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Tag: Xmas

  • UK-based foundation fetes orphans, widows during Xmas holidays 

    UK-based foundation fetes orphans, widows during Xmas holidays 

    A United Kingdom (UK) based organization, Moses Andishu Obudu Initiative, has disbursed food and domestic items worth over 10 million  to widows and orphans within communities in Nigeria.

    The CEO of the initiative ,  Moses Ted iAndishu, disclosed that the gesture was carried out to commemorate the  spirit of Christmas and New Year festivities.

    He added that the disbursement of the items was targeted at easing the pains of the vulnerable  populace.

    According to him,  the poor of the poorest form the core of the major beneficiaries of the exercise adding that the foundation  which was created in 2020 has its vision and  mission to  empower indigent persons and pursue the alleviation  of poverty amongst the vulnerable groups.

    In a statement issued at the close of the Christmas and New Year festivities, Andishu, said hundreds of beneficiaries drawn from  all parts of the country, were handed food items and cash support.

    Our correspondent  reports that , items  were distributed to less privileged people including widows, orphans and  aged persons, whose  all   benefited from the exercise.

    Speaking further on the Obudu Initiative, the CEO of Freivan Support Services Limited, said the  foundation  has come to stay:“In 2020, when he visited  home, Obudu Local Government area of Cross Rivers State, Andishu met different challenges faced by his people and was moved to start the Moses Andishu Obudu Initiative, a non-profit platform that empowers people.

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     “So far, the Moses Andishu Obudu Initiative, has supported several people with motorcycles for local transportation, sewing machines for tailoring businesses, and soft skill development for leadership. This Initiative has also provided many widows with food items particularly during festive periods. 

     “He has also tutored and mentored skilled individuals in the UK, supported schools, paid hospital bills, empowered the youth, and over-all, alleviated poverty. It’s in this fit that he was recognized with a major street (Moses Andishu Street) named after him in Kaduna state (his town of birth),” he added.

    Beneficiaries of the Christmas and New Year gifts  that are spread across all regions of the country, showered prayers  and encomiums on Andishu.

  • LAKE Rice available for Xmas, says govt

    LAKE Rice is available in approved designated sales centres, outlets and shops, Agriculture Commissioner Mr. Oluwatoyin Suarau has said.

    He urged residents, at the weekend, to visit any of the approved outlets to buy the product, as there is enough to go round, especially during the Yuletide.

    The product is at Agricultural Development Authority (ADA) Oko Oba, Agege, Lagos Television (LTV) Complex, Agidingbi-Ikeja and other designated centres.

    “The ultimate goal of the government on production and marketing of LAKE Rice is to stop importation of rice and ensure that only locally produced rice is consumed by residents,” Suarau said.

    The government, he said, was determined to ensure availablity of the product, to ensure food sufficiency.

    “The government will ensure continuous availability of the product at these centres and designated major markets, shopping malls and supermarkets that are in partnership with it,” he said.

    “Our LAKE Rice is of good quality. The major difference between LAKE Rice and imported rice is that the imported one has a minimum of five to six years storage life span, but LAKE Rice is fresh and wholesome,” he said.

  • Physically challenged give at Xmas

    The physically-challenged under the aegis of Movement for Disability Rights, have distributed Christmas and New Year gifts to residents of Oyingbo and Ebute Metta in Lagos Mainland.

    They gave out rice, groundnut oil, semovita and provisions at the weekend.

    Their Coordinator, Comrade Kehinde Oshilaja, urged them to see themselves as givers and not beggars.

    He said: “We are concerned about the welfare of our neighbours despite the challenges we are facing. This is why we are distributing Yuletide gifts to the residents of Ebute-Meta and its environs.”

    The Chief Imam of Agoro Court, Oyingbo, Alhaji Sheu Tijani, urged politicians to emulate members of the group by showing concern for others.

    “Our politicians should copy what members of Movement for Disability Rights are doing in our midst by catering for the welfare of Nigerians. They should emulate their generosity,” he added.

    The Baale of Oko-Baba Agoro Court, Chief Musibau Amole, enjoined politicians to promote peace just as members of the group, to ensure successful elections in 2019.

    “They should make peace their watchword, especially now that we are approaching election period. A peaceful environment will ensure free and fair elections,” he said.

  • Xmas shopping: Edo residents shower encomiums on Obaseki over discount food

    As the curtain closes on the maiden Edo Agric and Food Market initiative by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in Edo State, customers who thronged the market have applauded the initiative, thanking the government for the novel idea.

    The Edo Agric and Food Market is an initiative of the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties.

    The Fair provided a platform for farmers from the 18 local governments in the state to haul their harvest to the city center to sell at discounted prices during the festive season. The Fair held from December 10 to 20, at the Imaguero College Hall, in Benin City, the state capital.

    A cross-section of customers expressed satisfaction with the Fair and called for a continuation of the initiative, commending the government for bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.

    Mr. Eghosa Solomon, who resides in Benin City, said that the Food and Agric Market is a novel way to mop up harvest in the Festive season and give farmers an opportunity to sell off their produce in a short while.

    According to him, “This is the first time I am witnessing this in Edo State. The Governor Godwin Obaseki- led government has shown to be very innovative. I commend them for bringing the discount market close to the people in the city and for the fact that they kept to the promise that there would be some discounts on the items. I understand this was because they defrayed the transport cost for the farmers to bring their produce here, from the 18 local government areas in the state.

    Mr. Ihinose Anderson, a farmer, applauded the state government for the initiative, noting that a lot of farmers would have run at a loss if they were not exposed to the opportunity of selling off their produce at a discount, directly to consumers.

    He said he would appreciate if the fair lasts a whole month next year to enable farmers make more money.

    “This bodes really well for us farmers in the state. It is a welcome development. At least now, we are certain that every Christmas we have a steady market to sell off our produce. This will encourage us to plant more come next year.”

    Mr. Agbonghae Blessing, who was elated at the initiative, said that the state government deserved commendation for easing the burden of shopping in the Yuletide season.

    According to him. “I got a lot of the things from this market at good prices. It is an initiative that should be encouraged. We thank the state government’s foresight on this particular project.”

  • XMAS: Only humility, love, selflessness can stop violence says governor’s wife

    Pray for peaceful elections, WIFE of the Lagos State Governor Mrs. Bolanle Ambode yesterday urged Nigerians to imbibe the teachings of humility, love, selflessness and fairness, saying that it is only in practicing them that violence can give way for unity and love to reign supreme among all people.

    Speaking at the 2018 Christmas Carol Service at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, Mrs. Ambode said that despite Jesus awesome glory, He came into the world with disarming humility, reflected in His carriage, interaction and all that He did, saying that if people could do same, the world would be a better place.

    She said: “Dear brethren, imagine what the world would be if everyone had the qualities of Jesus Christ. It would be a world without hate and violence, where love reigns supreme, ensuring joy, peace and complete harmony, among all people and all nations.

    “Of course we cannot be Jesus Christ, but we can imbibe His teachings and strive hard to emulate His qualities of humility, love for all, fairness, selflessness and consideration for fellow humans, among others.

    “If we succeed in doing these, we would do less of preaching to bring non-believers to the vineyard, as our lives would be perfect examples and model that would convince the multitude to come to God. This way, we would have a world where love and Godliness reign supreme.”

    Making reference to the theme of the Carol Service: “The Light of the World”, the governor’s wife said the event was put together to appreciate the magnitude of undeserved suffering that Jesus went through for mankind and express same with solemn songs of praise.

  • Ambode vows to contain ‘bad guys’ at Xmas

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday promised to contain the “bad guys” to ensure a peaceful and pleasurable Yuletide.

    Speaking at the 12th Annual Town Hall meeting of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) at the Civic Centre on Victoria Island, he said he would set up a special task force to check crimes.

    He said: “We must think of how to outsmart the bad guys during the Yuletide, because they may already be strategising for crimes during the season.”

    Ambode added: “From now till the next six months, which cover the Yuletide, campaign and election period, we must make sure Lagos is safe. Once the state is safe, we can increase our gross domestic product (GDP).”

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    He hailed the LSSTF Board of Trustees and security agencies for making Lagos the safest city in Africa. The governor thanked corporate organisations and individuals for donating to LSSTF.

    He hailed the Neighbourhood Safety Corps for securing the nooks and crannies of the metropolis.

    LSSTF Chairman Oye Hassan-Odukale praised Ambode for his commitment to the protection of lives and property.

    LSSTF Executive Secretary/CEO Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, said the fund had done a lot in securing lives and property.

  • Ahmed calls for prayers at Xmas

    Ahmed calls for prayers at Xmas

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has congratulated Christians in the state at Christmas and urged Nigerians to pray for a more speedy and sustainable economic recovery.

    In a message by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, the governor noted that the occasion calls for sober reflection on individual contribution towards growth and development of the country, saying Christians should use the period to pray for the country’s leadership.

    He urged Nigerians to pray for peace and harmony.

  • CP to Nigerians: Don’t accept wrapped gifts during Xmas

    CP to Nigerians: Don’t accept wrapped gifts during Xmas

    The Commissioner of Police in Niger State, Mr. Dibal Yakadi, on Saturday advised Nigerians against accepting wrapped gifts from strangers during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

    Yakadi, who gave the advice in Minna, said such gifts could turn out to be parcel bombs and be dangerous if opened.

    He also urged the people to be security conscious, especially while attending public functions during and after festivities.

    The police commissioner said the command had already taken proactive security measures to deal with threats to peace before, during and after the yuletide.

    ‘‘We will continue to utilise the avenues of intelligence-led policing, community, visibility policing as well as constant intelligence-led raid on criminal hideouts,’’ he said.

    He urged residents to provide useful information on suspicious movements of people, saying this would assist security officials to apprehend criminals at the planning stages of their activities.

    “We are battle ready to deal with any form of security threats to enable people celebrate the festivities in a peaceful atmosphere,’’ Yakadi added.

    NAN

     

  • Xmas: Police urge Ogun residents to report strange gatherings

    Xmas: Police urge Ogun residents to report strange gatherings

    The Ogun State Police Command has advised the public to report any strange gathering in their neighbourhoods and locations to the police during the yuletide.

    The command’s spokesman, Mr. Bimbola Oyeyemi, made the call in Ota, Ogun State, on Wednesday.

    Oyeyemi noted that the festive period called for vigilance and awareness in order to guard against the breach of the security.

    According to the spokesman, it is through the information made available to law enforcement agents that necessary actions will be taken to address problems that may arise.

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    He said: “The general public needs to be cautious of their security because security is everyone’s business.

    “The polic e cannot be everywhere at the same time.

    “So people need to inform us about any strange thing so that we can take drastic steps.”

    NAN

  • Xmax: FRSC deploys 36,000 marshals nationwide

    Xmax: FRSC deploys 36,000 marshals nationwide

    Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 36,000 regular and special marshals nationwide for the end of year special patrols operation.

    Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi ordered for the deployment Tuesday.

    Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem, stated that 795 patrol cars, 204 motorcycles, 106 ambulances and 21 tow trucks will also be deployed for the exercise.

    Code-named Operation Zero Tolerance with the theme, “Right to Life on the Highway, Not Negotiable’’, the exercise kicks off on Wednesday and will run until Jan. 15.

    Kazeem said the operations were targeting free flow of traffic, drastic reduction in accidents, and prevention of accident-related deaths across the country, among others, during the period.

    He identified the operational strategies to include establishment of 13 Help Areas and nine camps on accident-prone corridors to cater for accident victims.

    His words, “Other strategies are quick response time to distress calls, 24-hour visibility along critical corridors, uninterrupted motorised patrol, day-time route lining, traffic control and deployment of 201 mobile courts.

    “The Corps would also activate high alert on internal and external medical facilities to intervene in case of crashes, undertake aerial surveillance and purposeful synergy with other security agencies.”

    According to him, the FRSC boss has also ordered strict enforcement of traffic laws with focus on speeding, dangerous driving, use of phone while driving, overloading, passenger manifest violations, among others.

    “Management staff, Zonal Commanding Officers, Zonal Heads of Operations and other senior officers of the Corps have been massively deployed to monitor the exercise along critical corridors.

    “Commanding Officers have been directed to closely collaborate with sister security agencies to ensure safe and secured end-of-year patrol operations.

    “Their involvement is to provide security support and to check the activities of recalcitrant offenders, dissidents and other anti-FRSC elements,’’ the spokesman said.

    Kazeem added that a Special Monitoring Team would be deployed to keep an eye on all corridors and ensure strict compliance to the Corps Marshal’s directives.

    The special monitoring, he explained, would provide first-hand information to the FRSC boss on happenings in the field as it relates to the operations.

    While reiterating the FRSC’s appeal for cooperation by the motoring public, Kazeem urged road users to make use of the Corps’ helpline (122) in the event of accidents and other emergencies.