Category: General News

  • Ensure Nigerians feel your policies positive impact- Retired UI Chief Imam advises FG

    Ensure Nigerians feel your policies positive impact- Retired UI Chief Imam advises FG

    Ensure Nigerians feel your policies positive impact- Retired UI Chief Imam advises FG

    ‎By Suleiman Shehu

    ‎The Immediate Past Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Oloyede AbdulRahmon has called on Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu to ensure Nigerians felt the positive impact of his administration’s policies.

    ‎AbdulRahmon gave the advice during a retirement, 70th birthday ceremony launching of a book in his honour organised by the University of Ibadan Muslim Community, in Ibadan.

    ‎The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book launched in honour of the celebrant was titled “Frontier of Civilization: The Trajectory of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Yorubaland.

    ‎The retired Chief Imam, who commended Tinubu for being a listening leader, said reeling out statistics wasn’t enough but translating it into people’s well-being must be at his uppermost minds.

    ‎”The leadership of the current dispensation seems to be listening to peoples’ cry and I want to believe they will continue listening, because they cannot do it all, at the same time people must feel, you have to feel the effect of their policies.

    ‎”So reeling on statistics is not enough, but it has to translate into the welfare of the people. So that should be the uppermost in the minds of our leaders.

    ‎”To ensure that the policies, the package, and execution, have positive effects on Nigerians, so that is where people will know that they are doing something, but without that, statistics are just numbers.

    ‎” So we thank God for the little are doing, we have been seeing effects in terms of youth empowerment, student loan and everything, but they should continue along that line and do more of such things, so that people will have better life to live.,” he said.

    ‎AbdulRahmon, who said the past 5 years to his retirement was so challenging, appreciated God for the grace to serve and be celebrated by the people.

    ‎He appreciated everyone who stood by him throughout his service years for being a pillar of support and motivation.

    ‎In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Sen. Sarafadeen Alli (APC Oyo South Senatorial District), called on God fearing Nigerians to venture into politics in order to turn things around.

    ‎Alli said not joining politics and be complaining might not change things as expected.

    ‎He said that participating in politics by Nigerians who claimed to be God fearing might initially be difficult while also encountering some kind of suffering when really want to serve.

    ‎Alli said that their suffering and striving to turn things around would eventually pay-off with determination and consistency.

    ‎”There is nothing about Islam that forbids politics, and if we all say politics is for the bad people, then it means a mad man, the bad people will continue to rule us, and that is very bad for the society.

    ‎”We need all the good people in this world, Christians, Muslims, Traditional Worshippers, Sango Worshippers, to all come all come to what we are doing, ” Alli said.

    ‎Alli described the celebrant as a role model, shining example, adding that he hardly takes any decision without seeking the advice of the celebrant.

    ‎He called on all University of Ibadan Muslim Community to sustain and build on the legacy left behind by the celebrant.

    ‎The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the President Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCIi), Alhaji Sulaiman Ajewole, praised the celebrant for his contribution to Islam and humanity and described him as a scholar and educator.

    ‎The occasion Guest Lecturer, Dr Saheed Timehin, Department of Foreign Languages, Lagos State University, called on those in position of authority to all always be an inspiration to others and not being obstacle to the progress of others.

    ‎Timehin, while delivering his lecture titled “Legacy of Etched in Letters: Reflections on Being a Preacher-Teacher and Mentor” described the celebrant as an embodiment of what leadership entails and one deserving to be emulated.

    ‎”Throughout Islamic intellectual history, the preacher, teacher, and mentor have played central roles in the moral and intellectual formation of individuals and societies.

    ‎”Each role embodies a distinct dimension of service all of which converge in the personality of the Imam, who, as the institutional representative of the Prophet among the people.

    ‎”Awakens their hearts with his message by conveying divine messages as a preacher; cultivates their intellectual growth as a teacher; and refines their personal and moral character as a mentor,” he said.

    ‎In his remarks, the President of University of Ibadan Muslim Community, Prof. Musiliu Onilude, said the University of Ibadan Muslim Community had gone a long way and would continue to move ahead.

    ‎Onilude, who congratulated the celebrant, said the Muslim community would continue to build on his legacies.

    ‎Dignitaries present at the occasion includes Prof. Dawud Noibi, former Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Iya Sunnah of Akureland, Dr Munirat Ogunlayi, Alhaji Rasheed Omookuorun, Seriki Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta among others.

  • NEMA moves to reduce timing, gaps in emergency preparedness, response in South-East

    NEMA moves to reduce timing, gaps in emergency preparedness, response in South-East

    NEMA moves to reduce timing, gaps in emergency preparedness, response in South-East

    The Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubiada Umar, says the agency is focused on reducing the timing and identified gaps in emergency preparedness and  response in South-East.

    Umar said this at the opening of a two-day workshop on Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP&R) Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop being organised by NEMA in collaboration World Bank Group and Enugu State Government in Enugu on Monday.

    Represented by NEMA’s Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting,, Dr Onimode Bamidele, the director-general said that the workshop represents not just another engagement, but the culmination of a far-reaching journey that began months ago.

    According to heracross some locations in the country, we have witnessed first-hand the power of collaboration, innovation, and local commitment in strengthening Nigeria’s emergency preparedness and response capacity at the sub-national level.

    Umar said, “Today, as we gather in Enugu, we do so with both reflection and optimism.

    “Reflection, because we can now see the tangible outcomes of what collaboration between NEMA, State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), and the World Bank Group can achieve.

    “And optimism, because the groundwork we have collectively laid in these (initial) seven pilot states provides a scalable model for other parts of the country.

    “Enugu State itself stands as a strategic and symbolic conclusion to this phase; a state of rich history, civic strength, and a growing commitment to sustainable disaster management systems.

    “With the leadership and vision of His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, we are confident that Enugu will consolidate the gains of this project and champion the resilience agenda across the South-East region.”

    Speaking, Gov. Peter Mbah commended NEMA for the vital workshop aimed at sharpening and deepening disaster management and response within states, local governments and community levels in the country.

    Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said that the state government would continue to build resilience and capacity of emergency organisations and agencies in the state.

    “Disasters take place at the communities and we needed to build, train and retraining all our first responders especially those at the community levels.

    “The outcome, knowledge and resolutions of this workshop will be step down to the council areas and communities to ensure that they know the right actions, when and where to apply them to safe guard lives and livelihoods.

    “As a government, we are committed to building resilience at every level of disaster management and response for the benefit of all,” he said.

    Corroborating, Dr Oluwaseun Olowoporoku, Urban Specialist (World Bank), said that the world bank was interested in developing a robust Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP&R) plan through stakeholders’ inputs.

    “These inputs, which would be documented as a working document, would be used to close all previously notice gaps in manpower, training, equipment and legal framework to improving timing and ensure robust emergency response interventions,” he said.

    The workshop is being attended by officers of Federal Fire Service, NSCDC, Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) members.

    Others are: Focal persons from Water Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH) from local government areas; personnel from state Ministries of Health, Environment and Gender and Social Protection as well as the media among others.

  • Keffi CSOs condemn smear campaign against minister of Women affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim

    Keffi CSOs condemn smear campaign against minister of Women affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim

    By Awayi Kuje

    Coalition of Civil Society Groups ( CSOS) and Non- Governmental Organisations based in Keffi, Nasarawa State have condemned smear campaign against the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim.
    This is contained in a statement by the Coalition Chairman, Mr Lawal Ramalan-Maizabo and made available to newsmen in Lafia on Sunday.
    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the coalition comprised Keffi Development Foundation (KDF), Keffi Peoples’ Forum (KPF) and the 70s 80s Keffi Elite Forum.
    Ramalan- Maizabo said that no amount of smear campaign can diminish the Minister’s record of service and the trust she is enjoying from President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people.
    ” Our attention has been drawn to a series of baseless and politically motivated publications circulating on social media and certain online platforms,”he said.
    According to him, the publication is aimed at tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim.
    “These malicious attacks are clearly orchestrated by a few individuals with vested interests, who, driven by narrow regional ambitions, seek to mislead the public and undermine the unity of Nasarawa State.
    ” We categorically state that these allegations are false, mischievous, and without merit,” he said.
    He said that the minister would continued to discharge her duties with distinction, transparency, and a strong sense of responsibility.
    ” Her performance speaks for itself, and no amount of smear campaign can diminish her record of service or the trust she enjoys from President Tinubu and the Nigerian people,” he said
    The groups called on all well-meaning citizens of Nasarawa state to rise above divisive tendencies and support the minister in her national assignment.
    ” What our state needs at this crucial moment is unity, cooperation, and collective support for our representatives at all levels of governments, not campaigns of calumny,” he said.
    Ramalan- Maizabo appealed to the media to uphold the ethics of balanced reporting and refrain from promoting unfounded claims that serve the interests of a few over the collective good.
    The group said that it would continued to remain steadfast in support for the Minister to succeed while appreciating President Tinubu for her appointment.
    ” We reaffirm our loyalty and appreciation to President Tinubu for giving Nasarawa State, and indeed Keffi in particular, a representation at the highest level of his government.
    ” We are confident that Suleiman-Ibrahim will continue to justify this confidence through her integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration,” he said.
    Ramalan- Maizabo said that since assuming office at the Ministry of Women Affairs, she has continued to demonstrate visionary leadership, engaging with stakeholders across the federation.
    ” Her style of leadership reflects humility, hard work, and the desire to serve Nigeria faithfully, qualities that resonate deeply with the values President Tinubu stands for.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Lagelu FM Celebrates 10 Years of Bridging Culture and Modern Broadcasting

    Lagelu FM Celebrates 10 Years of Bridging Culture and Modern Broadcasting

    Lagelu FM Celebrates 10 Years of Bridging Culture and Modern Broadcasting

    ‎By Adewale Owoade

    ‎The Founder and Chairman of West Midlands Communications Limited, His Royal Majesty, Oba Murtala Adebayo Akande, MFR, has declared that Lagelu 96.7 FM, Ibadan’s foremost indigenous radio station, was established to promote Yoruba heritage and give voice to the people, not to compete with other stations.

    ‎Oba Akande who is also the Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland and Founder of West Midlands Open University stated this during the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Lagelu FM

    ‎He celebrated the station’s decade-long journey of impact, describing it as “a fulfilled dream rooted in purpose and culture.

    ‎ “Our ambition was not merely to compete, but to contribute to the culture, to the economy, and to the conversation that shapes our people.

    ‎”Through the dedication of our management, the creativity of our presenters, and the loyalty of our listeners, Lagelu FM has carried the heart of Ibadan into homes and hearts across the southwest and beyond

    ‎”As we celebrate this milestone, I extend my deepest appreciation to our entire team from our visionary leadership to our on-air talents, and most importantly, to our listeners who keep the spirit of Lagelu alive every day.

    ‎”The journey of ten years reminds us that consistency and integrity are timeless virtues in broadcasting. May Lagelu FM continue to grow stronger, amplifying the true voice of our people for decades to come,” he said

    ‎ In her remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of West Midlands Communications Limited, Mrs Atinuke Adetunji, praised the station’s evolution as a testament to vision, resilience, and purpose-driven journalism.

     

    “Lagelu FM has proven that when purpose meets passion, even the airwaves can become instruments of transformation,” she said.

     

    “Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and authenticity has shaped the station into a model for indigenous broadcasting in Nigeria. The next decade will be about digital expansion, audience engagement, and deeper community impact.”

     

    She extended appreciation to the Chairman, the management team, and the loyal listeners who, according to her, “remain the heartbeat of Lagelu FM.”

     

    ‎Also speaking, the General Manager, Operations, Mr. Tunde Olawuwo, highlighted the station’s unique identity and enduring relevance.

     

    ‎“When we started, people asked why another station was needed when Splash FM already existed. But Lagelu FM was not born out of competition; it was born out of conviction. Splash spoke the language of excellence; Lagelu came to speak the language of the people,” he said.

    The event featured special recognition awards some staffers, On-Air Personality and to notable individuals who have contributed to community development and cultural advancement.

    ‎Among the awardees were Hon. Remi Oseni, Abimbola Adekanbi, Princess Folashade Abeo Nurudeen, Rashidi Ayinde Merenge, Femi Adebayo, Ibrahim Chatta, Chief Mutiu Adetunji, and Ajibola Ogunkeyede.

    ‎ One of the awardees, Hon. Remi Oseni expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as an honour that inspires greater service.

    “One of the greatest things that can happen to anyone is to be celebrated while alive,” he said.

     

    “Some people know what you do but never acknowledge it; gestures like this motivate one to do even more. I appreciate Lagelu FM for this recognition and their continuous service to the public.”

     

    Also speaking, Abimbola Adekanbi described the award as humbling, noting that “living a modest life and seeing people recognise it encourages us to do more for society.”

    The event which featured performances by Apala legend, Haruna Ishola and Fuji artiste, Taye Currency. was graced by dignitaries, media professionals, among others.

  • Lagos climate summit to unlock funding for Africa’s ocean sustainability – Commissioner

    Lagos climate summit to unlock funding for Africa’s ocean sustainability – Commissioner

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Lagos State Government says its 2025 International Climate Change Summit (LICCS) will focus on unlocking sustainable financing and innovation to strengthen Africa’s coastal resilience and blue economy.

    The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said this on Thursday at a news conference held in Lagos, ahead of the summit scheduled for Nov. 6 to Nov. 7.

    Wahab said the summit, with the theme: “Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation,” would provide a strategic platform for governments, investors and global development partners to develop actionable solutions to climate-related challenges.

    “Lagos, as a coastal megacity, faces increasing threats from flooding, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels, but we are determined to turn those challenges into opportunities for economic growth and environmental sustainability.

    “The summit embodies our belief that vulnerability can be transformed into vision, and that Lagos’ coastal challenges can become a source of economic and ecological strength,” he said.

    Wahab said the 2025 edition would attract over 1,200 delegates from across Africa and beyond, including global chief executive officers, financiers, researchers, and young innovators, all focused on mobilising resources for Africa’s climate resilience.

    According to him, the summit will highlight four key areas: the blue economy, green finance, innovation and youth empowerment, and partnerships.

    He said that these are aimed at creating long-term transformation for Lagos and other African coastal cities.

    Wahab described the event as an avenue to position Lagos as Africa’s climate leadership hub, ahead of the COP30 global climate conference.

    “Our goal is to make Lagos the climate capital of Africa, a city that not only adapts to change but leads it,” he said.

    He appreciated the support of partners such as Eko Atlantic, NIMASA, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), among others.

    The commissioner noted the roles of its partners in advancing sustainable development in Lagos.

    Wahab called on the media, private sector, and the global community to actively engage in the summit, which, he said, would serve as a launchpad for innovative financing models for Africa’s climate resilience.

    “Through this summit, Lagos is sending a clear message: Africa is not waiting to be rescued; we are ready to lead,” he said.

    Earlier, the Head of Corporate Communications, Eko Atlantic City, Ms Joanna Fabikun, outlined the city’s contributions to coastal protection and environmental sustainability.

    She described the city as a model for resilience against climate-induced erosion in Lagos.

    Fabikun, who narrated how the city was reclaimed, said the Eko project was born out of the need to tackle the severe coastal erosion that had threatened Victoria Island and parts of Lagos for decades.

    Speaking on the structure of the summit, Mr Michael Bankole, Technical Lead for the summit, noted that the first day would feature different technical sessions and high-level panel discussions with international participation.

    Bankole said this was aimed at addressing the economic, environmental, and policy implications of climate change.

    “The two-day programme will have stakeholders share insights on climate financing, economic resilience, and sustainable development.

    “The discussions will also focus on how to catalyse market-driven climate solutions, strengthen economic systems, and influence policy direction in line with the Federal Government’s climate adaptation agenda,” he said.

    Bankole noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had shown commitment to addressing climate-related economic issues.

    He said that the summit would complement such efforts by generating actionable strategies for implementation at the subnational level.

    Also, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, assured the Ministry of the agency’s readiness to partner with it in hosting the event.

    Mobereola, who was represented by the Deputy Director of the Deep Blue Project at NIMASA, Mr Tuti Hebron, said the summit would provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to harness the vast potential of the blue economy.

    He said that the platform would serve as an eye-opener to the world on what Lagos had to offer in areas such as coastal tourism, fishing, and marine resource development, as well as its potential for wealth creation and job opportunities.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Prof.  Adedoja Celebrates Yinka Fasuyi’s 70th Birthday, Highlights His Exceptional Virtues.

    Prof. Adedoja Celebrates Yinka Fasuyi’s 70th Birthday, Highlights His Exceptional Virtues.

    Prof.  Adedoja Celebrates Yinka Fasuyi’s 70th Birthday, Highlights His Exceptional Virtues.

    ‎By Adewale Owoade

    ‎Former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, has shared a heartfelt tribute to Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, celebrating his 70th birthday and highlighting his remarkable attributes that have earned him respect and admiration.

    ‎Adedoja praised Fasuyi’s honesty, good-fellowship, friendliness, generosity, and ability to nurture relationships, that have endeared him to the owner of the Supreme Management Training and Consultancy Services Limited till date.

    ‎“Since my days as Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, (SUBEB), from 2004 to 2006, Yinka Fasuyi exhibited high degrees of professionalism, honesty and competence in handling public training matter by Supreme Management Training and Consultancy Services which he presides as Chairman.

    ‎” The most amazing quality of Yinka is his ever cordial, intrinsic relationship with his friends.

    ‎” I recall, the get-together organised by him on my assumption of office as a Minister of the Federal republic of Nigeria in September 2010 which shows his indisputable joy in celebrating people especially, those he holds dear to him.

    ‎” Yinka Fasuyi certainly deserves to be celebrated specially as he clocks 70.

    ‎“Asiwaju Fasuyi is a man of achievements and to put it succinctly, I will attempt to express why he qualifies to wear the crown of the attributes of a good man, referred to in Yoruba culture as OMOLUABI,” Adedoja stated.

    ‎Adedoja listed 10 exceptional virtues that qualify Fasuyi as a good man with a great mind, including integrity, respectfulness, responsibility, and courage.

    ‎”He recognises his own limitations and values the contributions of others. (HUMILITY)

    ‎”He treats others with dignity and consideration, regardless of their status. (RESPECTFULNESS)

    ‎”He is dependable and takes ownership of his actions and commitments. (RESPONSIBILITY)

    ‎”Yinka is honest and does the right thing, even when no one is watching. (INTEGRITY)

    ‎”He shows empathy and kindness toward others, especially in times of need. (COMPASSION)

    ‎”He is diligent, focused, and dedicated to his goals and duties. (WORK ETHIC)

    ‎ “He is faithful and trustworthy in relationships, whether personal or professional. (LOYALTY)

    ‎”He stands up for what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular. (COURAGE)

    ‎”He controls his impulses and makes thoughtful, mature decisions. (SELF-DISCIPLINE)

    ‎”He understands and manages his emotions and relates well to others. (EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE)

    ‎Prof. Adedoja, who is the Balogun Agbaoye of Ibadan land and the Mogaji Olosa Igbonna compound, Popoyemoja, Ibadan, prayed that Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi will continue to be blessed as he has been a blessing and his 70th Birthday the beginning of even greater years to come!

  • Fresh FM founder urges NBC to vet applicants thoroughly

    Fresh FM founder urges NBC to vet applicants thoroughly

    Fresh FM founder urges NBC to vet applicants thoroughly

    ‎By Adewale Owoade

    ‎Dr. Yinka Ayefele, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fresh FM Nigeria, has urged the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to thoroughly vet applicants before granting broadcasting licences.

    ‎He said this was necessary to maintain professionalism and high standards in the industry.

    ‎Ayefele made the call at a press conference to mark the 10th anniversary of Fresh 105.9 FM, held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

    ‎“I started transmitting, then a time came that the NBC came, they bombarded my office with DSS and they said Mr Ayefele, where is your licence and I said do I need a licence. They said yes. It took me seven years before I was given the licence.

    ‎“Ranti Akerele started the journey. If they investigate owners of radio stations the same way I was investigated for seven years, I don’t think that most of these radio stations will exist today. My vision is to change the face of broadcasting,” he said.

    ‎Ayefele expressed gratitude to those who have supported him, including Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and his predecessor, late Abiola Ajimobi.

    “We have different people in the industry. I have over 400 staffers and I never owe them salary. I prefer impacting lives and building people,” he said.

    ‎In his address, the Zonal Director of NBC, Jude Ajayi, represented by the Assistant Director, Alhaja Sherifat Mohammed-Koro, charged Fresh FM to continue its good work.

    ‎“We know that broadcast stations cannot do without violating the rules. But, we encourage you to adhere to the rules,” she said.

    ‎Also speaking, the Special Adviser to Gov. Makinde on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, described Ayefele as a talent manager whose professionalism is reshaping radio programming in Oyo State and Nigeria.

    ‎The Group General Manager of Fresh FM Nigeria, Alhaji Abolade Salami, said the 10th anniversary celebration features various activities for 10 days, including a road show, Asun Night, Thanksgiving and a novelty match, culminating in a grand finale at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, on Nov. 2.

    ‎The event was attended by the NUJ Chairman in Oyo State, Comrade Ademola Babalola, veteran journalists and broadcasters.

    ‎Ayefele previously worked as a broadcast journalist and producer with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ibadan.

    ‎His life took a dramatic turn on Dec. 12, 1997, when he was involved in a severe car accident that left him with spinal cord injuries and confined to a wheelchair.

    ‎(NAN)

  • Polio Day: FCT children benefit Rotary vaccination drive

    Polio Day: FCT children benefit Rotary vaccination drive

    Polio

    The Rotary team led by District Governor 9127, Dr Joy Okoro during the vaccination in Abaji.

     

    By Perpetua Onuegbu/Angela Atabo

    Abuja,Oct. 23, 2025 (NAN) The Rotary Club, District 9127, RC Abuja, Maitama, says hundreds of children across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have received its life-saving polio vaccines.

    Speaking at the medical outreach on Thursday in Abaji, Abuja, the District Governor of 9127, Dr Joy Okoro, said the efforts aimed to eradicate the disease in Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was part of the activities to commemorate the 2025 International Polio Day.

    Okoro, who headed the Abaji area council outreach, said the exercise took place across the six area councils in the FCT with five other District governors heading the activities in the remaining five area councils.

    She noted that the initiative aimed to ensure that no child under the age of five was left unvaccinated against the crippling disease.

    She explained that the exercise was part of Rotary’s mission to take action through service projects to improve their local communities.

    “This exercise is being organised by my district 9127, in conjunction with other district governors; I am heading the Abaji team.

    “We also have five District Governors, two from Lagos and one each from Akure, Port Harcourt and Owerri who came into Abuja for this purpose and they are heading the activities in the other five area councils .

    “We are here to mark the World Polio Day, which is actually tomorrow, and we will be commemorating it with a mega road walk.

    “We are reaching more than 1,000 children for this exercise. As you can see we have vaccinated a lot of babies here today, even the newborns, like those just two days old.”

    Okoro encouraged parents to keep bringing their children to health facilities for vaccination to avoid the disease.

    According to her, it is free and nobody will charge them because Rotary and Partners have already paid for these vaccines.

    She recalled that Rotary took the polio sensitisation to Mosques on Friday and to Churches on Sunday, adding that the exercise has been moving round to ensure that polio is eradicated in Nigeria.

    Also speaking, Dr Saleh Ashafa, Director, Primary Health Care, Abaji Area Council, commended Rotary Club for the initiative.

    Ashafa noted that community partnerships like Rotary Club have been instrumental in sustaining Nigeria’s polio-free status.

    “On behalf of the area council, I appreciate the Rotary Club for choosing to come to Abaji today and celebrate this day with us, with our children, our mothers.

    “It is a thing of joy, and I hope we will also be celebrating the end of polio in Nigeria too.

    “Routine immunisation is one of the pillars of PHC services. We provide routine immunisation in all our 34 functional health facilities because we know that it is one of the key pillars of the polio eradication initiative.”

    According to Ashafa, the area council leadership is doing everything possible to ensure that every baby before the first birthday gets fully immunised so that he or she can be prevented from the childhood killer diseases.

    He identified poor road network to lack of maintenance of cold chain facilities, insecurity as some challenges facing people in the area.

    He explained that Abaji had about 40 per cent of its settlements which were far to reach.

    He added that the government at the council was doing everything possible to ensure every child in those settlements gets immunised appropriately.

    Participating parents from various communities expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club for their support.

    A beneficiary, Mrs Safia Zakaria, nursing mother, said “I am happy that my children have been vaccinated. It gives me peace of mind, and I also thank the organisers for giving me souvenirs,” she added.(NAN)

  • Presidency unveils initiative to empower 200,000 women nationwide

    Presidency unveils initiative to empower 200,000 women nationwide

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    The Office of the Vice-President has inaugurated ‘Advancing Sustainable Heritage and Autonomy’ (ASHA), a project aimed at empowering 200,000 women through renewable energy, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and banking initiatives across Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ASHA is coordinated by the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), and the Pan-African platform, WawuAfrica.

    WawuAfrica is a digital platform that empowers women professionals, artisans, and entrepreneurs by providing tools, community, and opportunities to learn, earn, and grow their businesses sustainably across the African continent.

    Dr Nurudeen Zauro, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, inaugurated the ASHA project Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, marking a significant step towards women’s economic empowerment.

    Zauro stated that beneficiaries would be financially and technologically empowered through the pilot phase, helping women take advantage of opportunities within the renewable energy and entrepreneurship sectors nationwide.

    He emphasised President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to improve Nigerian women’s economic status, stressing that empowering women was the most effective way to combat poverty across the nation.

    Zauro noted that government alone could not shoulder women’s empowerment, highlighting strong partnerships with private local and international sectors to deepen economic inclusion and deliver sustainable impact.

    “President Tinubu stresses government cannot do it alone; partnerships with private sectors are vital. The Aso Accord on Economic and Financial Inclusion reflects this commitment to support vulnerable groups.

    “We are focused on reaching vulnerable groups, especially women. Training a woman means training the entire nation, which is why we convened today to ensure effective delivery of the programme,” Zauro added.

    Dr Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (North-Central), emphasised the importance of including all women categories, including those with disabilities and various business sizes, to ensure equitable programme reach.

    “Empowering women brings hope and happiness to society. Women with different needs and characteristics, small traders to large business owners, must be included, especially those often overlooked,” Essiet said.

    She urged inclusive outreach efforts targeting the most vulnerable women who typically lacked support, calling on media to publicise the programme and its inclusivity goals widely.

    Alhaji Hamza Baba, National Programme Manager of GEEP, said the ASHA project aligned perfectly with GEEP’s mandate to expand credit and enterprise support for underserved groups, especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

    “Our mission focuses on building sustainable livelihoods and meaningful national development by supporting underserved individuals.

    “We are committed to working hand-in-hand with partners to impact Nigerian women and communities,” Baba affirmed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)