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LAWMA Partners UNIDO,FBRA to Tackle Menace of Plastic Waste

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blacktalker
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The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has partnered the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, UNIDO and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance, FBRA to promote sustainable plastic waste management in Lagos State, through circular economy practices.

The initiative tagged, UNIDO Project 210184: “Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains through Circular Economy Practices”, is funded by the Government of Japan, seeking to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for inclusive and sustainable industrial development, by addressing plastic pollution at source.

As part of the project, four plastic waste collection facilities and thirty designated collection points will be established across the Lekki and Lagos Mainland municipalities, while LAWMA will provide the land and essential infrastructure, as UNIDO and FBRA will co-finance the development, and lead public awareness campaigns under the zero plastic waste initiative.

Speaking at the event, LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, explained that the project required two land parcels each in Lekki and Lagos Mainland, which he said had been secured.

He also disclosed that on the Lagos Mainland, LAWMA was exploring a collaborative model with a local school, to integrate an educational facility alongside the recycling centre, to foster environmental awareness and learning within the community.

The National Programme Officer at the UNIDO Sub-Regional Office in Abuja, overseeing environmental projects and programmes, Dr. Osuji Otu, emphasised the significant role of the partnership in driving positive change for the nation.

He noted: “LAWMA, UNIDO and FBRA are united in their commitment to the nation’s environmental progress, and we have chosen Abuja and Lagos as key locations for the initiative. In Abuja, we have the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB; in Lagos, we are working with LAWMA and FBRA to pilot the project.”

He further explained that the goal of the project was to lay the groundwork for a nationwide waste management strategy. “The aim is to implement a successful pilot that can be replicated across the country. The success of the initiative will serve as a benchmark for future efforts in Nigeria, which is why these two organisations must collaborate and ensure the project’s success. This will help attract additional funding and allow us to expand this model to other regions.”

Otu also called for greater involvement of other sister agencies, urging them to embrace such initiatives. “Environmental sustainability, particularly in plastic waste management, is a global priority. I encourage other agencies to align with these programs and support both the Nigerian government and UNIDO in addressing this pressing issue,” he stressed.

In his welcome address, the Executive Director of Finance at LAWMA, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, noted that the project was initiated in 2022 by UNIDO, involving LAWMA and FBRA, to strengthen the state’s recycling capacity and fostering partnerships for the state’s broader environmental goals.

“This initiative aligns with LAWMA’s mission to promote efficient waste management and environmental sustainability in Lagos. We are optimistic that this project will contribute significantly to environmental sustainability”, he noted.

The collaboration is anchored by a cooperation committee made up of representatives of UNIDO, LAWMA and FBRA, tasked with monitoring progress, selecting private sector recycling companies, to operate the facilities under lease agreements, and resolving challenges that may arise during implementation.

The facilities will be managed by private sector operators selected through a transparent process based on predefined criteria.

FBRA, a key partner in the initiative, is a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), responsible for implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies in Nigeria’s food and beverage sector, previously voluntary, but has now become a mandatory regulatory requirement. FBRA’s role in the project also includes leading community awareness campaigns in Lekki and Lagos Mainland.

With growing concerns over plastic pollution and its impact on human health and the environment, this collaboration represents a significant step toward strengthening a circular economy in Lagos and Abuja to reduce waste, promote recycling, and support green job creation.

The project is expected to run until September 2026, and the partnership between LAWMA and FBRA will continue beyond this official timeline, to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

Blactalker reports that in attendance were the General Manager Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Babatunde Ajayi; Vice chaiman FBRA, Mr. Elhusseini Wassim; Executive Director, FBRA, Agharese Onaghise; National Programme Coordinator, UNIDO, Oluyomi Banjo; LAWMA management staff, among others.

APWENLagos Powers UNILAG with Cutting-Edge Innovation Hub Equipment, Vows to Uplift Female Trainees in Engineering

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blacktalker
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The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN has handed over state-of-the-art innovation hub equipment to the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Lagos, UNILAG.

Blacktalker reports that the equipment includes 3D printers, a laser cutting machine, a CNC machine, 3D pens, complete safety tools, hand drills and 3D filaments.

The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Samson Adeosun received the equipment on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Rahamon Bello Auditorium, UNILAG.

APWENLagos Chairman, Engr. (Dr.) Atinuke Wuraola-Owolabi, FNSE, described the donation as a catalyst for reshaping the future of engineering in Nigeria. According to her, the donation is geared towards equipping the next generation of engineers with cutting-edge resources.

“This is not just a donation; it’s a revolution in the making.”

She added “Today, we’re not just handing over equipment. We’re handing over possibilities. This Innovation Hub is a launchpad for our female engineers to dream big, break barriers, and lead as problem solvers.”

Expressing deep gratitude to the leadership of UNILAG, she underscored APWEN’s mission to dismantle gender stereotypes and cultivate innovation.

Her words “ We are mothers, as such the hub that’s currently being created within the faculty welcomes both female and male students, but our spotlight shines brightest on empowering women in engineering.”

She also teased a three-compartment hub design, poised to inspire all students with a hunger for innovation to tackle global challenges.

Earlier in his remarks, the Dean, Professor Samson Adeosun traced the collaboration’s roots to pivotal talks with the University management team. Under his leadership, he vowed to harness the equipment’s potential to turn bold ideas into world-changing inventions.

Also, the acting Director of UNILAG’s Innovation Technology Management Office and APWENLagos UNILAG Coordinator, Dr. Olayinka Adewunmi amplified the project’s vision, describing the hub as a cornerstone of APWEN’s dream to build a world-class tech and innovation ecosystem on campus.

Founded in 1982 by six visionaries under Engr. Mrs. J.O. Maduka formally inaugurated in 1983, APWEN, a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, continues to champion female engineers as catalysts for national and global progress.

Ortese IDP Camp Agog As “Access PAD Me A Girl Initiative” Distributes Free Sanitary Pads

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blacktalker
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For many Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) women and girls, managing their menstrual circle is a huge daily struggle. The lack of access to sanitary pads and hygiene facilities forced them to use unhygienic materials, which compromised their health and dignity. However, the “Access Pad Me A Girl Initiative” has crafted innovative measures aimed at addressing this critical challenge.

As a result, “Access Pad Me A Girl Initiative,” a flagship project of GATMASH Media, in collaboration with Access Bank, had an extended outreach at the Ortese Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State where they distributed free sanitary pads, exercise books and pens to women and children.

The event which took place on Saturday, 5th April 2025, was aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and dignity of displaced girls and women.

According to the Convener of the initiative, Theresa Moses, the visit was part of a larger campaign to address the critical gap in healthcare and hygiene education in IDP camps.

Moses emphasized the importance of addressing menstrual hygiene challenges among IDP women and girls.

“We came from Lagos to Benue not just to donate, but to educate. These reusable sanitary pads can last up to a year, helping the girls maintain hygiene and save money,” she explained.

Highlighting the disparity in awareness efforts, she observed that while condoms are widely promoted for men, little attention is given to menstrual hygiene for women.

“We believe that every girl deserves to manage her menstruation with dignity and confidence. That’s why we’re here today to provide these reusable sanitary pads and educate them on their use,” she added.

According to Moses, the initiative is being sponsored by Access Bank, Checkers Custard, Vita Baites Foods, GATMASH NEWS, Jeffrey Kuraun Foundation, Pro Star and other sponsors highlighting the power of collaboration in addressing critical issues affecting vulnerable communities.

She assured that the initiative would continue for as long as IDPs remain in the camps and plans to expand to other IDP camps across the region.

The team distributed reusable sanitary pads that can last up to a year, helping girls maintain hygiene and save money. Moses emphasized that these pads are not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.

A Pad Bank was launched at Ortese Camp to ensure sustainability and provide ongoing support to IDPs. The initiative plans to continue support for as long as IDPs remain in the camps and expand to other IDP camps across the region.

Exercise books and pens were also distributed to school-aged children, contributing to their educational development. This support aims to promote education and empowerment among IDP children.

In addition, food items were also distributed to support the well-being of IDP residents. This gesture demonstrates the initiative’s commitment to addressing the holistic needs of IDPs.

Accompanying her on the mission were dedicated members of her team including Mrs. Salome Alomah, Mr. Iliya J. Galadima, Engr. Michael Hosea, Dr. Michael Morah, Angela, and Terfa Tsetim.

Blactalker confirms that the team was warmly received with a heartwarming reception and compassion by the camp residents, who welcomed them with songs and open hearts. The Ortese Camp Manager, Elizabeth Asan, expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, stating that it would go a long way in addressing the needs of women and children in the camp.

This intervention builds on the momentum of the team’s earlier engagements at Area 1, IDP Camp, Durumi, Abuja, and stands as a testament to the impact of targeted support for vulnerable communities.

Soludo’s Transformational Leadership Impact at Three: A Testament of True Solution

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blacktalker
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The people of Anambra have benefited greatly from the genuine solutions that Governor Soludo’s bold and innovative leadership and management of lean resources have brought about.

Among numerous achievements, the railway is coming as a major component of the state’s transportation masterplan. The first beltway connecting Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia, and Awka, with spurs to additional towns, has been designed by the Soludos administration.

According to the State’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, the dualisation of the magnificent route from Amawbia to Agulu via Ekwulobia and Uga up to the Imo State border at Akokwa, with a gigantic flyover at Ekwulobia, Governor Soludo is unfazed by the share size of projects.

The dualisation of the roads from Agulu to Nnewi and Ozubulu to Okija up to the Onitsha-Owerri expressway, as well as the dualisation of Nwa-Agu Agulu to Nnobi to Nnewi, is proceeding at a fast pace.

Given Soludo’s peerless sense of mission, the vision of Anambra State as a single smart megacity connected by intrastate rail and well-asphalted highways is already coming true.

To achieve value reorientation tending towards a new Anambra, the Soludo government is cleansing the state of dangerous native doctors and warped ideologies that fuel criminality. This drive has culminated in what is now called ‘Oso Soludo’ as these categories of criminals are now exiting the state in droves.

Soludo’s true enabler of the Anambra Smart Megacity is a sustainable environment, as the state is progressing in several areas, including road construction, youth empowerment, cleaner cities, landmark projects, environmental sustainability, and budgetary excellence.

Blacktalker gathered that with the mantra ‘Solution is Here,’ the governor has taken various steps to transform Anambra into a prosperous and livable city, underpinned by some key values of integrity, compassion, and inclusiveness, while his leadership style and philosophy is a blend of neo-Welfarism and Progressivisms.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT ISSUES OVER 100 STOP WORK ORDER ON STRUCTURES IN LEKKI

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blacktalker
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The Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, MWID has issued multiple stop-work orders and contravention notices to developers found violating the State’s established waterfront setback regulations.

Blacktalker reports that the stop-work orders and contravention notices were issued during a recent inspection tour of ongoing projects by the MWID monitoring team.

Commissioner of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Honourable Ekundayo Alebiosu, called on all stakeholders to strictly adhere to waterfront regulatory laws and ensure proper approvals are obtained from the ministry before embarking on any development close to the State’s waterfronts.

He further warned that subsequent visits to these areas would result in a total clampdown, urging all parties involved in these violations to desist immediately or face the full wrath of the law.

The MWID monitoring team visited several estates including Megamound Estate via Lekki County, Victoria Crest III & IV, Oral Estate and Pine Estate along Orchid Road where several structures were flagged for encroaching on designated waterfront setback areas.

LAGFERRY REITERATES COMMITMENT TO PASSENGER SAFETY, CONNECTIVITY

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blacktalker
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The Lagos Ferry Services, LAGFERRY has reiterated its commitment to passengers’ safety, enhanced connectivity, fleet modernisation and infrastructure development to reinforce its position as a foremost and trusted water transportation provider in Lagos State.

Blacktalker reports that the Managing Director of LAGFERRY – Hon. Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, made this known during a media chat on the heels of the boat fire incident.

“In the aftermath of the incident, our priority was ensuring the well-being of affected passengers and crew members. Prompt medical attention was administered, with our public transportation insurance policy covering all medical expenses. This swift intervention underscores our dedication to passenger safety and well-being. Safety measures and inspections have been reinforced across all our fleet and terminal to restate our commitment to safety on the waterways”.

While informing that the Agency’s unwavering commitment to Environmental, Health, Safety, and Quality (EHSQ) practices averted a potential catastrophe at the Ipakodo Terminal, Hon. Balogun stated that adherence to safety protocols and rapid inter agencies collaboration prevented the widespread destruction of boats and terminal infrastructure. 

Recognizing the need for continuous improvement and growth strategy, Hon. Balogun also informed that the agency has successfully retrofitted its boats to meet modern safety and performance standards. And also recorded a significant milestone by embarking on the construction of a state-of-the-art drydock facility to serve as a maintenance hub. 

“Retrofitting our boats will enhance the durability of our fleet, ensuring passengers enjoy smoother, safer and more efficient rides across Lagos’ waterways. The drydock will ensure that our fleet remains in optimal condition while reducing downtime and operational costs. It will enhance our self-reliance and contribute to the long-term sustainability of water transportation in Lagos”.

LAGFERRY BOATS

“Let me reassure our passengers that we remain committed to providing safe, efficient and innovative water transportation solutions. Our ongoing initiatives in fleet retrofitting, human capital development and infrastructure expansion reaffirm our mission to enhance connectivity, deepen water transportation usage and make it safer and more convenient for passengers and businesses”. Balogun stated.

Sixty Support Groups Root For Governor Soludo, Hold Solidarity Rally for His Re-election

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blacktalker
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In a solidarity move, 60 support groups, comprising 120000 members under the aegis of All Soludo Support Groups, ASSG have endorsed Governor Charles Soludo’s second-term re-election bid.

To demonstrate their support, the groups presented Governor Soludo with 30 million Naira for his re-election campaign at the International Convention Centre, Awka.

Soludo, overwhelmed by the gesture, revealed a consensus among community leaders, All Progressives Group Alliance (APGA) stakeholders, youths, and students alike, urging him to run for a second term.

According to Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Soludo attributed the massive support in the state to his administration’s ongoing infrastructure and transformation drive, which has turned Anambra into a destination where economic and business activities thrive, and also a peaceful place for the people.

While expressing his gratitude for the various supports, the governor restated his commitment to sustaining the vision of “One State, One People, One Agenda,” prioritising the needs of the people and executing projects that have transformed the state.

In his remark, the Co-ordinator of the ASSG, Chinedu Nwoye, with other conveners, pledged to support the governor in fulfilling his manifesto and vision for the state, affirming their satisfaction with the numerous achievements of Governor Soludo.

They said voting for Soludo during his gubernatorial election was not a mistake and that he deserved a second term in office.

Blacktalker reports that this development comes on the heels of a similar endorsement by Anambra State students, who donated 2 million Naira for Soludo’s re-election. This is coupled with the activities of a grassroots support group, called the ‘Soludo Vanguard’, which is also mobilizing for the governor’s re-election campaign.

2025 NATIONAL POLICE DAY: OGUN STATE COMMAND CONDUCTS FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH

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blacktalker
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…As beneficiaries express gratitude for the kind gesture

The Ogun State Police Command, in collaboration with Swipha Pharmaceuticals, Grace Awokoya Health Foundation, Oral Health Africa Initiative, and the Nigeria Police Clinic has hosted a free medical outreach on April 5, 2025. The initiative, held in commemoration of National Police Day, catered to members of the public who were specially invited from far and near.

The State Chairperson of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, POWA led the charge alongside officers from the Command Headquarters in a 10,000-step walkathon, promoting physical fitness and mental well-being as part of a balanced work-life routine.

Following the walkathon, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.

The event also featured impactful health talks: Blood Pressure Management by Babalola Feyisope Oluwaferanmi, Prostate Health by Dr. Opeyemi Ilepe, while Dr. Ihegboro Minachiso served as the host medical consultant for the outreach.

Beneficiaries received free consultations, including eye and dental screenings, blood sugar and blood pressure checks, personalized counseling, and access to a dispensary—all at no cost.

Blacktalker reports that the outreach was a testament to the police force’s unwavering commitment to community care beyond security duties.

Young Nigerian Poets Reflect On Power Of Words For World Poetry Day

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blacktalker
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As the world marked World Poetry Day, young Nigerian poets have added their voices to the global celebration. In a chat with Blacktalker, these creatives reflected on the transformative power of poetry in a time of fast-paced living and deep societal change.

For Jeremy(@jayibiwoye), a Lagos-based poet, spoken word artist, cinematographer and geoscientist, poetry is far more than rhyme and rhythm, it is depth.

“Poetry is for those who can think deeply. Even at its simplest, it’s layered,” he said. “It’s like painting with words—it’s an emotional expression that pierces the soul and mends the heart.”

Jeremy describes poetry as a double-edged sword, capable of stirring raw emotion and healing wounds. For him, it’s a tradition rooted in the oral legacies of grandparents sharing moonlight tales.

“Poets are people who dare to turn their pain into paragraphs, their sorrow into syllables,” he said.

He believes poetry can be a powerful tool for social change, likening it to bait: “Poetry lures people in, but inside is a message, truth that can challenge injustice and awaken society.”

Despite today’s digital distractions, Jeremy says poetry offers an escape, a still moment in a noisy world.

“Even if you’re watching it on your phone, poetry grabs your emotions, speaks to your experiences,” he said. He recalls performing a piece titled “To Be a Man”, inspired by Dax’s song, that moved his audience profoundly. “I was just telling my truth, and everyone could relate to it,” he said.

His advice to young poets: “Keep writing. Your creativity is unique. Speak your truth, someone somewhere is being touched by your words.”

For Anita Nwokoji, known on stage as @Purple Hat Girl, poetry is a universal language that connects people through shared experiences and culture.

“World Poetry Day is a celebration of the power of words to capture emotion, tell stories, and inspire change,” she said.

She sees poetry as a force for transformation, giving a voice to the unheard and driving difficult conversations around injustice, identity and healing.

“Poetry is not just an art. It’s a weapon. It can shape lives, rewrite history and bring reawakening,” she said passionately.

Anita draws inspiration from African storytelling, mental health advocacy and global struggles for identity and hope. Poets like Maya Angelou, Titilope Sonuga, J. Ivy and Debbie Johnson fuel her fire to write boldly.

“Debbie Johnson makes me want to let my mind wander and pour every bit of pain onto paper,” she said.

To young writers, Anita urges: “Be free with your art. Don’t conform. Your voice matters, the world needs your words.”

Emerging poet and spoken word artist, Faith(@pinkybella) echoed these sentiments.

“World Poetry Day celebrates the power of poetry to connect us, challenge our perspectives, and inspire change,” she said.

Faith views poetry as a respite from the chaos of modern life, a reflective space that fosters empathy. Her work is deeply rooted in Igbo and African culture, blending traditional and modern themes.

“Poetry captures the essence of human emotions. It connects us in ways nothing else can.”

She draws inspiration from legends like Chinua Achebe and Maya Angelou, who use words to uplift and inspire.

Blacktalker confirms that as these voices prove, Nigerian youth are not just inheriting a legacy of poetic expression, they are reshaping it. For them, poetry is more than performance. It’s resistance. It’s reflection. It’s revolution.

And as the world honours poets on this year’s World Poetry Day, their voices reminded us of what poetry really is: the heartbeat of a people, echoing in verses.

World Poetry Day is celebrated on 21 March every year and was declared by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1999, “to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increase the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard”.

Its purpose is to promote the reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry throughout the world and as the original UNESCO declaration says, to “give fresh recognition and impetus to national, regional, and international poetry movements”.

“Access Pad Me A Girl”: Providing Cost-Effective Solutions to Menstrual Health for IDPs

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blacktalker
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In a bold move to address menstrual hygiene challenges among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), “PAD Me A Girl Initiative, a project of GATMASH MEDIA in collaboration with Access Bank, has partnered with the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, Benue-SEMA to introduce reusable sanitary pads to women in IDP camps.

In a courtesy visit to the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (Benue-SEMA) Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, PhD, in Markudi on 4th April, 2025, the convener, “Access Pad Me A Girl,” Theresa Moses, highlighted the challenges in awareness efforts, noting that while condoms are widely promoted for men, a very insignificant attention is given to menstrual hygiene for women.

She explained that the team’s trip from Lagos to Benue State was necessitated after being touched by reports of hardships faced by women in IDP camps.

While elaborating on the benefits of the reusable sanitary pads, the Convener explained that they can be washed and reused for up to a year, making them both cost-effective and environmental friendly compared to disposable pads.

Ms. Moses disclosed that the initiative is being sponsored by Access Bank, Checkers Custard, Vita Baites Foods, GATMASH NEWS, Jeffrey Kuraun Foundation, with the assurance that it would continue for as long as IDPs remain in the camps.

In addition, Ms Moses announced plans to establish “Pad Bank” to ensure that new arrivals are also provided with these other essential items.

Beyond menstrual hygiene, the organization extended its support by distributing exercise books and pens to school-age children in the camps, further contributing to their educational development.

The team used the opportunity to seek for approval to commence sensitization activities at Ortese IDP camp as a pilot phase.

Following the initial outreach, they plan to return for a more extensive and sustainable intervention.

Responding, the Benue-SEMA Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, who was represented by the Head of Administration, Donald Komgbenda, commended the initiative, stating that the absence of “Doctors Without Borders” in the camps has created a critical gap in healthcare and hygiene education.

Sir James emphasized that the project would significantly ease the financial burden of sanitary pads on displaced women.

He reaffirmed his commitment to working with partners aligned with the vision of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to bring lasting solutions for the welfare of IDPs.

Blacktalker can report that this collaboration marks a crucial step toward restoring dignity and improving hygiene for displaced women and girls in Benue State, which reinforces the importance of support for vulnerable communities.

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