NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Defence/Security

Oil production: Rivers Govt. donates helicopter to Air Force

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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

Defence/Security

NAFOWA donates educational materials to indigent students in Abuja

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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

General News

Yuletide: Shehu Sani donates bicycles, others to orphans

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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

Health

Tinubu committed to assisting vulnerable communities in Nigeria – Lottery boss

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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

Foreign

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

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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

General News

Kano govt donates N100m to Jigawa tanker explosion victims

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By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State has donated N100 million to the survivors and deceased families of petrol tanker explosion that occurred at Majiya town of Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa.

Kabir-Yusuf announced this during a sympathy visit to Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa, on Thursday in Dutse.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 150 persons lost their lives and over 50 others injured when a petrol tanker exploded in Majia on Tuesday night.

The governor, who expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident, described it as “greatest tragedy that has befallen not only Jigawa, but Nigeria in general.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Kano state, I’m here to commiserate with you over this unfortunate and tragic fire incident that cost the lives and properties of innocent citizens of your state in Majiya town of Taura local government.

“It is unfortunate that the Jigawa government and indeed Nigeria lost over 100 lives of innocent citizens.

“The poeple of Kano and Jigawa are brothers and sisters, therefore, on behalf of the government and good people the state, I wish to announce a token donation of N100 million so that the government can take care of victims at hospital, as well as the families of those that departed,” he said.

He prayed Almighty Allah to grant those who lost their lives Jannatul Firdaus and quick recovery to those who survived the incident.

Responding, Namadi, expressed profound gratitude to Yusuf and the people of Kano state for the kind donation.

“We tank you for the visit. On behalf of the government and the people of Jigawa, I want thank you and the people of Kano state for this show of solidarity and brotherhood,” Namadi said.

Namadi further said that so far 167 persons died while 97 others hospitalised. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Foreign

Flood: Chinese coy donates food supplies to Borno

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By Sarafina Christopher

The China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), has donated more than 11 tons of food supplies to the Borno  Government for distribution to those affected by the recent flood in the state.

The supplies to aid the flood victims were presented during a ceremony in Maiduguri, attended by Gov. Babagana Zulum, heads of relevant government departments and representatives from the Chinese firm.

Liu Shuai, a representative of CMEC in a statement on Sunday, said the initiative was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility and reflected its commitment to the wellbeing of local communities in Nigeria.

He recalls that on Sept. 10, Maiduguri, the Borno capital, and its environs experienced their worst flood in 30 years, resulting in many deaths, destruction of property and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents.

“As a central Chinese enterprise operating in the Nigerian market for many years, CMEC has consistently monitored the livelihoods of local residents and actively fulfilled its social responsibilities,” Shuai said.

He said that CMEC quickly mobilised support for its local staff right after the flood and launched a special assistance plan for local government and flood victims.

“In addition to the food supplies, CMEC will continue to increase its investments and actively participate in post-disaster reconstruction efforts to assist the government and people of Borno State in overcoming these challenges as swiftly as possible,” he said.

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno expressed gratitude for the support provided by CMEC, assuring that his administration would complete post-disaster reconstruction on time.

The governor also highlighted the significant role of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP) project, undertaken by CMEC, in the socio-economic development of the local community.

He expressed hope for more extensive cooperation with CMEC in the future.(NAN)

Edited by Taiye Agbaje and Chijioke Okoronkwo

Gender

SWEDI donates dignity packs to celebrate school girls in Abuja

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By Philip Yatai

An NGO, Safe World Empowerment and Development Initiative (SWEDI), has donated dignitary packs to school girls to commemorate 2024 International Day of the Girl Child in Abuja.

Some of the items include sanitary pads, toothbrush and paste, toilet paper, bathing soap and vaseline among others.

The founder and Executive Director of the NGO, Ms Sewuese Asa, led the distribution on Friday, at Junior Secondary School, Kabusa, in Abuja Municipal Area Council.

Asa said that the support was in line with the 2024 theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future”, to empower young girls through the SWEDI Care programme.

She said that the initiative was designed to support girls’ menstrual health, through sensitisation on menstrual hygiene and distribution of dignity packs.

This, she said, would ensure that no girl is held back by menstrual period.

She explained that the school outreach was to support girls’ menstrual hygiene and overall well-being, in line with the NGO’s vision of creating lasting change for women and girls across Nigeria.

The executive director also emphasised the importance of girls’ education, health and leadership training to enable them to contribute to the advancement of the society.

“SWEDI Care is more than just  products; it is about ensuring that every girl can continue to dream, learn, and lead with confidence and dignity.

“The outreach has attracted the attention of stakeholders to the critical issue of menstrual hygiene among young girls.

She reaffirmed SWEDI’s commitment to continue advocating for girls’ rights and well-being.

One of the school girls, Fatima Mohammed Fatima, described the outreach as simply “informative and impactful.”

Mohammed, who is the Head Girl of the school, thanked SWEDI for the enlightenment, saying, “we have learnt about the importance of menstrual hygiene and how to take care of ourselves, especially during menstrual period.

“The dignity packs we received from SWEDI Care are going to help us to stay confident and comfortable in school.

“I have learnt that having a menstrual period is normal and nothing to be ashamed of, and with the dignity pack from SWEDI, I now have the things I need to manage my period properly, even when I am at school.

“This programme has made me feel more confident about myself.

“I will share this knowledge with my friends and younger girls, so they don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed when they are menstruating.

“They need to know how to take care of themselves. We all deserve to feel strong and proud; no matter what,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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