Day: June 15, 2024

Some stakeholders have called for improvement in the nation's electioneering processes to ensure credible, free and fair elections in 2027. They stated this on Thursday at a town hall meeting m in Ibadan to review the 2023 general elections in Nigeria. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SOS Children's Village Nigeria organised the meeting with community stakeholders in Akiny?le and Ibadan North Local Government Areas. The Assistant Secretary, Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Musa Akinsawe, emphasised the need to increase access for persons with disabilities and involve them in planning during electioneering processes. He also stressed constant reorientation for electoral officers and continuous voter education. 'Part of what we are clamouring for is accessibility to electoral venues and convenience in voting. 'Elections for people living with disabilities must be easily accessible; the ballot box must be where PWDs can vote without being assisted by anyone,'' Akinsawe said. Also, the Assistant Secretary, National Council for Women Societies, Chief Isimiola Olowoyo, identified the need for increased community engagement to restore eroded cultural values. Olowoyo said such engagements came up toward the 2023 general elections and that her association would sustain them. She said this would ensure that the right values were imbibed to translate later to good governance in Nigeria. According to her, lapses recorded in the last elections, such as inadequate security personnel, should be worked on. 'They should empower more security officers so that there will be no violence and there were places where electoral materials were not available on time; this should be worked on,' Olowoyo said. Representatives of religious bodies and traditional rulers from the two local government areas called for continuous voter registration and increased awareness from the basic education level. The Programme Officer, SOS Children's Village Nigeria, Grace Sambo, said communities should lea rn from past elections and choose their representatives based on competency. Sambo said ethnicity, tribalism and religion should not be the criteria to elect leaders, adding that sentiments must be thrown away. Calling for social reengineering, Sambo identified the benefits of peaceful elections and existence to include family stability which would impact children positively. Also, the state Coordinator, SOS Children's Village Nigeria, Mr Gabriel Adajie, urged participants to rejuvenate cultural norms that promote value systems in communities. According to him, poverty and other factors have been weaponised to divide Nigerians, hence the need to change the narrative come 2027. He noted that the electorates were, in a way, encouraging the political class to continue with the norm in the country. 'For us to change what is on the ground, we have to make sacrifices. We need to endure hunger so as not to continue to make the same mistakes,' Adajie said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), has warned of an imminent flood disaster in Jahi and Gishiri Districts, Abuja, due to building on waterways. The acting Director- General (D-G) of FEMD, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, gave the warning in Abuja on Friday, after a risk assessment exercise in the areas by the department. Wenegieme said that the assessment has revealed that residents have built houses on waterways and flood plains, while drainages were blocked in Jahi and Gishiri. This, according to her, can lead to flooding, which she described as a disaster waiting to happen. Wenegieme said, 'Most of the waterways have been obstructed. Residents have built houses on water ways; they have encroached the streams; they have encroached into rivers. 'As you can see, the natural water course has been blocked, even the green areas have been overtaken by illegal buildings.' She explained that the risk assessment exercise was to enable FEMD to develop strategic mitigating measures agai nst flooding and other disasters and effectively respond to emergencies. She said that FEMD would write to the Department of Development Control to visit the areas to ensure all developments in the areas were authorised and in conformity with the Abuja Master Plan. The acting D-G called on FCT residents to desist from building on waterways and sought the cooperation of the residents in the protection of lives and properties following increased volume of rainfall. In a related development, FEMD has trained 50 staff and volunteers on disaster response in line with global best practices. Wenegieme said that the simulation training, which began on Thursday, was tagged, 'Disaster Response Simulation Exercise.' She said that the training focused on water safety, water rescue, building collapse, and fire outbreaks. She said that the simulation exercise was organised to enhance the capacity of the staff and volunteers. 'This simulation exercise and drills are to build our capacity in terms of rescue operations of any kind while paramedics were trained on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation'. 'The training exercise is aimed at equipping the staff and volunteers of the department with the needed skills and expertise to help them discharge their duties in line with global best practices,' she said. She explained that the volunteer local divers were selected from the six area councils of the FCT. This, she said, would better equip them with modern and improved methods of rescue operations. 'We have local divers from the six Area Councils, as such, we need to polish their swimming skills, teach them the modern way of carrying out rescue operations during flooding,' she said. Wenegieme thanked the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud for the unflinching support to FEMD. The Facilitator, Mr Joe Oduah, Chief Executive Officer, RCL Industrial Safety Centre, said that building the capacity of FEMD staff and volunteers would significantly improve disaster response and save lives and pr operties. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A University Don, Prof. Steve Iyayi has urged African leaders to prioritise the welfare of their citizens to avoid repeated military interventions as recently witnessed in the continent. Iyayi is a Professor of Public Administration and Dean of Social and Management Sciences, WellSpring University, Benin. He stated this while delivery the 2nd Inaugural Lecture of the WellSpring University, Benin, with the topic: 'Imperative of Human Centric Governance In Sustaining Democracy in Africa: AN Insight in Niger Republic'. Iyayi said that several decades after gaining independence, African countries were still grappling with problems of true democratic practice beyond its mere claim. According to him, indicators of democracy like the rule of law, free and fair elections and people's participation in state affairs are hardly present in most African countries, adding the relevant institutions that supported impactful governance were also weak, and failed to raise the people's standard of living. 'This has signifi cantly added to the explanations for the rather unending military interventions in most African democracies,' he said. On the average, he said, African ranked among the top regions of the world that had experienced military coups and overthrow of constitutionally elected governments. 'Out of 54 countries in African continent, 45 have had at least one coup attempt since 1950. The total number of coups by the year 2011 was 214, with 106 of the coups being successful. 'Since then, there have been additional seven coups, all successful thereby bringing the total to 221 coups,' he said. Prof. Steve Iyayi According to Iyayi, democratic governance remains generally unstable in African occasioned by mask of welfare for the people. He noted that the current situation in Niger Republic was a reflection of the happenings in other countries in the continent with minor variations where they exist at all. The don said that democratic governance had, therefore, not really addressed the needs of the society and the pe ople in African region. Iyayi stressed that the welfare of the people should be prioritised and necessary environment created for them to participate in the affairs of their country. He said that there was an urgent need to reduce the cost of governance in Africa because the costs were adversely affecting the welfare of the people, adding that, 'African leaders should evolve workable strategies to fight and reduce poverty in all forms to a tolerable level'. The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Ajayi commended Iyayi for the robust lecture which provided insight into Africa's problems and proffered solutions to them. Ajayi urged him not to relent in his research efforts and academic pursuit because the education sector would always need researchers like him. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Two NGOs, Civitas Auxillium Foundation (CAF) and BHAJ Helping Arm Foundation, on Friday, donated essential items to schools in Wassa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Abuja. The NGOs specifically distributed sanitary pads and hygiene kits to female students of Moving Star International School, Holy Trinity Academy, Welbired Academy and ECWA Zion Academy, all in Wassa IDPs Camp. Mrs Elizabeth Duile, the Chief Operating Officer of CAF, said that the idea was to create awareness on menstrual hygiene management, and to dispel some myths and beliefs surrounding menstruation among underprivileged children in the camp. She said 'we need to create more awareness and empower the children with the right knowledge about how to take care of themselves on days when they have their menstrual flow. 'Shockingly, while we were having the lecture, some of the girls said they use rags, tissue paper and other things that are not appropriate for menstrual protection. 'So, it is important that we create awareness by educating and empowering them with the right knowledge,' she said. Duile acknowledged the challenges of accessing menstrual pad for people in IDPs camps, urging government and other stakeholders to implement policies that would ensure provision of facilities and materials for their well-being. 'There is need to have toilets in the schools, especially for the girls to be able to have access to clean water and sanitary pads, and for them to freshen up without disrupting their learning. 'This is because we had cases of girls who do not come to school whenever they are on their period, as they rather stay at home because there's no toilet in school,' she said. Similarly, Dr Adejoke Ogundana, BHAJ Helping Arm Foundation, said the students were educated on menstrual hygiene management to reduce risk of infections during their menstrual cycle. 'We were able to educate them on proper menstrual management and ways to access hygiene products and breaking stigma. 'We did not limit it to just the girls; the boys we re also included so that they can support their sisters and friends, instead of embarrassing or stigmatising them. 'We delivered these messages also in their native languages to really impact knowledge into them and also help them to be responsible in their environments,' she said. Maryam Ibrahim, a junior student of the school, expressed appreciation to the NGOs for the support. 'I am so happy with this gifts, I always used rags during my menstrual period because my mother here in the IDP camp cannot afford to buy me sanitary pads,'she said. Similarly, Reuben Obadiah, another student said that he learnt lot on maintaining good hygiene, how to support girls when the need arose, and to fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV).' Speaking on behalf of the schools, Mrs Chidimma Obiegwue, a teacher in Moving Star International School, said that the gesture would reduce student challenges of accessing sanitary pads and absent from school during menstrual period. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, says efforts are in place to introduce Electronic Blood Management System for effective and efficient blood service delivery nationwide. He disclosed this at a press briefing in commemoration of the 2024 World Blood Donor Day with the theme '20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You, Blood Donors!', organised by the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC). The minister, who was represented by Chris Isokpunwu, Director, Health Planning, Research and Statistics, said that the idea was to ensure availability of safe blood and blood products in Nigeria. He said 'we are in the process of scaling up activities of the commission to all parts of the country, and introducing an Electronic Blood Management System to ensure effective and efficient blood service delivery.' He acknowledged the role of blood donors in saving lives, adding that 'the donation rate in Nigeria shows that over 80 per cent of blood collected are from family replace ment and commercial blood donors. 'Data on the donation rate in Nigeria shows that more than 80 per cent of blood collected are from families. 'Empirical evidence shows that the most reliable and safest source of blood comes from a stable base of regular, voluntary, unpaid blood donors, rather than from commercial sources. 'The World Health Assembly resolution WHA63.12 urges all member states to develop national blood systems based on voluntary unpaid donations and to work toward the goal of self-sufficiency.' The minister said that the use of blood and blood products had become an integral part of modern medical practice as access to safe blood and blood products was critical to achieving an effective health system. 'With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria's estimated blood need is about two million units per annum. 'Unfortunately, much less is currently donated, leading to avoidable deaths, morbidities, or ill health, particularly among our womenfolk, newborns, and victims of road traffic acci dents and insurgency. 'This situation can improve if only one per cent of our country's adult population commits itself to voluntary non-remunerated blood donation regularly,' he said. Also, Prof. Saleh Yuguda, the Director-General, NBSC, said 'blood donation plays a critical role in saving lives and strengthening the healthcare system in the country.' According to Yuguda, transfusion of blood and blood products help patients to live longer and with higher quality of life. 'Additionally, blood transfusion supports complex medical and surgical procedures, thus, making it indispensable in maternal and childcare, as well as during man-made and natural disasters. 'Recent data indicates that more people are dying from lack of access to blood and blood products than communicable diseases in developing countries,' he said. Dr Walter Mulombo, the Country Representative, World Health Organisation (WHO), said Nigeria is one of the 16 African countries with 80 per cent of blood donation from voluntary blood donati on. Mulombo, who was represented by Dr Hamzat Tayo, however, stressed the need to create awareness on blood donation as the total number of blood collected was still low at 5.2 units per one thousand population. Mohammed Ibrahim, the Chief Route Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), emphasised the need for more voluntary non-remunerated blood donors. According to Ibrahim, the goal is to save lives and to see that injury and death are reduced by five per cent. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other highlights of the commemoration include conferment of awards to notable blood donors and engagement and advocacy with the media, community and religious leaders. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says good leadership and national cohesion are critical for fostering stability, progress, and prosperity within our great nation. The UNDP Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, Mr Mathew Alao, stated this at the graduation ceremony of the Leadership and National Cohesion Course 1 (LNC), at Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji, Kaduna State, on Friday. Alao said the graduation was a significant step towards the advancement of peace, security, and unity within our beloved nation, Nigeria and ECOWAS sub-region. 'Leadership start with us as parent that brings little children to this world. Leadership starts from grassroots. 'Unfortunately, we have lost it. Nigeria today is very individualistic. It's all about I and my family. And this is leading us to no where. This is why this course is very critical at this moment. 'If nothing is done to address the leadership deficit from the family unit, from the community uni t and community level, we are not going anywhere. Money can not save our society,' he said. He commended the participants of the training for dedication to the programme. 'Over the past two weeks, you have dedicated yourselves to an intensive programme that not only on leadership skills but also fosters an understanding of the essential tenets of national cohesion. 'Your presence here signifies a commitment to making Nigeria a better, more unified country, 'he said. 'Today, we recognize your accomplishments and the bright future that lies ahead. 'I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Commandant and his team of instructors and resource persons at the Centre for your unwavering commitment to equipping our future leaders. 'Also acknowledge the generous financial support and strong partnership of the Government of Japan,' he said He said the funding and partnership had made the course possible, and dedication to promoting peace and stability in the continent, ECOWAS and Nigeria is deeply ap preciated. 'Together, we are working towards a brighter and more unified future for our planet,' Alao said. The Chief of Training, Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Sani Mohammed, noted that the collaborative effort between MLAILPKC and the Japanese Government through the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) which gave raise to the course. The Chief of Training was represented by Maj-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Infantry. He said a country without national integration was often implied as the country deprived of social cohesion, sense of nationalism and with a failed socio-politico-economy. 'In bringing up these values, there lies a strong leadership role,' he said. He said the overall objective of the LNC was to develop human capacity to equip the participants to be able to handle challenges that arises with leadership. 'It was aimed at identifying, analyzing and evaluating the drivers of disunity, disintegration and insurrection in the polity in order to provide a pathway for national integration and cohesion,' Mohammed said . Also in his remarks the Commandant, MLAILPKC Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the LNC was designed to provide the participants with the skills and knowledge required to operate effectively in a complex dynamic multi-disciplinary, multi- cultural and religious environment. He said it was also aimed at equipping participants to become role models in their various establishments and in addition, good ambassadors of this Centre. 'As you graduate today, as the pioneers of the LNC, please know you are vanguards of improved Leadership and National Cohesion. 'You must always remember that so much has been given to you and as such, so much is expected from you as trained Leadership and National Cohesion Officers, 'Adedoja said. Adedoja appreciate the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their enormous support towards achieving success of this course. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has announced that over 21,000 individuals will benefit from ECOWAS stabilisation funds for victims of flood disasters in six of the most affected states. Mr Abubakar Kende, Secretary General of NRCS, disclosed this information on Thursday in Abuja during an inception meeting for ECOWAS humanitarian support for people affected by floods in Adamawa, Anambra, Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi, and Rivers states. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the meeting, themed 'Building Stronger and Resilient Families in Nigeria,' was organised in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. During the meeting, ECOWAS presented a cheque for $906,200 to the Red Cross to aid in the effective implementation of its stabilisation programme. Kende, represented by NRCS Director of Disaster Management Mr Benson Agbo, stated that the stabilisation funds would be used to support flood victims. 'In our effort to allev iate the suffering of the vulnerable in Nigeria, we have signed a tripartite agreement with ECOWAS and the Humanitarian Ministry. 'This agreement aims to support communities affected by flood disasters in Adamawa, Anambra, Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi, and Rivers states. 'We are ready to deliver essential humanitarian aid to 21,000 individuals in 3,500 households across these six severely affected states. This gesture will ensure that flood survivors can return to their normal lives,' he said. Kende appealed to stakeholders to provide the necessary support to boost the socio-economic well-being of the victims. 'We encourage relevant stakeholders to act and provide the necessary infrastructure needed to control and mitigate the effects of flooding, thereby improving people's lives. 'As the implementing partner, the Nigerian Red Cross Society will execute the project in the six states, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of assistance and maintaining a transparent process,' Kende said. Mr Guy Adoua, Deputy Countr y Director of WFP in Nigeria, stated that the programme had built an enduring structure critical to delivering food and nutrition to vulnerable people. 'We have not only addressed immediate food and nutrition needs of these vulnerable communities, but we have also made significant strides in strengthening their resilience. 'Our work in Nigeria during 2021-2022 has demonstrated the profound difference that coordinated efforts and strategic partnerships can make. 'WFP will provide multi-dimensional assistance to 14,394 people in Katsina and Sokoto states using the ECOWAS funds,' Adoua said. According to him, this assistance will include food and nutrition support, building capacity for state systems, and psycho-social support to promote social cohesion and peace for six months. Prof. Fatou Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, stated that ECOWAS would continue to support member states in improving the livelihoods of their citizens. 'Our focus will continue to be people-center ed; therefore, projects such as this will remain the focus of ECOWAS programming. We invite you all to join us in changing the lives and livelihoods of our people for good, especially those at the grassroots,' Sarr said. She also presented a cheque for $1 million to WFP to ensure the effective implementation of the ECOWAS stabilisation programme, providing food and nutrition especially to victims of violence in Nigeria. Mr Valentine Ezulu, Director of Humanitarian Affairs in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, assured stakeholders of the federal government's determination to provide mechanisms to mitigate the impact of floods and their consequences. He appreciated ECOWAS' intervention in Nigeria and stated that the project would help improve food security and nutrition for vulnerable groups in the affected states. He recalled that the 2021 phase one beneficiaries of the ECOWAS Food and Nutrition support were Borno, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states. Source: News Agenc y of Nigeria

The Armed Forces of Nigeria on Friday, announced the deployment of 197 personnel for the peace keeping mission in the Gambia. The Chief of Operations Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Boniface Sinjen made the announcement in Jaji, Kaduna State, at the graduation of troops of Nigerian Company 9 Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 197 troops began Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) on May 4, at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji Kaduna State. According to him, the PDT is in line with the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff , Lt -Gen Taoreed Lagbaja and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in deploying quality peacekeepers in support of international peace and security. He said that the training had equipped them with the necessary tactical skills and knowledge required for peace support operations. 'It has prepared you for the protection of civilians and the accomplishment of assigned tasks u nder the ECOMIG mandate. 'You have learned the importance of teamwork, leadership and cultural sensitivity as well as other factors that would ensure your success in the mission area. 'You have been trained in the latest techniques and procedures for maintaining peace and stability in a complex environment and instilled with the values of discipline, respect for human rights and compassion for the people you are going out there to protect. 'Your mission comes at a critical time, as The Gambia faces a period of uncertainty and instability, 'he said. Cross section of troops deployed for peacekeeping mission in Gambia on Friday at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre Jaji Kaduna state According to him, the country's political crisis has affected the lives of many innocent civilians and their presence will sustain the existing peace and stability to the region. 'Your role is crucial in maintaining peace, protecting lives and promoting sustainable development.' Sinjen charge d the troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights. He advised them to adhere strictly to the ECOWAS' mandate, which guides your mission and ensure that your actions align with the principles of peace, stability and human rights. 'Remember that your conduct will not only reflect on yourselves but also on your country, the ECOWAS region and the international community. 'Additionally, your training has exposed you to the culture and religious diversity of The Gambia. 'You are, therefore, expected to approach all interactions with sensibility and respect. Be mindful of the local customs, traditions and socio-political dynamics of the mission area. 'You must remain vigilant in the face of potential security threats and avoid any actions that may be perceived as insensitive,' he said. He said that as peacekeepers in a sovereign nation, they must adhere strictly to the UN principles and guidelines for peacekeeping operations. 'Respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of The Gambia and avoid any actions that may be perceived as interference in the country's internal affairs.' He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria had zero-tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse in line with United Nations' policies. 'Therefore, any form of sexual exploitation and abuse will be met with severe consequences. 'As ambassadors of the armed Forces of Nigeria and our great nation, you must uphold the esteemed values and enviable image of this country, 'Sinjen said. Earlier, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the six weeks training had been intense, comprehensive, and was conducted in line with the Standard UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Modules. Adedoja said the PDT was to equip the earmarked unit with the requisite skills and knowledge to function effectively and efficiently in their deployment to the Gambia. He said as part of their training, the troops were taken through crosscutting issues like Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Conflict Relat ed Sexual Violence, Conduct and Discipline as well as Protection of Civilians amongst others. 'This graduation is a testament to the capacity and capability of the MLAILPKC as a United Nations accredited Centre to conduct quality training of prospective peacekeepers for deployment to multidimensional Peace Support Operations in fulfillment of her mandate. 'The Centre has within the last six weeks been able to train, retrain and refresh the troops on requisite knowledge and expertise to succeed in a Peace Support Operation environment. ' It is my fervent belief that these men are better informed and equipped to perform their roles in the Gambia, 'Adedoja said. He said the graduation ceremony once more showed the commitment of Nigeria and the Nigerian Armed Forces to global peace and security. In attendance at the ceremony include the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, Matthew Alao, Troops deployed for peacekeeping mission in Gambia on Friday at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre Jaji Kaduna state In a related development earlier the UNDP Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, Mr Mathew Alao, said good leadership and national cohesion were critical for fostering stability, progress, and prosperity within our great nation. Alao stated this at the graduation ceremony of the Leadership and National Cohesion Course 1 (LNC), at Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in Jaji. Alao said the graduation was a significant step towards the advancement of peace, security, and unity within our beloved nation, Nigeria and ECOWAS sub-region. 'Leadership starts with us as parents that bring little children to this world. Leadership starts from grassroots. 'Unfortunately, we have lost it. Nigeria today is very individualistic. It's all about I and my family. And this is leading us to nowhere. This is why this course is very critical at this moment. 'If nothing is done to address the leadership de ficit from the family unit, from the community unit and community level, we are not going anywhere. Money cannot save our society,' he said. He commended the participants of the training for dedication to the programme. 'Over the past two weeks, you have dedicated yourselves to an intensive programme that not only on leadership skills but also fosters an understanding of the essential tenets of national cohesion. 'Your presence here signifies a commitment to making Nigeria a better, more unified country, 'he said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria