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Good Governance: Foundation tasks Nigerian journalists on investigative reports

Good Governance: Foundation tasks Nigerian journalists on investigative reports

By Muhammad Suleiman Tola
Investigation
Hamburg, Sept. 28, 2019 (NAN) Dr Kole Shettima, the Regional Director, MacArthur Foundation, has advised Nigerian journalists to embrace and do more investigative reporting to promote good governance and deepen democracy in the country.

Kole gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency Nigeria (NAN), on the sidelines of the ongoing 11th Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC19), on Saturday in Hamburg, Germany.

He said that media practitioners could make positive contributions to national development if they held public officers and the private sector accountable.

The director, who noted that investigative journalism could be painstaking and risky, said, however, that the risk was part of the challenges and hazards like in any other profession.

“Some investigations take as long as six to nine months or more before a credible report is published.

“But, it is worth the trouble if it is meant to expose a fraud, hold individuals and organisations accountable and responsible for their actions or inaction.

“I believe that any good investigative report will greatly influence policies, decisions and actions,” Kole said.

On the conference, he said that it was interesting interacting with people coming from diverse backgrounds and sharing experiences, knowledge and skills.

“For instance, I attended a session on artificial intelligence investigation and came out empty after about one and a half hours because I don’t understand the issues.

“I also attended a session on marine investigation; how to track ships and boats. I think this is also a new phenomenon in journalism that must be of interest to Nigerian journalists,” the director said.

According to him, this underscored the interest of the foundation to sponsor some journalists from Nigeria to attend the conference, draw experiences and practice the knowledge on return home.

Kole also called on media proprietors and governments to provide the enabling environment for journalists to discharge their constitutional obligations.

NAN reports that the 4-day conference attracted about 1,800 delegates from across the world, including Nigeria.

The organisers say it is designed to further popularise investigative journalism as well as support and promote good governance in the society. (NAN)
MST/ETS

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Health

Foundation to build 200-bed capacity hospital, health college in Zaria

Foundation to build 200-bed capacity hospital, health college in Zaria

By Mohammed Lawal
Hospital
Zaria (Kaduna State), Sep. 9, 2019 (NAN) An NGO, PMB Daniel Memorial Foundation says it will build a 200-bed capacity hospital to cater for the less-privileged, restitutes and children under five years in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the foundation would also build a College of Health Technology for the training of medical and health personnel.

The foundation disclosed this when its members paid a courtesy visit on the Emir of Zazzau, Dr Shehu Idris, in his palace in Zaria, on Monday.

Speaking on behalf of the foundation, the leaders of the delegation, Mrs Ishinat Rafatu and Mr Abdulqadir Bala-Isa, said the essence of establishing the hospital was to cater for the health needs of indigent citizens.

They said while the hospital provides medical services to the public, a College of Health Technology would also be established for the training of hospital’s medical and health personnel.

The leaders described the proposal as path to producing qualified medical and health personnel for improved healthcare services not only to the people of Zaria and the entire Zazzau Emirate, but also the entire state and beyond.

They appreciated the warm reception accorded them by the Emir, assuring that the NGO would ever remain grateful to the gigantic efforts of the monarch towards the actualisation of the hospital.

They said the essence of the visit was to seek royal blessing, support and approval of the first class traditional ruler to extend a helping hand to the less-privileged in his domain.

According to them, the NGO had visited Gambo Sawaba Hospital where they settled hospital bills for some less-privileged patients, donated food items, toiletries and other basic needs of patients.

Responding, the Emir, who spoke through the Chiroman Shantalin Zazzau, Alhaji Sani Ladan, thanked the foundation for the visit and their efforts to assist the less-privileged in the society.

He promised to write a special letter of commendation to the founder of the foundation, saying that the effort was the first of its kind in the history of the emirate.

The foundation also visited the Chairman, Zaria Local Government Council, Alhaji Aliyu Idris-Ibrahim, to thank the council for donating land for the construction of the hospital and school.

Receiving the leaders of the NGO, the Chairman, who was represented by his deputy, Imam Aliyu At-Tukuri, urged others to emulate the group in giving hope to the less privileged. (NAN)
KLM/ASS/MST
Edited by Saidu Adamu/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Water: Foundation donates solar systems to Adamawa pastoral community

Water: Foundation donates solar systems to Adamawa pastoral community

By Muhammad Adam
Water
Yola, July 10, 2019 ( NAN) A UK based Charity Organisation, PZ Cussons Foundation, has donated two solar powered water supply systems to a pastoral community in Wuro Ahmadu at Gongoshi grazing reserve in Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area of Adamawa.
Prof. Eyitayo Lambo, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the foundation, handed over the project to the community on Wednesday in Wuro Ahmadu village.
Lambo , a former minister of health, noted that the project was meant to complement Federal and State Government efforts in preventing frequent clashes between farmers and herders.
He said that the foundation was a charity organisation, established in 2007, for corporate social investment programmes and was not meant for profit making.
“Today, we are glad that this pastoral project that we are commissioning and handing over to the communities will help to address some challenges facing the pastoralists that include water for them and for their livestock.
“The foundation will be glad to see that the facilities are well run, maintained and sustained for the well being of beneficiary communities,” Lambo said.
Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, who was represented by Mr Abubakar Mahmud, the Permanent Secretary, state Ministry for Livestock Development, thanked the foundation for the giant effort.
Fintiri said that the project came at the right time when government and relevant stakeholders were making ways forward to control and resolve the farmers and herders issues in the country.
He called on various organisations to emulate the foundation’s gesture, pledging the state government’s readiness to work with any developmental organisation like the foundation.
Malam Aminu Chiroma, the National Chairman, Pastoral Resolve (PARE), an NGO, said the development was not only unique but historic, noting that it is the first time of its kind a private sector intervened to support the marginalised pastoralists.
He said the project came at a time when pastoralists were facing daunting challenges as a result of deadly conflicts between them and the farming communities.
“We are grateful to the foundation. We can see clear effort towards promoting peaceful coexistence as well as humanitarian intervention,” Chiroma said.
The chairman assured that the facilities would be judiciously utilised and protected from activity of vandals.
He said the project would address the water need of over 1,000 members of the community and about 20,000 livestock. (NAN)
AMA/MAM/MST
Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

AIDS Foundation empowers young women, girls on info-graphic technology

AIDS Foundation empowers young women, girls on info-graphic technology
By Talatu Maiwada
Empowerment
Abuja, July 8, 2019 (NAN) AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF Nigeria) has empowered young women and girls on info-graphic technology to enable them become skillful and relevant in the present digital world.
Mr Steve Aborisade, the Advocacy and Marketing Manager, AHF Nigeria, stated this at the Data Visualisation Training (Info-Graphic Technology), in Abuja on Monday.
Aborisade said the programme, `STYLE UP’, has two components: Girls Act Initiative, and Boys 2 Men.
The training however comes under AHF Girls Act aimed at empowering young women and girl in a digital society.
He explained that the participants would have the requisite skills to advocate on issues that form challenges to the full realisation of their potentials and well-being through the medium of info-graphics.
“It is important to work with young women and girls because they are a marginalised group and disproportionately affected by the countries disease burden, poverty and lack commensurate opportunities as boys and men.
“The data visualisation training will empower them with skills to take advantage of new opportunities modern technology offers for self-sustenance and to strategically advocate issues paramount to them while attracting the needed solutions.
“We hope to see young people who are able to use the knowledge of data analysis and interpretation to bring solutions on issues that affect them such as negotiating safe sex, sexual and reproductive health services and other life choices,’’ he said.
Aborisade further added that the knowledge acquired would also enable them use graphics to instigate actions, interpret ideas and to suggest solutions while becoming empowered to make a living through offering those services to others.
The facilitator, Mr Bamishe Aregbeshola, a Communication Strategist, defined info-graphics to mean information and graphics through representation of information in a graphical manner.
Aregbeshola said the training was aimed at how participants can acquire the prerequisite knowledge on how to use info-graphics to communicate the ideas that they have to their peers and community.
He stressed that research had shown that it was a lot easier to pass information through videos and graphics as people tend to understand them better compared to when processed in text.
“The way the brain maps information, is that the mind picks pictures faster, however with text the mind has to translate the text into pictures first, so it takes a longer time for the mind to interpret such kind of information.
“The training will effectively empower them to go into their communities and optimise the use of the new media to effectively communicate to people faster and better.
“The world is fast growing into digital world and in terms of skill acquisition it is important that everyone acquire a prerequisite knowledge on digital skill in irrespective of their line of work to stay relevant.
“The government can create more platforms for young people to learn in order to improve on their skills as well as pupils in secondary schools and universities to help in researches and presentations,’’ he added.
Ms Anita Ikwe, a participant, commended AHF for the training, saying the training will enable her find new ways of identifying problems in the society and better ways of disseminating information through graphics.
According to her, “the training will help me immensely especially on issues relating to people living with HIV and AIDS.
“It will enable me use graphic approach to identify problems and disseminate information on issues of self-discrimination, disclosure, adherence and other challenges persons living with HIV are encountering’’.
Another participant, Mr Uhoma Chizom, said the training would be of great impact as it would help him speak up for people in his community, and to become the voice of Africa and Nigeria.
Chizom appreciated AHF for equipping young persons and helping them come out of their dark spots, while giving them the passion and boldness to work and be relevant.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is providing HIV treatment in 43 countries including Nigeria to over 1 million patients and presently operates in six states in Nigeria.
It is the largest HIV and AIDS organisation in the world. (NAN)
TIM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

NGO urges FG to fast track social security act for older persons

NGO tells FG to fast track social security act for older persons

By Chinenye Offor
Aged
Abuja, June 13, 2019 (NAN) A Coalition of Rights of Older Persons, an NGO, has called on the Federal Government to speed up the implementation of Social Security Act to address the plight of older persons in the country.

Sen. Eze Ajoku, the President of the coalition, made the call in a document made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday ahead of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2019.

He said when such bill is passed and assented by the president, that there would be safety net for the older persons to reduce their suffering.

He said there was need for a national policy in terms of health, economic and protection of their social and civil rights as priority.

Ajoku said if such bill is passed and the law is put in place that lack of respect for older persons will be minimised.

He further said that the organisation would use the upcoming event to create awareness on the plight of senior citizens and as well as provide avenue for discourse.

“The objective of the event is to help the older persons share experiences and to provide guidance with a view to devise a strategy that would strengthen the well being of older persons in Nigeria.

Ajoku alleged that the government had done very little to ameliorate the situation either through legislature, policies or education of the masses against elder abuse.

He disclosed that there was no national policy on ageing before the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs saw it as a priority in 2019, which he said was commendable.

He further said that it was imperative for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the policies were translated into action in order to address the issues faced by the elderly.

He listed the issues faced by the elderly as verbal abuse, financial exploitation and forced confinement, among others, must be addressed.

He also said that quality and accessible healthcare as well as social protection for the elderly must be at the forefront of stakeholders agenda.

He added that one in 10 older Nigerian were abused or neglected each year and only one in 14 of such cases came to the authorities’ attention.

He however admonished government to improve on the healthcare system at the rural level especially the healthcare clinics to cater for the elderly ones.

“I suggest that Gerontology should be thought in our tertiary institutions to prepare our youths for ageing as well as teach them on how to respect and treat ageing parents.

“There should be a regular campaign by NOA and Ministry of Information in order to educate and create continuous awareness of the older persons plight.

“Religious organisations such as churches and mosques are encouraged to teach and remind their followers to care for their ageing parents.

“Older Nigerians are vital contributing members of our society and their abuse or neglect diminishes us all,” Ajoku said.

He noted that elder abuse awareness day was a reminder that as a society, we have a critical role to play in ensuring that elder justice is sustained.

He however called on everyone to join in lifting up of voices in the fight against elder abuse.

According to him, the year’s theme is centered on unifying the shared values of elder justice and responding to violence against women to bring to the forefront experiences of older persons around the globe.

Ajoku maintained that if government at all levels pay pensions and stipends regularly to older persons their plight would be reduced.

He therefore urged government at all levels to create day care facilities as well as community based care system for older persons, stressing that it will help curb abuse and maltreatment faced by these category of citizens. (NAN)
CSO/OYE/MST
Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Albinism, higher level of Nigerian’s vulnerable group – Foundation

Albinism, higher level of Nigerian’s vulnerable group – Foundation

By Talatu Maiwada
Albinism
Abuja, June 12, 2019 (NAN) As the World commemorates the International  Albinism  Awareness  Day, the Albino  Foundation (TAF), on Wednesday said Albinism was among the  higher level of Nigerian’s vulnerable group .

Mr Jake Epelle, Founder, The Albino Foundation, stated this at the two-day event to commemorate the International Albinism Awareness Day Celebration in Abuja.

Epelle said the International Albinism Awareness Day Celebration in Nigeria was commemorated annually on June 13, to improve the awareness and response to challenges of persons with albinism and their families.

He said Albinism could be classified in the higher level of Nigeria’s vulnerable groups as the full potentials of most persons with Albinism was yet to be harnessed due to myths and misconceptions associated with the condition.

This he said over  the  years  have  been interpreted as  truth  in which parents  in  certain  areas  still restrain from  sending  their children  with  albinism  to school because it was considered a waste of time.

Epelle explained that lack of awareness and ignorance has resulted in the tragic loss of life of persons with albinism as many succumbed to the death of the condition which ordinarily would have been avoided.

“Albinism related issues in Nigeria have been highly underrated mainly due to the prevailing ignorance of the condition.

“Most people remain unaware to the challenges that persons with albinism are faced with, and Albinism is among the higher level of Nigerian’s vulnerable groups.

“Persons with Albinism lack melanin which affects their eyes, hair and skin colour,  they are also the most highly prone to skin cancer as it takes only 10 minutes for them to sustain sunburns,’’ Epelle said.

He said that the conference would, enlighten persons with albinism and their family, empower them and provide entrepreneurial and leadership skills as a tool for reducing poverty and promoting an inclusive society.

Epelle further called for a legislation and policy advocacy aimed at ensuring total mainstreaming of albinism into government programmes and policies and to ensure that there are necessary laws to protect their rights.

He expressed the need for Nigerians to be properly educated about the true state of Albinism that would help promote understanding, acceptance and socio-economic inclusion of persons with albinism into mainstream society. (NAN)

TIM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Foundation urges Fed. Govt. to produce data on older persons

Foundation urges Fed. Govt. to produce data on older persons
By Chinenye Offor
Ageing
Abuja, May 30, 2019 (NAN) Sen. Eze Ajoku, the Founder, Graceful Ageing Foundation, has called on the Federal Government to produce data and institutions for older persons, saying it will help solve ageing issues.
Ajoku made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
He said that data was important in ageing, noting that by 2020 there will be about 10 million older persons in the country.
According to him, having the right institutions, human resources, framework, data, monitoring and evaluation are core pillars of development in terms of ageing.
Ajoku expressed the need for integration and inclusion of older persons in Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the primary healthcare services.
He further said that it was necessary for advocacy to be on life course and inter-generational approach in order to achieve a win-win situation.
He identified policy document on ageing, long term care, health, subsidised drugs for the aged, as well as inclusion of older persons into NHIS, as issues that needed urgent attention.
The founder also suggested that relevant bodies should ensure provision of social security for formal and informal sectors, recreational centres and hospitals in the rural areas for the older persons.
He also advocated for capacity building for social workers taking care of the older persons.
Ajoku, however, expressed displeasure on government’s lack of interest in the provision of healthcare facilities, especially for the older persons.
He blamed lack of policy on ageing as one of the factors affecting ageing issues in the country and appealed to relevant agencies to ensure there is a framework on ageing. (NAN)
CSO/OOA/MST
Edited by Olabisi Akinbode/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Foundation advocates menstrual hygiene practice in schools

Foundation advocates menstrual hygiene practice in schools
By Talatu Maiwada
Menstruation
Abuja, May 29, 2019 (NAN) As the World commemorates World Menstrual Hygiene Day, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), an NGO, has called on government at all levels to provide sanitary environment in schools to improve menstrual hygiene practice.
Mrs Stella Achebe, Prevention Coordinator of AHF, made the appeal at Chinnakwe International School, Daki Biu, a suburb of Abuja, in commemoration of 2019 World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Menstruation is the shedding of the lining of the uterus (womb), and is a natural process that is part of a woman’s reproductive health.
An average woman and girl starts their first period between the ages of 12 and 14, while some girls start as early as age eight, while others experience theirs as late as 18.
Achebe said the world menstrual hygiene day was an annual event celebrated on May 28 to create awareness for women and girls about menstrual hygiene.
She added that the day was also set aside to create a world in which women and girls are no longer limited by their periods.
“The menstrual hygiene day is of utmost important to us in AHF; it’s a day we reach out to young women and girls to introduce educative and encouraging practices, and products for menstruation.
“At AHF, we believe that girls need to be supported during their menstrual flow, with the menstrual materials such as disposable pads.
“We also advocate that government at all levels make menstrual hygiene a core policy to support girls in schools by providing clean water and toilets where they can change their sanitary towels conveniently.
“This will ensure they are protected and healthy, they will continue with their daily routine such as going to school as some students stay out of school during menstrual periods which affects their education,’’ Achebe said.
Mrs Christy Awonor, State Nursing Coordinator, AHF, said the day gives opportunity for young girls to be empowered and informed on menstrual hygiene, and how to care for their bodies and environment to avoid ill health and infertility in future.
“When girls get to a certain stage and they begin to menstruate, they feel ashamed of what is happening to their bodies, and not able to talk about it.
“According to UNESCO, in Africa one out of 10 girls drops out of school during menstruation, hence we urge government to provide free sanitary pads, water and soap in schools as children are been given free food.
“It is however important that schools, mothers and guardians talk about menstrual hygiene so that they know what to expect, how to care for themselves, and proper disposal of their sanitary pads,’’ she added.
Ms Stella Mba, Head Teacher, Chinnakwe International School, explained that menstruation was a natural phenomenon that women and girls experience monthly.
“Our girls need to be educated on how to care for their body when they are menstruating.
“Some of them use rags repeatedly and tissue paper during menstruation which is not good for their health.
“We however appreciate AHF for this laudable project for reaching out to schools such as ours to educate our girls on menstrual hygiene and how to care for their well-being.
“With the information that AHF has brought the children can take care of their bodies and maintain a good hygiene,’’ she said.
Ms Maquine Anita, an SS1 student of the school, appreciated AHF, for educating them on menstrual hygiene, noting that menstruation was not a taboo but a normal thing.
“AHF taught us that our sanitary pads should not last more than six to eight hours to avoid rashes, bad odour and infection.
“We must ensure we wash up at intervals when we want to change and to take bath regularly, Anita said.
Another student SS1 student of the school, Ms Morayo Adewoledudu, said: “AHF taught us how to maintain proper hygiene, washing of our private part, proper use of clean under wears and proper disposal of sanitary pads.’’
Highlight of the event includes distribution of sanitary pads to over 100 students.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation is a non-governmental organisation operational in 43 countries, including Nigeria and located in six states. (NAN)
TIM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Foundation raises awareness on cancer

Foundation raises awareness on cancer
By Chinenye Offor
Cancer
Abuja, May 23, 2019 ( NAN) Mr Runcie Chidebe, the Executive Director, Project Pink Blue, a health based NGO, has attributed rising prostate cancer mortality in Nigeria to low screening level and inadequate awareness.
Chidebe made this known to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja while speaking on the foundation’s research on “Prostate Cancer Awareness, Health Behaviours and Attitudes in Nigeria”.
He noted that a report from WHO identified cancer as a critical public health problem, saying that Nigeria is a major contributor to the overall cancer burden, with 115,950 new cases of cancer and 70,327 cancer deaths in 2018.
According to him, cancer incidence in Nigeria is on the increase.
He further disclosed that prostate cancer was the third leading cause of deaths with 13,078 new cases or 29 .1 per cent and 5,806 deaths in 2018.
“The Age Standardised incidence Rates (ASR) for prostate cancer was 32.8 new cases, per 100,000 men and mortality rates were about 16.3 per 100,000 men in 2018.
“On daily basis, at least 15 men die of prostate cancer in Nigeria and a man of African descent is 70 per cent more likely to develop prostate cancer than men of other races.
“Globally, one on eight men will be diagnosed with the disease.
“We are using our initiative, “Men on Blue’’, as a health intervention in closing the gap of awareness, education, research and screening for prostate cancer in rural communities in the society.
“With the support of ACT Foundation, Men on Blue, has made a significant impact in Nigeria’s oncology space and have increased awareness and also activated interest on prostate cancer and men’s health,” he added.
Chidebe further said that the project was aimed at reduction of prostate cancer, through the creation of a platform on the disease awareness, screening research and support in Nigeria.
“We mobilised over 3,000 men in Abuja, Enugu and Lagos, through prostate cancer walk.
“Over 10,000 persons were reached with awareness and over 15 million reached via television, radio and social media campaign,’’ he said.
Chidebe however urged men of 40 years and above to go for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test, noting that early detection saves life. (NAN)
CSO/OOA/MST
Edited by Olabisi Akinbode/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

IWD: See women as equal partners – Foundation

IWD: See women as equal partners – Foundation
By Chinenye Offor
Equality
Abuja, March 8, 2019 (NAN) Ms Inimfon Etuk , the Chairperson, She Forum Africa, has called on men to see women as an equal partners in order to achieve gender equality.
Etuk made the call in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja in commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD).
NAN reports that the theme of this year is tagged “Balance for Better’’.
She noted that seeing women as equal partners by their male counterparts would enhance nation building and that was the kind of equality women are advocating for.
Etuk said that giving women equal contributory partnership, when it comes to nation building would engender bringing their positive ideas that would help to solve nation’s problems.
She added that women were naturally caregivers, big custodians of economy and economic growth.
She urged men to recognise those qualities women possess in order to help achieve gender equality.
According to her, skill acquisition is primary in achieving the desired goal and appealed to Nigerian women to pay attention to their mental health.
She added that mental health was not about outright madness, stressing that so many issues that women are travelling with affects their overall performance.
She therefore advised women to take care of their physical and mental health.
“We should be able to understand our numbers, physical and mental fitness that will help us perform optimally in work places, homes, society and others.
“We also need to rise above social crises and stereotyped culture that have risen against us and continued to hinder the progress of women and this is the time women should overlook them.
“If a woman is professionally qualified and prepared to take up a position then we have already accomplished half of the things militating against us.
“And we should also do our home work as women and shun the saying and belief that society has delegated us to the background,” she advised.
“We encourage our men to see our women as equal partners; that is the kind of equality we are talking about.
“Give women equal contributory partnership when it comes to nation building,’’ she said.
Etuk however admonished government to recognise the qualities women had and ensure that more qualified women are given a chance to contribute their quota in nation building. (NAN)
CSO/OOA/MST
Edited by Olabisi Akinbode/Muhammad Suleiman Tola