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THE STATES

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Adamawa
A lawmaker representing Yola North Constituency in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Sulaiman Alkali, last Saturday presented 12 cows, 80 bags of rice, cartons of spaghetti and gallons of cooking oil to party leaders in his constituency.
Presenting the items at a ceremony  in Yola, Alkali, an All Progressives  Congress (APC) member, said the gesture was to enable the leaders to celebrate Sallah with the electorate in their various areas.
“It is always good to assist party leaders at a time they will be hosting the electorate in their respective communities,” he said.
While wishing members of his constituency a happy Eid, the lawmaker urged them to be  security consciousness during the Sallah period.

Borno
The Eid-El-Fitr festivities were celebrated peacefully in most states of the North East, as security was tightened in Borno and Yobe State, two states worst hit by the activities of insurgents.
According to reports, vehicular movements were restricted in the two states for certain period, to avert any ugly incident, especially during the congregation prayers.
Borno Police Command had announced total ban on vehicular movement during the prayer time, resulting in the closure of most roads in the metropolis.
Security personnel were also deployed to all prayer grounds to screen worshippers thoroughly at the entrance.
Some worshippers interviewed commended the security agents for their efforts in ensuring absolute security at the prayer grounds.

FCT
The Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu has called on Muslim Ummah to sustain the virtues of endurance, discipline and love imbibed during the holy month of  Ramadan.
Ekweremadu made the call in his Eid el-Fitr message to the Muslim Ummah on Saturday signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Uche Anichukwu.
He said: “I congratulate the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the Ramadan Fast.
“It is also my hope that the virtues imbibed in the holy month are sustained beyond the Ramadan and brought to bear in our personal lives and efforts at nation building.
“Fasting in itself is a lesson in endurance, discipline, holiness, and religious adherence.

Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government has donated 18 rams and five cows to the state command of Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) for distribution to inmates in the state for Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
The NPS spokesman in the state, Mr Adam Muhammad, confirmed this to newsmen in Dutse last Saturday.
Muhammad said the animals were distributed among the 11 prisons in the state.
He added that the government also donated two cows and four rams to officers and men of the command.
He commended the Jigawa Government for the kind gesture.
According to him, it would enable the inmates and officials to celebrate the Sallah happily.

Kano
The Kano State Government has urged residents of the state to maintain a good sanitation culture with or without close monitoring from authorities.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ali Makoda gave the charge shortly after inspecting the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Kano last Saturday.
The commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Sagir Wali, expressed dismay over non-compliance attitude from some motorists in the city.
“As Muslims, the people of the state are expected to develop the environment culture even without restriction.

Katsina
The Katsina State Government says it will immunise no fewer than two million children during the next round of Immunization Plus Days (IPDs).
The Assistant Health Educator, Katsina State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Mr Abba Musa, made this known on Saturday in Katsina at a media focus group meeting.
Musa said that the exercise meant for children below five years, would be conducted between July 8 and July 11 across the state.
The health official said that the team of vaccinators would be going from house-to-house to administer the Oral Polio Vaccines (OPV) to the targeted children in all the 34 local government areas.

Kogi
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has called on journalists to display high sense of professionalism, patriotism and discipline in their calling and avoid hate speeches and reports that tend to divide the nation.
Bello made the call at a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner with media executives and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), last Friday night in Lokoja.
According to the governor, some reports in the media of late tend to polarise the nation.
He urged that reports that tend to sabotage unity of the nation or divide the people and undermine the corporate existence of the country should be avoided to pave way for advancement and development of the country.

Lagos
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State says efforts are being made to create additional centres for Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) in 13 local government areas of the state.
The Administrative Secretary of the commission in Lagos State, Dr Mustapha Mudashiru, made this known in an interview with  newsmen last Saturday in Lagos.
He said the commission had pushed for more centres, especially in 13 of the 20 council areas in the state to reduce crowd in existing centres.
He added that “we requested for additional centres, particularly for some peculiar local governments in Lagos State to further address some of the challenges facing CVR  in a metropolitan city like Lagos.

Nasarawa
Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Nasarawa State Command, has taken over Sandaji Medical Centre, Lafia, to provide medical services at affordable rate to patients and improve on their health status.
The State Commandant of Corps, Mr Bala Joshua, made this known on Saturday when he took journalists and other management staff of the corps on assessment tour of the hospital in Lafia.
He said that the aim of the assessment of facilities in the hospital signified official take-over of the hospital by the management of the state command of the corps.
“We felt that we should officially notify the media and the public on the take-over of medical activities at Sandaji hospital by our command to provide health services to the people at affordable rate.

Niger
The Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, Bishop Martin Uzoukwu, has emphasised the need for Nigerians to live as a family and desist from inflammatory statements that could jeopardise the nation’s unity.
He said this in an interview with newsmen in Minna last Saturday, noting that the recent development of hate speeches was unfortunate.
He said “God has reason for bringing us together; we should love one another, irrespective of our religious, ethnic and political differences.”
Uzuokwu said if concerted efforts were put in place in utilising the abundant mineral resources in the country, Nigeria would be a force to reckon with in the world.

Plateau
The Police Command in Plateau State deployed 2,900 officers and men to ensure hitch-free Eid-el fitr celebration.
The Command’s Spokesperson, ASP Terna Tyopev, told newsmen in Jos last Saturday that police would mount absolute surveillance in areas considered to be flash points and other strategic positions during and after the celebration.
He said “we have also organised an operational order to maintain law and order during and after the Sallah celebrations.
“We have identified some flash points in the state, and our men will be stationed in those areas to ensure that people celebrate the sallah peacefully.

Sokoto
The Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, says it has dismissed a lecturer (names withheld), for altering students’ results.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, told newsmen in Sokoto last Saturday, but declined to mention the affected lecturer’s full details.
Zuru said “that management of the university took that drastic action to serve as deterrent to others.
“The action is to remind academic and non academic staffers of what might happen if they try such an act.

Yobe
The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Damaturu, Tarmuwa, Gujba and Gulani and Yobe, have lauded Rep. Abdullahi Kukuwa, for the construction of 10 boreholes and classrooms to facilitate resettlement in the displaced communities.
The spokesman of IDPs, Alhaji Adamu Gulani, stated this in an interview with newsmen  in Damaturu last Saturday.
He said that the boreholes constructed by Kukuwa, representing Damaturu/Gulani/Gujba/Tarmuwa federal constituency, had complemented those built by the state government in the affected communities.
Adamu said that the existing water facilities in the communities were destroyed by the insurgents thereby creating water scarcity in the areas.

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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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