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THE STATES

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Bauchi

The Federal Government said it approved N100 million
in 2011 for the establishment of Entrepreneurship Centres in both federal and state universities in the country.
Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, the Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), made this known on Wednesday in Bauchi, while declaring open a two-day workshop on “Entrepreneurship for lecturers in higher institutions in the North East Zone’’.
Bogoro, represented by a TETFUND coordinator,  Murtala Mustapha said that the centre would produce the needed platform for lecturers, students and members of the public to articulate appropriate strategies for entrepreneurship skills for national development.
He said that TETFUND Board of Trustee, in line with the policy had approved a five-year vision from 2014 to 2019 to deepen its focus on economic content, quality and excellence.

Borno

The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) said that
it planned to make provisions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to cast their votes in the 2015 general polls.
The Borno State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Tukur Sa’ad, said this during a visit to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai in Maiduguri.
Sa’ad, however, said that the commission was yet to work out modalities for the IDPs to vote.
He said that the INEC had slated Nov. 28 for the commencement of distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Borno.
Sa’ad explained that the exercise would hold in 12 out of the 27 local government areas of the state due to the current security challenges.
“The issuance of PVCs to registered voters will take place in only 12 LGAs considered to be relatively safe in Borno.
“The exercise will last for six days,” he said.

FCT

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development,
Hajia Zainab Maina, has called on the leadership of political parties to create enabling environment to enhance engagement of  women in politics.
Maina, who was represented by the Director of Women and Gender Affairs in the ministry, Mrs Iran Ajufo, made the call when she led women groups in a meeting with chairmen of political parties in Abuja recently.
Maina said that the ministry recognised the role of political parties in determining the political participation of Nigerian women in politics and decision making.
“The National Gender Policy, which has been passed by the Federal Executive Council, has established the benchmark of 35 per cent women representation in public office in Nigeria.
“Poor performance in the basic human development indices in Nigeria reflect the low level of women participation.
He said that in an effort to promote their participation in politics, many of the parties offered free nomination forms to women interested in contesting in the 2015 general elections.

Jigawa

The Government Secondary School in Aujara, Jigawa
State, emerged winner of the quiz competition organised by the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) for six select secondary schools in the state.
Announcing the result in Dutse, the Head of the North-West zone of the commission, Malam Adamu Sambo, said GSS Aujara scored the highest points of 35.
Sambo said that Dutse Model International School got 32.5 points to place second, while Salem Group of Schools scored 30 points to clinch the third position.
He said that the competition was organised for secondary school students to enable them acquire knowledge on capital market.
“Capital market is an arm of the financial system that strengthens the economy, and no economy can develop globally without it,” he said.

Kogi

The Nigerian Press Council (NPC) has urged journalists
to always follow the ethics of their profession while carrying out their duties.
This is contained in a communiqué signed by the Acting Executive Secretary of the council, Mr Nnamdi Njemanze, at the end of a training workshop for journalists in Lokoja.
The communiqué urged journalists to exercise restraint in their choice of language in order not to overheat the polity and undermine efforts to achieve a peaceful electoral process.
It advised journalists to exercise professionalism in news gathering and not to compromise the tenets of truth, accuracy, balance, fairness and objectivity in their reportage.

Kwara

An Ilorin Magistrates’ Court has remanded Jimoh
Oniwuridi, 30, at the Federal Prison, Oke-kura, Ilorin, for defrauding a man under the pretext of helping him out of his childlessness.
The accused, who resides at Oniwuridi Compound, Pakata area, Ilorin, was arraigned on a charge of Advance Fee Fraud, Contrary to Section 3(1) of Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of the federation, 2004.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Zaccheus Folorunsho, told the court that on October 28 the accused went to the house of Tajudeen Onibon and convinced him that he could solve his wife’s barrenness.
Folorunsho said that the accused fraudulently collected an initial N200, 000 from the complainant and also collected N320, 000 for some sacrifice he claimed he would perform.
He said that investigation also revealed that the accused deceived the victim to dispose of his car at the sum of N140, 000 and his Jincheng motorcycle for N30, 000, and he collected all the money.

Lagos

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered that a 38-year-old scavenger, Ismail Ali, charged with drug trafficking be remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons, Lagos.
The accused, a resident of Abutu Alaba Rago in Ojo, Lagos, was arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
He pleaded guilty to the one-count charge preferred against him.
The trial judge, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, consequently ordered his remand at the Ikoyi Prisons and adjourned the case to December 4 for a review of the facts of the case and sentencing of the accused.
According to the charge, the accused is said to have committed the offence on June 3.

Ogun

The Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association of Nigeria
(ROSOWA), Ogun chapter, yesterday donated food items to accident victims at the Ogun State Hospital in Ijebu-Ode.
Our correspondent reports that the items include tins of milk, beverages, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, disinfectants and tissue-papers.
Mrs Adekunbi Adetunji, the leader of the delegation and wife of the Ogun sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, said the gesture was to commemorate the UN World Day of Remembrance of Road Accident Victims.
According to her, it is also part of the association’s contribution towards alleviating the plight of the victims.
She urged the beneficiaries to use the items judiciously and join the campaign for the prevention of road accidents in the country.

Plateau

Auntie Mary Secondary School, Langtang, in Jos
emerged Plateau State champions in the ongoing Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) national quiz competition, aimed at exposing students to the capital market.
Our correspondent reports that the school clinched 40 points from the seven-round quiz to beat its closest rival, St. Louis Secondary School, Jos, who garnered 35 points.
The duo had tied at 35 points at the end of the seven rounds and had to be separated by a fresh round of questions.
Newsmen reports that Nakam Secondary School, Panyam, came third with 25 points, while Pankshin and Barkin-Ladi Government Secondary Schools, with 17 and 10 points, clinched the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
Government Model Secondary School, Doemark, however, came last with five points.

Yobe

The military, Police and State Security Services in Yobe
State have stressed the need to install Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to monitor movements in schools.
Malam Wakil Kaku, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) state Director, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.
“The military, Police and State Security Services authorities noted that all schools must be provided with wall fence and installation of close circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to monitor movements and objects in and around the schools.
“The security authorities also emphasised on the need to provide designated entry and exit points to check unauthorised movements around the schools,’’ he said.

 A Youth Leader, Mosunmola Umoru (left), presenting an award to Vice President Namadi Sambo, at the 2014 International Youth Day celebration in Abuja recently

A Youth Leader, Mosunmola Umoru (left), presenting an award to Vice President Namadi Sambo, at the 2014 International Youth Day celebration in Abuja recently

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VCDF in Partnership with LAWMA & Iru LCDA Conducts ‘Street Hygiene & Cleanliness’ Campaign in Lagos

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Living healthy lives can be enabled by embracing and maintaining cleanliness in our urban surroundings, we not only enhance the hygiene of our streets and drains but also contribute to mitigating the adverse effects of pollution and promoting a sustainable future for generations to come.

On April 6th, 2024, a community-driven initiative took to the streets of Victoria Island, Lagos, in a concerted effort to combat littering, blocked drains, thereby reducing flooding and the deteriorating cleanliness of the neighborhood. The Street Hygiene and Cleanliness Campaign, organized by the Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO), Iru-Victoria Island LCDA and Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) saw an impressive turnout of volunteers and stakeholders determined to make a tangible difference in their environment.

The campaign aimed to promote cleanliness and environmental sustainability in Victoria Island, addressing issues like littering, improper waste disposal and consequent flooding. By providing donations of sanitation tools like rakes, pickers, brooms, and bin bags as well as personal protective equipment like coveralls and gloves, VCDF inspired volunteers and stakeholders to take proactive steps to stop the spread of disease, build community pride, and maintain a clean environment.

The dignitaries present at the event were Princess (Hon.) Rasheedat Abiodun Adu, Executive Chairperson, Iru-Victoria Island LCDA; Mrs. Ogabi Adetokunbo, Council Manager; Mr. S.O. Omoteji, Head of Human Resources, Mr. Odu Olufemi, Head of the Environment, all from Iru Victoria Island LCDA; Mrs. Aramide Olaniyan, Head of Corporate Engagement, Mr. Ebenezer Otubu, Deputy Head, Street Sanitation Services and Mr. Gbenga Adebayo Fagbola, Regional Manager, Lagos East 1, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).

Beyond the immediate benefits of an immaculate surrounding, it has encouraged a culture of social responsibility among the workforce and promoted community unity.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Odu Olufemi said, ‘the VCDF initiative is praiseworthy, and maintaining effective sanitation practices is essential for ensuring a healthier Lagos State through recycling materials, segregating waste, desilting drainage systems, and clearing sidewalks for safety and easy access.’

Mrs. Aramide Olaniyan expressed, ‘together, we are not only cleaning streets but also spreading awareness about the value of environmental stewardship for a better tomorrow.’

VCDF is dedicated to embracing sustainability to protect healthy habitats and foster a culture of social responsibility, ensuring the welfare of current and future generations.

By coming together to tackle environmental challenges, residents and stakeholders demonstrated their commitment to creating a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant neighborhood for all.

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VCDF in Partnership with LDSVA Sensitise Women on Gender Equality, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

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Women, the pillars of our society, are resilient and determined as they play essential roles in nurturing families and leading businesses. Despite facing challenges like limited financial resources and unequal opportunities, they persist, inspiring generations and driving positive change.

In honour of Women’s History Month, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), embarked on a transformative journey to empower 100 community women, focusing on sexual and domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, on March 27, 2024, in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State.

When women are empowered, they become catalysts for progress, influencing not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and those around them. The programme gave the women the opportunity to acquire knowledge on tools that can help their businesses grow, also providing a safe space for women to learn and connect with others, making them feel more confident and capable in making decisions for their businesses.

Distinguished guests present at the event were Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi, Head of the Field Operations Department, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat, Community Development Committee Chairman of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, and Mrs. Adenike Akintoye, Head of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Unit, Eti Osa LGA.

While giving her feedback, Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat said, “community-driven efforts like this initiative are instrumental in driving sustainable change and enabling women to realise their full potential.”

Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi noted during her closing remark, “training women in our communities will improve their livelihoods and contribute to household income, thereby leading to better standards of living.”

This collaborative initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which aim to ensure everyone is treated equally and reduce differences between people.

VCDF will continue to educate and empower women for a greater inclusion in society, supporting their advancement and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women, celebrate their achievements, and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

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Ibom Developers Supports 160 Women with Skill Acquisition Training in Akwa Ibom

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Empowering women with vocational skills is a vital step towards fostering gender equality and inclusive growth in society. This effort involves equipping women with practical expertise that can be applied across various aspects of life, including professional, personal, and entrepreneurial settings. Ibom Developers’ recent initiatives to provide skill acquisition training to women in its host communities aim to help them thrive in society.

On April 8, 2024, Ibom Developers commenced its ongoing skill acquisition training programme, themed ‘Virtuous Women’ in Egwenwe and Okoroinyong communities.
Dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community; Mr. Warribo Isaiah, Community Development Chairman, Egwenwe Community; Pastor Johnson Christian Ubulom, Youth President, Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Sarah Evans Nfeija, Health Officer, Egwenwe Community; and representatives from Okoroinyong community, were present at the inaugural event.

This skill acquisition programme aims to empower 160 women in these communities with expertise in catering, packaging, hairdressing, wigging, ventilation, and styling. The program took place from April 8 to April 20, 2024, at Egwenwe Town Hall and Okoroinyong Town Hall in Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, imparting essential entrepreneurial skills to the women in the communities.

During the inaugural event, Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community, expressed, ‘‘This empowerment initiative will provide our women with the autonomy and decision-making power they need to become self-sufficient contributors to the growth and development of our community.’’

The participation of women in several economic activities makes their upliftment a potent strategy for economic growth. Their involvement expands the workforce, cultivating heightened innovation and efficiency within the community.

Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community, emphasised, “Access to training tailored to the needs of women allow them to develop specialised skills. I am glad that this programme has offered options that suit our women’s preferences and goals.’’

Acquiring skills for livelihood elevates family status and unlocks entrepreneurial avenues. Ibom Developers is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among women and supporting socio-economic empowerment in local communities.

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