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Sanator Barau Drives APC Supporters in Kano Bye-Election

Politics

Confidence Okwuchi

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August 14, 2025

Sanator Barau Drives APC Supporters in Kano Bye-Election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) rally for Saturday’s State Assembly bye-elections in Kano State witnessed a gigantic crowd as voters backed the party’s candidates.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had slated August 16th, 2025, for the bye-elections for Bagwai/Shanono and a re-run in the Gari-Tsanyawa Constituencies.

During the campaign exercise, Voice of Nıgerıa gathered that residents from across political parties trooped in and out from the four local government areas and beyond to witness the rally ahead of the election.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, led the rally, graced by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt Hon Yusuf Abdullahi Ata; Kano State Chairman of the APC, Prince Abdullahi Abbas; Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Rt Hon Abubakar Kabir Bichi; and former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Faruk Lawan, among others.

Senato Barau, expressed optimism that the APC would coast to victory on Saturday, saying the massive turnout of residents for the rally was an indication.

He called on the people of the two Constituencies to consider the tremendous interventions of the APC and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, conceived to address the country’s challenges effectively, and vote for the party.

According to him, “As you can see, our party is ready and doing well in the country. Unprecedented initiatives are coming to move our area, state and country forward. So, I urge all of you to come out en masse to vote for our party, the APC,”

The chairman of the APC, Prince Abdullahi Abbas, also expressed optimism, saying, ” We will defeat the NNPP, Insha Allah.”

Similarly, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Rt Hon Abubakar Kabir Bichi, assured the residents of more people-oriented projects in the areas and urged the electorate to vote for the APC.

“We have the number 5 citizen from this region. He is doing everything possible to see the success of our people and our party. So I want you all to support our party. Senator Barau is here, and please don’t let him down,” he said.

The event was attended by hundreds members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

The APC candidates for the bye election in Kano State are, Alhaji Abdullahi Ahmad Kadamu and Garba Yau Gwarmai, Bagwai/Shanono and Gari-Tsanyawa Constituencies, respectively.

Confidence Okwuchi

NESREA DG Backs Circular Economy to Boost Forex Earnings

Business and Tech

Victoria Ibanga

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August 14, 2025

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NESREA DG Backs Circular Economy to Boost Forex Earnings

The Director General of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency NESREA, Professor Innocent Barikor, has affirmed that investments in the circular economy value chain have the potential to increase Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

Professor Barikor disclosed this at a meeting with the management of a plastic packaging recycling (rPET) company, Sonnex Packaging Nigeria in Lagos State.

In a statement by the Assistant Director of Press, NESREA, Nwamaka Ejiofor says the DG assured the team that Nigerian government will prioritizes circular economy, noting that the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations developed by NESREA is one of the efforts to strengthen the legal framework for circular economy implementation in Nigeria.

“Circular Economy falls under the Presidential priorities for the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Minister is very keen on the success. Apart from tackling the problem of waste, green jobs have been created. “

“The pellets and flakes you produce and export also generate foreign exchange.

The Plastic Waste Control Regulations are awaiting official gazette and once gazetted, we would have connected the dots of the framework to implement circular economy in the plastic sector. We are deeply committed to ensuring the success of Circular Economy” he said.

Also, the Managing Director, Sonnex Packaging Nigeria, Mr Anil Mohinani commended the NESREA boss on the process for the production of recycled PET bottles (rPET), while
also highlighting the challenges faced by investors in the sector .

He listed some of the setbacks to include lack of a legal instrument to compel manufacturers in the food and beverage sector to embrace food-grade rPET, unfriendly policies by some foreign companies.

“Europe and America create barriers to protect their international recycling business.

There is unfair competition. In some countries such as Kenya, there is encouragement to invest in rPET recycling because there is a regulation in place,” he added.

Victoria Ibanga

Nigeria Red Cross Engages Stakeholders on Flood Preparedness

News Feature

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August 14, 2025

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Nigeria Red Cross Engages Stakeholders on Flood Preparedness

The Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS) has engaged stakeholders on flood disaster preparedness in Nasarawa State in order to mitigate the impact of climate change.

The Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Officer (PMER) of the Red Cross in Abuja, Mr. Aminu Bagudo, during the stakeholders’ engagement, said the simulation exercise is to tell and show the communities, in a practical sense, how to evacuate people when floods happen.

According to Bagudo, the project is supported by the Italian government through the International Federation of Red Cross, and the Nigerian Red Cross are the implementers of the project.

He said the project is all about flood and the early warning, early response, and early actions that could avert the flood from affecting people.

“A key component of the project is a simulation exercise, which we are planning to do on Friday, Aug. 15, in a riverine community in Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.”

“Today’s engagement is to ensure that stakeholders are kept abreast of their roles and participate in the simulation exercise.”

“Twelve states are taking part in the project, but the simulation exercise is going to take place in six states, with Nasarawa inclusive. This would enable the community members to learn practical tips on early warning and response when floods occur,” Bagudo noted.

Also speaking, the Branch Secretary of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Nasarawa State, Mr. Jerry Danjuma Kuje, appreciated the Italian government, the Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, as well as the national headquarters, for including Nasarawa State and supporting these activities.

He said the aim of the engagement is to identify major stakeholders that would collaborate and work together in order to achieve a common goal.

According to Mr. Kuje, 60 volunteers drawn from the chosen communities of Wamba LGA and Nasarawa LGA were adequately trained for sensitisation, which is ongoing and would last for two months.

“The people of Lagin Community in Wamba, where the simulation exercise will hold, are very excited because they confirmed that the exercise was timely, saying that six people lost their lives to flooding last year,” he said.

In his remarks, the General Manager (GM) of the Nasarawa State Water Board, Dr. Kana Ahmed-Abubakar, commended NRCS for the effort aimed at mitigating the impact of flood disaster.

He emphasised the need for stakeholder collaboration to address the issue of flooding.

Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Director General of the National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), Engr. Maidunama Muhammad Waziri, said places that are not even flooded become flooded during the rainy season.

Therefore, critical areas that are more affected need special attention by educating the citizens on early warning and providing support where necessary.

Voice of Nigeria (VON) reports that stakeholders at the meeting included the Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, representatives from the State Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, the traditional institution, and the media.

NNPC Wins Appeal, Avoids N5 Billion Damages

Nigeria

Peace Piak Kanu

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August 14, 2025

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has won a landmark legal victory in its dispute with Senator Ifeanyi Ararume.

In a statement on Wednesday, NNPC Ltd said that on 8 August 2025, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, upheld its appeal against the April 2023 judgment of the Federal High Court, which had annulled Ararume’s removal as Non-Executive Chairman of the NNPC Board and awarded him ₦5 billion in damages.

The appellate court’s ruling spares NNPC Ltd from a significant financial payout and removes a legal threat that could have invalidated all Board decisions since 2021.

The Court of Appeal agreed with the company’s argument that the Federal High Court’s judgment was delivered in error, noting, among other points, that the claim was statute-barred.

According to NNPC Ltd, the decision not only safeguards its governance stability but also sets an important corporate governance precedent in Nigerian law.

It said the ruling upholds the validity of Board resolutions that are critical to investment flows and policy direction in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

PIAK

Anambra Police Commissioner Orders Shake-Up Ahead of By-Elections

Politics

Confidence Okwuchi

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August 14, 2025

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Anambra Police Commissioner Orders Shake-Up Ahead of By-Elections

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed the reassignment of Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to strategic areas across the state ahead of the coming by elections.

The Commissioner said this was part of calculated efforts to enhance safety and uphold impartiality ahead of the upcoming bye-elections in Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North 1 Constituency.

Addressing journalists in Awka on Wednesday, Orutugu said the measure was aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, reinforcing police neutrality, and ensuring maximum security before, during, and after the elections.

“The command is fully committed to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring the safety of voters, election officials, and electoral materials,” CP Orutugu said.

He emphasised that all officers deployed for election duties must uphold the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law.

The Commissioner warned that any breach of the Police Code of Conduct or actions capable of undermining the peaceful conduct of the elections would attract strict disciplinary measures.

He also called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to cooperate with security agencies and avoid acts that could incite violence or disrupt the electoral process.

“Voters are encouraged to come out peacefully and exercise their civic rights without fear of intimidation,” he stated.

Orutugu affirmed that the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its responsibility to create a safe and secure environment for free, fair, and credible elections in Anambra State.

Confidence Okwuchi

NUJ, Kano State Endorse League of Veteran Journalists

Nigeria

Peace Piak Kanu

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August 14, 2025

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NUJ, Kano State Endorse League of Veteran Journalists

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs have endorsed the creation of the League of Veteran Journalists of Kano, a professional advisory and mentorship body to preserve the standards, history and integrity of journalism in the state.

The decision was part of the resolutions of a Media Interactive Dialogue held on Wednesday at the NUJ Press Centre, Kano.

The event brought together veteran journalists, active media practitioners, journalism educators, union leaders, media managers, news editors, senior civil servants and other stakeholders, with the aim of strengthening ethical journalism and reshaping media practice in Kano State and beyond.

The engagement, which formed part of activities marking the two-day National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NUJ, provided a platform for seasoned journalists to share their experience with younger colleagues while addressing contemporary challenges facing the profession.

A nine-member committee was inaugurated to design the league’s structure, membership criteria and operational framework. Members are Alhaji Baba Halilu Dantiye, Alhaji Ahmed Aminu, Alhaji Mohammed Danyaro, Alhaji Abdulkadir Kwakwatawa, Professor Umar Faruk Jibril, Associate Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, Dr Saminu Umar Rijiyar Zaki, Mustapha Gambo Muhammed and Hauwa Sulaiman Zaharaddeen.

For his part, the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s commitment to creating a journalist-friendly environment.

Comrade Waiya commended the NUJ for hosting its NEC meeting in Kano and pledged continuous support for initiatives aimed at effective public information dissemination.

He emphasised the government’s efforts in settling pension arrears of retired journalists, investing in media infrastructure, enhancing human capital development and tackling security challenges in the state.

The commissioner described the dialogue as a timely intervention in strengthening professional ethics, assuring that the State Government would continue to partner with the NUJ and veteran journalists to improve the quality of journalism in Kano.

Earlier, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, said the interaction recognised the sacrifices and contributions of veteran journalists, describing them as the watchdogs of society.

“This engagement provides a platform to share experiences, acquaint the younger generation with the rudiments of journalism, and discuss the need to adapt to modern techniques,” he said.

Former NUJ National President, Comrade Sani Zoro, reflected on the remarkable impact of the Kano State chapter at the national level, noting the number of revered officials it had produced over the years.

Veteran contributors — including former Commissioners of Information and Internal Affairs, Alhaji Baba Halilu Dantiye and Professor Umar Faruk Ibrahim; former Permanent Secretaries, Alhaji Muhammad Danyaro and Alhaji Ahmed Aminu; Associate Professor Sule Ya’u Sule; and Alhaji Abdulkadir Ahmad Kwakwatawa — urged younger journalists to uphold professional ethics for a prosperous future.

They also called for regular engagements with veterans to strengthen the profession’s integrity.

Key resolutions from the dialogue included organising quarterly media dialogues to sustain ethical standards and professional development, encouraging veteran journalists to mentor upcoming practitioners using digital platforms, and providing convergence facilities for retired journalists to foster intellectual exchange.

Others were ensuring broadcast media recruit trained and articulate presenters, establishing recognition and reward systems for journalists who uphold high ethical values, prioritising socially relevant content aligned with the state’s socio-cultural realities, and supporting the creation of strong private television stations to boost Kano’s national visibility.

The dialogue concluded with a renewed pledge from all stakeholders to work collectively towards a vibrant, responsible and respected journalism practice in Kano State and Nigeria.

PIAK

UNICEF Urges Mothers To Breastfeed Exclusively Against Diphtheria

Health

patience ameh

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August 14, 2025

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UNICEF Urges Mothers To Breastfeed Exclusively Against Diphtheria

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on mothers to adopt exclusive breastfeeding as a preventive measure against the spread of diphtheria.

UNICEF facilitator, Mrs Chineze George-Ileka, made the appeal on Wednesday during a sensitisation session at the Christian Women’s August Meeting in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

George-Ileka said that exclusive breastfeeding strengthens a baby’s immune system and reduces the risk of life-threatening infections, including diphtheria.

She described diphtheria as a contagious bacterial infection that had resurfaced in parts of the country.

According to her, health authorities in the country have reported rising cases of diphtheria, especially among children under the age of five.

“Diphtheria primarily affects the respiratory system and can lead to serious complications or death if not promptly treated.

“Infants who are not exclusively breastfed are more vulnerable to infections due to weaker immune responses.

“Breast milk without water in the first six months of life provides essential antibodies and nutrients that help protect babies against infectious diseases.

“It is a natural vaccine that builds the child’s immunity and reduces the likelihood of exposure to pathogens, including those that cause diphtheria,” she added.

George-Ileka said that UNICEF had been visiting communities in the state to promote exclusive breastfeeding and vaccination through behavioral change among mothers.

Also, Mrs Chinwe Udeagha, Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officer for Anambra East Local Government Area, encouraged mothers to prioritise their children’s health by embracing exclusive breastfeeding and ensuring timely immunisation.

In her remarks, the Health Educator for Aguata Local Government Area, Mrs. Happiness Arinze, advised women to share the message of exclusive breastfeeding with their families and extend it to the grassroots.

Tennis Veteran Venus Williams Receives US Open Wildcard

Sports

Chidi Uduma Nwoke

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August 14, 2025

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Tennis Veteran Venus Williams Receives US Open Wildcard

Two-time US Open singles champion Venus Williams has received a wildcard entry into this year’s tournament, organisers said, as the 45-year-old American continues her age-defying return to the court.

Williams became the oldest player to win a WTA singles match since 2004 when she beat Peyton Stearns at last month’s Washington Open after a 16-month absence from competitive tennis.

Read more: Senate President’s Tennis Championship To Hold In October

She last played in the US Open singles main draw in 2023, losing in the first round to Belgian Greet Minnen. The seven-time Grand Slam winner is also playing in the tournament’s new-look mixed doubles tournament with compatriot Reilly Opelka.

Other women’s singles wildcards included France’s Caroline Garcia, in what will likely be the 2022 semi-finalist’s last appearance at Flushing Meadows. The 2022 WTA Finals winner announced plans to retire from the sport earlier this year.

Katsina Government Sets Up Committee To Tackle Malnutrition

Health

patience ameh

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August 14, 2025

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Katsina Government Sets Up Committee To Tackle Malnutrition

The Katsina State Government on Wednesday inaugurated a 15-member special committee to assess and address malnutrition across the state.

Governor Dikko Radda, while inaugurating the committee in Katsina, said the move was prompted by recent reports indicating the severity of the problem.

Radda, who joined the event virtually, said the committee was tasked with reviewing the recent Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) malnutrition report and identify the most affected areas and households.

He said the committee would also recommend urgent measures on the effective distribution of assorted grains from government’s food reserves.

The Governor expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to address the issue and welcomed the MSF report as a “wake-up call,” despite some contested aspects.

“I remember visiting one of the centres in July, and what I saw was deeply unpleasant to anyone with a heart.

“We cannot deny that we have a problem of malnutrition—not just in Katsina, but across the country.

“We must act to ensure every child survives, receives education and healthcare, and enjoys the basic infrastructure for a better life.

“We want to see swift action. Submit your report quickly so we can start implementing recommendations.

“We thank all—whether critics or supporters—whose comments have pushed us to act faster,” Radda stated.

In his remarks, the state Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal-Jobe, reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to eradicating malnutrition, stressing that the committee’s work would be central to shaping government action.

“This committee’s work will be crucial in guiding the government’s response and ensuring that no community is left behind,” he added.

Lawal-Jobe said the committee would submit its report within two weeks of inauguration.

Dr Ahmed Filin-Samji, the Chairman of Zakat and Waqaf Board, would also serve as committee’s Chairman, while Abdulrahman Abdullahi, who is the Chairman, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) would be the Vice Chairman

Members were representatives from Katsina House of Assembly, Ministry of Special Duties, Katsina and Daura Emirates, Izala and Darika Islamic Sects, ALGON, Executive Secretary, State Primary Healthcare Agency and Statistician-General, among others.

3,000 Children Benefit From Lagos Back-to-School Medical Outreach

Health

patience ameh

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August 14, 2025

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3,000 Children Benefit From Lagos Back-to-School Medical Outreach

No fewer than 3,000 children are expected to benefit from the ongoing “Back-to-School” medical outreach organised by the Orile Agege General Hospital (OAGH) in Lagos.

The Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr. Oluyemi Taiwo, said on Wednesday that the outreach, now in its fourth edition, was introduced to ensure children within and beyond the community return to school in good health.

Taiwo said the week-long programme which commenced on Aug. 11 would provide free medical services to children within the ages of five to 15 years.

She said the services including full pediatrics evaluation, eye evaluation, ear check, dental/oral check, nutrition/dietetics, social welfare service and inclusion of physiotherapy service would be provided for the first time.

The news report that the programme has the theme: “Academic Excellence, The Way Forward.”

“This programme is a health promotional outreach targeted at meeting the school health needs of children in the community and is also a way of giving back to the community.

“Research over the years has shown that some children don’t perform well in school because of health challenges that keep them out of school and affect their performance in the class.

“Through this programme, such health challenges can be addressed and the children’s health status are ascertained before they resume for the new academic session in September,” she added.

The medical director commended her predecessor, Dr Sola Pitan, for flagging off the programme in 2022, noting that it had impacted positively on the health of children in the locality.

Taiwo commended the sponsors of the outreach, and also urged parents to prioritie their children’s health.

Also speaking, Dr Atinuke Onayiga, the Chairman, Lagos Health Service Commission, highlighted the importance of the outreach to the health and wellbeing of children.

Onayiga emphasised the need for children to be mentally and physically prepared, ahead of school resumption for good performance.She advised parents to give proper attention to the health and wellbeing of their children always.

“For us to have a healthy nation, it must start with our children because they are the future and I must commend the medical director and her team for continuing the good vision of her predecessor,” she added.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, commended the hospital management for making a deliberate effort to safeguard the health of children in the community through the programme.

A parent, Mrs Yetunde Lawal, applauded the hospital for rendering the various services to children at no cost, noting that her three children had benefit the programme from inception.

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