency situation.

According to him, blood donation without attaching condition or even giving blood in exchange for money was necessary because the donated blood could save the life of any person including that of the donor’s loved ones.

He said this was his motivation for engaging in advocacies on blood donation, particularly by young people.

Medical experts say regular blood donation is also benefit to the donor.

According to them, it reduces blood pressure, lower risk of heart attack, revitalises the body system, good for mental health, improves cardiovascular health, and reduces obesity, among others.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr Walter Mulumbo said Nigerians should make conscientious efforts to improve on the volume of blood in blood banks.

While decrying the Nigeria’s poor annual blood donation rate, he said there was need for the governments to partner with relevant stakeholders like traditional and religious leaders in advocating free blood donation.

He said these will help in demystifying, misconceptions, beliefs and other factors that discourage people from donating and receiving blood and other blood products.

A lot of children, including those living with cancer, accidents victims, sickle cell patients, pregnant women, victims of accidents and crimes have lost their lives due to unavailability of blood in the hospitals.

Blood donation is needed to ensure that blood products are readily available at all times for pediatric cancer patients and others who need it. It is crucial that Nigerians embrace the culture of blood donation to save these lives.

Cultivating the habit of regular blood donation without expecting gratification or remuneration will save lives. It will also improve the life of the donor. It is a win-win situation therefore worth doing. (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

Stakeholders in the humanitarian sector have pledged continuous support through strengthening access to national services that will empower refugees and persons of concern in the country to live self-reliant lives.

They made the pledge at a programme on Tuesday in Abuja to commemorate the 2023 World Refugee Day with the theme “Hope away from Home”.

Hajiya lmaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), said the day served as a reminder that no one chose to be a refugee.

“We are developing a significant framework and guidance documents that will forester the provision of durable solutions to refugees and other persons of concern,” Suleiman-Ibrahim said.

“Let us stand together not only in solidarity but on willful determination to foster a world where refugees are not mere survivals but cherished members of our global community.

“Today serves as a powerful reminder that no one chooses to be a refugee; it is the circumstances beyond control that forces them to leave everything behind; their homes, loved ones, families and their familiar surroundings,” she said.

Similarly, Ms Chansa Kapaya, the Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to Nigeria, commended Nigeria for continuously keeping its doors and hearts open to people forced to flee their homes.

Kapaya said that currently Nigeria was hosting 95,700 refugees and asylum seekers in addition to the existing over 87,000 Cameroonian refugees hosted in four states in the South-East.

“Violence in Cameroon’s far north has also resulted in a new influx into Adamawa State, where an estimated 20,000 asylum seekers have arrived since mid-last year.

“In responding to the plight of refugees and asylum seekers, Nigeria has cultivated a positive and supportive environment starting with a favourable asylum policy where refugees can move freely once registered.

“This approach is a testament of the country’s progressive asylum policies and commitment to standing with refugees,” she said.

Kapaya mentioned the cases of Cross River, Taraba, and Benue states, where refugee children stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their Nigerian counterparts.

“They attend the same schools, undertake the same national examinations, and earn the same certifications, ensuring that they are not left behind,” she said.

Another example Kapaya cited is the Lagos State Employability Trust Fund which has extended its reach to include refugees in their livelihood -enhancing and skills-building programmes.

On his part, the Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, ECOWAS Commission, Dr Sintiki Ugbe said the needs of millions of displaced populations were on the rise compelling them to depend on daily rations for survival.

Represented by Mr Godfrey Alozie of the Commission, Ugbe said this has been made worse by violence, abject poverty, chronic food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate related factors.

He said in giving hope, three areas have been highlighted namely access, to jobs, enrollment in schools and access to services like housing, and healthcare.

“The next is solidarity, for no fault of theirs, they have been displaced away from home. We all need to show them a sense of belonging. We need to welcome them as this will refresh their hopes.

“The third is solutions, we need to provide durable solutions to assist displaced populations particularly refugees,” Ugbe explained.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Refugee Day is an international day organised on June 20 every year to celebrate and honour refugees from around the world. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Razak Owolabi

By Ruth Oketunde

The Donkey Dealers Association of Nigeria is demanding one billion naira compensation from the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) as the NCS hands over seized meat bags to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the NAQS has since destroyed some 414 sacks of meat, valued at N200 million impounded by the Kebbi State Command of the NCS on May 19.

On June 14, the Comptroller of the NCS Command in Kebbi, Dr Ben Oramalugo, handed over the 414 dried meat sacks to the Kebbi State Command of the NAQS, raising fresh concerns on the objective of the NCS in its persistent seizures of dried donkey meat in Kebbi.

The command had on May 19, seized a truckload of dried meat being conveyed to Ochanja Market at Onitsha in Anambra, alleging that the meat was being shipped for export to China and other countries.

However, the seizures have sparked an uproar among hundreds of businessmen involved in the business, who question how dried meat cargo seized by customs operatives on the Koko-Zuru highway could be said to be heading overseas.

The traders had similarly, disclosed that their goods were confiscated because of their inability to raise about N1.5 million demanded by customs operatives on the highway, to allow the vehicle conveying the goods passage to Onitsha.

The National President of the Donkey Dealers Association, Mr Ikechukwu Aniude, who reacted to the latest development on the meat saga in a telephone interview with NAN in Abuja on Tuesday, described the meat seizures as unacceptable and a blatant destruction of lives and livelihoods.

He said that turning over the dried meat sacks to the NAQS one month after the seizure had raised more questions on the activities and real intentions of the customs command in Kebbi in seizing donkey meat all the time.

According to him, the Kebbi NCS command should be compelled to make restitution and also be directed to desist forthwith from impounding truckloads of dried meat on highways in the country.

“We are demanding an immediate compensation of one billion naira to members of our association whose livelihoods have been ruined for engaging in donkey business to find their daily bread.

“We also demand a probe of the activities of the NCS Command in Kebbi State because this is the only state in Nigeria where donkey meat is being impounded on highways.

“The reasons being given by the comptroller of the customs command in Kebbi are not tenable because no law forbids eating of donkey meat or dealing in businesses in the donkey value-chain.

“Seizing our goods and destroying them on flimsy excuses that donkey meat is being exported to China and other countries is the height of man’s inhumanity to man.”

Aniude pleaded with the Federal Government to discourage those he described as overzealous security operatives from destroying legitimate means of livelihoods of hard working Nigerian citizens.

The association president stated that members of the association had lost goods valued at about N400 million since March 8 last year, when the Kebbi Command of the NCS started its relentless campaign of seizing truckloads of dried meat on highways in the state.

Aniude wondered why the Kebbi NCS command would descend so heavily on donkey dealers, in spite of ongoing efforts in the National Assembly to deliberate on the legality or otherwise of dealing in donkey business.

It will be recalled that Oramalugo after handing over the seized dried meat to the NAQS, defended the seizures, saying that handing over to the NAQS was in “the spirit of inter-agency cooperation.

“If you could recall, the process of seizures started from Maje border and ended in Kamba axis in May in the state,’’ customs chief stated, without explaining the possibility of exporting dried meat by the traders.

Findings, however, show that donkey business has been thriving in Nigeria for more than half a century with millions of homes, making their meals with donkey meat from day to day, due to its affordability.

The meat is consumed largely in Nigeria’s Southwest, Southeast, South-South and parts of Northern Nigeria, especially the Zuru areas of the Northwest and in many communities in North Central Nigeria.

Unofficial estimates put the number of donkeys in Nigeria at about 1.5 million at present, with the country also having about 20.7 million heads of cows nationwide. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)

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Edited by Silas Nwoha

By Joan Nwagwu

The International Labour Orgnisation (ILO) on Monday commended Africa, especially Nigeria, for stepping up its social protection policy.

Mrs Cynthia Samuel-Olajuwon, the ILO Regional Director for Africa, gave the commendation while speaking with journalists in Geneva, Switzerland.

She said that one of the very significant achievements of the ILO in Africa has been in the area of social protection.

According to her, social protection in Africa as at 2019, 2020 when I had the privilege of being in Nigeria for the launch of the report of “The Global Social Protection Report, was 17.2 or 17.4 per cent, the lowest in the continent..

“This is even in terms of statistics, we only have statistics for 17 countries.

“Recognising that if we do not address social protection, and this came out with COVID, we will not be able to improve the resilience of our population.

“We will not be able to lift people out of poverty and definitely will not be able to achieve the SDGs, so we came up with a strategy on promoting social protection in Africa.

“This is with the view and the goal, yes, ambitious goal of doubling the figure and moving from 17 to 40 per cent by 2025,” she said.

She added that just a few years from now, since that time, what have we done? The number of countries for which we have data, which was 17 in 2019, has increased to 37.

Samuel-Olajuwon also said she hoped that by the end of the year’s survey, the countries participating would have reached 54.

“Particularly for example, Nigeria has already started moving the needle, their health insurance policy has been adopted in terms of every data,” she added.

The Regional Director also listed some other key things that were prioritised by the ILO to include, addressing informality and creating decent work in the rural space and labour protection issues around skills development.

She said others are to see how the ILO can use technological pathways to facilitate skills development, enterprise development in Just Transitions in looking at the entire gamut of standards.

She added that this was both in terms of ratification and implementation with a special emphasis on issues related to women and child labour.

“Then of course, to social dialogue, I am just highlighting some of the key areas, there are several areas and if you look at even some of the decisions for the 111 ILC apprenticeship this is within the context of skilled and labour protection.

“This is within the context of what has already been articulated and of course, the issues around standards and different aspects of social dialogue,” she said.

Samuel-Olajuwon, while speaking on Nigeria been elected as the Chair of the Governing Body of the Organisation, said that the election was in recognition of the capacity of Africa.

She added that this is specifically for Nigeria, to be able to help to steer the ship of the ILO.

She described the time of Nigeria’s leadership at the ILO as apt “especially after the very important 111th conference that was recently concluded.

According to her, there is absolute great endorsement of the Global Coalition for social justice, which is an important initiative of the Director General, Mr Gilbert Houngbo.

“In this essence of the global coalition of social justice, is to make sure that issues related to social development and social justice are at the same level or receive the same level of attention as economic issues and environmental issues.

“It is a key way as indicated by the Secretary General of the United Nations to ensure that we accelerate the achievement of the SDGs.

“Nigeria has the responsibility to help translate the commitment and decisions reached at the ILC to the rest of the world.

“Nigeria’s election as the Chair of the ILO Governing Body for the next one year will also help to ensure that the country and the continent play a significant role in moving the agenda of the Organisation forward,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Kazeem Akande

A 53-year-old marriage has won the 2023 Family Week competition organised by Mushin Local Government under the leadership of the Council Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Bamigboye.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the council organised the Family Week screening at the Secretariat to choose the family that will represent Mushin at the grand finale coming up at the state level.

Bamigboye said after thorough screening and assessment, the family of Chief and Mrs Femi Okuyemi emerged winner with 80 per cent, to beat the families of Alhaji and Mrs Taiwo Odunsi, who came second with 65 per cent.

According to him, Alhaji and Mrs Isiaka Emiola got 56 per cent to get the third position.

“The criteria used in the screening exercise included punctuality to the venue, length of marriage, parental contributions to the achievements and success of their children.

“At the same time, contributions with commitment of the family to their community was another criteria,” he said.

The Executive Chairman, who was represented by the Supervisor for Agriculture and Social Services in Mushin Local Government, Mr Shakiru Oyefolu, commended the families for upholding their marriages.

He added that the chairman was interested in upholding the tenets of marriage as established by God.

Oyefolu said that the programme was targeted at strengthening marriages at the community level and to encourage huge investments in child development and the future of the community.

“Marriageable is an institution established by God for procreation and contribution of human capacity for productivity, with internalisation of norms in their children for social development in the society.

“Being the basic unit of the social system, the state government in partnership with the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas, has organised annual family week celebration to strengthen family ties.

“This development will encourage unity among couples and influence parental responsibility for quality child upbringing in the society,” he said.

According to the council boss, Okuyemi, who is in his 90s and his wife in her 70s, with over 53 years in marriage, has produced Medical Doctor, Accountant, Lawyer and Insurance expert as children.

He said the couple would be representing the local government at the grand finale coming up at the state level.

Mrs Aderonke Ogundiran, the Council Head of Agriculture and Social Services Department, in her votes of thanks applauded all the families who participated in the Family Week and screening exercise.

Ogundiran said that the programme was aimed at encouraging couples to stay together and protect their marriages, for the success of their children in future.

NAN reports that the 2022 edition of the grand finale organised by the state, Mushin got the third position, through its representative, Alhaji and Mrs Tunde Okuwobi’s family, who came home with the Bronze medal. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

Some stakeholders in the humanitarian sector have restated their commitment towards providing durable solution to displaced persons in the country.

They expressed the concern during a road walk on Monday in Abuja in commemoration of the 2023 World Refugee Day with the theme “Hope away from home”.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), said that Nigeria had recorded a lot of milestones and there were still a lot to be done.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that the Federal Government had been supportive in providing succor to persons of concern in the country.

She said that the aim of the programme was to recap on the journey so far and the future for refugee management in the country.

According to Sulaiman-Ibrahim, there are over 90,000 refugees from about 34 countries in Nigeria and the number was changing everyday.

“We have recorded a lot of milestones and there are still a lot to be done, we have a lot of policies in place, and we are still going to strengthen the internal framework.

“The theme of this year is apt, that is what the programme represents, giving them hope away from home. They flee for safety, from area of persecution.

“So, it is paramount that they build a home and also rebuild their hope, so whatever programme we are putting in place is to ensure that we help to strengthen their resilience and coping mechanism,” she said.

While commending the partners, the commissioner restated that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen its partnership with relevant stakeholders.

Similarly, Ms Bernadette Muteshi, the Deputy Representative of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said that the essence of the event was to commemorate the plight of refugees, people who fled their countries because of persecution.

Muteshi also expressed worry that in spite of all the efforts made so far by countries, the number of displaced persons kept on increasing.

“Ten years ago in 2013, we had 51.2 million people displaced, 10 years on today, we have 110 million people displaced globally.

“So, the situation is becoming dire which requires that we reinforce our efforts and give all the support that we can to hold back the trend.

“We do not want the numbers to go up, we want the numbers to come down and each of us can contribute in supportive and lending to that course,” she said.

To improve on the situation, Muteshi said that countries should adopt a legal framework that support all the other related support that can be followed from the time a refugee arrived at a border.

She said that there should be access to the country’s facilities to register and document them to ensure that they are legally protected in whatever asylum country they find themselves.

“Ensuring that they have basic assistance but more importantly ensuring that they also share in the national and social services such as education, health and other means of restarting their lives again.

“We are calling on awareness of the international communities not to forget these categories of people because they all need our support.

“They are people just like us, they have dreams and aspirations, and they were not able to fulfill them in their countries of origin for various reasons – war, conflict or persecutions,” Muteshi said.

She said the refugees are here to seek support until they are able to go back home or find some other durable solutions.

Muteshi said this was because anyone could be a refugee.

“So when you bear that in mind, it holds upon us to lend the human hand and be cognizant of the fact that nobody chooses to be a refugee,” she added.

On her part, Mrs Blessing Onu, a member, representing Otukpo Federal Constituency, Benue, said that in Benue there were good number of refugees’ camps including internally displaced persons.

“They are being catered for, nobody wishes for war or the situation that they are in but we are trying as much as we could to strengthen the policies that protect them and refugees,” Onu said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Refugee Day is an international day organised on June 20 every year to celebrate and honour refugees from around the world. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Razak Owolabi