Award - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Tosin Kolade
Dec, Wed, 2024

UATH rewards staff members for excellence

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By Uche Bibilari

The University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) has recognised and rewarded some members of staff for their outstanding performance and excellence in discharging their duties.

Prof. Bissallah Ekele, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, made this announcement at the 2024 UATH Annual Staff and Corporate Awards held in Gwagwalada on Wednesday.

Ekele stated that the awards were aimed at encouraging the hard work of the winners and motivating others to put in their best efforts in discharging their responsibilities towards saving lives.

He explained that the awards, which were introduced in 2018, celebrate and recognise staff who have distinguished themselves in service delivery across various units and departments of the hospital.

According to him, every member of staff is a winner, considering the volume and quality of work they perform throughout the year.

“We have the first among equals. The awardees should continue their hard work. Everyone is a winner if you consider the volume and quality of work the staff of this hospital deliver year-round.

“Those who have excelled should strive to achieve even more,” he said.

The professor further explained that the Servicom Unit, which monitors activities within the hospital, was responsible for organising the awards.

He commended the unit for its relentless efforts in successfully organising the annual event over the past seven years.

The pioneer CMD of UATH, Dr Danjuma Sulai, advised members of staff to excel in their roles and strive to reach the pinnacle of their careers.

Sulai also urged the awardees to work harder to earn even greater recognition in the future.

Similarly, Dr Anthony Bawa, Chairman of the 2024 Staff Award Committee and Servicom Nodal Officer, remarked that the awards were designed to appreciate staff for their unconditional commitment to saving lives.

Bawa noted that the awardees were not selected by the committee or themselves but were nominated by members of their respective departments.

“This award is a recognition of hard work. The awardees were not hand-picked; rather, they were nominated by colleagues in their departments, with the person receiving the highest nominations being selected,” he said.

The Aguma of Gwagwalada, Alhaji Muhammadu Magaji, stated that every outstanding performance deserves recognition and encouraged staff to strive for excellence.

Represented by the Waziri of Gwagwalada, Garba Madaki, the Aguma urged staff to carry out their responsibilities diligently, regardless of their roles.

One of the awardees, Dr Manchan Dodo, who was recognised as the Best Resident Doctor in Paediatrics, expressed her gratitude to the management for acknowledging her efforts.

“I am thrilled and honoured to receive this award.

“I want to thank the management for this recognition. It shows that hard work pays off and motivates me to work even harder,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event’s highlights included a cash award to the 2024 Best Unit, the Amenity Unit, and the recognition of pharmacist Muhammed Garba as Best Staff of the Year.

Five staff members and corporate organisations, including the House of Representatives Wives Association (South-South Zone), received special recognition. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Philip Daniel Yatai
Dec, Fri, 2024

Education

Nigerian smart schools get KOICA’s N9.5m grant

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By Sarafina Christopher

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has awarded N9.5 million in cash grants and laptops to smart schools in Nasarawa, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bauchi, Cross River, Ekiti, and Kano States.

The awards were distributed in four categories to include best smart school, best teachers, best students, and best content which were given during the first best practice conference of KOICA Smart Schools which was held on Dec. 9 and 10 in Abuja.

In a statement made available to NAN on Thursday, Nasarawa Smart School, led by the Principal, Mr Ja’afar Adi and Head Teacher, Mrs Fatima Sani, emerged the overall best smart school in Nigeria, securing a cash grant of N3 million and laptops.

Kano and Bauchi states smart schools followed in second and third places, receiving N2 million and N1.5 million grants along with laptops. Other participating schools also received N1 million in support grants.

In the individual categories, Mr Ruslana Aminu from Kano State was honored as the best primary school teacher, while Mr Liyel Eyo from Cross River won the best junior secondary school Teacher award.

Saminu Shafi’u and Ahmad Shafi’u, both from Kano State won the best student primary and junior secondary schools category.

Cross River smart school was recognised for producing the best content in both mathematics and science subjects.

KOICA Country Director, Mr Son Sungil said that the conference serves as a platform for KOICA-supported smart schools from the aforementioned states to showcase their innovative practices, review school management strategies, and enhance their curriculum operations.

“School principals, head teachers, teachers, and students demonstrated their teaching methodologies, skills in digital content creation, and effective use of storytelling through digital technology,” he stated.

Son also noted that since the launch of its Smart education initiative in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in 2021, KOICA has been instrumental in advancing educational standards in Nigeria.

“KOICA started a smart education project with UBEC, installing modern education content development Studios in 6 smart schools across 6 states, training over 250 teachers, principals and education stakeholders in Korea and Nigeria on smart education,

“Developing Smart education guidelines for school operation and handing over 1,662 educational contents on mathematics and science subjects to smart schools in Nigeria through UBEC.

He also expressed his satisfaction with the project’s outcomes, highlighting its role in enhancing basic education in Nigeria.

Malam Mamoud Muhammed, Director of Technical Services at UBEC, noted that the conference provided an excellent opportunity for both UBEC and KOICA to assess the impacts of the smart school projects across the states.

NAN reports that all the winners received laptops, tablets, and additional incentives for their outstanding achievements.(NAN)

Edited by Halima Sheji

Philip Daniel Yatai
Nov, Fri, 2024

Business , Defence/Security

Defence chief, others bag security, emergency management award

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, received the Award of Excellence at the 2024 Security and Emergency Management Award (SEAMA), on Thursday in Abuja.

The event was organised by Emergency Digest, a publication of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), in collaboration with the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC).

The award featured different categories which include, crime prevention, public information management, cybercrimes prevention, emergency management, community service, diligent investigation, civil-military relations among others.

It also includes outstanding crisis communicator;outstanding law enforcement officer; outstanding security officer; outstanding military officer and outstanding; defence journalist and awards of excellence.

In his remarks, Musa emphasised the need for all segments of the society to engage on how best to achieve sustainable national security and emergency management through civil military collaboration.

He said the SAEMA was also an annual event that recognised outstanding contributions to security, emergency management and humanitarian service.

The CDS said the military was making deliberate efforts towards deepening civil military collaboration to enhance national security.

According to him, civil military synergy has impacted significantly on the armed forces operations in the North East and new models are being developed to meet peculiarities in the other geo-political zones across the country.

“Thus, the theme, “Civil – Military Relation for National Security and Stability” is apt and relevant at this critical period of our national existence.

“The threats we face as a country are multi-faceted, ranging from terrorism and insurgency to socio-economic issues and community unrest.

“Arising from these complex dynamics, it has become increasingly evident that no single institution can solve these issues in isolation of others.

“Thus, a whole of society effort that brings together every segment of our nation is needed to build lasting peace, security and progress.

“This can only be achieved by integrating our collective expertise, resources and influence of various stakeholders with a view to creating a resilient framework for both security and emergency management strategies through civil-military relations,” he said.

Musa gave assurance that the military would remain committed to ensuring peace in Nigeria and protecting democracy.

The Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris, represented by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba-Ndace commended the management of Security Digest for the awards and support for the military and other security agencies.

Idris said the security narrative has continued to change, saying that actions of a single black sheep should not be used to demonise an institution that had continued to make sacrifices for the nation.

“This is the time for us as a country to continue to support our armed forces.

“This war is a people’s war. It is what they first call the war among the people where the enemy is the neighbor who does not wear uniform or some who have double identity.

“So it is a difficult war. It is a war that is in the media space and therefore it is important that the nation will come together and that is why this celebration is very important,” he said.

The Publisher of PRNigeria and other titles, Mallam Yushau Shuaib, said the annual event recognises outstanding gallantry contribution to safety, security and emergency management in Nigeria.

He said the 2024 edition recognised the CDS for his expertise in the vital field of inter-agency collaboration and civil military relations making him the ideal speaker for the occasion.

According to him, the award unit selection process remains rigorous and transparent with their jury that comprises security experts, industry professionals an~d independent observers ensuring that deserving individuals and organisations are recognised for their exceptional achievement. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

isaac aregbesola
Oct, Tue, 2024

Defence/Security

Over 70% of Africa affected by insecurity – Expert

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Mr Patrick Agbambu, International Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Security Watch, says over 70 per cent of Africa remains affected by various levels of insecurity.

Agbambu disclosed this in Abuja on Monday while speaking with newsmen on the upcoming 18th edition of Africa Security Watch Award and Conference slated for December in Doha, Qatar.

He said that insecurity in the continent had resulted stagnation of development and fears with too many of the citizens trapped in poverty.

“It is within this context that we at the Security Watch Africa Initiatives (SWAI) have chosen the theme for the 18th Africa Security Watch Awards & Conference: “Developing Modules for People-Centric Governance towards the Enhancement of Peace and Security in Africa”, he said.

Agbambu said that Gov. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and his Borno counterpart, Prof. Babagana Zulum, were billed to speak at the event.

He said the Lagos State Governor would deliver a key paper on the conference theme focusing on Lagos example.

He added that the theme was carefully chosen to speak directly to the heart of the challenges and set the stage for actionable discussions that would help pave the way for a more peaceful and secure Africa.

According to him, the foremost responsibility of any government or leadership is to ensure the safety, security and well-being of its citizens.

He said it was through responsive and people-centred governance that societies can thrive, where policies are crafted with the people in mind, ensuring peace, stability, and security for all.

“Sadly, our beloved continent of Africa continues to face significant challenges in this regard.

“The conference is designed to deliver a practical and insightful solution to various security challenges in Africa with the selection of distinguished keynote speakers, lead paper presenters, and panellists from across the continent and beyond.

“These esteemed individuals will address critical topics that are pivotal to shaping a secure future for Africa,” he said.

Agbambu said that 30 personalities, corporate organisations and agencies from across Africa will be awarded with Crystal Award Trophies in recognition of their outstanding contributions to peace and security on the African continent.

“At Security Watch Africa Initiatives, we believe that security encompasses everything that threatens human lives and valuables, and this is reflected in our award categories.

“From leadership and governance to the armed forces, police, medical professionals, the media, hospitality, transportation, and humanitarian service honour those who make our continent safer and better,” he added.

A member of Board of Trustee, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman, said the choice of Qatar was both symbolic and practical.

According to Usman, it exemplifies a country that places immense value on humanity, consistently striving to enhance the quality of life for its people.

“We believe that participants will experience the best practices in that country and through this experience, we can learn invaluable lessons that can be applied in Africa.

“In addition, we are bringing some Qatar’s senior government and security officials to engage with our participants and share insights on their approach to security and governance.

“Most importantly, this event will once again provide a platform to showcase African finest to a global audience,” he said. (NAN)

Ismail Abdulaziz
Oct, Tue, 2024

General News

FCT nurse bags international DAISY award

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By Folasade Akpan

Ms Rosemary Okoroafor, a nurse at Karshi General Hospital, a surbub of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has bagged the DAISY Foundation award for extraordinary nurses.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that DAISY is an acronym for Diseases that Affect Immune Systems.

The award is a recognition programme to celebrate and recognise nurses by collecting nominations from patients, families, and co-workers.

Okoroafor was conferred the award on Monday at the hospital premises by members of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America (NANNNA).

At the ceremony, Dr Emilia Iwu, a board member of NANNNA, said that the DAISY award was initiated in 1999 to recognise nurses that gave compassionate care to their patients.

She said the foundation was established after the death of Patrick Barnes, a 33-year-old, who died of a group of diseases that affected his immune system, but was taken very good care of by the nurses.

His family decided to honour his memory with the foundation and the nurses’ recognition.

She said it was a global award that was just brought to Nigeria and would henceforth be done yearly.

“So we brought the DAISY award to Nigeria to really recognise Nigerian nurses who are giving excellent care, taking care of patients regardless of any situation they are faced with in the hospital.

“It has been happening in the United States and other countries, but DAISY and NANNNA are partnering to bring the award to Nigeria to recognise the excellent work nurses are doing in Nigeria.”

Iwu said that to be eligible, nurses are nominated by their patients and their families.

The award recipient, Okoroafor, thanked the organisers for the award, adding that she was so proud to be a nurse and being the first recipient of the award in Nigeria.

“I didn’t know that I would be nominated in the first place, but I feel that’s the work of God and good work always pays.

“When you’re doing good things, nobody sees you, but God in heaven sees everything.

“My advice to my colleagues is that good work pays. I pray that they would also work hard.

“Do things with your heart, don’t do eye service, show compassion to the less privileged and your patients.”

Describing Okoroafor’s relationship with patients, the Head of Nursing at the Hospital, Ms Sarah Imohionsen, said that she was very caring and often referred to as “Maman Yara” because of how she helps even with patients’ bills.

“The kind of patients we have in Karshi are actually indigents. Most of them cannot actually afford their bills.

“We task ourselves, or at times we meet our Medical Director to write off the bills, and at other times we feed the patients, and she goes to all lengths to care for patients, either for drugs or blood.

“They know her around the hospital, so I am very happy with these little things we do, unnoticed, but it has been noticed today.”

Mr Jama Maden, the Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT, said he was impressed with the recognition to the rural nurse.

He said this indicated that good things would always locate those deserving of it irrespective of their location.

“The little care and the little steps you take to help somebody extraordinarily will also be traced to you wherever you are.”

Dr Esther Oshinluyi, Chair of the Health Mission Committee of NANNNA, said that the association was an umbrella body of nurses in the United States, Mexico and Canada.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru