NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
I-G visits Benue, vows to end mindless killings

I-G visits Benue, vows to end mindless killings

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By Emmanuel Antswen

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetokun, has promised to end mindless killings in Benue and other parts of the country.

Egbetokun said this during his visit to Gov. Hyacinth Alia, on Monday at Government House, Makurdi.

The I-G assured residents in the state that the police was doing everything possible to end the attacks and killings in the state and in the country at large.

He promised that the police, under his leadership, would stop at nothing to apprehend perpetrators of the heinous crime in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, the mindless acts of terror in the state is an attack on the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, and the police will not accept it to continue.

He further promised more deployment of police personnel to support security personnel in the state to restore peace.

Egbetokun said: “these mindless acts of terror are not just attack on Benue people but they are attacks on the sovereignty and integrity of the country.

“Any attack on any community in any part of the country is an attack on the entire nation.

“I want to assure you that the Nigerian Police Force will stand with you and the entire people of the state on this.

“We are going to work closely with you and in close synergy with other security agencies to ensure that lasting peace return to Benue State.

“We are aware of the vast terrain of Benue State and the security challenges it presents.

“We might not be able to cover every inch of the place, but we are going to deploy adequately to ensure the protection of lives and property in Benue.

“The criminal elements and bandits might have operated with impunity in the past but a day is fast approaching when they will come to attack but will never return.

“That day is fast approaching and I can assure you that we will continue to protect lives and property in the state.”

The I-G further promised to support the state with resources to defeat the bandits.

He also commiserated with the governor, the state government and the entire people of the state on the tragic attack on Yelwata Community.

In his remarks, Gov. Alia said there was no justification for the bloodbath at Yelwata or any other community in the state.

Alia appreciated heads of security agencies for their endless support to the state, especially in the fight against insurgency.

“We appreciate you and the entire Service Chiefs for responding to us appropriately with all the support in our fight against insurgency in the state.

“We are bleeding and we are in sorrow.

“I believe your visit is going to uplift our spirits and build within us formidable assurance of the fact that we are not alone but that you will be there for us.

“There have been an upsurge of attacks recently and we have not rested in the last two months.

“I am confident that once our victims feel your presence, it will rekindle hope in them.

“We are hopeful that with all hands on deck, we will become victorious and the sorrowful narrative we share today will become a thing of the past,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the I-G, thereafter, visited Yelwata Community, met with the locals and later addressed senior police officers in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Victor Adeoti/Isaac Ukpoju

Nigeria issues N50bn Green bond to boost climate finance

Nigeria issues N50bn Green bond to boost climate finance

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By Olawunmi Ashafa

Dr Patience Oniha, Director-General of the DMO, says Nigeria is taking a significant step in tackling climate change with the issuance of a N50 billion Sovereign Green Bond.

Oniha said this at an investors meeting for the Series III Sovereign Green Bond issuance on Monday in Lagos.

She said that the initiative aimed to fund environmentally sustainable projects and reinforce the nation’s commitment to the Paris Agreement.

According to her, the offer is a continuation of Nigeria’s climate financing journey following earlier issuances in 2017 and 2019 that raised N25.69 billion.

She said that the five-year Green Bond would provide funding for projects aligned with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Today is about sensitising investors. This is the amount, this is the tenor, and very importantly, this is what we intend to do with the funds.

“We must give institutional investors an opportunity to ask questions, reflect, and begin their internal approval processes. This is not just fundraising; it is about our national commitment to sustainability,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the five-year bond, targeted at institutional investors with a minimum investment of N10 million, will be listed on the FMDQ platform.

Oniha explained that while the bond market in Nigeria is well-developed, price discovery would remain guided by market expectations.

Also, Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director, Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, emphasised the urgency and purpose behind Nigeria’s green financing drive.

“Climate change is not a distant threat, it is here, and it is threatening humanity and biodiversity.

“The impact is evident in shifting weather patterns, extreme heat, disappearing Harmattan, rising floods, and desert encroachment.

“Nigeria is shrinking geographically, and we have no planet B. What we do today is a debt or gift to the next generation,” she said.

Abiola-Awe described the Green Bond initiative as part of Nigeria’s broader framework for delivering on global climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

She said that Nigeria was committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent unconditionally, and up to 47 per cent with international support.

“These bonds are not just financial tools. They are part of a homegrown, innovative solution to climate finance.

“Through initiatives like the 2021-2030 Climate Change Policy, Energy Transition Plan, afforestation strategies, and renewable energy projects, we are building real capacity to mitigate climate impacts.

“The preparation for the issuance of this sovereign green bond underscores Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to environmental and climate action goals and initiatives, aligning perfectly with Mr President’s renewable energy agenda.” Abiola-Awe said.

She cited examples of projects supported by previous green bond issuances across various sectors including agriculture, energy, and transport.

“These projects, many of which were initiated with the first issue in 2019, demonstrate our progressive movement in mitigating climate change within Nigeria.

“I strongly believe, as the D-G has emphasised, that we are on a progressive path towards achieving a great deal in mitigating climate change here in Nigeria.”

She said that the proceeds from previous green bond issuances funded critical projects, including energising education initiatives in Nigerian universities.

“That project improved internet access, increased study hours, and ultimately raised academic performance.

“It is not always what you see on paper, the impact is multidimensional.

The Federal Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, has provided the policy and institutional frameworks for these issuances, which aim to support sectors such as agriculture, energy, transport, and forestry.

She said, “Our progress so far, and this third issuance, reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to consistent and sustainable financing for climate action.

“The time to act was yesterday, but what we are doing today is one of the biggest contributions we can make.”

The event also acknowledged Nigeria’s legal and transaction advisors on the Green Bond.

The Private Debt Market Makers (PDMMs) were encouraged to support the new issuance with confidence, especially with the successful repayment of earlier bonds.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Completion of 0m greater Abuja water supply project excites Wike

Completion of $470m greater Abuja water supply project excites Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, expressed excitement for completing the 470 million dollars Greater Abuja Water Supply Project eight years after.

Wike expressed his excitement in Abuja on Monday. at the inauguration of the project by President Bola Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

He explained that the project was awarded in 2017 under a partnership with the African Development Initiative to take care of loop one, two, five and six.

He added that the Chinese government provided 85 per cent of the funds while the Federal Government and the FCT provided 15 per cent.

The minister added that the project was completed in just two years in office, following Tinubu’s directive to improve water supply in the city.

“Although the project was awarded since 2017, your administration has completed it and today we are inaugurating it to improve water supply in the city,” he said.

Wike recalled that the FCT Administration had in 2024 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Chinese company to provide water in FCT satellite towns.

“I want to say today, that we almost completed the procurement process to provide water to residents of Bwari, Kubwa, and Karu among other communities.

“So, Mr President, you are not only providing water to residents in the cities; you are also providing water to residents in satellite towns,” he added.

He thanked Tinubu for the support and assured the President that this project would be completed and inaugurated in 2026 to celebrate his third year in office.

He equally thanked the National Assembly for the tireless support, which he described as “very encouraging”.

Inaugurating the project, Tinubu described it as a “monumental effort” that would ensure safe, sustainable and sufficient water to homes, institutions and communities across the capital city.

According to him, water is not a luxury, but a basic for human right and a foundation for public health, urban development and economic growth.

He thanked Wike for exhibiting a very great virtue of leadership.

“This virtue is when a leader is very conscious of the needs of his people and he goes about, committed with dedication to do it.

“That’s what you have been exhibiting in FCT,” Tinubu said.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, thanked Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and for making the delivery of essential services a key priority of his “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

“Your excellency, your leadership has breathed new life into long-standing projects such as this one, transforming plans on paper into realities that directly impact the lives of our citizens.

“The completion of these water supply loops clearly demonstrates your administration’s resolve to ensure that no community is left behind in our pursuit of national development,” she said.

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the completed project would significantly improve access to potable water supply in the city.

Dauda said that the project involves the construction of water supply pipes in loops one, two, five and six in line with the provisions of the Abuja Master Plan.

He added that it involves laying of 425-kilometre (km) of ductile iron pipes at various diametres, comprising 256 km of main lines and 169 km of distribution lines.

“The scope of the project includes site clearance and excavation, construction of loops one and two in Phase II, III and part of Phase IV in the norther development corridor and loops five and six in Phase II and III in the southern development corridor of the city,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Halima Sheji

Nigeria making steady economic progress amid reforms – DMO D-G

Nigeria making steady economic progress amid reforms – DMO D-G

107 total views today

By Olawunmi Ashafa

Dr Patience Oniha, Director-General, Debt Management Office (DMO), says Nigeria is on a steady path of economic recovery, driven by fiscal reforms, improved credit ratings, and targeted investments in infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

Oniha said this at an investors meeting for the Series III Sovereign Green Bond issuance on Monday in Lagos.

She said that Nigeria had recorded notable improvements in its macroeconomic fundamentals, including stabilising inflation, gradual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, and a rebound in crude oil production.

According to her, global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s and Fitch, had upgraded Nigeria’s outlook, reflecting growing investor confidence in the country’s economic trajectory.

“We have seen improvements in our ratings. There is clearly a difference from where we were before.

“This suggests that the reforms are working, even if the results are gradual,” she said.

On inflation, Oniha said that while it initially spiked to 30 per cent, it has since stabilised between 23 per cent and 24 per cent.

“That stabilisation is an indication that the economy is responding to monetary and fiscal policies,” she said.

She stressed the importance of GDP growth and infrastructure investments.

“We have seen post-COVID growth, though we acknowledge it should be higher.

“That is why there is a strong focus on infrastructure through the three-year National Development Plan.

“It is private sector-led, and once infrastructure improves, growth will accelerate,” she said.

She highlighted the recovery in oil production, noting that Nigeria had increased output from below one million barrels per day to between 1.5 and 1.6 million barrels.

She said that reforms in the oil sector, which include the unbundling of the NNPC into a limited liability company, were yielding results.

Turning attention to Nigeria’s growing commitment to climate financing, Oniha announced plans to issue a N50 billion Sovereign Green Bond.

According to her, the bond, which follows earlier issuances in 2017 and 2019 totaling about N25.69 billion, is part of the country’s broader strategy to tackle climate change and support environmental sustainability.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Group restates commitment to empowering youths through agric.

Group restates commitment to empowering youths through agric.

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By Ikenna Osuoha

An NGO, Uplifting Youths Through Agriculture (UYOTA), has restated its commitment towards empowering Nigerian youths through agriculture.

The Co-Founder of the group, Mr Nnamdi Adigwe made the commitment during a news conference in Abuja.

Adigwe, said that the group would hold a summit on agricultural revolution with the theme: Agriculture, the Key to Economic Empowerment, Sustainable Development and Food Security in Africa.

He explained that the aim was to raise awareness in achieving food sustainability through youths’ engagement in agriculture.

“The Africa youth agri-business summit 2025 seeks to ignite youths’ interest in the agricultural value chain.

“We hope to empower them with the knowledge, tools and opportunities to see agriculture as a viable, profitable and sustainable business venture,” he said.

Adigwe who affirmed the group’s commitment to promoting agro-economy in Africa, said that through building such bridges, agribusiness could stimulate growth in our economy.

He said that the summit would offer opportunities to expand access to finance and investment by creating platforms for meaningful dialogue.

According to him, the summit will also help in tackling climate challenges in agriculture.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator, Mr Bola Ojo, said that the group would key into President Bola Tinubu vision for agricultural revolution.

Ojo, who commended President Tinubu’s agricultural policies, said that they would collaborate with the government in the area of ensuring food security.

He lauded the Minister of Youth Development and the leadership of the National Assembly for driving innovations and development in the agricultural sector.

Ojo said that the group through synergy with the government had made impacts on the youths at the sub-national levels, especially in understanding the importance of agriculture. (NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

Shares: Court adjourns Ecobank’s suit Dec.1

Shares: Court adjourns Ecobank’s suit Dec.1

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By Sandra Umeh

A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Monday, held that it would await the decision of the Court of Appeal in a suit  by Ecobank challenging alleged sale of 6.3 billion shares in Barbican Capital Ltd.

Ecobank had filed the suit against Obafemi Otudeko, Barbican Capital Ltd., and Honeywell Flour Mills of Nig. Plc. as the first, second and third defendants, respectively.

Also joined as defendants are: Siloam Global Services Ltd., Oyeleye Foluke, First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Holdings Plc., Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and the Nigerian Stock Exchange as the fourth,  fifth,  sixth,  seventh and  eighth defendants,  respectively

The plaintiff, through its counsel, Mr Kunle Ogunba (SAN), is seeking, among other things, an interlocutory order restraining the defendants, collectively or individually, from taking any steps to sell, transfer or otherwise deal with the N6.3 billion aggregate shares of Barbican Capital Ltd. in FBN Holdings Plc. pending determination of the suit.

The bank is also seeking an interlocutory order to restrain the defendants from converting the shares of Honeywell Flour Mills Plc. pledged to Ecobank in furtherance of a credit facility, into cash or any negotiable instrument, pending determination of the suit.

The defendants had, however, filed preliminary objections challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

They filed the objections on the grounds that a similar suit was pending before Justice Yellin Bogoro.

The defendants also raised objections on the grounds that there was  a pending appeal on the matter before the Court of Appeal.

They said that the pending suit and appeal deprived the court of the jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

The defence had sought transfer of the case to the court’s administration judge since a similar suit was  before Justice.

In a ruling on Monday, Dipeolu held that the court would not entertain applications in a suit pending before an appellate court.

“It will amount to judicial recklessness for the court to proceed,” he held.

He held that it was trite law that once an appeal was entered and the court was notified, the lower court would  be stripped of its jurisdiction.

He cited the  case of Okafor versus Attorney-General of Anambra State.

He said that parties in the suit had already informed the court of the existence of a similar  suit before Bogoro, adding that the   issue had been resolved.

He said that the court would not act on any application before it pending the court of appeal’s decision.

Dipeolu adjourned the case until Dec. 1 for mention.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ecobank brought its suit marked FHC/L/CS/638/2025 pursuant to Order 26 Rules 5(1) and 6(1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure Rules) 2019, and Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.

The suit is supported by a 38-paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Mr Jafaru Kupa, a Financial Officer at Ecobank.

At the last adjourned date, Mr Bode Olanipekun (SAN), Mr Ade Adedeji (SAN), and Mr Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) appeared for the first, second and third defendants, respectively.

Mr Ademola Adesina appeared under protest for the fourth and fifth defendants, while Ms Abiola Ogundare and Mr Luqman Salman represented the sixth and seventh defendants.

Explaining his appearance under protest, Adesina said that fourth and fifth defendants had not been personally served with the originating processes.

He claimed that the defendants  only became aware of the suit through media reports.  (NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

ECOWAS President wants bloc to tackle integration challenges

ECOWAS President wants bloc to tackle integration challenges

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By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it is currently facing integration challenges, and seeks to address it by strengthening unity, solidarity, and fraternity within the bloc.

Dr Omar Touray, President of the commission, expressed the fear and plan of action at the 37th ordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) held at the commission’s headquarters on Sunday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AFC’s crucial meeting was held to evaluate the mid-term implementation of the decisions, programmes, projects, and activities of ECOWAS institutions.

Represented by ECOWAS Vice President,  Mrs Damtien Tchintchibidja, Touray said the mid-term implementation of the programmes, and activities of the community’s institutions aimed at evaluating ECOWAS’ difficult financial situation.

He said the meeting would also delve into how to minimise the negative effects of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS to preserve the gains of 50 years of integration.

The president said that the AFC session would also update member states on the progress made on the state of recruitment within the commission’s institutions.

“As you know, our organisation is currently going through an existential crisis and in such circumstances, we must sit down together, pose and examine the problems and challenges facing us.

“Our organisation is at a crossroads, and this calls for a strong capacity to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of integration and to project ourselves into the future.

“But beyond all that, we must be aware and recognise that our strength lies in unity, solidarity and fraternity, moving forward together on the road to development, in peace and stability,” he said.

Touray said one lesson learnt from ECOWAS’ recent fiftieth anniversary and the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger was the need to speed up institutional, organisational, political and security reforms.

He said it was in light of the intended reforms that the commission, in accordance with the decisions of the Heads of State and Government, would soon be convening a summit on the future of ECOWAS.

“Prior consultations will be organised, including with young people and women, to take into account all the needs for the future of the community.

“I would like to remind you that ECOWAS is in all of us: you here today, me, and all the citizens of our community space.

“It lives through our collective commitment, our solidarity, our fraternity and our shared desire to build a more prosperous and forward-looking region,” he added.

Also speaking, Prof. Nazifi Darma, ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, said the evolving dynamics of global aid and financing necessitated the commission’s recent decision to procure new communications infrastructure.

He, therefore, urged member states to rethink resource generation and utilisation, adding that the newly acquired equipment would help to modernise the commission’s communication operations.

“Donor support is diminishing in the new world order. We must begin to explore indigenous, creative approaches to finance and service delivery within the region,” he said.

Amb. Olawale Awe, AFC Chairman, emphasised the need for proactive measures to address pressing issues, such as staffing gaps across ECOWAS institutions, and the community levy following the Sahel State’s withdrawal.

“We must act decisively to fill these institutional voids to maintain the momentum of our mandate.

“The Commission cannot afford stagnation at a time when the region demands progress,” said.

NAN reports that the event was attended by distinguished ECOWAS dignitaries, including commissioners, parliamentarians, the Community Court, resident representatives, heads of ECOWAS institutions and agencies, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Changing infant mortality narratives with azithromycin access through Nigeria’s SARMAAN project

Changing infant mortality narratives with azithromycin access through Nigeria’s SARMAAN project

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By Vivian Ihechu and Kevin Okunzuwa, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
For generations, mothers like Hannatu Bello in rural Nigerian communities such as Kura, Kano State, have faced the heartbreaking reality of high infant mortality.
While her friend, Talatu Bako, mourns the loss of two children to infections, Bello sees a glimmer of hope.
“Before, my child was always sick,” she says. “Now, everything has changed.
 
The rustic environment in which the people live reflects a simple, traditional lifestyle
That change stems from the Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin Among Children (SARMAAN) project.
Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, stopping bacterial growth. It’s commonly used to treat respiratory infections, diarrhea, and other childhood illnesses.
Launched in line with the World Health Organization’s 2022 guidelines, SARMAAN is a Federal Government-led research initiative with roots in a surprising observation.
Communities in northern Nigeria using azithromycin for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) like onchocerciasis and schistosomiasis were experiencing unusually low infant mortality rates.

*The only source of water supply in the community is from a well.
These diseases, affecting the rural poor, had been routinely treated with mass administration of azithromycin.
Researchers at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) confirmed the trend through fieldwork and reviews.
Although the exact mechanism is still being studied, experts believe azithromycin’s effectiveness against common childhood infections, especially respiratory and diarrheal illnesses, plays a crucial role.
A national response to a public health crisis
With Nigeria’s infant mortality rate standing at 63 deaths per 1,000 live births (According to the 2023/24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), the government tasked NIMR with evaluating and implementing the WHO’s recommendations.
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, SARMAAN is led by NIMR with support from the Federal Ministry of Health and partners such as eHealth Africa (data) and Solina Group (service delivery).
Phased rollout: From research to scaled impact
Phase 1 focused on safety and monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across six diverse states: Akwa Ibom, Abia, Kebbi, Kano, Sokoto, and Jigawa. Eligible children received azithromycin every six months.

*NIMR researchers taking samples of Children
Findings: A strong safety profile and no alarming AMR trends.
However, mortality impact wasn’t directly measured—prompting SARMAAN Phase 2.
Phase 2, now underway in 11 high-risk northern states, and aims to measure the drug’s impact on under-five mortality, evaluate feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and community acceptance, and integrate with existing health platforms for long-term sustainability.
*From 2nd left: Prof. Oliver Ezechi, along with other NIMR’s researchers.
Prof. Oliver Ezechi, Team Lead and NIMR’s Director of Clinical Sciences, says, “We’re not just conducting research; we’re saving lives.
“SARMAAN is a lifeline, not a one-off intervention,” he added.
Empowering communities, creating local champions
Beyond medication, SARMAAN prioritises community empowerment.
Adding a voice, Dr Abideen Salako, SARMAAN’S Consultant Paediatrician and Study Coordinator, says, “It’s about hope.
“We’re training local mothers as health workers and data collectors, turning passive recipients into active healthcare agents.”
   
*One of NIMR researchers engaging one of the rural women on safety health issues in Tsakuwa Community.
With 1.8 million doses distributed across 82 LGAs, SARMAAN is already scaling.
In states like Kaduna and Kebbi, full rollout has begun for children aged 1–59 months. In Kano, the programme is expanding from 24 LGAs to all 44 within six months.
“Social mobilisation, community engagement, and traditional leadership are crucial,” says Mr Auwaal Saad, Deputy SMU Programme Manager.
In spite of recorded successes, SARMAAN faces notable challenges.
“Research is not yet valued in policymaking,” laments Dr Folahanmi Akinsolu, NIMR’s Assistant Study Coordinator.
Akinsolu cited some of the challenges to include weak health infrastructure, inadequate lab capacity, shortage of skilled personnel, security threats in some areas, and transporting biological samples from remote locations to Lagos.
“In some local government areas, research assistants have been attacked, hindering data collection,” he said.
Early results, growing optimism
However, Dr Imam Bello, SARMAAN 2 Consultant, noted that in spite of these shortcomings, “momentum is building”.
According to him, “We have collected nasal and rectal samples in over 6,000 households.
“The goal is to have 144,000 participants across all sites.
“Pilot areas like Kura in Kano show high community acceptance and low resistance trends—early signs that mass azithromycin rollout is both safe and welcomed,” he said.
Personal impact
 “Before, we would lose children and feel powerless,” says Amina Ali, a local health worker.
“Now, we have hope. We are protecting our future—one child at a time.
“Infant deaths have reduced,” adds Malam Hussain Adamu, a traditional leader in Tsakuwa.
“We must all support this life-saving initiative.”
*Mallam Hussain Adamu, a traditional leader in Tsakuwa
A beacon of hope for Nigeria’s children
Experts and stakeholders agree that SARMAAN is more than a study.
It’s a transformative model for integrated child healthcare, one grounded in science, powered by community, and built for sustainability.
Through strategic partnerships, data-driven practices, and grassroots empowerment, SARMAAN aims to inform national child survival policies, complementing existing efforts such as immunisation and exclusive breastfeeding.
Each dose of azithromycin now represents more than treatment.
It symbolises a promise: that every Nigerian child deserves a chance to grow, learn, and dream. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
***This article was with support from the Solutions Journalism Network and the Nigeria Health Watch.
** If used, credit the writers and the News Agency of Nigeria.
Father’s Day: First lady calls for more support for men

Father’s Day: First lady calls for more support for men

152 total views today

By Celine-Damilola Oyewole

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has urged people, especially women, to give men the support and enabling environment to function effectively as fathers.

Mrs Tinubu gave this advice on Sunday in Abuja, in her message in celebration of Father’s Day,

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Father’s Day is a day set aside for honouring fathers, as well as fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.

“I salute all Nigerian fathers who dedicate themselves to raising confident, responsible and compassionate children.

“I also celebrate the men who step into fatherhood roles through mentorship, guardianship, and community leadership.

“Let us continue to give men the support and enabling environment to function effectively as fathers.

When fathers are involved, families grow stronger, and so does the nation.

“God bless all fathers, strengthen you in your responsibilities, and reward your labour with peace, joy, and fulfilment,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Father’s Day: Ondo AGN urges profound appreciation of fathers

Father’s Day: Ondo AGN urges profound appreciation of fathers

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By Raji Rasak

Dr Kayode Ajulo (SAN) Attorney General (AGN) and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State has advocated great appreciation of fathers and guardians in celebration of Father’s Day.

Ajulo stated this on Sunday in his Father’s Day message in honour of all fathers, father figures and guardians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Father’s Day is a day set aside for honouring one’s father, as well as fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.

Father’s Day complements similar celebrations honouring family members, such as Mother’s Day and, in some countries, Siblings Day, and Grandparents’ Day.

The day is held on various dates across the world, and different regions maintain their own traditions of honouring fatherhood.

Ajulo said: Today, we honour the profound impact of fathers and father figures in our lives.

“Whether it’s a day of joy or remembrance, let’s take a moment to appreciate their leadership, mentorship, strength, guidance, and love.”

The Ondo AGN decried the neglect of some fathers by their children/wards.

“I have witnessed fathers who are old and lonely because the children they raised no longer bothered to visit them.

“Some children who left home, perhaps to other countries forget that their parents need them more at old age, not just financially but for emotional support.

“We must continue to advocate for care and love for our parents, especially the aged, not just our mothers but for our fathers as well.

“Men need the love of their children too. Most men may not speak up but emotionally, they crave love too, especially from their children.

“To those celebrating, cherish your memories. To those remembering, hold their legacy close. Let’s extend kindness to all who nurture and support us, regardless of traditional ties.

“Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible fathers out there!” Ajulo stated. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

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