FG berates U.S., UK over frivolous travel advisories

The Federal Government says three months after the U.S. and the UK embassies issued frivolous travel advisories warning their citizens to avoid Abuja, the city has remained safe.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed stated this on Monday in Abuja at the 25th edition of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s (PMB) Scorecard Series.

The two countries had warned their citizens to avoid the Nigerian capital due to risk of terrorist attacks.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the edition featured the Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, who presented the scorecard of his ministry.

In his opening remarks, Mohammed recalled that the advisories issued by the U.S. and UK created much panic and tension in the country and a number of Americans reportedly fled Abuja in the wake of the warning.

The minister noted that since the advisories were issued residents of Abuja had been going about their businesses without any threat.

He commended the country’s security agencies for their sacrifices to keep the country safe.

“We want to commend our gallant troops, the police, the intelligence agencies and all other security agencies for their commitment and sacrifice to keep our country safe.

“We also call on Nigerians to continue to support the security agencies as they carry out their onerous task,” he said.

Mohammed re-echoed President Buhari’s call on Western countries to stop issuing frivolous travel advisories on Nigeria. (NAN)

From left: Deputy Director Voters’Education Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Mary Nkem, Acting Director Gender and Inclusivity

Department Lakunufa Dorothy Bello, National Commissioner and Chair Outreach and Partnership Committee

Professor Kunle Ajayi, Director of Programs YIAGA Africa

Cynthia Mbamalu, Program Director National Democratic Institute (NDI) Bem Aga and Deputy Director Gender Relations INEC Victoria EtaMessi, during the INEC National Youth Summit 2023, yesterday in Abuja Photo: Mahmud Isa

Kebbi Gov’s wife charges women to warn their wards against thuggery

From Ahmes Idris, Birnin Kebbi

Ahead of the February 2023 elections, the wife of the Kebbi State Governor Hajiya Aisha Bagudu Abubakar has charged women not to allow politician to used their children for political thuggery.

She made this call yesterday at the presentation of food items to the over 1000 widows and youths in the state, adding that the women are the brain of the house.

“If anyone of them meets you, tell them that they should bring their own children to do it together. I love women and am also a mother, so let us plan good future for our children.”

By Albert Akota

ASenator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Dr Ifeanyi Ubah has lauded Sir, Emeka Offor for his upright and philanthropic gesture towards people around and

The Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman

Adamu has said states’ attitude and poor governance culture in the water and sanitation sector may affect the attainment of an Open Defecation Free country by 2025.

Adamu said this at the Opening of the National Retreat for States on the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use The Toilet’ Campaign in Abuja on Monday.

He said there was the need for states to show more commitments by complementing the efforts of the Federal Government in meeting the national ODF targets by 2025.

“Some states are still upcoming. Katsina state is hopefully going to be the next one, But there are states where there’s virtually no progress at all, that’s why every time, we need to review the situation from time to time, and find a way to encourage the states.

“We have given every support beyond.

The entrepreneur and businessman who is currently serving as Senator and CEO of Capital Oil, said “Sir Emeka Offor has touched a lot of lives in an extraordinary manner.

“If you go down to my Constituency where he is a and we will continue to provide that support, but we need that political level, the highest level in the states, for the country to have a lot of traction. leader, you will see and hear of the many things he has done for the people and that’s why you can see the multitude of people here from different backgrounds.

“But I keep saying that once we have the political will as a people, take this campaign as ours, we own it, it’s going to go on autopilot.

“So what we are waiting for is for the nation, not only the state government, but the people themselves, to own this campaign, to understand that sanitation is a personal obligation”.

The minister noted the need to revisit all strategies and goals on ending open defecation and address the funding gaps, saying this would change the poor narrative.

According to him, ending open defecation is not just about access to tollets, but about generating demand for toilets and effecting behavioural change in favour of the use of toilets.

“He is the man of the people and loves God and people and that’s the most important thing

“It is imperative that we strengthen our supply chain towards sanitation building and the creation of a sanitation market that will propel a new economy that will ensure better livelihood.

“Poverty reduction and job creation are all the benefits of the new economy, achieving this however, will require the involvement of all Stakeholders”.

Also speaking, Mr Oumar Doumbouya, UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Specialist said it was impressive that Nigeria is able to attain over 100 ODF local governments.

This, he noted, is a huge achievement even for the West African region as Nigeria holds a critical part of the region.

He said closing the gaps and leveraging on current efforts was crucial if the nation would attain its target.

According to him, there is the in life,” he said.

Also speaking, the wife of the celebrant who put everything together for her husband, Barrister Adaora Offor said, “The idea behind the event was to celebrate my husband. It’s a special day and an opportunity to honour an icon.