News Agency of Nigeria
Wike promises new Senate Building for UNIPORT
Education

Wike promises new Senate Building for UNIPORT

128 total views today

By Philip Yatai

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, says he had mobilised support from his network of friends to help fund the construction of a befitting Senate Building for the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

Wike disclosed this in Port Harcourt on Saturday during the university’s 35th Combined Convocation and 50th Anniversary celebration.

The minister, who was among four recipients of honorary doctorate degrees, also announced plans to endow a Chair in Family and Child’s Law, in the Faculty of Law, in honour of his wife.

He also pledged to endow another Chair in Leadership and Public Administration in the Department of Political Science in his own honour.

Wike disclosed that the university had recently approached him, as FCT Minister, to request a land in Abuja for the establishment of a Centre for Leadership and Democratic Studies.

“I took up the request with Mr President, who immediately granted approval.

“As I speak to you now, the Certificate of Occupancy for the land is ready for presentation to the university authorities,” he said.

Reflecting on his time at UNIPORT, Wike said that the university had instilled a strong academic foundation in him and had continued to promote values rooted in research, truth, and outspokenness.

He urged fellow alumni and Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to improve the socio-economic well-being of the country, noting the president’s commitment to education through initiatives like the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.

“In no distant time, no willing child will be denied access to quality education due to economic hardship,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the university officially named its new Convocation Arena during the event.

It was inaugurated by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas.

Wike was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Science degree in Political Science (D.Sc. Honoris Causa), for his contributions to the university’s development.

Other honorary degree recipients included First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, and Aminu Masari, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Tertiary Education Trust Fund. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Wike reels out contributions to devt of UNIPORT, state university 
Education

Wike reels out contributions to devt of UNIPORT, state university 

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has reeled out his contributions to the development of University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State University and the legal profession.

Wike outlined the contributions in Port Harcourt on Saturday, during UNIPORT’s 35th Combined Convocation and 50th Anniversary.

He said that UNIPORT availed him the rich and concrete intellectual foundation upon which his socio-economic and political ascendancy have been fittingly predicated.

He added that he was educated both in character and learning at the university and called on all alumni to give back to the university as a mark of gratitude.

“This also explains why I freely give to this institution whenever I have had the opportunity to do so.

“Throughout my duty tours, I have paid back to this great university sacrificially and to the best of my ability.

“I have done so, not out of convenience but as a deliberate pursuit of commitment to gratitude for a university that gave me so much,” he added.

Wike said that as Minister of State, Education, he established the Faculty of Law for UNIPORT and further built a befitting building for the faculty.

He said that he equally built a separate building for the Faculty of Social Science which had been sharing the same building with the Faculty of Humanities.

Speaking on the convocation arena, Wike said that management of the university approached him while he was the governor of Rivers that: “the institution does not have a befitting convocation arena.”

He added that he built the arena to international standard, adding that similar gesture was extended to the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt where he studied law.

He said that in the same tradition of giving back, he built the Post-Graduate Hostel of the university when he was the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

“As Minister of State, Education, I raised N500 million through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, for the development of the university.

“As governor, I completed the construction of infrastructural facilities for Faculties of Environmental and Management Sciences.

“I also completed the Faculty of Law building; built the College of Medical/Mechanical Sciences building, new Senate building, and National Union of Rivers State Students’ building,” he said.

The minister added that he equally built Etche, Emuoha, and Ahoada Campuses, as well as built and furnished facilities of the Basic Clinical and Clinical Sciences building of the university.

Also built were the university’s clinical students’ hostel buildings and Pathology building in the university’s Teaching Hospital.

Wike said that as a lawyer, he equally contributed immensely to the legal profession, first by building the Rivers branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

“I was also the only governor that contributed to the building of the National Secretariat of the NBA and to this end, Rivers was allotted a floor to name after its citizens.

“In Rivers, I introduced a robust judicial welfare scheme by insisting that every judge must own a house upon retirement.

“The houses were built with modern facilities and fully furnished with accompanying Certificates of Occupancy.

“All judges also had brand new Sport Utility Vehicles to ease their mobility, and enhance their comfort and service delivery,” he said.

He added that he also constructed the Body of Benchers building in Abuja and the body named a hall after Rivers.

He said that with the approval of the Director-General of Law School, he built hostels and a grand auditorium for the Law School in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

“We also built a new Law School campus in Port-Harcourt that is far better than the headquarters in Abuja.

“Currently, as Minister of the FCT, I am building an annex for the Body of Benchers and almost completed construction of 10 bungalows for the Nigeria Law School in Bwari, FCT, and almost completed a new Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

“In addition, we are building 10 residential houses for the Judges of Court of Appeal, 10 for the Federal High Court and 20 for the FCT High Court,” the minister said.

He explained that he took time to enumerate his contributions to the two universities and the legal profession not for self-aggrandisement, but to demonstrate the need to give back to society.

“Those who come after us must be encouraged and inspired by our robust examples to keep this tradition of service and development of our alma mater,” he said.

The minister pointed out that the university has produced prominent leaders in all works of life, asking if they have given back to the university.

According to him, the university must demand this answer from all its alumni, since it provided the foundation upon which all of them soared to prominence. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Tinubu promises continued funding of life-impacting projects in FCT
Metro

Tinubu promises continued funding of life-impacting projects in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has pledged his administration’s continued support to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, to continue delivering life-impacting projects in the territory.

Tinubu made the pledge in Abuja on Tuesday, while inaugurating the newly constructed Collector Road CN-8 (Asuquo Okon Street) and other connected roads in Dakibiyu District.

The road stretches from Arterial Road N-5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) in Jabi District, to the Arterial Road N-1 (Olushegun Obasanjo Way) in Dakibiyu District.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said this administration remained steadfast in its support for the FCT Administration.

He commended Wike’s efforts, “whose sense of urgency in the execution of projects is well known to Nigerians”.

Tinubu said: The capital of this nation must reflect the strength and dignity of all who call it home.

“We are determined to ensure that development knows no postcode, that governance does not discriminate, and that the dignity of our citizens is not defined by their geography.

“We will continue to provide the resources, policy backing, and institutional cooperation needed to ensure that projects like this are delivered on time and to the highest standards.

“Our goal is to build a capital that works for everyone.

“So, as we commission this road, let it be a symbol not just of connectivity but of commitment, not just of movement but of momentum”.

The President stressed that there was no louder proof of a government’s seriousness than the modernisation of its cities.

He added: “When a city works, when its roads are paved, when its lights are on, and when its traffic flows smoothly, it tells the world that its government is not just present but purposeful.

“Infrastructure, after all, is not just about concrete and steel. It is the most persuasive advertisement of leadership, of order, and of vision.

“A modern city inspires confidence, attracts investment, and most importantly, restores the dignity of those who call it home.

“That is why today’s occasion is not just about commissioning a road, it is a grand reassurance that cities must work for their people and that a functioning capital is the foundation upon which a functioning nation is built”.

The president said that, for too long, inadequate infrastructure has choked the aspirations of communities in Dakibiyu District.

He added that the newly constructed roads would breathe life into communities long waiting to be seen and long waiting to be served.

According to him, the dividends of the project are immediate and enduring.

“Communities will flourish, congestion will ease, and most critically, livelihoods will thrive.

“Shops will open, markets will thrive, children will return to school faster, emergency services will arrive quicker.

“This is what we mean when we speak of Renewed Hope; not lofty rhetoric, but practical impact; not policy for the sake of politics, but policy translated into progress.

“Every road we build, every bridge we complete, every community we connect is a firm step towards a more inclusive, more equitable Nigeria,” he said

In his remarks, Wike thanked Tinubu-led Federal Executive Council for approving the project which began in October 2024.

He explained that the project became necessary due to the terrible state of the road leading to several government institutions in the area.

“Your Excellency, I thank you for your continued support, and we will continue to solicit for more,” he said.

Similarly, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, noted that Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” has continued to bring tangible transformation to the FCT.

Mahmoud described the project as, yet another testament to Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development and inclusive urban growth. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

World’s longest hairdressing marathon record holder, T-Jos secures Ighalo’s support
General News

World’s longest hairdressing marathon record holder, T-Jos secures Ighalo’s support

223 total views today

By Philip Yatai

Nigerian barber Joshua Aiyenuro, known as T-Jos, who completed the Guinness World Record for the Longest Hairdressing Marathon, has gained Super Eagles star Odion Ighalo’s support for his youth empowerment initiative.

T-Jos accomplished the marathon, which lasted 154 hours from June 10 to June 17, and met with Ighalo in Abuja on Sunday to gain his endorsement.

During the visit, T-Jos unveiled his ambitious plan to establish 1,000 barbing seats in every state of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

This initiative aims not only to provide barbing services but also to offer skill acquisition opportunities for Nigerian youths.

Describing Ighalo as a major source of inspiration and support, T-Jos shared his journey, growing up as a street kid in Surulere, Lagos, with little hope of success.

He credited several mentors, including the Team Secretary of the Super Eagles, for helping him become the official barber of the National Team, where he eventually met Ighalo.

T-Jos expressed deep gratitude to God and to everyone who supported him throughout his journey.

In response, Ighalo lauded T-Jos for his resilience and determination, pledging his full support for the project.

He noted that T-Jos’ initiative aligned closely with his own philanthropic efforts in Ajegunle, Lagos, where his foundation supported talented young footballers, orphans, and widows.

Ighalo emphasised the importance of giving back to society and promised to assist T-Jos in any way possible to achieve his vision.

With Ighalo’s backing, T-Jos’ initiative is poised to make a significant impact by creating employment and skill-building opportunities for Nigerian youth.

The partnership between these two influential figures is expected to inspire others and drive meaningful change across the country.

As T-Jos embarks on this new chapter, his story stands as a powerful testament to perseverance and the transformative power of support and determination. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Wike seeks support for Tinubu-led FG 
Metro

Wike seeks support for Tinubu-led FG 

246 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

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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

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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

651 total views today

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 

298 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

603 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

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