NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Foundation calls for action against sexual violence
General News

Foundation calls for action against sexual violence

11 total views today

By Rita Iliya

Global Peace Foundation of Nigeria (GPFN) says sexual violence in conflict is a deliberate and destructive weapon which calls for collective action to end it.

 

Rev. John Hayab, Country Director, GPFN, made the call on Saturday in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger during during the  International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that GPFN is a non-profit organisation focused on building peace and social cohesion in Nigeria.

 

Hayab, represented by Mr Rimpyen Danjuma, GPFN Youth and Education Development Officer, said there was no justification, either cultural, political or religious for sexual violence in conflict situations.

 

“Let us commit and act to build a society where conflict does not mean cruelty and where every person can live free from fear, violence and being full of dignity.

 

“Sexual violence affects women, girls, men, boys and infants, leaving long lasting scars that often go unspoken.

 

“The trauma caused by this violence frequently remains unaddressed, particularly in rural areas.

 

“Young people should stand up, speak out and reject any culture that excuses violence. The vision of GPFN is “one family under God”.

 

“Parents should instill respect over dominance, and policy makers should prioritise survivors through laws and services.

 

“Nigerians should unite and say “enough is enough” to violence against women and girls,” he said.

 

Also, Prof. Juliana Dauda, Executive Director, Gender Advocacy and Development Initiative, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, emphasised the need to expand educational opportunities to mitigate communal conflict and general based violence in rural communities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi

Foundation revitalises Boys2Men programme to address HIV gaps
Health

Foundation revitalises Boys2Men programme to address HIV gaps

130 total views today

By Stephen Adeleye

As the world commemorates the Day of the African Child, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria is marking the occasion by reigniting its Boys2Men programme.

 

The programme aims to empower Adolescent Boys and Young Men (ABYM) with comprehensive sexuality education, HIV test and treatment services.

 

In a statement on Friday in Lokoja, Dr Penninah Iutung, the AHF Africa Bureau Chief, said addressing the unique needs of ABYM could help to reduce disparities in HIV prevention and treatment services.

 

He stated that the Boys2Men programme was launched in 2018 to promote positive masculinity, early testing and treatment initiation, and stigma-free care for ABYM.

 

According to him, the programme is designed to change the narrative that seeking help is a sign of weakness and to empower young men to take control of their health.

 

On his part, Dr Echey Ijezie, the AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director, expressed excitement about revitalising the programme, noting that it would provide ABYM with structured interface to engage and deal with the challenges they face.

 

He added that “ABYM in Africa continue to be left behind in HIV testing, prevention and treatment services.

 

“When compared to young women, ABYM often start treatment late and have lower adherence, resulting to poorer health outcomes and higher transmission risk.

 

“AHF Nigeria believes that by addressing these gaps, it can help to reduce disparities in HIV prevention and treatment services.

 

“To commemorate the 2025 Day of the African Child, AHF Nigeria will host a football match between the AHF boys and the soccer team of Waru Community, Abuja.

 

“The event presents an opportunity to engage young boys in building positive masculinity and being resilient in the face of multiple environmental factors.”

 

Ijezie noted that AHF had used the Day of the African Child in previous years to amplify calls for youth-friendly HIV services, comprehensive sexuality education and stronger public policies addressing Gender-Based Violence and teenage pregnancy.

 

AHF Nigeria’s reignited Boys2Men programme is a step in the right direction to empower ABYM and address disparities in HIV prevention and treatment services, he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Abstain from tobacco products, foundation urges students
General News

Abstain from tobacco products, foundation urges students

136 total views today

By Blessing Ibegbu

The Executive Director, Cedars Refuge Foundation (CRF), Mr Peter Unekwu-Ojo, has called on young Nigerians to abstain from taking flavoured tobacco products that pose dangers to their health.

Unekwu-Ojo made the call during an anti-tobacco campaign at Klinnicaps Academy in Koroduma, Karu Local Government of Nasarawa State on Tuesday.

The theme of the campaign is: “Exposing Lies, Protecting Lives: Unmasking the Appeal of Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”

According to him, the campaign focuses on exposing the deceptive strategies of the tobacco industry.

“The campaign is aimed at combating the rising tobacco use among young Nigerians.

“We are engaging the students in an enlightening and interactive session aimed at unmasking the harmful realities behind flashy advertisements and flavoured tobacco products,’’ he said.

Addressing the students and school officials, Unekwu-Ojo denounced the manipulative tactics employed by tobacco companies, accusing them of deliberately targeting children and youths.

“These industries are setting young people up against their future. They sandwich their products with glamorous colourful packaging, enticing flavours and high-profile adverts, hiding the dangerous consequences of addiction.

“The educational session not only delivered hard-hitting facts, but also encouraged vibrant feedback and critical reflection from students.

“The campaign emphasises that the glitz associated with tobacco products is a smokescreen concealing long-term health risks and dependency

“Every child deserves a future free from the industry’s traps flavoured nicotine, flashy adverts and peer-induced pressure.

“Tobacco use is not a fashion statement, it is a death sentence disguised in shiny colours,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr John Egla, Executive Director, Development Initiatives for Societal Health, reiterated the irreversible danger posed by tobacco use.

According to him, Tobacco is a killer; there is no safe level of smoking.

He said that Cedars Refuge Foundation would be establishing Tobacco-Free Clubs in 10 high schools across Nasarawa State.

“These clubs will empower students with knowledge, peer leadership and advocacy tools to resist and counter tobacco industry influence.

“The 2018 Tobacco Atlas revealed alarming statistics that over 942 million men and 175 million women worldwide aged 15 and older are smokers, with usage rising across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria,” he said.

He attributed this growth to increased affordability and aggressive marketing strategies by tobacco companies aimed at vulnerable youth populations.

Mr Patrick Ori, the school principal, expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, acknowledging the importance of early intervention and continuous education.

Ori urged the students to resist peer pressure, adding that the critical role of parental supervision in safeguarding their future could not be overemphasised.

The Dean of Studies, Mrs Precious Ojiaku, urged students to uphold strong moral values.

She advised them  to avoid falling prey to nicotine hooks and flavor packages that were designed to entice and trap the unsuspecting living a morally grounded life.

“Living a morally grounded life, avoidance is the most effective resistance against an industry that profits from addiction and suffering,”she said.

She added that the campaign marks a significant step in the broader Smoke-Free Campaign led by Cedars Refuge Foundation.

Ojiaku said that the campaign also targets hotel operators, market leaders, motor park managers, primary health care centres, influencers, Policy makers and relevant stakeholders.

“It is important that stakeholders enforce the smoke-free provisions of the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act and Regulations, in collaboration with relevant enforcement agencies.

“The message is clear as well as resounding that ‘Tobacco has no place in the future of Nigerian youth’,” she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high point of the campaign was the official establishment of a Tobacco-Free Club at Klinnicaps Academy, Karu.

NAN reports that the foundation distributed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to support the club’s activities and empower students with facts and skills to stand against tobacco use. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joseph Edeh

Eid-el-Kabir: FEMD, Foundation put smiles on faces of 150 IDPs 
Metro

Eid-el-Kabir: FEMD, Foundation put smiles on faces of 150 IDPs 

154 total views today

By Angela AtaboThe Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) in collaboration with Near  Foundation, an NGO, has distributed meat to 150 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

The beneficiaries were selected from Waru and Yimuthu IDP camps in the nation’s capital.

Hajiya Fatima Ibrahim, Head, Relief and Rehabilitation, FEMD, said during the distribution of three kilogrammes of meat to each of the IDPs, that the gesture was to show love to vulnerables people.

Ibrahim said that the annual gesture, being facilitated by Near Foundation, was part of efforts to leave no one behind during Sallah celebrations.

She thanked NEAR Foundation for the commitment to reach out to the less privileged in the society.

“We are doing this to show the IDPs that FEMD and Near Foundation love and care for them.

“I called on well-to-do Nigerians to emulate the kind gesture and reach out to people in need,” she said.

Earlier, the Project Manager of the foundation, Mr Aliyu Harande, said that the Sallah meat package was to give back to the society.

‘There are so many people that cannot afford food to eat, water to drink or meat to cook during festive season.

“Nigerians should always look out for such people and extend a hand of love and compassion.

“Yes, we have given them meat, but it is not enough. Meat will finish after a day or two,” Harande said.

An IDP in Waru camp, Ms  Leilatu Abubakar, thanked FEMD and the foundation for remembering and reaching out to them.

Another IDP, Mrs Christy Dauda, thanked the organisers for remembering them and called on other Nigerians to emulate the gesture.

“I cannot remember the last time I ate meat but today I have meat and I thanked all those who provided it for us.

“May God bless them,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Philip Yatai

Foundation marks children’s day, seeks more support for young cancer patients
Health

Foundation marks children’s day, seeks more support for young cancer patients

205 total views today

By Justina Auta

In a bid to create more awareness and advocate for increased support for childhood cancer, a non-governmental organisation, Okapi Children Cancer Foundation (OkapiCCF), took action on Children’s Day 2025.

The foundation marked the celebration with young cancer patients in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), bringing attention to their struggles and the need for early detection, care, and support.

Ms Kemi Adekanye, Founder and Chief Volunteer of OkapiCCF, led the initiative on Tuesday at the National Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja.

She stated that the exercise was designed to celebrate the strength of children battling cancer and emphasised the importance of early detection and care.

According to Adekanye, the day also served as an opportunity to spend quality time with young patients, while offering support and encouragement to their parents and caregivers.

“There is currently no structured support or government intervention for children with cancer.

“We are helping to reduce some of their financial burdens by covering part of their treatment costs and offering psychological support, just like we are doing here today.

“We all need to come together to raise awareness and support for these children. Even for those who are not yet diagnosed, cancer is more common in children than most people realise,” she said.

Malam Sani Abdulkarim, father of a five-year-old cancer patient, said the initiative brought smiles and hope to children in the hospital, reassuring them that they were not alone in their fight.

“We appreciate the foundation for making these children happy on this special day.

“I also appeal to the government to support these families, especially financially, and to establish more oncology centres,” he urged.

Mrs Francesca Augustine, mother of a two-year-old, also expressed gratitude:”When she was diagnosed, it was devastating, but God sent Okapi Foundation to restore our hope and support us.

“She has now completed her treatment.”

Dr Oyesakin Adewunmi, Chief Consultant Paediatrician and Head of the Oncology Unit at the National Hospital, Abuja, lauded the foundation for its decade-long support of children with cancer.

“Through their contributions, we’ve been able to finance treatments to completion, and some of these children are now survivors who have returned to school,” she said.

Adewunmi also highlighted persistent challenges in the fight against childhood cancer, including lack of funding, access to blood and blood products, and socio-cultural factors.

She stressed the importance of timely medical intervention and adherence to treatment to improve survival rates.

Similarly, Dr Ifeoma Ezeukwu, Head of the Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, called for a unified effort:”Everyone should support children with cancer.

“The belief that cancer doesn’t occur in children is outdated. It does, and it is treatable if detected early.

“We urge the government to make cancer treatment for children free and include it in the national health insurance scheme. This will ease the financial burden on families.”

She also acknowledged OkapiCCF’s continued partnership in supporting children through diagnosis, investigation, and treatment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as part of the Children’s Day celebration, the foundation distributed hampers filled with food items and gifts to children undergoing cancer treatment.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Foundation equips mathematics teachers with 21st century skills in Kaduna  
Education

Foundation equips mathematics teachers with 21st century skills in Kaduna  

216 total views today

By Sani Idris-Abdulrahman

Emerald-Isle Foundation, an NGO, has taken steps to equip mathematics teachers in basic schools in Kaduna State with 21st century teaching skills to improve learning outcomes.

The Team Lead, Ms Evelyn Ode, said this in Kaduna on Saturday, at a one-day training to empower educators with enhanced strategies for teaching mathematics to young learners in basic schools.

Ode explained that the training, under the foundation’s “Train the Tutor Project”, was supported by Ihifix Innovation Hub, to address the problem of mathematics phobia among learners.

She explained that after the training, the teachers would be able to Identify and evaluate the essential qualities of an effective mathematics teacher.

This, she said, would enable the teachers to reflect on how these traits influence students’ engagement and learning outcomes in their various classes.

She added that the teachers would also be able to recognise and differentiate between various learner types – visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, reading/writing and digital, and adapt teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.

“The teachers will equally apply learner-centred strategies that promote critical thinking and problem-solving in early mathematics education.

“They will also analyse and design effective mathematics lesson plans, using best practices, tailored to young learners’ developmental stages.

“Also, the teachers would be able to demonstrate how to integrate real-life applications and hands-on activities into mathematics lessons to enhance relevance and retention.

Ode said that the training, which began with 12 teachers from Elison Academy, Kaduna, would be scaled up to cover many mathematics teachers across different schools across the state.

The Lead Facilitator, Ms Jane Odeh, said that the training integrates hands-on methodologies commonly practiced in the United States, with the rich teaching practices in Nigeria.

Odeh is a mathematics lecturer at Benue State University and a PhD student in Industrial and Computational Mathematics at Morgan State University, Maryland, United States.

According to her, the hybrid approach holds great promise in improving children’s learning outcomes, making mathematics easier to understand and more relevant and engaging.

“We explored practical strategies to make mathematics more accessible and relatable by connecting it to everyday life.

“This shift from rote learning to real-life application empowers students to develop critical 21st-century skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and analytical thinking that are vital for the future of work.”

She expressed concern that performance trends in national examinations, including the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination indicate the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s educational practices, especially in core subjects like mathematics.

“This is not just an academic concern; it is a call to invest meaningfully in Nigeria’s educational sector to build a more competent and competitive future workforce,” she said.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, Ihifix Innovation Hub, Mr Emmanuel Adikpe, said that integrating 21st century skills in the classroom strengthens the teaching methods and strategies of educators.

“This in the long run, will prepare learners for future jobs.

“Ihifix is passionate about education and would continue to support programmes that contribute to nation-building,” Adikpe said.

One of the teachers, Blessing James, a Kindergarten II teacher, said the training was her first since she was recruited to teach in the school.

James added that she had learned new methods of teaching mathematics to young learners.

“The training broadened my knowledge on how to teach my pupils, using their curiosity to engage them.

“I look forward to more training like this to learn more,” she said.

Similarly, a primary four and five mathematics teacher, Emmanuel Adawba, equally said that it was his first time participating in such training, which he described as “very educational”.

“I have learned new strategies of making mathematics easier for the pupils, particularly how to adopt play into teaching mathematics to make it more fun,” he said.

The Head Teacher of the school, Mr Enoch Agang, thanked the foundation for the support, toward helping learners to understand and embrace mathematics.

He noted the need to adopt the use of instructional and other teaching aids to make the teaching of the subject more engaging and interesting. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Foundation raises ₦30m for out-of-school children in Nigeria
General News

Foundation raises ₦30m for out-of-school children in Nigeria

424 total views today

By Mufutau Ojo
An NGO, IA-Foundation, has raised N30 million at its recent Annual Charity Gala in London to support the education of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

IA-Foundation’s founder, Mrs Ibironke Adeagbo, said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the fund would be deployed to directly support the body’s key initiatives.

These, she said, included the “Sponsor a Child” programme, bursary scholarships and the provision of school materials and uniforms to children across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

” These efforts aim to remove financial barriers to education, particularly for marginalised groups such as girls, children with disabilities and those from low-income families.

” By addressing both access and equity, IA-Foundation continues to work toward its vision of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive quality education,” she said.

She thanked the foundation’s patron and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana, for his advocacy that had helped to reduce out of school children.

Adeagbo also thanked Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, for her support to the foundation.

She further expressed her gratitude to guests for their generosity and commitment to the cause of the foundation.

According to her, the foundation remains committed to reducing the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria by providing scholarships, school supplies, and essential support services.

She also commended President Bola Tinubu for his political will and the new Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for his commitment to reducing out-of-school children in Nigeria.

The Chairman of the foundation, Mr Diran Femi-Famakinwa, described the incidence of out-of-school children as not just a moral crisis.

According to him, when children are not educated, they are more likely to remain in poverty and perpetuating cycles of poverty.

Dignitaries present at the event included the representative of the Nigerian Acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Amb. Mercy Haruna- Adeoye.

Also present was the Mayor of London Borough of Southwark, Naima Ali, as well as the Deputy Mayor of the borough and Mayor-Elect Councillor Sunny Lambe.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foundation plans fundraising for Africa’s out-of-school children
General News

Foundation plans fundraising for Africa’s out-of-school children

299 total views today

By Mark Longyen

A UK-registered Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), IA-Foundation, will  hold a charity fundraising gala in London on Saturday.

This is aimed at tackling the growing crisis of out-of-school children in Africa.

This is contained in a statement issued by the leadership of the organisation, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

It said that the event tagged the 2025 Charity Gala, would take place at the elegant DoubleTree by Hilton, London Docklands Riverside.

The foundation’s leadership said it planned to build on the success of its March 2023 major fundraising event in London to make this one more successful.

It added that it raised 24,000 pounds two years ago, and explained that the goal was to drive lasting change through education for underprivileged children across Africa.

“This isn’t just a night out; it’s a movement. Every ticket bought is an investment in a child’s future, a step toward a better Africa,” the IA-Foundation’s leadership said.

Dignitaries expected at the event include Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to the UK, who will deliver a keynote address, and the Chairperson of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Also expected to attend the fundraising gala is the Foundation’s patron, Chief Femi Falana and high profile UK diaspora individuals, including mayors and councillors from several London boroughs.

“The gala will also feature exciting highlights such as a thrilling American auction, raffle draws with fantastic prizes, live entertainment, fine dining, and inspirational storytelling.

“This gala is one of the foundation’s major drives to scale up its impact. It has also distributed more than 5,000 educational materials to students in slums and underserved communities.

“With tickets already in high demand, attendees are encouraged to buy their tickets now before they sell out.

”All proceeds go directly toward the foundation’s mission of drastically reducing the number of out-of-school children in Africa,” the leadership said.

Founded in 2019, IA-Foundation has already supported over 100 children back into classrooms, it added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Eddited by ISmail Abdulaziz

MTN Foundation inaugurates digital skills academy to empower youths
Science & Tech

MTN Foundation inaugurates digital skills academy to empower youths

460 total views today

By Daniel Obaje/Jacinta Nwachukwu

The MTN Foundation has inaugurated a Digital Skills Academy, a platform aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with digital competencies to enhance their employability and economic participation.

Speaking at the event on Thursday in Abuja, the Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Mrs Odunayo Sanya, said the initiative aligned with the Foundation’s commitment to education, health and economic empowerment.

According to Sanya, the academy will provide structured digital learning for young Nigerians from secondary school level through to professional certification.

“We have developed a platform that is not only accessible but impactful, from guiding secondary school students through career-aligned psychometric tests to offering over 23 career learning paths.

“We believe that the person who understands digital skills and technology will eventually displace those who do not, that is why we are investing in building this capacity, especially for our youth,” she said.

She explained that the goal was to reach underserved communities across Nigeria through partnerships with government and other stakeholders, with a long-term target of training at least three million Nigerians in five years.

“We don’t want this to stay in Abuja, Lagos or Port Harcourt. We want to reach Gombe, Akwa Ibom, and the rural corners of Nigeria,” she added.

On his part, Mr Simon Aranonu, a Director in the Foundation, described the initiative as a bold step toward democratising education and empowering individuals across the country.

“We recognise that digital skills are an essential currency in the global job market, they shape the way we work and learn and challenge our ability to adapt and grow,” he said.

Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, commended the Foundation for the initiative, saying that it is timely and critical to national development.

“I commend the MTN Foundation for your vision, not only in launching this programme today but for everything you have done in supporting capacity development in our nation.

“The MTN Skills Academy will not only raise digital literacy but broaden the possibilities for youths in Nigeria,” he said.

He called for more collaboration between public and private sectors to drive innovation and digital inclusion.

In a goodwill message, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, represented by Mrs Ebiho Agun, Deputy Director of Enterprise Development, described the academy as a timely and strategic initiative to empower Nigerian youths with essential digital skills.

“This launch is a call to action, a call to invest, and to innovate.

“The MTN Foundation Skills Academy is a bridge to opportunity and a spark for the next generation of Nigerian tech leaders,” he said.

The event drew participation from stakeholders across government, private sector, and civil society, all united in the mission to create a digitally empowered future for Nigerian youths. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Ramadan: Foundation supports widows with food, cash in Niger
General News

Ramadan: Foundation supports widows with food, cash in Niger

293 total views today

By Rita Iliya
The Nuhu Ango Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), on Saturday donated food items and cash to 60 widows to assist them during the Ramadan period.

Hajiya Asaba Garba, wife of the founder, said the support was in line with her late husband’s vision of assisting the less privileged.

Garba, who is the Zonal Coordinator, Federal Resource Centre, Minna, reaffirmed her commitment to sustaining the legacy of her husband.

“I will continue to extend a hand of fellowship to the less privileged in the society,” she said.

According to her, the foundation had trained 100 beneficiaries in various skills, including  shoe making, baking, ICT, and provided them with starter packs.

“The foundation also provided stationeries to schools, supported widows with food items and cash during festive periods,” she added.

In his remarks, the Emir of Minna, Dr Umar Farouk, described the founder as someone who was passionate about education and the welfare of the less privileged.

He said that the founder, Prof. Nuhu Ango was  a generous person, who supported others during his lifetime.

The emir, who was represented by Alhaji Abubakar Bosso, Mabudin Minna, urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves lucky and use the support to improve their lives.

Also speaking, Mr Abu Nmodu, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Chapter, pledged the union’s support for the foundation’s sustainability.

He described the founder as a gentle, respectful, and good-hearted individual, whose impact would not be forgotten.

In their separate remarks, the beneficiaries, which included Ramatu Aminu, Aishatu Mohammed, and Maryam Aliyu, prayed for the soul of the founder and thanked the foundation for the support.

They said the food stuff and cash came handy and would go a long way in supporting them and their families during the Ramadan period. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Edith Bolokor and Yakubu Uba

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email