Girls for Climate Action Initiative, an environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO), has trained women farmers in Gbessa community, Abuja, on climate-smart agriculture and waste recycling to promote food security and sustainable farming. The Executive Director of the organisation, Mrs. Grace Eche-Okeke, made this known during the training on Wednesday. She said the initiative aims to empower rural women farmers with knowledge and skills to improve productivity and income. The training focused on practical techniques, including the use of bags and recyclable cans for crop cultivation. Eche-Okeke noted that these practices improve soil health, boost yields, and promote sustainable waste management. “Most…
Author: Newsdesk
Leading maternal health experts across Africa have called on governments to expand proven innovations to tackle preventable maternal and newborn deaths, warning that the continent remains off-track to meet global targets. The experts spoke in Abuja on Wednesday, noting that Africa continues to lag behind the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing maternal mortality to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. Their remarks came at the inaugural meeting of the Accelerating Implementation for Maternal, Newborn, Child Nutrition and Health (AIM-MNCH) project, themed “Regional Think Tank,” which aims to strengthen evidence-based health interventions across Africa. The Think Tank…
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has warned that the widening gap in climate adaptation finance for developing countries poses serious risks to lives, livelihoods, and economies worldwide. The warning is contained in the Adaptation Gap Report 2025, titled “Running on Empty,” released Wednesday ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil. The report states that while adaptation planning and implementation are improving, developing countries will require over $310 billion annually by 2035 to cope with worsening climate impacts—more than 12 times current international public adaptation finance flows. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described adaptation as “a lifeline” for vulnerable…
The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Mr. Nasir Kwarra, has formally handed over leadership to Mr. Muhammad Dattijo, the Federal Commissioner representing Niger State. A statement on Wednesday by Mrs. Samiat Lawal, Director of Public Affairs at the NPC, said the handover took place on Tuesday in Abuja following the completion of Kwarra’s five-year tenure. Dattijo will serve as Acting Chairman pending the swearing-in of Mr. Aminu Yusuf, recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the substantive Chairman of the Commission. The symbolic ceremony marked a smooth transition of administrative responsibilities, in line with public service protocols and…
The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has launched a practical vocational training initiative to equip students with hands-on technical skills in automobile servicing and maintenance. The announcement was made on Wednesday in Benin by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire. Dr. Ehanire quoted the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, saying the initiative, organised under the University’s Vocational and Technical Training Programme (VTTP), is part of his strategic reforms. The programme, titled “Fundamentals of Automobile Service and Periodic Maintenance Training Programme,” is designed to position UNIBEN as a centre for capacity building and vocational excellence. Prof. Omoregie explained that the programme…
The World Health Organization (WHO) and global partners have called on world leaders to place public health at the forefront of climate action, warning of escalating global health risks. A new report released on Wednesday highlights that continued reliance on fossil fuels and insufficient adaptation measures are already causing severe harm to human health, economies, and ecosystems worldwide. The 2025 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, produced in collaboration with WHO, found that 12 of 20 key indicators of climate-related health threats have reached record levels, reflecting the costs of inaction. The report shows that climate inaction is costing…
Sightsavers Nigeria has engaged traditional, community, and religious leaders to tackle trachoma and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Yola community, Augie Local Government Area, Kebbi State. The initiative, conducted through a stakeholders’ engagement meeting, aimed to promote healthy practices and strengthen community involvement under the theme: “Promoting Healthy Practices and Strengthening Community Engagement for Facial Cleanliness and Environmental Improvement (F&E).” Speaking during the sensitisation exercise, tagged “Sanitation and Hygiene Awareness and Sensitisation Meeting” held in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, the Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, Prof. Joy Shu’aibu, said collaborative efforts were key to eradicating preventable diseases. Represented by…
The Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) has called for the integration of Comprehensive Life-skills and Health Education (CLHE) into school curricula across the country. The recommendation was made on Wednesday by Mrs. Elizabeth Abimbola, PPFN South-West Regional Director, during the graduation ceremony of trained peer educators on CLHE in Ibadan. Abimbola urged policymakers, educators, parents, and communities to prioritise CLHE in schools. “Let us work together to create a Nigeria where adolescents thrive, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to shape a brighter future.As we strive for a healthier, more resilient generation, I leave you with a quote…
A Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Adedotun Ajiboye, has urged journalists to pay closer attention to their mental health to effectively manage the pressures and stress associated with their profession. Ajiboye, a lecturer at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, gave the advice while delivering a lecture at the 2025 Press Week of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Headquarters Chapel in Abuja on Wednesday. Speaking on the topic “Mental Health,” Ajiboye noted that stress is an inevitable part of life, particularly for journalists who constantly face tight deadlines, heavy workloads, and exposure to traumatic events. He explained that mental health could…
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for deeper collaboration among the federal, state, and local governments to fast-track digital transformation and inclusive economic growth across Nigeria. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and External Affairs, quoted the agency’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, as making the call during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat. Inuwa said that achieving Nigeria’s digital vision required strong intergovernmental cooperation to ensure that digital transformation benefits every citizen. “Our mandate is not just targeted at the federal government; it is…