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Tag: NGO

  • NGO condemns fake picture of alleged killing of soldiers in circulation

    The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), an NGO, has condemned the fake picture of the killing of some Nigerian Soldiers on the social media platform.

    The CITAD Hate Speech Project Coordinator, Alhaji Hamza Ibrahim, made this condemnation in a statement on Wednesday in Bauchi. ‎

    “The picture, which has gone viral on the social media, shows two gentlemen in a Nigerian military uniform; one is dead while the other is crying loudly.

    ‎”Those circulating the image claimed it was a scene during the recent attack on the Nigerian troops under the 157 Task Force Battalion at Metele in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno on Nov. 18,” he said.

    According to him, the organisation observes that the picture is receiving the attention of Nigerians on the social media with the impression that it originates from the Metele attack on the Nigerian troops.

    “We want to emphasise here that the picture is fake, and it is not in any way connected with Metele incident.

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    “Unlike what those circulating the pictures claimed, the picture originated from a Hausa Movie called ”Abu Hassan”, where two friends “Adam Zango and Zahraddin Sani”, were involved in a gunfight with their antagonists.

    “Zango had in the movie died, having been shot several times and Sani, being a friend and a colleague, was madly screaming in sympathy with him.

    “The movie produced by Zahraddin Sani and directed by Alfazazi (a Kaduna-based film maker), was released in 2016.

    “They are using that scene to mislead people into believing that it was a reality during Metele incident; that is absolutely false’’.

    Ibrahim, however, said the alleged picture was fake in totality, urging those sharing it to desist from such act, on whatever medium.

    “Disseminating fake news in whatever form is injurious to the peace and development of the country, and as such, people should desist from such act.

    “We equally want to caution people against sharing fake news particularly at this time of electioneering campaign. Before sharing any information, people should question its authenticity,” he said.

  • NGO, NEMA train stakeholders on contingency plan devt

    An NGO, Christian Aid in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has embarked on training of stakeholders in Plateau on development of contingency plan for disaster management.

     

    Mr Sendi Dauda, Programme Officer, Christian Aid at the opening of the exercise in Jos on Monday, said that contingency plans for disaster management became imperative as the one in Plateau had expired in 2017.

     

    According to Dauda, the training will ensure that before a hazard becomes a full blown disaster, there is a plan on how to tackle it. He said that the contingency plan would define who do what and at what time to avert disaster. “We realised that most states in Nigeria don’t have contingency plan for disaster management.

     

    “Some like Plateau have, but it is outdated and what we are doing is to develop a new one to help avert and quicken response to disaster.

    “When developed, the contingency plan will be useful for disaster mitigation partners, with State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) serving as the coordinating agency,” he said.

     

    He said that those participating in the training included the ministries working with SEMA, chairmen of Jos North, East and Shendam as well as staff of the three councils.

    Others are civil society organisations, security agencies, persons with disability and the media, adding that the organisation was working in Kaduna, Benue and Plateau states.

     

    Read Also: NEMA receives 174 Nigerians from Libya

     

    Mr Lugard Slaku, NEMA Zonal Coordinator, North Central said that following the prediction of 2018 flood, Federal Government activated the national contingency plan in preparedness for the eventualities.

    Slaku, who was represented by Mr Eugene Nyenlong, Assistant Chief Relief and Rehabilitation, said that this was the motive behind Christian Aid collaborations.

     

    “This is aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness in Nigeria – with focus on flooding by improving early warning and early response systems in the state.

    “It will build community resilience and preparedness to floods, design contingency plans, and strengthen coordination among agencies of government mandated to respond to such disasters.

    “It is in this regard that NEMA, through this partnership is providing technical support and assistance to lead through the process of developing a contingency plan.

     

    “I must acknowledge that this partnership between NEMA and Christian Aid is the first of its kind between both organisations and we appreciate the collaboration,” he added.  A  contingency plan would be developed at the end of the one week training.

    NAN

  • NGO urges government, stakeholders to collaborate for safety on road

    Centre for Child-Care and Youth Development, (CCYD), an NGO, has urged government and other relevant institutions to collaborate by taking affirmative action to promote “a buoyant culture of road safety across the country. “

    Dr John Abhuere, Chairman of the organisation gave the advice on Thursday in Abuja at its 10th annual seminar on Youth and Road Safety, with the theme: “The Driver as the Chief Facilitator of Road Safety.’’

    Abhuere said that the aim of the seminar was to create awareness on road safety and to educate the road users on the dangers involved on reckless driving.

    He added that the seminar was also to remind government at all levels and stakeholders on their role in ensuring effective road safety management in the country.

    Read Also: NGO seeks mechanic villages in Osun

    He also said that the seminar was a strategy to sensitising the public, on the need to aid road safety in Nigeria at all time.

    “We must all work to reduce road carnage through the support of the promotion of a buoyant culture of road safety in the country

    “This season is the period people, especially our youths frequent roads, so they need to be protected.

    “We also want the government and stakeholders to collaborate by ensuring that road users are cautioned and enlightened on the dangers of reckless driving as the effort will reduce road accident.

    “The carnage of lives and property on our roads, due to accidents, is known to be very high today.

    “This makes the task of keeping our roads safe a collective concern and responsibility.

    “This involves all drivers, passengers, government, NGOs and all the stakeholder`s to put hands on deck.

    “Road is a host to majority of Nigerians on daily basis and facilitator of economic, social and political activities.

    “The safety of the road means the greater security of lives, property and great catalyst of development,’’ he said.

    Abhuere called for the repair of deplorable roads in the country to reduce carnage.

    He also cautioned drivers to eschew reckless driving, speeding and overloading, as their contribution toward reducing road accident.

    The Chairman also advised drivers to always check their vehicles to ensure that it’s maintained before moving to any destination for safe driving, as such would save lives and properties.

    Miss Yakubu Fatai told our reporter that reckless driving did not only pose threat to the life of the driver but also to other road users.

    Fatia, a student of Government Secondary School, Lugbe, one of the participants at the seminar, thanked the organisers of the seminar for the opportunity given to the students to participate in the seminar

  • Ikorodu LG to rehabilitate public schools

    The Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government Council, Lagos State, Mr Wasiu Adeshina, on Thursday said the council would build and rehabilitate public schools in the local government area.

    Adeshina disclosed this when he received the Outstanding Award of Excellence from the Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation, at the secretariat in Ikorodu.

    The Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Lokoja, Kogi.

    The NGO conducts secret investigations to discover criminality and expose corruption, they have whistle blowers in every local government in the country.

    The council boss highlighted some of the projects executed and completed since he took over the mantle of leadership of the council, adding that building of classrooms and schools would be the next phase.

    “We have constructed some roads, culverts, repair of bad roads, surfacing with asphalt and fixing of street lights in different wards.

    “Now we want to embark on construction of toilets in schools, building of additional classrooms, rehabilitation of major markets and installing 350KVA generator to power the market as well as construction of boreholes across all wards,” Adeshina said.

    However, due to the mandate of the administration to Improve economic and commercial activities of the council, he said plans were ongoing to bring Shoprite, a chain of grocery stores, to boost the economy of Ikorodu community.

    Read Also: Ikorodu council, CDAs to partner on projects

    He commended the councillors and the principal staff of  the council for their support in ensuring the council was acknowledged for its performance, “Ikorodu deserves the honour”.

    Mr Salih Yakubu, Executive Director of the centre, said that the organisation conducted its research without the consent of the management of the council, to avoid being induced.

    Yakubu said the aftermath of their findings culminated in the emergence of the council being listed among the top 120 local government councils that were ethically responsible in the country.

    According to him, free 100 slots has been earmarked for staff training on management skills as the organisation’s contribution to the chairman for providing ethical leadership, which enabled the council to wax strong.

    “After the opinion poll, sessions held with residents, visitation to project sites and all concept of evaluation, this council is the first to be given the award in Lagos State by this NGO.

    It was reported  that Ikorodu LG was the second best among the 774 local government councils in the country and second among the 57 LG and LCDA’s in Lagos.

  • NGO seeks mechanic villages in Osun

    A Non-Governmental Organisation (ngo), the Automobiles and Road Safety Initiative (ARSI), has called on the Osun State government to establish mechanic villages in major cities of the state.

    Speaking at the investiture of grand patrons, patrons and awards of national and state auto safety ambassadors for the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, ARSI President Samuel Oriowo, said growing volume of work for automobile technicians in the state require a conducive environment for repairs.

    He said it has become necessary that the state government establish settlements that will allow convergence of different key technicians, who are relevant to carry out repair works on damaged vehicles.

    Oriowo, who noted that there are ample benefits in the establishment of such mechanic villages for vehicle owners, transporters, technicians and the government, said road safety project is a business for everyone.

    He said: “It has been established that non adherence by vehicle repair technicians to vehicle manufacturers’ specification and instruction while carrying out repairs on faulty vehicles had led to accidents for which drivers are blamed.

    “The main objective of this gathering is to find means of nipping such incidents in the bud, more so that most vehicles coming into Nigeria are designed with computer chips, requiring experts’ attention to fix its faults whenever it breaks down.

    “So, we are calling on NATA members in Osun State to desist from using any engine oil to service vehicles for your customers. Substandard engine oil does nothing better than damage the car engine.”

    While commending the outgoing Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his “outstanding achievements in many sectors of the economy, Oriowo, who congratulated the governor-elect, Gboyega Oyetola, challenged him to ensure that Osun will continue to be a model to states of the federation.

  • ‘Use of polystyrene items by food vendors destructive to environment’

    An environmentalist, Jibril Mohammed, says the usage of polystyrene items by food vendors to serve foods at social occasions is destructive to the environment.

    Mohammed, who is an environmentalist with an NGO, Metrol Environment in Nigeria, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria  in Kaduna on Thursday.

    He said that millions of ‘‘take away food items” in polystyrene bags were being used daily by thousands of food sellers in market across the 36 states.

    ‘‘The demand for polystyrene packs is on the increase due to how food vendors and buyers use it as takeaway packs for comfort.

    ‘‘The problem is that polystyrene material is contributing in causing more danger to human, animals and even aquatic lives,’’ he said.

    According to him, polystyrene packs do usually take 500 years before they decompose, and this is harmful to the environment.

    ‘‘Polystyrene items are dominating our trash dump centres, streams, drainages and rivers, which is causing serious challenges to farmers, causing floods and diseases.’’

    ‘‘Hot foods and liquids actually start a partial breakdown of the Styrofoam, causing some toxins to be absorbed into our bloodstream and tissue.

    ‘‘Polystyrene food containers leach the toxin Styrene when they come into contact with hot food or drink, alcohol, oils and acidic foods causing human contamination and pose a health risk to people.’’

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    He advised that people should avoid drinking tea with lemon, coffee with dairy cream, fruit juices, alcoholic beverages and wine from Styrofoam cups.

    ‘‘Millions of aquatic lives died as a result of increasing dumping of polystryrene bags into the oceans and small streams.

    ‘‘It (polystryrene bag) pollute the environment and this is a big threat to the existence of human beings,’’ he stressed.

    Mohammed said that burning polystryrene bags also contribute to pollution of the environment through constant release of carbon monoxide, which is dangerous for respiration in humans.

    ‘‘Government must encourage recycling companies in bringing new innovative ways of recycling take away packs so as to save the community against burning it,’’ he said.

    He urged environmental NGOs, CSOs and other stakeholders to join hands in raising more awareness on how to mitigate the effects of these hazards on humans and animals.

  • Hospital conducts free surgeries on 200 VVF patients in Sokoto

    Dr Bello Lawal, the Chief Medical Director, Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto, says the hospital offered free specialized surgeries to 200 Vestico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) patients from January till date.

    Lawal said on Thursday in Sokoto, that 227 VVF patients were treated, out of which, 200 underwent t surgeries.

    According to Lawal, “prolonged labour during child birth remained the source of VVF and not early marriage as being misconstrued by many people.”

    He said in spite of efforts by governments, donor agencies and organisations on treatment of VVF patients, a high percentage of patients remained untreated.

    He said the hospital, which had served as VVF centre for the past 21 years, offered routine fistula surgeries weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

    Lawal said after treatment, patients were referred to the skill empowerment training centre, also within the hospital, to learn a vocation before integrating into their respective communities.

    Read Also: NGO solicits improved awareness on women’s health

    He said that the Sokoto State Government ensured disbursement of monthly financial subvention to the hospital, which enabled the hospital to  sustain the programmes.

    The chief medical director added that the state government also upgraded the theater, “making it among the few best fistula theaters in the country.’’

    He said that discussion was in progress with University Hospital London to use the center as world fistula and related training center.

    He expressed optimism that by the end of the year, the Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) would be signed.

    Lawal commended an NGO, Extended Hands Foundation for sponsoring the treatment of 25 VVF patients in the hospital, adding that the organisation  promised to assist more patients.

    NAN

  • NGO solicits improved awareness on women’s health

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Virtuous Women Tuesday Fellowship (VMTF), has called for improved awareness on women’s health, to alleviate their suffering.

    Its National Coordinator, Mrs. Nancy Ogboi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Apapa, Lagos that there was not enough awareness and advocacy on women’s health.

    She said most of them suffered in silence.

    “There is need for us to be more deliberate on health issues around women and the need to be proactive about having a healthy nation by making sure our women are well taken care of.

    “The health of women cannot be overemphasised, as they are the engine room of the family and their health is a determinant on the health of the nation.

    “We need healthy people who will take care of our family; and that is our women. We demand greater attention to the advocacy on women’s health.

    “The reason for improved advocacy is simple, early detection of diseases saves cost and allows people to follow up on their health issues,” Ogboi said.

    The Assistant Coordinator, Mrs. Folashade Alli, urged the populace to do away with the myth that they would not spend their hard earned money on health care.

    She said: “We need to tell our people more on the need for early detection of diseases and ailments.

    “The news should be spread because people are having wrong notion about health check-ups.

    “The myth that we will not spend our hard earned money on health issues is wrong. We need to be having regular check-ups to determine the state of our health.

    “I think the major problem is poverty, which we seek to address. The poverty level in Nigeria is so alarming that many people resort to self-medication.

    “Every home now has a doctor to itself, but this is not working.

    “Check-up is necessary. Because poverty is striking people in the face does not mean we should fail to take care.”

  • NGO trains members

    A  n on-governmental organisation, Christ for the Defence of Human/Community Rights and Development Initative (CFDHR), has trained its members on how to access loans and grants for agribusiness.

    The programme was held at Christ Apostic Church, Oke Iyanu, Alakuko, Lagos.

    Speaking on the theme: “An Interactive section on how to Spend our Financial Grant on Agricultural being sponsor by Bethany Human Development Center,” the chairman Christ for the Defence Model Micro Finance Bank, Alagbado Lagos, Prophet Oladele Omoniyi, said: “This meeting will serve and catalyst to the complementary roles and relevant NGO in fulfilling her grant.”

    Omoniyi went on: ‘’The grant has two windows of financial assistance components, namely: grants and loans; successful participants can access either one or both depending on need and fulfillment of requirements.” The grant is one off, but the loan is  revolving.

    Omoniyi added that the selection processes would be by registration and submission of an application form by intending beneficiaries and those short listed would be invited for written and oral tests.

    Omoniyi enjoined participants to be good ambassadors of the NGO.

  • NGO trains 4,053 women in vocations

    A non-government organisation (NGO), the Centre for Research, Information Management and Media Development (CRIMMD), says it has trained 4,053 women in vocations through skill acquisition, within two years.

    The Managing Director, Dr. Raphael James, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos that women were the focal point of the NGO’s empowerment “because I believe empowering a woman means empowering the nation.”

    He said the women were trained in vocations such as fashion designing, beading, Ankara craft, catering, make-up and music without financial commitment.

    “CRIMMD has been in existence for over 14 years. As a non-political, non-government, non-profit making but standard research developmental institution, we serve the public in the unique capacity of being, at once, the intellectual incubator, think tank, health farm and information bank.

    “As an intellectual developmental institution, CRIMMD reaches out to the public through participation in seminars, workshops, publications, conferences, excursions, humanitarian services, courtesy visits and awards presentation to deserving Nigerians.

    “We started the skill acquisition arm of the centre in 2016 for women because we want to ensure women and the girl-child are financially independent and self-reliant.

    “We believe this will help guard against every form of maltreatment they can be exposed to.

    “Since inception of the centre in 2016, we have trained 4,053 women, and we hope to still train as many people as will indicate interest,” the CRIMMD boss said.

    He said it had engaged resource professionals to get the women equipped and ensure that its objectives were actualised, adding that the training was free for participants.

    James urged women to acquire skills and stop complaining about joblessness, saying their lives will be better when they become creative and hardworking.

    According to him, more skills will be added to those being taught currently, encouraging more women to enrol on the skill acquisition class.