By Kazeem Akande

The Agege Local Government of Lagos State says it has supported no fewer than 4,000 artisans and traders  in the council area with N100,000 each ,to help boost their businesses.

Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi,  Executive Chairman of the council ,said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

He said the cash support was  one of the programmes being  implemented by the local government to reduce the effect of t fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

Egunjobi also said  the council was also giving no fewer than 250 youths in the community N10,000 each monthly , to support them.

“We have been empowering our people and we will continue to do that.

“No fewer than 4,000  artisans and traders have benefitted from our  empowerment programme.

“We  supported the artisans and traders with  N100,000 each , to help grow their businesses as well as  cushion the effect of subsidy removal.

“We are also sustaining our programme of giving  N10,000 monthly  support  to  250 youths in  Agege .

“We are doing all of  these, and more , to improve the welfare and well-being of our people  “,he said

The chairman added that the council was planning an programme  through which food items would be distributed to no  fewer than 5000 residents for six months.

Egunjobi said that the programme would help vulnerable people in the community  to meet their immediate needs.

“When this programme comes  on stream, everybody will be carried along .Everyone in need of the support will benefit.

“We  urge well-meaning Nigerians, organisations and other councils to initiate and implement this kind of programme, to bring succour to residents in the various communities,” he said.

NAN reports that the council  had on Tuesday announced the reduction of its work days to three, to help ameliorate the economic hardship being faced by workers as a result of subsidy removal.

The council had  also announced reductions in  levies  paid by traders and residents of the area.

“These reductions became imperative in view of the effect of subsidy withdrawal by the Federal Government on residents of the area.

“Our workers  are not spared of the hardship brought about by oil subsidy removal by the government.

“While the subsidy regime removal is welcome as it was only benefitting a few people ,the council leadership is not unmindful of the unintended consequences  on our staff and residents.

“At this trying period , the council, under my watch, is determined to give solace to members of staff, residents and business operators in the local government ,”Egunjobi said in a statement.(NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

By Sarafina Christopher

The Jela’s Development Initiatives (JDI), an NGO, trained over 40 teachers and caregivers of young persons with disabilities on mental health to boost their wellbeing.

The Chief Executive Officer of JDI, Angela Ochu-Baiye, who spoke in Abuja said the two-day training would help to create a trauma sensitive environment for Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) especially students.

According to her, the event jointly organised by JDI, the Leprosy Mission and Liliane Fonds for students in the FCT centered on basic mental healthcare and sexual/reproductive health and rights of students with disabilities.

Ochu-Baiye said: “We have started empowering teachers and caregivers that work with students living with disabilities in the two inclusive schools in the FCT.

“They include students with disabilities in GSS Kuje and GSS Kwali, JDSS Kwali, FCT. We have been funded by the mission to carry out unburden group therapy sessions for students with disabilities.

“We found out that there are certain issues that cause students with disabilities to have mental health challenges and part of them also have to do with their teachers.

“Therefore, this training is to empower the teachers to understand their mental health and to enable them create trauma sensitive environments for the students.

“Also, to let the teachers know that these students with disabilities have sexual and reproductive health rights as well.”

Also speaking, Mr Tayo Adefarasin, Sexual and Reproductive Health Specialist, JDI, described women and children as being most vulnerable, especially those with disabilities.

According to him, it has become important to take sexual/reproductive health seriously.

“We believe it is pertinent to take into consideration women and girls living with disabilities by providing them with some basic healthcare amenities,

“It could be as little as disposable pads during the menstrual cycle, specifically educating them to gauge their body to know what changing signs are when experiencing puberty.

“We need to sensitise them to be sensitive when somebody touches them in a particular manner, know when to move away from and also know how and when to say no.

“These are the issues on the front burner concerning people living with disability,”Adefarasin said.

On her part, Mrs Zainab Nuhu, Senior Education Officer FCT Secondary Education Board, described the event as an opportunity to sensitise the teachers on the importance of mental health.

“I believe there should be more awareness for school teachers, because a lot of people do not know these things.

“Most of them do not have people living with disabilities close to them; I learnt a lot from this training and I will inform the board about the need for more awareness,”Nuhu said.

On his part, Mr Agada Aguda, Head of Department for Special Needs Education, Junior Day Secondary School, Kwali-FCT, appreciated the training.

He said that the event helped to promote teaching and learning about mental health, as well as proper ways to cater for the needs of students living with disabilities.

“I want to sincerely thank JDI for this initiative, because the workshop has helped me to know more about mental health.

“Also, in ways such could assist these students, in relation to their mental health and proper ways to handle them with care.

“This workshop also opened my eyes to know about how to protect the rights of the children living with disability and to fight for their fundamental right,” he said.

He decried challenges often faced by children living with disability, saying they suffer double tragedy of discrimination and stigmatization in the society. (NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Bashir Rabe Mani

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice President Kashim Shettima, says the Tinubu administration is prioritising Climate Change interventions to address the menace of desertification, coastal erosion, and flooding in the country.

Shettima, in a statement by Mr Olusola Abiola, Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, on Thursday in Abuja, said the administration was collaborating more with individuals and institutions that share government’s vision for a sustainable future.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was one of the highlights of Shettima’s remarks, after receiving a presentation titled: “Building Climate Resilience for Enhanced National Security: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2035”, from the National Defence College (NDC) Course 31 participants.

The Vice President acknowledged the devotion of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and related institutions to the advancement of the nation’s interests.

“Your voices are heard and your contributions valued. Government shares your informed concerns for the security implications of underestimating the devastations of climate change.

“The Green Wall Project, which has been prioritised by the government, stands as a testament to our unyielding resolve to shield our habitat and bolster our nation’s security.

“It is heartening to witness the alignment between your findings and our government’s policy objectives, reinforcing our belief that a holistic and comprehensive approach is essential to tackling these challenges effectively.”

Speaking further about the significance of the NDC Course 31 research report, Shettima said their research findings hold the promise of a more resilient and secure Nigeria.

“And together, we shall forge ahead, united in our pursuit of a better tomorrow. Your research findings also resonate deeply with the government’s ongoing commitment to address the menacing spectres of desertification, coastal erosion, and flooding.

“We recognise that a nation’s security is intricately linked to the environmental challenges it faces. As such, your insights provide a roadmap for charting a course toward a more resilient, secure, and sustainable future for Nigeria.”

He commended the management of the National Defence College for its commitment, zeal, passion and sacrifice in finding solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the nation.

Shettima also restated the Federal Government’s resolve to adopt additional measures to address the banditry plaguing the northwest region.

Earlier, the Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, said the research report was among other objectives aimed at proferring solutions to climate change challenges with implications to national security.

While presenting reports on behalf of the Course 31 participants, Col. O N Ejiga emphasized efforts made by the Federal Government to address Climate Change, citing examples of practices in other parts of the world.

The report highlighted policy and institutional frameworks as well as possible funding sources for addressing climate change challenges in Nigeria.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of Course 31 Research Report and other publications of the NDC to Vice President Shettima by the Commandant of the College.

The Commandant’s delegation included the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu, some directors, directing staff and some course participants. (NAN) (www.nennews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday urged the newly-reconstituted board and management of North-East Development Commission (NEDC) to prioritise access to quality education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

Shettima made the call while inaugurating the board and management of the commission at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The vice president, who emphasised the importance of human capital development, noted that progress was also about empowering minds, cultivating talent, and fostering an environment where dreams can flourish.

“Today, we must remember that development is not merely about bricks and mortar. The commission can only guarantee the safety of the emerging and future generations if it nurtures the seeds that will produce them.

“For Nigeria to regain its stability, this commission must refuse to be extinguished even in the face of adversity, as it has since its establishment.”

Shettima said the inauguration of the newly-reconstituted management was not merely a political protocol but the renewal of the nation’s hope, the making of a legacy and a testament to the commitment of the Tinubu administration to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the region.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s investment in human capital and development trajectory of the North-East fuels the enthusiasm with which he has prioritized the affairs of the NEDC.”

“I have no doubt that the leadership of this commission is prepared to shoulder the trust placed on it by the government, as it has done in the past years.

“Your impressive fiscal discipline and financial transparency, which have resulted in a credit balance of N222.9 billion in your coffers in the wake of the second quarter of 2023, are marks of the managerial expectations and character for which NEDC is known.

“We must don our combat gear to fulfill our promise of preventing any lapses in our intervention, providing the people an escape from undeserved realities. We must restore the glories of the North-East as a vast land of history and culture, crafts and industry.”

He appealed to leaders and the people of the northeast region to support the new board and management to deliver on its mandate of transforming the region.

According to him, this is a journey we cannot afford to undertake divided.

In his remark, the Chairman of the NEDC board, retired Maj.-Gen. Paul Tarfa, thanked President Tinubu for finding them worthy to serve.

Tarfa assured that the present board would, among other things, focus on implementing human capital development projects in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

In an interview with newsmen shortly after the inauguration, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, urged the commission to ensure medium- and long-term sustainable solutions and development in the entire North East.

“Because of insurgency, many of our road infrastructures have been damaged. One of our key challenges now is the means of livelihood. So we want to see how the North East Development Commission will invest in critical infrastructure like road infrastructures, and agriculture.

“And then as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy, we want to see how the North East Development Commission will key into the objective of Mr President to cushion the effects of subsidy removal by procuring Electric Buses to ease transportation hardship of the entire people of North East.

“The governors in the zone have promised to provide the desired leadership so that we can work with the North East Development Commission for the growth and development of the entire north east states.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the members of the inaugurated board present at the event included the Managing Director of the Commission, Mohammad Alkali; Gambo Maikomo, member (North-East Taraba); Abdullahi Abbas, member (North-West Kano); and Steven Tsav member (North-Central, Benue).

Others are; Mutiu Lawal-Areh, member (South-West, Lagos); Samuel Oni Ebo member (South-East, Abia); Frank Owhor, member (South-South, Rivers); Musa Yashi, Executive Director, Humanitarian Affairs (North-East Bauchi); Ahmed Yahaya, Executive Director, Operations, (North-East Gombe), and Abubakar Iliya, Executive Director Admin and Finance, (North-East, Yobe).

The event was witnessed by some dignitaries, including the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia; Senators Kaka Lawan and Musliu Obanikoro, and Lagos State APC Chairman, Mr Cornelius Ojelabi, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Federal Government says it is working on plans to develop quality care older persons in Nigeria.

Dr Emem Omokaro, the Director-General, National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) saidd this on Tuesday during a 2-day workshop on development of policy guidelines and regulatory framework on quality care assurance for older persons.

”We are engaging with relevant stakeholders to develop Quality Assurance Systems and Regulatory Framework for Training, Classification, Recognition and Certification of Geriatric Social Care Skills.

”We will also assess training centres and training providers for accreditation of Geriatric Care givers and its agencies,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised in partnership with the United Nations Development of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) in Abuja.

Omokaro said that the two-day engagement was to ensure quality care for older persons in Nigeria.

He also said that the engagement was expected to consolidate on frameworks and standard operational procedures to ensure improvement in quality care and wellbeing of older persons and their care givers in Nigeria.

”As well as opening up enormous job opportunities and the care industry sub-sector in Nigeria.

”Because, care of older persons is competence based which needed training and skills assessments at both the training centre and work place.

”Persons who desire to acquire skills and certification for employment as care givers to older persons need learning opportunities to enhance their capacities and employability,” she said.

Omokaro said that the training would ensure that care providers met the needed standards for accreditation for quality care assurance.

”In terms of assessments that will guarantee international recognition for national qualification of geriatric social care givers,” he said.

In his remark, the UN Resident and Coordinator Humanitarian in Nigeria, Mr Matthias Schmale said that  one of the targets of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was to ensure that no one was left behind.

‘’It is unfortunate that one group that is neglected in the UN programme is the older persons.

”I do realise that as we develop our sustainable development framework, one group we neglected is older people, I’m really sorry for that, but it’s never too late.

”So, one commitment I have is one of the taglines of our sustainable development framework is leave no one behind.

”The older people are clearly a group that should not be left behind, So that’s a commitment I made to you on behalf of the United Nations,” he said.

He assured of the United Nations determination to ensure that older persons were adequately captured in UN programme.

”And again, we overlook that there is a substantial number of older people that should be part of what we do and consider as UN and it’s not just from a caregiving and vulnerability perspective, being a senior citizen myself.

”I believe that we have a lot to offer to senior citizens,” he said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Dr Sani Gwarzo, said that the event was apt.

Gwarzo, represented by the Director, Humanitarian Services Mr Ali Grema, commended the doggedness, courage and commitment of the NSCC boss toward driving necessary innovations that would ensure quality and sustainable care for older persons in the country.

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Friday, announced the award of N5 billion contract for the rehabilitation of Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) System.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project would be executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd (CCECC) within 12 months.

Mr Olusade Adesola, Permanent Secretary FCTA said the aim was to restore the vital rail transportation infrastructure, which he described as the “life blood of Abuja city”.

According to him, the Abuja light rail will play a crucial role in easing transportation challenges and enhancing mobility for residents.

He explained that the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the temporary shutdown of the rail system as part of measures to curb the spread of the virus.

Adesola added that during the period of inactivity, hoodlums vandalised essential equipment of the rail system, which was a “serious setback”.

The permanent secretary said that contracts for the provision of security for the ARMT System have been awarded.

“We are taking stringent measures to safeguard this valuable asset.

“We will not allow the actions of a few vandals to undermine the progress and potential of this essential public service.

“We will leave no stone unturned in restoring the Abuja Light Rail System to its former glory and ensuring it surpasses its previous performance,” he said.

Adesola explained that the rehabilitation would involve the repair and replacement of damaged equipment, upgrading of facilities, and implementing modern security measures to protect against future threats.

He assured residents that the process would be expedited without compromising quality.

“We will soon witness the return of a more efficient and reliable transportation system.

“This is because revitalisation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System is not just about repairing physical infrastructure; it is a testament to the resilience of our city and its people.

“It showcases our determination to overcome challenges and our unwavering commitment to the welfare of our citizens.

“It is a demonstration of our government’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for economic growth and social well-being,” Adesola added.

The Director of Transportation, FCTA, Mr Joseph Akinteye, explained that the project consists Lots 1 A and 3, which span 45.245 kilometres.

Akinteye said that initial ARMT system was 77.775 km but only 45.245 km was completed in 2017, commissioned in 2018, and followed by a trial operation service which lasted for 20 months.

“Unfortunately, the trial service ended abruptly in March 2020, due to the advent of COVID- 19 pandemic and its extent protocols,” he said.

He said that the rehabilitation, when completed, would bring back the Metro Line services.

According to him, the ripple impacts would be an immense relief to the present unpleasant effects of the fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians, especially FCT residents.

The Managing Director, CCECC, Mr Wang Xixue, said that the rehabilitation of the vandalised components of the ARMT system was critical to the development of the transportation system in the FCTA.

He pledged that the rehabilitation would be completed in 12 months.

“As a socially responsible company, we are concerned about the development of the public transport system in FCTA and within Nigeria.

“We will maintain close cooperation with relevant stakeholders, to contribute to the development of an advanced public railway transport system.,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the managements of Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to focuse on realising the transformation agenda of the Tinubu’s administration.

Mr Olusola Abiola, Director Information, Office of the Vice President, in a statement on Friday, said Shettima made the call while received briefings on the operations of two agencies under his supervision.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Vice President met the Chief Executives and Management staff of the agencies in his office at the Presidential Villa, where they made presentations on their mandate, especially challenges and contributions to the economy.

The delegation from the NDPHC was led by its Managing Director, Mr Chiedu Ugbo, while the group from the BPE was headed by its Director General, Mr Alex Okoh.

Shettima, who is the Chairman of the Board of NDPHC and also Chairman of the National Council on Privatization, the supervising authority for the BPE, assured them of proactive leadership. (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Tuesday, took its early warning, disaster prevention and reduction campaign to students and staff of the University of Abuja.

The Director-General, FEMA, Dr Abbas Idriss, said during the sensitisation symposium that the goal was to find lasting solutions to natural and human-induced threats to lives and properties in the FCT.

Idriss said that the symposium was under the partnership between FEMA and the University of Abuja as a collaborative approach to disaster management.

He explained that the sensitisation was crucial to enlighten students and the university community with the needed knowledge on early warning and disaster prevention and reduction.

He said that FEMA was established to serve as the primary coordinating body for all disaster-related issues in the nation’s capital by working in synergy with all emergency stakeholders.

“The aim of the symposium is to sensitize students and the university community on climate change, early warning, and disaster management.

“This will enable students and stakeholders in the university community to become disaster reduction champions and responders in their homes and communities.

“The students will get disaster risk reduction to the public by educating their parents, their peers and their younger ones,” he said.

The FEMA boss also said that the agency has initiated a Disaster Marshals who would be sensitising communities and respond to emergencies in communities.

Inaugurating the disaster marshals, Mr Olusade Adesola, Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said that the marshals would play a critical role in managing emergencies.

Adesola, who was represented by Mr Abdulrazeq Leremoh, acting Secretary, Education Secretariat, FCTA, expressed optimism that the impact of the marshals would be felt beyond the boundaries of the FCT.

“As agents of change, your role is to educate your communities on what constitutes disaster risk and how to reduce such risk among people.

“Where the need to respond to emergencies arises, it is your responsibility to coordinate the efforts of those around you who will render assistance,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’alah, noted that disasters destroyed life and the university would strengthen partnership with FEMA to educate the university community on disaster risk reduction.

Na’alah noted that people need to know the ways to prevent human-induced disasters, adding that equipping students with such knowledge was key to the success of any disaster prevention strategy.

Earlier, Ms Florence Wenegienme, Director, Forecasting Response and Mitigation, FEMA, said that the 200 disaster marshals would be trained on emergency response, rescue operations, first aid and among others to effectively respond to emergencies.

Wenegienme explained that the collaboration with tertiary institutions was to ensure full participation of students on disaster management.

She said that 60 of the marshals were drawn from the six Area Councils of the FCT, made up of divers, local emergency committees, disaster vanguards, and volunteers.

“Others are 110 students, 10 lecturers and 20 journalists.

“We will expand the initiative to other tertiary institutions in FCT, particularly the University of Technology, Abaji, and College of Education Zuba,” she said.

One of the students, Rashidat Ahmed of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, who was inaugurated as one of the disaster marshals, commended FEMA and the university for the initiative.

“I have learned a lot and will do my best to contribute immensely to disaster risk reduction in the school and my community,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has concluded the inbound flights of Nigerian pilgrims with 298 from Kaduna State, one from Bauchi State and 16 officials of the commission.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, made this known in a statement by the commission’s Deputy Director, Information and Publication, Malam Mousa Ubandawaki, on Monday.

Hassan, while addressing the last set of Nigerian lilgrims at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, said that the conclusion of the transportation of the Nigerian pilgrims was coming four days ahead of the deadline fixed by the commission.

The chairman recalled that August 3 was initially fixed as the final day of operation, but the injection of an additional aircraft by Max Air and Flynas had helped to ease the tension and increased the tempo of the operation.

According to him, the operation of the 183rd shuttle flight brought to an end, the 2023 hajj operations.

Hassan said: ” The airlift today marks the conclusion of the in-bound flights of Nigerian pilgrims with the final transportation of 298 Kaduna pilgrims, one Bauchi State pilgrim and 16 officials by Azman Airlines.

” The second phase of the operation which began on July 4th, after the completion of the Hajj rites with the transportation of Sokoto State pilgrims by Flynas was a rollercoaster of challenges and emotions.

“This was amplified by the non-provision of slots to the Nigerian Carriers by the Saudi’s General Authority on Civil Aviation (GACA).

” But, after the resolution of the impasse following the intervention of the Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, it has been a smooth-sailing.”

He commended Nigerians for their tremendous support to the commission during the just-concluded haji operation.

Hassan acknowledged the assistance of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President, Kashim Shettima to the successful organisation of the 2023 Hajj.

The chairman said that the intervention of Shettima enabled the commission to transfer its trapped funds to Saudi Arabia and also persuaded the General Authority on Civil Aviation (GACA) to allocate more slots to Nigerian airlines.

” I want to sincerely express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Nigerian Government, especially, the President and Vice President for their timely intervention and support all through this operations.

” Their invaluable support really contributed in no mean term to achieve today’s success story,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani