From Abel Zwanke, Lafia 

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote grassroots entrepreneurship and self-reliance, the Community Initiative for Character Moulding and Entrepreneurship Development (CiCMED), under its Future Planter Happy World Project, has empowered women in 12 communities across Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State with poultry starter kits.

The one-day community engagement, themed “Building Self-sufficiency and a Brighter Future for Nigerian Mothers and Children (Happy World),” was designed to equip rural women with the resources needed to establish and sustain small-scale poultry farming ventures.

Beneficiaries received 240 Nuellas (pullet chicks), poultry drinkers and feeders, and bags of chicken feed to aid their startups.

Speaking during the one Day distribution exercise on Wednesday, the programme coordinator, Mr. Kefas Tigga, said the empowerment was a deliberate effort to build economic resilience among women, particularly in underserved communities.

“This project is a response to the need for sustainable empowerment. We believe that by equipping women with these poultry items, they can generate income, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to local food production,” Tigga stated.

He acknowledged the vital support of Rt. Hon. Musa Ahmed Mohammed, the Nasarawa State Accountant General, who also holds the traditional title of Baraden Nasarawa, for his unwavering commitment to community development.

“We’re grateful to Rt. Hon. Musa Ahmed Mohammed, the Nasarawa State Accountant General, for his continued support for initiatives that promote economic growth and social impact at the grassroots,” he added.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Amina Adamu, expressed her gratitude, describing the project as a life-changing intervention.

“This is the kind of support we need. With these birds and feeds, I can start something immediately. I’m very grateful,” she said.

CiCMED reaffirmed its dedication to closely monitoring the beneficiaries’ progress and pledged to extend the Future Planter Happy World Project to more communities across the state.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

In order to safeguard public health and food security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the FCT Administration (FCTA) will soon commence a comprehensive hepatitis screening of food handlers, especially those working in restaurants, markets, bakeries, canteens.

The initiative is aimed at preventing hepatitis and other foodborne diseases, thereby protecting public health and empowering food businesses to operate with enhanced confidence and credibility.

This was contained in the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s goodwill message, marking the World Hepatitis Day 2025.

The goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Minister by the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, reads in part, “Hepatitis A and E, primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, can rapidly spread through poor hygiene practices, posing serious risks in our rapidly expanding and cosmopolitan city of Abuja.

“Furthermore, Hepatitis B and C, predominantly spread through blood and bodily fluids, still pose a risk in food environments where open wounds or poor hygiene are present.”

The FCT Minister described food handlers as an overlooked group whose role is pivotal in safeguarding public health.

“Therefore, the FCT Administration, committed to safeguarding public health and food security, is launching a strategic initiative to enhance food safety through comprehensive hepatitis screening of food handlers. This ambitious initiative is being scaled up through an innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) consortium, in alignment with the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality.

“This PPP consortium will combine efficiency, technical expertise, and funding capacity of the private sector with government oversight to implement regular and mandatory Hepatitis B and C screening for all food handlers within the FCT

“We urge all stakeholders, government agencies, private enterprises, healthcare providers, and food industry operators to actively support this transformative initiative through the mandatory hepatitis screenings for food handlers, promotion of free and effective Hepatitis B vaccination at public health facilities, enforcement of standardized food safety training inclusive of hepatitis awareness, rigorous enforcement of licensing, hygiene inspections, and medical screening requirements for food vendors and handlers and raising awareness and compassionately addressing the stigma surrounding hepatitis.

“To us, food handlers are not just service providers, they are essential public health stewards. Simple, consistent, and safe hygiene practices can significantly reduce hepatitis transmission.

“Therefore, let us break the silence. Hygiene cannot wait. Screening cannot wait. Action cannot wait. Together, let’s ensure that the FCT leads by example, turning our food industry into a symbol of health, safety, and excellence.”

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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.

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