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L-R: Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Idiat Adebule, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, his wife, Bolanle and Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Kabiru Rurum, during a visit by Governor Ganduje to Lagos State Government House, yesterday.

L-R: Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Idiat Adebule, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, his wife, Bolanle and Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Kabiru Rurum, during a visit by Governor Ganduje to Lagos State Government House, yesterday.

Borno

Governor  Kashim Shettima of Borno State, has directed
the state Specialist Hospital to provide free medical services to the victims of a suicide bomb attack in Maiduguri.
Our correspondent  reports that the incident happened at the entrance of the Musa Usman Secretariat. Shettima, who gave the directive when he visited the victims at the hospital, described the incident as shocking.
The governor attributed the renewed suicide bombings to the current military operation in Sambisa forest, a hideout of the Boko Haram terrorists.
He advised residents to be vigilant as the fleeing terrorists are trying to sneak into the town to cause mayhem.
Earlier, Alhaji Ahmed Satomi, Chairman of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) told the governor that two persons including the suicide bomber died during the attack.
Ekiti

The management of College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti,
Ekiti State, has  approved the establishment of 11 new academic programmes for the institution.
Mr Temitope Akinbisoye, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the college, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti.
Akinbisoye said that the Provost of the college, Dr Mojisola Oyarekua, said the new academic programmes were established to create opportunities for people to acquire education irrespective of their status and background.
He quoted the Provost as saying that the programmes which would run for both diploma and certificate, were also set up to enhance manpower development.
Jigawa

The Jigawa State  chapter of the Jama’atul Nasril Islam
(JNI), has commenced the training of its 450 members on security, safety and First Aid.
The Secretary of the group, Malam Muhammad Babangida, told newsmen in Dutse that the programme was to complement government’s efforts to provide security, safety and disaster control in the state.
“The JNI feels it should contribute its quota to national security, health and disaster control through full participation in security and social responsibilities in the society,” Babangida said.  “The beneficiaries will be trained on modern security approach, improved peace, conflict prevention, peace building, first-aid, accident prevention and environmental hazard.
Kaduna

Sight Savers, an NGO, says  it has taken  the fight against
five Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) to rural areas in Kaduna state.
Dr AbdulKadir Isa-Randagi, the Programme Manager of the organisation, made this known to newsmen  shortly after a visit to the Emir of Zazzau in Zaria, Kaduna state.
Isa-Randagi said the programme was designed to reach the grassroots through traditional rulers to effectively achieve the set goals.
He listed the diseases as Onchocerciasis (River Blindness), Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephanthiatis), Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), Soil Transmitted Helnicathes (Intestinal Worms) and Trachoma (Blinding Eye Disease).

Kano

A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Kano has sentenced a
22-year-old man, Bilyaminu Danladi, to 20 months imprisonment for causing hurt and being a member of unlawful society.
Danladi of Sheka Quarters Kano was charged with joining unlawful assembly and causing hurt while armed with deadly weapon, contrary to Sections 242 and 103 of the Penal Code.
The Chief Magistrate, Ibrahim Khaleel, sentenced Danladi after he pleaded guilty to the two-count charge.
Khaleel sentenced the convict to nine months imprisonment or a fine of N15,000 for the first count charge, and six months imprisonment or a fine of N10,000 for the second count charge.  He also ordered the convict to pay N50,000 as compensation to the victim to buy drugs or five months imprisonment.

Kebbi

The Chairman of Kebbi State Council of Ulama Malam
Umaru Ikah, has died on Wednesday at the age of 66.
A Government statement signed by Alhaji Abubakar Dakingari, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said that the deceased died in Birnin Kebbi while returning from his farm.
Our correspondent  reports that Ikah, a renowned Islamic scholar, was survived by four wives, 45 children and grand children.
Until his death, late Sheikh Umaru Ikah, was the Sarkin Malamai of Gwandu Emirate, and was the leader of preachers committee of the 2015 Hajj delegation of the state.

Kogi

Kogi State House of Assembly has  invited all heads of
tertiary institutions in the state to appear before it on allegations of massive extortion of students under their management.
The resolution followed a motion moved at the House plenary by Lawi Ahmed (PDP-Okene 1) accusing heads of the institutions of connivance with their lecturers in the extortion game on students.
He told his colleagues that the students were forced to buy some unrecognised educational materials under threat of failure.
The legislator said such antics ran contrary to the operational rules of the institutions which are charged with providing needed environment for students to develop in character and learning for which they are awarded certificates at the end of their various programmes.
Moving the motion, he expressed regrets that the institutions had been turned into “extortion grounds where lecturers take advantage of their positions to intimidate and extort money from hapless students’’.

Lagos

A landlady, Modupe Akinbolade, 55 and her daughter,
Abimbola Akinbolade, 32, have been docked before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly beating up Modupe’s tenant.
The accused trader and her medical doctor daughter who live at 14, Jisco Close, Ikola in Ipaja, a suburb of Lagos, are being tried for conspiracy, assault and causing a breach of the peace.
The prosecutor, Insp Clifford Ogu, told the court that the accused committed the offences on April 19 at Modupe’s residence.
Ogu said that a fight ensued between the complainant, Mrs Chinyere Mbadikwe and her landlady, Modupe Akinbolade, over the cleaning of the compound.
“The two were fighting when the landlady’s daughter came in and joined the mother to beat-up the tenant.
Osun

The Osun State House of Assembly has  passed the
state’s 2016 budget estimate of N141 billion.
The passage of the budget followed a motion by Mr Kamil Oyedele, the Chairman of Finance and Appropriation Committee during plenary in Osogbo.
The budget has N79.18 billion representing 56.06 per cent as Recurrent Expenditure and N62.09 billion representing 43.95 as Capital Expenditure.
Also, it estimated recurrent revenue at N99.47 billion, representing 70.41 per cent, while the capital revenue expectation is N41.80 billion, representing 29.59 per cent.

Oyo

A Dentist, Dr Yemi Ajala said that continuous toothache
and sharp pain without obvious cause could be signs of tooth decay.
Ajala told newsmen  in Ibadan that tooth decay was a decay of the outer part of the surface of the tooth as a result of bacterial action.
“The mouth is full of different types of bacteria that live on teeth, gums, tongue and other places in our mouths.
“Some bacteria are helpful, while some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process. These can lead to a hole in the tooth called a cavity.
“If not treated, tooth decay can cause pain, infection, and severe damage to the tooth,” he said.

Plateau

The Plateau State Government has approved the recruit
ment of 4, 850 ad hoc teachers as part of efforts to address the acute shortage of teachers in the state.
Prof. Mathew Sule, the Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), told newsmen  in Jos.
He said that the move was to address staffing deficit that had affected the quality of education in the state.
“Staffing deficit in public primary schools in Plateau has been a major concern and priority to the administration of Governor Lalong; he said.

Sokoto

The Sokoto State House of Assembly has passed a law
to repeal the Sokoto State Road Traffic Law of 1996.
In its place the assembly approved the enactment of Sokoto Roads Traffic Management Law, 2016.
Our correspondent reports that the assembly took the decision after ratifying the report of its Committee on Works and Transport during its sitting.
The report, presented by the committee’s Chairman, Alhaji Sani Yakubu, said that the new law would create “one management, administrative and enforcement agency for the state”
This will also empower it to enforce road traffic law and regulations, environmental and other public health laws and regulations, as well as providing supplementary/vigilante security in the state.’’

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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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