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Children are battling escalating of alarming malnutrition in north-east- UNICEF

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Children are battling escalating of alarming malnutrition in north-east- UNICEF

By: Ladi Dapson

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concerns of alarming rate of acute malnutrition among children due to lack of access for humanitarian workers in Marte local government area of Borno state.

According to the United Nations agency, said protracted conflict has continued to impact on the ability of households to produce food on their farmlands and this has resulted in increased food insecurity.

UNICEF Emergency Manager, Andrea Malatesta stated shortly after field mission to Marte LGA Borno State at weekend.

He said military escorts which could take 3-5 days before its available disrupt planned activities, hinder humanitarian operations, and compromise the safety of residents and personnel in the area

“Children in northeast Nigeria are battling escalating levels of malnutrition and they need immediate, and wholistic response to address this.

“Insecurity remains the number one challenge. Access to New Marte is only possible by road and humanitarian operations rely heavily on military escort to transport personnel, supplies and other critical resources to support the local population affected by conflict.

“Being an area with security concerns, military escorts or safety sweep are required for the safe movement of individuals and goods. However, the availability of such escorts is often inconsistent or unreliable, leading to potential risks and vulnerabilities,”he worried.

Mr Andrea maintained that many households do not always get nutritious food that they need, and many adopt coping strategies like skipping meals.

“With the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), we are making sure that the therapeutic food, supplements and medications that children with SAM need are available.

“As a result, children and pregnant and lactating mothers do not have nutritious food crucial to their survival and development, hence the high cases of MAM and SAM.

“Over 460,000 children were treated for acute malnutrition across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in 2023.

“So far this year, 8,605 children between the ages of 6-59 months have been screened for malnutrition. During these screening exercises, 2,156 malnourished children were identified, admitted into the nutrition programme and they fully recovered. (1,358 severe acute malnutrition, 798 moderate acute malnutrition).” Andrea explained.

He noted that UNICEF and partner, Monclub International is using the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) programme to ensure that no child dies of malnutrition, cholera or water borne diseases in New Marte.

Children are battling escalating of alarming malnutrition in north-east- UNICEF

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Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience

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Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience

By: Michael Mike

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Transcorp Hilton Abuja is set to transform into one of the capital’s premier destinations for romance and social experiences, unveiling an all-inclusive lineup of activities designed for both couples and singles.

This was disclosed in a statement issued at the weekend by the hotel’s Communications and Marketing Manager, Ms Ijeoma Osuji, who said the iconic hospitality brand will host a three-day “Valentine Weekend Package” from February 13 to 15.

According to the statement, the experience is designed to cater to a wide range of guests, from long-term couples seeking a romantic getaway to individuals looking to connect and celebrate the season of love in a vibrant social setting.

For visitors seeking a complete escape, the hotel is offering a bespoke room package that combines luxury accommodation with carefully curated romantic add-ons, promising a serene retreat from the city’s bustle alongside world-class hospitality.

The weekend programme features a diverse mix of entertainment and lifestyle experiences. Among the highlights is the “Signature Couples Event,” a grand and intimate gathering featuring a specially curated Valentine menu, games, music, and comedy performances.

Guests can also look forward to “A Night of Humour,” a comedy showcase featuring top-tier entertainers, aand“Theatre Magic on Stage,” a specially curated romantic stage play designed to engage audiences through powerful storytelling and emotional connection.

For culinary enthusiasts, the hotel will host Dual Restaurant Experiences, with its signature outlets; Zuma Grill and Bukka Restaurant, offering exclusive Valentine-themed dining packages tailored to diverse tastes.

Breaking away from the traditional focus on couples, the hotel is also introducing a Poolside Party for Singles, providing a chic, lively atmosphere for Abuja’s social crowd to mingle under the stars, accompanied by music and refreshing cocktails.

To help guests capture lasting memories, professional couples’ photography sessions will also be available, allowing visitors to document their special moments against the hotel’s scenic backdrops.

“We wanted to create a weekend that wasn’t just a meal, but a memory,” the hotel’s management said in the statement. “Whether it’s through laughter at our comedy special or a beautiful moment captured during a photo session, our goal is to celebrate love in all its forms.”

Reservations for the Valentine Weekend Package are now open, with organisers confident that guests will experience a memorable, immersive celebration at what remains one of Abuja’s most vibrant social hubs.

Transcorp Hilton Abuja Curates All-Inclusive Valentine Weekend Experience

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APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base

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APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) E-Registration and Reconciliation Committee in Borno State, Ambassador Baba Ahmad Jidda has led a high-powered delegation on a working visit to Bama and Konduga Local Government Areas as part of efforts to deepen grassroots participation in the party’s ongoing electronic registration exercise.

The tour, aimed at monitoring progress and galvanising party members, brought the committee into direct engagement with local government officials, lawmakers, traditional institutions, and party executives across the two councils.

Members of the committee on the visit included Hon. Tijjani Umara Kumalia, Mohammed Makinta, Hon. Busami Ardoram, Hon. Babakura Shettima, Hon. Mohd Maina Tar, Hajiya Mairo Bunu Lawan, Alh. Zanna Mahdi, Alh. Yusuf Adamu, Barrister Ba’ande Imam, and the committee’s Secretary, Dr. Babakura Mamman Gadai.

In Bama, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Bama, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Shehu Umar Ibn Kyari, where Ambassador Jidda expressed appreciation for the traditional ruler’s support and the warm reception accorded the team. He described Bama as a community with which he shares deep personal and political ties.

Addressing party leaders and stakeholders at the Bama Government Lodge, Ambassador Jidda recalled the overwhelming support he received from the people of Bama during the 1999 governorship election, describing it as a testament to the area’s enduring commitment to progressive politics.

He reaffirmed that Borno remains a stronghold of the APC, noting that the party’s decisive victories in the 2023 general elections reflected unity, discipline, and effective leadership within the party. According to him, the leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, has been instrumental in sustaining the party’s dominance and credibility in the state.

Ambassador Jidda emphasised that the ongoing e-registration exercise is a strategic political process that goes beyond record-keeping, explaining that it determines legitimate membership, internal participation, and eligibility for leadership and elective positions within the party.

Speaking on behalf of stakeholders in Bama, Hon. Aji Kolo Ali Gujja, the Matawali of Bama, urged party members to take full advantage of the exercise and ensure total participation. The Chairman of Bama Local Government Area, Hon. Babagana Bagados, also assured the committee of the council’s full support to guarantee a smooth and inclusive registration process.

In Konduga Local Government Area, the committee was received by the council chairman, Dr. Abba Saje Mohd Nur, the area’s representative in the Borno State House of Assembly, and the Executive Secretary of the Borno ICT Development Agency, Hon. Engr. Kabir Wanori, alongside other party stakeholders.

The delegation inspected the APC e-registration centre in the area and expressed satisfaction with the level of coordination and turnout recorded. Local party leaders pledged continued mobilisation to ensure that all eligible members are captured before the close of the exercise.

Ambassador Jidda described the extension of the e-registration exercise as a critical opportunity for APC members in Borno State to reaffirm their loyalty, unity, and numerical strength. He called on ward, local government, and zonal leaders, as well as youth and women groups, to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the February 8 deadline.

He assured party members of a transparent, inclusive, and credible process, urging all APC supporters to participate fully and contribute to strengthening the party’s structure from the grassroots level.

APC E-Registration: Ambassador Jidda Leads Committee to Bama, Konduga to Strengthen Party Base

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200 vigilantes deployed from Nasarawa to bolster security in Ibbi, Niger state

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200 vigilantes deployed from Nasarawa to bolster security in Ibbi, Niger state

By: Zagazola Makama

About 200 vigilante men from Nasarawa State have arrived in Ibbi, Niger State, to support local security agencies in maintaining law and order, the Niger State Police reported.

The vigilante were deployed at about 4:18 p.m. on Feb. 8 that the vigilantes were deployed in compliance with directives from the Executive Governor of Niger State.

The arrival of the additional security personnel aims to strengthen joint operations with local vigilantes and police to manage security challenges in Ibbi and its environs.

Monitoring of the situation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated.

200 vigilantes deployed from Nasarawa to bolster security in Ibbi, Niger state

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