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Evelyn Joshua Crusade Set to Ignite Latin America

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blacktalker
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Anticipation is building across Latin America for the upcoming Pastor Evelyn Joshua Crusade, organized by the Synagogue Church Of All Nations, SCOAN, scheduled for October 11-12 in Resistencia, Chaco province. Local excitement is palpable, as residents and visitors prepare for a significant spiritual event.

Argentines are particularly thrilled to host this crusade, evident in the enthusiastic support from community members rallying to ensure its success. Individuals from neighboring countries—Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Grenada, and Uruguay—are flocking to the CENTRO CRISTIANO DE AVIVAMIENTO to register, reflecting a regional desire for spiritual renewal.

Alejandro Paz, a local teacher and cultural expert, commented on the overwhelming response, stating, “People are increasingly recognizing the spiritual dimensions of many human challenges. The legacy of TB Joshua and the continuing grace radiating from Pastor Evelyn Joshua are profound influences in our community.”

Dr. Ceser Joepuin Prieto, a gynecologist, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Argentina is in a phase of restoration. Our government aims to align with divine principles, and this crusade represents a pivotal moment for our nation’s future.”

The surge in attendance has also invigorated the hospitality sector, with hotels across the city reporting full bookings. Prominent establishments such as Howard Johnson, Amerian Casino Gala, and Estancia San Alfonso are experiencing significant guest increases as the crusade draws near.

International interest is also high, with voices from across the continent expressing hope for spiritual transformation. Raul Marquez from Mexico stated, “We are eager to receive the anointing from Mommy Evelyn Joshua.

The impact of the TB Joshua Ministry is undeniable.” Meanwhile, Santiago Gobel Flugnen from Brazil noted, “The numbers from Brazil are expected to be tremendous, and we hope to host a similar event in our country.”

Despite Argentina’s predominance of Catholicism, the broader Christian community is uniting for the crusade. Alfredo Luiz Alcaraz, representing the local Christian community, remarked, “We have longed for this event since before TB Joshua’s passing. It is God’s time for our land.”

Pastor Robert Acosta, a notable Christian leader in Argentina, shared his optimism, stating, “We have witnessed miracles and breakthroughs already. The anticipation is tangible, like the scent of rain before a storm.” He highlighted the spiritual doors Pastor Evelyn Joshua is expected to open during the event.

Maria Sol, a public servant, assured that the government would ensure adequate security for attendees, reflecting the event’s significance for the community.

Organizing a crusade in a foreign country poses challenges, especially for SCOAN, which does not accept offerings or funds for its events. Pastor Evelyn Joshua emphasized the ministry’s commitment to charity, stating, “We seek to bless the land without any financial obligations. Our mission is driven by love and service, following the principles laid down by TB Joshua.”

Describing the crusade as “a journey of love,” Pastor Evelyn emphasized that this event is divinely orchestrated. The venue, PORTAL DEL CIELO (Door of Heaven), is noted as the largest gathering space in Latin America, signifying the scale and importance of this spiritual gathering.

As the date approaches, the excitement continues to mount, with hopes that the crusade will bring significant blessings and spiritual renewal to Argentina and beyond.

Origin Tech Group: Working Hard to Help Shore up Nigeria’s Food Independence

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blacktalker
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As Nigeria celebrates her 64th Independence anniversary, the Greener Hope Large Scale Mechanisation Agriculture Productivity Programme, GHAPP, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at a quantum leap for the Nigerian agricultural sector is fast emerging as a critical force in addressing the nation’s food security challenges.

GHAPP is a joint initiative of the Federal Government with the Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security, Water Resources and Sanitation, and Origin Tech Group. 

This transformative programme is set to substantially revolutionise Nigeria’s agriculture by providing sustainable access to modern farm machinery and implements, eliminating drudgery, manage post-harvest losses, and significantly boost crop yields across the country.

Origin Tech Group, an agricultural value-chain conglomerate is extremely pleased to be working with the Federal Government to birth this innovative programme with critical structures and promises to place Nigeria on a higher pedestal to impact every aspect of farming both in the commercial segment and smallholder enterprises; raising and promoting the new agricultural ecosystem in her quest for food security, wealth creation, job opportunities and help spur economic growth.

While in GHAPP, there is a desire to bridge the gaps and fill various white spaces prevalent in the agribusiness space, the programme represents a bold move by the Government which for the first time, attempts to adopt a private sector driven-approach to manage a huge public sector challenge with strong desire and commitment to elevate farmers’ incomes and help curb unhealthy rural-urban migration through the provision of agricultural infrastructure in the hinterlands, the sprawl of suburbia turning into viable crop centres, rural and semi-urban areas into agricultural food hubs for local consumption and most importantly for export.

Other benefits of GHAPP include the supply of high-yield seeds, extension services, and storage facilities.

It is a new dawn for the Nigerian agricultural productivity and the programme is presently filling these voids and meeting the needs of the promises to be a quantum leap for the Nigerian agricultural ecosystem players to sowing seeds of prosperity and putting an end to the perennial neglect of farming and farmers.

We need to feed the nation’s teeming population; we need to make food available in Nigeria and elsewhere.

As the nation grows in population, the development of the agriculture and agribusiness must keep pace and outplace the high population growth rate to guarantee adequate nourishment and well-being of the people.

It is expected that through the establishment of Agro-mechanisation centres nationwide, GHAPP will equip farmers with the tools and technologies that they need to enhance productivity. This initiative aligns very well with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergency intervention towards food security and is a cornerstone in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural resilience.

Another key component of the programme is the training of youth farmers. The Greener Hope programme plans to engage 50,000 youth farmers by offering comprehensive training on modern agriculture practices and equipping their operations with appropriate tools, techniques, and the know-how to manage large-scale commercial farms equipment, funding, maintenance, and other related critical supports that will invariably unlock their potentials and thereby create the Greener Hope Agro-preneurs.

This demography must be attracted to agriculture for sustainable food production, and prosperity, especially for all.

The initiative also includes the establishment of a digital gateway for tractor-hailing services and massive provision of Agro jobs. The Greener Hope programme is designed to be replicable and sustainable. With large-scale farms serving as models, the programme will extend its reach to smaller farms, and in the process help to provide technical support and other resources placed at their disposal for optimum output.

The programme’s central goal is to increase food production by over 2 million metric tonnes, focusing on the creation of large-scale commercial farming hubs. These hubs will maximise land use, drive efficiency, and raise the contribution of agriculture to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

With backing from a global consortium, GHAPP represents a fusion of local and international efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s food systems.

Origin Tech Group, known for its innovative and technological leadership in agriculture and industrial development, is driving GHAPP’s implementation with the Federal Government and its partners. Projects are already underway in Lagos, Niger, and Kogi states, and more states are expected to be enlisted as implementation progresses. These efforts will no doubt bring Nigeria closer to achieving self-sufficiency in food production.

In the words of the Director of Programmes, at the Greener Hope Initiative, Dr. Musa Olasupo, opined that: “Nigeria’s food security is at a tipping point, strained by factors such as unending insecurity, climate change, and smuggling. The Greener Hope Agriculture Productivity Programme provides the much-needed infrastructure for farmers to enhance their yields and contribute to a sustainable food supply.”

He further added, “This programme is more than an agricultural intervention; it’s an investment in Nigeria’s future. And by collaborating with the Federal, State, and Local Governments, as well as the private sector, we are laying the groundwork for job creation, community development, and the establishment of a resilient, self-reliant nation.”

”As we celebrate our nation’s 64th Independence today, let us all take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come as a people and the role each of us can play as we lock hands to sow seeds of prosperity in securing a greener and more sustainable Nigeria. By working together and staying true to our shared vision of renewed hope, we can create a future that honours the past while paving the way for generations of a bountiful harvest.

From all of us at Greener Hope Large Scale and Mechanisation Programme, Happy Independence Day, Nigeria! Together, let’s grow, thrive, and build a greener tomorrow.”

Unity Bank, ANWBN Empower Women Entrepreneurs with AI, Digital Marketing Skills 

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blacktalker
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Unity Bank Plc has hosted a capacity-building workshop to support the Association of Nigerian Women in Business Network, ANWBN, in a move aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs with the necessary skills required to thrive in today’s digital economy. 

The initiative for the workshop stems from the growing advancement in technology and its impact on business hence the theme: “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: AI and Digital Marketing Strategies,” which sought to equip women with practical knowledge on how to harness the power and take advantage of emerging technology.

As a platform that drew the participation of businesses from diverse sectors, attendees were provided with tools for leveraging digital platforms for expanding market reach, building efficiency in business operations, engaging customers, and increasing brand visibility. 

Renowned industry experts and speakers such as the Chief Executive Officer of Jesshill Consulting, Dr. Opeyemi Ojesina, General Manager, of Simba Group, Nkechinyere Ojiego, and Divisional Head, of Retail and SME Banking, Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, led impactful sessions at the workshop designed to help participants grow their businesses by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and customer-centric marketing strategies.

Addressing the media after the event, Mrs. Abimbola said the capacity-building initiative was inspired by the need to empower women entrepreneurs to take advantage of the growing opportunities presented by the evolving digital marketing landscape. 

She said, “The growing digital landscape presents a unique opportunity for women to scale their businesses. There are over 70% of women entrepreneurs in Nigeria who desire this kind of capacity-building programme to improve their businesses, helping them learn how to transition from traditional business methods to one powered by technology, as this will become a differentiator”.

While commending the partnership with ANWBN and emphasizing the importance of digital technologies, Mrs. Ambimbola pledged Unity Bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs, adding that the Bank will often pay priority attention to female-led ventures to improve relationships and collaboration with women businesses in Nigeria.

She added: “We are proud of our partnership with ANWBN and the success of this workshop. Empowering women entrepreneurs is key to driving economic growth and ensuring sustainable development. We look forward to more initiatives supporting and uplifting women in business.”

One of the participants, Mrs. Yetunde Adeniran, a fashion designer, shared her learning experience explaining that with the insights gained here, she has now found more ways of integrating digital technology into many facets of her business. She also highlighted the advantages of Unity Bank’s Yanga Account, which she noted as a crucial tool for small business owners, providing financial support tailored to their needs.

In 2022, Unity Bank launched Yanga Account to facilitate financial inclusion for Women. The workshop’s success underscores Unity Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs in Nigeria as the Bank seeks to empower women in business by providing access to valuable resources, financial tools, and educational opportunities that will help them thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

Nigeria at 64: Rite Foods Limited Restates Commitment to Economic Growth

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blacktalker
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Rite Foods Limited, a leading indigenous company in the Food and Beverage industry has joined other Nigerians in celebrating the nation’s 64th Independence Day, restating its commitment to the Nigerian economy.

As a proudly Nigerian and world-class company with a commitment to excellence and innovation, Rite Foods Limited takes this important milestone anniversary to reflect on the country’s progressive history and potential as a great nation.

The company’s Managing Director, Seleem Adegunwa, stated that the country’s Independence is worth celebrating, and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by visionary leaders and nationalists who worked tirelessly to assert the nation’s foundation of self-governance.

“As a truly world-class and proudly Nigerian company with a commitment to excellence and innovation, Rite Foods Limited takes this important milestone anniversary to reflect on the country’s progressive history and potential as a great nation. We will continue to foster economic growth of the country while delighting our consumers with high-quality products”, he said.

He affirmed that Rite Foods will continue to contribute its quota to Nigeria’s economic prosperity through investments in the country, promotion of Nigerian brands, and through employment opportunities to enhance the well-being of Nigerians.

According to him, the company will continue to celebrate with the country and identify with her in the pursuit of a good cause that leads to growth in all spheres of endeavours, hence its support and sponsorship of worthy initiatives that add value to lives in the technology, entertainment, and sports sector.

Adegunwa said as a nation, Independence Day is an opportunity to chart a course towards greater socio-economic and political development if the values of our early statesmen who worked effortlessly to build a better country are embraced.

The Rite Foods’ boss stated that the anniversary celebration should be a time to look back on our past achievements, and challenges, and, to help propel the country toward a brighter future.

Rite Foods is deeply rooted in Nigeria’s heritage, and takes pride in contributing to its growth, with its 13 variants of the Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink, the Bigi Table Water, its premium Sosa Fruit Drink, the number one energy drink in the country, the Fearless Classic and Red Berry variants, as well as the Rite and Bigi Sausages.

NUJ TO HONOUR MEDIA PROFESSIONALS, PICKS GOVERNORS OF KATSINA, AKWA IBOM AS SPECIAL GUESTS OF HONOUR

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blacktalker
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All is now set for the third edition of the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria .

The annual event having grown in leaps and bounds has become a delight among media gurus showcasing their immense contributions to the pen fraternity.

In a statement, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, said the Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, Ph.D, CON and  his counterpart in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno will be Special Guests of Honour.

Onayiga added that a past recipient of the award and former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba, will be the Father of the Day.

Veteran journalists listed for this year’s honour are former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Moses Ekpo, MFR, Pa Felix Adenaike, Dr Ladan Salihu, Ms Comfort Obi, Dr Yemi Farounbi, Dr Haroun Adamu, Professor Tonnie Iredia, Professor Umar Pate and Mrs Bisi Amagada.

Others include: Comrade Ini Ememobong, Mallam Yakub Mohammed, Mr Dan Agbese, Dr Eddie Iroh, Mr Lade Bonuola, Mr Nosa Igiebor, Mrs Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Mrs Comfort Umanah, HRH Eze Geo Anika, Mrs Aina Lewis, Chief Dare Babarinsa, Pa Jola Ogunlusi, Usman Shuaibu Leman.

This year’s edition of Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria which was introduced by the National Secretariat of NUJ to celebrate living legends in journalism, will take place on THURSDAY 17TH OCTOBER, 2024 at LAGOS AIRPORT HOTEL, IKEJA from 2pm.

Those honoured in the past include Pa Sam Amuka-Pemu, Aremo Segun Osoba, Prince Henry Odukomaya, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Alhaji Najeem Jimoh, Dr Danladi Bako, Prince Nduka Obaigbena and Dr John Momoh.

Ex-Commandos Association Charts New Course with Inaugural National Executive Council Meeting

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blacktalker
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The Old Students’ Association of Command Day Secondary School (CDSSJ), popularly known as the “Ex-Commandos” Association, Maxwell Khobe Rukubu Barracks, has convened its 1st Expanded National Executive Council Meeting with a charge on sustainable leadership, empowerment, knowledge sharing, ethics, and selflessness. 

The meeting was held on 28th September 2024, at Vonke Guest House in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Renowned leadership expert, Colonel JB Ajanaku (retd), a former teacher and Commandant of CDSSJ, who delivered a powerful lecture on leadership principles focusing on sustainable leadership, empowerment, teaching as leadership, knowledge sharing, continuous learning, error correction, humanity, non-competition, ethical leadership, and sacrificial leadership.

The National President of the Association, Mr. Emmanuel C. Onyeme pledged to continue to inspire and empower the members towards making a positive impact in nation building. 

“The Ex-Commandos Association is dedicated to promoting leadership excellence and nation-building,” he stated, expressing gratitude for members’ support and appealing for continued collaboration.

The meeting brought together executives from Jos, Abuja, and Lagos chapters, especially from the 1985 to 2020 set, and other special guests. 

Highlights of the activities included the establishment of key committees, updates on chapter elections, financial reports, and constitution review.

Also, some new appointments were made, which included Ms. Euric Idahosa as Chairman for Rivers Chapter, Mr. David Samuel as Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Chapter, and Engr Preowei Yintareke Oki as Chairman of Delta/Edo Chapters.

It was disclosed that the Association’s 2nd NEC Meeting and Ex-Commandos Reunion have been slated for 2025 in Abuja.

The Ex-Commandos Association, as a non-profit organization,  promotes leadership excellence, integrity, and accountability among its members and the wider community.

Nigeria@64: NAPPS Nigeria Evaluates Education Sector, Issues Recommendations to Tinubu’s Administration

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blacktalker
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As Nigeria celebrates sixty-four years of independence, the education sector has been identified as crucial to the country’s future development.

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, NAPPS Nigeria, gave the evaluation in a statement that reflected on the progress made from Independence to over a year into President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The statement signed by the National President of NAPPS Nigeria, Yomi Otubela, and the National Secretary, Ajibade Augustine, said while progress has been made, more work is required to transform the sector into a resilient and high-quality system capable of driving national growth.

It highlighted persistent challenges like inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and misalignment between education outputs and labour market needs as limiting the full realization of the various government policies.

NAPPS Nigeria noted that under President Tinubu’s administration, several reforms have been introduced to address these long-standing issues, including the ongoing crisis of out-of-school children, with over twenty million Nigerian children not enrolled in formal education.

The Association recommended that the country focus more on increased funding to improve educational infrastructure and learning environments, embrace public-private partnerships, encourage vocational and technical education, enhance teachers’ welfare, and take proactive steps to ensure industrial harmony.

Nigeria at 64: Wema Bank To Reward 64 Customers With Cash Prizes in 5 for 5 Promo Season 4 Independence Day Special

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blacktalker
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Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, is set to officially launch the 4th season of its reward initiative, the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo, with an Independence Day special live draw targeted at rewarding 64 Nigerians with cash prizes in commemoration of Nigeria at 64 on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

Tagged the biggest 5 for 5 Promo season yet, the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 4 is set to disburse 135,000,000 Naira to Wema Bank customers across Nigeria.

The special Independence live draw which marks the season’s kick-off will be held virtually on the Bank’s YouTube and Instagram channels and will reward 64 Wema Bank customers with 5,000 Naira each as against the stipulated 10 winners in the daily draws. 

To qualify for the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Independence Day Special draw, customers are to perform a minimum of one transaction between now and October 1, 2024, using the ALAT app, *945#, or the Wema/ALAT debit card. Airtime or data purchases, inter-bank transfers, bill payments, cash withdrawals, and all other transactions made using ALAT, *945# or Wema/ALAT card, are valid transactions to qualify for the draw. 

With 135,000,000 Naira set to be disbursed in daily, weekly, and monthly draws, including a special grand prize of 5,000,000, Naira the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 4 promises to be a game changer, and every Nigerian can participate by funding their Wema/ALAT accounts and transacting frequently using ALAT, *945# or Wema/ALAT card.

American University Cairo Emerges Winner Of 2024 FASU Games In Lagos

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blacktalker
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…..Hosts LASU, UNILAG Take 2nd, 3rd Positions

The American University, Cairo, Egypt has emerged the winner of the eleventh Federation of Africa University, FASU Games 2024 co-hosted by Lagos State University, LASU, and the University of Lagos, UNILAG tagged: ‘Lagos 2024.’

The competition themed; ”Unite, Compete, and Excel” held from 20th to 29th September, saw a total of 70 Universities with 834 athletes, 590 males, and 244 females accompanied by 185 officials compete in 17 sports.

The American University in Cairo won the games, with 46 Gold, 28 Silver, and 8 Bronze medals, LASU came second with 28 Gold, 30 Silver, and 26 Bronze while UNILAG came third with 25 Gold, 23 Silver, and 40 Bronze medals.

University of Ghana came fourth with 9 Gold, 9 Silver 14 Bronze; University of Development Studies, Ghana came fifth with 7 Gold, 2 Silver 2 Bronze, Benson Idahosa University, Benin, Edo State won  6 Gold,  5 Silver, and  7 Bronze medal to clinch sixth position.

University of Cape Coast, Ghana, came 7th with 5 Gold, 4 Silver, and 4 Bronze; the University of Zambia came 8th with 5 Gold, 1 Silver, and 2 Bronze; Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife in Osun State came 9th with 5 Gold, 1 Silver and 0 Bronze and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana came 10th with 4 Gold 7 Silver and 2 Bronze.

In his remarks at the closing ceremony which was held at the Sports Complex LASU, Ojo, Lagos, President of the Nigerian Universities Games Association, NUGA, and Chairman Organizing Committee, Dr. Bawa Mohammed appreciated the two host vice-chancellors, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello and Prof. Folashade Ogunsola of LASU and UNILAG and the members of the Organizing committee for their hard work and untiring commitment to the success of the games.

He said: “I want to say that the 11th FASU games are historic in the sense that the games left Nigeria 20 years ago and today, we are witnessing it here again.”

Dr. Mohammed added that there is no event, that won’t come with one or two hiccups, “and you’ll bear with me that the last Olympics had about 7 years of preparations, yet there were crises here and there which simply explains the nature of humans, we can never be fair.”

He also said that any errors that they might have seen were not designed to happen adding that several records were broken and one of the major things was the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in LASU.

On her part, the VC of LASU, Prof. Olatunji-Bello said that ‘Lagos FASU 2024’ demonstrated how sports can serve as a tool to African unity.

She appreciated FASU and NUGA for the confidence reposed in LASU and UNILAG to host the 11th edition of FASU Games.

She added: “I am confident that the experience here and what we have learnt during the competition will assist favourably and positively impact the hosting of future games. For us in LASU, we are already looking forward to hosting another edition of the games in the near future.”

Co-host and UNILAG’s VC, Prof. Ogunsola, in her remarks, stated that over the last few days, African universities have witnessed not just sporting excellence, but the spirit of Camaraderie that unites everyone across different countries.

She added that in line with the theme of the Games, African universities have witnessed extraordinary talent and determination from student-athletes, showcasing the very best of what the continent has to offer.

“Each competition has not only highlighted individual skills but has also fostered teamwork, resilience, and respect, values that are vital both in sports, life and certainly in leadership.

FASU President and Minister of Sports, Federal Republic of Egypt, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy represented by FASU Secretary General, Peninnah Kabenge stated that over the past nine days, African institutions have experienced record-breaking performances, thrilling competitions, and unwavering teamwork among others.

“As we depart, let us carry forward a spirit of lasting friendship among athletes and officials and unity among Universities; thank you for your participation, your enthusiasm, and your sportsmanship,” he added.

Dr. Sobhy announced the official induction of the Vice-Chancellors from UNILAG and LASU as patrons of FASU until the next games.

In the highlight of the glamourous closing ceremony, the Games torch was handed over to the representative of American University of Cairo, Egypt as the host of the 2026 edition of the FASU Games.

How Nigeria Can Make World Lung Day, World Heart Day Meaningful

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blacktalker
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By Robert Egbe

Which habit is common to some men, women, and sadly, minors, but damages the heart and lungs, among other organs of the body?

The significance of this question became even more apparent as Nigeria joined the rest of the world in marking World Lung Day, WLD on September 25, and World Heart Day, WHD on September 29.

World Lung Day emphasises healthy lungs, the pressing need to identify, prevent and treat several lung conditions, increase awareness regarding lung illnesses, promote lung health and respiratory health, and support improved healthcare access. This year’s theme is ‘Clean Air and Healthy Lungs for All’, according to the Forum of International Respiratory Societies, FIRS.

Similarly, World Heart Day raises awareness about heart (or cardiovascular) diseases and how to prevent or manage them. From 2024-2026, the World Heart Federation will campaign under the theme of “Use Heart for Action” to support individuals in caring for their hearts and empowering them to urge leaders to take cardiovascular health seriously by providing a global platform for action.

Lungs are the essential organs for exchanging gases, including oxygen and carbon dioxide, in the human body.

Its “next door” neighbour, the heart, continuously pumps oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout the body to sustain life.

Both organs are increasingly under threat from multiple factors. But, perhaps, the single most common risk factor – and the answer to the riddle – is smoking.

Smoking is harmful to the entire body, but the lungs are particularly susceptible. The chemicals and toxins in tobacco smoke affect respiratory health by damaging the lungs’ delicate tissues, leading to inflammation, irritation, and narrowing of the airways.

Over time, this can cause permanent damage to the airways in the lungs, increasing one’s risk of developing serious lung diseases. Some of the most gruesome diseases caused by smoking include lung cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, COPD; an obstructive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe, and heart disease.

More people die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer; it is responsible for close to 90 percent of lung cancer cases.

COPD causes serious long-term disability and early death. COPD starts by making it hard to be active, such as playing with a grandchild, then usually gets worse, until climbing a short set of stairs is exhausting or impossible. It can leave people stuck in their homes. About 85 to 90 percent of all COPD is caused by cigarette smoking.

Smoking can also cause blockages and narrowing in the arteries, which means less blood and oxygen flow to the heart, eventually leading to the heart or cardiovascular disease, CVD.

CVD is the world’s number one killer, causing over 20.5 million deaths per year, approximately one-third of all global deaths, according to the World Heart Foundation, WHF. These deaths mostly affect low- and middle-income countries including Nigeria. The heart is the strongest muscle in the body, but it is vulnerable to habitual risk factors like cigarette smoking.

While public health advocates continue the fight against traditional cigarette smoking, the tobacco industry is relentlessly pushing out newer forms of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, herbal cigarettes, and heat-not-burn cigarettes.

All these are packaged to attract a wider market of consumers, luring children and young people into the deadly habit of smoking or vaping. Evidence is growing that these newer tobacco products constitute gateways to nicotine addiction and the initiation of smoking among youth, giving high odds of turning youngsters into chronic smokers.

In Nigeria for instance, five million young Nigerians are said to be addicted to cigarette smoking. Of this number, more than 25, 000 children between 10 and 14 years are daily tobacco users, according to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA’s Director, Public Health Department, Dr. Doris John in a Vanguard newspaper publication on June 11, 2024.

To counter the tobacco industry’s expanding propaganda targeting mostly young people and to promote respiratory health for all, there is an urgent need for Nigeria to step up its anti-smoking campaign.

Stopping both traditional cigarette smoking and newer forms of tobacco smoking, imposing necessary regulatory and taxation policies against tobacco products, and providing firm education on the harmful effects of all tobacco are essential to protect the next generation and enable clean air for all.

As the leading preventable cause of death and diseases, tobacco kills half of its regular users. No fewer than 26,800 persons die in Nigeria each year from tobacco or tobacco-linked diseases.

Additionally, for every person who dies because of smoking, at least 30 others live with a serious smoking-related illness, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, and COPD. Thus, thousands of other tobacco consumers in Nigeria are racked with costly, debilitating non-communicable diseases, NCD.

Second-hand smokers are not also spared from the lethal effects of tobacco. Non-smokers who are exposed to tobacco smoke or spend time around smokers also face significant health risks. Children and infants, in particular, are more likely to suffer health issues from secondhand smoke because their bodies are still developing and very much susceptible to infections.

To show that the WLD and WHD have any meaning to them, the federal and state governments must, among others, recognize the urgency of substantially increasing their allocations to the tobacco control fund in the next budget cycle, commensurate with the scale of the problem.

This would be a significant step towards empowering relevant agencies to wage powerful campaigns and interventions against tobacco consumption. This proactive investment in public health will also yield dividends in the form of reduced healthcare costs, a healthier population and workforce, and a cleaner environment for future generations.

Egbe is a public health enthusiast at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA.

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