NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Wike seeks support for Tinubu-led FG 
Metro

Wike seeks support for Tinubu-led FG 

140 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to transform the country for the good of all.

Wike made the call in his 2025 Distinguish Personality Lecture, titled, “The Nigeria of our Dreams” delivered  at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, on Thursday

He said that no leader, no matter how endowed, equipped or selfless, could truly succeed without the support and cooperation of the citizenry.

The minister advised Nigerians to wake up from years of cynicism, indifference and hopelessness and embrace a new era being birthed by Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, no nation has made any reasonable progress without the robust cooperation and collaboration of its leadership and followership.

“South Africa for instance, under Mandela, achieved independence and made progress as shown in his book’ Long Walk to Freedom’ through this cooperation.

“Dubai is also recording all these great feats through synergy between its leadership and followership.

“The time for belief is here; the time for action is also here. Together with President Tinubu, we can as a people begin the real process of building the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said

The minister also urged  Nigerians to reject the negative narrative that Nigeria would never change for good, stressing that “with the right leadership, nothing is impossible”.

He said that to reclaim Nigeria’s dream, the people must first reclaim the belief in the possibility that the country would be better and reject the defeatist narratives that nothing would change.

According to him, change does not come from the top alone; it bubbles up from the conviction of a determined people.

“The Nigeria of our dreams is not a utopia; it is a Nigeria that works; it is a Nigeria where merit trumps mediocrity, where justice flows like a river.

“The Nigeria of our dream is also where every child, regardless of ethnic group, religion, tongue, or class, has the opportunity to live with dignity and die with honour.

“It is a nation that listens to the heartbeat of its people and allows the soul of democracy to find expression, not only in periodic elections, but in the daily dignity of citizenship.

“It is a place where leaders are not predators on the public purse, but custodians of the people’s trust; where leadership is purposeful, and followership is responsible,” he said.

The minister added that the “Nigeria of our dream is a nation where institutions are stronger than individuals; where the rule of law is not a slogan, but a sacred covenant”.

Wike  emphasised that reclaiming Nigeria’s dream demands a rekindling of its vision and values, stressing that Nigerians must reimagine the country not as victims of its history, but as architects of its destiny.

He also stressed the need to rebuild trust between government and the governed, among ethnic nationalities and across faiths and generations.

The minister also said that to make meaningful progress, Nigerians must rediscover the dignity of labour, the sanctity of truth and the strength of unity.

“Most of all, we must believe again that our country, however flawed, is not beyond redemption.

“This work belongs to all of us. No one is too small to matter or too big to fail.

“Nigeria’s redemption will not be delivered by heroes on horseback, but by ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things: living with integrity, speaking truth to power, raising children with values, and holding firm to hope even when the night is long.

“The dream is not dead. It merely sleeps, waiting for those bold enough, brave enough, and burdened enough to awaken it,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Buratai urges Nigerians to support FG, counter terrorists, bandits’ propaganda
Defence/Security

Buratai urges Nigerians to support FG, counter terrorists, bandits’ propaganda

177 total views today

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has called on Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s policies and counter the propaganda of terrorists and bandits.

Buratai made the call during his remarks at the 2025 Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum on Tuesday in Abuja.

The forum with the theme, “Renewed Hope Agenda: Citizen Engagement and National Security” was organised by VON with support from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

According to him citizens engagement and national security is very fundamental, stressing that such has not been formalised over the years.

He gave a narration on how Sweden coordinated its activities which enhanced citizens’ engagement, that led to a national force and that also gave birth to the Navy Seal we have in the world today.

“Citizens engagement is a force multiplier, be it intelligence or cyber activities that affect our nation’s strategic assets and installations. It is important to engage the citizens, especially vibrant youths who are into cyber security.

“It is good to engage them to dispel negative information and counter damaging propaganda by terrorists and bandits. Engaging them will also help in national security.

“Also, citizens should be engaged to support the policies of the government, to counter the propaganda of bandits and terrorists.

“This is because the terrorists and bandits are also in the media space and the social media space.

“And it is good to bring them down, deal with them responsibly so that they will understand that the whole nation is against banditry and terrorism, ” Buratai said.

He commended the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, describing it as “true renewed hope agenda under renewed hope administration”.

Buratai explained that unlike before, the Tinubu-led administration has brought in policies that have a long term effect that would be felt for the betterment of the country.

“Renewed Hope Agenda is fundamental. It is not like a palliative approach. This is a complete departure. And we hope that as time goes on, the impact will be felt and Nigeria will be much better.

“We need a better environment for economic activities to thrive and for the society to grow. I congratulate the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Ndace for organising the forum,” Buratai said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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

201 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

FCT Women Affairs building a better future for children – Secretary
Gender

FCT Women Affairs building a better future for children – Secretary

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By Philip Yatai

The Women Affairs Secretariat (WAS) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is implementing child-centred programmes and projects toward building a better future for all children in the FCT.

The Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi said this at the 2025 National Children’s Day, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Benjamins-Laniyi explained that WAS has coordinated various interventions and life-impacting programmes for the good of children in the FCT.

She identified some of the programmes as the advocacy against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and review of guidelines for the operations of orphanage homes in the territory.

The gesture, according to her, is to give hope to our children, especially, the vulnerable ones and those with disability.

She recalled that in 1989, the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child (CRC), was adopted by the Global Community to give direction to the rights of children across the world.

She added that in July 2003, Nigeria took a bold step to domesticate the International Child Treaty, by passing the Child’s Right Act into law.

“But today, we are still faced with the challenge of full domestication and implementation of the Child’s Rights Act in all the states of the federation.

“There is, therefore, the need to ensure full domestication of the Child Rights Act across the country.

She congratulated children in the FCT and the country, adding that child’s protection and promoting policies that would protect children’s rights to education were critical to national development.

She commended parents, schools and caregivers, who were playing the pivotal role of training and nurturing children, both at the home fronts and in schools.

“Indeed, you are doing a great job!” she said

The mandate secretary said that the theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation”, was apt against the continued incidences of bullying in schools.

She said that bullying was being orchestrated by few radical students who have lost control of moral upbringing in society.

She added that the ugly act has cast a dark shadow in the school system, leaving victims beaten, injured and traumatised.

“This should not continue.

“Today, as we gather to celebrate our children, we call on our teaming students in FCT to rise against bullying and speak up whenever confronted with this radical menace.

“I urge you to avoid bullying and channel all your energy to academic resourcefulness, in order to shape a better tomorrow for yourselves,” she said.

Earlier, a child with disability, Victory Maduka, stressed the need for building a bullying-free generation, adding that everyone deserves to feel safe, loved and respected, especially children with disabilities.

According to her, bullying hurts and must be stopped.

“We must treat each other with kindness no matter our differences.

“Children with disabilities are strong and full of dreams. When we listen to them and support them, we build a better world.

“Let’s celebrate what makes each of us unique. Together we can build a better future where no one is left out.”

Also, orphans at the FCT Unity Children Home, Gwako, Gwagwalada, thanked FCT Minister Nyesome Wike for refurbishing their vehicles and giving them hope.

“Your Kindness makes us feel special and loved. We are grateful for your care and support,” the children said.

The Deputy Director, Child Development Department, WAS, Mr Idris Attah, explained that the vehicles have been grounded for more than 10 years. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Nigeria SMEs enjoying Dangote support- official 
General News

Nigeria SMEs enjoying Dangote support- official 

206 total views today

By Kayode Adebiyi

Dangote Industries Limited is partnering critical stakeholders in the economy to grow Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria, Senior Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, has said.

 

Speaking at the Dangote Special Day at the ongoing 2025 Nasarawa Trade Fair Exhibition in Lafia, she said the participation of the company and partnership with the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, would help create awareness and scale up small businesses.

 

The Senior Adviser, who was represented by Dr Shuaibu Abdullahi, the company’s National Assembly Liaison Lead, said Dangote Group would continue to partner government and private sectors to develop small businesses.

 

She said: “I am pleased to inform you that in alignment with the theme of this year’s Trade Fair, the Aliko Dangote Foundation and the Bank of Industry (BoI) had entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and established a N5 billion fund dedicated to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.

 

“This initiative aimed to create at least one million direct jobs by providing financial support to entrepreneurs engaged in manufacturing, agro-processing, and the merchandising of goods made wholly in Nigeria.”

 

She added that the MoU would benefit micro-enterprises like cassava processors, aluminum artisans, poultry farmers, calabash carving groups, small traders, cattle rearing groups, vegetable sellers, market women and artisan groups.

 

She said as part for its support for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria, the company had supported Jakura Marble Industry Ltd (JMIL) in electrification.

 

She added that in line with the company’s commitment to supporting small businesses, agriculture, and job creation in Nigeria, Dangote Fertiliser Limited had initiated a comprehensive training programme targeting over one million farmers across the country.

 

“This programme, integral to our agricultural extension services, encompasses Spot Demonstrations, Result Demonstrations, Field Demonstrations, and Soil Sample Collections.

 

“The training is designed to educate farmers on best practices in fertiliser application, aiming to enhance crop yields and promote sustainable farming techniques.

 

“By providing hands-on demonstrations and soil analysis, we strive to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve their productivity and livelihoods.”

 

According to her, the company’s supports for fostering economic development through mineral and agricultural cottage industrialisation” is numerous.

 

“May I also inform this esteemed audience that our sponsorship of numerous Trade Fairs—including this one organised by the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI)—is a key component of our commitment to fostering the growth of trade and small businesses across Nigeria.

 

“By supporting this Trade Fair, we aim to provide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with platforms to showcase their products, network with potential partners, and access new markets, thereby contributing to the nation’s economic development.

 

“As a company, we are therefore joining NASSI and NACCIMA to call on the public and private sector stakeholders to prioritise MSMES in Nigeria. This is key to our industrialisation effort in Nigeria.”

 

According to her, some of the Strategic Business Units that are participating from the Dangote Group are: Dangote Fertiliser Limited (DFL), Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN), Dangote SinoTruck, Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR), Dangote Salt (NASCON) and Dangote Cement Plc.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Agency solicits lawmakers’ support for natural medicine roadmap
Science & Tech

Agency solicits lawmakers’ support for natural medicine roadmap

447 total views today

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Nigeria Natural Medicines Development Agency (NNMDA) has urged the House of Representatives to make budgetary allocation for the implementation of its 36-month roadmap on prioritising natural medicines in the country.

Prof. Martins Emeje, Director-General of the NNMDA, made the call on Monday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

His call followed a recent resolution by the House of Representatives urging Nigerians to prioritise natural medicines.

Emeje, while commending the adoption of the resolution, described it as the best thing that had happened to the natural medicines ecosystem in the country in the past two decades.

“What we want from them now is the support for us to implement our road map as an agency.

“They need to put life in this resolution and make special budgetary allocation for implementation.

“We want to ensure that we have research farms where we can cultivate particular plants, rear particular animals, rear particular insects, create gardens of particular minerals, peculiar to only that environment.

“For each ward, Local Government or state, there are peculiar plants, animals and minerals that cannot be found somewhere else,’’ he told NAN.

According to him, diseases in every location have something to do with the natural constitution of that environment.

“It is the plants, animals and minerals in that community that can be explored for medicine for diseases found in that community.

“That is the reason why bitter leaves in my village may not have the vital constituents for treating diabetes, but the same bitter leaf in Ogun State, will have it.

“This is because of botanical and biological differences,” Emeje said.

Emeje said the intention was to create a one-stop health shop where natural medicines were produced in a particular community for the people.

“The House of Representatives took a resolution that says there is a need for Nigerians to promote and prioritise natural medicine.

“For the House of Representatives to make this resolution that it must become a priority, I am satisfied.

“It will be important that the appropriate committee responsible for ensuring that this kind of resolution is fully implemented will do so,” Emeje said.

According to him, the lawmakers have given the agency the weapon and the encouragement to work harder towards ensuring that Nigeria produces the natural medicine for its peculiar diseases. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Support Police during Ramadan- PCRC
Defence/Security

Support Police during Ramadan- PCRC

420 total views today

By Monday Ijeh
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has called for support for Nigeria Police Force personnel through the provision of food and other items during Ramadan.

Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim-Olaniyan, National Chairman of PCRC, made the call on Friday in Abuja during the distribution of food items to personnel at the Force Headquarters.

He said that police officers were among the most selfless civil servants in the country, often working without time to rest or celebrate with their families to ensure the security of others.

He emphasised the importance of showing love and appreciation to the officers during Ramadan, urging other organisations to support by identifying their needs and providing assistance.

Ibrahim-Olaniyan noted that the food distribution was part of the PCRC’s routine efforts to identify with both Muslims during Ramadan and Christians during Christmas.

“Since the beginning of Ramadan 2025, PCRC has distributed food to about 2,000 police officers across the country.”

He explained that the initiative was also aimed at supporting the Inspector General of Police’s efforts to improve the welfare of police personnel.

Ibrahim-Olaniyan encouraged the public to embrace peace during Ramadan and view security agents as partners in progress.

He urged the public to expose criminal elements in their communities, emphasising that it was the time for collective action against crime.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

FG inaugurates CIPMN council, seeks stronger industry support
Economy/Business

FG inaugurates CIPMN council, seeks stronger industry support

435 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has inaugurated the governing council of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), urging the body to play a more active role in supporting industrial growth.

The Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, inaugurated the council on Tuesday in Abuja.

The minister, represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Policy and Government, Dr Adedeji Adeshile, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening local industries.

He said that the government had earlier outlined its industrial agenda which prioritised automobile manufacturing and in-country industrialisation.

“I bring good tidings and encouragement to the newly inaugurated global council.

“This year, we released an agenda to support industrialisation, and we look forward to the council to do more to drive this vision,” Enoh said.

He expressed optimism about the proceedings and urged stakeholders to work collaboratively toward achieving national industrial goals.

The Director-General of CIPMN, Mr Henry Mbadiwe, commended the minister for his presence and emphasised the importance of the institute in regulating project management in Nigeria.

“CIPMN is the only regulatory body responsible for overseeing project management activities across all sectors.

“Project management is not limited to construction; it cuts across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, and business transformation,” Mbadiwe said.

He said that the institute, established by an act of the National Assembly and recognised by the President, was mandated to ensure that all project managers in Nigeria were licensed.

“If you are going to lead project delivery in this country, you must be licensed by this institute,” he said.

Mbadiwe further said that regulations made by CIPMN would be gazetted and enforced as law.

The inauguration, attended by key industry stakeholders, marked a significant step in strengthening project management and industrial development in the country.

Responding on behalf of the council members, the CIPMN President, Emmanuel Afolayan, pledged the commitment and dedication of members to drive the institute’s mandate.

“Our mandate is clear, and by the grace of God, we will adhere to it and do everything possible to ensure that our country is a better place for all its citizens,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

FG promises to support local enterprises for economic growth
Economy/Business

FG promises to support local enterprises for economic growth

307 total views today

Businesses

By Oluwatope Lawanson

The Federal Government says it will continue to support indigenous companies to survive and excel, as a strategy to transform the economy.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima
gave the assurance during a visit  to mark the 20th anniversary of SecureID Manufacturing Facility at Iyana-Isolo, in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SecureID is a certified smartcard manufacturing plant  that produces smart cards.

It produces smart cards for banks, including MasterCard, Visa and Verve, as well as SIM cards for telecommunition companies.

Shettima also said that  the government would create opportunities  for emergence of more companies that would transform the economy.

The vice president said that the government’s policies would be geared toward ensuring the growth of local industries.

He emphasised the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.

He also noted the importance of Nigeria’s digital transformation in the knowledge-driven post-industrial age.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated that the survival of  enterprises is crucial for a vibrant economy.

He highlighted the government’s efforts to revitalise the economy through fiscal reforms and other initiatives.

He praised SecureID for remarkable successes, noting its capacity to manufacture 200 million cards per annum, including international passports and voter cards.

“Our needs as a nation are unique; so are the expectations from our enterprises.

“As a government, we will continue to support enterprises by fostering an environment where innovation thrives and  every citizen has the opportunity to succeed,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

FG lauds Chibok girls’ performance at AUN
Education

FG lauds Chibok girls’ performance at AUN

534 total views today

Empowerment

By Ibrahim Kado

The Federal Government has reassured its commitment to supporting the Chibok girls, currently studying at America University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola.

Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs, said this in an interview with newsmen shortly after a visit to the girls at AUN on Friday in Yola.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chibok girls were part of those kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents from Government Girls Secondary School Chibok, Borno in 2014.

According to the minister, the visit is on assessment for recovery and success of the girls in partnership with the AUN.

The minister said government would empower and provide the girls with the opportunities to contribute to national development after their graduation.

“I am proud of the support they were getting and they are progressing very well.

“Some of them are in final year and some have three years to graduate, while some are placed on economic empowerment programmes.

“The welfare and the well-being of every citizen is a serious business for this administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“Mr president did not take it for granted. It is a priority, this girls will be well empowered to be able to support the country in this era of nation building,” she said.

NAN reports that the minister also presented materials and cash gifts to the girls during the visit.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Abdullahi Mohammed

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