By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, says the Defence Headquarters is implementing several new strategies that will bring about an end to various security challenges in the country.

Irabor stated this while delivering a Graduation Lecture for Course 30 of the National Defence College (NDC) on the topic National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.

He identified the need to deepen strategic communication, implement a press code for responsible Journalism and pursue proactive security measures to reduce the impact of regional dynamics in the country.

Irabor said there was need to encourage a Whole-of-Society Approach to security by deepening strategic communication to educate the populace on the fact that issues of security are a collective responsibility.

According to him, everybody in the society ought to be a relevant stakeholder.

Timely information on suspicious movements of strangers in a community might be the main lead to provide the needed early warning for the relevant government agency to swing into action.

Accordingly, we need to formulate a robust and proactive communication strategy that draws all citizens to the realisation of their roles in protecting the nation while also using the same medium to pre-empt and counter narratives of the insurgents.

The strategy could also incorporate modalities for the reorientation and practicable re-integration of surrendered insurgents into the society.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) needs to be reinvigorated, reorganised and properly funded alongside all other relevant stakeholders in the society.

This will encourage the populace to have renewed confidence in the government and they will be encouraged to provide relevant information to the relevant government agencies.

This will enhance national security and development in Nigeria, he said.

On the press code for the media, Irabor said the strategy required the development of guidelines for reporting difficult stories including stories of conflict and terrorism.

According to him, the German Press Code for example, says in reporting actual and threatened acts of violence, the press should carefully weigh the public interest in information against the interest of victims and other people involved.

He said that media should report on such incidents in an independent and authentic way, but not allow itself to be made the tool of criminals.

He urged the Nigerian media to emulate and domesticate the German Press Code as its guiding principle in reportage.

CDS said it had become imperative that Nigeria should constantly keep abreast of the security and development dynamics within her strategic neighbourhood especially in West and Central Africa.

To this effect, we are working on upgrading the intelligence management procedures of the defence and security sector to strengthen the overall security architecture in the country.

In addition, the thrust of our foreign policy should also be re-engineered to ensure that Nigeria is actively engaged in the promotion of peace and security within our sphere of influence in West and Central Africa.

To this effect, the Federal Government through relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), could as a matter of priority, explore available bilateral and multilateral opportunities at our disposal to steer the course of security and development within the countries of interests bearing in mind the realities of the domestic base of our foreign policy, he added.

Irabor said an overview of the plethora of security challenges bedevilling the country indicated the need to consider a review of the strategic approach towards addressing them.

He said the appraisal of the current security architecture revealed concerns with respect to limited divergent approach to tackling the emerging threats, ineffective media management as well as regional security dynamics.

The Commandant of NDC, Rear Adm. Murtala Bashir, said it was the tradition of the college to organise a graduation lecture to commemorate the graduation ceremony of each course.

Bashir said that Nigeria had faced and still facing several security challenges such as terrorism, banditry, militancy secessionist agitation, kidnapping amongst others in recent times.

He said the security challenges were aided in very large measure by illicit arms proliferation and the emergence of cult groupings that engage in banditry, kidnapping, political violence and other mafia-style violent activities.

The situation, he said had impacted negatively on the development in the country with attendant implications for national security, adding that Nigeria currently ranks low in the global rating of Human Development Index.

The commandant said there was need to think out of the box and develop strategies that would enhance security and national development.

He urged the participants of Course 30 to begin to realise that success could only come from carefully cultivated attitudes, commitments and management processes that accrue slowly and steadily.

Imbibing these attributes, could therefore see you contributing positively to the development of the country.

It is not too late for us to begin to build these attributes to move our society forward.

So, I urge you to listen carefully to the lecture and thereafter, self-reflect on how you, your service or your organization can better contribute to society, particularly on the issues surrounding security and development, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the graduation lecture is one of the activities lined up for graduation of NDCs 30 set of graduates as well as its 30 anniversary celebration. (NAN) ()

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Tosin Kolade

The Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, has called for co-operation among Nigerias water, energy and food security sectors towards addressing all challenges hindering socio-economic development.

Adamu made the call on Tuesday at the opening of a three-day Inter-Sectoral Policy National Dialogue on the Nexus of Water -Energy-Food Security held in Abuja.

The workshop was organised by the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) and German International Cooperation (GiZ).

He said mismanagement of one sector could affect the viability of other sectors and compromise the livelihoods of the people and the ecosystem.

Adamu, represented by the Director, Water Quality and Sanitation, Mr Emmanuel Awe said the nexus approach reflected the interlink between Water, Energy, Food Security and Environment.

He expressed the need to integrate all sectors towards promoting positive impact, socio -economic development and management of resources.

Adamu said increasing activities due to urbanisation, agriculture and industrialisation, had resulted in the pollution of fresh water with serious adverse effects on health and wellbeing.

While expressing the Federal Governments gratitude to the NBA and experts, he urged all participants to show more commitment for effective and efficient implementation of all NBA projects and programmes.

Regional Coordinator, Nexus GIZ and EU, Robert Kronefield and NBA representative, Bamidele Olatunji, said the workshop would strengthen stakeholders capacity in planning, policy development and implementation of the NEXUS approach.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the first phase of the NBA and German Cooperation (NBA-GIZ) NEXUS Project (2016-2020) placed strong emphasis on regional integration of the NEXUS approach and capacity building.

The NEXUS project takes an integrated view of the water, energy and agriculture sectors, as these are all competing for the same scarce resources.

It allows an optimal balance of interests in the use of resources, manage conflicts and human rights risks appropriately, and respect the limits of the planets ecological resilience. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Razak Owolabi

Source: NAN News

By Naomi Sharang
Muhammad Babandede, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Sure 4U Rescue and Resettlement Initiative, has urged the Federal Government to tackle the challenge of out-of-school children.

Babandede, a former Comptroller-General Nigeria of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), who made the call at the unveiling of the NGO in Abuja on Tuesday, said this would help in eliminating the current security challenges in the country.

He said he established the NGO in order to give back to society.

After my 36 years of sevice to the country, I still believe I can give something to the society.

A lot of crisis come because of vulnerability of out-of-school children. A lot of people are in a very dire situation not by their making, but society made them so.

Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children. This is not because of the making of government but because of the crisis Nigeria is facing in banditry and uprising from different sectors, he said.

Babandede further said that stakeholders could not continue to close their eyes on the number of children on the streets.

The Almajiri is a shameful system in the north. We cannot allow children to roam the streets begging for food with dirty plates.

These are the people who have no mercy on us because they have no parental love, he said.

Babandede further said that Nigeria was facing a dangerous security situation as a result of out-of-school children.

We are threatened by criminality, banditry, Boko Haram, kidnappings. These threats come from negligence mostly.

Resources in the country are not evenly distributed and when resources are not adequately distributed, the chances of people to look for money by all means is possible, he said

Babandede, who noted that law enforcement agencies could not fight crime alone, solicited the support of civil society organisations.

We need to soften their hearts by the use of persuasion and training to help the children before they become criminals.

This organisation was formed to ensure that we remove them from the risk of being recruited by criminals and to enroll them in schools, he said.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Adm. Awwal Gambo, on his part, said advocacy was needed to bring up children that one could afford to train.

The whole world is in crisis. While countries like Canada are looking for youths to run their system, we are having the crisis of population growth.

In essence, we have the population but no jobs for them, he said.

He called on political leaders to create the environment for the youths to be self-employed.

If the youths are employed, they wont rush into the urban communities to flood it, he said.

Gambo also said that the navy would support Sure 4U in combating human trafficking.

We will ensure that we support any cause that will take care of the youths so that they can be better citizens, he added.

Earlier, the Capacity Building Officer of the NGO, Ms Annan Temiloluwa, said that the vision of Sure 4U was to create a safe and caring world for vulnerable children and migrants.

She said that other objectives included working in collaboration with relevant stakeholders in discouraging trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.(NAN)
(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Source: NAN News

By Bukola Adewumi

A new World Bank Task Team Leader (TTL) has been assigned for the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project.

Mrs Aishat Onusi, National Communication Specialist for National Project Coordinator made this known on Tuesday in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja

Onusi said the incoming TTL, Dr Manievel Emmanuel formally took over from the outgoing TTL Dr Adetunji Oredipe, at a brief ceremony held at the APPEALS National Coordination Office.

The newly task team leader commended the outgoing TTL for the tremendous progress the Project has so far made in achieving its target objectives, he also urged the Project staff to double their efforts to ensure the successful conclusion of the Project by September 2023.

In his remarks, Oredipe thanked the project team for their support, urging them to support the new leader.

He noted that the project had achieved its PDO so far and pledged his continuous support towards the successful implementation of the project.

I feel highly fulfilled looking at where we started and what we have achieved today, Dr Oredipe said.

The National Project Coordinator of the APPEALS, Alhaji Mohammed Jobdi, assured the new task leader of his cooperation and commitment of all members of the project staff to work with him to ensure that he successfully carries out his assignment.

The handover ceremony was witnessed by some World Bank-Nigeria officials; as well as Management and Staff of the APPEALS National Coordination Office.

NAN reports that the APPEALS project objective for Nigeria is to enhance agricultural productivity of small and medium scale farmers and improve value addition along priority value chains in the participating states.

APPEALS Project is a six-year project developed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) in collaboration with the World Bank and other stakeholders.

There are six participating states, Cross River, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi and Lagos and the project direct beneficiaries are estimated at 60,000 individuals (10,000 beneficiaries per state) translating into 300,000 farm household members.

It is anticipated that 35 per cent of the total direct beneficiaries will be women while between 5% and 10% is reserved for People Living with Disability and Special Needs (PWDSN).(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Source: NAN News

By Zainab Oyekan

Dr Hosea C, the Plateau State Commissioner for Agriculture says that farmers in the state lost potatoes worth N18 billion to potato blight disease.

Finangwal disclosed this when delegates from the National Root Crops Research Institute; Umudike paid the ministry a courtesy visit on Tuesday in Jos.

The commissioner said that out of the 150,000 hectares of land cultivated; 52,000 hectares were infected with blight resulting to 2,000 farmers losing N18 billion worth of potatoes.

Finangwal said that the ministry was proactive in reporting the case to Gov. Simon Lalong who immediately reported to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

He said that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture sent delegates from the research institute to the state to seek ways to proffer solution in curbing the disease.

In his response, head of the team Dr Joseph Onyeka, Director; Biotech Department said that they were in Jos to discuss with stakeholders on how to develop viable resistant seedlings.

Onyeka said the team would also look into the tissue culture laboratory to make it functional.

We want to find preventive measures, upgrade the tissue culture so that quality materials and disease-free materials can be gotten, he said.

Onyeka said the team would also interface with the state government to work on storage facilities, tolerant varieties and processing facilities.

The director said that the team had come to help resolve reoccurring outbreak of the disease.

He said that farmers need to learn how to use fungicides as fungicides are protective not curative.

Farmers must be sensitized and properly taught how to use fungicides and also take instructions from extension workers, Onyeka said.

He said that the group of professionals available on ground would work with stakeholders in the state to resolve the problem. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi.

Source: NAN News

By Ruth Oketunde

Mr Mustapha Ahmed, Director-General, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), says it has identified 233 local government areas, in 32 states and FCT that have been predicted to experience flooding in 2022.

He said this at a National Consultative Workshop on 2022 Flood Preparedness, Mitigation and Response, organised by the agency, on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that the workshop was one of the steps outlined by the agency to bring stakeholders together.

He said it was to collectively prepare and provide strategies to strengthen flood risk mitigation and effective response.

This followed the 2022 Seasonal Climate Prediction released by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Annual Flood Outlook released by Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

Efforts must be made to mitigate and respond effectively to flooding.

We have sent advisory letters and maps showing predicted flood risk areas in various states to the respective state governments.

We have also produced risk maps for vulnerable local government areas as forecasted by NIHSAs Annual Flood Outlook, he said.

He added that state emergency management agencies as well as local emergency management committees must be proactive.

He said this would ensure effective and efficient flood preparedness, mitigation and response.

On her part, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Farouq, called on relevant stakeholders to take proactive measures in addressing flood and its associated impacts.

Farouq, who was represented by Deputy Director, Disaster Management, at the ministry, Dr Abubakar Suleiman, added that adequate information must be sent out to the public for effective preparation.

Intensification of public enlightenment campaigns, targeting vulnerable communities to undertake mitigation actions and prepare for evacuation to safe ground.

Identification of high grounds for possible internally displaced persons camps, to shelter evacuated communities.

De-silting river channels and canals and removal of all refuse, weeds, water hyacinths and floats from water channel, drainage and on all avenues for river run offs so as to allow free flow of flood waters, she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Onah/ Funmilayo Adeyemi

UNICEF, in collaboration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), has developed a draft national action plan targeted at ending all forms of corporal punishment in schools.

The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, who congratulated UNICEF and TRCN for the initiative, said the action plan would improve enrollment, retention, transition and completion in education.

Adamu, represented by Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, the Director, Senior Secondary Education Department, said this at the National Awareness Creation Meeting on Ending Corporal Punishment in Schools.

According to him, we are beginning to see a global change of how corporal punishment is considered, and now it is easier to see that it is not effective and that there are alternatives.

The Federal Ministry of Education, therefore, endorses this plan to serve as a roadmap for ending corporal punishment in schools in line with the Childs Right Act passed into law in 2003.

It will help to protect childrens right to a life of violence, he said.

The Registrar, TRCN, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, said that learning and safety could no longer be thought of as separate entities, hence the need to build a safe education to build back better and safer children.

Ajiboye called for more effort to educate parents and teachers on the implication of corporal punishment as well as the alternatives that were available to them.

According to him, good school discipline depends on skilled and properly trained teachers rather than students bad behaviour.

Globally, there is a paradigm shift from corporal punishment in schools because of its effect on pupils.

It has been proven to be ineffective, dangerous and an unacceptable method of controlling and maintaining behaviour and discipline.

This is because it brings negative rather than positive consequences in the whole process of teaching and learning, he said.

He, therefore, said the campaign was committed to seeing a school culture that ensured a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

Representative of the Technical Working Group of the action plan, Mr Noah Ashibi, said over 62 per cent boys and 59 per cent girls were reported to have experienced some form of physical abuse.

He said the pupils had the abuses such as corporal punishment in schools and at home.

Ashibi, who is also an Assistant Director, TRCN, Cross River Coordinator, said the findings had huge implications for childrens right to education in Nigeria and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4.

Nigeria is presently struggling with a large number of out-of-school children, a phenomenon largely attributable to the various forms of violence affecting children.

In a recent survey of learners, teachers, parents and traditional leaders in northern Nigeria, 62 per cent of learners reported experiencing various forms of corporal punishment such as flogging, slapping, kicking, frog jump and other physical violence.

Over half of the respondents identified teachers as the main perpetrators of corporal punishment.

These violent disciplinary practices persist with the large body of research that acknowledged the physical, emotional, developmental and psychological harm that they inflict on children.

He, however, called for serious action from all stakeholders to eradicate the practice from schools.

In the same vein, Mrs Odinakachi Ahanonu, the Policy Advisor, Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), called for a strong synergy in ensuring that the plan contributed to ending corporal punishment in schools.

Highlight of the event was a call to action at federal, state, local governments and schools levels to create awareness on the dangers of corporal punishment, coordinated at all levels.

It also called on stakeholders to develop and implement a policy framework focusing on ending corporal punishment in schools, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abubakar Ahmed/Donald Ugwu

Source: NAN News

By Busayo Onijala

The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg has condemned the recent attack on a 22- member movie crew at a mining dump in West Village, Krugersdorp, Gauteng Province, South Africa.

The consulate in a statement on Monday described the July 28 attack on the crew as atrocious, noting that a Nigerian-owned firm was involved in the movie production.

It alleged that eight ladies were sexually assaulted with their valuables stolen by the attackers.

The mission conveys its heartfeltcondolences to the victims and their families, and pledges to support them to overcome their trauma.

We stand ready to collaborate with South African authorities to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice, the consulate said.

The consulate also urged members of the Nigerian community in South Africa to lend their full support to the authorities in their ongoing investigations.

He also urged them to remain law-abiding in their host country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

Hitham Al-Ghais of Kuwait on Monday assumed office as the new Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Al-Ghais was appointed as the new chief of the Vienna-headquartered OPEC in January this year, and his tenure will last for three years.

Al-Ghais said he looked forward to working with all our member countries and our many partners around the world to ensure a sustainable and inclusive energy future which leaves no one behind.

An OPEC press release states that Al-Ghais served as deputy managing director for international marketing at the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) before taking up the role of OPEC chief.

He was also Kuwaits governor for OPEC from 2017 to 2021.

Al-Ghais succeeded the late OPEC Chief, Nigerias Mohammad Barkindo, who died on July 5.

Late Barkindo was appointed Secretary General of OPEC in June 2016 for a period of three years, but took office onA ug. 1, 2016, succeeding the Libyan Abdallah Salem el-Badri, who had been Secretary General since 2007.

Barkindo, who steered the group through the creation of the OPEC Alliance, was due to step down at the end of this month after six years at the OPEC top job. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ummul Idris/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Source: NAN News

By Justina Auta

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, says the Federal Government is targeting an increase of 50 per cent in the rate of exclusive breastfeeding before the 2025 World Health Assembly.

He disclosed this during the ministerial launch of the 2022 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) in Abuja on Monday.

He was represented by Mr Joseph Ekumankama, the Minister of State for Health, where he reiterated the ministrys commitment toward cost-effective means to eradicate malnutrition.

He said our aim is to achieve the 2025 World Health Assembly target of raising the rate of exclusive breastfeeding to at least 50 per cent.

We recommend early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond, introduction of nutritionally-adequate and safe complementary foods from six months.

The minister, therefore, reiterated governments commitmentto training of health professionals with information to cascade to mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding.

He added that health professionals play critical roles in supporting women to breastfeed, and to do this effectively, they need appropriate knowledge such as knowledge of the health outcomes associated with different methods of infant feeding.

They also need knowledge on the physiological process of lactation, as well as positive, non-judgmental attitude and effective communication and practical support skills.

Sen. Ibrahim Oloreigbe, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, said there was need to provide an enabling environment in work places both in formal and informal sectors to promote breastfeeding.

Oloriegbe, while advocating for the passage of law and implementation of six months maternity leave for mothers, said we need to double our work, I wouldnt know why it is delayed, we need to see it done.

It is one thing to have a law and it is another thing to implement it.

And unless we have enforcement and supportive system mechanism, we will not be able to have exclusive breastfeeding at the level we want it.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, said the 2022 theme of the WBW Step Up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support is aimed at educating the public on necessary knowledge, attitude and skills to support breastfeeding women.

Tallen, who was represented by Mrs Christine Oliko, Deputy Director, Women Development, called for the need to strengthen, protect,
promote and support breastfeeding for the survival, health, growth and development of the child.

Similarly, Dr Victor Ogbodo, the Programme Director, Nigeria Alive

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Team Nigeria on Sunday booked a semi-final slot in the mens Table Tennis Team event at the on-going Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the United Kingdom.

After a sluggish start at NEC Hall 3 on Sunday, an inspired Nigerian side, led by Quadri Aruna, bounced back to defeat Malaysia 3-2, booking a semi-final spot against India on Monday.

In the Doubles event, the duo of Javen Choong and Qi Shen beat Nigerias Bode Abiodun and Olajide Omotayo 3-1 (6-11, 12-10, 12-10,11-7).

The singles event saw Malaysias Chee Feng Leong lose1-3 to Quadri Aruna (9 -11, 11-6, 5 -11 and 5-11) while Abiodun lost 0-3 to Qi Shen Wong. (10-12, 12 -14, 5-11)

In the third singles game, Leong lost 1-3 (8-11, 11-9, 7-11, 6-11) to Omotayo while the last game also saw Jave Choong succumb to Aruna 1-3 (11-7, 8-11, 5-11, 9-11).

Meanwhile, Edidiong Umoafia clinched a bronze medal for Nigeria in the mens 67kg Weightlifting event earlier in the day.

Umoafia lifted a combined 290kg in Snatch as well as Clean and Jerk categories to get on the podium.

In the boxing event, Nigerias Adeyinka Benson defeated his Ghanaian opponent Abubakari Kwesi Quartey 3-2 in Round 16 of the mens over 71kg-75kg Middleweight category.

Benson has progressed to the quarterfinals. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Alli Hakeem

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

Venerable Ben Idume, Vicar, St James Anglican Church Asokoro, has called on the government at all levels to imbibe discipline as a measure to solve insecurity in the country.

The clergy spoke to newsmen after the church celebrated its 2022 First Fruit and unveiling harvest themed Harvest of Joyful Return on Sunday

He said by the theme of the event, the nation and in spite of the challenges the nation faced, it would have a harvest of joyful return.

He also called for a collective responsibility by the society and Church in assisting the government to tackle the menace of insecurity in Nigeria.

According to him, there are real problems in terms of national security and those who are securing us are also unsecured.

Things are not just alright, those who are supposed to be in charge of security, namely the police, military and paramilitary organisations, have mortgaged their integrity.

Rather than face the real work of security, they have neglected the need for collective security of the nation and the citizens.

He urged government to reposition its duties in terns of security matters.

The clergy said for security agencies to be effective, there was a need for them to properly appreciate the enormity of collective insecurity as a nation and be true to it.

Gideon Arinze, the Peoples Warden of the Church, advised citizens to be security-conscious.

He also encouraged government to ensure constant training of security personnel and equipping them adequately to meet current security issues and demands.

He said for the general elections, the Church had enlightened its members on the dangers of being an eligible voter and not voting.

Arinze said the Church had INEC officials in the premises to enable members get their PVCs done.

He appealed for an extension of the registration for PVCs by INEC as many people were yet to partake in the exercise.

On her part, Mrs Precious Ikebujo, Verger of the Anglican Church Asokoro, said the Church had every reason to thank God.

We have excelled, we have conquered a lot and we are marching on, she said.

On child upbringing for a better society, she said women in the Church held several workshops to ensure children were cultured, cautioned and could always trace back their roots.

it is from the family and home we get good and well behaved children for a good society and a nation develops having good leaders.

Love, unity and peace start from the home; we want to have the best treated youths move a round in the society, she added. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado

The Most Rev Henry Ndukuba, the Archbishop, Metropolitan Anglican communion, has admonished Christians to be good ambassadors of the church and country for positive change.

He gave the advice at the service of confirmation and admission of candidates into the Womens Guild and Mothers Union on Sunday at the All Saints Church Wuse, Abuja.

Rev Ndukuba, also the Primate of All Nigeria, maintained that social vices had persisted because people no longer listened to each other.

The bishop said such sacraments act as a watch, reminder and guide for individuals not to lose guards in activities of the Church and society.
The Primate expressed worry on the high level of disconnect, rivalry, disunity, injustice and insecurity bedeviling the nation today.
He noted that the vices symbolised the unjust treatment of people all over the country and the world.
He explained that the sacrament of confirmation placed a responsibility on the shoulders of recipients to be Soldiers of Christ in a world of today where the faith was constantly threatened.
Confirmation thus and admission in various groups and positions in the Church recall that you have received the spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and understanding.
The spirit of right judgement and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear in Gods presence. Guard what you have received, he urged.

Earlier in his sermon, Bishop Ndukuba preached on the topic the life-giving spirit.
The primate said it was written and known that when ever and where ever the holy spirit visited, there was a turnaround for good.
He said for the current occasion, the holy spirit would visit and there would be a turn around in Nigeria and the families .
He urged Nigerians to stand strong in this perilous times, to be watchful and careful not to be caught short by some careless attitudes.
He enjoined Christians to know that no matter the situation, they carried life and not death and would live to enjoy the fullness and goodness of the Lord.
He said this should be done in serving the Church and rendering their services for national development in decent ways.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Primate administered the Sacrament of Confirmation on 110 youths.
Twenty eight females were admitted into the Girls Guild while 21 for Womens Guild and 3 into the Mothers Union.
They are expected to serve the Church in truth and in faith, strengthened with the holy spirits, empowered them for service all the days of their lives.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Lilian U. Okoro

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), The Calvary Area Headquarters, Province 89, Oshodi, Lagos has organised a medical outreach for residents of the community as part of activities to mark its 25th anniversary.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the medical outreach was organised in collaboration with Chike Okoli Foundation, Emzor Pharmaceuticals and Pharmatex Industries on Saturday in Lagos.

The medical outreach included free consultation, checking of blood pressure, blood sugar screening, eye tests and general check up, among others.

Mr Jeffrey Aganbi, Pastor-In-Charge of the Area, said that no fewer than 600 adults and children benefited from the medical outreach.

Aganbi added that free drugs were dispensed to the beneficiaries based on their health conditions, saying that scores of children were dewormed as they went home with gifts items.

According to him, the outreach, which has been on for over 10 years ago, is aimed at improving the well-being of people in the area.

The pastor said the water project was solely executed by the church to provide a source of water supply to residents of the community and its environs noting that access to water had been a great challenge within the community.

He urged the state government to intensify efforts toward making healthcare services available, affordable and accessible to people in the low income communities.

The major objective for the outreach is to bring healthcare services closer to the community at no cost at all, because access to medical care is a big challenge in Nigeria.

A lot of people with one underlying ailment or the other are dying in silence because they cant afford the exorbitant hospital bills.

The water project is one of the churchs humanitarian gestures to mark its 25 years silver jubilee anniversary.

As access to water has been a big problem to residents of the community, the church deemed it necessary to provide them with the borehole.

And considering the economic condition of the country, if the government can make healthcare services available, affordable and accessible to masses, it will relieve a whole lots of burden on the masses, Aganbi said.

The Medical Director, MacTayo Hospital, Dr Chijindu David, urged the residents to take their health seriously and always go for medical check-up, particularly to check the Blood Pressure (BP) level.

David, also a consulting doctor at the event, identified ignorance as the major contributing factor to health conditions of most Nigerian adults, as many people with high blood pressure were not even aware that they had the condition.

According to him, high blood pressure is the leading cause of death among adults.

David said that regular check up can help to avert some critical conditions of blood pressure that may lead to death.

He recommended that every family should have the blood pressure testing apparatus, to enable the elders in the family keep a regular check of their BP.

Every family is supposed to have the BP testing apparatus to enable them maintain a regular check of their BP status.

This is because high blood pressure as a silent killer is the leading cause of death now.

And almost 90 per cent of the patients consulted here today are hypertensive, which a majority of them are not even aware that they have the condition because they dont check, David said.

Ms Obiageli Adimachukwu, the Programme Coordinator, Chike Okoli Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, identified stress as a major factor causing the cardiovascular/heart conditions of most Nigerians.

According to her, the economic condition and hardships in the country are taking a toll on the residents, saying that the people are stressed out.

She advised that people should constantly check their sugar level, cholesterol level, eat healthy diet, have rest and exercise to avert conditions that might trigger high BP.

A representative of Emzor, Esther Ayo, said that the outreach was one the ways the company makes healthcare services accessible to people in the community, who might not afford hospital bills.

Ayo expressed the commitment of the company to continually collaborate with the RCCG to ensure that members of the church and residents of the area have access to healthcare services at no cost.

An elder in the church, Mr Godwin Ohadugha, lauded the church for the outreach, saying it was one of the numerous humanitarian gestures of the church to the community.

Ohadugha said that the church had organised a series of empowerment programmmes and seminars for the youths of the community and members of the church.

Apart from the outreach, the church is so concerned about the welfare of the members; the church takes care of our children.

Sometimes, the church sponsors of the children to learn some skills such as barbing, tailoring, hair dressing and other apprenticeship programmes.

Before now, access to water was a big challenge, but by tomorrow a borehole water will be inaugurated for use by the residents, and the project is courtesy of the church, he said.

A beneficiary of the outreach, Mr Bertram Oparaocha, appreciated the church for organising the outreach that provided an opportunity for many indigent citizens to access healthcare.

Oparaocha said that free drugs were given to him, having received many other free medical services at no cost.

He was optimistic that the gesture would attract more members and recognition for the church going forward.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Onyinyechi Chijindu, described the outreach as an eye opener that lead to the revealing of her health condition.

Onyinyechi, said she never knew that she was hypertensive until she consulted with the doctor at the outreach. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

By Christian Ogbonna

The Ebonyi State Electoral Commission has declared the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winners of all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in the local government elections held on Saturday.

The Commission said the ruling party won the polls in all the 13 local government areas of the state.

The Chairman of the state Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), Mr Jossy Eze, made the announcement in Abakaliki on Sunday at the commissions Headquarters.

According to Eze, APC won all the 13 local government chairmanship seats and the 171 councillorship seats.

He commended the electorate for ensuring that the polls were free and peaceful.

By the power vested in me by the law, I hereby declare the results of the Chairmanship of each of the 13 local government as follows.

One, Abakaliki Local Government, Mr Ebere Nwogba of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the majority of valid votes cast at the election, is hereby returned as duly elected.

Other elected APC Chairmen included Chinedu Uburu, Ebonyi LGA; Chidiebere Uzor, Onicha LGA; Chinonso Ajah, Ohaozara LGA; Ibiam Nnajiofor, Afikpo North and Ekuma-Nkama Chima, Afikpo South.

This Commission has received, considered, validated and adopted the results of each of the 171 councillorship of the wards. That is to say that APC have won in all the wards, he added.

A Resident, Mrs Mary Akpoke, who spoke with NAN after the result was announced, decried the development of conducting an election with only one political party.

Myself, I went out to vote but I do not know the other contesting political parties aside the APC. This is why the election recorded high level of apathy, Akpoke said.

Mr Emma Nweke, a teacher also expressed concern over conduct of the elections in favour of only the ruling party, APC.

NAN recalls that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and other political parties in the state boycotted the LG polls.

Mr Ricky Okorouka, state Chairman of the Party, had said that their decision not to participate in the elections was due to the refusal of the electoral body to reduce the N1 million and N200,000 nomination fees imposed for Chairmanship and Councillorship.

Mr Chika Nwoba, Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi, described the elections as one man-show.

According to Nwoba, PDP is not part of the elections held on Saturday.

Mr Uburu Chinedu, Chairman-elect, Ebonyi Local Government Area, commended the electoral commission and pledged he would focus more on human capital development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Afonne

A leading Nigerian out-of-home advertising service provider, Nimbus Media Ltd., has announced a N20 million Marketing Support Programme for 10 start-ups and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to mark 10th anniversary.

Mr Olawale Adegoke, the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of the company, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Adegoke said that the gesture which marks a return of its aid project was the companys way of giving back to society.

We have stayed true to our vision of supporting African businesses to achieve maximum reach and impact over the past decade, he said.

Adegoke said that the company had expanded its reach across the country and developed meaningful partnerships with clients, partners, and the advertising industry to ensure excellent service delivery.

According to him, Nimbus plans to contribute significantly to growth of businesses over the next few years by delivering solutions that enable its clients to reach these consumers.

Africa, with a population of 1.7 billion people, is one of the worlds fastest-growing consumer markets, with projections of .1 trillion in consumer expenditure by 2025, Adegoke said.

The statement quoted Mrs Victoria Oluwaniyi, a Director at Nimbus, as saying that 10 pre-seed start-ups and women-owned businesses would receive a month free exposure worth two million naira each on Nimbus digital screens.

The Nimbus Aid Project is a corporate social responsibility effort in which the company gives back to the community by offering eligible start-ups and SMEs one month of free advertising on its digital advertising boards.

Since its inception in 2016, the Nimbus Aid Project, has supported businesses and non-governmental organisations that demonstrate a dedication to educating, enabling, and empowering their communities to make the world a better place.

Nimbus has been at the forefront of providing innovative outdoor advertising solutions to businesses with footprints in Nigeria.

It has also demonstrated its dedication to its clients and African businesses by continually delivering innovative advertising solutions that improve its clients reach, visibility, and engagement, she said.

Mr Babs Fagade, Chairman of Nimbus Media Ltd., had earlier said that COVID-19 pandemic created new challenges within the global advertising industry but that they were able to manoeuvre.

Fagade noted that COVID-19 might not be the last of business disruptions, digital or otherwise, but that they were committed to leading the industry to grow in this regard.

Now is a unique time to forge and implement the innovations that will lead the outdoor advertising industry into the future, he said.

Nimbus Aid Project, formerly known as Nominate a Charity, had provided marketing support to organisations such ad the Morainbow Down-syndrome Foundation and Ask the Pediatrician.

Others were Siddiqah Street Kitchen, Doctors Health Initiative (DHI) Nigeria, Food Clique Support initiative, and Strap and Safe Charity to raise awareness and draw attention to their causes.

Nimbus is a digital out-of-home (OOH Advertising) media based in Lagos with a network of digital out-of-home advertising platforms across Nigeria deployed to improve reach, visibility, and engagement for clients across various industries. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Source: NAN News

By Moses Omorogieva

The Police Command in Lagos State has placed its operatives on red alert over alleged plans by suspected gunmen to attack the state.

This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the commands spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin.

According to him, the command is not unmindful of intelligence reports suggesting that Lagos State could be on the radar of some persons planning attacks across the country.

To this end, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Abiodun Alabi, has placed the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) of the Command on high alert.

Also placed on alert are all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders, in a bid to ensure that any planned attack is promptly and decisively nipped in the bud.

The Command is also working closely with other sister security agencies to ensure that no person or group of persons succeeds in destabilising the peace and serenity enjoyed by the good people of Lagos State, the CP said in the statement.

The image maker said that the Lagos police boss enjoined people in the state not to fear, assuring them that all human, material and operational resources had been fully and optimally deployed across the length and breadth of the state.

Hundeyin said that in all the border towns, persons coming in and going out were under serious surveillance to ensure that there was absolutely no breach of the peace in the state.

Consequent upon the carefully laid down security plans and strategies, all residents of Lagos State are urged to go about their lawful duties without panic or fear.

Lagos residents are equally enjoined to remain very vigilant and report suspicious movements and persons to security agencies, he said in the statement. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Benson Iziama/Peter Dada

Source: NAN News

By Martins Abochol

Prof. Sunday Bako, the Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University, Jalingo, says the institution will establish an integrated farm that will provide a model ranch operation.

Bako gave the indication on Sunday while interacting with journalists in Jalingo.

He said that the integrated farm when completed, would produce some of the farm products locally consumed in the state.

He said that the university had engaged experts on the project which would also create employment and revenue for the university.

We have already begun modalities to establish an integrated farm for the university.

This farm, among many others things, will make a model ranch operation where it can produce pastures.

The farm will produce animal feeds, especially for poultry and fish.

This farm will also make available most of those agricultural products we consume locally, he said.

Bako said that he would not relent on his efforts to attain his goal of making the university a world-class citadel of learning. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Source: NAN News

By Abbas Bamalli

Following the increase in the pump price of petrol, some federal and state civil servants have appealed to both governments to increase workers salaries to reduce their hardships.

The workers, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews on Friday in Katsina, said the appeal was necessary because prices of goods and transportation had also skyrocketed.

Malam Abdullahi Balarabe, a Federal Government worker in Katsina, said that following the hike in fuel price, prices of goods had also doubled.

Balarabe said what he normally bought for N200 was now being sold for between N300 and N400, adding that this was constituting a serious challenge to low earning civil servants.

As you know, despite the increase in the pump price of fuel and the increase in the prices of foodstuffs and other goods, our salaries have remained the same.

Before the current increase in prices, the salaries of many of us could not even sustain us to the next salary day. Some of us spend our salaries on payment of credits, he said.

Mr Edwin Michael, also a federal civil servant, said that he had to park his vehicle to walk to office because some of the fuel stations sold petrol for more than N184 a litre.

We are appealing to the Federal Government to do everything possible to increase workers salaries to cover the deficit in our monthly take-home.

If I now go to the market with my salary I dont think it will be enough for me to buy what I used to buy before the current increase in the prices of goods, he said.

Also, Malam Adamu Ibrahim, a state civil servant, said that the situation was beyond description, adding that only God could intervene.

He said that his salary as an office assistant could hardly sustain him for the month.

Ibrahim also called on the state government to increase the salaries of its workers, especially those at the lower grades.

A visit by NAN to the Katsina Central Market showed that traders had increased the prices of foodstuffs and other goods.

Malam Ismail Garba, one of the traders, said the increase in the prices of goods was due to the hike in transport fare.

NAN reports that a litre of fuel now sells for between N184 and N220 in petrol stations in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Kingsley Kubeyinje

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Presidential flag-bearer of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi and other dignitaries on Friday night joined worshippers as the Senior Pastor, Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche, Abuja led the congregation to pray for peace and security of the country.

Thousands of worshippers had thronged the church for its Mid-Year Praise and Worship Night, to seek the face of God over the state of security and other challenges facing the country.

Notable among personalities at the programme were Gov. Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom and Mrs Edith Okowa, Wife of Delta Governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Also in attendance were the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara and South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Thami Mseleku amongst others.

Enenche, while praying for the nation, said that Nigeria was at war with the forces of hell and prayer was a potent weapon to defeat them.

Reading from the book of Numbers 10:9-10, he prayed for the rebirth of the nation and a new Nigeria and prayed that the nation would not go down.

The pastor urged Christians to continue to pray for the peace of the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the over 100,000 capacity church auditorium known as Glory Sanctuary was filled to the brim.

The church programme, which is a special praise and worship night tagged, Judgmental Praise drew gospel music ministers from across Nigeria and beyond.

Among the gospel artists that attended include Nathaniel Bassey, Chioma Jesus, Buchi, Frank Edward, Mercy Chinwo, Owie Abutu, Dusin Oyekan and many in-house music ministers.

Enenche and his family also ministered in songs as well as the Lords Trumpeter.

The major highlight of the programme was intermittent prayer for the nation and praise and worship to God.

NAN observed that the church maintained a security system that carried out thorough checks on both vehicles and pedestrians entering the premises.

There were layers of security checks from the gate while the main entrance of the auditorium have two baggage scanners where all bags were screened.

Some worshippers who spoke with NAN alluded their decision to come for the night event to their belief that God is the ultimate protector of man.

A worshipper, Mr Mike Johnson, said he did not expect people to turn out for the church programme because of the fear of insecurity in FCT in recent times.

He said he refused to give in to fear and believed that no evil could triumph in the presence of God.

Yes there is tension in the city and many people are afraid but the children of God should not be afraid of evil because fear is the greatest enemy of man, he said.

Another congregant, Mrs Comfort Onjeh, said that she never at any point entertain such fear of insecurity while planning to attend the programme.

Onjeh urged Christians to pray more instead of being afraid of what the enemies of the country were doing.

She urged the government and the security agencies to do their best in addressing the situation so that citizens could feel safe and move freely. (NAN)(www.nannws.ng)

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News