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Tag: Nigeria News

  • Bagudu inaugurates 5-year advocacy forum on child survival

    Bagudu inaugurates 5-year advocacy forum on child survival

    Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, on Thursday inaugurated the state Advocacy and Community Engagement Forum to raise the level of enrolment of children in school over the next five years.

    The forum would develop a five-year plan covering 2018-2022, for use by UNICEF and the government to address issues of school enrolment, child health and survival.

    The plan is expected to upscale access to routine immunization, antenatal care, exclusive breast feeding, net school enrolment, hygiene and provision of safe drinking water, among others, in the state.

    Bagudu said the forum should work closely with traditional and religious leaders across the state to mobilise residents against practices that result in cholera outbreaks and other preventable diseases.

    “I want UNICEF to value our local practices; in all our villages and communities, you will find Muslims and Christians going about their lives according to their religious teachings and providing education to their people in their own ways.

    “Even if they are doing it wrongly, you should work with them so as to succeed in the advocacy and achieve the aim by the specific period,” he said.

    He commended UNICEF for its successful interventions in the state, and advised all stakeholders to work together in addressing the challenges.

    Earlier, UNICEF Chief, Sokoto Field Office, Muhammad Muhiuddin, said handbooks had been developed with inputs from Muslims and Christian clerics as well as experts addressing various issues from the religious perspective.

    He said the handbooks cover such areas as nutrition, hand washing, sanitation and hygiene, education and child protection.

    “Verses from the Qur’an and Hadith and the Bible related to maternal and child survival, development and protection are carefully selected and compiled, providing the spiritual basis for promoting the big impact interventions,” he said.

    According to him, community and religious leaders will lead the campaign of providing new opportunities to ensure that children in the state get the best options in life for their survival, development and growth to full potentials.

    NAN

  • Group urge youths and teens to stand out

    Group urge youths and teens to stand out

    A non-governmental organisation, The Sought out Generation Foundation has challenged youths and teens to stand out.

    The foundation’s empowerment seminar last Saturday at the Lespoir School, Ojokoro, Lagos,  focused on the theme: “How to use your career to influence your generation”.

    Its founder, Miss Afolabi Boboye, said its mission was to educate teenagers and youths about things they were unaware of.

    “If you look around you successful people have stories to tell,” said Miss Boboye.

    The guest speakers shared their live experiences to motivate the participants not to give up on life.

    One of them, Dr Martins Adeyemi, who holds a PhD in Mathematics and Statistics, urged the young ones to draw closer to God.

    “In order to use your career to influence your generation, you must improve your relationship with God”, he said, adding that their future would be determined by what they do now.

    He also made reference to exploration and experience.

    Mr Kayode Alao, Actor and movie producer, Kingdom Vision Media Network, in his speech spoke about being organised.

    “If what you do is something you cannot put organisation in then you cannot impact in your society. What you do must be legitimate. And also you must develop a mindset of helping others”.

    The youths and teens were told not to underrate themselves and be determined never to give up.

    Mrs Funmilola Adegboye, Career Guardiance Counselor, also advised them to identity their professionalism in order to make impact with what they do.

    The empowerment seminar ended with Mr Moses Emorinken ( a motivational speaker and entrepreneur) giving his powerful speech that literally set everyone on the journey to taking massive action. The journalist counseled the youths to know their value in life.

  • Varsity celebrates with prisoners as Oyedepo clocks 63

    Varsity celebrates with prisoners as Oyedepo clocks 63

    The Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara, on Thursday donated food items and drugs to inmates of  Omu-Aran Medium Prison to celebrate 63 years’ birthday of the institution’s  Chancellor, Bishop David Oyedepo.

    Oyedepo, born on Sept. 27, 1954, is the Founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel.

    Pastor Abiodun Okunola said at the occasion that the donation was in line with the corporate social responsibility of the university.

    He noted that the items were carefully selected to improve the inmates’ welfare.

    The pastor praised the management of the prison for efficient use of welding equipment earlier donated to it by the institution.

    The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adeniyi Olayanju, said that university would pursue policies and programmes that would add value to the overall wellbeing of the community.

    Olayanju, represented by Dr Agaptus Nworzor, the university’s Dean of College of Business and Social Sciences, urged the inmates not to lose hope.

    “God has used Dr. David Oyedepo, the Chancellor of Landmark University, to touch many lives; that is why we came here today to celebrate his birthday with you.

    “God can turn any situation around; yours will not be an exception,” he said.

    Receiving the gifts, Mr Tolomoleke Ezekiel, a Superintendent of Prison, thanked the university for the donation.

    He promised that the gifts would be well used.

    That the university also made a similar donation to the Oke-Igbala Leprosarium also in Omu-Aran.

    Dr Adegoke Oluwajoba, Medical Officer, Oke-Igbala Leprosarium, expressed gratitude to the institution for the gesture, and promised that the gifts would be well used.

    Other activities carried out by Landmark University to celebrate the anniversary included inauguration of a 3.5KVA solar power inverter for electrification of a section of the university’s medical centre.

    NAN

  • Edo plans alternative sources to power street lights

    Edo plans alternative sources to power street lights

    Edo state Government says it plans to use many sources of energy to power street lights in the state.

    Mr Cruse Osagie, the Special Adviser to the state Governor on Communication and Strategy, disclosed this in an interview with a reporter.

    He said that this would ensure that the streets were well lit all the night.

    Osagie said the current sources of keeping the streets illuminated at night were no longer sustainable, stressing that the epileptic public power supply was not helping the matter.

    Edo State depends on the public power supply and electricity generating sets to power the street lights.

    Osagie said the government would maximize the use of resources at Azure power plant, Siemens and Osiomon power plants to boost power supply in the state.

    Osage said these plants would power critical public assets in the state, including street lights, and help to keep the streets lit for longer hours at night.

    A top government official, who pleaded anonymity, said that the state had entered into a partnership with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company ( BEDC ) to help power the street lights.

    The source also said that there was another plan to outsource the street lights to private firms for efficiency.

    “Yes, this has been concluded.

    “The firm will be responsible for the maintenance of the street lights such as changing the dead bulbs and ensuring the they are all in perfect working condition all the time.”

    The source said most of the street lights were provided by the state government with council areas and Niger Delta Development Company ( NDDC ) providing some.

    He said Benin metropolis, Ekpoma, Uromi and Auchi were the major towns where the state government was providing street lights.

    An official of the BEDC confirmed the company’s partnership with the state government on the street light project.

    Mr Fidelis Obishai, an official of BEDC, said the partnership was effective in places like Airport Road, Akpakpava and Sapele Road in Benin City.

    “We have connected these areas to the double circuit lines to ensure that they remain lit for 24 hours.

    “We did all this at no cost to the government.

    “We are hoping this partnership will help improve life for the commoners as well as for better governance,” he said.

    NAN

  • I am here to stay (Get Motivated!)

    I am here to stay (Get Motivated!)

    I am here to stay.

    Life is more than merely existing; it is about LIVING for something and probably DYING for what you believe in.

    It goes beyond the threshold of breathing; it is about breathing value and life into everything, person or group that comes in contact with you.

    A lot of people never get to manifest their greatness so much so that when they leave this earth nobody ever know they left not to talk of missing them because their level of contribution and consciousness is so small. Of a truth, we can all do great things only if we dare or attempt it.

    When you close your eyes, where or what do you see? Do you see yourself consciously walking and working in the direction of your dreams or are you merely shadowing in the pedestrian and predictable steps of others, that is, your employers, bosses, parents etc.

    We all have our ‘inner demons’.

    Our inner demons most of the time looks exactly like us especially when we look into the mirror. They exist in several forms and expressions like procrastination, laziness, excuses, negligence etc.

    As children, we had great and amazing dreams and aspirations. We did not have the tinniest modicum of doubt in our ability to live our dreams. As far as we were concerned, the world was under our feet and was ours to be taken.

    However, as we grew, we began to easily fit into the conditioning of our environment.

    We have been told that our dreams are too big and our connections and finances are too small.

    If you had to evaluate your life and the results you have produced, would you score an A, B, C, D, E or an outright ‘F’…just saying!

    We should set targets and not settle for less until we get what we want; until things work in the direction of our expectations.

    Learn to bargain with life for exactly what you want and be ready to PAY THE PRICE once you have set the terms and wages from life.

    There is a quote by Tony Gaskins that says “know who you are, know what you want, know what you deserve and don’t settle for less”.

    Say to yourself…My inner demon is ******* and I am ready to fight it because “I AM HERE STAY”.

  • No need for too much talk – Mikel Obi

    No need for too much talk – Mikel Obi

     Super Eagles’ captain Mikel Obi said on Wednesday that the Nigerian national team players have no need to say too much before Saturday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo.

    The second leg game of Group B between Nigeria and Zambia for the 2018 World Cup qualifier is scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

    The outcome of the match would determine the chances of both teams towards qualification for the world cup in Russia.

    Obi, said in Uyo at a reception held for the team by Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, that the players know what is at stake and ready to give their best.

    “We know how important the match is; that is enough motivation to go all out and give our very best.

    “There are several players in this team who have not played at the FIFA World Cup, they want to be there in Russia next year.

    “The talking will be done on the pitch. I have no doubt we have the quality to achieve victory, but we will not make the mistake of under rating the Zambians,’’ he said.

    Obi said that the team’s good performance in previous matches was achieved due to the focus, determination and massive support of all Nigerians.

    “We believe the same indices are in place for Saturday against Zambia; we have played four matches in the campaign so far, but this one is the match.

    “We are fully focused and ready. All we want is the usual support and encouragement by everyone involved, including the fans that will turn out at the match venue,’’ he said.

    Nigeria top Group B with 10 points from three wins and one draw.

    Table-toppers Nigeria will qualify for a sixth FIFA World Cup appearance with the minimum victory on Saturday.

    The match kicks off at 5pm.

    Meanwhile, a statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF Communication Director, President of the federation, President of NFF, Amaju Pinnick, has tasked the Super Eagles to be calm but clinical against their opponent.

    “The tendency is for teams to get uptight and tensed for this kind of match.

    “I have spoken to them and the approach should be to take full control from the beginning and take the chances that come without being too anxious.

    “We defeated the African champions, Cameroon, by maintaining focus and with the team imposing its game and taking the chances that came their way.

    “That should be the approach for Saturday.”

    Zambia last victory against Nigeria in a competitive football match at senior level was 32 years ago.

    The two teams have played 18 matches in all, with the Eagles winning seven and Zambia winning five, with six draws.

    This is only the second FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the two teams.

    The first leg of the 2018 world cup qualifiers was won by the Eagles 2-1 in Ndola last year.

    NAN

  • Katsina invests over N7.5 bn on roads construction

    Katsina invests over N7.5 bn on roads construction

    The Katsina State Government on Thursday said that it has invested over N7.5 billion on the construction of 200 kilometers of roads across the state.

    Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina disclosed this in Daura during an inspection of completed road projects in Daura senatorial zone of the state.

    He said that the roads construction was ongoing in all the three senatorial zones of the state to assist rural dwellers to transport their farm produce to markets.

    The governor revealed that works had been completed on the Fago, Sandamu, Baure, Zango and Babban Mutum road projects, adding that the 75 kilometres roads were done at the cost of N2.9 billion.

    “The immediate past administration in Katsina state paid 30 per cent of the N2.9bn for the project while the current APC government paid for 70 per cent of the total amount.

    “The government also awarded the 35Km Dandume—Kadisau—Daudawa—Sheme Road Project which has been completed at the cost of N1.5 billion.

    “The government awarded the 3.3 km Nagogo Road dualisation project and the 90km Tsanni—Tsauri road project at the cost of N3 billion and both have been completed.

    “Other road projects by this administration are the N1.5 billion 24kms Mararaba – Sayaya—Sayaya—Mazoji—Tasha roads, Eka—Kadandani—Kuraye—Yargamji road and the construction of Dutsin-ma—Tsaskiya—Babban Duhu—Kukar Samu road.

    “Also the construction of Gora—Makaurachi—Gamzago-Mallamawa Road and construction of Sukuntumi to Babban-Kogo road in Katsina Senatorial Zone.” he said

    The governor said that the massive investment on roads was in fulfillment of campaign promises to the people to improve their living condition.

    Earlier, a representative of the contractor handling the projects, Mr John Brown commended the governor for prompt releases of funds for the completion of the projects.

    Brown said that the governor had kept his promise of providing the necessary assistance in getting the job done.

    NAN

  • Price of rice to fall despite World food prices increase

    Price of rice to fall despite World food prices increase

    World food prices rose slightly in September from the month before, buoyed by higher valuations in the vegetable oil and dairy sectors, the UN agency said on Thursday.

    The price index released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar, averaged 178.4 points in September, up 0.8 percent from August.

    Prices on international markets were 4.3 percent higher than their values last September.

    FAO raised its forecast for global cereals output in the 2017-18 season to 2.612 billion tonnes, slightly above last year’s record harvest.

    The agency also raised its forecast for global wheat production to 750.1 million tonnes.

    NAN

  • Fadama III: World Bank earmarks $50m in North-East

    Fadama III: World Bank earmarks $50m in North-East

    The World Bank says it has earmarked 50 million dollars to fast track the implementation of Fadama III, Lead Economist Tunji Oredipe has disclosed.

    Oredipe made this known during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the bank, Fadama III and Borno Government on Thursday in Maiduguri.

    Oredipe said that the funds were provided to support Fadama programmes, enhance food assistance, provide livelihoods and facilitate the rehabilitation of infrastructure in communities ravaged by the insurgents.

    He said that 27 local government areas selected from Adamawa, Borno, Gombe and Yobe were expected to participate in the programme.

    Oredipe added that Maiduguri and Jere Local Government areas were selected as pilot areas of the projects in Borno.

    He explained that about 192,000 people were expected to benefit from the programme in the participating states.

    “The aim is to increase crop production, provide skills training, income generating activities and build resilience.

    “The programme will also provide cash support to encourage food security and nutrition.”

    According to him, the bank is working in collaboration with World Food Programme (WFP) and International Community of Red Crescent to address food and humanitarian crisis in the region.

    Gov. Kashim Shettima commended the gesture, noting that it would go a long way to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.

    Shettima said that about 7,500 households would participate in the pilot project in Maiduguri and Jere Local Government areas.

    The governor, who noted that the programme would assist in reducing poverty, hunger and diseases, also commended the WFP, World Bank and other organisations for their humanitarian interventions in the state.

    NAN

  • Court docks man for dangerous driving

    Court docks man for dangerous driving

    The police on Thursday arraigned a 30-year-old driver, Daniel Onuh in a Karmo Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, over dangerous driving.

    Onuh, who resides at Daki-Biyu, Abuja, is facing two-count charge.

    The prosecutor, Florence Avhioboh, told the court that the defendant allegedly drove a Toyota Camry car in a dangerous manner along Obafemi Awolowo Express Way Abuja on Sept. 10.

    Avhioboh said Onuh drove from speed lane to service lane and run into Joshua Abotal of University of Abuja and damaged his car and it would cost N300,000 to fix it.

    The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 18 and 29 and of the Road Traffic Act.

    However, the defendant denied committing the offences and the judge, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 and a surety in like sum.

    Sadiq ordered that the defendant’s car be kept in police station.

    He said the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and must present utility bill carrying his name as he adjourned the case until Oct. 30 for further hearing.

    NAN