From Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government on Tuesday engaged stakeholders on proffering solutions to fire and other outbreak disasters in the State.The stakeholders were drawn from both the federal and state fire services, the state line ministries, department and agencies, security agencies, professional bodies, CSOs, Media, market and transport associations.

In an opening remarks at the maiden meeting of the stakeholders, Bauchi State Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajara Yakubu Wanka said that the State Government is committed to mitigating recurring fire disasters and hence the need for identifying key stakeholders that could proffer solutions in that regard. Wanka said that the main objective of the meeting was to explore innovative approaches to awareness creation on fire disasters, mitigation and response.She stressed that, “though we cannot completely stop fire disasters from happening, we help in reducing occurrences to barest minimum through massive awareness campaigns. Such awareness campaigns will assist in reorienting members of the public on basic precautionary measures and how they can save their lives if such disasters occur”.Commissioner Wanka implored the stakeholders to open in their suggestions because according to her, “we are here to put heads together and come up with workable and realistic ways of managing fire disasters in Bauchi State”.She assured the stakeholders that Governor Bala Mohammed is keen on seeing what the Stakeholders will offer as solutions to fire disasters.The State Commissioner of Health, Sani Muhammad Dambam said that fire disasters most times come with health concerns because of what victims go through during such disasters.Dambam gave an insight into how the smoke in such disasters sometimes leads to loss of lives and advised victims to always lay low and crawl out to safety as according to him, “smoke tends to bellow up and so, when victims walk straight, there is the tendency of massive healing of smoke”.He pledged the commitment of his ministry in supporting the initiative by the Humanitarian Ministry aimed at reducing fire disasters in the State.There was advice from the stakeholders that mostly focused on weak awareness for the public, inadequate firefighting trucks, accessibility of disaster areas, use of substandard electrical wirings, absence of simple emergency numbers and some other challenges.

From Yagana Ali Yola

Dangote Industries Limited is partnering critical stakeholders in the economy to grow Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria, Senior Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, has said.At the Dangote Special Day at the ongoing 2025 Nasarawa Trade Fair Exhibition in Lafia, she said the participation of the company and partnership with the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, will help create awareness and scale up small businesses.

The Senior Adviser, who was represented by Hon. Dr. Shuaibu Abdullahi, the company’s National Assembly Liaison Lead, said Dangote Group will continue to partner government and private sectors to develop small businesses.She said: “I am pleased to inform you that in alignment with theme of this year’s Trade Fair, the Aliko Dangote Foundation and the Bank of Industry (BoI) had entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and established a N5 billion funds dedicated to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.“This initiative aimed to create at least one million direct jobs by providing financial support to entrepreneurs engaged in manufacturing, agro-processing, and the merchandising of goods made wholly in Nigeria.”She added that the MoU, which benefitted micro-enterprises included: cassava processors, aluminum artisans, poultry farmers, calabash carving groups, small traders, cattle rearing groups, vegetable sellers, market women and artisan groups, among others.She said as part of its support for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria, the company had supported Jakura Marble Industry Ltd (JMIL) in electrification.She added that in line with the company’s commitment to supporting small businesses, agriculture, and job creation in Nigeria, Dangote Fertiliser Limited had initiated a comprehensive training programme targeting over one million farmers across the country.“This programme, integral to our agricultural extension services, encompasses Spot Demonstrations, Result Demonstrations, Field Demonstrations, and Soil Sample Collections.“The training is designed to educate farmers on best practices in fertiliser application, aiming to enhance crop yields and promote sustainable farming techniques. By providing hands-on demonstrations and soil analysis, we strive to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve their productivity and livelihoods.“This programme shows our dedication to fostering agricultural development and economic growth in Nigeria.”According to her, the company’s support for “Fostering Economic Development Through Mineral and Agricultural Cottage Industrialization” are numerous.“May I also inform this esteemed audience that our sponsorship of numerous Trade Fairs—including this one organized by the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI)—is a key component of our commitment to fostering the growth of trade and small businesses across Nigeria.“By supporting this Trade Fair, we aim to provide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with platforms to showcase their products, network with potential partners, and access new markets, thereby contributing to the nation’s economic development.“As a company, we are therefore joining NASSI and NACCIMA to call on the public and private sector stakeholders to prioritize MSMES in Nigeria. This is key to our industrialization effort in Nigeria.”According to her, some of the Strategic Business Units that are participating from the Dangote Group are: Dangote Fertilizer Limited (DFL), Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN), Dangote SinoTruck, Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR), Dangote Salt (NASCON) and Dangote Cement Plc.

From Chidi Precious, Umuahia

Gregory University, Uturu has officially postponed its third induction ceremony for graduating medical doctors from the earlier scheduled date of May 14 to Wednesday, May 28.The event, which remains a major milestone in the university’s academic calendar, will still be held at the Goodluck Jonathan Auditorium by 10:00AM.

The change in schedule, according to university officials, was necessitated by unforeseen circumstances, though specifics were not disclosed. The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Rev. Sleek Ogwo, Deputy Registrar of Communication.Speaking on the development, the University Registrar, Vincent Malik, confirmed that the rescheduled ceremony will retain its full agenda. “As previously announced, the graduating medical doctors will take the statutory induction oath administered by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). In addition, awards will be presented to exceptional graduates in recognition of academic excellence,” Malik stated.The management expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the shift and reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards in its academic and professional engagements. The university extended a cordial invitation to the public, particularly families and friends of the inductees, to join in celebrating the achievements of the institution’s latest cohort of medical professionals.This induction marks the culmination of years of rigorous training and highlights the university’s contribution to the health sector by producing qualified medical practitioners. The graduating doctors, both male and female, are products of the university’s 2023 academic session.The event is expected to attract dignitaries from the medical field, academia, and beyond, further cementing Gregory University’s role as a rising force in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.