The Center for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating exploitative child domestic work in Nigeria. The centre made the announcement on Thursday in Lagos during the inauguration of its maiden Child Rights Champions’ Forum at Alimosho. Supported by the Freedom Fund and funded by the United States Department of State, the initiative provides a safe and empowering platform where students are equipped to advocate for children’s rights within their schools and communities. Following the successful launch at Alimosho Grammar School, the programme was extended to Havanah College in Igando…
Author: Newsdesk
Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sierra Leone’s Digital Economy Bilateral Trade Mission to deepen cooperation on public digital infrastructure. The Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Isime Esene, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. Esene said the MoU would also cover digital trade, cybersecurity, youth innovation, and technology transfer. It is expected to establish structured cooperation on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, talent development, digital skills, broadband expansion and spectrum collaboration. He said the agreement was signed during a…
The Bauchi state government has allocated N132 billion for health sector in the 2026 proposed estimate. Hajiya Mariam Katagum, Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, said this while presenting the breakdown of the proposed 2026 budget, on Thursday in Bauchi. Gov. Bala Mohammed earlier on Thursday, presented N878 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the state House of Assembly for approval. The budget tagged: “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability,” consists of N567 billion capital expenditure representing 65 per cent and N310 billion recurrent expenditure, representing 35 per cent of the total budget size. Katagum said that health and education…
A non-governmental organization, Earth and Sustainability Initiative (ESI), has intensified its community advocacy campaign to promote clean cooking energy among women in low-income and rural communities across Lagos State. The NGO held an outreach programme on Thursday at Agboju Market in Lagos. ESI Programme Director, Mrs Ebere Akwuebue, said the organization has been educating women on the dangers of unsafe cooking practices. She noted that many households still rely on charcoal, firewood, sawdust and other solid fuels that pose serious health risks, while also contributing significantly to environmental pollution and climate change. She said the campaign aims to simplify information…
In a recent webinar hosted by the UN Industrial Development Organization, the Small Enterprise Development Foundation Agency (Sedfa) and the South African Essential Oils Producers’ Association, speakers highlighted common mistakes that frequently lead to finance applications being declined. Zolisanani Ngxobongwana, finance and lending support manager at Sedfa, said a finance application needs to include accurate cash flow projections so the agency can determine if the business is viable. “One of the biggest mistakes we see in applications is that applicants apply for the maximum amount available through Sedfa. This is often far more than what the business requires and does…
The Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN) says agriculture contributes more than 35 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs over 35 per cent of the national workforce. FACAN President, Mr Sheriff Balogun, stated this on Thursday at the 2025 National Agricultural Show in Nasarawa. The theme of the event was: “Empowering Smallholder Farmers: Restoring Value; Ensuring Productivity for the Attainment of Food Security in Nigeria.” The annual agricultural show is organized by the National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria (NAFN) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) and other…
Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving sanitation in communities across Nigeria. Malam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, said this at the 2025 World Toilet Day Commemoration, Community Engagement/Sensitisation Campaign and inauguration of Smart Toilet held at the Orange Market Mararaba, Nasarawa State on Thursday. Lawal, who was represented by Mr Mahmud Kambari Permanent Secretary in the Ministry said access to clean and safe toilets is a fundamental human right essential for public health and environmental protection. He said globally, about 4.5 billion people lack safely managed sanitation systems, while 892 million continue to practice open defecation. Environment sanitation,…
The Secretary-General of ActionAid International, Mr Arthur Larok, has urged all tiers of government in Nigeria to create an enabling environment that allows NGOs to flourish. Larok made the call during his visit on Wednesday to Pasepa Community in the Bwari Area Council of the FCT. It is one of the communities benefiting from ActionAid’s poverty alleviation initiatives. The visit also marked the 25th anniversary of ActionAid Nigeria. He emphasised the need for government recognition of civil society efforts. “Nigerians government needs to acknowledge the work Civil Society Organisation’s like ActionAid are doing in Nigeria, and create an enabling environment…
A Consultant Clinical Microbiologist and Public Health Expert, Prof. Kenneth Iregbu, has advised Nigerians to always consult their healthcare providers before undergoing any medical test. Iregbu, of the National Hospital Abuja, gave the advice on Thursday at the opening of the College of Nigerian Pathologists (CNP) 20th Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting in Ibadan. It was reported that the theme of the conference is “Diagnostic Imperative: From the Patient to the Laboratory,” with a sub-theme, “Medicolegal Flashpoints of Laboratory Medicine Practice in Nigeria.” Delivering the keynote address, Iregbu stressed the importance of proper diagnosis, noting that no patient should…
The office of the Plateau Governor’s wife, in partnership with UNICEF, has commenced empowerment training for 250 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state. The programme is part of ongoing efforts to support individuals displaced by communal clashes and conflicts. Inaugurating the three-day Life Skills Training on Thursday in Jos, Mrs. Helen Mutfwang described the initiative as a significant step in rebuilding and empowering displaced youths who have endured severe humanitarian hardships. “Despite disruptions to livelihood and security, young people continue to show resilience, strength, and hope across affected communities in the state,” she said. Mrs. Mutfwang said the partnership…