From Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu 

The outgoing 2024, Batch “B”, Stream Two of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State have lauded the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, on improved security and good governance touching every nook and cranny of the state.

This was even as they presented an Award of Excellence to the Isi-Uzo Council Chairman in recognition of what they described as his outstanding achievements in working with the governor to enhance security and promote rural dtransformation in LGA.

Recall that the Mbah Administration has initiated and completed the 21.7km Agu-Mgbuji-Ogbete road in Eha-Amufu, began the creation of of access road to Ikpakpara-Aguamede, also to Ikem-Nkwo, to enhance security, while the 40km Owo-Ubahu-Amankanu-Neke-Ikem dual carriageway is ongoing.

Governor Mbah is also constructing both a Smart Green School and a Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centre in each of the 11 political wards of the LGA, in addition to farm estate earmarked for each ward.

Meanwhile, presenting the Council Chairman, the NYSC members led by their Corps Liaison Officer (CLO), Beem Christopher JighJigh, also commended what they described as Barr. Obeagu’s tireless efforts in ensuring the safety of lives and property in Isi-Uzo.

They specifically highlighted his initiatives in equipping and training security personnel, and deploying adequate logistics to facilitate prompt security surveillance. These interventions, they noted, have significantly contributed to the overall security landscape of the local government area.

A Corps member, Miss Olayinka Ogunyemi Oritsemigho, expressed her gratitude to Hon. Obeagu for the cordial relationship and support extended to Corps members and helping to transport them from the Orientation Camp in Awgu LGA to Isi-Uzo upon the completion of their orientation, describing the gestures as a clear proof of his commitment to the welfare of the citizenry.

They also noted  the Council’s investment in infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and public facilities, which they said had improved quality of life and enhanced economic opportunities for residents.

Responding, Barr. Obeagu expressed his sincere appreciation for the Corps members’ conduct and praised their numerous community service initiatives.

He encouraged the outgoing Batch B Corps members to leverage their experiences gained during their service year to become productive partners in nation-building and promoting national unity.

“First, I want to thank you, on behalf of our dear Governor and the good people of Isi-Uzo for your kind words for the governor and the honour bestowed on me by way of this award.

“It gladdens the heart to see people from various parts of Nigeria testify to the level at which we are improving security in Enugu State in general and Isi-Uzo in particular, and the monumental development going on in the state.

“Your colleagues in other parts of the state must have informed you that the construction of Smart Green Schools, Type 2 Healthcare Centers, Farm Estates, roads and others are going on in every of the 260 wards.

“So, as you depart Isi-Uzo to your various states, you have seen how secure the state is and how friendly our people are. You have seen that though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand. So, go and spread the message of unity and mutual respect,” he added.

Obeagu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of Corps members and supporting the NYSC activities of the corps members.

ReplyForwardAdd reaction

Dangote Advocates Budget-Friendly Mass Housing for Nigerians

Dangote Cement Plc has urged stakeholders in the housing industry to consider budget-friendly mass housing scheme for Nigerians.

Speaking at the ongoing Africa International Housing Show, the National Sales Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Dolapo Alli, said: “Addressing housing issues requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, private developers, non-profits, and communities.

The government can adopt public-private partnerships (PPPs) to support mass housing initiatives.

“Through PPP models, the government may initiate the construction of new estates, while companies and firms in the building and construction sector can be granted tax waivers and credits to facilitate the financing of new and affordable housing developments.

”

Mr. Alli, who was speaking at the company’s Special Day said mass housing is one of the several strategies used to address the challenge of providing adequate housing for the public, adding that the approach had helped to tackle the pressures of rapid urbanisation in numerous countries around the world.

He commended the efforts of the Federal Government in implementing mass housing programmes, adding that more gaps need to be covered.  

He said: “Nigeria, through the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative, has taken commendable steps toward addressing the critical gap in access to affordable housing finance. This initiative signals a strong commitment to making homeownership more accessible for citizens, particularly low- and middle-income earners.

“However, given the scale of the nation’s housing deficit—estimated in the millions—much more needs to be done. There is a pressing need for broader collaboration across public and private sectors to unlock innovative financing solutions, streamline regulatory processes, and scale up delivery to meet the growing demand for decent and affordable housing.”

He identified several challenges affecting the provision of affordable housing in Nigeria.

Some of the challenges, he said, include: rapid urbanization, population growth, knowledge gap in housing, high cost of land acquisition, rising cost of construction materials, lack of basic infrastructure, inaccurate housing demographics and limited access to long-term and low-cost financing.

He said the continued participation of the company in the Africa International Housing Show stems from the conviction that the gathering has made a meaningful impact by generating ideas and fostering partnerships that contribute to providing shelter for Nigerians.

He urged governments at all levels to implement effective policies and make available lands for mass housing in Nigeria.

The Dangote Cement Plc is one of the sponsors of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) which closes on Friday August 1, 2025.

ReplyForwardAdd reaction

By Tony Obiechina Abuja 

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aging and healthcare sector converged on Thursday at the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in Abuja, for the First Healthy Ageing Symposium, Exposition and Awards, to promote structured, inclusive, and dignified aging systems for senior citizens.

The symposium was organised by the Centre for African American Research Studies (CAARS) in partnership with DCL Africa and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

It brought together policymakers, researchers, development partners, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to deliberate on the theme: “Ageing with Dignity and Working with Purpose.”

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu,  the Federal Commissioner representing Kwara State, Hon. Ismail Mohammed Agaka, commended the organizers for the choice of theme, noting that it could not have come at a better time.

He described the programme as a life-changing initiative and stated that its collaboration with respected government and civil society organisations underscores the growing recognition of aging as a national priority.

 According to him, “The decision to organise this important life-changing programme with these very important institutions speaks to the acceptance your Centre enjoys and the value proposition attributed to your work.”

Highlighting the increasing financial burden of healthcare on ordinary Nigerians, the Chairman noted that the cost of accessing quality healthcare has gone far beyond the income of the average citizen, which according to him which has negatively affected life expectancy. 

He said, “This situation has plagued the state of health of most Nigerians and getting reliable information required to prevent sickness and ailments would mean a lot of savings to us all.”

While acknowledging federal interventions such as the National Health Insurance Scheme, he emphasized the need for sustainable, grassroots-oriented programmes like this symposium. He added that the Commission’s decision to host the event demonstrates its commitment to a healthy and productive workforce.

In her keynote address, Dr. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, Director General of the National Senior Citizens Center (NSCC)—represented by Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Ajayi—urged policymakers to act urgently to address the growing institutional gaps affecting older citizens. “Too many older persons face poverty, isolation, neglect, and a profound loss of dignity, especially in rural areas.  Dignified aging must not be precarious; it is not a privilege—it is a right.” He posited

He identified seven key pillars needed to build a responsive aging system in Nigeria: legal and policy frameworks, sustainable financing, community-based institutional infrastructure, geriatric workforce development, technology, and social inclusion. “Societies that honour their elders build stronger communities, healthier families, and more compassionate nations,” Dr.Tijani Ajayi said.

According to him, the NSCC is already implementing several initiatives including the Geriatric Social Care Community Extension Support Services, medical housing programs, and assistive device distribution, aimed at improving the quality of life for older persons. 

He also revealed that the agency was working with the National Assembly and the Institute of Justice to harmonize elder protection laws and develop a national ageing policy that is both inclusive and enforceable.

In a statement by Maryam Umar Yusuf RMAFC spokes person Dr. Ajayi announced the launch of a digital literacy program where youth volunteers train elderly citizens in basic technology use and sanitation/environmental projects where older persons serve as ambassadors for healthy communities.

 “We must change the narrative, older people are not burdens—they are national assets.” he said.

ReplyReply allForwardAdd reaction