Nation

NGO Partners FRSC, NDLEA Against Drug Abuse By Drivers

Published

1 year ago

May 1, 2023

A group, Motivators Crib Africa, has partnered with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle drug abuse among drivers across the country.
The group’s Executive Director, Nwokocha Chijioke, who made the disclosure in Osogbo, Osun State, explained that the partnership was to reawaken the consciousness of drivers and motorcycle riders on the dangers of using illicit drugs and toxic alcoholic drinks.
According to him, this harmful practice, especially among drivers and motorcycle riders, has aside loss of lives and properties led to many problems in the society.
“Also, mental health crisis, sexual and reproductive health issues, physical health and general wellbeing issues.
“This remains an immediate challenge that threatens our growth impact and economical value”, Chijioke said.
According to him, the prevalence of drug use, including alcohol in Nigeria on a geopolitical zonal basis, revealed that the South-West ranks first with about 4.382 million (22.4%) users.
“I want to say that implementing a strategic intervention is key to curbing the issues associated with harmful consumption of alcohol and illicit drugs among commercial motorists/riders in our society.
“The initiation of this project will successfully trash out some critical issues affecting our societal impact and growth. The project has also presented possible alternatives to resolving them”, he added.
Earlier, the Spokesperson, FRSC, Osun Command, Mrs Agnes Ogungbemi, said the initiative would enhance road safety consciousness and was in line with the command’s public campaign for motorists to do away with bad road traffic habits that would endanger lives.

Also, the Commander, Narcotics, Wilfred Chidi, commended the agency for the partnership which he reiterated was targeted at drug demand reduction in the state.

Chidi said the NDLEA would continue to curtail the illicit production, importation, export, sale, and trafficking of drugs and other substances.

Chidi, who was represented by Comfort Oyebanjo, said the agency has been combating drug trafficking and smuggling, especially on highways and borders linking the state.

He advised drivers to shun the consumption of illicit substances capable of causing their deaths on highways.

On his part, a Health Officer with Osun Primary Healthcare Center, Akande Adewale, said excessive drinking and consumption of illicit drugs by road users cause mental health disorders and related diseases and death.

Adewale further lauded Motivators Crib Africa for organising the awareness program to reawaken road safety consciousness among road users.

On their part, the Osun Chairman of Korope Drivers, Mr Tijjani Isiaka, and that of Okada riders Aregesola/Osogbo unit, Mr Azeez Saheed, promised to re-educate their members on safety driving.

Nation

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

Published

7 hours ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

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.

Nation

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

Published

8 hours ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

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.