Day: June 2, 2024

The Federal Government says it has secured Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the tune N20 billion towards facilitating local production of assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Dr James Lalu, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Lalu said, the need to source for investors in the manufacturing of locally made assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) became necessary, following the high cost of the imported devices.

‘Recently, we secured a foreign direct Investment to the tune of N20 billion and the organisation is committed to starting the local manufacturing of assistive devices as an MoU has already been signed.

‘The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is going forward to make sure that we provide this opportunity to Nigeria for the manufacturing of local assistive devices.

‘This is due to the fact that 99 per cent of our ass
istive devices are imported and the prices are higher and are now getting out of the reach of the poor.

‘Even, the budgetary allocation provided may not be able to provide assistive devices to the disability community across all states of the federation,’ he said.

Lalu added that promoting local contents in the manufacturing of assistive devices will go a long way to increase patronage and boost the nation’s economy.

‘With the local manufacturing of assistive devices, it will encourage the state governments, local governments and other government agencies to procure and distribute them to the disability communities.

‘The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is working already in the area of local manufacturing of assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities.

‘These include, wheelchairs, hearing aids and other devices for the blind and the deaf as well as persons with albinism,’ he said

The Executive Secretary disclosed that the commission was touting for talent in innovative and creative
industry to improve in the production of assistive devices for PwDs.

‘Just recently, we saw a video circulating on social media about one person in Kano, who was able to manufacture a digital eye-glass that can assist a blind person to walk around using sensors that will communicate to him through voice.

‘When we saw this, we put an invitation to the innovator to come to our head office.

‘We are expecting him at our head office on Tuesday and we are going to review his invention, to see what we can do, to partner with the Bank of Industry and NASENI to bring the innovation to reality in Nigeria,’ he said.

Lalu noted that Nigeria is a land of great opportunities, adding that the commission will scout for the opportunities in other to bring the disability community into technological era.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

An NGO, United Way Greater Nigeria (UWGN), in collaboration with Creative Colony, has trained students in Lagos schools on transforming discarded plastics into art.

Ms ‘Deola Durodola, Executive Director, UWGN, at the completion of the three-day initiative on Friday in Lagos, said the project was aimed at promoting recycling and the creative use of waste plastics to create art.

Durodola said that the initiative tagged ‘Eco Art project’ was conducted at Ilupeju Junior Secondary School and Mawumaduka School and Orphanage, Makoko.

According to her, the project engaged students in an educational and artistic experience, transforming discarded plastics into vibrant works of art.

Durodola said that the students learnt about the environmental impact of plastic waste and the significance of recycling.

She noted that they were guided by skilled artists from the Creative Colony, who taught them various techniques to repurpose waste materials into beautiful, meaningful artworks.

‘The project aimed to inspire the n
ext generation to think creatively about environmental conservation and to see the potential in everyday waste.

‘We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and creativity of the students, and it is our hope that this experience will leave a lasting impression and encourage sustainable practices in their communities,’ she said.

She added that the initiative not only highlighted the importance of recycling but also showcased the students’ creativity and artistic talents.

According to her, participants created stunning portraits of notable figures such as Tobi Amusan, celebrated Nigerian sprinter and world champion; Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, and Tunde Onakoya, a chess player and coach.

Also, Dr Ameera Euba, Founder, The Creative Colony, said the partnership with UWGN represents a powerful synergy of community engagement and artistic innovation.

Euba noted that by merging efforts, the organisations had not only educated young minds on the importance of recycling but also provided them with a creativ
e outlet to express their ideas and aspirations.

‘Together, we are fostering a culture of sustainability and creativity that will resonate far beyond the classrooms and communities we serve,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) says no fewer than 600 PwDs have benefitted from the pilot programme of its health Insurance package.

James Lalu, the Executive Secretary of the commission gave the figure on Sunday, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Lalu also told NAN that the commission was working with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency in the training of over 3000 health workers that would specialise in handling disability related illness.

According to him, the training would come in the second phase of the health insurance intervention programme.

‘We have provided health insurance coverage for PwDs in the last two years. We started with 600 beneficiaries.

‘We are currently working with the Federal Ministry of Health to improve access to healthcare facilities for PwDs across the federation and we have started the pilot programme with the Maitama district hospital in Abuja.

‘We have signed an MoU for the hospital to become a re
ferral centre for PwDs,’ he said

Lalu added ”Our intention is to have, at least, one tertiary hospital in each state of the federation as referral for PwDs,

‘We are providing training for the healthcare workers in the hospital on how to handle disability issues and make sure they are disability friendly.

‘The training is ongoing at the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and over 3000 health workers have already passed through the training at the moment.

‘We are creating awareness on access to healthcare facilities for PwDs’.

On income security for PwDs Lalu said, no fewer than 150 Point of Sale (POS) machines and grants of N100,000 each were distributed to PwDs.

‘We have also supported various Associations of PwDs on annual basis with grants to support their advocacy efforts

‘We also provided assistive devices to three Nigerian Universities and the Sultanate Council in efforts to use the traditional institutions to create awareness on compliance with accessibility regulations for PwDs.

‘T
he programme is expected to reduce hardship and and improve the health, sanitary conditions of the disability environment,’ he said.

Lalu said the programmes were also some of the commitments of the commission to ensure access to public services for PwDs in Nigeria.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Sustainable Environment and Fisheries Foundation (SEFFA), an NGO, says it has empowered communities in Jos and environs for environmental sustainability.

Mrs Ololade Adegoke, Chief Executive Officer, SEFFA, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

She said that SEFFA, a Jos-based NGO, is dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and environmental protection as well as empowering young girls in the fight against climate change.

‘Since its inception in 2008, SEFFA has been a pivotal force in empowering communities, especially women, to improve their livelihoods and contribute to environmental sustainability

‘The organisation continues to complement the efforts of government and development partners in promoting climate-friendly actions and ensuring a sustainable environment for humans, livestock, and plants.”

According to her, the foundation welcomes partnerships with development organisations and government bodies to further their mission of
advocacies, actions and sustainable practices.

The chief executive officer emphasised the importance of raising awareness about climate-smart agriculture and sustainable practices.

According to her, by providing education and resources, SEFFA aims to create a new generation of ‘climate smart ambassadors’ who can drive change in their communities.

‘By educating young girls about climate change and its impacts, we prepare them to ask the right questions and take meaningful actions to address these challenges.”

She said SEFFA recently conducted a three-day training programme from May 16 to May 19 in Jos with the theme ‘Building Life Resilience for Climate Change in Jos, Plateau.”

Adegoke said that the young girls who participated in the training would not only serve as ambassadors but also become influential voices for change in their communities and beyond.

‘The involvement of future leaders in climate advocacy is crucial.”

She said that SEFFA also recently concluded a programme in collaboration with
United Nations Development Programme/ Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA).

Adegoke said that the collaboration brought together 48 young girls from selected secondary schools and communities in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas.

‘During the training, participants engaged in sessions such as: Introduction to Climate Change and Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices, Financial Literacy for Young Farmers Building Synergy through Cooperatives and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene(WASH).

‘Others are General Hygiene Practices for Girls and the Introduction to Solar Charging Point Business.

‘SEFFA has a series of climate-smart activities planned for July, which will expand their outreach to more communities,’ she said.

On his part, Newton Akpona, acting Chairman of the National Sector Skills Council for Agriculture and Agri-processing, highlighted the significance of creating awareness among young farmers.

He said that fostering a positive mindset and adopting climate-smart practices
were essential steps in mitigating the effects of climate disasters.

NAN recalls that on May 14, 2024 SEFFA also distributed farm inputs to communities in Gurapwana, Dahwol-Bob, and Vom in Jos South Local Government Area.

SEFFA is collaborating with the Federal College of Veterinary Research and Medical Laboratory Technology, Vom, to build a greenhouse facility and to support individuals, families, and societies in adopting smart agricultural practices.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) on Saturday declared Latin America host for its 2025 global workshop on nuclear-test ban.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is a multilateral agreement which opened for signature in September 1996 and has since been signed by 187 nations and ratified by 178 to prohibit any nuclear weapon test anywhere in the world by anyone.

The Executive Secretary of CTBTO, Dr Robert Floyd, disclosed this at the closing of a two-day regional workshop organised by CTBTO for African States Signatories on Saturday in Banjul, The Gambia.

The workshop held from May 31 to June 1.

Floyd said, ‘The workshop was experimental: it is the first time we have conducted workshop on nuclear-test ban outside of Vienna and The Gambia in Africa is the first ever host.

‘The workshop has been a success. It is not a global community that gathered, but a continent that gathered. It is wonderful that we can have focus on Africa.

‘The next experiment is likely to be
in the Latin America, in the Caribbean or the Pacific region.

‘We started with pictures about the treaty and we have come so far to discover the treaty has so much to deliver, to every member state signatory to it.

‘There is benefit for all member states signatory to the treaty through capacity building, especially seeing people thread on the path of dialogue against nuclear weapon testing.’

The executive secretary identified benefits of the treaty to include ensuring safety and protection of environment from nuclear weapons, disaster management and other scientific purposes.

‘We must establish a world without nuclear-test, put barriers against further development and proliferation of nuclear weapons.

‘It is an essential step towards shared future of eradicating nuclear weapons in our environment,’ he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports out of 52 States in Africa that signed the Treaty, 50 have so far ratified it.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Still Waters Foundation has distributed food items and clothing to over 250 vulnerable widows in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to support their efforts in catering for the family.

Speaking during the event in Abuja, the founder, Dr Femi Lanre-Oke, said that the theme of the event tagged, ‘Renewed hope’, was timely due to the present economic situation of the country.

Lanre-Oke said that the basis for diligently driving the foundation was derived from the passion and need to impact lives.

He emphasised the importance of food in the lives of people especially the underprivileged widows who were facing series of societal challenges and had gone through pain, discrimination and neglect.

Lanre-Oke said that the foundation was not just about helping the widows and the less privileged, but also discovering and empowering the youths to become ambassadors of peace.

‘This is because the first thing about a widow was that you see a person whose joy has been taken away.

‘The husband is no more and more likely
to be the strength of that family. So, when you identify with people like that, you are fulfilling the covenant of God In Isaiah 58, ‘ he said.

According to him, when you see a widow, you see somebody whose joy was stolen, whose strength failed, and who is now alone.

‘So, when you identify with that, you bring encouragement to them, you bring support to them, you are bringing strength to them. That is the major thing, ‘ he said.

Lanre-Oke, who is also the Lead Pastor, Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International (JPEMI), urged government to identify with the windows and their children for the growth of the society.

He also urged government at all levels to make life easy and convenient for widows, adding that granting them access to soft loan for a business would go along way.

‘If these widows are strengthened number one, they take care of their children.

‘If they are encouraged and supported, they make provisions for them, make assistance for them, ‘ he said.

He reiterated the commitment of the f
oundation to continue to impact the lives of the less privileged people in the society and other vulnerable.

In their separate remarks, some of the widows expressed gratitude to the foundation as some were seen with smiles and relief on their faces.

Some of the widows that got Tailoring/ Sewing machines, hair dressing materials among others

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that aside the food items and clothing materials donated, five widows were empowered with two hair dressing machines, two tailoring machines and one melon grinding machine.

The Foundation also promised to help the widows by paying the children’s school fees, and setup some of them with business among others in the next edition of the program.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria