News Agency of Nigeria
RHI donates N500m, assorted items to flood victims
General News

RHI donates N500m, assorted items to flood victims

By Joan Nwagwu

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has donated five hundred million Naira and other assorted items to victims and families of those who lost their lives by flood in Yola South Local Government Area in Adamawa.

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, disclosed this during a condolence visit to the government and people of Adamawa on Tuesday.

It would be recalled that a devastating flood claimed some lives and displaced many people from their homes recently in Adamawa.

The first lady, who was represented by Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, said the donations would assist the flood victims and families of those who lost their lives.

“We are also donating 1,000 Ankara fabric and also six cartons of shea butter lotion, four cartons of shea butter oil, five cartons of petroleum jelly, two cartons of shea butter cream, 13 cartons of hand sanitizer and others,” she said.

Tinubu also presented food items under the Outreach Programme of RHI to the First Lady of Adamawa for onward distribution to people living with disabilities and vulnerable groups in the state.

“We have distributed food items to 15 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Oyo, Ondo and Plateau and by the grace of God, Bayelsa state will be the next beneficiary,” she said.

Tinubu commended the two partner donors, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) and the other who preferred anonymity, for their constant support and commitment.

Earlier, Hajiya Lami Fintiri, First Lady of Adamawa, who received the donations for onward distribution, commended the First Lady and the RHI for their support.

Fintiri said that the gesture would bring quick succour to the victims of flood in the state.

The first lady of Adamawa, who was represented by Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, Deputy Governor of Adamawa, commended the first lady for the visit.

According to her, the figure of people who lost their lives rose to 29, with thousands of people displaced from their homes.

“We have a camp where we have the people who were displaced, but due to the quick intervention of the state government, the people have returned back and counting their loses.

“So, we want to thank the federal government for all they have done for the people of Adamawa state and for raising the hope of the common man on the state and I want to assure you that the donations will be share accordingly,” she said.

Also Mr Ubon Udoh, Managing Director, Chief Executives Officer of ASR Africa, said the collaboration with RHI was designed to cater for the vulnerable members of the community for poverty reduction.

Udoh said that the ASR Africa commited 100 million dollars to impacting lives yearly.

“That is 50 million dollars is spent every year within Nigeria and another 50 million dollars is spent across the Africa continent.

“Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu is committed to a new and better Nigeria and partnering with the RHI is the only way we can achieve this.

“Through this partnership with RHI, we can assure you that we will be steady partners to uplift our communities, within Nigeria and outside the country,” he said.

Similarly, the First Lady said that the Tony Elumelu Foundation was partnering with the RHI on Women Economic Empowerment Programme to support 18,500 women across the country.

The first lady made the symbolic presentation of Financial Support to the beneficiaries of the RHI/Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economic Empowerment Programme on Tuesday in Adamawa.

She said that the partnership would empower 500 women small businesses to set and recapitalise with grants of N50,000 each.

“Today this programme is being inaugurated in Adamawa state and Niger state simultaneously. Also we will disburse the empowerment funds to beneficiaries in other states and the FCT very shortly.

“So, I will be giving out the sum of N50,000 each to some of the beneficiaries at this event today,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

First Lady donates N1bn to disaster, banditry victims in Niger
General News

First Lady donates N1bn to disaster, banditry victims in Niger

By Celine-Damilola Oyewole

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu on Tuesday announced donation of N1 billion to the Niger State government to assist victims of natural disasters and banditry attacks in the state.

Mrs Tinubu announced the donation in Minna at the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Women Empowerment Programme in Minna.

The first lady said the donation would be directed towards housing support and essential supplies to help displaced families get back on their feet, earning daily living and having a better life.

She said the donation was in line with the objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative, as contained in its motto, “Towards a Better Life for Families”.

Speaking in the RHI Women Empowerment Programme, Mrs Tinubu’ said 500 women from the state would receive  N25 million empowerment grants with each receiving N50,000.

She said the empowerment programme  which targets 18,500 women across the country, has covered 15 states.

According to Mrs Tinubu, the empowerment programme was done by the RHI in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

She reiterated the RHI’s commitment to uplifting women, in line with the belief that the strength of a nation lies in opportunities for women and children.

The first lady said the economic empowerment programme is designed to support the entrepreneurial spirit of women petty traders and small-scale business owners.

According to her, the women petty traders wake up each day determined to provide for their families, educate their children, and uplift their communities.

“I am delighted to be here to inaugurate the Women Economic Empowerment Programme of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in conjunction with the Tony Elumelu Foundation in Minna.

“Let me emphasise that this is not a loan. It is a grant and a seed of renewed hope to help you recapitalise your existing businesses.

“It is my firm belief that when you empower a woman, you empower a household, a community, and indeed, a nation.

“I thank the Tony Elumelu Foundation, who donated One Billion Naira to the RHI to directly support 18,500 women across the Nation.m,” she said

Mrs Tinubu’ added: ‘500 women from each of the 36 states and the FCT will be receiving N50,000 each to strengthen and recapitalise their existing small businesses.

“Today, this programme is being inaugurated in Adamawa and Niger States simultaneously.

“Disbursement of empowerment funds to beneficiaries in other States and the FCT will be held shortly after”.

The first Lady thanked the Tony Elumelu Foundation for the support as well as the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago and his wife.

Bago in his remarks applauded the first lady for her kind gesture, acknowledging that she had donated to his people in several ways in the past.

He recalled that the first lady visited and touched the lives of the Niger people during a bomb explosion in a mine site and donated N100 million..

“That money went a long way in changing the lives of the victims, it touched lives and livelihood.

“We want to thank you, again. There is no better time to be in this state than now in this season that our people are washed away by flooding,” he said.

The governor said that the love shown by the first lady is a reflection of the progressive leadership of her husband,  President Bola  Tinubu. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

BEACON tasks Nigerians on blood donation to bridge supply gap
Health

BEACON tasks Nigerians on blood donation to bridge supply gap

By Sani Idris

An NGO, Beacon of Transformative and Inclusive Development Centre (BEACON), has urged Nigerians to donate blood to help bridge the significant supply gap in the country.

The Executive Director, Mrs Abigail Olatunde, made the call in a statement in Kaduna on Saturday, to commemorate the World Blood Donor Day.

According to Olatunde, in spite of needing 1.8 million pints of blood annually, Nigeria collects less than 500,000 pints, leaving over 1.3 million people without access to blood when they need it most.

Olatunde lamented that the shortage had severe consequences including mothers dying in childbirth, children with sickle cell anemia going untreated, and innocent accident victims dying while waiting for blood.

She noted that such a scenario was not just a medical challenge, but a question of equity, access, and social protection.

“The cost of saving lives through blood donation is relatively small, with processing costing about N6,500 per unit in public systems.

“To close the national gap of 1.3 million pints will cost roughly N8.45 billion per year, that is less than 0.5 per cent of Nigeria’s federal health budget, and only seven per cent of Kaduna State’s health budget,”she said.

Olatunde, emphasised that the cost of saving lives through blood was small, but the cost of doing nothing was unbearable.

She said that around the world, countries were proving that the gap could be closed, adding that in India, mobile blood donation clinics and digital tracking platforms had scaled voluntary donation nationwide.

She also said that in Rwanda, centralised blood services had helped reach rural hospitals faster.

According to her, over 70 countries now meet nearly all blood demand through voluntary, unpaid donations supported by public investment.

“These are not perfect systems, but they show what is possible when leadership, funding, and public trust align”.

The executive director, therefore, called on the federal and state governments to invest strategically by allocating at least N8bn to N10 billion annually to national blood services

She also urged the governments to integrate emergency blood access into the National Health Insurance and primary healthcare systems,  calling on Nigerians to support voluntary blood donation through education, outreach, and donor recognition.

Olatunde equally called on communities, private sector partners, media and development agencies to support a culture of safe and voluntary blood donation, especially in underserved areas.(NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Yakubu Uba

Navy donates 2-bedroom bungalow to family of deceased personnel
Defence/Security

Navy donates 2-bedroom bungalow to family of deceased personnel

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), has donated a 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalow to the family of late Able Seaman John Jaja, who died in an operation on Sept. 3, 2024 in Anambra.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the house located at the Navy Estate, Karshi Abuja, was handed over to the wife of the deceased personnel, Mrs Merit John, who was represented by Mrs Lydia John.

The deceased personnel was killed in an ambush during a clearance operation at Amiyi Community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra.

In his remarks, the CNS, represented by the Director, Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed, said the gesture was an acknowledgement of the deceased’s selfless sacrifice in his service to the nation.

He said it was in continuation of his commitment to the welfare of officers and ratings of the Nigerian navy and their families to serve as morale booster for them to remain dedicated.

“We are here today to hand over the furnished and completed two-bedroom flats to the next-of-kin of our late colleague who lost his life, who paid the supreme price in Onitsha.

“We hope that this kind gesture will remain in our minds so that our dear colleague that paid the supreme price will never ever be forgotten,” he said.

The Group Managing Director, Navy Holdings Limited (NHL), Rear Adm Zakariyyah Muhammad, represented by Rear Adm. Muhsin Abba, Executive Director, Administration and Human Resources, thanked the CNS for the gesture.

He said the gesture from the naval chief was just one amongst many that follows the demise of personnel who died in action.

Mrs Lydia John, who received the house on behalf of the beneficiary, thanked the Nigerian navy for providing the widow and her children with a permanent roof over their heads.

She described the late Jaja as a dedicated and gallant personnel who devoted his life to defending Nigeria.

She added that the deceased rating was a good husband to his wife and great father to his children, adding that the late Jaja never set his eyes on his second child before his demise.

“My sister and friend are very happy because this is a lifetime accommodation for her and her family.

“I want to thank the CNS and the Nigerian navy again for this gesture because, being remembered like this is a big thing for the family,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Dangote Foundation donates rice to less privileged in Niger
General News

Dangote Foundation donates rice to less privileged in Niger

 

By Rita Iliya

Aliko Dangote Foundation on Saturday donated and distributed 30,000 bags of 50kg rice to support vulnerable residents in Niger.

 

Ahmed Hashim, Group Managing Director, Dangote Group, Abuja, said the donation was part of the foundation’s efforts to alleviate hunger and poverty among vulnerable Nigerians in the state.

 

According to him, “We are committed to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

 

“Our donation of rice to Niger state is a demonstration of our commitment to support what the state government is already doing,” he said.

 

Hashim said that the foundation’s intervention was to provide succor to the most vulnerable members of society, including widows, orphans, and the disabled.

 

Mr Yakubu Garba, Deputy Governor of Niger said at the distribution of the rice in Minna that the gesture would alleviate hunger and poverty in the state.

 

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Aliko Dangote Foundation for this gesture.

 

“Poverty and hunger are multi-dimensional problems that require collective efforts to tackle.

 

“The state government is working tirelessly to eliminate poverty and hunger in the state,” he said.

 

Garba reiterated the state’s ambitious plan to feed the nation, citing the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) code-named Niger Foods, which had transformed the state into a net exporter of assorted grains.

 

He announced that the state government had distributed 400 trucks of assorted grains to the 25 local government areas at a subsidised rate of 50 per cent since the commencement of the Ramadan.

 

He called on well-to-do individuals and large-scale retail marketers to emulate Aliko Dangote’s philanthropy by supporting the weak and downtrodden through charity or subsidised food sales.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Oil production: Rivers Govt. donates helicopter to Air Force
Defence/Security

Oil production: Rivers Govt. donates helicopter to Air Force

Donation

By Desmond Ejibas

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has announced the donation of a helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of the ongoing efforts to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production.

Fubara handed over the refurbished Agusta AW139 helicopter to NAF at its 115 Special Operations Group base in Port Harcourt.

He stated that his administration had fully supported President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to boost crude oil production beyond two million barrels per day before December.

According to him, the state government has also provided significant logistics to security agencies to safeguard lives, property, and critical oil assets in Rivers.

“This Agusta AW139 helicopter, which has been out of use for years, is part of my administration’s commitment to supporting NAF’s operations in Rivers and the Niger Delta region.

“Furthermore, backing President Tinubu’s efforts to increase crude oil production is beneficial to us; if oil production rises, it will generate more revenue for Rivers State,” he said.

Fubara added that, in addition to the helicopter, the state government was currently resurfacing the Air Force base runway to facilitate seamless flight operations.

“We want to be remembered as an administration that paid serious attention to the security of lives and property of our people.

“The support we have provided to our security agencies is a demonstration of our commitment to ensuring a secure Rivers State and Nigeria,” Fubara added.

The governor appealed to the Air Force leadership to deploy the aircraft for surveillance operations, particularly within the state and the wider the Niger Delta region.

Receiving the helicopter, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, expressed gratitude to Fubara for collaborating with NAF to enhance security in the state and across the country.

He noted that the Air Force had over the years, consistently received logistics support from successive administrations in the state.

“This is evident in the construction of essential infrastructure, including perimeter fencing, residential blocks, and a VIP lounge.

“More recently, Gov. Fubara approved the rehabilitation of the runway and aprons here at the 115 Special Operations Group base,” he stated.

Abubakar emphasised that the helicopter would be deployed for tactical airlift operations, search and rescue missions, and disaster relief efforts.

“With its advanced avionics, high-speed capability, and versatility, the helicopter will enhance our ability to conduct rapid response missions and humanitarian operations.

“The addition of this aircraft to our fleet further underscores our commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians,” he added.

Abubakar further disclosed that NAF had initiated comprehensive training programmes for Air Force pilots, engineers, and technicians to ensure the optimal utilisation of its fleet.

He also stated that the Air Force had begun strengthening its maintenance infrastructure to ensure the sustainability and serviceability of its aircrafts.

He reaffirmed that NAF remained committed to collaborating with other security agencies to combat illegal bunkering and all forms of criminal activity.

According to him, through enhanced surveillance, precision air strikes, and joint task force engagements, NAF will continue to protect the nation’s vital resources and maritime domain. (NAN)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

NAFOWA donates educational materials to indigent students in Abuja
Defence/Security

NAFOWA donates educational materials to indigent students in Abuja

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) on Thursday, distributed educational materials to indigent students of Junior Secondary School, Asokoro, Abuja in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Education.

The items included school bags, writing materials, text books and  cheque for payment of school fees.

The President of NAFOWA, Mrs Rakiya Abubakar, said the event was part of NAFOWA’s humanitarian activities to celebrate the world education day usually celebrated on Jan. 24 every year.

Abubakar said that NAFOWA recognised the power of learning and the doors it could open for all, adding that education remained the key to a bright future.

“Education gives you the tools to overcome challenges because it teaches you how to think, solve problems and create new opportunities not just for yourselves or your families, but for your community, your country and the world at large.

“Never let anyone tell you that you cannot succeed because you are strong, you are capable and full of potential,” she said.

Abubakar said the association, as a non-governmental organisation, understood the importance of education and felt the need to extend the gesture to outside the military community.

“Though we have schools, and we do that among our children in schools, we felt we should go to neighboring communities and also encourage the students to study,” she added.

The Principal of the School, Malam Jafaru Madaki, expressed gratitude to the air force officers’ wives for choosing his school out of many schools in the city.

Madaki said the assistance would support the students, especially those whose parents could not afford to buy them exercise books and school bags.

“This association came and gave this to the school and they were also able to pay school charges for some students. It is a great day for us,” the principal said. (NAN)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq and Yakubu Uba

Yuletide: Shehu Sani donates bicycles, others to orphans
General News

Yuletide: Shehu Sani donates bicycles, others to orphans

By Naomi Sharang

A former lawmaker, Sen. Shehu Sani, on Sunday, donated items, including bicycles to orphans in One Man Village, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, to celebrate christmas.

Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate, made the donation to the Restored Destiny Child Orphanage Foundation, in One Man Village.

He said that the donation was part of efforts to support the needy in celebrating the yuletide.

According to him, orphans are children of God. If you help them you are crediting your personal account and making your deposit with your Maker.

“The well to do in the society should always sacrifice part of their wealth to help orphans and the needy at large.

“When you support the needy, you are planting seeds for yourself and your children.

“I appeal to the rich to always commit a little of what they have to touch the lives of the poor instead of building multi-million Naira houses and buying multi-million Naira cars,” he said.

Sani said that life should not be about gold and silver or personal gains, but about touching the lives of others.

“By that you are also serving God Almighty,” he said

The former lawmaker also urged other Nigerians to cultivate the habit of giving, irrespective of their earnings, adding that almsgiving was not restricted to the rich.

“Alms giving is not limited to the rich; we can all touch people’s lives from our various corners no matter how small.

“There are people who cannot afford to eat, pay rent or their children’s school fees. It is not until you finish solving all your problems before helping the needy.

“Remove a percentage of what you have and if possible, sell your gold, silver and diamond and help orphans anywhere you are,” he said.

He commended philanthropists around the world for impacting positively in the lives of others.

He urged them to keep up the good work, adding that they would not go unrewarded.

“For people anywhere in the world helping orphans, we will continue to pray for you.

“You will not be remembered by the billions you kept nor the houses, gold or silver you kept for yourself.

“You are also not going to leave with any material wealth when you die. We all came to this world naked and we are all going naked.

“So, for all the people amassing wealth, the question is where are you going to take the wealth to?”

Sani said that the founder of Destiny Child Orphanage Foundation, late Grace Chinedu, has left a legacy and would always be remembered for it.

He prayed to God to grant her soul eternal rest, adding that he will continue to contribute his quota for the upkeep of the orphans in the home.

The Coordinator of the orphanage, Mr Donatus Chinedu, thanked Sani for his continued support and prayed to God to replenish his purse.

He further thanked all well-spirited Nigerians for helping to keep the vision of the late founder alive.(NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Tinubu committed to assisting vulnerable communities in Nigeria – Lottery boss
Health

Tinubu committed to assisting vulnerable communities in Nigeria – Lottery boss

By Amen Gajira

Mr Tosin Adeyanju, Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) says President Bola Tinubu is committed to assisting vulnerable communities across the country.

Adeyanju stated this while donating vital medical equipment worth millions of Naira to the Primary Health Centre in Kagoro, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Presenting the items in Kagoro, the Executive Secretary stated that the initiative was part of the president’s health interventions across the country.

“Before now, we have done over 300 interventions across the country but this is the first time we are doing in this Local Government Area.

“It’s all part of a Presidential initiative to provide vital medical equipment to health centres in our communities.

“It takes a kind government to remember you and that’s why President Tinubu has been able to remember you.

“He is doing this intervention across several communities in Nigeria and your community is not exempted,” he added.

Adeyanju called on the people to continue to support Tinubu’s efforts at making their lives better.

“We want you to continue to pray for the President. The country is facing economic challenges but he has the wherewithal to surmount them,” he stated.

The executive secretary enjoined the community leaders and the management of the facility to make good use of the items given.

“We are appealing that you put these items to good use so that we can do more for your community.

“From time to time, we will send people to come and check if the items are being used for the good cause they are meant for,” he added.

Receiving the items, Esther Awan, the Officer in charge of the facility, described the intervention as timely, given the challenge of inadequate equipment the centre had been grappling with.

Awan assured the donors that the equipment would not be mishandled but put to judicious use.

Also speaking, the Chief of Kagoro, Ufuwai Bonet, represented by Jehu Gwani, thanked NLTF for finding their community worthy of the intervention.

The traditional ruler said that the equipment would go a long way in addressing the health challenges of people of the area.

He called on other well meaning individuals and organisations to emulate NLTF in reaching out to rural communities in need.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items donated included oxygen cylinders, genotype machines, microscope machines, lamps for examination, patients and delivery beds, amongst others. (NAN)

Edited by Basshir Rabe Mani

S/Korea hands over 1,662 digital educational materials to Nigeria
Foreign

S/Korea hands over 1,662 digital educational materials to Nigeria

By Sarafina Christopher

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has delivered  1,662 educational digital contents to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the donation was done through Kim Pankyu, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria.

The materials were handed over on Monday in Abuja at a ceremony to mark the significant milestone in the Smart Education project, a collaborative initiative between KOICA and UBEC that began in 2021.

The digital contents, which are targeted at Primary 4-6 pupils and Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1 students, focuses on mathematics and science subjects to help improve teaching and learning outcomes in the classrooms.

The ambassador said that education was key to the development of any nation, especially in the digital age.

According to him, providing schools with access to high quality digital resources is essential for students’ growth and future success.

“A lot of efforts from experts in Korea and Nigeria have been put in place to make the vision a reality.

“Therefore, I am confident that this package of digital contents that will be made available across Nigeria will enrich learning experiences and helping students’ educational development.’’

Kim said that the ceremony represented South Korea’s shared commitment to quality education in Nigeria and strengthening of bilateral cooperation through the collaboration between KOICA and UBEC.

“The educational digital contents are expected to be disseminated across the 37 smart schools and other public schools in Nigeria,” he said.

The ambassador also reiterated his government’s willingness in supporting the education sector in Nigeria.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Hamid Bobboyi, expressed appreciation to the ambassador over the Korea Government’s support in improving basic education in Nigeria through smart technologies.

He added that the commission was at the embassy three years ago to sign an MOU for the Smart Education Project in Nigeria with the Korean Government.

“Since then, we have worked closely with the Korean experts in the implementation of the smart education project; and so far, we have achieved a lot together in improving basic education in Nigeria, “he said.

Bobboyi also commended KOICA for its assistance to Nigeria, saying the intervention had become a symbol of cooperation between both countries.

NAN recalls that prior to the handover of the digital contents to UBEC, KOICA had installed modern Content Development Studios (CDS) with state of art equipment for producing digital contents in some schools.

The CDS are found in KOICA-Supported Smart schools in the six states namely Kano, Cross River, Bauchi, Ekiti, Nasarawa and FCT.

Series of capacity building were also provided to teachers and school principals on how to record, edit and develop digital contents for classroom teaching using the CDS installed in their schools.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki and Chijioke Okoronkwo

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