Some charity organisations and orphanages in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commended Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) for donating bags of rice to less privileged and vulnerable households in the territory.
The groups were among the 48 organisations supporting the distribution of the rice to beneficiaries across the capital.
The representatives of the organisations said during the distribution exercise in Abuja, that the gesture was life-changing and described it as a true service to humanity.
One of them, Mrs Khadija Oladipupo, Lead Programme Officer, Mission for Education, Social and Health, said that the donation had helped in nourishing and uplifting the needy in benefiting communities.
“Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our population, especially those in need,” she said.
On her part, the Chief Executive Officer, Gajiya Charity Foundation, Hafsat Gimba, commended the Foundation for the support, which she described as a ‘generous assistance’.
“The items have brought immense relief and comfort to the less privileged in the society during these hard times. Your kindness and compassion have touched their hearts profoundly.
“The rice has eased their burdens and provided them with the necessities they desperately needed.
“Knowing that there are individuals and organisations like ADF, who care deeply about the well-being of others, filled me with hope and renewed faith in humanity,” Gimba said.
In the same vein, the President, Network of Women with Disabilities, Lois Auta, said: “Your commitment to supporting marginalised communities, particularly women with disabilities, exemplified your dedication to social responsibility and compassion.
“Through your donation, you have not only alleviated the immediate needs of persons with disabilities, but also demonstrated solidarity and empathy towards our cause.”
Speaking further, the President of JADAFIA Group, Mrs Rakiya Bamalli, said that the support had enabled the group to expand its Ramadan outreach programmes.
Bamalli said that the items distributed during the outreach included food packages, iftar meals and essential supplies to families and communities facing hardship.
This, she said, had made a significant difference in the group’s efforts to provide relief to those in need in communities.
Also, Mr Femi Akosile of Bimbola, Nutrition and Health Foundation, said that the rice had been distributed to families and individuals experiencing food insecurity.
“Your contribution has made a significant impact on our efforts to support those in need in our communities.
“We want to sincerely say that your partnership and commitment to making a positive difference in our communities are truly inspiring, and we are honoured to have had the opportunity to work with you,” Akinsile said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the exercise in Abuja, Mrs Azeeza Jibril of 1Ummah Foundation, said that the donation was impacting positively on the lives of the beneficiaries.
She identified other organisations supporting the distribution exercise in the FCT as Hope for Survival Children’s Home, Gishiri, Child to Child Charity Foundation, and Gajiya Charity Foundation.
Others are Dagam Pilame Community Association, Eeqra Foundation/Orphanage, and Support Our Troops Foundation for Widows, Leprosarium-Yangoji, Karmajiji Disabled Colony, NASFAT Foundation, and JIBWIS Group among other groups.
The company’s spokesman, Mr Anthony Chiejina, explained that the distribution of the rice was under the foundation’s National Food Intervention Programme.
Chiejina said that the initiative was in continuation of ADF’s commitment to supporting the government in alleviating economic hardship among poor Nigerians.
He said that a total of one million bags of rice were being distributed across the 774 Local Government Areas of the country.
He added that the exercises began in March, with official inauguration in Kano and Lagos states. (NAN)
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to take development to rural areas.
Wike stated this on Friday, while inspecting ongoing construction of 11-kilometre Yangoji-Sukuku Ebo-Road and Kwali Unity Bank Road in Kwali Area Council of the territory.
He said: “I feel delighted that we are taking development to rural areas.
“For me, it is very important to ensure that while actualising the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinub, rural communities also benefit from dividends of democracy.
“The rural areas are part of the FCT and should enjoy good governance.”
The minister pointed out that development should not be concentrated in the capital city.
This, according to him, will significantly mitigate rural urban migration being experienced in the FCT.
“You need to give rural dwellers infrastructure to be able to develop their communities.
“Providing infrastructure, particularly roads, is key to the development of communities so that they can feel the impact of governance,” he added.
He urged the contractor, Gilmor Engineering Ltd, to speed up the work to meet the agreed delivery dateline.
Wike also called on council chairman to monitor the execution of the project and not rely on reports by civil servants.
He assured that the FCT Administration would do all that needed to be done to ensure the completion of the projects. (NAN)
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday in Abuja canvassed for continuous investment in research, innovation and technology to tackle Climate change in the country.
Oyetola, represented by his Permanent Secretary, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, made the call in his opening address at a “Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on National Blue Economy Strategy.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organized by the African Union for Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) with funding from the Kingdom of Norway.
According to Oyetola, investments in research, innovation, and technology can unlock new solutions for ocean conservation, resource efficiency, and climate resilience, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.
The minister said over-exploitation of marine resources, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change threaten the health and resilience of ocean ecosystems.
“To address the challenges requires concerted efforts to promote responsible resource management, mitigate environmental impacts, and build resilience to climate change.
“This will help to build the potential to drive inclusive growth, create employment opportunities, and alleviate poverty, particularly in coastal and island communities.
“When we choose to harness the vast potential of our oceans sustainably, we can unlock new sources of economic value, such as fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, renewable energy, and
biotechnology,” he said.
Speaking, Mr Babatunde Sule, the Director of Maritime Services Department of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, said that climate change ought to be tackled collectively.
Sule said that priority ought to be placed on preventing calamities and disasters to reduce lost of lives on the marine environments.(NAN)
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has suspended all events at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Wike announced the suspension after he inspected the centre in Abuja on Monday.
He explained that the suspension was to enable Julius Berger to carry out holistic rehabilitation of the centre.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister had terminated the contract of Messrs Integrated Facility Management Services Ltd, assigned to manage the centre.
Mr Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press, Office of the Minister, who announced the development on April 4, added that Julius Berger had been contracted for the immediate renovation of the centre.
After going round the facility, the minister described it as a mere conference centre, “There is nothing international about the centre.
“When we came here for the ECOWAS inauguration sometime last week, with President Bola Tinubu, no right-thinking human being would see the state of this facility and be happy.
“In fact, during the inauguration, Tinubu drew my attention to the rot. Even the lighting system was so poor.
“This is unacceptable. There is no way we can accept this as an International Conference Centre.
“You cannot call it a conference centre but not international, because there is no standard compared to any international conference centre”.
He added that the FCT Administration would not continue to be embarrassed by the poor state of the centre.
“So, we are sorry to announce this; every booking made here is cancelled.
“We will start immediate rehabilitation of the centre to meet up with international standards,” the minister said.
He said that Julius Berger had been given eight months to complete the total renovation of the centre.
The goal, according to him, is to transform the facility into a befitting International Conference Centre that Nigerians will be proud of.
He said that Julius Berger was called back to rehabilitate the centre because it was the company that built the edifice.
“We believed that in the next seven to eight months, the company would do something that Nigerians and the international community would appreciate,” he said.
On the management of the centre, if the rehabilitation was completed, Wike said that the Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company (AIC), Amb. Maureen Tamuno knows what to do.
“If she does not do it well, well, we will have no choice but to wade the big stick; but I believe she has the capacity to run it well,” the minister said.
He explained that he would not probe anybody on what led to the rot of the centre, but to move on, get the job done and give the country a befitting international conference centre.
NAN reports that Tamuno, an experienced public officer, entrepreneur, and diplomat was appointed as new head of AIC on April 4.
She was the Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Belize, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. (NAN)
The Editorial Department of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has introduced a quarterly birthday celebration for its members of staff to boost their morale.
NAN reports that the maiden edition of the birthday celebration for staffers born in the months of January, February and March was held on Monday at the agency’s headquarters.
Speaking at the event, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, the Editor-in-Chief (EIC), said the initiative was to bond members of the department, celebrate one another and create atmosphere to unwind.
“For journalists who work day and night filing stories on all aspects of national life, they deserved to be celebrated on their birthdays.
“It is also a forum for reporters, editors and controllers, working together in the newsroom to bond in a relaxed atmosphere,’’ he said.
The EIC prayed God for direction and increase for the celebrants, as they enter into a new phase of their lives.
Mr Rotimi Ijikanmi, an Assistant Editor-in-Chief in the agency, who spoke on behalf of the celebrants, applauded the initiative of the EIC.
“We were not expecting this laudable initiative, it will surely boost morale and bring the member of staffs together,’’
He urged the department to sustain the programme and commended the EIC for the initiative.
NAN reports that the high point of the event was prayers for the celebrants by Mrs Hadiza Aliyu, a Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Mrs Abiemwense Moru, a Senior Editor, as well as refreshment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
A faith-based organisation, Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria, on Monday offered prayers for national security, peaceful co-existence and socio-economic rejuvenation of the country.
At the event held at the Ansar-ud-deen Mosque, Maitama, Abuja, the organisation also prayed for the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration as well as other leaders at various levels of government in the country.
The Abuja branch Chief Imam of the society, Dr Musa Olaofe underscored the need for citizens to work hard in the quest to promote peaceful co-existence and progress of the country.
He explained that the idea behind the special prayer session for the country stemmed from a desire to contribute to the nation’s progress and development, while also seeking divine wisdom and guidance for its leaders.
“Today is a special day to pray for Nigeria. As believers, we are not perturbed over the current situation because we believe strongly in Almighty Allah and we know that in no distance time, Nigeria will overcome the predicaments.
“We believe strongly that with this prayer, Allah will guide our leaders aright and eliminate the pocket of challenges confronting us as a nation,’’ he said.
He enjoined citizens to desist from cursing their leaders.
“We should continue to pray for them and say positive things about our country,“ he said.
The Chairman of the 2024 Ramadan Committee of Ansar-ud-Deen Society, Abuja branch, Ismail Omipidan revealed that the Society had successfully provided daily meals for over 500 fasting Muslims since the commencement of Ramadan.
Omipidan extolled all members of the society for their support to the committee.
He thanked all well-meaning Nigerians who donated generously to the society throughout the month of Ramadan to execute the feeding initiative and other obligations targeted to propagate and promote Islam.
Also, the Chairman, Ansar-ud-deen, Abuja branch, Mohammad Kabir-Olayiwola urged Muslims to sustain the good deeds exhibited during the Holy month beyond Ramadan period.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the society, distributed rice to its members, numbering over 400 as well as other members of the public. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has barricaded Dogon Gada box culvert, which is on the verge of collapse, to avert loss of lives.
Mrs Florence Wenegieme, Director, Forecasting, Response and Mitigation, FEMA, who led the exercise in Abuja on Sunday, described the development as a disaster waiting to happen.
Wenegieme explained that the culvert was on the access road that linked Lokogoma village, popularly known as Dogon Gida community, to Ring Road II.
She described the culvert as one of the vulnerable locations in the FCT, particularly to flooding during the rainy season.
According to her, many members of the community have lost their lives while trying to cross the culvert during the rainy season due to flooding.
“Dogon Gada community is one of the vulnerable locations in the FCT, particularly to flooding during the rainy season.
“Every year, we record loss of lives in this location, especially to flooding. Now the rain is becoming very heavy, and you can see that the box culvert is on the verge of collapsing.
“The shoulders are already sinking, and parts of the bridge are already broken.
“We tried to stop vehicular movement along the road to no avail, and to avert further loss of lives, we have decided to barricade the road completely.”
Mrs Florence Wenegieme, Director, Forecasting, Response and Mitigation, FEMA (in green), after an assessment of the volatile cracks on Dogon Gada Box Culvert, in Abuja on Sunday.
She noted that the area was under Phase III of the Abuja Master Plan, adding that the development of the area was yet to commence, as the development of Phase II was ongoing.
She, nonetheless, stressed the need for a standard box culvert to be constructed in the location to enable the community members to have access to the expressway (Ring Road II).
She explained that the barricade was a temporary mitigative measure pending when the culvert would be constructed.
“From this location to the express road is about 10 minutes, but the alternative access road will take them about an hour, which is better than loss of lives,” she said.
The Ward Head of Lokogoma Village, Mr Irimiya Kanpani, explained that the box culvert was constructed in 2016 through community efforts.
Kanpani also said that every year, the community members, about 3,000 mobilise resources to maintain the culvert until it finally gave way a few days ago.
He appealed to the Federal Government, the FCT Minister and the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council to come to their aid.
He said that the community had approached a contractor who said they would need more than N500 million to construct a standard bridge.
The ward head added that so far, members of the community have contributed N2 million to support the construction of a befitting bridge for the community, adding that the donation was ongoing.
“There is no year that we don’t lose a brother, a friend, a father, a mother, or a sister here.
“Our youths are gone and many of my friends have died in this location. Government should please come to our aid,” he pleaded.
Kanpani added that the alternative access road to the community was through Dakwo village by Santos Estate culvert, which was also being flooded every year because of its low elevation.
“This means that, if the culvert is not constructed and the rains commenced, we will be completely cut off, with no access, in or out of the community,” he said. (NAN)
Dr Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, on Friday restated the commitment of the government to develop Kotangowa ICT market into a world class marketplace.
Babatunde disclosed this during an inspection of the area earmarked for the relocation of Ikeja computer village in the urban regeneration programme of the state government.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls the Lagos government had announced that the Computer Village would be relocated before the end of 2017.
Babatunde said that the contract of Bridgeway Global Project Ltd., former consultant for the market project had been terminated over two years ago.
He said that the government had taken over control of the project from the company and assigned it to the Urban Development Department in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, headed by Mrs Bola Bello.
He said that Bridgeway had no right to continue to collect fees from traders at the market and urged them to desist from doing so.
The special adviser said that the government would ensure that any money illegally collected from the traders or shop owners was refunded, after proper verification.
He said that anything that had to do with project control should be in line with Lagos State Building Control Agency’s guidelines and regulations.
“Director from Urban Development, Mrs Bola Bello and her team will be the ones to represent the State Government on this market project till further notice and if you have anything to do on this market project, please liaise with her,” Babatunde said.
The General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Mr Gbolahan Oki, urged traders and sellers in the market to keep the place clean.
He urged them to avoid littering and any other actions that could make the environment unclean.
Oki advised them to keep the access roads to the market clear, to avoid traffic congestion.
He urged them not to pay any money for anything that was related to the market until further instructions were given, to prevent exploitation by unauthorised parties.
The general manager informed them that the government would be removing illegal structures built without proper permits to facilitate the proper development of the market.
Mr Ogunkelu Sylvester, Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, said that the legislative branch was at the market to investigate issues raised by the market association in a petition.
He said that they would report their findings to the speaker for further decisions.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has said that no fewer than 50,000 Nigerian intending pilgrims will perform the 2024 hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, disclosed this at a news conference held at Hajj House on Friday in Abuja.
Arabi said the commission was on course in conducting a successful Hajj operation, no matter the challenges.
He reiterated that Nigerian Muslims would perform the 2024 Hajj in a number that nobody had ever imagined.
” This year’s Hajj preparations is one of the most difficult and peculiar one.
” You know in the past, we had the luxury of time to prepare at our own pace; But, this time around, the host which is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came up with the timeline that we have to work within,” he said.
Arabi said that the Federal Government had intervened in so many ways, especially with policies to support the commission to ensure that things did not go wrong.
“I made bold to say that there were series of interventions that government made in terms of policies to ensure that there is no unnecessary tension in the nation.
” Government has a responsibility to keep the nation one, devoid of chaos and rancour,” he said.
Arabi noted that, going forward, Hajj Savings Scheme would be the surest method to adopt.
He assured that the commission would embark on adequate sensitisation and enlightenment to make sure that intending pilgrims key into it.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had allocated 95,000 Hajj slots to Nigeria for the 2024 pilgrimage. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Coalition of Disability Organisations (CODO) has called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant agencies to ensure full compliance with the National Disability Act at Nigerian airports.
The coalition, led by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CDD), made the call on Wednesday in Lagos at a news conference on access to Airport/Airport Facilities and Services for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Ms Florence Attah, Programmes Officer, CDD, said it was a fundamental human right for persons with disabilities to access airports on an equal basis with others.
Attah said that the recent incident involving Mr Debola Daniel, on March 27 at KFC restaurant, sited at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos, was a blatant violation of the National Disability Act.
“Airports are not just transit hubs; they are gateways to opportunities, connections, and experiences.
“However, for persons with disabilities, navigating through airports can often be a daunting and challenging experience, marked by various barriers that impede their mobility, independence, and overall travel experience.
“Many Nigerian airports lack adequate infrastructure such as ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms, making it difficult for persons with physical disability to navigate through terminals.
“Informational signage, flight announcements, and other communication channels often do not cater for the needs of persons with hearing and/or visual impairments, leading to confusion and disorientation.
“The discriminatory attitudes and lack of awareness among airport staff and fellow travellers create uncomfortable and hostile environments for persons with disabilities.
“Similarly, complex security procedures, lack of functional disability desk and lack of disability-sensitive protocols result in delays and inconvenience for travellers with disabilities,” Attah lamented.
According to her, Mr Daniel’s episode typifies the live experiences of many persons with disabilities that often go unspoken or unpublicised in Nigeria.
Coalition of Disability Organisations (CODO) urges Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), others to ensure full compliance with National Disability Act at Nigerian airports
Attah commended Daniel for calling out violators and asserting his rights.
She said: “His actions should serve as deterrence to other corporate organisations and individuals engaging in discriminatory practices across the country.
“We commend the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for the prompt action against KFC at ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are respected and protected.
“While we see this as a bold step in the right direction, we are optimistic that FAAN will move to the next level of addressing other discriminatory practices.
“The practices especially resulting in the systematic exclusion of persons with disabilities from accessing the facilities at the Murtala Mohammed Airport.”
According to her, Section 14 of the National Disability Act mandates all airlines operating in Nigeria to ensure that all aircrafts are made accessible to persons with disabilities and ensure that persons with disabilities are assisted to get on and off board in safety and reasonable comfort.
Attah added that the Act also mandated airlines to ensure that persons with disabilities are accorded priority while boarding and disembarking from the aircraft and all airports should make available presentable and functional wheelchairs for conveyance of persons with disabilities to and from the aircraft.
She, however, noted that the reality on the ground painted a starkly different picture.
Attah specifically, said that the lift leading to the Murtala Mohammed Airport lounge was non-functional, depriving passengers with disabilities from accessing an essential service.
She said that the CODO, led CCD in partnership with Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiatives (HAPI) and the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigerian (SCIAN), expressed deep concern over the trend.
Attah decried that the situation had persisted, despite the series of interventions and stakeholders’ engagements carried out in the last two years.
She said that research conducted by CODO on “Access to Airport in Nigeria” across the six geo-political zones, including the F.C.T, showed that PWDs were generally at a disadvantage, deprived, discriminated against, and denied of their rights.
Attah said: “There are numerous reports of total denial of air travel opportunities, as well as humiliating and embarrassing treatment/response to the needs of PWDs.
“Despite the existence of national and international provisions for the rights of persons with disability, the plight of Persons with Disabilities continues to be compounded by societal attitudes.
“This particularly is in terms of being treated condescendingly resulting to repeated violation of their rights in silence.”
Highlighting roles and responsibilities of FAAN, NCAA, and other relevant stakeholders, decried the slow enforcement of the relevant legal frameworks by agencies tasked with managing the various aspects of the airports in Nigeria.
She said that this had led to the continued exclusion of persons with disabilities from accessing airport facilities and services.
She said that the group recommended that Ministry of Aviation should develop and implement comprehensive accessibility policies and guidelines for all airports under its jurisdiction.
Attah added that FAAN should ensure that infrastructure upgrades and new constructions adhere to universal design principles.
According to her, FAAN and Ministry of Aviation should coordinate training and sensitisation programmes for airport staff on disability rights and inclusion.
She said: “Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority should monitor and enforce compliance with accessibility standards and regulations at airports towards ensuring maximum safety for passengers with disabilities
“Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Should Collaborate with FAAN and other stakeholders to develop inclusive aviation policies and practices.
“The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities should advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities in the aviation sector and provide guidance and support to airports and relevant authorities on disability inclusion initiatives.
“National Commission for Persons with Disabilities should facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes related to airport accessibility.”
She said that the security agencies should ensure the safety and security of all airport users, including persons with disabilities.
Attah said that the security should also provide assistance and support to travellers with disabilities during security screenings and other procedures and address any incidents of discrimination or harassment against persons with disabilities at airports.
“The Ministry of Aviation, FAAN and NCAA should ensure that airports and aviation service providers comply with national laws and international standards regarding accessibility for persons with disabilities
“The Ministry of Aviation should allocate inclusive budgets and resources to support accessibility initiatives at airports, including infrastructure upgrades and training programmes for airport staff.
“The Ministry of Aviation should monitor the implementation of accessibility policies and conducts periodic evaluations to assess the effectiveness of measures taken to enhance access for persons with disabilities,” she added.
Attah said that the coalition remained committed to advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society, including air travels.
“We urge the Nigerian government and airport authorities to take immediate actions to rectify the systemic barriers that continue to impede the mobility and independence of persons with disabilities at airports across the country,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
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