Connect with us

Nation

THE STATES

Published

on

L-R: Convener, Coalition for Minority Rights (CMR), Mr Mark Lipo, representative of vice President, Joseph Malomo and representative of plateau Governor, Mr Stephen Gadong, at the commemoration of stefanos Foundation Internally displace persons (IDP) camp anniversary and launching of coalition for CMR in Jos on Saturday.

L-R: Convener, Coalition for Minority Rights (CMR), Mr Mark Lipo, representative of vice President, Joseph Malomo and representative of plateau Governor, Mr Stephen Gadong, at the commemoration of stefanos Foundation Internally displace persons (IDP) camp anniversary and launching of coalition for CMR in Jos on Saturday.

Borno

The Borno State chapter of  the Nigeria Union of Teach
ers  (NUT) has donated reading glasses to 140 teachers with eye problems after free medical treatment.
The state Chairman of NUT, Alhaji Bulama Abiso, disclosed this in Maiduguri  in an interview with newsmen
He said 14 out of the beneficiaries would undergo eye surgery, while others were given free eyeglasses.
Abiso said the free eye screening was conducted by a team of medical experts from Afro Eye Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
He said patients with minor eye problems were treated at its medical centre, while those with surgical cases were referred to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for operation.
Abiso said that the gesture was part of the union’s efforts
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti High Court has sentenced one David
Olugboyega to death by hanging for armed robbery involving N14,570.
Justice John Adeyeye passed the judgment following the confessional statement of the convict and the conclusion of trial by the prosecution.
During trial, the prosecutor, Mr Alaba Adeyemi, told the court that the convict committed the offence on March 20, 2003 at Araromi Street, Ikere -Ekiti.
He said the convict, armed with dangerous weapons including gun and cutlass, robbed three people of N14,570.
Specifically, Adeyemi said the convict robbed Kola Owolabi of N8,000; Beatrice Olawumi, N5,000 and Idowu Abiodun, N1,570.
The prosecution called seven witnesses to prove the case.
The convict, who made confessional statement at the police station, opted to defend himself without a lawyer.

FCT
Director-General of Centre for Management Develop
ment (CMD), Dr Kabir Kabo has warned unaccredited management training institutions and uncertified consultants to close shop or face the wrath of the law.
Kabo gave the warning in a statement in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim.
Kabo said the Nigerian Council for Management Development Act gave it a regulatory role to sanction any management consultant or training institution that undertook training programme without accreditation.
CMD, which is a parastatal agency under the National Planning Commission, is the operational arm of the council.
The visit took Kabo to some organisations, including Jheyah Nig. Ltd., PAN Training Centre, Shehu Shafi’i and Co. and Rafisa Safety and Management Consultants.
The DG added that the council was determined to ensure quality assurance, control and intervention in the operations of manpower and management developers.

Jigawa
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate
(PTAD) has commenced the verification of federal pensioners in Jigawa State.
This is contained in a statement by the PTAD Director-General, Nellie Mayshak, in Dutse. The statement stated that the verification, which began on November  2 with pensioners in the North-West – Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara, would end on November  14.
It stated that South-East – Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia and Imo would hold between November  30 and December 12, while North-East, South-West, South-South and North-Central would hold in the first quarter of 2016.

Kaduna
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of
Nigeria (IPMAN), Kaduna branch, has appealed to the Department of Petroleum Resources to urgently address the current fuel scarcity in the area.
The IPMAN Spokesperson, Alhaji Sani Yushau, made the appeal in an interview with  newsmen.
Yashau said the problem had been worsened by the inability of the refinery in Kaduna to produce as well as the non transportation of fuel from Lagos by marketers.
Kano

The Department For International Development (DFID),
has promised to partner the Kano State Government in addressing the problem of unemployment in the state.
The Manager in charge of DFID’s training programme in Kano, Dr Muhammad Sagagi,  stated this in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
Sagagi had had an audience with Alhaji Kabir Rurum, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly.
He said the programme focusing on Kano, Kaduna and Katsina States was tagged Way Out ‘Mafita.’
According to him, the three states have the highest number of unemployed people in the country.

Katsina
Senator Mustapha Bukar (Katsina North), has rolled out
his free eye treatment for no fewer than 7,000 people in his constituency.
Speaking at the inauguration of the free eye programme, Bukar noted that the beneficiaries were selected from the 12 local government areas of the senatorial district.
He said the free eye treatment and surgery was instituted as part of welfare programmes for the people.
“Many of the beneficiaries could not afford such medical treatments or operations due to financial constraints.
“We engage 20;qualified doctors for the exercise and it is expected to be completed within one month.”
He restated his commitment to introduce more programmes that would improve the living standards of the people.

Lagos
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities
(SSANU), has called on the Federal Government to find ways of improving the working conditions for its members.
The National President of SSANU, Mr Samson Ugwoke, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen  in Lagos.
According to him, rather than relieving workers in the system, the government should seek means of improving the living conditions in the universities.
It will be recalled that members of the association had in June, protested a circular directing Vice-Chancellors of Federal Government universities to stop accommodating their staff school teachers in their emolument structure.

Nasarawa

Governor  Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has of
fered free medical services to all persons living with disabilities in the state. Al-Makura disclosed this during the commemoration of World Disability Day in Lafia.
He said the state government had embarked on a census and registration of all persons with disabilities across the 13 local government areas to enable them to access the service and other gestures from the government.
He said the state had tried the free medical services in the past without success due to activities of saboteurs.

Oyo
An Alternative Therapy Medical Practitioner and Nutri
tionist, Dr Ayelara Oni,  says lemon is an anti-cancer food.
Oni made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan. She said lemon was acidic to taste but was an alkaline-forming food, explaining that this was why it was good for balancing a highly acidic condition in the body, thereby balancing the body’s pH.
She added that lemon contained 22 anti- cancer compounds, including limonene, which was the natural oil that help to slow or halt the growth of cancer.
Oni, who is also a Director at a herbal store, said lemon had a substance called flavonol glycosides which could stop cell division in cancers.

Plateau

The Executive Chairman, Plateau State Universal Basic
Education Board,  Prof. Mathew Sule, has called for the establishment of health clubs in public schools to enlighten children on prevention of HIV/AIDS.
Sule made the call in an interview with newsmen in Jos.
He said such clubs would be good platforms to enlighten pupils and students on the ultimate target of eradicating the pandemic in the society.
He added that “the best time to inculcate knowledge in children is when they are minors; that is the time such awareness could be firmly rooted in their subconscious.’’
The SUBEB boss explained that the health clubs, which were already part of school curriculum activities in Plateau, should serve as platforms for enlightenment on AIDS and the dangers it posed to the society.
He exressed regret that many children had been made orphans by the scourge, pointing out that such persons were worst hit because they would find it difficult to acquire education and other neccesities of life.

Sokoto

Former Treasurer of APC in Sokoto State, Alhaji Muktari
Mapia,  has advised the state independent electoral commission to use card readers in the forth coming local government election.
Mapia told newsmen in Sokoto that using card readers would enhance the credibility of the conduct of the election.
He called on the commission to provide a level playing field for the conduct of transparent election to usher ­in democratically elected leaders at the grassroots.
The former treasurer also called on leaders of political parties in the state to sensitise their followers to the dangers of involvement in political violence and thuggery.
He advised security agencies to brace up for the challenges by providing a peaceful atmosphere for the conduct of the election in the state.

Continue Reading

Nation

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Nation

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Nation

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending