Nation

Foundation Distributes Food Items To 215 IDPs, Vulnerable Children

Published

2 years ago

December 13, 2022

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Hope for the Village Child Foundation, has distributed food items to 215 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable children in Kasuwan Magani Community of Kaduna State.
Kasuwan Magani, an outskirt community in Kaduna, under Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA), has a number of IDPs hosted by the community, who are living within the indigenous people, not isolated in camps.
The food items distributed to the IDPs were rice, beans, maize, vegetable oil, tomato pastes, and seasoning, among others.
Deputy Director of the foundation, Sister Juliana Ekwoanya, said their encounter with vulnerable people when on field work, had constantly called for the idea of food donation.
According to her, when they go on field exercises on various activities in line with their foundation’s mission, they often come across women with malnourished children.
Ekwoanya, who is also in charge of the foundation’s health section, added that women with malnourished children also go to the hospital for medical services.
She said the foundation had to delve into soliciting for food support to assist the IDPs and other vulnerable children.
Ekwoanya noted that the food items may not be enough, but would help cushion the hunger the beneficiaries were battling with.
“In the course of our interaction with them, some do tell us that they sometimes stay a whole day without food.
“One of them told me that she only boils water in the morning, afternoon and evening, then drink it just to keep the intestine warm because there is nothing to eat”, she said.
She explained that the food items they distributed to the IDPs were about 20 per cent provided by Microvis Bank, while 80 per cent came from the international society.
Leader of Imams forum under the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Kajuru chapter, Malam Akilu Muhammad, said the gesture by the foundation needed to be emulated because people are in very difficult conditions.
He said it was a joyful moment to see both Muslims and Christians all along with their children benefitting from the foundation’s kind gesture.
“Kasuwan Magani filled with so many people from neighbouring and far communities who are bedeviled by bandits and kidnappers, have found home here, but they still have numerous challenges.
“We from JIBWIS are trying our best to ensure our contributions to the IDPs. We collect Zakat (a religious duty for all Muslims who meet the necessary criteria of wealth to help the needy) from farmers and distribute the grains judiciously among them,” he said.
Muhammad also said that they take responsibilities of some of the IDPs education.
The Kajuru LGA Youth Coordinator, Mr. Jonathan Peter, said the gesture by the foundation was timely.
He said despite the Kasuwan Magani community being divided along religious line, the food distribution exercise has brought the Muslims and Christians together.
Peter added that women, girls and children, being the most affected by insecurity which displaced them, are more vulnerable, noting that some members of the host communities take advantage of them.

“Some of the IDPs, resident in Kasuwan Magani, find it very difficult to feed their children, we think food items distributed to them will sure go along way”.

He thanked the foundation for the support and called on other wealthy groups or individuals to emulate the kind gesture.

Nation

NUJ backs proposed strike by Lagos-owned media workers

Published

2 days ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council has thrown its weight behind the proposed industrial action by the Lagos State-owned media organisations.

The proposed industrial action is set to begin on Monday, Jan. 13.

In a letter jointly signed by the Lagos State NUJ Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, and the Secretary, Mr Tunde Olalere, on Thursday, the union expressed its support for the strike.

The letter, dated Jan. 9, was addressed to the General Manager of Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

The NUJ, along with the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Worker’s Union (RATTAWU) of the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporations, including Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/EKO FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio, had announced the proposed strike.

They said this was in response to the non-payment of the minimum wage and integration into the Oracle database by the state government.

The union leadership stated that it was fully aware of the several discussions, congresses, and notices given to the state government regarding the need for state-owned media house workers to be integrated into the Oracle database.

“You will agree with the union that these were enough notices given to address the issues at stake,” the letter read in part.

The leaders recalled that an initial 10-day ultimatum was issued, followed by a 21-day ultimatum, and finally, a seven-day final ultimatum.

“It is imperative that our members working in the state-owned media organisations should also enjoy the new minimum wage like other workers of the state,” the NUJ stated.

The union further noted that the revenue generated by state-owned media organisations could no longer sustain the payment of workers’ salaries and benefits, highlighting the urgent need for the state government to intervene for their survival.

“The welfare of our dear members is paramount and this is why the union deems it fit to support and pledge solidarity with our members going on strike,” the union stated.

The union also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of protesting workers to their duties in propagating state government policies and activities, stating that such dedication should be rewarded by the state government.

“The union, therefore, advises that only an amicable resolution and approval of the demands of our members can stop the industrial action,” the union stated.

Nation

New Rivers CP assures of non partisan …moves against human rights violation

Published

1 week ago

January 1, 2025

The Tide

The new Rivers state commissioner of police ,CP Olugbenga Adepoju has assured that his administration will remain apolitical in the discharge of his duties in the state.

Adepoju who officially assumed office last Friday as the 47th police commissioner of police stated this during his median press briefing held at state police command over the weekend in Port Harcourt.

He assured that under his watch as the police helmsman in the state his administration will ensure protection of human rights and warn that any police officer who violate the rights of people will be sanctioned in accordance with the police act and
urged Rivers people to hold the Police accountable, share view of people with police.

“We are committed to transparency.

My priority is to ensure safety, security and welfare of all residents in the state.
Being an economic hub of the country,the state faces challenges of crisis from political interest, economic sabotage illegal oil bunkering.

“I will ensure Rivers people sleep with their two eyes close. I have what it takes to keep the command safe.We do Intelligence gathering work with community and public engagement to proactively prevent crime.We have meetings and seminars with members of the public.”

“We will enforce discipline and ensure zero tolerance for corruption.I have my team.I will put them to work.There will be improvement on the part of my officers.

“We will Combat youth restiveness and cultism, oil theft, environmental crime. we will work with other agencies to ensure is reduce to the barest minimum.

“We will enhance response time and police visibility. We do all we can for our men to respond to distress call in time. We will deploy more men in metro. More visibility policing.

“We will address land grabbing issues.We will work with our legal team. If we have to partake in any execution order, we will look at it critically.

“We will enforce all vehicle regulations with human face. Especially tinted glasses. We may excuse those that have it from the factory. Either the vehicle will be impounded, the tinted glass removed or they are charged to court.

“Our men will not violate rights of citizens. If there is any violation of rights, it should be reported to the police for necessary actions. Our men will be more professional and polite to the people “he stated

CP Adepoju however urged residents of the state,the media and all necessary stakeholders to give the Police the relevant cooperation and support for effective policing of the society.

Akujobi amadi

Nation

Police invites assaulted female victim, assures of protection

Published

2 weeks ago

January 1, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Police Command says it has acknowledged a social media report on alleged assault of a lady by police officers along Evo Road, Port Harcourt.

A statement signed by the police public Relations Officer (PPRO),SP Grace Iringe Koko in Port Harcourt, yesterday said the police acknowledged the report of such alleged assault and invite the lady involved to visit the command so as to enable the command to commence investigation with a view to apprehend the officers involved.

“We urge the lady involved to visit the Police Headquarters to enable a thorough investigation into the matter. This step will assist us in identifying the officers involved and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.”

“The Command appeals to members of the public to cooperate with police officers during stop-and-search operations, as these measures are essential in combating crime and maintaining security.”

“We also encourage residents to report any misconduct by police officers through the following channels:
• PPRO: 0816 135 5218
• Control Room: 08032003514, 08098880134
• Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, 07057605209”

“Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain accountability and professionalism within the Rivers State Police Command.
Thank you.”

Akujobi Amadi