News Agency of Nigeria
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

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

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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

FRSC Corps Marshal visits Aiyedatiwa, solicits support
Defence/Security

FRSC Corps Marshal visits Aiyedatiwa, solicits support

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed, has solicited the support of the Ondo State Government in achieving its mandate.

Mohammed said this when he led a team of FRSC officials on a courtesy visit to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo on Monday in Akure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was in continuation of the on-going end of year traffic monitoring across strategic corridors by the Corps.

The FRSC Corps Marshal said that road safety was a shared responsibility that required the collaboration of all stakeholders, adding that the FRSC was in the state to execute two missions.

“The first is to felicitate with the governor and the people of Ondo State on the successful gubernatorial election.

“The second, being to embark on the Ember Months campaign aimed at reducing road traffic crashes during the festive period,” he said.

Mohammed said that Ondo was critical to the end of the year special operations due to the number of corridors in the State.

The Corps Marshal revealed that the Corps was committed to ensuring that crashes were reduced in line with United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety and Injury Prevention.

He emphasised the need for the State Government to expedite action towards establishing Ondo State Road Safety Advisory Council.

This, he said, would complement the efforts of National Road Safety Advisory Council led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“We want to appreciate you because my sector Commander has informed me that he has been receiving support from you,” he said.

In his response, Aiyedatiwa said that the Corps Marshal’s visit would boost security of lives and properties in the state.

Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, thanked the Corps Marshal for the Operation Zero Tolerance and the traffic monitoring of federal highways.

He said that the state would collaborate with the FRSC to address the challenges of road safety in the state and pledged the state’s readiness to always support the Corps in its mandate.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Tinubu pledges funding, infrastructure support for tertiary education
Education

Tinubu pledges funding, infrastructure support for tertiary education

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to provide the enabling environment for productivity in tertiary institutions through funding and infrastructure support.

Tinubu made the promise on Thursday at the 36th Convocation Ceremonies of Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) in Lagos.

A total of 8,139 students set of the 2022/2023, graduated at the occasion.

Tinubu was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Ahmed.

The President charged Yabatech management to do more to encourage impactful education that would bring about sustainable development.

“The college’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial skills among students has greatly enhanced our nation’s capacity for innovation and self-reliance,” he said.

The President advised the graduands to build on the strong foundation of the college and leverage acquired skills for professional growth and impacts.

According to him, the skills gained at Yabatech are not just tools for personal advancement, but also instruments for national growth and transformation.

“You are equipped to not only succeed but lead and inspire, making meaningful contributions across various domains, including science, technology, commerce, environmental design, art, agriculture and entrepreneurship,” he added.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, said that a bill to eradicate dichotomy between HND and B.sc holders was underway.

He said that there must be equal opportunity for all.

Abbas said, `’We all know what the country will gain by promoting vocational and technical education, this country needs people with skills to raise the nation’s profile technologically.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony also featured conferment of Honorary Fellowship of Yabatech to Abass, who was represented by Mr Fuad Laguda, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Tertiary Institutions.

In her remarks, Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, who was also conferred with the honorary fellowship, announced a N50 million endowment fund for the college, to support the best graduating female student.

According to her, Nigeria needs to support education of the girl-child and remove barriers on her path.

“When I was in the Senate, my focus was on how to make life better and easier for our young ones, they are our future,” she said.

The First Lady was represented by Mr Wahab Alawiye-King, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs and Strategy (Office of the First Lady).

The Rector of Yabatech, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, described the ceremony as a testament to hard work, resilience and vision.

He charged the graduands to be curious, bold and be ethical.

“As you step out into a world that is rapidly changing, realise that it is a world driven by technology, innovation and insatiable hunger for progress.

“The world is not waiting for you, it is challenging you.

“Remember, success in the 21st Century is not just about knowledge, it is about adaptability and vision.

“Technology will evolve, industry will transform and the problems of today will give way to challenges of tomorrow,” he added.

The rector said that 316 of the students graduated with distinction; 2, 381 with upper credit, 3,939 with lower credit, and 1,503 with pass.

Prof. Funso Afolabi, the Chairman of Governing Council of Yabatech, lauded the management of the college for achievements recorded so far.

Afolabi charged the graduands to make maximum use of skills, knowledge and values gained from the institution.

NAN reports that Mr Adeoye Samsudeen of the Yabatech’s School of Electrical Engineering got the college’s Award for the Overall Best Student at Higher Natiomal Diploma level, while Dhikrullahi Ishola of the School of Civil Engineering got the Overall Best Student Award at National Diploma level for the 2022/2023 set. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

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