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COVID-19: SDG sensitises 2,400 Almajiris, gives them PPE in Yobe
The Yobe office of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) says it has sensitised 2,400 Almajiris across the state on personal hygiene and distributed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to them in order to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The state Programme Officer, Mohammed Ibrahim, made this disclosure on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu.
He said the SDG had so far reached out to 2,400 Almajiris in 24 schools in some Local Governments Areas within the three zones of the state, as part of the response to COVID-19 pandemic.
“We sensitised them on personal hygiene and distributed PPE to them such as hand sanitisers, face masks, soap and wash-hand-basin among other items”.
Ibrahim said the decision to take the campaign against COVID-19 to Almajiri (Tsangaya) schools was informed by the neglect being suffered by the Almajiris in the implementation of various programmes.
He noted that the effort of Mai Mala Buni led administration of upgrading the Tsangaya schools and giving the Almajiris access to quality education was in line with that of the SDG.
“Gov. Buni’s position on Almijiri education system is very clear. He believes that Borno and Yobe states have been the hub of Quranic knowledge for centuries.
“Gov. Buni feels that Yobe cannot relocate Almajiris. Instead, he directed the State Universal Basic Education Board to develop a strategy for integrating the Tsangaya school into a formal learning system,” he said.
In their resction, Mallam Sani Salisu and Bukar Babagana, Almajiri school teachers in Damaturu, lauded the state SDG for the sensitisation and provision of PPE.
They also expressed optimism on the state government’s plans to integrate the Almajiris into the formal learning system, saying that would bring out the best in the Almajiris.
News
TCN Acknowledges 7th Grid Collapse in 2024
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
News
Jigawa Tanker Tragedy: Shettima, First Lady Mourn Victims, Pledge Federal Support
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
News
Nigeria Customs Intercepts Arms, Ammunition Worth N9.5bn Over Six Years
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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