By Christian Njoku, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Every country in the world is affected by one or more forms of malnutrition, making it one of the greatest global health challenge.

In Cross River, the scourge of malnutrition is no news, especially in Edim Otop, in Calabar South and many other areas in the state, where children are seen with tiny legs, protruded stomachs and pale looking hairs and eyes.

These children may not be considered severely malnourished, but merely looking at them, it is clear that something needs to be done to help them regain the appropriate weight, height and nutrients they require.

On a visit to one of the Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) in Calabar, many of the women and children that came to access healthcare were simply malnourished.

Malnutrition is an unhealthy condition caused by not eating enough food or healthy food and which results to stunting, underweight, overweight/obesity and the exposure to many diseases such as kwashiorkor, marasmus and so on.

An attendant who preferred to be anonymous, said they attend to different kinds of people every day, mostly women and children and most of their challenges are connected to poor or inadequate feeding.

We attend to women and children every day and when you look at them, you just know that they are not feeding well and are deficient of some important nutrients and vitamins.

It is more painful when I see malnourished pregnant women because they are easily exposed to other conditions not good for them.

The least we do is educate them on the right foods to eat and distribute available supplements, such as folic acid, ferrous sulphate and vitamin B complex, she said.

In 2021, the Government of Cross River introduced the Active Search Strategy which was the use of a large network of community tracers and health workers in rescuing and treating malnourished children in the state.

The search helped in the discovery of over 234 severely malnourished children living in remote parts of the state as well as the capital.

The then Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu said Gov. Ben Ayade had directed that victims of malnutrition in the state be given urgent medical attention free and their families supported to sustain care

She added that severe malnutrition among children in the state was a serious issue aggravated by ignorance, cultural beliefs, poor government policies and the poor economy of the state and nation.

While this initiative could be considered laudable, the big questions are: how sustainable was it? What is the state government doing about the root causes of malnutrition rather than being reactive?

Mrs Vickie Emah-Emah, Founder, Neighborhood Care Well Foundation,

one of the NGOs fighting malnutrition among children said many families in the state are not able to feed well.

Emah-Emah said that there was high level of food insecurity due to the poor economy of the state.

According to her, there is also the problem of many hard to reach areas in the state, especially the creeks where the people survived mostly on what they have locally but are deficient in other nutrients

Looking at the access and availability of food, good nutrition is difficult; I have seen sickly and wasted children die during our field works as a result of malnutrition and exposure to disease and mosquito infested environments.

The result is that they get infected by malaria parasite and other health conditions and because they already have weak immune systems, they die even before healthcare services get to them.

What my foundation does is to ensure that no matter the project we embark upon to support children, there is always a nutrition component.

We have also assisted over 3,000 women who are among the most vulnerable groups, with income generating activities and grants for start-ups to enable them help their households.

However, one of the major challenges is poor data. For instance, if Cross River had done a nutrition needs assessment, we will have credible data to work with, but without data, you cant do much, she asserted.

According to the National Nutrition and Health Survey (NNHS) 2018, each year, about one million Nigerian children die before their fifth birthday and malnutrition contributes to nearly half of these deaths.

The survey also shows that although acute malnutrition levels are below the critical levels in Nigeria with Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate of 7.2 per cent, the case loads are high given the population of the country and challenges of insecurity in some parts, including food deficit.

Although, these nutritional surveys provide relevant information about states like Cross River, it is mainly periodic and does not give information on the levels and causes of under five year old malnutrition, especially in the rural areas.

It should, however, be noted that the Federal Government in 2016 introduced a strategy called the Agriculture Sector Food and Nutrition Strategy 2016 to 2025, with the aim of reducing malnutrition in the nation.

The strategy has eight thematic concerns which include improving food security at the national, community and household levels: To significantly reduce under-nutrition, including micro nutrients deficiency disorders among infants, children, adolescents and women of reproductive age.

It also aims to increase the knowledge of nutrition among the populace and integrate nutrition education into agricultural formal and informal trainings, among others.

Mr Julius Adanlawo, an officer in the Nutrition Unit of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), said one of the offshoots of the strategy was the ongoing World Bank assisted Accelerated Nutrition Result in Nigeria, (ANRIN) currently operating in Gombe.

He said with the programme, the Federal Government was looking at using a food based approach to fight malnutrition by providing inputs like bundles of orange, fleshed sweet potato rich in vitamin, among others.

However, funding has been quite a challenge because the budgets are meagre and the release of the funds is another issue, so we cannot be in all the states at the same time, he said.

Although this 10-year strategy is nearing its expiry period, having gone an 8-year distance so far, Nigerians are really yet to feel its impact as it is practically unknown to many in the country.

Dr Chijioke Osuji, an agro-industry and value chain expert maintained that from the agriculture production point of view, bio- fortification is possible and being done in some agricultural commodities.

Osuji, however, said that it was in processing that a lot of fortifications and value addition could be done, explaining that the yellow cassava rich in vitamin A can be blended with the white one that is rich in starch.

According to Osuji, there could also be the addition of different premixes to enhance the micro nutrients of commodities.

In Nigeria, there is a mandatory inclusion of vitamin A in maize and wheat flour, sugar and in vegetable oil. There is also the mandatory inclusion of iodine to salt for fighting goitre.

We have many companies in Nigeria carrying out voluntary fortification to enhance consumers wellbeing and wholesomeness of the food. This is something our government needs to continue to pursue.

We also need to educate our women who have children especially those who are to be weaned, on complementary foods with protein rich components such as soya beans.

For many years in Nigeria, soya beans flour has been popular especially among women because it is known to have some good level of health benefits, apart from its high protein content.

Some people add crayfish and other types of fortifications to their food, but we need to pay more attention to feeding of children, he noted.

Osuji said serving children eba and soup in the name of school feeding programme is not an optimised advantage because the child eats eba and soup at home.

He advised that in schools, the government should go the extra mile of ensuring that enriched foods that are fortified and made easy to consume and not cumbersome like eba and soup or jollof rice should be served.

He maintained that the food could be turned to convenient snacks that is very rich, so that it will deliver good nutrient and help reduce malnutrition among children.

The truth is this, when you have many children malnourished and stunted, it means they will never reach optimum performance in their chosen career because their brain development had been hindered due to poor nutrition.

It is not a coincident that the most well fed nations are the ones that produce the most Nobel Prize Winners, Olympic gold medalists and inventions, this is because they have higher brain capacity collectively than others.

We have been discussing nutrition for a long time now, it is time for the Nigerian Nutrition Policy to be reviewed more regularly and its essential components looked into.

Components like agricultural production, post harvest losses and value addition to allow the researches we have been carrying out for the development of food to come to fruition he contended.

There are research works that have made efforts to identify and proffer solutions to this silent child killer, government at all levels should pool resources in order to halt the advance of this condition. We need good nutrition as the first line of defence against the impact of diseases. (NANFeatures)

** If used, please credit the reporter as well as the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN). (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, has dispelled widespread rumours that he would be contesting for office of the president in the 2023 general elections .

This is coming on the heels of widespread, diverse reactions to his purported purchase of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Nomination and Expression of Interest forms valued N100million.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three interest groups, the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Friends of Emefiele and Emefiele Support Group had purchased the forms on his behalf.

Reacting through his verified twitter handle, Emefiele said that, should he decide to contest for the political office, he would prefer to use his personal resources.

I am humbled by the growing interest of those asking that I run for the office of president in the 2023 general elections: I have not come to that decision.

I note and salute the sacrifices of those farmers and patriots going as far as raising personal funds
and offering me presidential nomination forms: I thank them most profusely.

However, should I answer their calls and decide to seek presidential nomination, I will use my own hard earned savings to buy my own nomination forms.

I will do so without proxies, in an open and transparent manner in full compliance with the laws and Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, he said.

He said that he would continue to serve the country in his capacity as CBN governor until he received divine counsel to contest for a higher office.

I will continue to serve and sacrifice for the good people of Nigeria under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

This is a serious decision that requires Gods Divine intervention: in the next few days The Almighty will so direct, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Justina Auta

A coalition of Plateau women and youths groups has procured the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form for Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, for the state Southern Senatorial seat.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, Mrs Felicia Bala, who presented the form to the minister on Saturday in Abuja, said the groups met and decided to procure the form without her knowledge to encourage her run for the seat.
Bala said her records and commitment to the development of women and children prompted the move.
Also, Mrs Juliana Soklam, representing Langtang North, expressed appreciation to the minister for her support to widows and less privileged in the state and nation at large.
Mrs Anthonia Homkwap, described the minister as a dynamic woman and supporter of women at the grassroots level.
Hajiya Amina Adamu-Gyanba, representing Wase Local Government Area (LGA) reiterated commitment of women and youths towards achieving success in the 2023 election.
Youth Leader, Nr Nanzing Nanle, while commending the minister for her supports to youths in the state assured her of continued support towards getting the senatorial seat.
While receiving the form, Tallen said that Nigerian women were faced with many challenges and stressed the need for more women representatives in governance.
She said that it was only when women were involved in politics that the issues of women and children could be tackled.
Women have suffered enough and they are still suffering because we have no voice, the number of women in the National Assembly is like a drop in the sea.
We succeeded in having one voice there, but unfortunately, there have been terrible threats to her life and that has made her to withdraw.

My plan and prayers is to ensure we retain that seat and for any man who wants to displace a woman, the few we have is unacceptable.

What you have done is a big surprise to me, I have been under pressure, I had no plans until when it was clear that our sitting senator was not ready to return, she said.
Tallen added: I call for your prayers to salvage our senatorial zone, save our children, our state and nation at large.
We have been praying and advocating for more women to be added to the few we have in the National Assembly.

She reiterated her commitment towards uplifting women and addressing their challenges both at the local, state and national level.

It is time for a call to action, I sincerely appreciate you all and by the grace of God we will succeed and I will never fail you.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Civil Society Organisations and leaders representing LGAs in the Senatorial zones were also present at the event. . (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Source: NAN News

By Bridget Ikyado/Angela Atabo

Bishops of the West African Sub-region have cautioned political and other leaders against the lust for acquisition of wealth.

This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the 4th General Assembly of the Reunion of Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA).

The RECOWA President-elect, Most Rev. Alexis Touabli -Youlou, Diocese of Agboville, Cote Divoire, signed the statement.

His message was communicated in English to newsmen by Most Rev Emmanuel Badejo, Bishop of Oyo on Saturday in Abuja.

The bishops urged Christian politicians, traditional rulers, technocrats, professionals, especially those in the media, business men and women, and indeed all our people to live out their Christian vocation in fighting corruption.

They are warned against ethnocentrism, sectionalism and all forms of injustices in the society.

We strongly denounce the policies and practices of our governments and leaders who facilitate and permit the exploitation and marginalisation of our people and endanger the future of our children.

Tragically, some individuals engaged in acts of violence and terrorism that have aggravated the state of insecurity in our subregion.

We call on all never to grow weary in denouncing and rooting out such evils in our midst,the communique said.

The bishops, however, said they remained optimistic that none of the problems bedeviling our subregion was insurmountable.

However, we need to work together, with like minds in politics, religion, economics, social life, the media, in synergy to fight against all forms of man s inhumanity to man, they said.

The bishops called for concrete considerations for the needy and vulnerable and for loving and welcoming everyone.

They enjoined Christians in the West African region to support the need for justice, peace and security.

According to the communique, new leaders were elected to man the affairs of RECOWA for the next three years.

Those elected were Most Rev. Alexis Touabli -Youlou, Diocese of Agboville Cote Divoire, as President,

Most Rev. Joseph Kwaku Afrifah -Agyekum, Bishop of Koforidua, First Vice President and Most Rev. Jos Lampra , Bissau, Second Vice President.

Also elected to run the secretariat of the reunion Fr Vitalis Anaehobi, Secretary- General.

Rev. Vincent de Paul BORO, Deputy Secretary-General and Fr Celestine Sagna, Second Vice Deputy Secretary.

They thanked the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and the entire Catholic community.

They also thanked the government of the country and various men and women of goodwill for their magnanimity made manifest in their warm reception.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that deliberations of the assembly focused on the theme: Fratelli Tutti: Path to Build Brotherhood and Sustainable Peacein West Africa.

Fratelli Tutti is the title of the latest encyclical of Pope Francis on Fraternity and social friendship.

Catholic Bishops from the 16 countries of the West African Subregion, comprising the Reunion of Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA) participated in the conference that began on May 2.

(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Victor Okoye

The Chartered Institute of Educational Practitioners UK (CIEPUK) on Saturday in Abuja said no fewer than 10,000 talented youths would be discovered at its grassroots talent hunt in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the show has been scheduled to hold in July in Abuja.

Prof. Marcel Ezenwoye, the President CIEPUK, told newsmen at a news conference in Abuja that the CIEPUK talent hunt was a project designed to empower African youths gifted and talented in various entertainment sectors.

Ezenwoye explained that the show was primarily geared towards the discovery of hidden talents yet to be empowered and give hope to the helpless.

He said the show was therefore a platform and support system for such youths to actualise their dreams as well as achieve their goals.

CIEPUK talent hunt season 1 is targeted towards transformation of lives round the globe. We discover these wonderful talents and put them on the spot light for the world to see.

Not less than 10, 000 talented people are expected to be discovered and winners who emerge will be empowered with prizes and rewards.

These talents will be grouped into six different categories, spanning through various acts including singing, dancing, rapping, acting, comedy and other talents discoverable, he said.

He revealed that there were a lot of juicy prizes to be won at the end of the show with the overall winner smiling home with a mouth-watering sum of 1m, including an album recording deal and a label to work with.

He said that prizes for both the first and second runner up positions were 700,000 and 300,000, with an album recording deal as well.

He stressed that there would be other consolation prizes to be won in the various categories, adding that all the contestants would be under the mentorship and tutolage of seasoned nollywood actors and movie directors.

In addition, contestants stand a chance to premiere their album in our prestigious recording studio in Egypt.

There will also be an automatic membership award of CIEPUK Professional Certificate for all contestants.

All interested persons are invited to click on the link below and register as the portal is already open and will run until June 15 when auditions are expected to begin.

Encourage that child you notice that has some talent toregister and contest. He or she may be on their way to stardom. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Martins Abochol

Alhaji Muazu Sambo, Minister of State for Works and Housing, says there is a provision of N3bn Sukuk fund in 2022 by the Federal Government to finance the Numan- Jalingo Road in Adamawa and Taraba states.

Sambo announced this on Saturday during an inspection of federal road projects within Taraba and Adamawa states.

He gave the assurance that once the Sukuk fund was accessed within a shot time, there would be remarkable progress at the construction site.

The 103 kilometre Numan- Jalingo road is part of the MaiduguriCalabar Highway.

The section of the road that is not motorable is not acceptable for the road is the only connection between the North and South on the North Eastern axis of the country, Sambo said.

The minister said that he wouldnt blame the contractor for the slow pace of work.

According to him, it was due to the insufficient budgetary provision in the past and COVID-19 pandemic that affected the progress of work.

He, however, said that with the current improved funding provision, the contractor was expected to service its equipment and be more serious on the construction work.

He said if the company was found not to have the capacity to complete the job, government would not hesitate to terminate the contract and re-award it to a competent one.

While briefing the Minister on the progress of work on the Numan- Jalingo road, a Senior Civil Engineer at the site, MariaZirrah representing the Federal Controller of Works Adamawa,said insecurity, lack of construction materials and funding were responsible for the slow pace of work on the project.

Also, the Project Engineer of Deux Project Limited, the contractor for the Numan-Jalingo project, Frank Koshihuk who spoke on behalf of the contractor, said inflation, funding , insecurity were the major challenges on the construction work.

Koshihuk promised that as soon as the funding pattern for the rahabilation improved, the work would be completed within 8 months .

NAN reports that the ministeralso inspected the construction of Zing Yakoko-Monkin Road in Taraba during his two-day working visit.

The Numan-Jalingo road rehabilitation was awarded to Deux Project Nigeria Ltd at the cost of N11.6bn in March 2017 to be completed in July 2019.

NAN reports that the Federal Government has released N1.5bn to the contractor who has executed seven per cent of the work. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says its harmonised regulations will be operational by June 2022.

It said it would enable the Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPL) to be issued to 2020 marginal field awardees.

The NUPRC said the harmonised regulations would soon be forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Justice for vetting before becoming operational.

Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive (CCE), NUPRC, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja at a stakeholders engagement with print and electronic media.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 had empowered the commission to develop regulations that will give meaning and intent to the Act.

This will ensure that all bottlenecks associated with regulatory processes are eliminated or minimised towards seamless upstream petroleum operations.

Therefore, the commission in collaboration with the Presidential Steering Committee, has developed some key regulations for the upstream petroleum sector in line with Section 216 (4) of the PIA, 2021.

The commission also organised a stakeholders consultation forum from April 20, to April 22, for the input from all stakeholders in the upstream petroleum operations before the finalisation of the regulations.

The draft regulations were harmonised and also hosted on the commissions website for general review and inputs from Stakeholders.

The regulations included Conversion and Renewal (Oil Prospecting Licences and Oil Mining Leases) Regulations; Petroleum Licencing Round Regulations and Upstream Petroleum Fees and Rent Regulations.

Others were Petroleum Royalty Regulations; Domestic Gas Delivery Obligations Regulations and Petroleum Host Community (Upstream) Regulations.

The CCE while speaking with newsmen said the final reviewed regulations were expected to be completed and become operational later by the first week of June 2022.

Accordingly, the commission has incorporated into the Regulations the relevant issues of concerns raised during the working and plenary sessions to finalise the draft regulations, he said.

He said in line with the PIA 2021, it had prepared Model Licences and Leases, and delineation of 57 areas of marginal Fields awarded following the 2020 Marginal Field Bid Round.

These initiatives will facilitate issuance of petroleum prospecting Licence to the Marginal Field Awardees that formed Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) as required in the 2020 bid round guidelines.

He said it would lead to the early Field Development Plan (FDP) and oil and gas production from the awarded Marginal Fields. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Donald Ugwu

Source: NAN News

By Victor Okoye

Ifedayo Akindoju, President of Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), says their partnership with DavNotch Nigeria Ltd. has been very rewarding in terms of talents discovery and the sports grassroots development.

Akindoju told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that a lot of talents had been discovered as a result of the tournament.

He added that it had indeed given the federation a platform to assess the players.

Last year, in the first edition, we discovered a lot of talents and equally went ahead to find the right players to represent the country.

We had the World Cup of Tennis last year and that was the very first time Nigeria participated in that tourney which took place in Lithuania.

Infact, the winner of the maiden edition of the DavNotch Open was one of the top players who played in that tournament and she did extremely well.

Even though we didnt get promoted, we howeverhad a very good outing in Lithuania.

In a similar event in the wheelchair category, the winners at the DavNotch Open equally went to represent the country in the World Team Cup Wheelchair Tennis in Antalya, Turkey and had a great outing, Akindoju said.

He added that apart from the wheelchair athletes, there were a lot of junior athletes who also took part in the tournament and did well.

These young athletes are been monitored. Most of them are currently playing in Togo, while others took part in international tournaments last year after participating in the maiden edition of the DavNotch Open.

It is worthy to note that most of the international tournaments hosted in Abuja, like the J5, the Junior Category of the under-18 event and in almost all the other categories in both men and women events, were ultimately won by Nigerians.

So, the DavNotch Open has exposed a lot of our players like I said earlier. It has indeed given us that much-needed platform because without a platform you cannot have the basis to assess these players.

So, its been a very good opportunity to partner with DavNotch to ensure that this tournament happens on a yearly basis, the NTF President said.

NAN reports that the second edition of the DavNotch Open which officially began on Friday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja will end on May 14.

Initially, last year when the tournament was unveiled, the sponsor promised to bankroll the tournament for a period of at least five years.

But we are very happy that today Emmanuel Ochei, the Director at DavNotch, has further assured us of their intention to host it beyond that period, Akindoju said.

He also disclosed that the competitions singles qualifying draw has in the mens category 128 players, with the main category having a draw of 64 players.

The NTF President said the doubles main draw has 16 entries, while in the womens category, the singles qualifying draw has 64 players and the main category 32 players.

There are 16 entries for the doubles here, he said.

Akindoju added that the wheelchair singles main draw for both the men and women categories was 16 each.

NAN also reports that a total of 9.2 million Naira will be won as prize monies at the competition.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==================
Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh and Olawale Alabi

Source: NAN News

By Fortune Abang

The Bank of Industry (BOI), has reiterated its commitment to the partnership with Dream Advantage, an NGO, to empower Nigerian youths in intellectual and entrepreneurial creative skills.

Mr Samson Paul, Chief Creativity Facilitator of Dream Advantage, who made this known in a statement on Friday, said the pilot programme was hosted by Covenant University, Ota, in Ogun State recently.

According to Paul, BOI was in partnership with Dream Advantage to train Nigerian youths on how to maximise education for intellectual product invention and economic creativity.

He said; BOI by this partnership shall sponsor Nigerian students, and youths to undergo Dream Advantage tailored creative mastery courses: Commerce by Nature creative entrepreneurship course and Mindmatics intellectual creativity course.

BOI will empower Nigerian youths to overcome illiteracy, which was the bane of underdevelopment of any society.

BOIs partnership with Dream Advantage will empower Nigerian youths to develop mastery for creative entrepreneurship, and transform them into Product Creative Entrepreneurs, rather than Money Hunter Entrepreneurs.

According to him, Mrs Mistura Johnson, leader of the BOI delegation, said the mandate of the Bank is to transform Nigerias industrial sector by the provision of financial and advisory support.

To establish large, medium, and small project, enterprises; nevertheless, BOI has a passion for the youths.

This is the reason the bank resolved to go into partnership with Dream Advantage to sponsor Nigerian students and youths to undergo courses by Dream Advantage such as Commerce by Nature Master class, and Mindmatics Master class, Johnson said.

Prof. Adebayo Abiodun, Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, who spoke at the event, commended the organisers for the initiative, which was aimed at empowering Nigerian youths to become truly self-reliant.

Covenant University is delighted to have been selected to host this event.

I wish to appreciate the facilitators of this training, Dream Advantage, and the sponsors, BOI, for partnering with the university towards the attainment of this great vision.

I also congratulate the participants for this unique opportunity; I urge you to exploit the benefits of this training, Abiodun said.

In separate remarks, Miss Favour Ogochukwu, a participant, expressed appreciation to BOI and Dream Advantage for the programme, saying it improved her knowledge of Masterclass.

I thank BOI for this, and also the Course Instructor, Mr Samson Paul for this Masterclass; I knew what to expect, but without any doubt, this beat my expectations.

As an Engineering student, gaining mastery is a bit vague; but I can say for sure that I got clarity on quite a number of things, both in Engineering and other aspects of life, Ogochukwu said.

Meanwhile, another participant, Miss Gloria Ayeni described the programme as apt.

This class is like nothing I have ever been to before; I have been to many entrepreneurship workshops; but, this is one that has been very different and very insightful.

Paul spoke in a way I have never heard anybody speak about creativity and entrepreneurship, Ayeni said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Dream Advantage is a human capacity development organisation that seeks to activate the innate creative potential of people from all walks of life.

Paul is an author of human development books namely: Nigerian Dream, Back to Sense, God of Industry, Creative Control, Dream Vacancy, and Atomic Knowledge, all adopted as mental development textbooks for Covenant University students. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Philomina Attah

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), says it will track 550 projects in 18 states in the fourth phase of its Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Exercise (CEPTE).

The Spokesperson for ICPC, Mrs Azuka Ogugua, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said the exercise would commence on May 9.

Ogugua said that the exercise would focus on Federal Government funded projects in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Kaduna, Kebbi and Kano.

Others, according to her, are Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

She said that a total of 424 projects were tracked across 12 states in the first phase of the exercise in 2019.

ICPC spokesperson said the second phase conducted in 2020 featured 722 projects in 16 states while the third phase in 2021 featured 1,098 projects in 16 other states and FCT.

She identified the focal sectors of the fourth phase of the exercise to include the education, health, water resources, agriculture and rural development and power sector.

According to her, tracking involves investigating fraudulent procurement practices in the award of contracts for projects.

It ensures projects are executed to the specified standard, value-for-money obtained, and implementation of the projects are from inception to completion monitored.

In collaboration with critical stakeholders, there will also be recoveries on projects/contracts confirmed to have been inflated or where contractors under-performed or did not perform at all, she said.

Ogugua also said that runaway contractors were compelled to return to site to complete hitherto abandoned projects during the teacking.

She added that the exercise also compelled contracting companies to comply with all statutory regulations as well as prosecuting persons or institutions found culpable in undermining the execution of government funded projects.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CEPTI, an initiative of the ICPC, commenced in 2019.

It ia aimed at promoting social accountability and transparency in the conception, execution and management of public funded projects as well as ensuring value-for-money in the execution of the projects.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has insisted that the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu must defend himself in court.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president said this while responding to appeals for the release of detained IPOB leader.

NAN reports that South East traditional, religious and political leaders made the appeal during a town hall meeting with Buhari in Abakaliki, on Friday.

The meeting was the last official engagement of the president who was on a two-day working visit to Ebonyi.

I have listened carefully to the various appeals from the elders to the traditional leaders regarding wide range of options.

As I have said previously this matter remains in the full purview of the courts where it will be properly adjudicated

My worry is for our hardworking and innocent civilians, for whom life is already though and would like to earn a decent and honest living, Buhari said.

He frowned at the brutal activities of terrorists in the South-East and other parts of the country.

He reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to protect and defend innocent citizens from those bent on causing breakdown of law and order across the country.

He also expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the region, reiterating his directive to security agencies to flush out those perpetrating violence in the land.

Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi, who appreciated the president for his visit to Ebonyi, reiterated his position for political solution to the Nnamdi Kanu dilemma.

On his presidential ambition, the governor expressed optimism that the president would support Southeast Presidency in 2023.
He, however, said it would be morally wrong for any candidate from the South-South and South- West to vie for All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket if the party agreed to zone it to the South.

Others who spoke at the event including the Chairman, South East Traditional Rulers, Eze Charles Mkpumah and the Chairman, Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-East, Rev. Abraham Nwali, appealed for the release of Kanu.

Edited by Uche Anunne/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Deborah Coker

A socio-political group in Edo, Owan and Akoko-Edo Alliance, says it will mobilise N120 million in support of the presidential aspiration of former Governor of Edo, Mr Adams Oshiomhole.

The groups decision is contained in a statement issued in Benin on Friday, by its Chairman and Secretary, Sunny Ifijen and Omeiza Ogumah respectively.

The group said it voluntarily decided to support the former governor because of his capacity and the fact that he would make a difference in the polity and governance of the country.

According to the alliance, it never supported Oshiomholes senatorial ambition because it wanted him to contest for a higher office such as the President.

We have always known the capacity and ability of our comrade and hence our decision to support his ambition for higher office and not the senatorial ambition.

Oshiomholes pedigree as a former labour leader, governor and former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has adequately prepared him for the task of restructuring the change.

Indeed, the country is in dire need of a change in insecurity, social-political setting, economy and the general wellbeing of the people.

Of course, we have other capable people aspiring for the same position but Oshiomholes antecedents stand him out.

If his performance as governor of Edo doesnt say anything about him then I wonder who else is better positioned to occupy the number one political sit in the country, the group stated.

According to Owan and Akoko-Edo Alliance, Oshiomhole had proved in all offices he held, that the challenges in the country were surmountable.

That is only if we have leaders that are committed, dedicated and good managers of human and material resources.

These were the things that guided his (Oshiomhole) achievents in office as governor of Edo and also other endeavours where he excelled.

Oshiomholes popularity has not waned since leaving office unceremoniously as national chairman of the APC.

He is also a detribalised Nigerian whose friendship cut across every part of the country, the socio-political group added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ejike Obeta

Source: NAN News

By Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Ulla Mueller, the Country Representative of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nigeria has
expressed determination towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) where every pregnancy will
be wanted, with zero Maternal Mortality (MM).

She made the UN bodys position known at the Strategic Stakeholders Reflection meeting on Korea International Cooperation
Agency (KOICA)-Funded project held in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the KOICA-funded project followed an agreement between UNFPA Nigeria and
the Korean agency to implement a five-year (2018 2021) plan toward f

The project is to build resilient communities through the restoration of access to basic medical and social services in conflict-affected communities.

The specific objectives of the project are to increase access to comprehensive maternal and child care, increase access to fistula care and improve capacity
for result-based data management system.

The UNFPA country representative, therefore, scored the Fund, KOICA and the Federal Government high in bringing smiles to the faces of women in Borno
through the KOICA-funded project.

She said that UNFPA, in collaboration with KOICA and support from the Borno Government, established a fistula centre in Maiduguri.

She explained that the centre was to address the problem of the more than 150,000 women living with fistula, also known as
Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), an abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina that results in continuous and unremitting
urinary incontinence.

Mueller, who also expressed the passion of the UN to tackle all manner of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), said more than three
million women in Nigeria are exposed to GBV.

Mr Son Sungil, the Country Director of KOICA, commended UNFPA, the Borno Government and other partners for the giant strides
in the last four years of the project.

Represented by Dr Salma Anas-Kolo, the Director, Family Health in the ministry, Ehanire said it was imperative to establish department of
family health in healthcare centres and hospitals to achieve quality care for women and children.

The minister, who reiterated Federal Governments commitment toward mitigating maternal mortality and other health challenges such
VVF, also affirmed governments continued support to Borno.

According to him, continued support to the people of Borno is part of Ministry of Healths mandate.

Ehanire asserted the achievements of the Federal Government in collaboration with KOICA and the UNFPA,and promised to do more.

He said we have clinical management of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases; we are going to support you to adopt those documents.

He identified Borno as one of the states with the highest burden of maternal mortality and assured of a new structural
approach to strengthen the healthcare system.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, affirmed the commitment of the ministry to continue to support programmes
aimed at improving healthcare and empowering women.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that KOICA serves both domestically and internationally as a development
coordination platform that is working toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Source: NAN News

Progressive Lawyers for Osinbajo (PLO) has kicked against the proposed meeting of South West Presidential aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by some leaders of the region.

The Convener of the group and a Constitutional Lawyer, Dr Kayode Ajulo, said in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, that it was a wrong motive and a wrong move.

Ajulo said that the meeting, slated for May 6, at the State House, Marina, Lagos, lacked some elements of credibility.

He agreed that the initiative was borne out of earlier call on Yoruba leaders to hold strategic conference to provide direction towards the fate of South West in the forthcoming presidential election.

He noted that it was the utmost desire of the group that such an important meeting be conveyed with a view to establish a consensus among aspirants of the APC in South West.

He, however, said it should have been designed appropriately to promote fairness with genuine intention.

This above scheduled meeting should have been a welcome development but for the following configurations which were not rightfully designed as it is ought to be.

The composition of personality invited for the meeting is a testament to our position that it is a sectional affair of the APC and not in the interest of the southwest and Nigeria, he said.

The group said that the choice of the venue in Lagos State, which is the flag House in Marina, belonged to Lagos State and associates and would not augur well.

This venue should not play host to such a meeting if it will be adjudged to be credible and fair.

The meeting, if it is in collective good of the people, should be held at a neutral location like Ibadan, Oyo State or Akure, Ondo State, he said.

He alleged that an already drafted communiqu had already been drafted based on information at its disposal, adding that it was in favour of a particular aspirant.

The constitutional Lawyer said that the document was currently in circulation among some of the invitees.

It is on this premise that we look forward to a meeting convoke by Southwest leaders of note like Chief Afe Babalola, Chief Femi Okunnu, Pa. Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Wole Olanipekun.

Others includeProf. Tunde Adeniran, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba and frontline traditional rulers in South West as well as the governors from the region, he said.

He said that the meeting as conveyed with alleged prewritten communique without the inclusion of the above mentioned notable statesmen on the list of invitees was premeditated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has again shifted its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting earlier rescheduled for May 10 to May 11.

The partys National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, made the announcement in a statement he issued in Abuja on Thursday.

Anyanwu stated that the earlier date clashed with the local governments delegates election involving all members of the party.

He added that the venue of the meeting remained the partys NEC Hall at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.

In a separate statement, Anyanwu also declared that the partys National Caucus meeting earlier scheduled to hold on May 10, would now hold on May 11 at the Akwa Ibom Governors Lodge. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says he is the most prepared of all aspirants in the 2023 presidential election.

Osinbajo made the submission on Thursday in Yenagoa when he paid a courtesy visit to the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers in continuation of his consultations ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

The vice-president said he had the requisite experience needed to pilotthe affairs of the country.

The chief objective of my comingis to formallylet you know, in a domain where I am a chief,of my intention to run for the presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I made the formal declaration on April 11.

All of us are aware, I have served as the vice-president and God helping us, I will serve until May 29, 2023 in that capacity.

It is my desire that come that day,I will succeed our currentpresident as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

As vice-president, I have served under a president that has given me the opportunity to see for myself and observe at very close quarters, all that is required to run this very complex, very diverse nation, Nigeria.

I have also served on many occasions as acting president when the president was away.

All of that have given me more than an insider view of how to effectively run the affairs of this country with its various challenges.

I will say of all the contestants, and I will say so mosthumbly, clearly that I am the most prepared to hit the ground running.

I will be ready on the first day of the assignment because I have seven years training; I have the experience, Osinbajo said.

The vice-president said that in no distant time, he would have acquired eight years of experience as vice-president.

He said hebelieved that the reason God gavehim theopportunity was so that he couldoffer such services to the country when it was most required.

And I believe that those services are required even now.

I ask for your prayers and your support; I know that I have your good wishes already, the vice-president said.

Earlier, KingBubaraye Dakolo, Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council of Bayelsa State, welcomed the vice-president and acknowledged him as a traditional title holder in the state.

The traditional ruler wished Osinbajo well on his pursuit andpresented a book he authored The Riddle of the Oil Thief to the vice-president.

We have before us here the vice-president on a briefvisit; as you all know; he is the EbidouOwei 1 of IzonLand, our own chief.

Your other mission is well known; it is season for politicking; so, I wont go into that but I will wish you the best in your endeavour.

Just to underscore the fact that Bayelsais an oil hub;it has been producing oil for the past 70 years.

We have all kinds of issues about oil exploration and production.

I am not going to say much about it because I am presenting a book to you on that subject; it shall be of great interest to you, the chairman of the traditional rulers told the vice-president. (NAN) ()

Source: NAN News

Isaiah Eka

Sen. Godswill Akpabio, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, says he joined the 2023 presidential race to consolidate the achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari in office.

Akpabio said this at his declaration in Ikot Ekpene on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

I, Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio, with great humility, hereby submit myself for your kind consideration as your next president. Therefore, my declaration is a trumpet call for unity and action.

My dear compatriots, I am determined to pay the debt of gratitude I owe our nation for the opportunities to serve in high offices of public trust and am determined to let our nation drink from the deep well of experience acquired in these offices, he said.

Akpabio lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for giving the opportunity to serve.

I pay tribute to President Muhammadu Buhari for the patriotic work he has done as our President, he has given hope and direction to governance and fought corruption with uncompromising zeal.

He has touched lives and empowered people, he has made great advances in agriculture, human capital development and indeed in all sectors of our economy.

He has uplifted the integrity of the Nigerian nation. A lot can be said about all his amazing successes and achievements, but suffice it to say that I have come to perfect his marvelous works.

Although absolute perfection belongs not to man nor to angels, but to God alone, he said.

He urged Nigerian youths to ensure they maintain peace and support the good works of Buhari.

Akpabio said he believed in one Nigeria and that the country would shine one day as a strong nation.

The declaration was witnessed by APC faithful across the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Source: NAN News

By Lilian U. Okoro

The Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, has raised the alarm over the growing number of abandoned mental health patients in the hospital as over 25 per cent of the patients on admission could not pay.

The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, who raised the alarm in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos, called for the general public assistance in the treatment and welfare of the patients.

Owoeye urged Nigerians to help the indigent and abandoned psychiatric patients to offset their medical bills and meet their daily needs.

He said it had became pertinent that the public come to the aid of the patients because the burden of their welfare, medications and upkeep had been totally upon the hospital for a long time.

According to him, the current bills and welfare upkeep of the patients, especially the indigent and those abandoned by their relatives, were currently weighing the hospital down financially.

He noted that most of them have been spending the rest of their lives in the hospital premises until death takes them away.

We have quite a good of indigent patients, as well as those patients abandoned by their relatives; who the hospital is currently catering for their feeding, clothing, medication and overall upkeep.

As I speak, over 25 per cent of the psychiatric patients on admission in the hospital are unable to pay their bills and do not have anybody or relation whatsoever to assist with the payment.

Most of these indigent and abandoned patients have lived in the hospital for years and as a result might not to trace or locate their families and relatives.

By our calling and the spirit of humanity regarding our profession, we cannot leave them to go out of the hospital care and premises as they will constitute danger to themselves, others and property.

So, we are calling on good spirited Nigerians, especially philanthropists, groups and faith-based organisations to come to our rescue in this aspect; to at least offset their bills, Owoeye said.

Owoeye further regretted that many mental health patients were still roaming the streets without anyone caring for them.

According to him, the hospital occasionally picks some of the mental health patients on the streets for treatment and care.

He, however, assured that the hospital would continue in its efforts to treat, care and assist the indigent and abandoned mental health patients.

But there is a limit to what we can do, which is why we are soliciting philanthropic gestures to assist to meet up their daily needs and care, he said.

Source: NAN News

By Stephen Adeleye

Some youths in the APC Kogi Central have inaugurated a campaign council to canvass support for Kogi Commissioner for Works, Abubakar Oheres ambition for Senate in 2023 General Elections.

The Youths under the aegis of Ohere Youth and Students Campaign Network (OYSCN), formally inaugurated its Central Committee and Local Government Coordinators on Wednesday in Okene, Okene Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi

In his inaugural speech, the Director General of OYSCN, Omeiza Audu (Troy), said the group comprised 17 different interest groups in APC across the five local government areas of Kogi Central Senatorial District.

According to him, their meeting in Okene was to discuss about how to unite and deliver Ohere, as the next senator to represent the good people of the district in the 2023 General Elections.

The local government coordinators were drawn from the five local government areas of Kogi Central, and their excos selected from eleven wards from each of the local government areas.

The groups have resolved to work in harmony and canvass for votes for Engr. Oheres emergence as the APCs senatorial candidate for Kogi Central in the forthcoming party primaries, he said.

He, therefore, admonished all members to work together in unison towards ensuring that the aspirant, Ohere, is propelled by the group to attain his enviable height.

He further urged them to make sure they work hard to see to his emergence as the APC flag bearer for Kogi Central, and as member of the next Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Other excos include Mohammed Eneji, the General Secretary; Abdulsalam Salis (Adavi), PRO; Godwin Alao (Ogori/Magongo), Financial Secretary; Saidat Oziohu Jimoh (Okehi), Women Leader; and Victoria Daniel (Ajaokuta), Treasurer.

Other members are Gomina Habib (Ajaokuta), Bilal Asuku (Okene), Isah Ozovehe Abdulbaki (Okehi), and Abdulrahman Abdulmumuni (Okehi).

The local government coordinators are Ismail Mustapha and Ohida Otohinoyi Samson, Adavi LGA; Idris Abubakar and Yakubu Ahmed, Ajaokuta.

Others are Adesina Obas and Taye Akpata- Ogori/Magongo; Bashiru Umar and Victoria David- Okehi; and Abdulmumuni Amoka and Juliana Peter- Okene LGAs. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News