HammerTimes News Online

Tag: #Mrs

  • Lagbaja inaugurates NAOWA multipurpose complex in Abuja

     

    By Sumaila Ogbaje, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

    The President, Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Maria Lagbaja, on Wednesday inaugurated a state-of-the-art multipurpose complex built by the Army Headquarters (AHQ) Garrison Chapter, Mambilla Barracks, Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the complex which serves as the Secretariat for the NAOWA AHQ Garrison chapter comprises offices, a conference hall, and a vocational training centre.

    The edifice was named after the NAOWA President, the wife of Chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, as Maria Lagbaja Skills Acquisition Centre.

    Lagbaja, in her remarks, said that the complex marked another significant milestone in the advancement of NAOWA.

    She said it was also a testament of hard work, dedication and in line with her vision of unwavering commitment to unity and service for the betterment of humanity.

    She said the facility would provide the much needed conducive environment, for meetings and gatherings of NAOWA members under the AHQ Garrison.

    Lagbaja appreciated the Commander, AHQ Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Koko Isoni, the chapter coordinator and members for their consistent support to the association.

    She called on NAOWA members to come up with innovative projects and initiatives that would contribute positively to the growth and development of the association.

    The Commander, AHQ Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Isoni, commended NAOWA for the centre and for their commitment to the growth and wellbeing of the widows of fallen heroes, youths and the vulnerable in the Balak community.

    He urged them to continue to collaborate with other relevant non-governmental organisations to further develop and enhance capacity building in the barracks and surrounding communities.

    “It is our hope and desire that this centre will fulfil the purpose for which it has been established.

    “In the light of the above, I wish to reiterate that the AHQ garrison will continue to support the activities and programmes of this noble association that has continued to make us proud, both nationally and internationally,” he said.

    The Coordinator of Chapter, Mrs Pearl Isoni, said that the complex was possible because of hard work and the unwavering commitment to the betterment of the barracks community.

    She said the centre, as a hub for innovation and creativity, would foster growth, unity, connections, and empower individuals to reach their fullest potential.

    “More importantly, this building will act as a catalyst for positive change, providing resources, support and inspiration to all who walk through this door.

    “As we stand on the threshold of this new chapter, let us carry forward the spirit of unity, collaboration, and determination that brought us to this moment.

    “In commissioning this centre, we are not just opening a door, we are opening endless possibilities for the future of the youths and women, who come here to learn skills to better their lives and our barrack community,” Isoni said. (NAN)

  • FG trains 40 visually impaired children on pastry, rattan craft making

     

    By Priscilla Osaje, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA 

    The Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), has trained 40 visually impaired children in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on pastry and rattan craft making.

    Mrs Lola Ade-John, the Minister of Tourism, who stated this at the school for the blind, Jabi, Abuja on Wednesday, said the training is aimed at making children self-reliant and relevant.

    The training was on EcoGenesis Incubator Series of the Skills training and empowerment.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EcoGenesis Incubator Series is a tourist community development programme of the Ministry, which includes residents’ tourism skills empowerment interventions.

    Trainees who acquire hands-on occupational skills are mentored over time to become resident hospitality entrepreneurs   in their tourism destinations.

    She said that the objective of the training was to empower the children with occupational skills, as well as lifting them out of poverty by harnessing tourist opportunities inherent in the tourist host community.

    According to her, such training will also help to ensure that part of our communities develop the spirit of readiness to receive tourists in the country.

    She said that the training was replicated in Lagos some time ago to build the students’ productivity, and this was evident in what they produce which is in the market.

    “EcoGenesis Incubator Series designed for the less privileged and vulnerable is to empower us for tourists that will come to the country.

    “Seeing the productivity of the blind children you will be amazed to know that we are creative in this country,” she said.

    Also speaking, Mr Nura Kangiwa, Director -General of NIIHOTOUR commended the present administration’s efforts to reposition Nigeria on the global tourism map.

    He said that as a preferred tourism destination, the ministry is poised to address poverty and unemployment in our nation.

    Kangiwa appreciated the minister for her wisdom and insight to initiate the programme, which has added value to the FCT and Nigeria at large.

     

    According to him, the choice of FCT at this time is symbolic to the tackling of the challenges faced by this category of people.

    He said that the category of people whose disabilities, if not checked, deprived them of access to social interaction, stigmatisation, education, skilled occupation as well as work and livelihood.

    “The hospitality and tourism sector has a special demand in occupational trade skills to produce tourism souvenir products aimed at empowering and building hope of self-reliance in the affected youths,” he said.

    He appreciated the FCT minister, Social Development Secretariat, AMAC and the authorities of the school for the blind, Jabi, for accepting the synergy and collaboration for the project.

    Mrs Elizabeth Vou Pam, Special Adviser on Community Engagement to the Minister, said such Exogenesis Incubator Series training and empowerment, has given the children the opportunity to be self-reliant in their various skills acquisition.

    Mrs Rose Ugaden, Principal of the school, commended the minister as well as the NIHOTOUR D-G for bringing such an impactful   programme to the school.

     

    Ugaden said that considering the great performance of the children showed that they have a long way to go with such skills.

    “It is only their sight that is affected but the other organs are effective, the reason they did so greatly,”he said.

    A  Home Economics teacher, Mrs Ruth Sale, said the training came at the right time as this would help the children to discover their passion irrespective of their condition.

    One of the beneficiaries, Miss Gift Ugochukwu, thanked the initiators of the programme, saying that the programme had exposed them to the importance of skills acquisition.

    Another beneficiary, Miss Salome Timothy appreciated the ministry for the training to become a reality in their school.

    NAN a reports that highlights of the event was the presentation of certificates as well as party items to the beneficiary students. (NAN)

  • Organisation distributes food items worth N15m to FCT communities

    By Justina Auta, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA 
    A group known as Emmanuel TV Partners, on Sunday, distributed food items worth over N15 million in FCT communities.
    Mrs Ogechi Tagbo, Coordinator of the group, said that the food items were distributed in commemoration of the third anniversary of the passing of Temitope Joshua (TB Joshua), Founder of the Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN).
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Emmanuel TV is the media arm of SCOAN
    According to Tagbo, the initiative is to honour the legacy of the late Joshua and support to the less privileged in the society.
    She recalled his humanitarian services and it’s impact both within and outside Nigeria, especially during natural disasters and conflicts.
    “Emmanuel TV Partners Abuja made a vow to continue spreading the love and teachings of Jesus Christ, as exemplified by TB Joshua.
    “Our outreach today is a testament to his selfless and generous spirit of our late Prophet. We aim to continue his legacy of love, faith, and support for the less privileged,” she said.
    She said that the essential items including 350 tubers of yam, 300 bags of rice, 350 cartons of noodles, wrappers, mobile phones for the elderly, bread, and beverages, drinks, toiletries and cash gifts were distributed.
    Tagbo said these would support the elderly, widows, and other vulnerable members in the community, especially with the economic challenges bedeviling the nation.
    Tagbo said that the group would also visit the Gifted and Talented Orphanage in Trademore and the FCT School of the Blind in Jabi to support the vulnerable groups as part of the evangelical outreach.
    She revealed that similar gestures would also be replicated by Emmanuel TV partners all over the world, where food items and livelihood support would be distributed to support the less privileged.
    Eno Ekanem, one of the partners, said that the outreach was to show love and give back to the community to show God’s blessing.
    “Our goal is to reach out to those who can not provide for themselves, especially the elderly and the downtrodden,” he said.
    Similarly, Nneka Mba, another member, commended the substantial nature of the donations in spite of the current economic situation.
    “Considering the current economic situation, we have managed to gather significant quantities of rice, beans, noodles, and other essentials.
    “Our contributions are valued between N15 million to N16 million,” she said.
    Japhet Akawu, traditional ruler of Tasha Village Jiwa Chiefdom, expressed appreciation for the gesture.
    “Today’s generosity from Emmanuel TV Partners signifies a turning point for our community. This act of kindness brings hope and is a blessing for us all,” he remarked.
     (NAN)

  • Nasarawa lawmaker’s wife, Mrs Salome Zhekaba provides succour to women in husband’s constituency, Obi 2

     

    “… as she distributes over 50 cartoons of Maggi, cash to 800 women worth N2 million…”

    Mrs Salome Luka Zhekaba, wife of member representing Obi 2 constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has distributed over 50 cartoons of maggi and cash to 800 women in Obi 2, constituency in order to improve on their standard of living.

    Mrs Zhekaba made the distribution today in Duduguru, Obi Local Government Area of the State.

    She said that the gesture was to change on their lives positively.

    ” I am here to appreciate your support and votes for my husband during the 2023 general election

    ” This visit is also to distribute Maggi and cash to the women of Obi 2 constituency in order to improve on their standard of living

    ” I am here to put smiles in the faces of women of Ob1 2 constituency. This is to change on your lives positively” She said.

    Hon. Zhekaba’s wife also solicited for more support of all and sundry to enable her husband succeed revealing that She expended over N2 million for the exercise which will be a continuous one urging those who did not benefit at the first phase to be patience as they will be carried along in the next exercise.

    She urged the women to support their husbands in the interest of their families and for the overall development of the society.

    Mrs Zhekaba further urged the women to embrace skills and entrepreneurship in order to be self reliant and contribute positively to the development of the society.

    She also urged them to take the education of their children seriously.

    Also speaking, Mr Augustine Agwale, PDP Chairman, Duglu ward and Mrs Paulina Bathelomem, Women Leader, PDP Duglu ward appreciated Mrs Zhekaba for always having the women of the constituecy at her heart.

    The PDP leaders called on the people of the constituency to continue to support Hon. Zhekaba to succeed.

    They also prayed God to bless her and her husband abundantly.

    Responding, Mrs Mary Peter and Mrs Charity Daniel, beneficiaries appreciated Mrs Zhekaba for the gesture and prayed God to bless her abundantly.

    They said her husband, Hon. Zhekaba is making them proud by providing quality representation and the much needed dividends of democracy to the people of the constituency.

  • Foundation urges FG to mainstream gender issues into social protection programmes

    By Aderogba George, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA 
    Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF), an NGO, has urged the Federal Government to mainstream gender issues into the country’s social protection programmes.
    Mrs Mabel Ade, Director, AAF, made the appeal at a programme tagged “Pad a girl, a month school initiative” organised to commemorate the 2024 World Menstrual Hygiene Day celebrated annually on May 28.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the programme was “Bridging widening gender gap in education through `Pad a girl a month’ school initiative.
    Ade said there was need for girls and women to have access to sanitary pads, adding that effort should be stepped up by the Federal Government in making sanitary pads available for women.
    She particularly called on the Federal Government to mainstream gender issues into social protection programmes and make sanitary pads more accessible for women.
    “AAF is an organisation that has its core objective on women empowerment; maternal health is one of our key objective. Menstruation is a very important aspect of maternal health.
    “We cannot do anything without dealing with issues surrounding menstruation and that is the reason why as an organisation, we have given very high importance to menstruation health.
    “Another reason why we decided on the topic “Pad a girl a month” is because going around the country,  North West, North Central, South South, South East and South West, you will discovered that women are facing quite a lot of challenges.
    “Some of these challenges are around coping with poverty; when there is poverty and you want to prioritise, you want to spend money, it becomes very difficult.
    “It is difficult to prioritise menstruation over food for a mother, it is difficult to prioritise pads over children’s school fees and hospital bills for families.
    “It is extremely difficult where you find families that are displaced on account of violence conflict.
    “Nigeria is one great country that has a very good social protection policy that if well implemented, it will take care of issues that relate to poverty, one of such which affects the dignity of a woman and a girl,” she stressed.
    Ade said that her foundation had done a lot on gender issues including drafting an Action Plan for the technical working group on menstruation hygiene health management.
    Dr Priscilla Achakpa, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Women Environmental Programme/Menstrual Hygiene Advocates, said there was need to make girls understand menstrual hygiene management.
    She called on girls not to be ashamed of their menstrual period, stating that there were some communities where women were being humiliated when they are menstruating.
    Mr Ali-Andrew Madugu, Director, Child Development Department, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, stated that there was need to show care to women when they are observing their menstruation.
    He appreciated the founder of AAF for what she was doing, and also advocated that pads be made available and accessible to discouraged some girls who stayed away from school because of menstruation issues.
    Mrs Moji Makanjuola, Executive Director, International Society for Media in Public Health (ISMPD), said  there should be no segregation between both genders as a result of women menstruating.
    Makanjuola also said that Nigerians must begin to encourage manufacturers of hygiene materials, particularly sanitary towels, for more production, so that there won’t be shortage of such products in the country.
    She called on the Ministry of Women Affairs to lead the campaign for more production of sanitary towels and other hygiene materials.
    Makanjuola also appreciated the Director of AAF, stressing that the gap for access to menstruation pads must be bridged.
    Mr Abdulrahman Dialo, the representative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), said the organisation will continue to support adolescent issues in Nigeria, having been captured in the Sustainable Development Goal 3 and 4.
    Dialo, represented by Oye Tomori, an officer in the organisation, urged the girls to be proud of their femininity, adding that they should see themselves as strong and powerful.
    He also advocated finding alternative means of making sanitary towels available to girls, pledging that UNESCO would continue to support the initiative.
    NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA 

  • NAOWA President celebrates barracks children, urges them to be focused

    By Sumaila Ogbaje
    President, Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Maria Lagbaja, has encouraged barracks children to be obedient and focused so as to become responsible citizens in the future.
    The Wife of the Chief of Army Staff gave the advice when she held Children’s Party to celebrate the 2024 Children’s Day for barracks schools children on Tuesday in Abuja.
    Lagbaja said the event was geared towards making the children happy, saying that if the children are happy, parents will be happy too.
    She urged the children to always obey their parents while making effort to be outstanding in their academic endeavour and making the society proud.
    “Children should always obey their parents so that they can be good leaders of tomorrow,’’ she said.
    On her part, the President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa urged parents to be more intentional, focused and look inward in nurturing their wards.
    Mrs Musa also advised parents to draw their children closer, always give them attention and be observant.
    According to her, parents should be more conscious of their children’s whereabouts, be conscious of their environment and talk about things like drugs as parents.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that wards and students from NAOWA Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools in Abuja as well DEPOWA School participated in the activities.
    The event featured cultural display, dancing competition and spelling bee among the schools.
    Spelling bees for Primary school category was won by the NAOWA Model Asokoro while the NAOWA Daycare Nursery and Primary School, Guards Brigade came second and Depowa Primary School came third.
    For the Secondary School category, the
    NAOWA College and DEPOWA Secondary emerged first in a tie.
    NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

  • Children’s Day: Hunters boss urges govt. to prioritise welfare of children

    Dr John Metchie, Deputy Commander General, Technical Services, Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Services (NHFSS)
    By Sumaila Ogbaje, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
    Dr John Metchie, the Deputy Commander-General, Technical Services, Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Services (NHFSS), has urged Government at all levels to prioritise the welfare of children as they celebrate their day.
    Metchie made the call in his message to Nigerian children as they join their counterparts across the globe to mark the 2024 Children’s Day Celebration on Monday.
    He also urged parents to spend more time with their children and wards to ensure a better society and secure good future for them.
    He said the celebration is a clarion call for leaders at all levels to prioritise the welfare of children.
    On the incessant attacks on schools and children, he urged the federal and state governments to appreciate, embrace and work with officers and men of the NHFSS to bring an end to such threats.
    He said “I, on behalf of my  family and the entire team at the NHFSS, extend warm congratulations to Nigerian children on the occasion of the 2024 children’s day.”
    Metchie is also the Prime Minister of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) and President-General, Umueri Community, Anambra.
    The Anambra-born philanthropist and his wife, Chief (Mrs) Linda Metchie, have over the years been reaching out  to school children and orphanages cross the Country to put smile on their faces.
    NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA 

  • Children’s Day: Hunters boss urges govt. to prioritise welfare of children

    Dr John Metchie, Deputy Commander General, Technical Services, Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Services (NHFSS)
    By Sumaila Ogbaje, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
    Dr John Metchie, the Deputy Commander-General, Technical Services, Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Services (NHFSS), has urged Government at all levels to prioritise the welfare of children as they celebrate their day.
    Metchie made the call in his message to Nigerian children as they join their counterparts across the globe to mark the 2024 Children’s Day Celebration on Monday.
    He also urged parents to spend more time with their children and wards to ensure a better society and secure good future for them.
    He said the celebration is a clarion call for leaders at all levels to prioritise the welfare of children.
    On the incessant attacks on schools and children, he urged the federal and state governments to appreciate, embrace and work with officers and men of the NHFSS to bring an end to such threats.
    He said “I, on behalf of my  family and the entire team at the NHFSS, extend warm congratulations to Nigerian children on the occasion of the 2024 children’s day.”
    Metchie is also the Prime Minister of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) and President-General, Umueri Community, Anambra.
    The Anambra-born philanthropist and his wife, Chief (Mrs) Linda Metchie, have over the years been reaching out  to school children and orphanages cross the Country to put smile on their faces.
    NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA 

  • Garri: Residents in Ebonyi lament high Price as custard bucket sales at N3, 800

    The Residents of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State has lamented the high cost of food items, especially garri as price recently hit N3, 800 per custard bucket in May.
    According to report, custard bucket of yellow garri is selling between N3, 700 and N3, 800 while the white one sales between N3, 400 and N 3, 500.
    Mr John Ikeduru, a trader described the situation as bad condition in the country.
    Ikeduru said that the current high cost of garri had never happened in the history of garri as well as other food stuffs.
    “”Half basin of garri is sold between N23, 000 and N28, 500 depending on the brand as N9, 000 and N11, 000 in previous months.
    “Again, a custard rubber measured of iron beans also goes between N6, 000 and N7, 000 as against N2, 000 and N2, 500.
    “Also, five tubers of yam cost between N9, 000 and N20, 000 depending on the sizes,” Ikeduru said.
    Mrs Nnenna Nwali, a Parent with family of five, described the development as unfortunate and worrisome to buy a painter of garri for N3, 800.
    Nwali also expressed disappointment that common food items like rice, beans, garri, yam, pasta, flour, vegetable oil was no longer afforded because of high cost.
    “If I get only garri for such amount, what happens to other food stuffs. I cannot boost for complete square meals for my children,” Nwali lament.
    Ifeanyi Odo, frowned at the situation and said it was difficult to bear.
    Odo said that a bag of garri sales between N78, 000 and N125, 000 depending on the brand.
    He urged government at all levels to make policy on price control to checkmate the situation.
    He further called on authorities to identify the cause hike in prices of commodities and tackle immediately to reduce hardship on citizens.
    A Farmer, Mr Kenneth Aligwe, attributed the continuous hike in price of commodities to attacks on farmers by biko haram in their farm lands and unending communial crisis in some states.
    Aligwe maintained that in achieving food security, governments should be sensitive to insecurity in the country, assure famers of adequate protection and introduce price control on all commodities which would go a long way.
    “For instance, Ezza-Effium community in Ohaukwu local government area, known for food production, especially garri, had experienced shortage and hike in price of agricultural produce, since crisis erupted in the area.
    “I advocate for establishment of military camp in the area to end the war,” Aligwe advised
    Another farmer, Mr Chukwuma Usulor, said tension is heightened on farmers over insecurity in the land.
    “Since crisis started in the area, storage of food has doubled, causing high cost in price of food items in markets.
    “The refugees from the said community cannot go back to their original home to cultivate because of the conflict.
    “There is need to tackle insecurity and crisis in communities, so that people can go back to their villages and continue with their farming business,” Usulor said.

  • Garri: Residents in Ebonyi lament high Price as custard bucket sales at N3, 800

    The Residents of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State has lamented the high cost of food items, especially garri as price recently hit N3, 800 per custard bucket in May.
    According to report, custard bucket of yellow garri is selling between N3, 700 and N3, 800 while the white one sales between N3, 400 and N 3, 500.
    Mr John Ikeduru, a trader described the situation as bad condition in the country.
    Ikeduru said that the current high cost of garri had never happened in the history of garri as well as other food stuffs.
    “”Half basin of garri is sold between N23, 000 and N28, 500 depending on the brand as N9, 000 and N11, 000 in previous months.
    “Again, a custard rubber measured of iron beans also goes between N6, 000 and N7, 000 as against N2, 000 and N2, 500.
    “Also, five tubers of yam cost between N9, 000 and N20, 000 depending on the sizes,” Ikeduru said.
    Mrs Nnenna Nwali, a Parent with family of five, described the development as unfortunate and worrisome to buy a painter of garri for N3, 800.
    Nwali also expressed disappointment that common food items like rice, beans, garri, yam, pasta, flour, vegetable oil was no longer afforded because of high cost.
    “If I get only garri for such amount, what happens to other food stuffs. I cannot boost for complete square meals for my children,” Nwali lament.
    Ifeanyi Odo, frowned at the situation and said it was difficult to bear.
    Odo said that a bag of garri sales between N78, 000 and N125, 000 depending on the brand.
    He urged government at all levels to make policy on price control to checkmate the situation.
    He further called on authorities to identify the cause hike in prices of commodities and tackle immediately to reduce hardship on citizens.
    A Farmer, Mr Kenneth Aligwe, attributed the continuous hike in price of commodities to attacks on farmers by biko haram in their farm lands and unending communial crisis in some states.
    Aligwe maintained that in achieving food security, governments should be sensitive to insecurity in the country, assure famers of adequate protection and introduce price control on all commodities which would go a long way.
    “For instance, Ezza-Effium community in Ohaukwu local government area, known for food production, especially garri, had experienced shortage and hike in price of agricultural produce, since crisis erupted in the area.
    “I advocate for establishment of military camp in the area to end the war,” Aligwe advised
    Another farmer, Mr Chukwuma Usulor, said tension is heightened on farmers over insecurity in the land.
    “Since crisis started in the area, storage of food has doubled, causing high cost in price of food items in markets.
    “The refugees from the said community cannot go back to their original home to cultivate because of the conflict.
    “There is need to tackle insecurity and crisis in communities, so that people can go back to their villages and continue with their farming business,” Usulor said.