By sdnonline.net

As part of sustaining its tradition for continued support in growing the economy of Nigeria through vocational, technical and entrepreneurship training for Nigerian youths and adults who want to acquire a skill for economic empowerment, the Field of Skills and Dreams (FSD)  Centre, has graduated 20 trainees from its 2019 vocational and skills acquisition training sponsored by Nagode Foundation.

 Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Lagos, the Chairperson, Nagode Foundation, Mrs Meenakshi Garg, said the organization is glad working with FSD to impact lives in the society.

 “Nagode family is extremely happy working with FSD. I’m happy you understand and believe in the training and in yourself for a better future. This is power of partnership,” she said.

 While congratulating the graduates, she said, “you have to work for your life and people in your life. We are so proud of you.”  She also commended FSD for doing a great job, in imparting the trainees with the character and seeded skills.

Meanwhile, FSD Managing Director, Mrs. Omowale Ogunrinde, said interest free loan ranging from N80,000 to N150,000 naira will be given to some of the beneficiaries while equipment including cooking gas with cylinders, dummies, hand dryers scale, sewing machines would be given to the trainees.

 “We will present you with your equipment for free to go out there and work. For those that will receive the loan, don’t consider it free money that you have to waste. We will collect it back from you later. So guarantors should encourage them to work and earn a living for themselves and contribute their quotas to the society,” she said, addressing the graduates.

One of the students who trained in catering, Tope Praise, described the training as a complete different experience. “The teaching opens you up and we are taught with lots of patience. A big thank you to Nagode, “she said.

Amaechi Innocent, who trained in hair dressing commended the organisers. ” If we’re to pay, my parent can’t afford it. It’s a dream come true because I have passion for hair dressing. A big thank you to Nagode. If everybody that has money can do this, there’ll be less suicide in the country, ” he said.

As part of the event, there were display of various products by the trainee who also gave music and drama presentations to appreciate Nagode.

Top: Cross session of trainees and well-wishers

Down: Display of products by trainees

By sdnonline.net

The United Kingdom Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has visited the North East of Nigeria to show that the UK remains committed to supporting Nigeria and its neighbours in the fight against Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa. The UK has repeatedly called for the release of all those abducted by Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa and the protection of all civilians.

 Hunt visited the World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse in Maiduguri during his week-long trip to Africa, where he spoke to people providing life-saving support to millions who have fled their homes following attacks by terrorist groups. He also met with the UK Military Liaison and Support Team which is working with the Nigerian military.

 Speaking in Maiduguri, Hunt said: “People are being forced from their homes by the evils of extremism and terrorism. Boko Haram and Islamic State are the antithesis of the values we all hold dear, and we will continue to support Nigeria in the fight to give people secure, prosperous and happy lives.”

 The UK is providing a substantial and increasing package of security, humanitarian and development support. This includes training and capacity building for Nigerian armed forces deploying in the North East. The UK has trained over 30,000 Nigerian troops in recent years.

 As the second largest humanitarian donor, the UK government was one of the first to respond to the crisis, investing £300 million in live-saving aid over five years to reach over 1.5 million of the most vulnerable people. UK support is also addressing root causes of the conflict, helping the Nigerian Government to deliver for its citizens in the longer term, including in health and education.

The UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership, signed during the Prime Minister’s visit to the country in 2018, will increase the UK’s co-operation in the fight against terrorist groups and other security challenges.

Nigeria needs to plan for civilian-led stabilisation and development in areas where the military has ousted the terrorist groups. Together with international partners, the UK will continue supporting Nigeria and its neighbours to tackle threats to regional stability.

Foreign secretary meets with Nigerian and British soldiers who are part of a training and support programme by British military.

-By sdnonline.net –

 As the world commemorates the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), the International Press Centre (IPC) has called attention to the need for deliberate ways to combat the rising tide of fake news and disinformation as well as growing threats to journalists in reporting democratic development and elections.

Global discourse for Year 2019 WPFD, which is the 26th edition of the event taking place at the African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, is with the theme; “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation.”

In a statement, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Director, IPC, noted that the role that the media play in reporting the actions and activities of stakeholders in the electoral process remains imperative as journalists remain obligated in providing factual and truthful information to citizens.

“In the face of emerging realities, media channels especially online platforms have become susceptible channels for the dissemination of disinformation in reporting elections as witnessed in the building up to the 2019 general elections, which is a dangerous trend that  ethical and professional journalistic report must address.

“Respect for truth and for the right of the public to truth is the first duty of journalists, and this must be upheld at all times, especially when it comes to reporting democratic governance”, he said.

Arogundade however lamented that journalists have also become targets of repression and assault of anti-democracy forces, which tramps on the rights of journalists.

“The International Press Centre (IPC) through its 2019 Media and Elections situation room found it worrisome that there was an increase in the attacks on journalists during the Governorship and State Assembly elections in disregard to the rights of journalists to monitor and report election activities as guaranteed by various regulatory frameworks such as the Electoral Act, the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage”.

“These acts are inimical to an enabling operational environment for journalism”, he added, while calling on institutional stakeholders to use the 2019 WPFD as a spring board to addressing all infractions inimical to freedom of expression and free media.

-By Tobi Oyetunde-

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has revealed that not less than 145 women die every day due to complications arising from childbirth that are preventable. According to Dr. Faisal Shuaib, Executive Director of NPHCDA, Nigeria ranks low among the community of nations making worst progress among 20 countries since 1990.

“Nigeria ranks embarrassingly low among the community of nations. Worse still, in the last 25 years, Nigeria made the 5th worst progress among 20 countries that had the worst maternal mortality ratios by 1990,” Dr. Shuaib said while speaking in Abuja yesterday.

 He continued: “It is regrettable that there’s no basis on which to compare Nigeria with advanced societies In terms of maternal mortality ratios.

 “It is with deep sadness, but a sense of responsibility that I want to remind you of statistics for maternal & under 5 child mortality in Nigeria -that every day in Nigeria, approximately 145 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy & childbirth.

 “Every day in Nigeria, approximately 2,300 children under 5 die mainly from preventable causes.

 “1 out of every 10 children less than 5 years old dies in the world is a Nigerian. 1 out of every 8 Nigerian children dies before having a chance to celebrate his or her 5th birthday. We are outraged by these statistics.”

 The ED of NPHCDA bemoaned that the deaths largely occur among the poor adding that Nigerians need to “break the culture of silence over these preventable deaths”.

 He said: “It is notable these deaths do not make daily headlines in the press, nor raise the same emotions as plane crashes.

 “This is probably because these deaths are occurring amongst the poor, most vulnerable & voiceless in our communities.

“We need to break the culture of silence over these preventable deaths. We are convinced that if we do nothing drastic to reverse the trends, posterity will judge us harshly.”

 Dr. Shuaib, however, declared a state of emergency on public health to tackle public health and also prevent a death that could arise from complications during childbirth.

He mentioned that a centre would be created to “provide oversight on RMNCAH + N activities at the PHC level” with the centre to be named as National Emergency Maternal & Child Health Intervention Centre (NEMCHIC).

 “Having noted the high rate of maternal, newborn & under 5 child mortality & the insufficiency of our current efforts to reverse the trend, I hereby declare a state of public health concern.

 “For every death of any woman related to childbirth, we will provide toll-free numbers for Nigerians to call; we will take steps to investigate such deaths & respond within the ambits of the law, in order to raise a sense of accountability,” he said.

… As INEC adhoc staff protest over allowances in parts of Lagos

-By sdnonline.net–

As Nigerians exercise their franchise to vote for governors and lawmakers in various states across the country, indications are that administrative lapses relating to payment of allowances and low turnout of electorates trail the conduct of the exercise. Governorship election is taking place in 29 states of the federation.

For instance, in Lagos State, voting did not start on time in many areas across the state as INEC ad hoc staff did not arrive polling units as at 8am. The delay, sdnonline.net gathered was as a result of protest in some parts of Lagos by the ad hoc staff over non-payment of their allowances and poor welfare . While voters were already at the polling units, the protesting staff were still at the collection centres waiting for their payments. As at 10.30am in some areas, elections were yet to commence. This resulted in many of the electorate becoming restive due to the long wait. At the end of the day, many of the electorate did not turn out to vote.

In Alausa, the government’s secretariat, voting did not start as at 10.20am while voters were waiting for INEC ad hoc staff. The same situation played out at Iba, Meiran, Ojodu, Amuwo Odofin and parts of Agege. In Amuwo Odofin, the ad hoc staff carried placards demanding for their allowance. One of the placards read: “No 10k no work.” At Ogudu, INEC adhoc staff did not arrive until 3pm.

Meanwhile, the situation was different at Alimosho and Surulere local government areas where voters cast the ballot for their choice candidates. At Apapa area of the state, there was low turnout of voters compared to the 23 February presidential/NASS elections.

In some areas in Ifako/Ijaiye local government area of the state, ad hoc staff had to ring bell calling the electorate to come out and vote.
As experienced during the presidential and national assembly elections, movement was restricted across the country to allow citizens carry out their civic roles. It was also observed that portions of major roads were barricaded and manned by security personnel, mostly the military, while there were random police patrols on the roads. The roads were virtually devoid of vehicular like the Presidential and National Assembly elections, with the youths and teenagers converting the roads to football fields. In some areas, petty traders sold snacks, drinks and water to voters at the polling units.

Meanwhile, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Sam Olumekun however debunked any non-payment of allowances to corps members saying, “We have paid them their allowances. We don’t pay by cash but through their bank accounts..”