The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says it has made major progress in recovery, repair, and safety work after the Abuja–Kaduna train derailment that happened on August 26 at Asham. NRC’s Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, revealed this in a statement released on Monday in Lagos. He said engineers have successfully placed back on track and recovered all coaches and locomotives involved in the derailment. The recovered trains, he explained, have been moved to designated workshops for full checks and technical repairs. Opeifa confirmed that the main rail line has been repaired and is now safe for use, though work is…
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WaterAid Nigeria, in partnership with WaterAid Canada, on Monday launched a five-year project to improve access to clean water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and sexual and reproductive health services for women and girls in Bauchi State. The project, called “EmpowerHer,” is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. It will be carried out in Katagum, Misau, and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas. Ms. Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, said the initiative aims to transform the lives of women and girls who face barriers that deny them dignity, good health, and equal opportunities. She explained that in…
The Jigawa State Government has trained 400 unemployed youths on hybrid date palm production and processing to boost livelihoods and tackle unemployment. Governor Umar Namadi, speaking at the graduation ceremony on Monday at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Dutse, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Project Committee Chairman and Chief of Staff, Sen. Mustapha Makama, said the programme reflects the state government’s commitment to agriculture and youth empowerment. He disclosed that 10,000 hybrid seedlings have been secured, with free seedlings, watering materials, and mentorship provided to beneficiaries. Makama added that more batches of the training…
The Sokoto State Government has launched the Federal Government’s Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) to tackle rising maternal and neonatal deaths. The project was inaugurated on Monday during a five-day stakeholders’ planning and execution session in Sokoto. State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Wurno, said the initiative would address the underlying causes of maternal and neonatal deaths, assuring that the state government had mobilised resources for its effective implementation. “This initiative will go a long way in addressing our numerous health challenges and will guide our commitment towards building a healthier society,” Wurno said, adding that healthcare…
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in partnership with the World Bank, has launched a pilot Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) programme in Kano State to tackle flooding and other environmental hazards. Speaking at a two-day stakeholders’ engagement workshop in Kano, NEMA Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar—represented by Dr. Onimode Bandele, Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting—said the programme focuses on preparedness, early warning systems, community engagement, and collaboration with local governments. Kano was selected among seven pilot states due to its high vulnerability to seasonal flooding. The project seeks to establish disaster management structures in every local government, build volunteer…
The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Climate Change, Simon Stiell, has described Nigeria’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) as a “significant step forward” in the country’s energy and climate transition. In a statement issued on Monday, Stiell said Nigeria’s clean energy pathway presents an opportunity to usher in “a new era of economic growth,” while creating jobs, attracting investment, and harnessing the potential of its youthful population. “Every country is now in a race to realise the benefits of clean energy. By setting clear goals, including near-term targets to reduce emissions towards achieving net zero by 2060, Nigeria is…
The Oyo State Government has begun training 140 youths in tractor operations as part of efforts to promote mechanised farming and youth empowerment. The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, announced this on Monday at the opening of a four-day training session for participants from the Ibadan/Ibarapa zone, held at the Ido Local Government Secretariat. Olaleye said the programme is designed to replace the aging workforce of tractor operators, strengthen the state’s tractorisation drive, and increase agricultural productivity. According to him, participants will be trained in safe and efficient tractor operations, with safety kits provided. Outstanding trainees…
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has commended Dangote Cement Plc for its significant role in elevating Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, urging other manufacturers to emulate the company’s dedication to best practices and operational excellence. The commendation followed the successful completion of the Integrated Management System (IMS) Certification Audit by Dangote Cement’s Obajana Plant in Kogi State. The audit was conducted by expert auditors from SON. The comprehensive IMS Certification Audit, which comprised Stages 1 and 2, assessed the plant’s compliance with quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety standards. The process lasted over a week and was carried out by…
A Nigerian tech company called Newdigit has started setting up a clean energy system in hospitals across Lagos State. This system gives reliable electricity, medical oxygen, and clean water. The project is supported by the Powering Healthcare Innovation Fund. It aims to help hospitals rely less on unstable electricity from the national grid and noisy, polluting diesel generators. Newdigit’s CEO and co-founder, Mr. Derick Nwasor, shared this news in a statement on Monday. He explained that their system, called ‘Just Add Water,’ uses solar energy and special PEM technology to make electricity, oxygen, and water right at the hospital. He…
The Federal Government has introduced new incentives to attract investment in agriculture and strengthen food security under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The programme, which targets $3.14 billion in investments, is designed to expand access to credit and create about 21 million rural jobs within Nigeria’s agricultural value chain. Speaking at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) National and Sub-regional Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the measures will drive agricultural growth and help the nation achieve food security. “Nothing unites humanity like hunger. It shows our weakness and the shared fragility of life. Food…