September 17, 2024

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Africa's Media Giant
Exclusive
Breaking News

1 FG will support Maiduguri flood victims – Tinubu

2 FG to create disaster relief fund, says Tinubu

3 Bobai, Jisalo’s former aide, seeks to replace late Rep. Ekene

4 LP’s leadership feud a family issue soon to be resolved – Bobai

5 FG to leverage transnational-education initiative to boost university intake – NUC

Economy/Business

Shettima lauds MTN for donations to FG

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has commended MTN Nigeria for donating N1 billion to the Federal Government’s Food Support Programme.

Shettima also thanked the telecommunications company for donating 4,600 units of digital devices for distribution to schools.

The Vice-President made the commendation on Friday when he received the Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Mr Ernest Ndukwe, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said the gesture would complement government’s efforts in addressing hardship and indicated its commitment to the development of the Nigerian economy.

“I am hugely proud of your (MTN’s) stability as a company and commitment to the progress of our country.

“We have witnessed a couple of changes in the industry, but you have remained stable and strong.

” On behalf of my boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I want to sincerely thank you for this gesture.”

The Vice-President said the donation by the company would be judiciously managed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

On the distribution of 4,600 digital devices, each pre-installed with the U-lesson application, Shettima said the MTN team should liaise with his office to work on the beneficiary criteria.

He also explained that the MTN team and the Office of the Vice-President would facilitate the distribution of the devices to secondary schools in the six geo-political zones.

He expressed confidence that the gesture would go a long way in supporting the government’s efforts to boost the nation’s economy.

According to him, this includes support for the educational needs of the poor and vulnerable.

Shettima, therefore, called on other companies in the country to emulate MTN in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility.

He assured the business community that Tinubu’s administration remained pro-business and its policies would begin to manifest for all to see.

Earlier, Ndukwe said the N1 billion donation was to support the most vulnerable, marginalised, and underserved communities.

This, according to him, will ensure that no one is left behind through increased collaboration and partnership with the Federal Government.

He expressed hope that the devices donated by the company would support the Federal Government’s objective to increase digital literacy in secondary schools.

He added that the devices would improve creativity, analytical thinking, adaptability, and students’ access to current information in science and technology.

He commended the Federal Government for its efforts to revive the economic fortunes of the country through various initiatives rolled out across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government.

He pledged the company’s support to the present administration, noting that the gesture was in line with MTN Nigeria’s shared value objectives of “the AMBITION 2025 strategy.’

“In the strategy, MTN seeks to support strategic initiatives of the Federal Government.” (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Health

NGO seeks more blood donors to save lives

Blood
By Sarafina Christopher and Eletta Mercy
Jela Development Initiative (JDI), an NGO, has appealed to the public to donate blood to address the shortage of blood supply in hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide.

The NGO made the appeal during a blood drive on Saturday in Abuja.

The blood drive, in collaboration with the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) and Rotary Club of Abuja is themed “Be a hero, donate blood and save lives.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Mrs Angela Omeiza, stressed the importance of providing blood donations to aid patients in life-threatening conditions.

Omeiza, represented by the NGO’s Programme Assistant, Ms Oluchi Ihezie, said that blood donation is a noble and selfless act that impact on people’s lives.

“The organisation is dedicated to promoting voluntary blood donations, recognising the challenges many face in accessing blood due to its high cost.”

Omeiza further stated that there was a surging demand for blood not only within the nation but also across the continent and globally.

“Patients requiring blood, such as those grappling with severe illnesses like cancer or undergoing intensive medical treatments, heavily rely on blood transfusions for their survival.”

Also, Mrs Omotayo Ottun, Donor Recruiter NBSC, pointed out that blood donors not only contribute to a life-saving cause but also benefit from comprehensive medical check-ups prior to donation.

“The main targets of the donation are the excess blood in your system, which the body is not using, a sachet of that blood after every three months for men and four months for women can save three people’s lives.

“Donations also help to produce new red blood cells making it more active in your system, it helps burn calories and also regulates the heart effectively,” Ottun said.

Mr Theophilus Apeh, representing the Rotary Club of Abuja Federal, commended blood donors for their invaluable contributions to the humanitarian endeavour.

Apeh also urged the relevant authorities to ensure that donated blood reached patients in need without imposing any financial burdens.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an anonymous first-time blood donor shared her experience in partaking in the noble cause and overcoming initial apprehensions surrounding blood donation.

She also expressed appreciation for the rigorous screening procedures carried out to ensure donor eligibility and blood safety.(NAN) (www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Hajiya Hadiza Umar, donating food and cash items to a beneficiary
General News

FCT residents laud NGO for food items, cash donation

By Sylvester Thompson

Residents of Nyanya community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commended the Hajiya Hadiza Foundation for giving them food items, clothes and cash, for the Eid El–kabir celebration.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Comfort Ibiang, a widow, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said she was surprised at the gifts she received from the foundation.

“I am surprised for a woman to do what she is doing. You can see we are all happy.

“We are widows and less privileged and for her to come to our aid, through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, I am so grateful,” Ibiang said.

Ibiang, who appreciated the efforts of the founder of the foundation, called on the government and stakeholders to also assist them.

Mr Iyke Vincent, another beneficiary, said he was highly impressed and excited by the opportunity the occasion offered him and other less privileged people of the community.

“I never knew something like this can come up at a time like this considering the economic challenges of the nation and the situation of things.

“People are really hungry and for somebody to come at a time like this and alleviate our burden, no matter how little, is commendable.

“People in the Nyanya community are truly happy and we are celebrating her from the depths of our hearts,” Vincent said.

Earlier, Amb. Hajiya Hadiza Umar, the founder of the NGO, told NAN that giving back to the society was what gave her joy.

“Today is one of my happiest days because it’s what I love to do to put smiles on people’s faces,” she said.

She explained that her foundation was non-profit, committed to making a positive impact and to inspire hope for all Nigeria widows, orphans, less privileged and vulnerable people.

She said her vision was to create a society where women were empowered, children educated and persons with disabilities valued and everyone having equal opportunities to thrive.

Hadiza said that the funding of her project was purely from her purse as a business woman, with no international sponsorship or donations.

On his part, Mr James Thomas, Chairman of Karu Local Government Area, said he was proud to offer support to the foundation with laudable objectives.

He said the foundation did well considering the reality of things, where people found it difficult to feed.

“The beneficiaries today shall never forget how the foundation has impacted their lives,” he said.

The Chairman said he was happy that the people expressed joy and delight. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

========
Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News

NCC donates 50 laptops to Disabilities Commission

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has donated 50 sets of HP computer laptops to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).

Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, made the donation during a courtesy visit by a delegation from NCC to the NCPWD headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Maida, represented by Mr Tijani Munguno, a Deputy Director in the Commission, stated that the provision of the ICT equipment stemmed from NCC’s belief that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) need these tools to thrive.

He emphasised that the equipment would enhance the digital communication skills of PWDs, enabling them to compete effectively in the ICT market.

He noted that this support would aid the commission in fulfilling its mandate and promoting inclusivity.

Maida highlighted the importance of digital technology in today’s world, stating that access to it is crucial for efficiency and quality output.

He expressed hope that the laptops would have a significant impact on the disability community.

Dr James Lalu, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, expressed gratitude to the NCC delegation for their donation and support.

He affirmed the commitment of NCPWD to collaborate with NCC in advancing the digital communication skills and knowledge of PWDs.

Lalu also presented National Accessibility Manuals to the delegation, enabling NCC to familiarise themselves with accessibility standard guidelines in their various offices.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Rotimi Ijikanmi

Defence/Security

Ramadan: DEPOWA donates food items to National Mosque

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The President of Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa, on Monday, donated  food items to the management of the National Mosque for onward distribution to the needy during the Ramadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the DEPOWA president as saying that the donation was in line with the humanitarian disposition of the association.

She said the association was aware of the efforts of the mosque in attending to the needs of the needy during the holy month of Ramadan, hence the decision to support it.

Musa commended the management of the National Mosque for their commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of the citizens.

“DEPOWA is an association of wives of officers of the military and police which carries out humanitarian activities in the barracks to support the less privileged and widows of our fallen heroes.

“Today we have come to extend our support also to the mosque because we know that a lot of people come here to seek for help in terms of food during fasting like this.

“Today, we have brought 50 bags of rice, 20 bags of garri, 10 bags of beans and 10 cartons of oil to add to whatever you have so that when people come here you will have something to give them,’’ she said.

Responding, the Director of Finance and Administration, Abuja National Mosque, Halilu Shuaib, thanked the DEPOWA president and her members for responding to the need of the mosque.

Shuaib said it was the first time that the president of DEPOWA would personally come to the mosque to donate items during the month of Ramadan.

He promised that the items would be distributed in line with the standard procedure of the mosque, and would invite the association to witness the distribution.

“We are just like a local government because we are very, very close to the ordinary people, we talk to them and they come to us when they have problem,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Maharazu Ahmed

Health

UNICEF donates $290m worth of medical supplies to Yobe

By Ahmed Abba

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated medical supplies worth 290.4 million dollars to the Yobe Government to improve healthcare delivery in the state.

The UNICEF Health Manager, Borno Field Office, Dr Clement Adams, disclosed this while handing over the materials to the state government on Thursday in Damaturu.

He said “we support the Yobe Government to ensure availability of necessary health facilities. This is to improve the quality of healthcare delivery across the state.”

Adams said UNICEF had also provided other health-related support to the state government.

The Yobe Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammed Gana, thanked the UN body for the gesture, describing UNICEF as a reliable partner.

Gana said “we are truly grateful for this development. This morning, we received a large consignment of medical equipment
that is urgently needed by the state, considering the ongoing healthcare improvements undertaken by the administration of Gov. Mai Mala Buni.

“UNICEF has demonstrated that it is a reliable partner that truly understands the needs of the state.”

The commissioner said the donation would complement the state government’s efforts to improving the healthcare system.

Some of the items donated are: bowl stainless steel 600ml, bulb suction neonatal, forceps 140mm, forceps dressing 250mm,
light exam, mobile IED, scapel handle, sphygmomanometer adult, surgical instrument delivery.

Other items are thermometer digital clinical, microscope, apron protection plastic, microscope binocular, calpel blade star, among others.
(NAN)

www.nannews.ng

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

General News

Nigeria’s acceptance of grains from Ukraine is not sign of failure – FG

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the fact that Nigeria accepted grains from Ukraine does not make Nigeria a weak or failed state.

“Egypt gets about 60 per cent of its grains from Ukraine. The fact that Egypt gets about 60 per cent of its grains from Ukraine does not make it a failed state.

“The fact that we are having challenges at the moment does not make Nigeria a failed state.

“Therefore, accepting grains from Ukraine does not make Nigeria or Egypt failed countries.

“It is a normal thing, because countries exist to depend on one another,’’ the minister said at the Leadership Annual Conference and Award 2023 on Tuesday in Abuja.

The event was organised by the Leadership Group, publishers of Leadership Newspapers.

According to the minister, it is true that Nigeria is facing some challenges and President Bola Tinubu is aware of this and he does not shy away from it.

“Nigerians voted for Tinubu with the deeper understanding and conviction that he has the capacity to turn things around for the better; and that is what he is doing.

“Some of the decisions he has taken were to ensure that Nigeria finds its place in the comity of nations.

“The decisions include removal of fuel subsidy and addressing the issue of foreign exchange and many others.

“In spite of the current challenges, the economic growth of Nigeria is on track and has continued to improve,’’ Idris said.

He explained that fuel subsidy removal was a bold step in the right direction and urged Nigerians to support the president as the country would soon begin to reap the benefits.

The minister noted that current national challenges did not begin upon assumption of office by President Tinubu

He stressed that going by figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s fuel importation reduced by 50 per cent after fuel subsidy removal, just as the economy improved significantly.

Idris noted also that President Tinubu had demonstrated capacity and since his assumption of office, had attracted more than 30 billion dollars in foreign investments into the country.

“He has not stopped at that. Just last week, President Tinubu went to Qatar to attract more businesses and investments into Nigeria.

“We are optimistic that soon, what we are passing through will be a thing of the past and Nigeria will be better,’’ Idris said.

The Leadership Annual Conference and Award 2023 has: “An economy in distress: The way forward.’’ as its theme. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

General News

Houston-based Nigerian boxer donates to Karu Children home

By Maureen Okon
Nigerian Middle-weight champion based in Houston, United States, Rapheal Igbokwe on Tuesday donated some food items to Karu Children Home, in the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the middle-weight champion who is also known as “Raph Trouble” has won 18 out of 21 matches, 3 losses and 11 knock-outs all through his fighting career.
The champion visited the children home in the company of  some staff of the Nigerian in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) led by Mr Gabriel Odu, the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of the commission.
Speaking further, Igbokwe said that his intention was to give back to his country which was the reason for coming to the orphanage as a step to his mission in empowering the young people in the country.
He recalled that as part of efforts to actualise his mission, he had visited NiDCOM where he sought the collaboration of Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO to work closely with the Commission in giving back to Nigerian youths through sports development.
According to him, his mission was to give young people hope adding that with commitment and determination, they can aim high and become good ambassadors in the sporting sector and to Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the NiDCOM Chairman, Odu stressed the importance of proper orientation for Nigerians abroad, noting that NiDCOM was committed to supporting`diasporans.’
“We urge them to excel in whatever they do and also they should not forget home which is very important, and they should give back to their community.
“So Raph Trouble is here in Nigeria and it is incumbent of him to pay Karu children’s home a visit,’’ he said.
Receiving the delegation at the Karu Home, Mrs Hauwa Aminu , Head of Adolescent Girls Department, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, appreciated the middleweight champion for his donation and kindness to the children and to humanity.
Aminu who represented the Mandate Secretary of the Secretariat,  Mrs Adedayo  Laniyi  said that Karu Home was open to all well-meaning Nigerians to come and support the children, as government alone  cannot do it.
She also added that government was doing its best but individuals can also contribute in providing to the children by coming to adopt or pick a child or children to cater for, whether  to take them to their homes or cater for them at the orphanage.
Others at the home were Mrs Celina Oluwafemi, Representative FCT Leader for Diaspora Focal Point Officer, Dr. Jenilat Abdulwaheed , Head , Education/Creative Economy Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA and members of staff of the home. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
Defence/Security

AFRD: Turkish coy distributes food items to military widows, soldiers’ wives

By Sumaila Ogbaje

A Turkish firm, Baffi Furniture, on Monday distributed bags of foodstuffs to 150 widows of deceased military personnel in commemoration of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

The NewsAgency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items were distributed through the National Defence College Officers Wives’ Association (NDCOWA), in Abuja.

The Commandant of NDC, Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, thanked the firm for the gesture, saying it was a recognition of the sacrifices of members of the armed forces in the defence of Nigeria.

Olotu said there was no better way to appreciate and remember the fallen heroes than to reach out to the families they left behind.

He said the donation, which also benefited other less privileged families within the barracks community, would encourage serving officers and soldiers to continue to give their best to making the country safer.

Olotu commended officials of the officers wives association for their commitment to the well-being of the less privileged and widows of deceased personnel.

He pledged the commitment of the college to the welfare of its personnel and their families.

Mrs Rhoda Olotu, the NDCOWA coordinator and wife of the Commandant, sympathised with the wives of the fallen heroes, assuring them that the sacrifices their husbands would not be in vain.

She thanked Baffy furniture for extending support to the widows.

The coordinator said that the association remained committed to the welfare and well-being of all women and children in the barracks, especially widows, orphans and the less privileged.

“My prayer for everyone who has lost a husband or a dear one is for God to encourage you to keep pushing on, and I believe God is always there for widows and will send help to you.

“And those that are less privileged, I pray that God Almighty will send help to you also,” she said.

The representative of Baffi Furniture, Mr Idris Yagmahan, said the firm took pride in being part of a community that cares about the nation’s protection.

He added that the company was dedicated to making positive impact in the support of needy, adding that the relief package was their way of saying thank you to the armed forces and those facing live’s challenges.

“To our servicemen and women, we express our heartfelt thanks, your dedication inspires us and the company is committed to supporting you.

“Let us collectively build a nation where our armed Forces is met with the shared responsibility for their well-being.”

The President, Alumni Association of the National Defence College, Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi, said the donation would support the military widows, and urged them to utilise what they had received. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Maharazu Ahmed

The founder, B.N. Peters Foundation, Bibiana Peters, alongside the Chairman, Leprosy Association, Lagos State, Sarki Abubakar Dikko; Chairman, Cripple Association, Sarki Ahmadu Gaya and Chairman, Blind Association, at the home of the destitute in Yaba-Oyingbo, Lagos State. (Photo Credit: NAN)
General News

Foundation donates food items to less privileged children in Lagos

By Victor Okoye

The B.N. Peters Foundation, a charitable organisation, has donated bags of food items, clothes, and toiletries to the destitute and special needs children in Lagos.

Initiator of the foundation, Bibiana Peters, said she was passionate about giving to the less privileged.

“I remained grateful to God for the opportunity and privilege to be a blessing to others,” she said.

The donations attracted beneficiaries from the home of the destitute in Yaba-Oyingbo and Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care as well as Treatment Home School in Surulere, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gesture was part of the activities marking the 50th birthday of the donor, Bibiana Peters, which ended with a thanksgiving on Sunday.

“It is in my heart to help. I have always been this natured person, where I don’t like people to cry for anything.

“It has always been in my heart that when people need help and you can, and it is in your power to do so, you do so.

“We know that not everybody has enough or is fortunate to have some things in life, and we are grateful for the level that God has brought us through.

“So, it is in my heart to always extend help, not just to the less privileged, but also to people that you don’t even know,” she said.

Peters said that almsgiving was a virtue she imbibed from her mother whom she said currently catered to the needs of about 1,000 widows in the country.

She said that plans were underway to also build the B.N. Peters Orphanage in Lagos.

“We also have a bigger charity that builds houses for displaced people and sends people who are seriously ill abroad for treatment, if need be.

“So, for me, it is something that is my passion.

“It is something that I got from my mum because my mum also does charity; she sends food to orphanages, widows and less privileged people every quarter.

“She takes care of widows in Nigeria. So, I got it from my mum,” she said.

The Initiator, B.N. Peters Foundation, Bibiana Peters, alongside Mrs Olufunmilayo Bamidele-Osho, the Vice Principal, Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home School, Surulere, receiving the foundation's donation to the school.
The Initiator, B.N. Peters Foundation, Bibiana Peters, alongside Mrs Olufunmilayo Bamidele-Osho, the Vice Principal, Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home School, Surulere, receiving the foundation’s donation to the school.

Chairman, Leprosy Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Sarki Abubakar Dikko, thanked the foundation for the donations and prayed to God to replenish its finances.

He also prayed for the long life and success of the celebrant in all her endeavours.

Mrs Olufunmilayo Bamidele-Osho, the Vice Principal of the school, said the donations were timely and beneficial.

Bamidele-Osho prayed to God to bless and uplift the foundation to greater heights.

She disclosed that the school was established in 1960 to cater to the needs of children with special needs.

“We have four classes. They include simulation, Educable Mentally Challenged (EMC) and Trainable Mentally Challenged (TMC).

“We have hostels for male and female as well as the bed ridden,” she said.

Toma Onu, a physically challenged artist and a beneficiary, said there was ability in disability.

She thanked the foundation for the donations and prayed for many more prosperous years for the celebrant.

Also, Adebimpe Adeoye, a visually impaired female student, thanked the foundation for its foresight and urged it to continue in the same spirit. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=================
Edited by Yinusa Ishola and Emmanuel Afonne

error: Content is protected !!