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THE STATES

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Borno

The National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA) has  presented relief materials to hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in six satellite camps in Monguno, Borno State.
Alhaji Muhammad Kanar, the NEMA North-East Zonal Coordinator, presented the materials to the IDPs at a ceremony in Monguno, headquarters of Monguno Local Government Area.
Kanar said that the gesture was aimed at providing succour to the IDPs who were rescued by the military from suspected Boko Haram hideouts.
He urged them to consider their predicament as an act of God and utilise the items judiciously.
Kanar said the exercise would continue as more people were expected to be rescued by the military in their current war against terrorism.

FCT

The President of the Academic Staff Union of
Universities (ASUU) has accused state governments  of  neglecting state universities established by their predecessors.
ASUU President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, levelled this accusation while briefing newsmen in Abuja recently.
Ogunyemi noted that the general problem of under-funding of Nigeria’s public universities was very alarming in state-owned universities.
According to him, many states have failed  to fully implement the 2009 agreement in which they participated.
“State governments have been neglecting universities that they established and some state governors are going ahead to establish new ones while those brought to life by their predecessors in office are neglected to rot and die,” he said.

Jigawa

The Jigawa State Government says it treated
30,141 severely malnourished children in 12 local government areas of the state between January and June this year.
The State Deputy Nutrition Officer, Malam Saidu Adamu, disclosed this at a Mid-Year meeting with UNICEF Bauchi office and State Government  in Dutse recently.
Adamu explained that the figure of those cured with malnutrition represented 75 per cent, defaulters rate was 15 per cent while death rate of 10 per cent was recorded within the period under review.
He said that 120 health workers had been trained on Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) in six months.

Ogun

A 31-year-old, Rotimi Adekunle, who allegedly
stole a Samsung Galaxy phone worth N22,400 from a woman’s bag at a bus stop, is facing trial at an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court.
The accused, whose address is unknown, is standing trial on a charge of stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Augustine Ozimini told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 2 at about 9.30 a.m. at Camp Junction in Abeokuta.
“Adekunle was caught in the act by an official of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, who was on duty at the junction.”
Ozimini alleged that some phones were also found on him when he was apprehended.

Kaduna

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
has arrested an imposter claiming to be a Lt. Col. and Commander of the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Orndiir Terzungwe, Public Relations Officer, Kaduna state Command of NSCDC, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
“We received a distress call from our personnel who was on duty at WATCON factory located around Gamji Gate,” he said.
Terzungwe said on getting the report, NSCDC personnel visited the scene and got one suspect who gave his name as Obi Gerard, male, 50 years.

Kano

The Federal Government says it has commenced the re
view of the cost profile of all its revenue generating agencies.
Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, made the disclosure at a two-day National Revenue Retreat in Kano.
The retreat was organised by the Ministry of Finance as part of government’s effort to brainstorm on how to shift emphasis from oil to non-oil revenue.
Adeosun said that the measure was necessary in order to ensure that maximum operating surpluses were declared and remitted in compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
She said that the ministry had commenced a number of audits of a range of agencies that would provide the government improved visibility into the revenue and cost profiles.

Lagos

The Agege Local Government Administrator in Lagos
State, Mr Gbenga Abiola, said skills acquisition, good environment and security remained his cardinal agenda.
Abiola told newsmen in Lagos that protection of lives and property, skills acquisition, as well as quality and affordable education would be given attention.
The sole administrator, appointed in June by the state government, said he intended to make the council area “livable.”
“When you have a conducive environment business will thrive. When we have healthy people, then we will have people to govern. We must make the environment of Agege livable”.
Nasarawa

An educationist, Mr Nze Uchendu, has appealed to Ni
gerians to protect indigenous languages from extinction.
Uchendu made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
He decried the neglect of indigenous languages for foreign ones, a situation, which he said was incompatible with the nation’s multi-cultural setting.
“Nigeria as a country is blessed with over 300 languages, but because of colonisation the English language from another continent, has become the official language of the country.
“Many Nigerians have started to see themselves as English people and see it as a crime to speak Nigerian indigenous languages.

Ondo

An Ore Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State  has remanded
a 32-year-old driver, Muisi Ishola, in prison for allegedly knocking down a Federal Road Safety Corps marshal.
The Magistrate, Mr Banjo Ikusika, gave the order following the inability of the accused to meet his bail conditions.
The accused, who is standing trial on a two-count charge of dangerous driving and attempted manslaughter, was granted bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The court also ordered that the sureties must be civil servants on grade level 12 with a year’s tax clearance and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Sgt. Ibrahim Ogundeyi, told the court that the accused had on July 12 along Ore-Lagos Expressway driven a Suzuki Zubaru car marked BDG 976 DJ dangerously.

Plateau

The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari has do
nated materials worth millions of Naira to more than 500 less privileged persons in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau.
The beneficiaries include widows, orphans and the physically challenged who gathered in the council for the materials.
Our correspondent  reports that some of the materials donated include bags of Semovita, Wheat Flour and cartons of Spaghetti and Indomie noodles as well as cash presentation.
Represented by the Council’s Chairman, Mr Stephen Jings, the wife of the president explained that the gesture was out of her desire to alleviate sufferings of the less privileged in the country.
“This Government is not ignorant of the plights of the less privileged in the country and as such it has decided to reach out to them in its own little way”.

Yobe

A community leader in Yobe State, Alhaji Zannah
Babagana has  called for government’s support in the rehabilitation of the over 120 women and children rescued from insurgents by security operatives in Gwargware and Kur villages in Borno.
Zannah is the village head of Kukareta community in Yobe.
He made the call when the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), donated tarpaulin, foodstuff and clothes to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kukareta.
The community leader said that the women and children who were rescued from Gwargware and Kur villages in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno bordering Yobe, were now taking refuge in Kukareta village.
“Government and other NGOs must supplement the efforts of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency in feeding the IDPs.
“Some of the displaced persons in the self-established camp have returned to their communities.
“But the arrival of these women and children rescued from the two villages has created more feeding challenges in the camp,” he said.

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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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