NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Health , Metro

Milwaukee mayor donates hospital equipment to AMAC

237 total views today

By Philomina Attah

The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) on Thursday received hospital equipment donated to the Council by the Mayor of Milwaukee, U.S., Calvalier Johnson.

AMAC Chairman, Mr Christopher Maikalangu, while receiving the items in Abuja, promised to ensure that the equipment are distributed to clinics in need, with careful inventory management.

Maikalangu expressed his gratitude, emphasising the critical need for such equipment in local clinics.

“Today is my happy day because we are receiving a generous donation of hospital equipment from the United States.

“This donation, facilitated by the government of Wisconsin and the mayor of Milwaukee, Calvary Johnson, is a beacon of hope for grassroots clinics lacking essential medical facilities.

“In a step towards improving healthcare access for residents of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, I visited the Mayor in December 2023.

“I told him about the challenges those at the grassroots are facing in terms of accessing good hospitals within AMAC.

“We are glad that we are receiving a trunk load of these items today. This showcased the impact of international collaboration on local communities,” he said

He assured that measures have been put in place to ensure the items are not diverted to private hospitals.

Recognising the high value of the equipment, the AMAC boss said that personnel would be trained in their proper use to ensure effective healthcare delivery.

“One of these items donated to us cost about N160 million. So, I will distribute these items myself to ensure they are channeled to the rightful purposes,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the hospital equipment donated to AMAC include; 61 adult respiratory and antiseptic, 117 bandages, and dressing clinic supplies.

Others are; 10 dental and diabetes equipment, 108 gastrointestinal and gloves, 108 surgery syringe, 38 Tubing urology, 164 orthopedic appliances, 170-20 hoyer lift two, 171 commodes, 174 oxygen carts and orthopedic supplies among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Metro

ASIS International lauds Wike’s commitment to addressing insecurity in FCT

264 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The world’s largest association for security professionals, ASIS International, has commended the commitment of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in addressing insecurity in the territory.

The Chairman of the Abuja Branch 273, Mr Edward Orim, gave the commendation during the association’s 2024 Annual General Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

Orim, who was re-elected to serve for another year, said that Nigeria has the capacity to adopt the use of technology to strengthen the fight against insecurity.

He, however, added that the absence of political will was a serious challenge to deepening the use of technology to tackle insecurity across the country.

He said that Wike, on the other hand, had in the last one year demonstrated the capacity and the political will to address insecurity and make FCT a great and secured capital city for all.

He said that the minister’s support to security agencies, particularly operational vehicles fitted with latest technology equipment, was a game changer in the fight against insecurity in FCT.

“The FCT Minister is providing the needed support, including technological equipment to strengthen the fight against insecurity with a view to keeping residents of FCT safe,” he said.

He added that Mr Adamu Gwary, Director, FCT Administration’s Security Services Department, was presented with a Certificate of Excellence, in recognition of his support and contributions to the growth of ASIS International in Abuja.

The chairman said that the association would be looking forward to a stronger partnership with the FCTA to improve security in the nation’s capital.

He said that the association has made significant strides in Nigeria’s security sector through impactful initiatives and strategic outreach in 2024.

“The chapter also advanced professional development through its Women in Security webinar, which strengthened engagement among security professionals.

“In line with ASIS International commitment to humanitarian efforts and gender inclusion, Women in Security provided aid to flood victims in Borno State and championed career growth for women on the International Day of the Girl Child.

“For the next one year, we will be looking forward to deepening the use of technology in addressing insecurity, through collaboration and partnership with critical stakeholders,” he said.

Responding, Gwary thanked the association for the recognition, adding that the FCTA was open to more collaboration to strengthen the FCT’s security framework.

Gwari, who was represented by Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, FCTA’s Command and Control Centre, noted that in a global community, security was everybody’s responsibility.

“We are happy that ASIS is contributing to addressing insecurity in the FCT.

“The FCT minister has established a robust and standard Command and Control Centre in the territory to respond effectively to security threats.

“The control system will be equipped with the latest and necessary technology to fight insecurity,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that also elected was Mr Jacob Akinola as Vice Chairman, Amos Itodo as Secretary and Ms Jane Wilson as Treasurer. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Metro

Tinubu entrenching good governance through renewed hope agenda – Wike

270 total views today

By Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says President Bola Tinubu is entrenching good governance through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, when he inspected the ongoing construction of five-kilometre Saburi – Dei Dei road, awarded to Lubrik Construction Company in February.

He said that Tinubu made promises to satisfy the needs of the people, adding that the promises were being fulfilled and the hope of Nigerians was being renewed.

This, according to him, is good governance.

“Good governance is inclusive of provision of basic infrastructure, being transparent and accountable, providing security and providing quality health and education to the people.

“All the things that we have been doing in FCT are part of good governance.”

The minister expressed joy that the people were happy with what the Tinubu-led administration was doing in FCT to transform their lives.

He said that the people of Saburi and Dei Dei would be happier by the time the road project was completed in December.

“We are happy that the people appreciate what we are doing. This is very important to us that the people are happy.”

The minister also disclosed that the procurement processes for the construction of 17-kilometre Life Camp – Dei Dei road had reached 80 per cent.

He added that the FCT Administration was awaiting the certificate of no objection from the Bureau for Public Procurement.

“If that happens, we will go to the Federal Executive Council for approval and continue from there,” he said.

On the clamp down on scavengers and beggars, Wike said that a combined security team was working day and night, arresting and prosecuting scavengers that were arrested.

He said that the security operative had been clearing Abuja roads of the people who claimed to be beggars but were not actually beggars.

“It is not easy, but we are going to achieve it,” the minister said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

Minister tasks corps members on creativity, innovation to serve communities better

203 total views today

By Philip Yatai

Dr Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has urged prospective graduates for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to be creative and innovative to serve communities better.

Mahmoud made the call during the NYSC pre-mobilisation workshop in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said the world is changing and the needs of communities are equally evolving rapidly.

She stressed the need for prospective youth corps members to be prepared to meet the challenges with creativity, resilience and innovation.

She, however, added that “stakeholders must play a critical role in shaping the experiences of young Nigerian graduates.

“We must ensure that the graduates are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and mindset to contribute positively to the society.”

She described the NYSC as “cornerstone” of national integration and development since its inception in 1973, to foster unity among young Nigerians.

Mahmoud said the pre-mobilisation workshop provides an opportunity to share best practices, explore new ideas, and collaborate on
strategies that would enhance the effectiveness of the scheme.

She noted that the theme of the workshop “Strengthening the NYSC Mobilisation Process for Effective Service Delivery”, resonates deeply with the aspirations of the national vision.

She commended the leadership of the NYSC for the unwavering commitment to improving the quality of service rendered by youth corps members.

She said, “your dedication to training and preparing our youth for the responsibilities they will undertake is commendable.

“By investing in their development, we are investing in the future of Nigeria.”

The NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, said the scheme had been the vanguard of nation building, fostering unity among different nationalities, as well as playing critical role in national development.

According to him, the imprints of the scheme are all over the landscape of the nation from the mega cities to every rural community.

Ahmed explained that the mobilisation process is a critical component of the service year that deserved all seriousness.

He pledged the management’s commitment to ensuring that the right things were done at all times for Nigerians to get the best out of the scheme. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Metro

Brunel University, FCTA partner to commercialise students’ entrepreneurial ideas

245 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Education Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Brunel Business School, Brunel University, London, have partnered to strengthen entrepreneurship among secondary school students.

Ainurul Rosli, Professor of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Brunel University, stated this in Abuja on Monday, at the unveiling of the Brunel-FCT Innovation Challenge, towards building a better Abuja.

Rosli said that the partnership was designed to transform students’ ideas to bankable products that solved societal problems.

She explained that the challenge was to encourage young Nigerians in Abuja to explore their local environment, identify needs and gaps and develop innovative solutions to improve their community.

“The students will assess what their local area offers, identify what is missing, and propose improvements or future development for the community to benefit through entrepreneurship.

“They will also explore science and technology-based products, services and innovations to address local challenges.

“The main goal is towards building a better Abuja for everyone, making it a safer, fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all Nigerians,” she said.

She said that the programme, which would run from January to March 2025, would be opened to all secondary schools in FCT.

According to her, the students will work in groups of five, to find solutions to local problems entrepreneurly.

Rosli added that Brunel team would mentor the students, through monthly online sessions, and guide the teachers and the students to upgrade and make their ideas commercial.

“The goal is to make sure that our students are equipped to become entrepreneurs by choice.

“This will not only support the economy of Nigeria but also empower communities to collaborate in solving local problems.

“Nigerian students have spectacular ideas, but the next step is how to support them to grow these ideas – how can we commercialise it; how can we make it better, and I think that is what we came here to do,” she said.

She said that making a better Abuja and better Nigeria was not only about coming up with a product, but the product that addressed community needs.

She, however, said that in doing this, the product should not hurt the environment and the people it was designed to help.

According to her, most of the previous entrepreneurship narrative is all about coming up with products to make money.

“I think entrepreneurship for better Nigerian and better Abuja is about the community and about the heart of Nigeria, in line with the nation’s anthem.

“If we can get children to solve the problems at the heart of Nigeria in Abuja, we will see a better Abuja and a better Nigeria.”

She disclosed that the partnership had also reached out to several partners, such as banks, government agencies, Abuja Chambers of Commerce, and Lagos Chambers of Commerce among others.

“These are the intermediary partners that we will be working with, and hopefully, some of the pitch that the students would come up with, would be commercialised with their support,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Olobashola Kolawale, Director, Science, Technology and Innovation, FCTA Education Secretariat, said that the partnership had reinforced entrepreneurship training in FCT secondary schools.

Kolawale noted that entrepreneurship training in FCT schools was not yielding the desired results because of the gap between transforming ideas to reality.

He said that principals of secondary schools had been trained under the partnership on how to entrench practical aspects of entrepreneurship training in secondary schools.

“The partnership with Brunel University is already changing this narrative, because it has equipped us with practical knowledge on how to support students bring their ideas to fruition,” he said.

One of the trainees, Mr Musa Zuru, Principal, Government Secondary School, Kubwa, said that the training had helped him to support students to practicalise what they have learned.

“Now our students are thinking and promising solutions to environmental and community challenges profitably,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

FCT UBEB pledges quality education in public schools

235 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher and Eletta Mercy

The FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) has reiterated its commitment to ensure  quality education and address out of school children.

The Board made the pledge on Monday in Abuja during the finals of the 2024 season 3 of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board Head – To- Head Debate Reality show.

Through the programme student ambassadors aim to convince their peers at home to return to school.

The Board’s spokesperson, Mrs Patience Ossai quoted Dr Alhassan Sule, the Acting Executive Chairman of FCT UBEB in a statement as saying the importance of education could not be overstated.

He affirmed that globally, education was the bedrock of development and a passport to the future.

He added that the Federal government under President Ahmed Tinubu saw education as a priority, adding that FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wikem was working to improve infrastructural development in FCT schools.

Sule noted that the board was using the initiative as a strategy to curb the menace of out of school children in the territory and further supported the Federal government effort in reducing the syndrome.

“We all know that Basic Education is free and compulsory and there is sanction for violation of the Act.

“So we urge all hands to be on deck to support education for all. No more hawking during school hours,” Sule said.

The Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmud commended FCT UBEB for the invaluable contribution in addressing the incidence of out- of – school children challenge in FCT.

Mahmud represented by Mrs Grace Adayilo, Permanent Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, assured that the FCT Administration would be duly responsible for sustaining the project.

Dr Jumai Ahmadu, the leader of Head – To- Head Reality Show and Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department, FCTA, said that the debate was the first of its kind under Sule’s visionary leadership.

She added that Head – To- Head was a vision that should be supported and sustained.

“The vision of the programme is to ensure that every child of school age is in school and to reduce social vices in the society,” she said.

Ahmadu also applauded FCT UBEB for providing a serene and conducive environment marked with high-tech equipment to host the programme.

The winners of the reality show were from Bwari Area Council they won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions.

The winning school, Junior Secondary School Dutse Alhaji II was given a generator, laptops, knapsacks, certificates and a golden trophy.

The second place, JSS Kubwa 1 was equally rewarded with laptops, bags, certificates and trophy. Consolation prizes were given to the third, fourth positions. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Uche Anunne

Metro

NLTF’s strategic plan will create opportunities for Nigerians– Tinubu

624 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu on Monday said the Strategic Plan (2024-2028) unveiled by the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) would create opportunities for all Nigerians.

Tinubu stated this at the presentation of strategic plan 2024-2028 for delivering good causes mandate of the NLTF held at the banquet hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the President was represented by Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The President noted that the NLTF was a testament to what could be achieved “when we work together towards a common goal.

“The Strategic Plan we are about to unveil today is designed to create opportunities for every Nigerian in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of our administration.”

Tinubu noted that his administration was conscious of the significant role the gaming industry played in national development.

“This necessitates the adoption of revenue assurance platform to be launch soon so that Nigerians can benefit from the industry,” he said.

The President commended the new leadership of the National Lottery Trust Fund under Mr Tosin Adeyanju for purposeful leadership since assumption of office.

“I look forward to seeing greater results. I urge all stakeholders to join us in this effort to make a lasting impact on the lives of our rural communities,” Tinubu said.

Earlier, Adeyanju, the Executive Secretary of NLTF, said the unveiling of the plan marked a significant step towards enhancing its mandate and deepening impact on Nigerian communities as envisaged by the President.

He reiterated that the NLTF was committed to delivering good cause and worthwhile interventions across various sectors and in communities in need.

“So far, the NLTF has since its establishment in 2005, successfully implemented over 306 projects nationwide, touching lives and transforming communities.

“This, we have continued to do without interruption since my assumption of the mantle of the fund’s leadership.

“I wish to restate that we are open to ideas and innovations with moral limits as I make the pledge at this point to assure Mr President and Nigerians that we do not intend to fail,” Adeyanju said.

He expressed gratitude to Tinubu for finding him worthy to be appointed to steer the affairs of the organisation.

“I solemnly pledge to discharge my duties in furtherance of the expectations of Mr President and fellow country-men and women of all classes,” Adeyanju said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

Metro

NG-CARES will be redesigned as shock response mechanism – Coordinator

768 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme will be redesigned to function as a shock response mechanism for the Federal and State Governments.

Dr Abdulkarim Obaje, the National Coordinator of NG-CARES, said this at the National Peer Leaning and Experience Sharing event organised by the Federal CARES Support Unit (FCSU), on Monday in Abuja.

Obaje explained that the NG-CARES programme would be modified to restore livelihood to individuals that were affected by disaster or crisis back to their normal life.

He described the NG-CARES programme as a catalyst for promoting welfare of the poor and vulnerable in the country.

He said that “anytime there is a disaster or there is any crisis immediately after emergency agencies of the country have done their own.

“NG-CARES should come and restore livelihood and to do so on a very sustainable basis in a way that people will not fall back again into poverty.

“So, this is how we are thinking and also to strengthen arms of the state government to continue to serve the interest of the poor and vulnerable in the state.”

Obaje said the success so far recorded by the NG-CARES programme across the country was rebuilding the confidence of the citizens in government at all levels.

“The social contract issue between the lead and the leaders is also being strengthened. The governors are also receptive to the welfare of poor and vulnerable,” he said.

Obaje stated that the total amount of money that the World Bank, through the Federal Government, released to states was 645 million dollars.

He, however, said the results that had been produced and validated by the Federal Government and the World Bank was 835 million dollars.

“That means that they have produced a lots more results than the money we have reimbursed them with,” Obaje said.

Earlier, Dr Lire Ersado, the World Bank Task team leader, said NG-CARES programme would be redesign to focus on climate change, flooding and drought which affects many families.

“How can we use our limited resources in order to mitigate and adapt to the impact of the climate change. We will give a lot of focus on climate impact on poverty and vulnerable people.

“I think those are some of the key innovations we want to add,” he said.

Also, Dr Emeka Obi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, said in its four years of existence, NG-CARES Programme had made significant contributions to the socio-economic landscape of the country.

Obi added that the programme directly impacted the lives of over 15 million Nigerians through its various Results Areas implemented in all the 36 States and FCT.

“This feat was achieved after three rounds of Independent Verification Assessment of results achieved by the States and FCT between 2021 and 2024 which amounts to 835 million United States Dollars.

“However, total reimbursement by the World Bank stands at 645 million dollars which is about 29 per cent excess of the amount reimbursed.

“This overall achievement by states and FCT, is a testament to the commitment of the Subnational Governments to prioritising the welfare of poor and vulnerable Nigerians at this critical juncture in the course of our national development,” said Obi. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Salif Atojoko

Metro

Stop patronising quack estate agents, Mortgage brokers tell Nigerians

712 total views today

By Angela Atabo

The Institute of Mortgage Brokers and  Lenders of Nigeria (IMBLN), on Saturday called on Nigerians to stop patronising quack estate agents while purchasing lands  or renting properties.

The President of IMBLN, Hayatuddeen Awwal, made the call at the end of IMBLN’s Consultative Meeting with the theme` `Mortgage and Real Estate Professionalism and Accessibility to Affordable Housing for Nigerians in Abuja.

He said the institute was working on modalities to sanitise the housing sector to enable Nigeria reap from its hidden revenue.

According to him, many people are posing as estate agents thereby abusing the profession

“The transactions being done under those people are in millions, if not billions because there is no land in Abuja that is below one million Naira.

“Everybody is an agent and they go home with their money free of any tax. Our aim is now to enforce the parameters, qualifications and certifications”, he said.

According to Awwal, the challenge of quacks as land and housing agents is so bad that among 10 cases that the police have in Abuja, 80 per cent of them are land related.

“IMBLN has initiated collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU),ICPC and EFCC so that they will join in sanitising the sector,” he said.

Awwal said that Nigeria was faced with a 28 million housing deficit.

“If the opportunities that are in between the value chain of delivering 28 million housing deficit are explored, you are talking of a huge opportunity to the tune of 420 billion Naira”, he said.

Awwal said this could only happen when the housing sector was sanitised.

He said that IMBLN was established by an Act of the National Assembly and mandated to regulate and professionalise the mortgage and housing industry through transparency and respect for ethical standards.

Dr Bernard Doro, member, Governing Council of IMBLN, while unveiling the Institute’s brand, said it refreshed its brand identity to reflect the institute’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainable housing solutions.

“It speaks to our dedication to equipping professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of the industry and provide sustainable housing solutions for all.

“Be it rentals, be it outright purchase, be it purchase through mortgage, whatever, the IMBLN wants to offer Nigerians the opportunity to be confident in their dealings.

“We are fostering an environment where professionals can thrive, where innovation can flourish, and where the dream of home ownership becomes a reality for more Nigerians”, he said. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Metro

Ministry, RTEAN move to reduce road crashes by 50%

783 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), has tasked transport workers to embrace the Pre and Post-Crash Initiative of the road transportation sector.

This is contained in a statement jointly signed by the association’s President, Musa Maitakobi and National Secretary, Mr Yusuf Adeniyi, on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transportation and stakeholders, aims to reduce road traffic crashes and ensure victims receive attention quickly.

It also seeks to ensure that private and commercial vehicles acquire lifesaving tools and skills in accordance with the National Road Traffic Regulation (NRTR) 2012 and the Nigerian Highway Code.

Maitakobi said the move would ensure the fulfilment of the dictate of the United Nations Decade of Action of Road Safety 2021-2030, which aims at reducing death due to Road Traffic Crashes by 50 per cent before the year 2030.

He lamented that road traffic crashes and accidents claimed thousands of lives and caused varying degrees of bodily harm to many people annually in Nigeria.

He noted that on many occasions, victims of road accidents are being left unattended at the point of crash, thereby reducing their chances of survival.

According to Maitakobi, many of the survivors are made to pay huge sum of money for their medical and emergency treatment.

” In a bid to address this problem, the Federal Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with stakeholders in the transportation sector have commenced the implementation of the Pre and Post-Crash Initiative for the Road Transportation Sector in Nigeria.”

“RTEAN empowered by its establishing Act, is mandating all commercial transport vehicles (inter and intra state) to ensure the safety and security of all passengers and commuters.

“The association direct all commercial vehicles to register their vehicles under the Pre and Post-Crash Initiative for the Road Transportation Sector in Nigeria, especially during this festive period.

“This is to ensure that all passengers and commuters are well-protected and secured while in transit through the benefits attached to the Pre and Post-Crash Initiative for the Road Transportation Sector in Nigeria”.

He said the association was partnering with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force and Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO), to ensure maximum compliance.

The President warned that any commercial vehicle that does not comply with the directive by November 2024 shall be arrested and fined.

“RTEAN shall also advocate through all relevant mediums that members of the public should not patronise any unregistered vehicle for their own safety and security,” he said.

Maitakobi said that under the new arrangement N1.5 million death benefit and N1 million medical/emergency treatment coverage would be paid to each occupant of the registered vehicle. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

You cannot copy content of this page

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email