Nigeria: Foundation Marks Children’s Day, Seeks More Support For Young Cancer Patie

By

-

27/05/2025

By Justina Auta

In a bid to create more awareness and advocate for increased support for childhood cancer, a non-governmental organisation, Okapi Children Cancer Foundation (OkapiCCF), took action on Children’s Day 2025.

The Foundation marked the celebration with young cancer patients in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), bringing attention to their struggles and the need for early detection, care, and support.

Ms. Kemi Adekanye, Founder and Chief Volunteer of OkapiCCF, led the initiative on Tuesday at the National Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja.

She stated that the exercise was designed to celebrate the strength of children battling cancer and emphasised the importance of early detection and care.

According to Adekanye, the day also served as an opportunity to spend quality time with young patients, while offering support and encouragement to their parents and caregivers.

“There is currently no structured support or government intervention for children with cancer.

“We are helping to reduce some of their financial burdens by covering part of their treatment costs and offering psychological support, just like we are doing here today.

“We all need to come together to raise awareness and support for these children. Even for those who are not yet diagnosed, cancer is more common in children than most people realise,” she said.

Malam Sani Abdulkarim, father of five-year-old cancer patient, said the initiative brought smiles and hope to children in the hospital, reassuring them that they were not alone in their fight.

“We appreciate the foundation for making these children happy on this special day.

“I also appeal to the government to support these families, especially financially, and to establish more oncology centres,” he urged.

Mrs Francesca Augustine, mother of a two-year-old, also expressed gratitude:”When she was diagnosed, it was devastating, but God sent Okapi Foundation to restore our hope and support us.

“She has now completed her treatment.”

Dr Oyesakin Adewunmi, Chief Consultant Paediatrician and Head of the Oncology Unit at the National Hospital, Abuja, lauded the foundation for its decade-long support of children with cancer.

“Through their contributions, we’ve been able to finance treatments to completion, and some of these children are now survivors who have returned to school,” she said.

Adewunmi also highlighted persistent challenges in the fight against childhood cancer, including lack of funding, access to blood and blood products, and socio-cultural factors.

She stressed the importance of timely medical intervention and adherence to treatment to improve survival rates.

Similarly, Dr Ifeoma Ezeukwu, Head of the Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Unit at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, called for a unified effort:”Everyone should support children with cancer.

“The belief that cancer doesn’t occur in children is outdated. It does, and it is treatable if detected early.

“We urge the government to make cancer treatment for children free and include it in the national health insurance scheme. This will ease the financial burden on families.”

She also acknowledged OkapiCCF’s continued partnership in supporting children through diagnosis, investigation, and treatment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as part of the Children’s Day celebration, the foundation distributed hampers filled with food items and gifts to children undergoing cancer treatment.(NAN)

Solid Minerals: We’re Committed To Promoting Development, Diversification Of Nigeria’s Export Trade – NEPC

By

News Editor

-

27/05/2025

0

Kaduna Takes Steps To Be On Global Map Of Solid Minerals – Govt.

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the development and diversification of Nigeria’s export trade
The Executive Director and Chief Executive officer of the Council, Mrs Nonye Ayeni stated this on Tuesday at the Strategic Engagement on Establishment of Solid Minerals Clusters For Export Competitiveness in Kaduna.
She told a convergence of stakeholders including miners, processors,exporters, investors and regulatory bodies that the nation is blessed with immense potentials of the solid but with numerous challenges.
These include informal activities, lack of funding, inadequate mining technology, lack of quality and standards, insufficient geological data, capacity building.

A cross section of the participants

The Council, Mrs Ayeni said, recognizes the contributions of the solid minerals sector to non-oil exports portfolio and the tremendous opportunities in achieving greater economic potentials through this intervention and therefore urged the stakeholders to take advantage of the engagement and equip themselves with the understanding of cluster processes to accelerate the growth of their businesses.

“It is worth mentioning that at 16th National Council on Commerce, Trade and Investment held in Lagos on 19th-22nd May, 2025, the Council has approved the inclusion of solid minerals as the One State-One-products of the states as well as approved the participation of operators/MDAs/Aagencies of Solid Minerals value chain in the State Committee on export promotion nationwide.
“Consequently, the Kaduna State Committee on Export Promotion is implored to implement the resolution for effective participation of the Ministries of Solid Minerals/Agencies and so on”, the NEPC Executive Director advised .

Also, the Kaduna State Government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the development of solid minerals sector and broader vision of economics diversification.

One of the mining sites in Kaduna

The State Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mrs Patience Fakai who represented the State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, informed the participants that the State is richly endowed with solid Minerals such as gold, tin lithium and gemstones adding that if harnessed strategically, they could serve as a cornerstone for sustainable development, job creation and export Competitiveness.
While noting that the government alone cannot achieve these goals, the Commissioner stressed the need for the active participation of all stakeholders—miners, investors, processors, and regulators—to turn the mineral wealth into shared prosperity.
Mrs Fakai reassured that the Kaduna State Government is fully committed to creating an enabling environment for this sector to thrive.
“We have implemented policies to streamline licensing, improve infrastructure, and foster public-private partnerships, ” she emphasized.
The Commissioner who thanked the NEPC and all partners for the laudable initiative stressed the need for them to work together to build a sector that benefits the people, strengthens the economy, and place Kaduna State on the global map of solid minerals
Earlier in his address of welcome, the State Coordinator, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Kabiru Yusuf noted with delight that Kaduna State is endowed with vast solid mineral resources, with significant deposits spread across its 23 local government areas.
This engagement, he explained, brings together stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to explore the immense potential of the solid minerals sector in driving economic growth and development in state, and Nigeria at large.

In his closing remarks, the Director Operations, Kaduna Mining Development, Usman Ibrahim Tabari said the commitment shown by the National Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and all stakeholders present at the event was a testament to their shared vision for a thriving mining industry that not only contributes to the economy but also uplifts the communities involved.
He reiterated the importance of the formalization of artisanal miners, a cause that they at Kaduna Mining Development Company, KMDC were passionately advocating for.
“By organizing these miners into clusters, we can enhance their productivity, ensure better resource management, and provide them with the market access they need to succeed. This initiative is not just about improving individual livelihoods; it is about building a sustainable future for the entire mining sector in Nigeria”, Tabari emphasized

Half Of Nigerians Unaware Of VAPP Act, Survey Reveals

By

Africaprimenews

-

27/05/2025

0

By Justina Auta

A nationwide survey by Invictus Africa, a civic-tech organisation, reveals that 50.7 per cent of Nigeria’s population remain unfamiliar with the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.

This is a decade after the law was enacted in May 2015.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Bukky Shonibare, disclosed this while presenting the one-year survey report to the media on Monday in Abuja.

The report, titled Beyond Enactment: A Data-Driven Survey Report on the Implementation of the VAPP Act (2015) and Related State Laws, assesses the implementation and impact of the Act on Nigerians.

Samples were collected from 11,574 respondents across 35 states excluding Kano and the FCT using a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data with qualitative insights from key informant interviews with government officials.

The data collection and analysis focused on four thematic areas: public awareness; enforcement systems; support services; and coordination mechanisms.Shonibare noted that while Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) reported conducting public awareness campaigns on the VAPP Law, there remained a significant gap between institutional efforts and community impact.

“Only 49.3 per cent of the surveyed population have ever heard of the VAPP Law; of these, only 29 per cent reported having a good understanding of its provisions.

“Meanwhile, 50.7 per cent of Nigerians have never heard of the VAPP Law,” she said.

She highlighted that educational attainment strongly influenced awareness levels.

“Individuals lacking formal education 23.8 per cent or with only primary education 23.9 per cent were far less likely to have heard of the law compared to those with tertiary education.

“Among those with higher education, 55.4 per cent of graduates and 60.6 per cent of postgraduates were aware of the law.

“These figures suggest current awareness strategies are failing to reach the most vulnerable segments of the population.

“Geographic and occupational disparities are also pronounced.

“Only 42.9 per cent of rural residents are aware of the law, compared to 54.0 per cent of urban residents,” she added.

The report found that NGOs and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) workers had the highest awareness at 75.2 per cent, while civil servants ranked next at 59.7 per cent.

Lowest awareness rates were among the self-employed 40.6 per cent, students 46.3 per cent, and unemployed individuals 36.9 per cent.

On enforcement, Shonibare revealed that only 23 states had established sex offenders’ registers, with 18 integrating them into Gender-Based Violence (GBV) tracking systems, significantly limiting their effectiveness in preventing repeat offenses and informing policy.

She added that the lack of comprehensive data on Protection Orders in 19 states pointed to critical monitoring and accountability gaps in the judicial system.

The report also highlighted that while 30 states had mandatory reporting clauses, 15 lacked penalties for non-compliance, reducing their deterrent effect.

“This inconsistency reflects prosecution data: only 21 states recorded more than 20 VAPP-related prosecutions in the past year.

“States with penalties for non-reporting had a higher prosecution rate 67 per cent compared to 50 per cent in states without such penalties,” she said.

Shonibare stressed the need to close the gap between the law’s provisions and Nigerians’ lived experiences, in spite of the decade since the VAPP Act was enacted.

“The VAPP Act and related state laws have laid a strong legislative foundation for combating violence in Nigeria.

“However, implementation remains uneven, underfunded, and inaccessible, especially for rural populations and those with lower education levels,” she said.

She called for scaling up inclusive public awareness campaigns to ensure every Nigerian knew their rights under the VAPP Law.

She also urged strengthening enforcement systems, expanding survivor support services, and institutionalising coordination mechanisms.

“Laws are only as powerful as their implementation.

“Ten years after the VAPP Act, we must move from intention to action, from passage to protection. This data gives us clarity to build a safer, more just Nigeria.

“This 10th anniversary is a moment demanding political will, sustained investment, and collective responsibility.

“Only then can the full promise of the VAPP Act be realised for women, children, men, and all Nigerians, who deserve to live free from violence,” Shonibare added.

Hajiya Binta Bello, Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), said the agency, as the implementer of the VAPP Act in the FCT, secured 36 convictions, including two life sentences.

She said the convictions resulted from more than 3,000 gender-based violence reports received by the agency.

Represented by Mrs Tolu Odugbesan, Acting Director of the Violence Against Persons Department, Bello noted that a culture of silence, religious interference, lack of awareness, among other factors, affected the implementation of the VAPP Act.

NAN

Nigeria: Popular Kaduna Based Cleric Rev. David Ayuba Azzaman Is Dead

By

News Editor

-

25/05/2025

0

A Kaduna based popular cleric, Rev. David Ayuba Azzaman is dead. He died in a ghastly motor accident on Saturday along Kachia- Kaduna road.

A statement by his media aide, Mike Odeh James said Rev. Azzaman was returning from a Christian crusade in Makurdi when his vehicle was involved in a fatal crash near Idon, close to Kachia.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed to the media aide by Rev. Dr. Sam Magai Albert, the General Overseer of Rev. Azzaman’s church.

According to the statement, “We mourn the loss of a devoted servant of God, a passionate preacher, and a man who dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel and serving his community.
May his soul rest in perfect peace”, the statement concludes.

Nigeria: You’re Beacon Of Hope, Transformation – Groups Laud Kaduna Youth Development Commissioner, Gloria Ibrahim

By

News Editor

-

24/05/2025

0

...Say “Your Background Speaks Volumes About Your Capacity To Lead This Vital Ministry”

Congratulatory messages have continued to pour in from organisations and people from all spheres of life for the newly appointed Kaduna State Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Gloria Ibrahim.
The latest are from the Kaduna Multi-Door Courthouse ADR Center and a branch of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.
In its congratulatory message signed by Sa’adatu Hamma, Deputy Director, ARB/MED & Media, the Center describes Gloria Ibrahim, as an accomplished lawyer, mediator, and civil rights advocate.
Her unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and the empowerment of young people, the Centre emphasized, stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. “We celebrate this milestone as a reflection of your integrity, dedication, and years of impactful service.
“As you assume this new leadership role, we offer our deepest appreciation and prayers. May your tenure bring innovative solutions, inclusive policies, and lasting peace to the youth of Kaduna State. May our beloved state thrive under your vision, and may your service be guided by wisdom, strength, and divine favor.
“This is a proud moment for the ADR community, and we stand with you in support and celebration”, the message concluded.

On its part, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Chikun Branch under the leadership of Ambassador Sheyin Nuhu Wakili said Barr. Gloria Ibrahim’s appointment as the Commissioner for Youth Development, was well deserved.
The congratulatory message signed by Comr. Katung Innocent (Mr SOD), Social Secretary says the appointment is a testament to her outstanding legal expertise, dedication, and commitment to community development, particularly in the youth sector.
“Your rich background as a legal practitioner and mediator, coupled with your affiliations with reputable organizations such as the Association of Professional Negotiators and Mediators (APNM), Child Protection Agency (CPN), Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), and International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), speaks volumes about your capacity to lead this vital ministry.
“We are particularly inspired by Governor Uba Sani’s vision for the Youth Development Ministry to be a leading center for high-impact solutions for youth-related issues. We are confident that your leadership will bring forth creative, innovative, and implementable programs and projects that will empower the youths of Kaduna State, enabling them to thrive in this fast-changing and technologically-driven world.

“The NYCN Chikun Branch is eager to collaborate with your ministry to achieve these noble objectives. We pledge our full support and look forward to a robust partnership in fostering youth development, engagement, and empowerment across Kaduna State.

“We wish you a successful tenure filled with impactful achievements and pray for divine guidance and protection in your new assignment,” the message ends.

WHO IS IBRAHIM GLORIA

Ibrahim Gloria is a dedicated legal practitioner, human rights advocate, and educator with a passion for youth development and gender equality. Based in Kaduna, Nigeria, she combines her legal expertise with a strong commitment to social justice, child protection, and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Professional Background
As the Principal Legal Practitioner at Glownom Legal Consult, Gloria provides legal counsel while actively engaging in advocacy for women’s and children’s rights. She also serves as a part-time lecturer at Kaduna State University’s Center for Gender Studies, where she educates students on legal frameworks and social justice issues.

Her career includes roles at prestigious law firms such as Nnamonso Ekanem & Co. and Femi Morohundiya Co., where she developed expertise in litigation, mediation, and legal research. She is an active member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), contributing to policy discussions and youth mentorship programs.

Commitment to Youth & Human Rights
Gloria is deeply involved in youth development initiatives, having trained with UNICEF and the Kaduna State Ministry of Economic Planning on child protection strategies. She believes in equipping young people with legal knowledge, leadership skills, and career development tools to foster societal progress.

Education & Certifications
She holds an LL.B (Hons) and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Law and Diplomacy (PGDILD) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Additionally, she is certified in negotiation, mediation, and professional development, enhancing her ability to drive conflict resolution and capacity-building programs.

Research & Advocacy
Her academic research focuses on corporate governance, child rights in conflict zones, and gender equity. Through publications and community engagements, she advocates for policies that protect vulnerable groups and promote youth inclusion in governance.

Leadership & Strengths
A skilled communicator and strategic thinker, Gloria excels in dispute resolution, legal advocacy, and multitasking under pressure. Her ability to mentor young professionals and facilitate dialogue makes her a respected figure in legal and civil society circles.

Affiliations
– Member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
– Member, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA)
– Member, Association of Professional Negotiators and Mediators (APNM)
– Member, Child Protection Network (CPN)

Personal Interests
Beyond her professional work, Gloria enjoys reading, volleyball and traveling. Her dedication to justice, education and youth empowerment continues to inspire meaningful change in Nigeria’s legal and social landscape.

A visionary leader, Ibrahim Gloria remains steadfast in her mission to uphold human rights, foster youth development, and advance gender equality through law and advocacy.

Nigeria: Centre Inaugurates Hubs To Empower Women Leaders

By

News Editor

-

21/05/2025

1

By Justina Auta

The Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD) has established dedicated resource centres to support women in governance and decision-making roles, aiming to enhance their participation in leadership and national development.

Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja on Wednesday, the Director General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), Dr Asaba Vilta-Bashir, said the initiative, supported by UN Women and the Canadian Government, was a significant step toward gender equality.

She said their support was aimed at advancing women across all sectors and enabling Nigeria to reach its full potential by fostering inclusive participation in governance and decision-making.

Vilta-Bashir highlighted that women continue to face barriers such as limited access to information, resources, and opportunities, compounded by socio-cultural biases and systemic inequalities.

“It is to address these challenges and bridge the gap that the resource centres for women in governance and decision-making were established.

“These centres are vibrant hubs of knowledge, support, and empowerment.

“Through them, we inspire women to take on leadership roles, foster inclusivity, and drive change,” she said.

She said that the centres would provide access to governance-related publications, leadership and political training materials, online courses, internet-enabled facilities, and networking opportunities for mentorship and peer support.

“Existing centres are located in the FCT, Calabar, and Maiduguri, with plans to expand nationwide.

“I urge women to make use of these centres and call on stakeholders to support this initiative. Your support is critical to the success and sustainability of these centres,” Vilta-Bashir added.

To further amplify advocacy efforts, she said MBNCWD had installed a digital billboard to run educational clips on women’s leadership, including the Reserved Seats for Women Bill.

“We call on all stakeholders to support this crusade. Let us use our influence to galvanise support for the bill, creating a more inclusive democracy for sustainable development,” she said.

UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, represented by Mr Zephaniah Aura, said that global evidence had shown that inclusive governance and stronger institutions were more likely when women were in leadership positions.

“Women are underrepresented not because of a lack of talent, but due to limited access to mentorship, information, and opportunity.

“These centres are designed to change that narrative,” Eyong said.

Also speaking, Mrs Ebere Ifendu, Chair of the Political Participation Working Group and Women in Politics Forum, called for the creation of a more inclusive and equitable society, urging greater support for women in political spaces.(NAN)

Stakeholders Call For Better Menstrual Hygiene To Boost Health

By

News Editor

-

21/05/2025

0

By Justina Auta

Stakeholders have stressed the need for increased awareness and improved practices around menstrual hygiene, particularly to support better health outcomes and dignity for girls in underserved communities.

They made the call on Wednesday in Abuja ahead of the 2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day, commemorated globally every May 28 to address inequalities in menstrual health and hygiene.

The event was organised by Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF) under its Always Keeping Girls in School (AKGIS) project, with support from Charities Aid Foundation (CAF America).

Mrs Tayo Erinle, Executive Director of TCF, said menstrual hygiene remained a critical yet often overlooked aspect of reproductive health, especially among adolescent girls.

“Many girls live in households where no one provides sanitary pads or pays attention to that part of their lives.

“It happens monthly, and every girl deserves dignity and support,” she said.

Erinle added that more than 1,600 marginalised girls across 32 junior secondary schools in the FCT, Lagos, and Benue states were empowered through puberty education and menstrual hygiene management under the AKGIS project.

She said beneficiaries also received a one-year supply of Always sanitary pads and emergency kits.

“The project has boosted the girls’ confidence.

“Menstruation was once shrouded in secrecy, stigma, and confusion for many. Now, with access to correct information and education, they feel empowered,” she added.

Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, emphasised the importance of educating youths on reproductive health.

Represented by Dr Ruqayya Wamakko, Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Board, she called for more sensitisation efforts to encourage young people to use health services in primary health centres.

“We give health talks, visit schools, form school clubs, and teach students how to care for themselves, maintain personal and menstrual hygiene, and stay safe,” she noted.

Mrs Nwakonye Onyirechi, Assistant Chief Investigative Officer in the Women and Children Department of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), reiterated the commission’s commitment to protecting the rights of the girl child.

“We go to schools to sensitise girls to their rights and encourage them to speak up when their rights are violated,” she said.

Dr Safiya Tamanuwa, Deputy Director of the Placement and Gender Unit at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), commended TCF for its support toward improving the health and well-being of schoolgirls.

Highlights of the event included the distribution of sanitary pads and kits, a literary presentation, and expert-led health talks.(NAN)

FCT, MCO Partner To Resolve Mining Conflicts- DG

By

News Editor

-

21/05/2025

0

By Martha Agas

The Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) says it is working with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to resolve conflicts between mining and land title claims.

The Director-General of MCO, Mr Obadiah Nkom, disclosed this when an FCT delegation visited the organisation on Wednesday in Abuja.

The delegation was led by Mrs Chinyelu Obrike, Overseeing Director of the FCT Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters.

Nkom said the visit had created the synergy needed to ensure better management and administration of mineral resources within the Federal Capital Territory.

He stated that the collaboration aims to eliminate conflicts between mineral titles and land titles, making such disputes a thing of the past.

According to him, the FCT will be able to streamline its operations and maintain clarity on land use and mineral exploration boundaries.

He added that the partnership would address complaints of mining operators encroaching on legally held land titles within the FCT.

The MCO Director-General also noted that although clearance is currently obtained from the FCT department, this partnership would centralise approvals and enhance compliance.

He said the collaboration would tackle the problem of illegal scavenging on plots of land, which had become an increasing concern.

“It will help a lot. Scavengers are defacing the FCT, and that is unacceptable to us,” he said.

He described a situation where someone returns to their land only to find it excavated and cleared without authorisation.

Nkom expressed confidence that the FCT Department, under professional leadership, would work closely with the MCO and relevant bodies to ensure accountability.

Earlier, Mrs Chinyelu Obrike said the visit aimed to seek the MCO’s support in executing her department’s responsibilities effectively.

She said the department, created in 2022, is tasked with organising mining in the FCT, raising internal revenue, and resolving related conflicts.

Obrike revealed that shortly after assuming office, she began receiving letters and complaints about illegal mining and land encroachments.

She noted that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, recently approved a new operational guideline for mining and quarrying in the territory.

According to her, the visit was necessary to enable a smooth rollout of these mining-related activities across the FCT.

She requested relevant data from the MCO to ensure operators comply with the Community Development Agreement and other legal obligations.

Africa Prime News

Africa Prime News

Africa Prime News

Africa Prime News

Currency Exchange Rates

Africa Prime News

About us

Company

The latest

Subscribe