NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
June 12: Peaceful transitions sign of Nigeria’s democratic maturity- Gov. Yahaya
General News

June 12: Peaceful transitions sign of Nigeria’s democratic maturity- Gov. Yahaya

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By Peter Uwumarogie

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has described the peaceful transitions in Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democracy as sign of maturity.

He stated this in his goodwill message issued by his media aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli in Gombe on Thursday to commemorate June 12 Democracy Day in the state.

He stated that though the journey had been challenging, the country had recorded remarkable milestones in entrenching democratic principles.

He added that Nigeria’s democratic journey had shown signs of maturity and political stability when compared with many countries in Africa.

Yahaya said “Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted civilian rule is a remarkable milestone.

“As the largest democracy in Africa, Nigeria has continued to hold firm to democratic principles despite complex socio-political and economic challenges.

“Our ability to transit peacefully between administrations and navigate national difficulties is a sign of democratic maturity.”

The governor described the June 12 Democracy Day as a moment to celebrate the efforts of those who championed democratic course across the country, upholding the values of freedom, justice and national unity.

He said that the day is also to acknowledge the steadfast commitments, sacrifices and contributions of such champions to the sustenance and advancement of democratic governance in Nigeria.

On Gombe State’s democratic journey, he said that the visible transformation and sustained development was a compelling evidence of the enduring benefits of democratic governance in the state.

He stated that “from a modest beginning, Gombe has emerged as one of the fastest growing states in Nigeria.

“Our success story is rooted in democratic governance, visionary planning and the resilience of our people.”

Yahaya, who is also the Chairman of the Northern State Governors’ Forum, extended his heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Tinubu “and all heroes of democracy, including the judiciary, legislature and civil society.”

He also commended the media for deepening democratic culture, while urging caution against the spread of fake news and divisive rhetoric.

The governor urged residents of the state to remain united, law-abiding and prayerful, noting that the collective efforts of all Nigerians is key to securing a stronger, stable and democratic nation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

June 12: UNESCO REF calls for action against child labour
General News

June 12: UNESCO REF calls for action against child labour

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By Funmilayo Adeyemi

Abdulsalami Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan, President of UNESCO Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO REF), has called for unified national and global action to end child labour.

Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the coincidence of celebration of World Day Against Child Labour with Nigeria’s Democracy Day on the same day, was indeed instructive and symbolic, saying both had same theme of rights and protection of the peoples right.

According to him,  genuine democracy must prioritise the protection and empowerment of children.

“Today is more than symbolic, it is a call to action.

“The coincidence of these two commemorations challenges us to reflect on the kind of society we are building.

“Democracy must not only be about elections and institutions, it must protect the rights, dignity, and future of our children,” Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan said.

He added that child labour remained a pressing challenge in Nigeria and around the world, robbing millions of children of their right to education, safety, and a meaningful future.

He warned that the persistence of child labour undermined Nigeria’s development goals and the global commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 8.7, which targeted the elimination of child labour in all its forms.

He called for stronger political will, while also urging President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda by aligning national policies with the United Nations framework for sustainable development.

“Ending child labour is not merely a policy issue, it is a moral and democratic responsibility.

“We must invest in stronger educational systems, provide economic support for vulnerable families, and ensure every child is safe from exploitation,” he stated.

Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan also emphasised that achieving real change demanded multilateral partnerships with the United Nations, humanitarian groups, grassroots organisations, and educational advocates.

These stakeholders, he noted, must work together to create innovative solutions that tackled the root causes of child labour, such as poverty, lack of access to education, and inadequate social protection.

He also acknowledged the Nigerian Government’s existing efforts to eradicating child labour but stressed the need for greater urgency and inclusiveness.

“This Democracy Day must be a catalyst for transformative action.

“We envision a future where no child is forced into labour, where every young Nigerian is free to learn, dream, and thrive,” he urged.

According to him, true democracy is measured not just by ballots cast but by the opportunities and protections afforded to its most vulnerable.

“Let our democracy stand as a beacon of justice and equality.

“The world is watching—and it is time we rise together to build a nation where childhood is protected and the promise of a better tomorrow is fulfilled,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

ILO: NSITF commits to improved social security, health, safety 
Foreign

ILO: NSITF commits to improved social security, health, safety 

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By Joan Nwagwu

Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) says the Federal Government is committed to improving social security, health and safety of Nigerian workers at workplaces.

 

Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, NSITF Managing Director, said this at the ongoing 113th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

He said that the Fund was currently embarking on Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) audits at workplaces to ensure safety of workers in line with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention.

 

“That’s why we collaborate with employers to make workplaces safe and further deepen all of the issues regarding health and safety in the workplace.

 

“That is why we are at the forefront of undertaking Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) audits in relevant organisations and creating the awareness.

 

“Of course, the way it works for us here when we come to a platform like this is to further broaden our knowledge and our capacity in bringing cutting-edge standards relating to Health, Safety and Environment (HSE).

 

“So that we can take it back home and further engage within that ecosystem,” he said.

 

He said that the NSITF has been making efforts to ensure that the workplace was conducive and workers who suffer injury at work can also get a reprieve on time.

 

He said that decent work was within the mandate of NSITF and related to its responsibilities under the HSE.

 

“So for us, promoting decent work is really doing more within that core mandate of HSE and that of course takes us to the other issue of employees’ compensation itself when there are injuries.

 

“The synergy between a decent and safe working environment also impacts on employee injury and the threshold about that.

 

“So, when we improve HSE components within workplaces, you see that injuries and all of that come relatively down.

 

“We’re also very open and responsible to our mandate regarding prompt payment of compensation, and we’ll continue to do that,” he added.

 

Faleye said that the Fund was making efforts at integrating the informal sector under the scheme as enormous opportunities abounds there, noting that the responses from the sector has been great.

 

Faleye said that the ILO conference has been a great platform to share ideas, deepen capacity, and enhance further collaboration with the ILO.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Labour urges media owners to implement minimum wage
Foreign

Labour urges media owners to implement minimum wage

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By Joan Nwagwu

The Organised labour has appealed to owners and proprietors of media organisations to implement the N70,000 National Minimum Wage for its staff members.

 

Mr Joe Ajaero. President Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said this at a joint news conference with the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Festus Osifo, at the ongoing 113th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

Ajaero said that the renumeration for media men and women in the private organisations was very poor.

 

“The way at which some media houses are owing journalists is affecting our members in all the media houses and it is affecting the way they relate with other journalists all over the world.

 

“The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress are appealing to owners and proprietors of media industries to make sure that their workers are paid.

 

“(It should be) a competitive wage compared with their colleagues all over the world,” he said.

 

Ajaero said that the labour was giving owners and proprietors of media organisations until September to implement the N70,000 national minimum wage for their members.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Ebonyi VC raises alarm on respiratory disease burden in Africa
Health

Ebonyi VC raises alarm on respiratory disease burden in Africa

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By Christian Ogbonna

Prof. Jesse Uneke, Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Ebonyi, has highlighted the urgent health challenge posed by respiratory diseases across Africa, including Nigeria.

Speaking at the inauguration of a major project at the Institute of Child Health (ICH) in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Prof. Uneke emphasised the urgent health challenge posed by respiratory illnesses.

He noted that diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, asthma, and lung cancer contributed significantly to both acute and chronic illness and mortality across the continent.

Uneke served as the principal investigator for the project titled “Improving Equity in Respiratory Disease Outcomes Using Data-Driven Tools”, which spans five African countries: Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, and South Africa.

“Ebonyi and Lagos states are the only Nigerian sites selected for this critical initiative.

“Respiratory diseases impose a heavy burden on health systems, and there remain large inequities in disease outcomes, especially among the poor who lack access to affordable, quality care,” Uneke explained.

He noted the limited capacity of health systems for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the diseases in the region.

“The project aims to address these gaps by providing vital diagnostic equipment and offering free treatment to up to 1,000 patients over four years across six health facilities in Ebonyi State.

“The project will leverage advanced data-driven tools such as the Equitable Impact Sensitive Tool (EQUIST) and the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI).

“It will also pilot the innovative “Pathways to Survival” (PATHS) tool, designed to identify critical barriers in healthcare delivery.”

Prof. Thecla Ezeonu, Director of the Institute of Child Health, lauded the initiative, noting the provision of new spirometers to assess lung function.

She urged the hospital to provide free lung function tests, especially to children and adolescents showing symptoms of asthma and other respiratory diseases.

“This project represents a significant step forward in improving respiratory health outcomes in Ebonyi and beyond,” Ezeonu added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Biotechnology charting course of international trade, diplomacy – BSN
Science & Tech

Biotechnology charting course of international trade, diplomacy – BSN

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By Sylvester Thompson

The Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) says that biotechnology is not just about providing food security and revolutionalising healthcare, but also charting the course of international trade and diplomacy.

Prof. Sylvia Uzochukwu, President of the BSN, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

She warned that any country that ignored modern biotechnology does so at its peril.

She disclosed that the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) had the mandate of promoting the technology in Nigeria.

Uzochukwu added that the NBRDA was also required to midwife the deregulation of biotechnology products after twenty years of consistent work with various partners.

According to her, challenges of population growth and climate change will continue to require bioengineering of plants to improve attributes such as drought resistance at a much larger scale.

She said conscious of the fact that genetic engineering could be used both for good and for bad just like electricity and airplanes, the Federal Government set up the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA).

The Professor of Food Science and Biotechnology noted that it was required by international treaty that a regulator should be set up, and the NBMA was to ensure safety of biotechnology products.

“I call on the NBMA that regulation of new products of biotechnology should become more and more product-based rather than process-based.

“What this means is that the agency should concentrate on the safety of the product, irrespective of how it was made,’’ Uzochukwu said.

She assured that since the NBMA has been mandated to ensure safety of genetically engineered food products before commercial release, there should, therefore, be no cause for alarm among the populace.

“The worry of some Nigerians is that apart from personnel costs, these agencies are largely left to fend for themselves and rely on donor funds for the actual execution of their mandates.

“Now that donors are withdrawing funds from projects, it is hoped that our governments will channel funds to science and technology,’’ she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Innoson lauds Mbah on promotion of technical education
Education

Innoson lauds Mbah on promotion of technical education

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By Alex Enebeli

The Chief Executive Officer of Innoson Kiara Consortium, Mr Endi Ezengwa, has lauded Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State for promoting technical education in the country.

He equally praised the governor for transforming and equipping Government Technical College (GTC), Enugu, aimed at equipping youths with Industry skills.

Ezengwa gave the commendation on behalf of the Chairman of Innoson Kiara Consortium, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu.

NAN reports that Mbah demolished the old GTC and built Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, comprising twenty-four ultra-modern skill training centres and massive hostels for 1,000 resident students.

The college was among the projects inaugurated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday during her two-day visit to Enugu.

Ezengwa said the governor had done so well in infrastructure and other critical sectors, adding that the college would provide youths with the necessary skills that would ensure the sustainability of the governor’s investment.

“So, in furtherance of our commitment to technical and vocational education in Nigeria, especially in support of Mr President’s TVET agenda across the country, we are also very pleased to work with Enugu State.

“We are very impressed with performance of the State Technical Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB) and look forward to working with them” Ezengwa added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Save oceans from dangers of plastic waste, French Govt. urges global community
Water Resources

Save oceans from dangers of plastic waste, French Govt. urges global community

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By Aderogba George
The French Government has called for global synergy among the countries in Africa and western world to save the oceans from the dangers of plastic waste.
Jean-François Hasperue, the Deputy Ambassador, French Embassy in Nigeria, made the call during a plastic waste awareness programme at the French Institute in Abuja.
Hasperue said the call for a united front become necessary as plastic waste had become one of the most pressing environmental crises facing the globe, with oceans bearing the brunt of the escalating threat.
“So, there is need for Nigeria, the rest of Africa and the global community to mobilise resources, policies and collaboration to save the oceans from the dangers of plastic waste.”
The envoy explained that from floating debris to microplastics embedded in marine organisms, the evidence of damage on the oceans has been overwhelming.
“Our panellists were explaining that the microplastics that are eaten by fish in the lagoon of Lagos might be eaten by people in Asia because fish have been taken by foreign boats and sold everywhere in the world.
So, it’s a global issue that we need to address. One specific issue of course we decided to address within the UN conference in Nice, is the one of Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ)
This is because it has been for too many years, a gap in which we have not been able to raise cooperation among countries to save these biggest parts of the oceans.
“And I expect that we will announce that we have reached the 60 signatories for ratification by the end of this week. So, the BBNJ will be able to be implemented starting from January 1, 2026.’’
According to Hasperue, the French Government is raising awareness in Nigeria particularly in Nigerian universities as part of global strategy to build capacity of students and also to rally support for empowering global local communities.
‘’We are part of a global strategy of France, because of course we would like to act at different level. We act first globally, and that’s why we decided to welcome the UN Conference on Ocean, which is actually happening in Nice from the June 9 to 13 this very week.
“And that’s why in the wake of this global conference, we wanted here in Nigeria and in Abuja to organise at our level a debate, but not only a debate here, but activities all over the month of June.”
The envoy said the French Government had not less than 11 activities happening in six different states in Nigeria.
According to him, the first of all the activities is to raise awareness in Nigeria, and also rally support for empowering global local communities.
Hasperue underscored the importance of the UN Ocean Conference to addressing the dangers of plastic waste on oceans, noting that awareness creation remains very critical to ending the menace.
‘’We have to take into consideration that plastic, although it has been a solution at some point of history, that it has been now so massive, so huge, that it has become a problem.
“So, now we have to better think how to better produce plastic, how to make sure that plastic is better recycled, and how we make sure that it will less affect all life all over the world.
“They are part of a global strategy by France to not only act at the global level, but also at the level of the communities.
“So, we have a double approach, top down, but also a bottom up, to make sure that we create the link between what we are doing on the global stage to raise awareness.”
According to him, this has a translation down to the local communities. In every country, we are working with the governments and civil society organisations.
The envoy added, “The French Government is helping Nigerian universities with recycling plastic and micro plants as well as funding of projects in the universities.
“We have a fund of 750,000, 100,000 euros now, which is about helping universities in recycling plastic. So, within this project, we have two micro plants that will be given to Nile University and UNILAG to recycle plastic within the universities.
“We are also funding a project in five different universities.’’
Also speaking, Sebastien Bede, the Attaché for Scientific and Higher Education Cooperation at the French Embassy, pointed out that the French Government has been cooperating with Nigerian partners to develop projects and implement solutions to plastic waste.
“So, we have this project we call the French Embassy Fund to actually develop and implement solutions to tackle plastic pollution in Nigerian university campuses. And the idea is threefold.”
According to him, the two universities: UNILAG, Nile University in Abuja, will be equipped with micro-plants to recycle plastic. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
Edo Government reaffirms commitment to safeguard children’s rights, future
Metro

Edo Government reaffirms commitment to safeguard children’s rights, future

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By Imelda Osayande

As Nigeria observes the 2025 International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, the Edo Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children’s rights and enforcing relevant labour laws.

Mr Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.

Itua noted that the Edo Government had implemented various initiatives to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children in the state.

“Some of the initiatives include the domestication of the Child Rights Act, to provide a legal framework for protecting children’s rights,” he said.

He also mentioned the inauguration of a Family Court in 2017 to handle all matters pertaining to children, ensuring speedy trials and protection from undue exposure and exploitation.

According to Itua, the state government prosecutes parents and guardians of out-of-school children found begging on the streets during school hours, aligning with the “every child in Edo must be in school” directive.

The CPS, who could not immediately provide the accurate number of those prosecuted, noted that the Ministry of Education, under the current administration of Gov. Monday Okpebholo, had embarked on a campaign aimed at combating sexual abuse.

He said the campaign also aimed at combating other vices against young girls, including creating counselling departments in schools to educate students on gender-based violence and facilitate timely reporting of abuse.

Itua highlighted efforts to promote youth development and create job opportunities through initiatives like EdoJobs, designed to reduce the vulnerability of young people to illegal migration, human trafficking, and child/forced labour.

On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Edo, Chief Olabisi Idaomi, said the ministry had launched a comprehensive initiative to address the issue of street children in the Benin metropolis.

According to her, “Recognising the vulnerability of these children, the ministry has identified two main categories: Children Living on the Street and Street Children Beggars.”

She said that the ministry, in collaboration with NGOs, had conducted sensitisation programmes in strategic locations to reach out to these children.

Idaomi emphasised the ministry’s commitment to developing and protecting women, children, and vulnerable persons, providing psychosocial support, trauma healing, and monitoring of registered orphanages and crèches.

She also noted that the Edo Government was working with national and international bodies like NAPTIP and IOM to combat human trafficking and child labour.

She said that the ministry had also collaborated with NGOs like Girls’ Power Initiative to strengthen grassroots action against child trafficking and abuse.

Mr Pius Oiwoh, the former Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Benin Branch, highlighted the progress made in combating child trafficking in the state.

He, however, emphasized the need for improved enforcement and government intervention to address child exploitation.

Oiwoh praised the state government’s improvements in combating child trafficking for slave labour, particularly the strictness of family courts regarding adoptions.

He expressed concern about the lack of enforcement regarding street children used for begging, street vending and other exploitative labour.

Oiwoh called for government intervention, including providing shelters, education and prosecuting those involved in exploiting children, citing the area around Holy Cross Cathedral in Benin City as an example of widespread child exploitation.

“From my observation, the Edo State Government remains committed to safeguarding children’s rights and future,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Joe Idika

We’re making sports sector attractive for investment – Dikko
Sports

We’re making sports sector attractive for investment – Dikko

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By Emmanuel Afonne

Malam Shehu Dikko, Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), says efforts are being made to rebrand the Nigerian sports sector to make it attractive for investors.

Dikko spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during the executive board meeting of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) consisting of all the heads of sports federations in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was organised to draw a framework and clean the system, which in turn will attract investors.

“We see the sports federation presidents as our operational officers; they are the ones on the field, and are the ones driving the individual sports, as well as the ones driving the vision that we are working on.

“So, we have to align our thoughts and our vision to align with what we are trying to do in line with the mandate President Bola Tinubu has given us; so, we have to explain that to them so that they can understand it.

“You have to clean the system up; put it in the right perspective and make sure that it is attractive to the big supporters, investors and everybody to get there.

“So, we have to put that framework together; that is why we said we are resetting, refocusing and relaunching.

“As the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, myself and the Director General are invited to be part of it.”

According to Dikko, Tinubu is keen on seeing sports contribute to the economy.

“Tinubu is very intentional sports development; he believes sports should be a key driver of the economy; it should be a platform that will create opportunities, create jobs, create social impact and increase our security.

“If sports is working, security will improve because the young ones will get something to do; so, he is very intentional about it and therefore, he feels that the best way to do it is to go in this direction.

“We have a clear plan of how to do it but it is not about bringing the money; it is about bringing the right money.

“We will focus on making things better, reset our thinking to be more domestic, and relaunch our sports to make it more positive.

“When we do that, then you can see part of our key pillars to get the private sector involved.”

Dikko said that the president had his target for instituting the NSC, as he was keen on removing obstacles to sports development in the country.

“The president is very bold and very deliberate in whatever he does and has technically removed sports from all the bureaucratic complaints and issues, and put it directly on his table.

“You can see the drive going forward; everybody is appreciating that process; everybody is seeing the direction he is going, and that is why you can see the whole industry is calm; everybody is focusing on their assignment.

“The last Sports Festival is a testament to what can be achieved if everybody is working together; everybody is happy about it because it is a huge success.

“That is how we want to see our sports being week in week out; we should be having a weekly sports festival; of course, all sports happening across the country and creating jobs.

“That is the kind of support the President has given to us; that is the kind of vision he wants us to do, and we have to do it,”Dikko said.

President of the NOC, Habu Gumel, in his remarks, tasked the sports federations to take up the challenge and ensure that Nigeria became one of countries to be reckoned with in sports.

“I am so glad that it is a joint meeting between the Nigerian Olympic Committee, all the national federations, Olympic sports and the Chairman and the DG of the National Sports Commission.

“So, we met to rub our minds, to discuss issues of mutual understanding, because we have to collaborate with one another; we have to work together in the interest of our country.

” I am happy that a lot of the national federations asked questions, clarification were made, advice was given, and the chairman and the DG were able to answer all the questions to the happiness of everybody.

“We also discussed issues about the upcoming games like the Islamic Games in Riyadh, the Youth Games in Angola, the School Games in Algeria, the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, and even the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

“We are ready to make sure that Nigeria shines in all the games that we are going to attend.”

Gumel said that funding had always been a serious challenge to the country’s participations at international events but that the new era of sports might be different from previous administrations.

“Yeah, funding issue is a challenge, but the National Sports Commission and the government is doing their best, and we are going to the private sector again, to ensure that the private sector give us their support.

“This will enable us to go for the qualifications, and then, we can attend the games proper, so that we can make our country proud,” Gumel said.

No fewer than 28 sports federations including Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Nigeria Archery Federation, Nigeria Wresting Federation, Badminton Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Basketball Federation attended the meeting. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

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